ESBD_File_331217_HHS0013368 - Attachment 1 to Addendum 2.pdf

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Solicitation Title: Geriatric Forensic Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Services

Solicitation Number: HHS0013368 HHS Responses to Vendor Questions

Attachment 1 to Addendum 2

Question # Reference Vendor Question Response

1 1.2 – Definition of “Forensic” What level of acuity of forensic patients are you anticipating with this type of program?

As stated in Subsection (F)(3) of Section 2.1.4, Inpatient Competency Restoration Program, the procurement specifies this solicitation is for non-maximum-security commitments. All individuals are accepted, regardless of their acuity level. However, there may be circumstances where HHSC will need to work with the contractor for clients who have unique needs such as geriatric patients in order to ensure patients are well served within the milieu.

2.1.5, C, 7, vii

Development of a transportation plan in conjunction with law enforcement or other entity as appropriate

Given these are forensic patients how will THHS provide/pay for transportation?

HHSC does not pay or provide transportation.

The contract requires development of a Transportation Plan by the contractor. HHSC anticipates in all, but the rarest circumstances law enforcement will provide the transportation.

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Question # Reference Vendor Question Response

2.1.12.F

The Contractor must submit to HHSC the total number of patients admitted to the ICRP during the previous fiscal quarter. HHSC will monitor attainment toward annual occupancy PCS 550 HHS RFQ Template, RFQ No. HHS0013368 Page 20 of 49 Version 1.0 (10/11/2022) performance each quarter. HHSC may, in its sole discretion, grant exceptions from expected attainment on a case-by case basis for good cause shown. Any deviation of Forensic bed capacity funded under the Contract’s statement of work must be submitted in writing to HHSC prior to implementation of such changes.

What is a "deviation of Forensic bed capacity?" is it 95%, per 2.1.14.B?

As referenced in Subsection (B), Section 2.1.2, Eligibility Criteria, Contractor must possess ready-to-occupy capacity and the necessary staff to support 16 beds for inpatient Services at a minimum within 6 months of contract execution or as agreed upon by HHSC.

Any deviation would be below the bed amount of 16. There is an expectation the contractor would maintain 95% capacity. Anything below the 95% capacity would be a deviation requiring a notification in writing and a request for exception to the standard capacity.

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2.1.4, F, 3

In collaboration with the Texas State Hospitals Admissions Management Team and as guided by the instructions in Exhibit H, Forensic Admission Referral and Coordination, accept all referrals that meet the criteria in Exhibit I, Appropriate Use Criteria from the Texas State Hospitals Non- Maximum Security Unit Clearinghouse List, which applies to patients who do not require admission to a maximum-security hospital and who can be served in a hospital designated by HHSC pursuant to Texas CCP, Title 1, Chapter 46B Articles 46B.073(c) (relating to Commitment for Restoration to Competency). Furthermore, the Contractors selected through this Solicitation will be specifically designated by HHSC to accept admission of patients pursuant to the Texas CCP, Title 1, Chapter 46B Article 46B.0021

What building standards are required? Is dual occupancy acceptable?

As referenced in Subsection (E) of Section 2.1.9, Program Requirements to Maintain, The Contractor must ensure compliance with all standards established by and maintain accreditation with The Joint Commission, or other accrediting body granted deeming authority by the CMS, throughout the term of the Contract.

We require standard inpatient psychiatric facility standards as required by the Joint Commission for hospitals that are accredited by the Joint Commission. Mixing civil and forensic populations are acceptable. Other dual occupancy would require further clarification and approval.

2.1.1.A and 4.2.2.A And Have demonstrated one (1) year of experience in providing Geriatric and/or Forensic inpatient psychiatric hospital services or similar within this RFQ.

If the respondent meets all minimum qualifications requirements are they a qualified applicant even if the eligibility criteria referenced in 2.1.1.A are not fully met?

As referenced in Subsection (A) of Section

4.2.2 Minimum Qualifications, the minimum

qualifications indicate the respondent must have demonstrated one (1) year of experience in providing Geriatric and/or Forensic inpatient psychiatric hospital services or similar within this RFQ. The criteria in Subsection (A) of Section, 2.1.1, Eligibility Criteria refers to Inpatient Competency Restoration Program and Services, which is the purpose of this solicitation.

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8.1.2 Offer Period

A Solicitation Response shall be binding for a period of 240 days after the submission due date. A Respondent may extend the time for which its Solicitation Response will be honored.

Upon Contract execution, prices agreed by the Contractor constitute an irrevocable offer for the Contract Term.

No other costs, rates, or fees shall be payable to the Contractor unless expressly agreed in writing by HHSC.

With the submission of a response, at what point is the applicant bound to provide services?

As referenced in Section 1.1, Introduction, the Contractor will begin providing services pursuant to this Solicitation as agreed upon by HHSC or at a minimum within six (6) months of Contract execution and satisfy the requirements of this Solicitation.

7 Section 2.1.14 Payment and Invoicing What is the payment rate and terms?

As referenced in Section, 2.1.14, Payment and Invoicing, payments are made monthly.

Our expectation is that the full amount of beds will be provided at a 95% occupancy, Contractor will receive the full payment amount as identified in the solicitation per an agreed upon schedule during negotiations.