ESBD_504575_1778881661403_Attachment 3 to Addendum 4.pdf
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- Attached to
- Professional Multi Audit Services
- Solicitation number
- _HHS0016852
- Issued by
- Travis County, Austin City, Texas
About this file
Summary of RFQ HHS0016852 Responses to Questions
This document contains the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) responses to 60 questions submitted by potential respondents to Request for Qualifications No. HHS0016852 for Professional Multi Audit Services. The RFQ seeks qualified firms to provide comprehensive audit services including Managed Care Organization Financial Statistical Reports audits, financial audits, performance audits, attestation engagements, MCO Risk Assessments, and other specialized audit services. Work is anticipated to involve audits of approximately 20 to 22 MCOs and Dental Maintenance Organizations annually, with typical project durations of 8 to 9 months. The pre-proposal conference was held on April 27, 2026, with a written questions deadline of April 28, 2026, and response submission deadline of May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. HHSC anticipates issuing 10 to 15 Work Order Agreements annually under the Master Contracts, with tentative award notice expected in September 2026 and contract effectiveness anticipated in November 2026. The Master Contract will have an initial three-year term with options for two one-year renewals plus potential extension of up to nine months for service continuity.
Key requirements clarified in the Q&A include that respondents need not possess all qualifications individually but may use subcontractors to meet collective team requirements; CPA licensure must be active in Texas; the three years of call center audit experience is required; and adherence to AICPA and GAGAS standards satisfies the IIA experience requirement for certain work types. Pricing is not evaluated during the selection process; fair and reasonable pricing will be determined through subsequent negotiations, historical comparison, market analysis, or other methodologies. The total cumulative compensation for all Work Orders under any single contract shall not exceed $22,500,000, with HHSC retaining the right to increase this amount if additional funding becomes available. All respondents must submit a HUB Subcontracting Plan demonstrating good-faith effort to achieve the 23.7% HUB utilization goal for Professional Services. Respondents must comply with extensive federal and state requirements regarding nondiscrimination, cybersecurity training, suspension and debarment certification, and maintain required insurance including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Comprehensive Automobile Liability, Cyber/Privacy Liability, and Professional Liability coverage with HHSC named as additional insured.
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PCS 134 HHS Responses to Questions
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 1 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
Solicitation Title: Professional Multi Audit Services
Solicitation Number: HHS0016852
# Reference Question Response
1.
Exhibit A. HHS Solicitation Affirmations, Pg. 3
17. Child Support Obligations
Would HHSC remove the child support withholding requirement, as it is overly broad and not applicable to this engagement?
No, HHSC will not remove the child support withholding requirement.
2.
Exhibit D
Confidential Information Storage
Would HHSC confirm the state’s expectation that all task orders will require Health and Human Services (HHS) Confidential Information to be stored, processed, or transmitted on contractor systems, or will the state consider granting contractors access to HHS systems so that information remains on HHSC infrastructure?
No, Contractor will not be granted access to HHSC Systems. Contractor is bound by the terms of Exhibit D, Data Use Agreement (DUA), Version 8.5.
Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
Refer to Attachment 2 to Addendum 4.
3.
RFQ No. HHS0016852
Exhibit H, Scope of Work
Question Topic: Reason for RFQ Release
Question: Could HHSC clarify the impetus for issuing this RFP? The scope of work appears to overlap with services currently being provided under another MSA.
RFQ HHS0016852 is a re-procurement of the current Multi Audit Pool Master Contracts, which will expire in February 2027.
4.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.1.1
What SFY do you expect to be the first subject to the FSR audits?
The requested information is unavailable at this time. Specific information will be provided in each Work Order Request.
5.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.1.1 Do you expect the SFY audits to take the form of agreed-upon procedures? If so, do you anticipate allowing firms who are selected, whether in the pool or for a specific work order request, to provide any level of input on the language used in the agreed-upon procedures prior to work commencing?
Yes, it will be in the form of agreed-upon procedures between Contractor and HHSC.
Reference Section 2.1.1.1 (Managed Care Organization (MCO) Financial Statistical Reports (FSR) Audits (MCO FSR Audits) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 2 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
# Reference Question Response
6.
Section 2.1.1.1
Exhibit H, MCO FSR Audits
Will each Work Order include the minimum MCO FSR Audits (A-F) and a possible combination of the additional audits (2.1.1.2 to 2.1.1.8)?
No, each Work Order request will include its own Scope of Work and there could be any type of Audit listed in Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
7.
Section 2.1.1.1
Section 2.1.1.1
Contactors can bid on all or some of the Work Orders?
Yes, Contractors awarded a Master Contract can submit a Work Order Response to any Work Order Requests. Reference Section
2.1.9 (Work Order Process) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
8.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.1.4 Is this section potentially referring to financial statement audits of health plans or HHSC contractors?
Yes, this section refers to types of Audits which could include the Health Plans or other vendors contracted by HHSC.
9.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.1.8
Are firms going to audited by other firms concurrently while engaged in providing services in response to work orders under this contract, or would the audits of those firms occur retrospectively upon completion of the services under the work orders?
Yes, see Section 2.1.1.8(a) (Financial Audits), of Exhibit H, Scope of Work
(SOW).
Section 2.1.1.8 refers to oversight and management of audit services performed under HHSC contracts, which may include financial statement audits of health plans or HHSC contractors, as applicable to the Work Order. Audit oversight activities may occur concurrently during performance of Services or after completion, as determined by HHSC.
Firms may audit other firms concurrently.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 3 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
10.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.2.f
Understanding that contractors are not required to be housed in Austin, will preference be given to firms with team members housed in Austin?
No, preference will not be given to Respondents with team members housed in Austin. Solicitation Responses will be evaluated in accordance with ARTICLE IV.
SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION
AND AWARD PROCESS of the Solicitation.
11.
Exhibit H (SOW) Pg. 9 (Section 2.1.3)
Required Qualifications and Experience
Would HHSC consider removing the three years of required data call auditing experience, as not all task orders will involve call centers?
No, HHSC will not remove the three years of required data call auditing experience.
Refer to Attachment 2 to Addendum 4.
12.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.3
Is the contractor required to have all expertise and qualifications listed in a.-k. of this section?
For example, if a contractor did not have 3 years of call center experience as specified in bullet d. would the contractor be excluded for consideration in the pool?
No. Refer to Attachment 2 to Addendum 4.
13.
Section 2.1.3
Exhibit H, Required Qualifications and Experience
We meet all public sector minimum requirements?
HHSC is uncertain as to the question posed in Question No.13; however, information regarding qualifications and experience is located in Section 2.1.3. (Required Qualifications and Experience) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 4 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
14.
Topic: Required Qualifications and Experience
Exhibit H (SOW), Section 2.1.3 Required Qualifications and Experience
Exhibit H (SOW), Section 2.1.3 Required Qualifications and Experience, item d. states:
“Contractor must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience conducting call center Audits to include auditing call center programs, functions, and operations, and must be knowledgeable of industry standards for call center operations and pricing structures.”
Can HHSC clarify this requirement and its relevance to the auditing services requested in the RFQ/SOW? If we do not meet this requirement, are we unable to submit a bid at all?
No. Refer to Attachment 2 to Addendum 4
15.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.3(b), page 9, Would prior agreed upon procedures performed on behalf of Texas HHSC be considered internal audit experience for this requirement?
The requested information is undetermined at this time. Respondents will be evaluated and scored in accordance with ARTICLE IV.
SOLICITATION RESPONSE EVALUATION
AND AWARD PROCESS of the Solicitation.
16.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.3(c), page 9, The requirement specify Institute of Internal Auditors International standards for Professional practice – the work listed in scope including Performance Audits, Agreed Upon Procedures and Financial audits would need to adhere to AICPA and GAGAS standards – is this experience acceptable? Which staff require the IIA experience, given the preponderance of work and Independent Accountants Reports would be issued under AICPA and GAGAS standards. Is the minimum the 1 team member who holds CIA under 2.1.5.1?
Yes, adhering to the AICPA and GAGAS standards is acceptable. At least one (1) staff member must hold a CIA certification through IIA in accordance with Section
2.1.5.1 (Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work
(SOW).
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 5 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
17.
Section 2.1.4.a
Exhibit H, Required Auditing Experience
Are all contractors required to have the abilitiy to conduct attestation engagements?
See Section 2.1.4 (Required Auditing Experience – FSR Audits), Section 2.1.1.4(Financial Audits), and 2.1.1.9 (Other Audits) for definitions of audits that necessitate attestation.
18.
Exhibit H, Sections 2.1.5.3. and 2.1.5.4
Do proposing firms need to identify one or two CFEs?
Respondents shall identify one (1) CFE that meets the requirements outlined in Section
2.1.5.3 (Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and one (1) CFE that meets the requirements outlined in Section 2.1.5.4 (Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
19.
CPA Requirements
Exhibit H (SOW), Section 2.1.5.5
Exhibit H (SOW), Section 2.1.5.5 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) states:
“b. Must possess and maintain active licensure as a CPA through the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)” Will HHSC allow a firm CPA license for the State of Texas or individual mobility from other state’s individual CPA licenses to satisfy this requirement?
No. The CPA licensure must be active in the State of Texas. See Section 2.1.5.5 (b) (Certified Public Accountant (CPA) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 6 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
20.
Exhibit H (SOW) Pgs. 9 – 12 (Sections 2.1.3 – 2.1.5.5)
Required Qualifications and Experience and Key Personnel
Prime-Subcontractor relationships are often designed to combine various skillsets to offer the best solution for achieving common objectives. Given the wide range of services, experience, and skillsets needed on this vehicle, would the HHSC confirm the “Respondent” alone is not required to meet every aspect? In other words, a Respondent’s offer that clearly illustrates the proposed team collectively meets the solicitation requirements is allowed (with the understanding that the Respondent will still perform the majority of work under the Contract Term).
Respondent must provide a statement of qualifications that describes its qualifications and experience, including staffing profiles and resumes for all proposed key staff, in accordance with Article V. Statement of Qualifications of the Solicitation.
Respondent can elect to hire a Subcontractor to assist in performing the objectives for a Work Order Contract. A revised HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) will be required to use a Subcontractor. Reference Section 7.1 (HSP Submission Instructions) of the Solicitation.
21.
Exhibit H, Section 2.1.8
Can work be billed at agreed-upon milestones rather than solely upon completion? The FSR projects are estimated at 8-9 months.
Yes, billing will be stated in the Work Order Request for each Audit. In many cases billing could occur at the time of Deliverable submission and approval, as outlined in Sections 2.1.9.8(a) (Prompt Payment Act) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
22.
Exhibit H – SOW Page 16, Section 2.1.9, Work Orders
Will the work orders be one per entity for all tasks related to the entity being audited, or will each task be a separate work order? For example, if Entity XYZ requires a FSR audit, a special purpose audit, and and MCO risk assessment, will that be one work order or 3 separate work orders?
No, the determination to use one or more Contractors will be assessed by HHSC and stated in the Scope of Work in the Work Order Request and Response Form. See Section 2.1.9 (Work Order Process) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
23.
Exhibit H – SOW Page 16, Section 2.1.9, Work Orders
Will the work orders be one per entity for all tasks related to the entity being audited, or will each task be a separate work order? For example, if Entity XYZ requires a FSR audit, a special purpose audit, and and MCO risk assessment, will that be one work order or 3 separate work orders?
Refer to response to Question No. 22.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 7 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
24.
Exhibit H – SOW Page 16, Section 2.1.9
Work Orders
Will the work orders be one per entity for all tasks related to the entity being audited, or will each task be a separate work order? For example, if Entity XYZ requires a FSR audit, a special purpose audit, and an MCO risk assessment, will that be one work order or 3 separate work orders?
Refer to response to Question No. 22.
25.
Section 2.1.9
Exhibit H - SOW Work Orders
Will the work orders be one per entity for all tasks related to the entity being audited, or will each task be a separate work order? For example, if Entity XYZ requires a FSR audit, a special purpose audit, and and MCO risk assessment, will that be one work order or 3 separate work orders?
Refer to response to Question No. 22.
26.
Section 2.1.9
Exhibit H - SOW
Does Texas HHS have a standardized deliverable (audit report, etc.) that will be utilized or will each contractor develop their own deliverable template?
No, standardized templates for Deliverables or Audit reports are not provided. Specific requirements will be outlined in the Work Order Request and Response Form or discussed during the kickoff meeting, upon award of a Work Order Contract. See Section 2.1.9 (Work Order Process) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work (SOW).
27.
Section 2.1.9.b
Exhibit H, Issuing Work Order Requests
Do we an active Master Contract or do we have a copy of it?
HHSC is uncertain as to the question posed in Question No. 27 and, therefore, is unable to provide a response.
28.
Page 18, Section 2.1.9.5, Deliverables deliverable (audit report, etc.) that will be utilized or will each contractor develop their own deliverable template?
Refer to response to Question No. 26.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 8 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
29.
Page 18, Section 2.1.9.5, utilized or will each contractor develop their own deliverable template?
Refer to response to Question No. 26.
30.
Page 18, Section 2.1.9.5 utilized or will each contractor develop their own deliverable template?
Refer to response to Question No. 26.
31.
RFQ
Exh H SOW
Pg. 26
Project Work Plan
The SOW outlines the potential work order subjects which could be issued, but our understanding is that details of each specific project (including activities, requirements, schedules, etc.) will be issued on a work order basis.
The RFP requires that vendors include a Work Plan for all areas of the SOW which includes:
processes and methodologies, approach to meeting the project schedule, tasks to be performed, project activities, materials and other products, services, and reports, etc.
Since all work will be awarded at the work order level and we cannot create a work plan without details of the project, would the State accept a general overview of our project management and overall methodology to meet the requirements of this section?
No. Respondents must provide a project work plan in accordance with Section 5.4 (Project Work Plan) of the Solicitation.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 9 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
32.
Exh 1 HUB
Pg. 4
CMBL/HUB Directory
The CMBL/HUB Directory/Vendor Search no longer has “HUBs On CMBL” or “HUBs Only” radio buttons. Can you provide additional details on how to access the list of HUBs?
As stated in Section 3.3.2 (Exceptions to Sole Point of Contact) (a.) of the Solicitation, “A Respondent with a question relating to the HUB Subcontracting Plan is permitted to direct its written question(s) to the HUB coordinator via email at Bob.McCurdy@hhs.texas.gov.”
See also Section 1.4.4 CMBL/HUB Directory of Exhibit I, Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements for additional instructions.
33.
Exh 1 HUB
Pg. 1
General
This solicitation falls under a master contract;
therefore, specifics of work orders will be issued on an “as needed” basis. It is difficult to determine what specific opportunities will be available and/or whether we have a need for subcontractors. Would HHSC consider requiring the HUB participation on the work order level only?
No. Respondent must submit its HSP in accordance with Section 7.1 (HSP Submission Instructions) of the Solicitation and Exhibit I, Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Requirements. However, Contractor may submit an updated HSP upon execution of a Work Order Agreement as outlined in Exhibit N, Work Order Request and Response Form Template.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 10 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
34.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Multi Audit Services RFQ No.
HHS0016852
Exhibit K, page 1
Assurances Non-Construction Programs
Exhibit K states that some of these assurances may not be applicable to the project or program. Can HHSC specify which of the 19 assurances are applicable to this project?
Submission?
This is a standard form that must be signed and submitted with the Solicitation Response to be considered for evaluation and award.
HHSC cannot exclude any of the assurances at this time. Refer to Section 6.4 (Affirmations and Certifications) of the Solicitation.
35.
Exhibit M. Insurance Requirements; Pg. 3
2.h.
Would HHSC remove the requirement for an Endorsement for Sexual Abuse and Molestation under the Commercial General Liability Insurance? This engagement is for professional services and does not involve work with children, vulnerable adults, or minors, and therefore has no exposure to the scenarios covered by this endorsement.
No. Audits may involve onsite visits, therefore, HHSC will not remove this requirement. See Section 2.1(Description of Services) of Exhibit H, Scope of Work
(SOW).
36.
Contract History
RFQ Section 2.2.3
RFQ Section 2.2.3 notes the total compensation allowed under this contract. Can HHSC clarify if this is this a new contract or a re-bid of a previous contract?
If it is a re-bid:
• How many vendors were on the previous contract?
• How many projects were conducted through the previous contract? Would HHSC describe or list the projects that resulted from the previous contract?
• What is the total dollar value of the projects conducted through the previous contract?
Yes, RFQ HHS0016852 is a re-procurement of the current Multi Audit Pool master contracts which expire in February 2027.
Additional information may be requested through an open records request at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/open-records-policy-procedures https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/open-records-policy-procedures https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/open-records-policy-procedures
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 11 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
37.
Schedule of Events / Submission Deadline
RFQ Section 3.1
Schedule of Events notes the submission deadline of May 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm Central Time. Would HHSC consider a two-week extension to the proposal submission deadline? This would change the proposal submission deadline from May 18, 2026 to June 1, 2026 effectively.
Refer to Attachment to Addendum 3.
38.
RFQ, Section 3.1
Schedule of Events
Do we plan to leverage the courtesy HSP review by May 8 deadline?
HHSC encourages Respondents to utilize the courtesy HSP review process by the May 25 deadline. Participation in the courtesy review process is optional and is not a requirement for submission or evaluation.
Refer to Attachment to Addendum 3.
39.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for
RFQ Article III, Section 3.1, page 11
Schedule of Events
Will you consider a one week extension for submission?
Refer to Attachment to Addendum 3.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 12 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
40.
Page Limit and Supporting Documentation
RFQ Section 3.5
RFQ Section 3.5, item 3.5.2 Page Limit and Supporting Documentation states:
“The Statement of Qualifications, described in Article V, must not exceed fifteen (15) pages, not including supporting documentation provided as appendices or attachments to the Statement of Qualifications.”
Can HHSC clarify if the page limit includes cover pages, cover letter, table of contents, and items from Article VI of the RFP (e.g., company information, references, financial statements, etc.)?
Cover letters, cover pages, and table of contents are not required and will count towards the page limit. Items from Article VI (Required Respondent Information) are not part of the Statement of Qualifications page limit.
Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
41.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for
RFQ Section 3.5.2, page 15
Will the Minimum Qualifications be considered part of Statement of Qualifications and hence, included in the 15 page limit?
Yes. The page limit referenced in Section
3.5.2 (Page Limit and Supporting Documentation) of the Solicitation applies to the Statement of Qualifications, which includes Section 5.2 (Minimum Qualification Documentation) and all other sections in Article V (Statement of Qualifications) of the Solicitation.
Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
42.
RFQ, Section 3.5.2
Statement of Qualifications Any concerns around requirements?
HHSC is uncertain as to the question posed in Question No. 42 and, therefore, is unable to provide a response.
43.
RFQ, Section 3.5.2, page 15, Do resumes count toward the 15-page limit or can they be included as an appendix, exempt from the page limit?
Resumes may be included as an appendix, separate from the page limit.
Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 13 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
44.
RFQ Pg. 15 (Section 3.5.2); RFQ Pg. 26 (Section 5.1)
ARTICLE V. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Would the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirm the three-page Executive Summary is excluded from the 15-page limit for the Statement of Qualifications?
No. The Executive Summary is part of the Statement of Qualifications and included in the page limit referenced in Section 3.5.2 (Page Limit and Supporting Documentation).
45.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Table at top of page
Order of Submission
The “Minimum Qualification Document” is Item 1, but under “Statement of Qualifications,” it appears as Section 2. Should it be placed before Article 5 or included within Article V?
The minimum qualifications documentation referenced in Section 5.2 (Minimum Qualification Documentation) of the Solicitation, should be included as part of the response requirements under Article V (Statement of Qualifications) of the Solicitation.
Although the minimum qualification documentation is identified as item 1 in Section 3.6.3 (Submission Checklist), Respondents should organize the Solicitation Response consistent with the structure outlined in Article V (Statement of Qualifications) of the Solicitation. The submission checklist is provided as a resource to assist a Respondent in gathering required documentation.
46.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Table at top of page
Order of Submission
Numbers 13–15 are missing from the table;
was this intentional?
No. Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
47.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Table at top of page
Order of Submission
Numbers 13–15 are missing from the table;
was this intentional?
No. Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 14 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
48.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Table at top of page
Order of Submission
Numbers 13–15 are missing from the table;
was this intentional?
No. Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
49.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Table at top of page
Order of Submission
The “Minimum Qualification Document” is Item 1, but under “Statement of Qualifications,” it appears as Section 2. Should it be placed before Article 5 or included within Article V?
Refer to response to question No. 45.
50.
RFQ for Professional Multi Audit Services, Section 3.6.2.3
Based on an email from pcsbids@hhsc.state.tx.us on 4/28/26 at 2:16 pm, it appears that proposals in response to this RFQ can be emailed to pcsbids@hhsc.state.tx.us in lieu of the methods included in the RFQ, Section 3.6.2.3, please confirm.
No. As stated in Section 3.6.2.3 (Submission Options), “Respondent must submit the Solicitation Response using one of the following submission options. A Solicitation Response submitted by any other method will not be considered.
a. Submission Option No. 1: HHS Online Bid Room. Respondent shall submit the Solicitation Response packet through the Online Bid Room utilizing the procedures in Exhibit L, HHS Online Bid Room Information Version, 1.4.
b. Submission Option No. 2: USB Drive.
Respondent shall submit the Solicitation Response using the procedures specified in this section.”
mailto:pcsbids@hhsc.state.tx.us mailto:pcsbids@hhsc.state.tx.us
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 15 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
51.
RFQ, Pg. 22 (Sections 4.1 - 4.2
Best Value Determination
Section 4.2.7 states that Pricing will not be considered during the evaluation process.
Section 4.1 states award basis will include fair and reasonable price. Would HHSC confirm how they will determine best value, as well as how they will determine a fair and reasonable price if no pricing is required?
As stated in Section 4.1 (Conformance with State Law) of the Solicitation, “Solicitation Responses shall be evaluated in accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2254.003.
HHSC will ensure that any resulting Contract is determined to reflect a fair and reasonable price prior to Contract execution. Pricing may be evaluated through subsequent negotiations, review of proposed rates, comparison to historical pricing, market analysis, or other price analysis methodologies deemed appropriate by HHSC.
52.
Minimum Qualification Documentation
RFQ Section 5.2
RFQ Section 5.2 Minimum Qualification Documentation states:
“Respondents must provide documentation that demonstrates its compliance with the minimum qualifications set forth in Section
4.2.2 (Minimum Qualifications).”
What kind of documentation does HHSC expect for these qualifications, particularly qualifications a. (Respondent must have recently been in business for a minimum of five [5] years and must currently employ at least one [1] licensed Certified Public Accountant [CPA]) and b. (Respondent must have at least three [3] years of experience conducting Audits in accordance with the Institute of Internal Auditor’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, and the Government Accountability Office’s Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards [GAGAS])?
Additionally, can this documentation be included in an appendix or attached document that will not count towards page limits?
Respondents may provide any kind of documentation that demonstrates its compliance with the minimum qualifications set forth in Section 4.2.2 (Minimum Qualifications).
Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=GV&chapter=GV.2254&artSec= https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=GV&chapter=GV.2254&artSec=
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 16 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
53.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Section 5.3, b
Key Personnel
Do resumes count toward the Article V 15-page limit, or can they be added as an appendix?
Resumes can be added as an appendix.
Refer to Attachment 1 to Addendum 4.
54.
ESBD_504575_1776692521795_HHS0016852
RFQ, Professional Multi Audit Services.pdf Section 5.3, b
Key Personnel
Do resumes count toward the Article V 15-page limit, or can they be added as an appendix?
Refer to response to question No. 53.
55.
RFQ for Professional Multi Audit Services, Section 6.1.h
If the proposing firm has been party to a significant number of contracts with the State of Texas, will a recent representative sample of contracts suffice in lieu of providing a list of all contracts?
Yes, a recent representative sample of contracts is acceptable, however, Respondents must provide a company profile that includes the information requested in Section 6.1.2 (Company Profile) of the Solicitation.
56.
RFQ Pg. 28 (Section 6.2)
Authorization to Conduct Business in Texas
This section begins with “Respondent must be authorized to do business in the State of Texas prior to an award.” Would HHSC clarify if Offerors will need to provide a Certificate of Fact from the Texas Secretary of State prior to an award being made?
Yes, see Section 6.2 (AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN TEXAS) of the Solicitation.
57.
RFQ Pg. 28 (Section 6.3)
Client References
Would the HHSC confirm that client references may also come from the Respondent’s subcontractor(s)?
A Subcontractor cannot write or submit a reference on behalf of the Respondent.
However, if a Respondent’s client writes a reference about the quality of the work of a Subcontractor that is relevant to the scope in this Solicitation, the Respondent may submit in accordance with Section 6.3 (References) of the Solicitation.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 17 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
58.
RFQ Pg. 29 (Section 6.5.1)
Dun and Bradstreet Reports
Would HHSC consider removing the Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Credit Insights Report? The solicitation requires the submission of detailed financial statements, which are more reliable than third-party summaries; therefore, the additional requirement for a D&B report appears to be duplicative.
No. The requested information will not be removed.
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 18 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
59.
RFQ, Section 6.5.2, page 29, Financial Statements and Financial Solvency.
As a partnership, our firm does not have audited financials, nor do we have balance sheets, statement of income or statement of cash flows available for public release or to be included in a proposal. We can submit our current and past net fees, a summary D&B report and a letter of financial stability verification from our financial institution. Will these suffice as an alternative to financial statements?
Respondents should submit financial statements in conformance with the requirements of Section 6.5.3. (Alternate Report) of the RFQ, forms of financial information may accompany financial statements, but cannot be submitted in lieu of financial statements.
“If the Solicitation Response does not contain the annual report specified in Section 6.5.2(a) above, the Respondent must provide the following within its Solicitation Response:
(1) a statement that the Respondent does not have an audited annual report for the specified time frame(s) and
(2) an alternate report which contains the following:
a. For years 2022, 2023, and 2024, unaudited financial statements, including all supplements, management discussion and analysis, and actuarial opinions;
b. Respondent’s unaudited financial statement of the most recent quarter of operation; and
c. A full disclosure of any events, liabilities, or contingent liabilities that could affect Respondent’s financial ability to perform the Contract.
At a minimum, such financial statements must include:
• Balance sheet;
• Income statement;
• Statement of changes in financial position;
• Statement of cash flows; and
Capital expenditures.”
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 19 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
60.
Financial Capacity Requirements
RFQ Section 6.5.3
RFQ Section 6.5.3 Alternate Report requires unaudited financial statements in lieu of audited statements. Would HHSC consider alternate forms of financial stability information in lieu of the requested unaudited financial statements?
Respondents should submit financial statements in conformance with the requirements as stated in Section 6.5.3.
(Alternate Report) of the RFQ, forms of financial information may accompany financial statements, but cannot be submitted in lieu of financial statements.
“If the Solicitation Response does not contain the annual report specified in Section 6.5.2(a) above, the Respondent must provide the following within its Solicitation Response:
(1) a statement that the Respondent does not have an audited annual report for the specified time frame(s) and
(2) an alternate report which contains the following:
a. For years 2022, 2023, and 2024, unaudited financial statements, including all supplements, management discussion and analysis, and actuarial opinions;
b. Respondent’s unaudited financial statement of the most recent quarter of operation; and
c. A full disclosure of any events, liabilities, or contingent liabilities that could affect Respondent’s financial ability to perform the Contract.
At a minimum, such financial statements must include:
i. Balance sheet;
Effective Date 06/26/2015 Page 20 of 20 Reviewed Date 09/18/2025
ii. Income statement;
iii. Statement of changes in financial position;
iv. Statement of cash flows; and
v. Capital expenditures.”
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