ESRD_NCC_Questions_ _Answers.pdf

Section No./ Page # Section Title Question CMS Response N/A N/A Would CMS provide the estimated level of effort? CMS expects offeror's to provide their Level of Effort and rational to justify that Level of Effort 12 A. Tab A. COI: The instruction require offerors to submit a Conflict of Interest Volume III for information not already identified in the proposal response under RFP CMS 2016-ESRD- NETWORKS. If a subcontractor to an offeror has previously submitted a Conflict of Interest Volume III in its response as a prime offeror under CMS-2016-ESRD-NETWORKS, please confirm the subcontractor can supplement any updates to its volume III directly to CMS in compliance with the RFP requirements?

If a subcontractor to an offeror has previously submitted a Conflict of Interest Volume III in its response as a prime offeror under CMS- 2016-ESRD-NETWORKS, any updates to its volume III should be included in this RFP submission

IV.B.2. / Pages 6-7 Past Performance/Experience The RFP does not explicitly request that bidders provide detailed contract information, such as contract descriptions and contact information. Is such information required? If it is required, please specify precise requirements.

Bidders should use discretion to only provide contract details and descriptions that are relevant to past performance/experience.

This will not count toward page limit.

IV.B.2. / Pages 6-7 Past Performance/Experience If contract descriptions are required, can they be included in an Appendix (i.e., not counted towards the page limit)?

Bidders should use discretion to only provide contract details and descriptions that are relevant to past performance/experience.

This will not count toward page limit.

IV.B.5. / Page 8 Appendix/Attestations May the Offeror submit Letters of Support in an Appendix (i.e., outside the 32-page limitation?)

Yes, letters of support may be submitted outside of page limitation.

IV.B.5. / Page 8 Appendix/Attestations May the Offeror submit documentation in support of its Technical Proposal (e.g., exhibits, samples) in an Appendix (i.e., outside of the 32-page limitation?)

Yes, Offeror may submit exhibits and samples in an appendix outside of page limitation.

IV.B.4. / Page 8 Appendix/Attestations Should resumes be included for key personnel, per instructions on the bottom of page 8, or for all personnel, per instructions on the top of page 8?

Resumes should be included for all personnel

IV.B.5. / Page 8 Appendix/Attestations Should Attachment J-19 be included in Volume I, per instructions on page 8, or in Volume III, per instructions on page 14, or in both volumes?

Attachment J-19 should be only included in Volume III

IV.B.5. / Page 8 Appendix/Attestation Please confirm that Attachment J-20 (Information Security Attestation) goes in Volume I. Attachment J-20 should only be included in Volume I

IV.B.5. / Page 8 Appendix/Attestations Can organization charts, staff loading tables, staff roles and responsibilities tables, skills tables and other supporting tables be included in the Appendix and not counted towards the page limit?

Yes, organization charts, staff loading tables, staff roles and responsibilities tables, skills tables and other supporting tables be included in the Appendix and not counted towards the page limit

V.D.1. / Page 10 Equipment and Property Are Offerors required to submit with their proposals an inventory listing of government-owned or -funded property to be used in the NCC SOW?

Yes.

14 Subtask 1.B.2 Who is the current indpendent third party administrator (TPA) for this work? Who is responsible for the actual selection of the contracted TPA, CMS or the ESRD NCC?

ESRD NCC will propose the TPA for this work

5 I. Background Who is the current QIP/CrownWeb data validation contractor? This contractor currently performing this work 5 I. Background Will the current NCC website, web address and contents be made available to the awardee for continued support and development? If not, should the bidder propose the development of a new website and contents or will CMS be looking to provide a national network site for the NCC to populate?

The current NCC website will be transitioned to the awardee for continued support and development.

7 I.B.Technical Considerations, VI.

Will CMS provide detail as to the type of connectivity required and any software requirements associated with access to the repository, ESRD registry and claims data?

CMS will ensure that connectivity is provided for ESRD NCC access to neccesary data.

10 1.A.1 Are the base year and option year annual NPFE-LANs with patient, family, and/or caregiver representation expected to be in-person or virtual?

The annual meetings ideally will be in person - coinciding if posssible with the CMS Quality Conference

10 1.A.1 Are the quarterly NPFE-LANs expected to be in-person or virtual? These meetings may be virtual or in person consistent with the model of organization and management proposed by the bidder

10 1.A.1 Can it be assumed that the winning ESRD NCC contractor will utilize the CMS-funded WebEx application (currently held by Buccaneer)?

ESRD NCC may use the WebEx application

11 1.A.2 The RFP notes the use of 'innovative technology' to engage affinity group participation;

please elaborate on the types of allowable technology CMS would like to see.

Offeror is to propose these innovative technologies.

11 1.A.2 Is there a specific definition or methodology already in place to identify "best practices"?

Offeror is expected to propose methodologies to identify best practices.

11 1.A.2 Will there be an expectation for the newly awarded ESRD NCC to attend and/or produce sessions during the base year for the 2015 CMS Quality Conference?

Newly awarded ESRD NCC should attend CMS Quality Conference.

Production of sessions will not be necessary in 2015

12 1.A.3 Please elaborate on the term and use of "pilot zones". "Pilot Zones" are areas where certain QI interventions are being tested

12 1.A.3 Regarding the QIA campaign, does CMS have a previously identified and intended process for use or is it up to the contractor to design and implement the QIA?

Contractor will develop, design and implement QIA

12 Subtask 1.A.3, last bullet Is the reference to the National Central Resource hub different from the NCC ESRD developed website? If so, can you clarify the differences in content that is to be supplied to the former?

The national resource hub is a component of the current NCC Website and can be directly accessed by the public including the bidders.

13 1.A.3 Please describe the intended difference between the annual NPFE-LAN and the NPFE- LAN Summit.

NPFE-LAN Summit is a meeting where topics identified through the NPFE-LAN are shared with patients and other stakeholders from the ESRD community at large

13 1.B Please provide additional detail or reference to the Patient Contact Utility (PCU); who supports this database?

The ESRD NCC would be expected to host and support this database

13 Subtask 1.B Who is the curent PCU vendor? What is the current operating system and/or software requirements and specifications for the PCU? What is the current NCC's responsibility related to maintainence/upgrades to the PCU system?

The PCU is maintained on a Microsoft Access database. Offeror would have to have an operating system that is compatible.

13 Subtask 1.B. With reference to the dedicated server, this this server to be provided by the NCC or does this reference a CMS dedicated server? If NCC provided, please provide information on requirements for storage size, etc.

The PCU will be compatible to the government furnished property.

14 Subtask 1.B.2 Will CMS play a role in the selection the Independent Third Party Administrator? Should the bidder propose their TPA solution in this bid? Will CMS provide the name of the current TPA?

The Offeror will select the TPA for this work

14 Subtask 1.B.3.1 The reference to within 5 business days in the first paragraph and within 30 calendar day in the second paragraph. Please clarify that these reference the start of the third party administrator contract and not the ESRD NCC contract.

Yes, this refers to 5 and 30 days of the start of the TPA contract.

15 1.B.3 From where is the number 384 derived for the grievant satisfaction survey? How are these participants intended to be identified?

CMS has proposed this number. These participants will be randomly selected amongst grievants.

17 Subtask 1.B.6 What is the anticipated LOE associated with the systems analyst and SME under this task element? Are these staff included in the key personnel listed in Task 5.D or in addition to those staff?

Offeror should propose LOE

20 1.C Who is the current ICH CAHPS contractor? CMS will ensure that the ESRD NCC has provide this information once an ICH CAHPS contractor has been identified. RTI is the current ICH-CHAPS contractor.

20 Subtask 1.C ICH CAHPS Please clarify that it is CMS' intent to contract with the CAHPS vendor and not the duty of the NCC.

Yes CMS will contract with the ICH CAHPS vendor

20 Subtask 1.C. ICH CAHPS What is the ESRD Data Committee? Does the NCC have any responsibility with regard to constituting this group?

The ESRD Data Committee consists of ESRD Network Data Managers and QIDs this group is maintained and facilitated by the

ESRD NCC

22 1.D.1 Who maintains the FFCL website? How long will this support be continued? The FFCL website is a component of the NCC Website. ESRD NCC maintains and will continue indefinitely

24 1.E.1 Is the national HAI LAN kick-off intended to be in-person or virtual in the base year? These meetings may be conducted virtually

10 & 24 1.A.1 & 1.E.1 Please elaborate about the difference between the HAI Affinity Group & the HAI LAN;

can these activities be combined for efficiency or is there a different intention?

The HAI Affinity groups are a group of people linked by a common interest or single purpose (i.e. development of a specific educational tool) ususally a subgroups of the LAN. Where as the HAI LAN is a group of diverse national stakeholders who come together around the common theme or project (HAI), joining resources to identify problems and solutions to barriers that are interfering with the attainment of quality care for dialysis patients.

27 Subtask 3.A Who is the current ESRD QIP Contractor? Do they maintain the ESRD QIP Data Warehouse? What protocals will the NCC use to access this site?

The QIP Data Warehouse is not the responsibility of the NCC. CMS will ensure that the NCC has access to relevant ESRD data.

28 Task 4.A What is the current status of the NCC Data Warehouse? Can CMS provide a listing of the names and size of files housed in the current warehouse?

The NCC Data Warehouse will be transitioned. It is maintained in a virtual environment

28 Task 4. Maintenance, Enhancement, Security of the ESRD Network Program Data Warehouse

Please describe the virtual environment. Will the NCC create the data warehouse in the virtual environment or on servers located locally at the NCC?

The NCC Data Warehouse will be transitioned. It is maintained in a virtual environment

35-36 Subtask 4.H. Infrastructure Operations Support

Will the NCC be expected to use the existing internet circuit provided for the ESRD Network, be granted a separate circuit for NCC work or have the existing circuit enhanced?

The NCC will be expected to use the government furnished property

35-36 Subtask 4.H. Infrastructure Operations Support

What is the current quantity and description of computers, printers, servers, and other I.S. equipment in the NCC inventory?

Transistions of government furnished property will occur to provide the ESRD NCC with needed inventory

41 Task 6. Can a new NCC contractor awardee assume that the requirements set forth herein are also a part of the current NCC contract?

Yes. The current NCC contract has transition requirements.

42 Subtask 7.A How many National/Regional/Local meetings should the NCC include for budgeting purposes? Are these meetigns in addition to, or a reference to, similar paticipation requirements set forth in Subtask 7.C

These are the requirements set forth in Subtask 7.C

43 Subtask 7.E Is the Clinical AIMs resource library separate from the NCC maintained website? Does this library currently exist? If so can you provide the link to this site?

The Clinical AIMS Resource Library should be part of the NCC website that would support the AIM work/activities. The Resource Library currently exists and enhancements will be expected

44 Subtask 7.F Does CMS have available a listing of prior/current marketing communication campaign plans that can be made available to prospective bidders?

Offeror is expected to propose marketing strategies

45 Subtask 8.A What responsibilities, if any, does the NCC have for updating or enhancing the functionality of the online utility functionality of the Directory?

Offeror may propose efficiencies in updating or enhancing the functionality of the Directory

45 Subtask 8.A "ESRD NCC contractor shall provide training and technical assistance to the Network Executive Directors and CMS contact persons on the use of the online utility." What constitutes as “training and technical assistance”?

--Upon review of the ESRDNCC.org site, the directory appears to be a PDF form, but I don’t see where information can be submitted for updating. Can the submission form be an online form for individual entry?

Offeror may propose efficiencies in updating or enhancing the functionality of the Directory

45 Subtask 8.A "Using the online utility located on the ESRD NCC website…" --Is this in reference to the “Secure Login” area?

Yes this refers to the secure login however offeror may propose efficiencies in updating or enhancing the functionality of the Directory

45 Subtask 8.A The ESRD NCC contractor shall:

1. Collect updated information from each Network Executive Director. What format is the information currently in? What methods have they used previously?

2. Collect information from CMS to update the Government section of the Directory.

What format is the information currently in? What methods have they used previously?

This information can be obtainted by simple review of the current ESRD NCC website

45 Subtask 8.B Can this directory be converted into a move user friendly format to allow for mobile viewing?

Offeror is free to propose this for innovation

46 Subtask 8.C For budgeting purposes, can you please provide information on the number of directories mailed in prior years and any special handling or postage requirements ascribed to this task?

Offeror should expect to produce and mail 50 directories

46 Subtask 8.C Do we assume that production will need to be done by an external vendor? Production by an external vendor is anticipated however Offeror may propose to do this internally if they can produce professional grade printing

46 Subtask 8.C The term “photocopying” is used. This would imply internal production. Is that an accurate assumption?

Production by an external vendor is anticipated however Offeror may propose to do this internally if they can produce professional grade printing

46 Subtask 9.A The report shall be formatted and organized as directed by CMS. What exactly are those guidelines? Software limitations?

A format will be provided to ESRD NCC awardee. Review of the most recent ESRD Annual Report may offer assistance

46 Subtask 9.A “…standardized format dictated by CMS for each contract year.” What are the Guidelines? Software limitations?

A format will be provided. Review of the most recent ESRD Annual Report may offer assistance

46 Subtask 9.B “…designed and written for ease of understanding by the public…” What grade level is preferred?

Plain language is generally written on a 7th grade level

46 Subtask 9.B For budgeting purposes, can you please provide information on the number of annual reports mailed in prior years and any special handling or postage requirements ascribed to this task?

Offeror should expect to mail 50 annual reports

48 Task 10. Maintenance and Ongoing Development/Enhancement of a Centralized Website for the ESRD Network Program, Including All ESRD-Related Special Projects

Will the contents of the existing ESRD NCC Website be transitioned to the sucessful bidder? If so, what platform is it buit on? Is a "portal" in existence today or is that a new requirement?

The contents of the ESRD NCC Website will be transistioned

49 Subtask 10.A Ensuring 508 compliance: Does this compliance requirement apply to the site only or all files that are posted on the site (by NCC and external entities)?

This refers to the NCC site

49 Subtask 10.A Ensure link to KCER: Is the NCC site written into the dissemination plan during a crisis event?

NCC should be prepared to post relevant ESRD data to it's site

49 Subtask 10.A What are the current website usage statistics? ie. # of users, content accessed.. In addition, how many access the "portal" and is the portal a separate sign-in to access?

The ESRD NCC is the main website for the ESRD community and is accessed frequently. The portal has a separate sign-in function.

49 Subtask 10.A Does the current website offer real-time exchange function/interaction or only storage?

What is the expectation of the new contractor's site?

The new contractor will maintain the site which currently functions in a storage capacity

49 Subtask 10.A Technical support/Help desk: Please provide the average number of calls received each day. Is this in support for technical help, clinical help, or both?

A very minimal amount of calls are received by this help desk

50 Subtask 10.B Are all the bulleted items in this subtask to be created by the new contractor or are they in existance currently and will be transitioned from the incumbent?

The items are in existence and will be transistioned but will be updated by the ESRD NCC as updates occur

53 Subtask 11.B For budgeting purposes, can you please provide information on the quantitiy represented by a three month supply of each of the required materials and the costs associated with ordering any not produced by the NCC?

This will vary with the number of patients in the US that become ESRD prevalent in a three month span.

55 Subtask 11.E.2 Where is the currnet NCC mailing subcontractor located? Offeror may propose method for NEPOP mailing 56 12.A Please elaborate on the role of the ESRD NCC with the CMS Executive Office Hours series

(i.e., cost, facilitation, etc.).

The NCC role is fully discussed. There are no additional details to provide for this section.

II.A.Subtask 1.A.3. / Page 12 Spread the Work of the NPFE- LAN and Affinity Groups

3rd bullet: The ESRD NCC CoP call is referenced, but a task to conduct an NCC CoP call is not specified in the SOW. Is the contractor expected to host a monthly ESRD NCC CoP call or is this call only specific to NPFE LAN work?

ESRD NCC is expected to conduct CoP calls minimally every other month and/or as necessary to relay relevant information to ESRD Networks UPDATE to PAGE 57 SOW and SOD #159 and 160

II.A.Subtask 7.D. / Page 43 Support ESRD Network Refresh of Standard Computer Hardware and Software

Does CMS expect the NCC to cover the costs of a possible hardware and software refresh?

No CMS will cover the costs of hardware/software refresh

II.D / Page 60 Key Personnel Requirements The SOW lists five key personnel on page 60. Should the SME and Systems Analyst required to perform the PCU task (Subtask 1.B.6. - page 17) be added to this list, making it seven key personnel in total?

Yes there should be seven key personnel UPDATE to PAGE 60

SOW

Subtask 1.B.6. / Pages 6-7 Deliverables 22 and 30 Deliverable #30 is a repeat of Deliverable #22. Please confirm that only one deliverable should be included in the SOD.

Yes please disregard deliverable #30 UPDATE to SOD #30

10 Subtask 1.A.1. Develop and Recruit Members, bullet point 1

Please confirm: does "December 31st of the Base Contract Year" mean 12/31/2015? The Base Contract Year timeframe is currently anticipated to be 12/1/2015 - 11/30/2016. The Base Contract Year means the first year of the contract.

12 Subtask 1.A.3. Spread the Work of the NPFE_LAN, bullet

Is the QIA campaign in this section the same QIA activity referred to in the last sentence of the first paragraph on page 10? For pricing purposes, we need to understand if this is this an additional campaign.

These are references to the same QIA campaigns

28 Subtask 4.A. Data Warehouse For the support to Data Warehouse, Please confirm this scope of work does not require hardware or software purchases for data warehouse.

This SOW does not require hardware or software purchases

48 Task 10. Centralized Website Please confirm the existing website domain & code will be transferred to the winning bidder to maintain.

Yes the existing website will be transferred to the winning bidder to maintain and enhance

48 Task 10. Centralized Website Should the cost of hosting the website be priced in this proposal or will CMS host the website?

The cost of hosting the website should be included in the proposal

1.A.1./Page 10 Develop and Recruit Members for a National Patient and Family Engagement Learning and Action Network (NPFE-LAN)

The Network SOW requires Networks to ensure 3 members actively participate on the NPFE LAN, which would equate to 54 members. The NCC SOW limits membership to 40 SMEs. Should we budget for 40 or 54 NPFE LAN members?

Given the level of attrition, the NCC should expect to work with at least 40 LAN members at all times.

1.A.2./Page 11 Enhance and Sustain the

NPFE-LAN

Who will implement the NPFE QIA in the dialysis facilities - NCC staff or Network staff? NCC Staff

1.A.2./Page 11 Enhance and Sustain the

NPFE-LAN

Is there a required level of impact for the NPFE LAN QIA - number/percent of patients or providers - as exists in Network contracts? If there is a required level, would CMS please provide this information.

NCC should propose the intended impact

16 Subtask 1.B.3.2 Survey Administration

For pricing purposes, please clarify if an "appropriate envelope" needs to be a tamper proof envelope? Should the corresponsence be sent via trackable mail (eg FedEx)?

Standard letter-sized envelope for USPS standard mailing.

4.A/page 28 Subtask 4.A. Data Warehouse Can CMS please provide a numerical estimate of the total number of data requests to be expected?

The ESRD NCC should expect to manage at least 10 data requests per month.

1.B/Page 13 Subtask 1.B Improved Grievant Experience of Care and Evaluation and Resolution of Grievances

Will CMS please specify the database, database platform (e.g., Oracle or SQL Server), and system for the "server dedicated to grievance and satisfaction data collection?"

The ESRD NCC will be the host of the PCU database

1.C/Page 20 Subtask 1.C. ICH CAHPS Will CMS please specify the database or database platform for the ICH CAHPS warehouse? Is it located in the HCQIS environment or some other CMS data repository?

This data will be provided to ESRD NCC in a CMS data repository

4.A/Page 28 Subtask 4.A Data Warehouse Subtask 1.C specifies that an ESRD NCC Data Warehouse already exists. Subtask 4.A, first sentence, specifies that the contractor shall establish a data warehouse. Would this be a second data warehouse or the existing data warehouse that would be maintained?

What is the platform/tools used to establish or maintain the data warehouse?

There is not a second data warehouse. The ESRD NCC contractor is expected to maintain and update the existing warehouse.

SOD/Page 6 Subtask 1.B.6, Deliverable #22

The SOW does not specifically state that the NCC contractor will be performing development work to create the web-based portal for PCU data collection. Will the NCC contractor perform the development work for the new web-based portal?

Yes, The NCC contractor should perform the development work for the new web-based portal

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