Q_and_A_to_Solicitation_CCSQ-393-2017-0118.doc

Questions and Responses to Solicitation# CCSQ-393-2017-0118

1. In regards to the subject solicitation in support of the CLIA database, and larger QIES system, are you all able to provide any further details in regards to the current structure of the system? i.e. is it a MS Access database? We understand that related requirements for the db will be captured in an Access database, but were unclear as to whether the current CLIA itself was Access, or SQL, etc. The CLIA database uses Oracle.

2. Is the CLIA application developed by the internal team or was there an incumbent vendor who was involved in its development? The CLIA data base was developed by a third party.

3. Is the incumbent eligible to bid on this opportunity? The solicitation is open to all eligible vendors.

4. Is this the first time that modifications/enhancements are proposed for this system or were any performed previously? If yes, who was the vendor engaged? Modifications/enhancement are performed on an as needed basis.

5. If any modifications were performed to the CLIA Database previously, could you please list the labor categories then engaged? The categories are listed in each task.

6. What is the estimated budget for this project? The vendor is requirement to submit a proposal based on tasks as outline with a proposed offer.

7. For this solicitation, do we need to quote hourly labor rate or task based or a consolidated firm fixed price for all the tasks? This is a fixed price solicitation.

8. What software technologies have been used in building this application? The database use Oracle.

9. Could the HHS please provide a list of software tools, technologies and skills needed to perform the solicitation tasks? Same as above

10. Could you please provide us with the hosting environment (Microsoft Windows, LINUX, UNIX) for Medicare & Medicaid application? The hosting environment consist of all Microsoft Applications.

11. What documents are available for this project? (Functional, Technical, Test Cases, Install docs)? The vendor must be familiar with the CLIA regulations and Interpretive Guidelines.

12. How is the source control maintained? Which tool is being currently utilized? We have CMS employee who oversee the current database.

13. Can the work under this solicitation be performed off-site? The contractor must perform the duties at CMS facility.

14. Can the meetings be conducted online (Skype or WebEx and phone) Some meeting as face to face and conference calls are held via WebEx/phone dial in.

15. Do you require resumes of the personnel proposed to work on this contract? Yes

16. What is the extent of travel required? Travel may be required on an as needed basis.

17. We see timelines mentioned against each of the 4 tasks. How rigid or flexible are these? Are there any other tasks outside this scope that are dependent on the completion of the solicited tasks? There are no other tasks outside the scope of this solicitation. The tasks are not flexible as must be met as indicated.

18. Can you please confirm the Place of Performance for this opportunity? Would the government consider having the work performed at the contractor’s facilities? The place of performance is located at the CMS facility in Woodlawn, MD and the work must be performed at the government facility.

19. The fourth bullet in Section I. Scope sub-section B. Purpose states in part, “…Participation in these meetings may require communication with the state agencies, regional offices and contractors, and may require travel.”. Are travel costs covered upfront by the CMS CLIA Program, or is the contractor expected to pay for travel expenses out of pocket and be reimbursed by the CMS CLIA Program? One time travel may be required and is included in the solicitation. Contractor to be reimbursed.

20. The third bullet in Section II. Requirements, sub-section A. Requirements/Tasks to be performed states, “…The contractor shall develop, update and maintain a data base (Microsoft Access) to collect CLIA data business requirements.”. Is the use of Microsoft Access a rigid requirement, or is the CMS CLIA Program open to the use of other tools? I ask because there are many alternative tools, many of which are available at no cost, that are better suited to the task of requirements management through purpose-suited features. Yes, this is a rigid requirement. The CLIA requirements database is already established in Access which we favor.

21. Will the Government consider procuring this requirement through an appropriate GSA Schedule? No this is an open market procurement.

22. Is there an incumbent currently performing these services? No there isn’t an incumbent currently performing these services.

23. How many Professionals did the Government expect to have perform all tasks outlined in the SOW and Schedule of Deliverables? One Professional

24. Please describe the current and target technical environments, including database, operating systems, programming languages, etc. The targeted technical environment consist of Regional, State surveyors, Medical Technologist and CLIA approved accredited agencies. The database was established using Microsoft Access and run on Oracle.

25. Is there any location restriction for resources working on this project? The location for this project must take place at CMS Headquarters.

26. Would the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provide a demo of the existing system to prospective bidders? No.

27. Was the current system developed in part or wholly by a third-party vendor? If so, is that vendor eligible for this solicitation? The system was developed by a third part who may also be eligible.

28. Is the new system being developed in part or wholly by a third-party vendor? If so, is that vendor eligible for this solicitation? The system is being replaced by a third party vendor who may also be eligible for the solicitation.

29. Please provide the anticipated number of total users and number of maximum concurrent users for the existing and proposed application. This system is available to a number of users across the country and will take some time to generate the data.

30. What is the Current database for the CLIA for example : Oracle/SQL Server/Ms Access Database. The current data base is Oracle.

31. Do we need to create a brand new database or use the current database and restructure it to generate reports that meet your reporting needs. The contractor will be required to maintain the current database and/or restructure as needed.

32. Do we need you do any ETL work in order to setup the database?.No

33. What type clearance do we need to access the CLIA data? If the vendor is selected for this solicitation, the government will run a background check. The vendor then will gain access to the system.

34. Do you provide GFE's (Government Furnished Equipment) to perform the work? onsite or remote contractor, when the contract is awarded?. After the contractor is awarded, the government will then furnish a laptop.

35. Do we have options to use preferred database products or reporting tools to create a customized platform?. Options are welcomed

36. Roughly how many hours of training would be needed to get your team up to speed?How many people are in the team? Training will be on as needed basis. The current team consist of 5 people.