Addendum 1 Questions and Answers.pdf

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Solicitation #: 2027000007 Solicitation Name: Test Kits

Vendor Question #1: I would like to find out about the time duration of this project and the resources that will be provided.

CDPHE Answer #1: The project is anticipated to begin 1/1/27, and, contingent upon continued contract compliance and funding availability, may continue through 12/31/31. Funding amounts for each contract year are subject to availability of state and federal funds.

Vendor Question #2: Could you please clarify if there are specific requirements such as a warehouse needed for the project?

CDPHE Answer #2: No. There are no additional requirements, including warehouse requirements, beyond those identified in the Requirements section of the solicitation.

Vendor Question #3: Can you please clarify whether bidders should:

a. Complete only the pricing categories provided in Attachment 2, or

b. Include additional pricing options for other possible test combinations/configurations as part of our submission?

CDPHE Answer #3: Bidders should complete only the pricing categories provided in Attachment 2.

These categories will be used to evaluate bids and select the awarded vendor. Following award, CDPHE may work with the selected vendor to identify and consider additional test combinations or configurations as appropriate.

Vendor Question #4: Considering that many STIs are missed with no extra genital testing (see, e.g.

Geba, Open Forum Infect Dis, 2022), will CDPHE allow 2 site testing for clients based on sexual activity determined by a health assessment?

CDPHE Answer #4: Yes, CDPHE will allow two-site testing when indicated.

Vendor Question #5: We try to keep costs down for HDs. One way we are able to do that is to offer multiple blood sample collection kits depending on the testing needed? How can we include two blood collection kit prices in the pricing sheet?

CDPHE Answer #5: If multiple blood sample collection kits are needed to provide the testing included within a pricing category, the cost of those kits should be incorporated into the overall price for that category. For example. The comprehensive package price should include all necessary collection materials for syphilis, HIV, and HCV testing.

Vendor Question #6: Will CDPHE be doing social media and/or other promotion for this program? Or would that be the purview of the vendor? If so, how should this cost be communicated?

CDPHE Answer #6: CDPHE may conduct social media or other promotional activities for the program, depending on funding availability and program needs. The selected vendor will not be expected or permitted to independently promote CDPHE’s at-home testing program

Vendor Question #7: Can you clarify the bid evaluation method? Since different amounts of each test kit are anticipated to be ordered, how is that considered in the evaluation?

CDPHE Answer #7: Cost proposals will be evaluated using a standardized calculation across all bidders.

For each testing option listed below, the kit fee will be multiplied by two and the process fee by one.

The resulting costs for all testing options will then be added together to determine the total evaluated cost.

● HIV Testing only

● Syphilis testing only

● Hepatitis C testing only

● Gonorrhea/Chlamydia testing only (including vaginal/urine, anal, and throat swabs)

● Comprehensive package with HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, and Gonorrhea/Chlamydia testing

Vendor Question #8: We are in the process of converting from a different accreditation agency to CAP.

Will CDPHE please consider allowing labs that are inspected by COLA or CLIA participate in this bid?

The only difference is that COLA/CLIA labs are inspected by COLA or CLIA inspectors as opposed to CAP inspectors. All clinical labs need to follow the same federal laws.

CDPHE Answer #8: Yes, CDPHE will accept laboratories inspected by COLA or CLIA in place of CAP accreditation, provided all applicable solicitation requirements and federal requirements are met.

Vendor Question #9: As a follow up question, will CDPHE allow bids from vendors who will be accredited before the contract start date (1/1/27)?

CDPHE Answer #9: Yes, CDPHE will accept bids from vendors that will meet the required accreditation requirements by the contract start date of January 1st, 2027.

Vendor Question #10: What has been the historical annual volume of test kits ordered and test kits returned?

● HIV Testing only

● Syphilis testing only

● Hepatitis C testing

● Gonorrhea/Chlamydia testing only (including vaginal/urine, anal, and throat swabs)

● Comprehensive package with HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis C, and Gonorrhea/Chlamydia testing

CDPHE Answer #10: Historically, CDPHE has received approximately 200-300 test kit orders per month.

The distribution of test types varies from month to month, with the majority of orders requesting the comprehensive package. Historically, approximately 65-70% of ordered test kits are returned for processing.

Vendor Question #11: For the Gonorrhea/Chlamydia testing only (including vaginal/urine, anal, and throat swabs), is it your intent to offer multisite testing for all users? Or to screen users for multisite testing based on clinical criteria? If testing is based on clinical criteria, what percentage of users have historically screened for multi site testing?

CDPHE Answer #11: Multiple GC/CT testing options will be available to all users and will be self-selected rather than based on required clinical criteria. CDPHE prefers that the selected vendor provide clear guidance, such as through the ordering website, to assist users in selecting appropriate testing sites based on reported sexual activity and relevant risk factors

Vendor Question #12: Will the state conduct all communications regarding the programs' availability to Colorado residents?

CDPHE Answer #12: Yes. CDPHE will be responsible for communications and outreach regarding the program’s availability to Colorado residents.