Snap Income Verification RFQ Questions.xlsx
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- RFP for SNAP Income Verification 12319723R0001
- Solicitation number
- FNS12319723R0001
About this file
This request for proposal from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service seeks income verification services for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Vendors must provide a process for authorized state and federal personnel to submit queries using identifying information such as name, date of birth, and social security number to obtain current or historical income matches for eligibility determinations. Proposals are due July 19, 2023 and must include separate volumes for technical approach, past performance questionnaires from at least three government customers, and fixed pricing for income reports. The contract will have a one year base period and four one-year options, with a maximum total value of $190 million over five years. Awards will be made to the offeror providing the best value based on technical evaluation factors and price.
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Question List Question Format
| Question # | RFQ Part & Section Reference | RFQ Page# | Question | Answer | ||
| 1 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 9 | The instructions state: "Vendors are required to submit […] an INDEX" Is this Index excluded from page count? | Yes | ||
| 2 | 5. Past Performance Tab D (RFQ) | 10 | The instructions state to provide Past Performance Questionnaires on July 6th not on July 19th - wanted to clarify the correct dates - | Proposals are due Wednesday July 19, 2023, 12 PM EDT - The deadline for past performance questionnaire submissions is now July 19, 2023 12PM EDT. | ||
| 3 | 5. Past Performance Tab D (RFQ) | 10 | "The Vendor must also provide past performance references, in their response, for at least three (3) contracts held within the past twenty-four months, to include those in progress." Should this state 3 years as the previsous paragraph references "work must be completed within the past 3 years"? | Yes, the work must be in progress or completed within the past three years. Any projects completed by the contractor that exceed three years will not be accepted. | ||
| 4 | PWS - 5. Government Funished Property | 14 | PWS states GFP, GFM, GFI, and GFE may be provided to contractor under this contract. If other ODC's appear during the contract that are necessary to complete the contract accordingly do we still follow the same process to acquire items even say mid-way through the project, or is it at contractors cost at that point? | The Government is unclear to what this question is referring. The Government does not expect the vendor to need access to FNS systems or to require any Government-furnished property or equipment under this contract. If that changes midway through the project, the Government and vendor will discuss and complete a contract modification if needed. | ||
| 5 | Pricing Files | N/A | Will government be providing a excel pricing model to input for final pricing? | Pricing shall be submitted using the CLINs structure table in the pricing section. Vendor can use excel. However, CLINs structure should be the same. | ||
| 6 | PWS - 6. Travel | 14 | PWS states FNS does not anticipate any travel during the contract. If travel is deemed necessary during the project in the future how will travel be accomodated, priced, etc.? | USDA/FNS will issue a contract modification if we determine that travel will be needed to complete the task of this requirement. | ||
| 7 | 4. Management Plan - 2. | 9 to 10 | Are Letters of Commitment included in the page limit of the Management Plan? | No | ||
| 8 | 5. Past Performance Tab D (RFQ) | 10 | "Vendors must provide past performance information in accordance with the instructions and format provided in Attachment 05." Attachment 5 appears to be the template for Q&A. Please provide the document you would like us to reference. | Past Performance Questionaire has been attached in SAM.gov RFP. | ||
| 9 | 3. Technical Approach - Tab B | 9 | "Quality of training and technical assistance products. The offeror demonstrates proficiency in producing high-quality, well-edited, and professionally formatted training and technical assistance materials for technical and non-technical audiences. Offerors should provide at least 2 examples demonstrating this expertise (e.g., links to training videos, user manuals, etc.)." Does the Government desire active links to be embedded in the submitted proposal to outside websites? | Yes if applicable | ||
| 10 | 3. Technical Approach - Tab B | 9 | "Quality of training and technical assistance products. [...] Offerors should provide at least 2 examples demonstrating this expertise (e.g., links to training videos, user manuals, etc.)." If the Government does not want active links to be embedded in the proposal, how should Offerors respond to this requirement? | Offerors may submit examples as appendices or provide links the Government may use to access the examples. Appendices will not count toward the page limit. | ||
| 11 | 3. Technical Approach - Tab B | 9 | If Offerors are required to include copies of user manuals and other training materials as examples of our expertise, will they be excluded from page count? | Yes | ||
| 12 | Factor 3: Past Performance | 14 | Offerors shall send a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (see attachment 2) to one contact person from a minimum of three references described above for them to complete and include the performance questionnaires in the technical quotation." The PPQ (Attachment 2) was not provided with the solicitation. Please provide. | Yes see attachment | ||
| 13 | 1-Contract Provisions | 15 | "452.216-72 Evaluation Quantities - Indefinite-Delivery Contract (FEB 1988) | |||
| To evaluate offers for award purposes, the Government will apply the offeror's proposed fixed prices/rates to the estimated quantities included in the solicitation, and will add other direct costs if applicable." What are the estimated quantities? | Once all State agencies are on board and using the service, the Government estimates between 8 million and 10 million reports annually. However, because this is a new contract, our estimates are based on a set of assumptions that may change as the contract gets underway. | |||||
| 14 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 9 | "The length of the technical proposal volume shall not be more than 32 pages total" - however, the 2-page Executive Summary, 22-page Technical Approach, and 7-page Management Plan only add up to 31 pages (and the cover page is excluded from page count). Would the Government consider increasing the page count for the Management Plan to 8 pages? | Yes | ||
| 15 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 9 | RFQ page 9 states that Volume 2 is Past Performance and Volume 3 is Price; however, page 10 says "Past Performance - Tab D" and page 11 says "Price Proposal (Volume 2)." Please advise. Does the Government want Past Performance to be Volume 2 and Price to be Volume 3 or Past Performance to be Tab D of Volume 1 and Price to be Volume 2? | Past Performance to be Volume 2 and Price to be Volume 3 | ||
| 16 | PWS 3.5 Access to Query Process, a. vi. | 8 | "The Contractor shall maintain a reasonable degree of flexibility to accommodate and adjust for potential administrative differences across States." Can the Government provide an example of administrative differences where such flexibility might be required? | FNS is referring to variations in the State's organizational structure and hierarchy, the number of project areas in the State, and the level of autonomy that each project area has. For example, some States are centrally administered, others are broken into districts or regions, and others are county administered. These variations may require flexibility on the part of the contractor, for example with regard to the number of State Points of Contact for purposes of providing access. | ||
| 17 | PWS 3.5 Access to Query Process, b. i. | 8 | "After a State has obtained initial access as described in PWS Requirement 3.5.a, the Contractor shall provide a process by which State points of contact can request and obtain access to the query process for additional State personnel or groups of State personnel." How many personnel require access typically at the state level? | The number of personnel that will require access to conduct queries will vary from State agency to State agency depending on the number of SNAP eligibility workers employed by the State agency and how the State agency manages tasks. FNS does not collect or require States to report data regarding the number of SNAP eligibility workers in each State agency. Roughly speaking, however, the number can range from hundreds to several thousand per State. Per PWS item 3.5, State points of contact will provide the contractor with information on the number of personnel that require access in each State. | ||
| 18 | PWS 3.5 Access to Query Process, b. i. | 8 | "After a State has obtained initial access as described in PWS Requirement 3.5.a, the Contractor shall provide a process by which State points of contact can request and obtain access to the query process for additional State personnel or groups of State personnel." How many total personnel does the USDA anticipate will require access to conduct queries? | The number of personnel that will require access to conduct queries will vary from State agency to State agency depending on the number of SNAP eligibility workers employed by the State agency and how the State agency manages tasks. FNS does not collect or require States to report data regarding the number of SNAP eligibility workers in each State agency. Roughly speaking, however, the number can range from hundreds to several thousand per State. Per PWS item 3.5, State points of contact will provide the contractor with information on the number of personnel that require access in each State. | ||
| 19 | PWS 3.10 Project Management f. | 10 | "Provide system administrator support for this requirement’s document repository. This task will include, but not limited to, the following elements: process, upload, and maintain all related records, materials, deliverables, and other pertinent documents in accordance with the document repository’s nomenclature approved by the government." Will the contractor be required to store the records related to all queries that result in a match? | The contractor should be prepared to provide any records necessary to support required reporting and any invoices submitted. In your proposal please submit your plan in doing so. | ||
| 20 | RFQ 5. Past Performance—Tab D and Factor 3: Past Performance | 10, 14 | "It is the Vendor’s responsibility to send the Past Performance Questionnaire to its customers and direct the customer to submit the completed survey to Ian Lipscomb at Ian.Lipscomb@usda.gov Belal Hammad at belal.hammad@usda.gov no later than July 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM EASTERN." and "Offerors shall send a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (see attachment 2) to one contact person from a minimum of three references described above for them to complete and include the performance questionnaires in the technical quotation." These appear to be conflicting statements. Does the Government want the past performance questionaires sent directly to the Government POCs or included in the proposal? | Include the past performance references in the proposal, and the the past performance questionaires should be sent from the past contacts directly to the Government POCs. Please see attached past performance questionnaires for detailed instructions in how to submit. | ||
| 21 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 9 | Should Tabs A, B, and C be included together in the Volume 1 document, or should each Tab be in a separate document? | Tabs A, B, and C shall be included together in the Volume 1 document. | ||
| 22 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 9 | Should Tab D - Past Performance be included in the Volume 1 document, or in a separate Volume 2 document? | Past Performance shall be volume 2 | ||
| 23 | Factor 4: Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBP)—Only applicable to Large Businesses | 14 | Subcontracting to small businesses will be very difficult on this program, and USDA's small business subcontract goals for FY23 are 21%. Would the Government remove the requirement to submit a subcontracting plan? | No. Subcontracting Plan shell be included in accordence with FAR 52.219-09 mall Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) | ||
| 24 | Factor 4: Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBP)—Only applicable to Large Businesses | 14 | Will the government remove the subcotnracting plan goals for Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HubZone, Veteran-Owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned businesses? | No. Subcontracting Plan shell be included in accordence with FAR 52.219-09 mall Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) | ||
| 25 | PWS 9.0 Data Rights | 63 | "To perform this contract the Contractor may require computer access to FNS systems" In what instances would the Contractor require access to FNS systems? | |||
| FNS believes this question is referring to Section 8.0 Security Requirements. FNS does not anticipate that the Contractor will require access to FNS systems during the course of this contract. | ||||||
| 26 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | 53 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " - due to state and local laws and statutes related to identifiers required to pull personal information this may not be possible, would the Government consider expanding to include Full Name, Date of Birth, and SSN? | Yes. The PWS item 3.1 is amended to include using full name, date of birth, and SSN. | ||
| 27 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | 53 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " - for the purpose of quality assurance in the data query process it is in some jurisdictions prohibited practice to use a single identifier, would the Government consider expanding to include Full Name, Date of Birth, and SSN? | Yes. The PWS item 3.1 is amended to include using full name, date of birth, and SSN. | ||
| 28 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | |||||
| PWS 3.2 Required Content Matches | 53 | |||||
| 54 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " however in the defined requirements requires matching Employee Name and SSN - for the purpose of ensuring best quality data and provisioning first pull accuracy of data, would the Government consider ammending 3.1 Query process to include using Full Name, Date of Birth, and SSN? | Yes. The PWS item 3.1 is amended to include using full name, date of birth, and SSN. | ||||
| 29 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | |||||
| PWS 3.2 Required Content Matches | 53 | |||||
| 54 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " however in the defined requirements requires matching Employee Name and SSN - for the purpose of ensuring best quality data and provisioning first pull accuracy of data, would the Government consider ammending 3.1 Query process to include using Full Name, Date of Birth, and SSN to reduce costs associated with inaccurate results based on this limited critiria? | Yes. The PWS item 3.1 is amended to include using full name, date of birth, and SSN. | ||||
| 30 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | |||||
| PWS 3.2 Required Content Matches | 53 | |||||
| 54 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " however in the defined requirements requires matching Employee Name and SSN. Does FNS expect the contractor to waive costs associated with inaccurate results based on the limitations of using the SSN as a single identifier for queries? | No, FNS does not expect the contractor to waive costs based on those circumstances. The PWS item 3.1 is amended to include using full name, date of birth, and SSN. | ||||
| 31 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | 53 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " - for the purpose of quality assurance in the data query process it is standardized practice to use mltiple identifiers such as Full Name, Date of Birth, and SSN - does FNS expect the contractor to waive costs associated with inaccurate results based on limitations of prescribed search criterion? | The limition in the search has been changed (see q 26). | ||
| 32 | PWS 3.1 Query Process | |||||
| PWS 3.2 Required Content Matches | 53 | |||||
| 54 | "The Contractor shall provide a standardized, secure, and user-friendly process by which authorized State and USDA-FNS personnel can submit queries, using only an individual’s SSN as an identifier, in attempt to obtain either a current match or a look-back match for the individual from the TPID. This process is hereafter referred to as the query process and further defined in this section. " however in the defined requirements requires matching Employee Name and SSN. Does FNS expect the contractor to waive costs associated with inaccurate results based on user error in data entry for this single numeric identifier? | The limition in the search has been changed (see q 26). | ||||
| 33 | In the SNAP Income Verification Services RFP, a requirement to request that customers submit Past Performance Questionnaires directly to FNS is described in the Proposal Instructions on page 10. Specifically called out is a format provided in Attachment 5. Later in the Evaluation Factors on page 14 a reference to a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (see attachment 2) is made with the instruction that they be included in the Technical Quotation. Please advise as to whether or not the Past Performance Questionnaire has been provded in the solicitation package and if completed questionnaires should be submitted directly to FNS and also included in the Technical Quotation. | See attached past performance Questionnaires for instructions. | ||||
| 34 | "Offerors are encouraged to offer deeper discounts such as, but not limited to, unlimited Income Verification Reports if the actual number purchased during the year exceeds a certain amount." Is there a specific volume per year or per month the government is seeking or has set? OR do they want unlimited across the life of the contract? | The CLIN pricing is FFP per report. However, the government is seeking deeper discounts and/or unlimited access after purchasing certain number of reports per year. This is due to the limited funding per year, and number of reports that might exceed the limited funding per year--hence, running out of funds before period of performance end date. | ||||
| 35 | Offers Submission, Section 3.3, a. | RFQ page 6 | Please confirm the due date and time of proposals. Section 3.3, a., refers to a proposal due date and time of July 19, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET, but box 8 of the SF 1449 refers to a time of 17:00 and Box 20 refers to a date of Monday, July 19, 2023, however, July 19, 2023 is a Wednesday. | The due date is Wednesday July 19, 2023, 12PM EDT. | ||
| 36 | ADDENDUM FAR 52.212-1 (INSTRUCTIONS), General, Section 3.2, d. | RFQ page 6 | Section 3.2, d., states the following: "The Government intends to award a single award IDIQ and task Order resulting from this RFP to Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government after evaluation in accordance with the evaluation criteria. However, the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government’s best interest to do so." Please provide the definition of "additional administrative costs" that would be considered in a decision to make multiple awards? | The costs of administering one contract Vs Multiple contracts. | ||
| 37 | ADDENDUM FAR 52.212-1 (INSTRUCTIONS), General, Section 3.2, d. | RFQ page 6 | Section 3.2, d., states the following: "The Government intends to award a single award IDIQ and task Order resulting from this RFP to Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government after evaluation in accordance with the evaluation criteria. However, the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government’s best interest to do so." We believe a decision to make multiple awards is in conflict with a number of RFP requirements. What is the criteria that the government will use to make multiple awards? | Based on Best Value and the RFP evaluation factors; and the adminstrative costs. | ||
| 38 | 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts. (FEB 1988) | RFQ page 5 | Is there a maximum total order per period of performance or is the "maximum total order" for all periods of performance? | The expected Max order per year is valued at $38,000,000.00, and $190,000,000.00 per the life time of the contract. | ||
| 39 | 1-Contract Provisions, 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1998) | 2 of 31 | The provision states that "During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $10,000, but not in excess of $38,000,000.00." Can the government place multiple orders of the maximum amount per order of $38,000,000.00 during the same period of performance? | No | ||
| 40 | 52.216-19 Order Limitations. (OCT 1995) | RFQ page 3 | Given that funds available for the contract are currently one-year funds, or at most would be 2-year funds under USDA's budget proposal, under what circumstances could USDA exceed the maximum order "in excess of $190M" as stated in 52.216-19 (b)(2)? Under current law and assuming no change in future appropriations for this activity, isn't $38M the maximum order or amount USDA can obligate in any year? | Same as above | ||
| 41 | 52.216-19 Order Limitations. (OCT 1995), 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts. (FEB 1988) | RFQ page 3, page 5 | Does the maximum contract amount of $190M stated in section 452.216-73 supersede the maximum order permitted by section 52.216-19 (d) that could exceed $190M, or what is the relationship between these two clauses regarding maximums? | The two clauses should read the same as far as the max amount and the min amount per year, and per the life time of the contract. | ||
| 42 | 3.0 Performance; IDIQ Period of Performance | RFQ page 5 | How would the agency manage the contract option year renewal if the contract comes due during a period the program is operating under a Continuing Resolution, when only pro-rated funding is available? What protections for both the vendor and the government are envisioned? | This situation would be managed under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract, and the language of the appropriation. | ||
| 43 | Technical Approach, Section 2, Bullet top of page 9 | RFQ page 9 | Ability to customize query parameters based on FNS specifications. The offeror demonstrates the ability to adjust the frequency with which State agency users can submit queries based on parameters set by FNS (for example, limiting all users within a State to two queries of the same SSN per year). Is it the government's expectation that the number of annual queries required by this contract is two times the entirety of adult SNAP recipients? | The Government would prefer for all State agencies to be able to query all applicants who declare earnings or are expected to have earnings twice per year. | ||
| 44 | PWS, Scope and Objectives, Section 1.3, b | PWS page 4 | Among the scope and primary objectives of the SNAP Earnings Verification Service is to "Expand participation to individual States or groups of States with the ultimate goal of reaching full participation among all States." Please advise as to the timeline FNS expects states to begin participating in the Earnings Verification Service at contract start and then the timeframe at which participation will increase during the period of performance of the contract. At what point does the government expect full participation to occur? What is the government's plan to achieve the goal of full participation? | State agencies will not be required to participate in SNAP EVS; they will participate at their option. Thus, FNS cannot make specific estimates concerning State participation at this time. However, FNS believes that State decisions on whether or not to participate will depend largely on whether SNAP EVS meets the State’s need with regard to the quantity of matches the State requires for SNAP. If SNAP EVS is able to provide the quantity of matches that States need within the Government's funding limits for the contract, FNS expects most States to opt to participate in SNAP EVS within the first 2 years of the contract. The final decisions about which States to grant access to and when will reside with FNS. However, in their technical proposals, Offerors should propose a plan and timeline for getting States on board and trained to use the service as required under Tasks 3.5 and 3.6 in the revised SOW. | ||
| 45 | PWS, Scope and Objectives, Section 1.3, b | PWS page 4 | It will be useful for bidders to know about how FNS anticipates the participation of states in the Base Year of the contract and Option Year One. What states are more likely to be those participating in he early stages? How does FNS anticipate the adoption curve during the period of performance of the contract? | |||
| FNS cannot make specific estimates concerning State participation at this time. However, we expect that State participation decisions will depend on a variety of factors, including whether the State is currently obtaining income verification services through another vehicle and whether any existing contracts for these services meet their full needs. | ||||||
| 46 | Solicitation Section 2 Pricing | RFQ page 2 | To provide the best pricing for the government should we assume that the minimum transaction volumes are guaranteed even if the volume of transactions is not reached. | Yes. The min amount guaranteed is $10,000.00 per year. | ||
| 47 | 3-Special Contract Requirement, 452.237-74: Security & SOW Section 3.9 | Solicitation & Provision Clause Page 14 of 31, SOW page 9 | Many states are receiving cloud solutions today with security requirements that closely align to FedRAMP. Will USDA consider cloud solutions that exceed the government's stated FISMA security requirements? For Cloud based solutions will FNS accept reciprocity for ATO's issued by other federal agencies? | The question to the Government is unclear and the Government will not provide an answer. | ||
| 48 | Section 3.5 Access To Query Process, a. Initial Access for State Personnel, iii. | PWS page 7 | Subsection iii states "The Contractor may be required to draft and coordinate the establishment of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) related to the SNAP Earnings Verification Service between State agencies and FNS prior to providing State agency personnel with initial access." Given that the Contractor may be required to draft and coordinate these MOU's that will enable access for State agency personnel, will the Contractor be party to three way MOU as an additional signatory that includes the participating State and FNS? | If the contract between FNS and the vendor is insuffient to any extent for purposes of the vendor's interactions with the State agency, FNS would be open to the including the contractor as a signatory on the MOU. | ||
| 49 | Past Performance, Tab D | RFQ page 10 | Please confirm that all Past Performance Questionnaires must be submitted by Federal, State or Local government customers. | Customers are all sectors, private and public, who have first knowledge of offeror performance. | ||
| 50 | Technical Approach, Number 2 | RFQ page 9 | The Technical Approach requires that the "Offeror must submit a plan to manage the challenges and risks associated with the requirement. This includes, but not limited to, controlling the states from running the same income report more than one time (how to ensure not to charge the government for the same report more than one time); controlling the states from using the service for other than SNAP program; running out of funds before the period of performance ends." Given that there are states that process multiple benefit programs concurrently, would submissions from those states be allowed under this contract? | Yes, submissions from States that process multiple benefit programs concurrently would be allowed under this contract as long as the query is submitted for the purposes of verifying SNAP applicant and participant declarations about their earned income amounts. | ||
| 51 | Section 3.7 Tracking of Queries and Matches (bullet b) | PWS page 8 | The subsection states "The number of instances in which each State and the local offices therein as defined by the State queried the same SSN for a current match multiple times, excluding any instances in which the State queried the same SSN for a current match multiple times within a single 24-hour period. As part of the quarterly report for States, do we track and report SSNs that are submitted twice as per limit or any number of times that it has been submitted? | PWS item 3.7 requires the contractor to track certain data elements on queries and matches on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Item 3.7b is one of these data elements. Item 3.7b requires the contractor to track all instances in which each local office in the State, and the State in total, queried the same SSN (individual applicant) for a current match more than once. Item 3.7b also specifically requires the contractor to exclude from those data instances in which the same applicant is queried more than once in the same 24 hour period. Per PWS item 3.1e: "when a requested match is available and viewed, State and USDA-FNS personnel have the ability to query and view that same match data again for a 24-hour period. During that 24-hour time period that transaction will be considered a single query and match (not counted separately as multiple queries and matches)." | ||
| 52 | Section 3.4 Scope and Quantity of Data | PWS page 7 | As per section 3.4 "Throughout the duration of this requirement, the Contractor’s TPID shall maintain current match data, as defined in preceding PWS section 2.0, in each respective State in which the Contractor provides the SNAP Earnings Verification Service, to the extent that the percentage of current matches provided in response to queries submitted may in no case decrease more than 5 percent relative to the threshold agreed upon at award". How does FNS intend to evaluate coverage thresholds? | PWS item 3.7 requires the contractor to track certain data elements on queries and matches on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Item 3.7b is one of these data elements. Item 3.7b requires the contractor to track all instances in which each local office in the State, and the State in total, queried the same SSN (individual applicant) for a current match more than once. Item 3.7b also specifically requires the contractor to exclude from those data instances in which the same applicant is queried more than once in the same 24 hour period. Per PWS item 3.1e: "when a requested match is available and viewed, State and USDA-FNS personnel have the ability to query and view that same match data again for a 24-hour period. During that 24-hour time period that transaction will be considered a single query and match (not counted separately as multiple queries and matches)." | ||
| 53 | Unless otherwise agreed to with FNS, the query process and functionality must limit individual States’ ability |
to query the same SSN for a current match to twice in any 12-month period, with the exception of the scenario described above in PWS Requirement 3.1.d (which shall be allowed and considered a single query and match.)
PWS page 3, item f The requirement to limit two queries for the same SSN in any 12 month period may adversely impact section 1.3 Scope and Objectives item a (PWS page 4). FNS should consider expanding the requirement to a minimum of three queries for the same SSN in any 12 month period to account for processing timeframes for applications and redeterminations. States typically certify cases for six months or 12 months with a required interim report at six months. States typically process a timely redetermination in month six to ensure the regular benefit issuance cycle is not interrupted.
Assuming there isn’t a break in the benefit issuance months, it is possible that the state agency would need to pull an inquiry in month 1 at application, at month 6 during the redetermination, and then again in month 12 for the next redetermination period, months 13-18. This would be a total of three queries in a 12 month period.
Example of three SSN queries in a 12 month period. An adult applies for SNAP:
Initial Application - adult applies for SNAP in January •Pull SSN in January •Certification period January - June
Redetermination 1 •Adult submits redetermination packed in June •Pull SSN in June •Certification Period July - December
Redetermination 2 •Adult submits redetermination packed in December •Pull SSN in December •Certification Period January - June
| FNS appreciates and understands this feedback concerning PWS item 3.1f. The Government is not changing PWS 3.1f at this time as we believe the existing language for this subtask (prefaced with "Unless otherwise agreed to with FNS") allows for the necessary flexibility in this requirement. | ||
| 54 | Unless otherwise agreed to with FNS, the query process and functionality must limit individual States’ ability |
to query the same SSN for a current match to twice in any 12-month period, with the exception of the scenario described above in PWS Requirement 3.1.d (which shall be allowed and considered a single query and match.)
| PWS page 3, item f | The requirement to limit two queries for the same SSN in any 12 month period may adversely impact section 1.3 Scope and Objectives item a.(PWS page 4). FNS may want to consider if SSN queries as a result of churn are included in the two query limit in any 12 month period. Some households may lose eligibility and then reapply during what would have been the remainder of their eligibility period, only to lose eligibility again later but within a 12 month period. | FNS appreciates and understands this feedback concerning PWS item 3.1f. The Government is not changing PWS 3.1f at this time as we believe the existing language for this subtask (prefaced with "Unless otherwise agreed to with FNS") allows for the necessary flexibility in this requirement. | |||
| 55 | Section 5 | 10 | Please provide the Past Performance Questionnaire. Attachment 5 is Questions and Answer Format but it is not related to past performance questionnaire. Also please help us with Attachment 2, Attachment 3, Attachment 7 | The Past Performance Questionaire has been uploaded in beta.SAM. | |
| 56 | Section 1 | 1 | Regarding the information provided, which states that this is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products, could you please confirm if you are indeed seeking a commercial off-the shelf (COTS) product? If so, what is the expected timeline for the implementation of the product? | This is for Commercial product FAR part 12. The Government intends to have this contract awarded before 09/30/2023. | |
| 57 | Section 3.1 | 5 | Are we allowed to execute the project from secure offshore locations? | No. Performance must be within the USA. | |
| 58 | Section 3.0 | 6 | Does the State currently have a SNAP eligibility determination/case management system in place that the query management process is expected to interface with? | ||
| State agencies' SNAP eligibility systems vary in their design and functionality. The PWS does not include a requirement or expectation that the contractor integrate or interface the SNAP EVS query process with the State agency SNAP eligibility system. However, FNS would be comfortable allowing individual State agencies to independently pursue and fund such integration with the contractor as a modification to the Query Process decribed in item 3.1 of the PWS. | |||||
| 59 | Section 3.0 | 6 | Does the State already have existing APIs to query and retrieve data for the envisioned system, or would the development of these APIs be part of the scope of the envisioned system? | ||
| State agencies' SNAP eligibility systems vary in their design and functionality. The PWS does not include a requirement or expectation that the contractor integrate or interface the SNAP EVS query process with the State agency SNAP eligibility system. However, FNS would be comfortable allowing individual State agencies to independently pursue and fund such integration with the contractor as a modification to the Query Process decribed in item 3.1 of the PWS. | |||||
| 60 | Section 3.0 | 6 | Is there an expectation for queries to be archived for State/USD-FNS personnel, or is the focus more on one-time transactional functionality? | ||
| FNS does not expect the contractor to archive the results of queries (current matches or look-back matches). However, FNS does expect the contractor to provide the functionality described in PWS item 3.1.h. |
tc={3B65916E-D790-42FA-AEA2-32AF8E34923D}: [Threaded comment]
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Comment:
Why not? So we don't get charged for the same report more than one time.
| 61 | Section 3.5 | 7 | Could you please provide further details or clarification on FNS's provision of access to income eligibility through external sources such as Work Number, Department of Labor Data, Title II/Title XVI using SOLQi or SVES? | FNS does not fully understand this question and is therefore unable to provide an answer. Offerors should refer to the RFQ and other answers provided in the Q&A for further details or clarification. |
| 62 | Section 3 | 8 | Are there any current data providers associated with FNS, or is it expected that the vendor will partner with commercial Entities? | The Offeror's approach should be based on their judgment and the RFP terms and conditions. Existing governmental contracts are available for viewing on usaspending.gov. |
| 63 | SOW 5.0 Deliverables | 13 | Do key personnel resumes count towards the page count limit? Are Letters of Commitment required for current employees? | Resumes are excluded from page count. Letters of commitment are required only for proposed subcontractors, consultants and any key personnel not presently employed by the Offeror or its subcontractor(s). |
| 64 | SOW 5.0 Deliverables | 13 | Are all personnel(Project manager and 3 senior programmers), key personnel? | As stated in Section 7.0 in the SOW under Contractor's Key Personnel and on page 9 of the RFQ under Management Plan - Tab C, Offerors shall designate the Program Manager and Project Manager as key personnel. Offerors may propose additional key personnel, if necessary, with the rationale that addresses the basis for this determination. |
| 65 | SOW Task 4.1 | 6 | It appears this project requires many processes to be successful, are ISO 9001 and CMMI Level 3 certifications required or desired by FNS? | FNS is not requiring those certifications. |
| 66 | 1.3 Scope and Objectives | PWS - 4 | Does the USDA require the "user friendly process" to launch queries to verify SNAP applicants be via an online web interface, via an API call, or via a batch (file) submission, or options for all three (3) submissions? | Please refer to PWS item 3.1 for FNS's requirements concerning the query process. |
| 67 | Form 1449 and Solcitation Modification Forms | 1 | Does the USDA require copies of these forms to be signed by the vendors and included as part of our response to this RFP? If so, should these be included in the Technical Volume? If included in the Technical Volume, will these count torwards the overall page count? | Yes. It could be included in any volume and will not be counted towards the page count. |
| 68 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 6 | Item b of section 3.3 states that “Quotations shall consist of three volumes…”, and Volume 2 is listed as a Past Performance volume. |
However, in the instructions for the Technical Volume, Past Performance is listed as Tab D to be included within the Technical Volume.
Please clarify if Past Performance should be a separate volume or if it should be included in the Technical Volume.
| If it is to be included as part of the Technical Volume, is there a page limitation for the Past Performance section? | Past Performance should be separate from the technical volume. | ||||
| 69 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 7 | Section 3.3 refers to an index that vendors are required to submit that should reference "...the page and paragraph numbers that contain their response/methodology/narrative, on an item-by-item basis to all of the requirements and evaluation criteria listed in the following paragraphs and subparagraphs." |
| Does "the following paragraphs and subparagraphs" apply to only the content in Sections 3.3 - 4.0 on pages 6 - 14? | Each sections has its own requirements in the RFP. Please follow those requirements for that section. | |||||
| 70 | 3.3 Offers Submission | 10 | This section states that the Subcontracting Plan should be included in the Technical Volume. Will the Subcontracting Plan be included in the page count limit for the technical volume, or can it be included as an Appendix and, therefore, be excluded from the page count limit? | The subcontract plan is excluded from the page count. | ||
| 71 | 2. Evaluation Factors; Factor 3 Past Performance | 13, 14 | The RFQ states, "Offerors shall send a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (see attachment 2) to one contact person from |
a minimum of three references described above for them to complete and include the performance questionnaires in the technical quotation."
There doesn't appear to be an Attachment 2 associated with the RFP/included in the "Attachment/Links" section of the Contract Opportunity.
| Please provide Attachment 2. | Attachment two has been uploaded to SAM. | ||
| 72 | 5. Past Performance—Tab D |
AND
| Factor 3: Past Performance | 10, 14 | Regarding Past Performance, should the completed questionnaires be sent directly from customers to USDA by 7/6 as stated in section 5. Past Performance, page 10 AND included in "...the performance questionnaires in the technical quotation" as stated in the 'Factor 3: Past Performance' section on page 14? | The Past Performance Questionnaire should be completed and sent directly to FNS, as per the form instruction. The past performance references should be included in the proposal. | |||
| 73 | TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (VOLUME 1) instructions - under #2 in the 5. Past Performance—Tab D | 10 | There is a reference to "Attachment 05" in the in section 5. Past Performance-Tab D. Should this be Attachment 2 (see question 2 above), or is there another attachment that is relevant to Past Performance? | The past performance questionnaire is attached. | ||
| 74 | Various | 1, 10, 14 | Regarding all relevant attachments, there are references to Attachment 2 (the Past Performance Questionnaire); Attachment 03 (the Performance Work Statement); and Attachment 05 (listed in section 5. Past Performance-Tab D) and as a separate document in the "Attachments/Links" section of the Contract Opportunity (which is the template for submitting "questions and answers format". Is there a relevant Attachment 01/1 or Attachment 04/4? | No, the only attachement that was missing is the Past Performance Questionaire. It is attached now. |
| 75 | n/a | n/a | If Past Performance Questionnaires are to be sent to customers and returned directly to the USDA by the customers using Attachment 2, which is not yet available, will the USDA consider extending the due date for Past Performance? | The Government will extend the date that the Past Performance Questionaire is due to July 19, 2023 12 PM EDT. |
| 76 | n/a | n/a | Based on the number of open questions and potentially missing attachments, will the USDA consider extending the due date for the Offer/RFP? | Due to the anticipate date of award to be before 09/30/2023, the due July 19, 2023 12PM EST remains unchanged. |
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