SAP

State of South Carolina

Request for Proposal (Amendment 1)

Solicitation:

Amendment Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400022238 2/9/2022 Kathy Santandreu 803-896-5304 ksantandreu@mmo.sc.gov

SFAA

1201 Main St. Suite 600 Columbia, SC 29201

DESCRIPTION: Credentialing/Privileging Services

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: DMH Administration

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER ON-LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 02/16/2022 03/08/2022 11:00 AM ET (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 01/24/2022 2:00 PM ET (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: Please see page 3

CONFERENCE TYPE: Teams Web Conference Meeting

DATE & TIME: 01/20/2022 11:00AM ET

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions) LOCATION: Online (virtual) Details later in this document

You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of 120 calendar days after the Opening Date. (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer) Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)

DATE SIGNED

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

STATE VENDOR NO.

(Register to Obtain S.C. Vendor No. at www.procurement.sc.gov)

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

STATE OF INCORPORATION

(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation.)

OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other_____________________________

___ Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___ Corporation (tax-exempt) ___ Government entity (federal, state, or local)

COVER PAGE - ON-LINE ONLY (MAR. 2015)

SAP

SAP

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer) HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for offeror's home office / principal place of business)

NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)

_________________________________________________ Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile

_________________________________________________ E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.) (See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one) ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent) (See "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)

____Order Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt Payment" clause)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009)

End of PAGE TWO

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004) (modified): (a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening. All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments: www.procurement.sc.gov(b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two and returning with solicitation response (c) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged.

Questions from Offerors - amendment (Jun 2017) The solicitation is amended as provided herein. Information or changes resulting from questions will be shown in a question-and-answer format. All questions received have been reprinted below. The “state’s response” should be read without reference to the questions. The questions are included solely to provide a cross-reference to the potential Offeror that submitted the question. Questions do not form a part of the contract; the “state’s response” does. Any restatement of part or all of an existing provision of the solicitation in an answer does not modify the original provision except as follows: underlined text is added to the original provision. Stricken text is deleted. [02-2a097-1] Note: Providers have until February 11, 2022 5PM ET to ask questions about this Amendment. Only questions concerning Amendment #1 will be answered. Please label the subject line of your email:

Credentialing/Privileging Services/RFP 5400022238/ Amendment 1 Questions

Date updates:

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 03/08/2022 11:00 AM ET Award will be posted on: 04/29/2022

Combined Vendor Questions with answers:

1. Are you looking for only a software tool for credentialing and privileging? OR are you looking for the software tool PLUS the credentialing services where our employees would perform all the steps required in the credentialing process (there is still some manual process someone has to check) and complete the applications and make sure their privileges are approved. SCDMH is looking for only a software tool.

1. How many applications will need to be submitted each month? Average applications per month is 153.

1. Is there any insurance credentialing involved? If so please list the payors (Not every insurance payor takes automatic online applications, some accept paper only) We are looking to do facility credentialing and recredentialing with Medicaid MCOs Select Health, Molina, Healthy Blue, Humana, and Absolute Total Care.

1. If there is any insurance credentialing required would it all be under the same Tax Id? Yes

1. Currently NPDB and some other primary sources do NOT take verification requests from us directly. Would SCDMH assist in creating their own accounts and assist us with the setup? Yes

1. Please provide a list of all primary source verifications that you need by specialty? Ex: Psych MD needs NPDB, AMA / AOA, optional ECFMG, ABPN, OIG, State license, DEA etc. List includes at a minimum the below provider types; it is anticipated that other professionals/specialties will be required.

Medical Doctors (MD) SCLLR, DEA and SC Controlled Substance Certificate, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, AMA, ABMS, Death Master File, ECFMG, ABPN

Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)-- SCLLR, DEA and SC Controlled Substance Certificate, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, AOA, ABMS, Death Master File, ECFMG, ABPN

Podiatrist-- SCLLR, DEA and SC Controlled Substance Certificate, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, AMA, ABMS, Death Master File, ECFMG, ABPN

Dentist-- SCLLR, DEA and SC Controlled Substance Certificate, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, AOA, ABMS, Death Master File, ECFMG, ABPN

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) SCLLR, DEA and SC Controlled Substance Certificate, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Physician Assistants (PA) SCLLR, DEA and SC Controlled Substance Certificate, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) - SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Registered Nurses (RN) State License-- SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISW) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists Associate (LMFTA) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) SCLLR, OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, NPDB, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Unlicensed Doctoral level providers OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Unlicensed Master’s level providers OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Unlicensed Bachelor’s level providers OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

Unlicensed Peer Support Specialists OIG, SCDHHS Exclusion list, Palmetto GBA, SLED, SAM, National Sex Offender Registry, NPI, DSS, Death Master File

1. NPDB, AMA, AOA, ECFMG, ABPN etc do charge a separate fee for each verification obtained and they are linked to client (SCDMH) accounts only? When we provide the pricing in the proposal, do we exclude this fee that is charged by these primary source agencies?. Yes

1. Is it all behavioral health providers or is it a mixture of medical and behavioral health? A mixture of behavioral health and medical providers, and also including some other professionals.

1. How many total types of credentialing applications do you have? Is the application same across all the entities? Ex: Psych MD credentialing application - Is it same for all the hospitals? Different application processes for community mental health centers, hospitals and nursing homes. The same application process applies for most of the hospitals for physician credentialing; different application used for nurse practitioners.

1. Ex: When there are 10 different types of applications (Psych MD, NP, APRN, LISW, Psychologist etc), 3 sites; Each site has a separate application, so this is essentially counted as 30 types of applications. The SCDMH requires the contractor to integrate the applications into one standard electronic application.

1. How many locations are involved? Please provide the number of clinic locations and credentialing office locations separately. 16 MHCs which credential all clinics within as one entity; 4 hospitals, 2 nursing homes, and a specialty clinic. Credentialing office locations. Credentialing locations would be same as above, with addition of one central office location.

1. Is there an incumbent contractor? If so please provide the contract number and previous solicitation link if you have. No

1. We request you to provide us 15 business days for the proposal deadline after all Qs are answered. This will take time, hence the request. This has been be taken into consideration. New due date is March 8, 2022, 11AM ET

1. Similar to Federal govt contracting, is it possible for us to make a request to set aside this solicitation for small business? No

1. Would a small disadvantaged business be favored over a large business in awarding? No

1. The RFP describes a credentialing process for approximately 2,500 providers across possibly 7 key settings (4 hospitals, 2 nursing homes, a telehealth network, and a central structure for the MHCs). If this is correct, can you please confirm if each of these entities will retain its own unique credentialing decision (eg a credentials committee and appointment)? Confirmed

1. Can you please provide a distribution of the number of appointments managed for each of the entities, possibly in a table format to help confirm the distribution of provider volumes by entity and the associated accreditation criteria (eg TJC or NCQA, or both)? . Please see exhibit following the answers to vendor questions.

1. Item 2.26 on page 24 of the RFP describes the need to work with SCDMH to support the import process of all existing data. In order to support the implementation process, can SCDMH also please describe the status of existing provider data across the various entities noted above (ideally by existing system and data type - eg solution name, data extract file type, and document sources, or if only in spreadsheets with scanned documents or paper files that require scanning)? The data currently exist in spreadsheets and PDF files on a shared drive.

1. In the top portion of page 22 (section 1-Purpose), the RFP indicates SCDMH is looking for a system to “automate the peer review and credentialing/privilege renewal process…”. Can you please provide any further explanation of the intended scope of work desired for Peer Review? Is this related to the formal investigation, review and evaluation process for an established peer review program, or is this possibly wording related to support the credentialing and privileging process must include peer level review and evaluation tools for applications to support initial appointments and reappointments? This refers to the reference forms that are submitted from peers and supervisors indicating their support of initial and continued credentialing. We do have a peer review process that is unrelated to a credentialing process, but more of a quality improvement program that will not be related to this project.

1. If the notation for peer review is to support an established peer review program, or design one, please elaborate as much as possible on details regarding entity-specific peer review programs, criteria for evaluation, and supporting peer review committees. See answer to #19.

1. Section 2.9 (ref on page 22), indicates the need for the solution to accommodate additional fields defined by SCDMH. Is it possible for SCDMH to provide a list of all such required fields for evaluation and review as part of the RFP? No.

1. Section 3.9 on page 24 references the need for password management to be the only controller and administrator; can you please define whether or not SCDMH possibly has, or may be interested in, a single-sign-on authentication integration? And if so, do you have an established solution? We normally do not perform single sign-on with outside vendors, but we are not opposed to it. We use ADFS now to perform this function with Microsoft 365. If the vendor has documentation for how to integrate with our ADFS system we can look at it to see if it is possible. Bidders should fully explain all of the available options to accommodate this requirement.

1. Section 7 describes requested training details with a focus on the use of virtual media, but also includes reference to at least 40 hours of onsite training at the time of initial launch, with on-going support for an additional 8 hours (assumed per year?). Is this accurate and can you also clarify if the 40 hours of on-site at launch is intended to be spread across the 3 sites noted in section 7.2, or to be repeated across each site? The on-site training would be centralized to one location.

1. Section 9.2 references a number of forms used to support the credentialing process (also included as attachments A, B, C-1, C-C, & D). Can SCDMH please confirm that it may be acceptable to contemplate the solution will capture and manage the data content requested on these specific forms rather than requiring a replica of the form itself, or are these forms required exactly as presented?

1. On page 65 of the checklist, the RFP references “Have you properly acknowledged all amendments? Instructions regarding how to acknowledge an amendment should appear in all amendments issued.” Can you please clarify if there are any amendments that require acknowledgement? This will be the first amendment. Please review this link during the course of this procurement for amendments: https://webprod.cio.sc.gov/SCSolicitationWeb/contractSearch.do?solicitnumber=5400022238

1. How many credentialing team members are employed today by SCDMH? Can you please share current reporting structure and number of employees at each section of structure?

Please, see exhibit at the end of this document

1. Can you please describe your process today to credential a new provider (please include any details regarding the process steps from initiation by an entity, through the completion by the Credentials Committee and Governing Board)? Once candidate is selected, the credentialing packet is sent to provider; packet returned with associated documents; credentialing staff verifies information and checks references. File is submitted for review by Credentialing Committee and/or the Medical Staff, and for some agencies an additional governing body. When approved, a copy of approval is placed in the file and the letter is sent to the provider regarding their appointment.

1. In terms of contract documentation, can you please clarify if SCDMH is willing to consider any modifications to support a possible agreement (such as specific terms and conditions, licensing assignment, a BAA, etc); and if so, is it best to present such requests in a summary document or as redlines and notes for SCDMH evaluation? Bidders can include licensing documents with their bid response for consideration by the State. As well as any items they would like the state to consider modifying in our standard terms and conditions. They must be requested in a separate section and in a manner that does not indicate that the items included for the state’s consideration are a condition of their offer. The state, at its sole discretion, can accept your offer as is without negotiations or without accepting any items you’ve asked the state to consider.

1. Please let us know how many active providers will be in the database. This is any provider that is active in your system and should not include archival information on providers that are no longer active. Please see exhibit at the end of this document.

1. Also, how many facilities / hospitals are in your total system (those with facility-specific privileges and medical staff offices). Five (5)

Exhibit

All other terms, condition, bidding instruction, and specifications remain unchanged. If there are any question or if any confusion or uncertainty arises as a result of this amendment, it is the sole responsibility of the Offeror to contact the procurement officer for clarification. Contact information can be found in the top right-hand corner of the cover page of this amendment reference the “Duty to Inquire” in the original Request for Proposal (RFP).

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