Amendment__1_-_Attachment_1.pdf

Amendment #1- AHRQ-13-10001 Medical Evaluation Panel Survey (MEPS) – Medical Provider Component (MPC)

Attachment #1 - Answer to Offeror Questions:

1. The MEPS-Medical Provider Component has been conducted for years as a supplement to the MEPS Household Component. The RFP states that the transition and the collaboration between the two components are critical to the MEPS. Could you disclose the name of the current contractor for each component? If not for each one, then the incumbent on the current MPC component?

Westat is the current MEPS HC contractor, and RTI, International is the current MEPS MPC contractor.

2. For how long have the current two contractors been conducting the MEPS-HC and

MEC?

Westat, has been the contractor conducting the MEPS HC since the initial year of MEPS, 1996 (awarded contract in 1995). RTI, International has been the contractor conducting the MEPS MPC since the 2009 data collection (awarded contract in 2008).

3. We understand that the Household Component is not part of this RFP. Could the current contractor for MEPS-HC still respond to the RFP for the Medical Provider Component?

Yes, the current MEPS HC contractor can respond to the RFP for the Medical Provider Component.

4. The RFP states that “currently an Integrated Data Collection System (IDCS) that includes a Web component in which the MEPS-MPC forms are programmed for computer-assisted data entry (CADE) and a case management system (CMS) is used for data collection.” Are these proprietary products of the current contractor? If no, will they be made available to a new contractor to ensure a smooth transition?

The current MPC contractor is contractually bound to provide the government with all files, computer programs, tabulations, documentation and other items requested by the Project Officer in such form (electronic and paper) so the project may be continued by a successor.

5. We understand that the selected/sampled providers will be spread out all over the nation and we also understand the importance of the quality of data collected.

Besides the remote contacts with the providers via mail, telephone, fax, web portal, etc, is there any requirement for onsite visits at their physical locations for direct abstraction of information?

No, there is no requirement for onsite visits at physical locations of providers for direct abstraction of information. However, this is not precluded either.

6. At the very end of Section C (Description/Specifications/Work Statement), the RFP states that Options A, B, C, D, E, and F (mostly related to data collection methodology and sampling) may be exercised by the Government as a modification of the contract, which could increase the cost of the contract. Should the applicant address in details these options in his/her response to the RFP?

Reference revised Section M of the amended RFP. Also reference Section L.10 of the RFP. All options will be evaluated by the government as part of the initial proposal review.

7. On page 2 of the RFP, it is specified that this is a cost plus fixed fee contract, however on page 97 the RFP states that “award fees will be tied to adherence to this project plan.” Can you please clarify what is the contract type?

The language pertaining to award fee, on page 97, has been struck from the amended RFP.

This is a cost-plus-fixed fee type contract.

8. The RFP specifies a due date of Sunday, January 13th, 2013 12:00PM EST, however, the presolicitation specified a due date of Monday January 14th at 11:59pm Eastern. Can you clarify which is the due date and time for proposal submissions?

See page 1 of the amended RFP. The due date for proposals is January 15th, 2013 at 12 noon

EST.

9. On page 32 of the RFP, Options A-C are noted to have a period of performance of 4 months, whereas on page 35 they are each listed with a period of performance of 2 months. What do you envision to be the appropriate period of performance for these options?

Reference amended RFP – page 35. The period of performance of optional items A, B and C is 4 months.

10. Reference the RFP, Clause L.10.A.10, Page 103, which requires submission of a

Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data.

Comment/Request: FAR 15.403-1, Prohibition on Obtaining Cost or Pricing Data (10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. 254b), provides the following guidance:

“(a) Cost or pricing data shall not be obtained for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

(b) Exceptions to cost or pricing data requirements. The contracting officer shall not require submission of cost or pricing data to support any action (contracts, subcontracts, or modifications) (but may require information other than cost or pricing data to support a determination of price reasonableness or cost realism)—

(1) When the contracting officer determines that prices agreed upon are based on adequate price competition (see standards in paragraph (c)(1) of this subsection).”

In light of the above FAR guidance, we respectfully request that the requirement to submit a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data be deleted from the RFP. If, after submission of proposals, the Government determines there was inadequate price competition, the Government could then request the successful offeror to submit a

Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data as close as practicable to the date the price negotiations are concluded and the contract price is agreed to, in accordance with FAR 15.406-2. Please advise.

See cover page of amended RFP and refer to section L.3(f)(4) of the RFP. Cost realism analysis is required and will be relied upon; therefore, the government is asking that the contractor certify their cost information at the time of proposal.

11. Will the Government please provide the Small Business Subcontracting Goals that are applicable to this procurement?

See L.10 (B) of RFP.

12. Will the Government please provide the NAICS code and the Small Business Size Standard that is applicable to this procurement?

See page 2 of RFP.

13. There are a number of conflicting references in the RFP regarding the actual date/time that the completed Past Performance Questionnaires (Attachment B) are due back to Robert Zuhlke at AHRQ. Could you please confirm the specific date & time (if not COB) that these completed questionnaires are due back to AHRQ?

See amended RFP, Attachment B.