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BFCC NCC Amendment Number 1 Industry Questions CMS Responses April 25, 2014
| Question # |
| Section Name |
| Section Number |
| Question Received |
| CMS Response/Comment |
| Will CMS be announcing the BFCC-QIOs by May 1, 2014? |
| CMS anticipates making the BFCC-QIO awards on or about May 6, 2014. |
| 2 |
| Medical Records Photocopying |
| B.6 |
| During the five-year period of the contract, under what circumstances will the NCC be reimbursing providers for the cost of photocopying expenses (e.g., special studies, innovative initiatives)? |
| The only circumstance a BFCC NCC would conduct medical review is in case of taking over case review in a specific area, due to an emergency. |
| 3 |
| Medical Records Photocopying |
| B.6 |
| Will CMS be providing the pass-thru cost amount that bidders should use for price proposal responses? If not, please explain what assumptions the government would like bidders to use to estimate photocopy expenses. |
| The only circumstance a BFCC NCC would conduct medical review is in case of taking over case review in an specific area, due to an emergency and therefore, incurring pass thru costs. |
The costs for medical records photocopying when applicable shall be provided to CMS.
| 4 |
| Medical Records Photocopying |
| B.6 |
| Are medical record photocopying costs to be treated as pass-thru expenses? |
| Yes as long as the costs are related to reimbursing a provider for sending and copying those records. |
| 5 |
| Overnight Mailings |
| B.7 |
| This section states that aside from deliverables, the BFCC NCC has the discretion in determining whether over-night mailings would be appropriate, e.g., provider-based discharge appeals. Is the BFCC NCC responsible for sending the BFCC QIO decisions back to the providers? Please explain. |
| This shall not be responsibility of the BFCC NCC but the BFCC-QIO |
| 6 |
| Contract Limitations |
| B.9 |
| Is a QIO conflicted from priming this contract? |
| A QIO who is awarded as a QIN-QIO is ineligible for a BFCC NCC award. A BFCC-QIO is eligible for a BFCC NCC award. |
| 7 |
| Contract Limitations |
| B.9 |
| Is a QIO conflicted from being a subcontractor on this contract? |
| A QIO who is awarded as a QIN-QIO is ineligible for a BFCC NCC award. A BFCC-QIO is eligible for a BFCC NCC award. |
| 8 |
| Contract Limitations |
| B.9 |
| Would a Medicare Administrative Contractor be conflicted from being a subcontractor on this contract? |
| They are not excluded; however, there is a considerable risk for conflict of interest. This situation would need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. |
| 9 |
| Contract Limitations |
| B.9 |
| Can CMS please elaborate on the types of organizations that would have a conflict of interest? |
| Refer to Section H.11 of the RFP for Conflict of Interest descriptions. |
| 10 |
| Contract Purpose |
| C.2 |
| Please explain how the NCC will coordinate “numerous statutory review functions”. |
| As the coordinator contractor for all BFCC activities, the BFCC NCC contractor is expected to understand and to provide guidance as needed to BFCC-QIOs as requested. |
| 11 |
| Program Structure |
| C.3.1 |
| Can CMS provide examples of organizations that have national experience working with Medicare beneficiaries? |
| CMS stakeholders. |
| 12 |
| Program Structure |
| C.3.1 |
| Given the limited number of responses that CMS has received for the QIO BFCC RFP, would CMS consider combining this scope of work with the BFCC ORC in order to provide administrative efficiencies to CMS? |
| This is not a consideration |
| 13 |
| Program Structure |
| C.3.1 |
| Does CMS still anticipate awarding five BFCC-QIOs? |
| CMS anticipates awarding 5 BFCC regions. |
| 14 |
| SOW-focused National Stakeholder Collaboration |
| C.5.5.1 |
| The first paragraph states the following: “The BFCC NCC will assist in the facilitation and dissemination of information about CMS collaborative activities related to the SOW, whether as the BFCC NCC itself (i.e., disseminating nationally) or as a conduit to help BFCC-QIOs communicate locally within their QIO areas.” Is it CMS’s intent that the BFCC QIO or the NCC communicate directly with national and/or regional organizations that have local offices in the BFCC QIO Area? |
| Yes, this is a major task related to this SOW. |
| 15 |
| Communications |
| C.5.6 |
| This section states: “The BFCC NCC is required to engage in education, outreach and communication activities to inform Medicare beneficiaries and providers about the purpose of the QIO program, beneficiary rights under Medicare and how such rights may be exercised …” Is it CMS’s intent that the BFCC NCC will develop all marketing materials and provide them to the BFCC QIO or that the BFCC QIO will develop its own marketing materials? So as to avoid overlap, please distinguish between the specific roles and activities of the BFCC NCC and the BFCC QIO with regard to Area/State/other local communications. Please provide some examples. |
| The BFCC NCC shall assist CMS and its contractors, as requested, so the BFCC related activities are achieved. The BFCC NCC shall participate as guidance and coordinator for such activities. In fact, the BFC-QIOs will develop their own materials, however, the BFCC NCC may provide assistance, and expert guidance this purpose. |
| 16 |
| Communications |
| C.5.6 |
| The second paragraph identifies as one of the major sources of marketing materials for the NCC as being “other CMS contractors.” Does this include the BFCC QIOs? |
| Yes, this includes the BFCC-QIOs. |
| 17 |
| Applicability of Communications Policies to BFCC NCC Activities |
| C.5.6.1 |
| This section makes reference to the QIO Program Brand Guidance Manual indicating that it is incorporated by reference as part of Attachment J-3. However, we cannot access the QIO Program Brand Guidelines Manual through any link in Attachment J-3. Please provide a copy of the QIO Program Brand Guidelines Manual. |
| Link to the QIO Manual: |
http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Internet-Only-Manuals-IOMs-Items/CMS019035.html?DLPage=2&DLSort=0&DLSortDir=ascending
| 18 |
| Outreach Costs |
| C.5.6.7 |
| This section states that the BFCC-NCC must submit a proposal and obtain prior approval from CMS for any “Outreach Item” in excess of $5,000, or “Paid Media” at any cost. Does CMS want bidders to submit estimates costs for Outreach Items and Paid Media in this business proposal or after contract award when a separate proposal for each Outreach Item or Paid Media item is submitted to CMS for prior approval in accordance with the requirements of this section? |
| As part of the Business Proposal bidders should include documentation that supports the proposed cost. If a bidder is proposing outreach items and/or paid media bidders should include information supporting those costs in the business proposal. After award the successful bidder will follow approval requirements contained in the contract. |
| 19 |
| Web Presence |
| C.5.6.8 |
| The first paragraph states that the BFCC-NCC communications work shall include substantive coordination with the Program Collaboration Center (PCC) in developing and maintaining a national QIO program-wide website and shall respond to requests from the PCC and other CMS contractors with input and materials for the website. Does this mean that the PCC is responsible for the technical development and maintenance of the infrastructure of the website including uptime, response time, etc? If no, please explain who is responsible for the costs associated with the technical infrastructure of the website. |
| In this case, the BFCC NCC shall only in coordination with the PCC to ensure the BFCC related messages are applicable and correct, however the PCC will develop and maintain its website. |
| 20 |
| Web Presence |
| C.5.6.8 |
| The second paragraph states that the BFCC-NCC must obtain permission from CMS before developing and maintaining a separate website directed to non-QIO beneficiary audiences specifically. Should bidders include pricing for this type of website development and maintenance? |
| The bidders should estimate and include in your Business Proposal all costs needed to accomplish the proposed technical approach and contract requirements. |
| 21 |
| Social/Digital Media |
| C.5.6.9 |
| Who is responsible for any costs related to the technical development and maintenance of any tools supporting the national QIO program-wide social/digital media strategy – the NCC, the PCC, or some other contractor? |
| Each contractor shall be responsible for its own social and digital media as applicable. |
| 22 |
| Social/Digital Media |
| C.5.6.9 |
| The first paragraph on Page 28 states that prior approval must be obtained from CMS if the BFCC-NCC wants to establish a separate web presence supporting utilizing social/digital media. Should the business proposal include costs for this type of development and maintenance? |
| If the bidder’s technical approach includes a separate web presence, the bidder must include those costs in the Business Proposal. |
| 23 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| “In the event that a BFCC-QIO is physically unable to maintain case review operations for its QIO area, the BFCC NCC shall be prepared to take over operations for that entity. In this case the BFCC NCC will operate 5 days a week to allow for a beneficiary and family centered care approach. The intake of cases shall occur 7 days per week. On Monday through Friday, under such circumstances, the BFCC NCC shall be staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Because a BFCC-QIO may operate in more than one time zone, CMS expects that the BFCC NCC staffing will cover the above-noted times in each time zone within the respective BFCC-QIO area.” |
Question: In the above scenario will the BFCC-NCC only be providing “intake” or will review of cases be required by a professional staff?
In such temporary scenario, the BFCC NCC shall conduct the intake and related case review activities as well, like a BFCC –QIO.
| 24 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| If an entity is which is not a BFCC QIO is awarded the NCC contract, how will the NCC assume a BFCC QIOs operations (perform case review) for an entire region with its existing staff? |
| In this case, a modification of the SOW would apply for the temporary coverage of the area. |
| 25 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| In the event of a pandemic, flood, etc. and the NCC must assume case review activities for an entire region, will the timeliness thresholds be waived for a period of time? |
| In case of such event, CMS and the BFCC NCC will work on a modification that will satisfy the following but not limited to the needs of the geographic location and timeliness thresholds. |
| 26 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| The hours the NCC is expected to operate during an emergent situation are clearly documented on page 30. What is CMS’ expectation of the NCC’s normal business hours? |
| The normal business hours for the BFCC NCC contractor shall be Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 5:00 PM) |
| 27 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| Does CMS expect the BFCC-QIO to maintain a hot site or hot site infrastructure in the event of disaster? |
| In case of such event, CMS and the BFCC NCC will work on a modification that will satisfy the following but not limited to the needs of the geographic location and timeliness thresholds. |
| 28 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| The third bullet, last sub-bullet states: “BFCC NCC support contractors, such as subcontracts for case review support.” Aside from taking over for a BFCC-QIO if it cannot operate, what are the other specific case review support functions required by the BFCC-NCC? |
| In case of such event, CMS and the BFCC NCC will work on a modification that will satisfy the following but not limited to the needs of the geographic location and timeliness thresholds. |
| 29 |
| Continuity of Operations and Contingency Plan |
| C.5.7 |
| The first bullet on Page 30 requires the BFCC-NCC to be prepared to take over operations for a BFCC-QIO that cannot operate physically? If such circumstances were to arise, would the BFCC-QIO submit a cost-impact proposal at that time to CMS? |
| In case of such event, CMS and the BFCC NCC will work on a modification that will satisfy the following but not limited to the needs of the geographic location, timeliness thresholds, and cost-impact. |
| 30 |
| Internal Quality Control (IQC) |
| C.5.9 |
| The second paragraph indicates that the BFCC NCC shall also execute a subcontract with the CMS Survey Contractor (TBD) as directed by CMS and in accordance with Section J, Attachments J-8 (Subcontract Consent Form) and J-9 (Sampling Survey Contractor Subcontracting Agreement). Will CMS pay the Survey Contractor directly – there are no pricing terms and conditions on the Sampling Survey Contractor Subcontracting Agreement shown in J-9? |
| CMS pays the survey contractor directly through another contract vehicle. |
| 31 |
| Internal Quality Control (IQC) |
| C.5.9 |
| Will CMS evaluate the price proposal of the Survey Contractor or will the BFCC NCC be responsible for this-Attachment J-8 Subcontract Consent Form is to be completed by the BFCC NCC and contains spaces for documentation of price and contract arrangement negotiation details? |
| CMS pays the survey contractor directly through another contract vehicle. |
| 32 |
| Internal Quality Control (IQC) |
| C.5.9 |
| As prime contractor, will the BFCC NCC be responsible for the performance of the CMS Survey Contractor? |
| No, the BFCC NCC will not be responsible for the performance of the survey contractor. |
| 33 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| What specific communication channels are available for the BFCC QIO community to submit questions to CMS and the BFCC NCC to provide answers? |
| The questions may be submitted via email inbox to the BFCC NCC directly or sometimes directly to CMS and the COR/GTL will forward them to the BFCC NCC staff. |
| 34 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 5b: What is the estimated number of questions related to BFCC QIO activities that CMS anticipates the BFCC NCC will be required to answer annually? |
| This varies and depends on current issues. |
The BFCC NCC may receive an average of 10 to 15 questions monthly.
| 35 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 6: How does the current system communicate with the RAC Warehouse regarding notification of the specific claims the QIO has already reviewed so those cases are not part of RAC analyses? Does a person extract data and supply it to the RAC Warehouse staff and if so at what interval or is there an electronic feed of the relevant claims data? |
| Yes the data is extracted from the RAC Warehouse. After contract award, as part of initial communication, the GTL will coordinate a meeting between the BFCC NCC contractor and the CMS staff that lead the RAC contractor for coordination, and instructions. |
| 36 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 7: How does the BFCC NCC assist with the development of the system? What staff skill sets or credentials are required? |
| The BFCC NCC staff shall be skilled to understand case review activities and related systems as users and potential experts. |
| 37 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 7: “The BFCC NCC shall provide recommendations on its own experience and expertise….” What access will the offeror have to the care review system? Does it include a test platform? |
| The BFCC NCC will have access to the case review system and its manuals. |
| 38 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 7: Item C. indicates that materials will be disseminated to the “QIO Community.” In this context, are all types of QIO’s recipients of the materials or just the BFCC QIO’s? |
| For matters related to the BFCC activities, only the BFCC-QIOs. |
| 39 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 7: Is the BFCC responsible for documenting the CMS-designated Case Review System “business requirements” or is this the responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System? |
This is responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System.
| 40 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 7: Is the BFCC responsible for documenting the CMS-designated Case Review “data dictionary” or is this the responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System? |
| This is responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System. |
| 41 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 7: Is the BFCC responsible for developing and documenting the CMS-designated Case Review “training information” or is this the responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System? |
| This is responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System. |
| 42 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Is the BFCC responsible for developing and documenting the CMS-designated Case Review “outreach information” or is this the responsibility of another contractor? |
| This is responsibility of the contractor who develops and maintains the relevant Care Review System. |
| 43 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Is the BFCC responsible for assisting CMS with the drafting of CMS communications or is the BFCC NCC only posting CMS communications authored by CMS in the context of the CMS-Designated Case Review System? |
| The BFCC NCC shall be tasked to draft the communications and/or messages, and posting them after CMS approval, however, other documents and communications may also be posted by CMS and/or other contractors via SDPS memos. |
| 44 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| What type of BFCC NCC support is required for “contractor/vendor setup, installation, breakdown, etc. of any HW/SW/telecom?” For example, is IT help desk support needed such as deploying personnel to contractor sites to assist with these functions? Please explain. |
| The BFCC NCC shall provide only guidance and coordination if needed. |
| 45 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| What type of specific BFCC NCC support is required for “troubleshooting of any HW/SW/telecom issues” related to the CMS-designated Case Review System? Please explain |
| The BFCC NCC shall provide only guidance and coordination if needed. |
| 46 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| This section states that the BFCC NCC may participate in JAD and working sessions and invite other QIOs and other stakeholders with the case review system developer and infrastructure team at CMS Baltimore as needed. For pricing purposes, how many trips should be estimated for visiting Baltimore for such meetings and for what duration of time for each trip? |
| For the past 3 years, the BFCC NCC attended only one (1) of these related meetings. |
| 47 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 8: Are any or all of these required articles to be publication grade? |
| No, articles are not required to be publication grade. |
| 48 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 9: There is no objective basis for determining level of effort for all components of Task 9 since the volume and type of innovative initiatives and special projects may evolve over time. Can CMS provide any assumptions to use for pricing purposes or is this type of task that is priced after contract award when such initiatives and special projects arise? (Items d, e, f, and g are impacted particularly by volume and scope of innovative initiatives and special projects.) |
| There is no decision at this point of how many innovative projects will take place, however, the BFCC NCC regular staff shall be able to provide the assistance and expertise, because other contractors will take the innovative projects. |
| 49 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 10: Do the 71,775 hours specified on page 162 of the RFP include the estimate of the level of effort to support Task 10 or will Task 10 be priced once the specific requirements that are to be phased into the second year of the contract are determined by CMS? |
| The level of effort for Task 10 is included in the 71,775 hours specified in the RFP. |
| 50 |
| Specific Tasks |
| C.7.4 |
| Task 11: Item F requires the BFCC NCC to research and develop strategies, materials and protocols for all training initiatives, including any “provider-related” training. For pricing purposes, please provide the volume estimates for the provider-related training including the type, method, duration, and location of provider-related training. |
| These training activities take place via webex and CMS does not expect more than 2 of these “provider-training”, and they may be no longer than 60 minutes via webex. |
| 51 |
| Transition from Incumbent NCC to Successor BFCC NCC |
| C.8.1 |
| General Guidelines states “Prior to the 60th day before the last day of the incumbent NCC’s contract”… would that be June 1st and if so the new contract would be awarded by then? |
| CMS anticipates making the award for the BFCC NCC to allow for a minimal transition period for the BFCC NCC to be operational on August 1, 2014. |
| 52 |
| Transition from Incumbent NCC to Successor BFCC NCC |
| C.8.1 |
| Section C.8.1 General Guidelines appears to cover requirements related to a successor BFCC NCC transitioning with the incumbent BFCC that holds a contract pursuant to this solicitation. All timeframes are stated in terms of being prior to the end of a contract period. However, Section C.8.2 Transition Plan which is addressed in Section C.8.1 appears to cover requirements of the successful awardee of this contract with the current incumbent BFCC NCC because the time frames noted are within days after award of this contract SOW. Is this interpretation of the requirements of Sections C.8.1 and C.8.2 correct? If not, please explain or modify the requirements in this section to apply to one transition period (phase in transition or phase out transition) or both periods across C.8.1 and C.8.2. |
| The interpretation is correct. |
| 53 |
| Period of Performance |
| F.2 |
| The period of performance is noted as 60 months. Section H.22 Transition from Incumbent NCC Contractor to Successor BFCC NCC Contractor on page 109 discusses a transition period that must end by 31 July 2014 so that the NCC can be fully operational by 1 August 2014. Please clarify (1) the expected award date of the contract, and (2) whether the total period of performance will still be 60 months versus 60 months plus the time period allowed for transition |
| The period of performance will be for a total of 60 months to include a minimal transition period and allow the BFCC NCC contractor to be operational on August 1, 2014. |
| 54 |
| Items to be Furnished and Delivery Schedule |
| F.3 |
| What is the difference between deliverable 5 and deliverable 8? |
Deliverable 5 is related to the meetings mentioned on Deliverable 4, and Deliverable 8 is related to the meetings mentioned on Deliverable 7.
| 55 |
| Items to be Furnished and Delivery Schedule |
| F.3 |
| Items 11 and 12 on the Delivery schedule have due dates for the Transition Plan and orientation call that are within 30 and 5 days after contract award respectively. Do these Deliverables pertain to Sections C.8.1 and C.8.2? |
| Yes, items 11 and 12 pertain to Sections C.8.1 and C.8.2. |
| 56 |
| Content of Voucher |
| G.2 |
| There is a statement before the last bullet on the page stating: “See G.4. Executive salaries must be invoiced in accordance with the requirements of OMB Circular A-122 and FAR Part 3.” Is this statement not applicable for a for-profit entity? Please clarify. |
| The FAR reference if applicable for a for-profit entity. FAR likely has a similar clause that may be applicable to for profit organizations. |
| 57 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| What are the requirements and the roles of the six key positions listed? |
| Offerors shall be able to provide their proposed key staff that will meet the requirements of the SOW, as shown below: |
1. Executive Director: Experience related to all aspects of administration, operations, strategy, and monitoring of a contract.
2. Project Director: Experience related to all aspects of administration, operations, strategy, and monitoring of a contract; and understanding the overall aspects that entail case review, and quality of care related issues. Be responsible for quality monitoring of performance as well as contract evaluation, planning and budget.
3. Project Coordinator: At least 3 to 5 years of experience in management related to health care customer service; quality of care complaints, and experience related to monitoring and supervising daily workload of customer and administrative service areas, ensuring performance standards are met. Delegate activities, communicate and follow up to ensure representatives are fully informed of all new information related to products, procedures, customer needs and company related issues, changes or actions.
| 57 continues |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| What are the requirements and the roles of the six key positions listed? |
| 4. QA Analyst: Experience in quality management performance measurement systems; and experience leading improvement teams, understanding case reviews, beneficiaries’ complaints, project management and continuous improvement activities. In addition, experience in data analytics, project management, communication, and problem solving. |
5. Statistician: Experience in data analytics, project management, communication, and problem solving. Assist with project strategy and measure evaluation. Provide data analysis and reports. Experience in guiding the analysts and the project teams in selecting the appropriate samples and methods of analysis. Develop tracking and trending tools for assessing cost-effectiveness and improvement in the work activities. Design, develop and test the specific programs and tracking systems needed to conduct pattern analysis activities.
6. Communications Coordinator: Experience related to marketing materials development including research, design, and production; and understanding the appropriate communication tools for a selected audience, Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
| 58 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| What is CMS’s expectation for the position of QA Analyst as a “Key Position?” Is this a position that is supposed to review information and data before it is released to any party to ensure that it is accurate and complete? If not, please explain. |
| This position would apply to staff that have the understanding of case reviews and quality assurance related to all case review activities. Refer to response to question #57 above. |
| 59 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| Is there a requirement for the positions listed as “Key” to be full time positions? If not, can a person serve in more than one Key position? |
| Yes, a designated staff may work in more than one key position. |
| 60 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| Is it permissible for personnel in Key positions to provide services on other contracts in other positions? |
| This is permissible; however, must not overlap per the limitations chart. |
| 61 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| Is it permissible for personnel in Key and support positions to provide services on this contract if they are providing services on another eligible QIO program contract? |
| This is permissible; however, must not overlap per the limitations chart. |
| 62 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| With the exception of the project director and communications coordinator, all others positions listed appear to be specific to the unique staffing solution of the incumbent contractor for the QIO 10th scope of work. For example, there does not appear to be a valid reason why all firms would need to bid an “Executive Director” as a Key person on the contract when there is a “Project Director” position listed as Key. Will CMS consider reducing the number of positions listed as “Key” and allow bidders to propose a different staffing solution with different job titles to provide the services under the contract? |
| CMS will consider alternative staffing solutions as long as there is sufficient information provided for evaluation and determination. |
| 63 |
| Key Personnel |
| G.12 |
| Since the Project Coordinator, QA Analyst, and Statistician are generic titles for positions that are not apparent based upon the tasks that are described in the contract, please provide the job description requirements that CMS requires for these positions to support their roles as “Key.” |
| Job descriptions are listed under the response #57 above. |
| 64 |
| Data De-Identification Process |
| G.21 |
| The BFCC NCC is to pay the HCQIS contractor for de-identification services. What is the assumption basis for estimating costs associated with payment of this type of service for inclusion in the Business Proposal or are such costs to be provided to CMS when they are applicable and the contract modified accordingly at that time? |
| The costs shall be provided to CMS upon approval, when they are applicable based on the requested data. |
| 65 |
| Biennial Wage Determinations |
| G.24 |
| Why is the Wage Determination updated every two years instead of every year? |
That is a standard practice.
| 66 |
| Security Clause |
| G.27 |
| The RFP states that “The BFCC NCC Contractors’ Information Security Attestation submitted with its contract proposal for award of a contract, is incorporated as a part of this contract in Section J Attachment J-22. Please clarify which volume and section of the proposal response should the Offeror put attachment J-22? |
| The completed attachment J-22 should be places in Volume 1 Technical Proposal as an attachment or appendix. |
| 65 |
| CMS-Directed Subcontracts/ Special Project Lead Organizations |
| H.6 |
| The RFP states that “Each BFCC NCC contractor is directed to enter into a subcontract or coordinate with BFCC NCCs and Special Innovation Project Lead Contractors for performance of the work under this contract:” Please clarify that there will only be one BFCC NCC Contractor |
| Correct. CMS is anticipating only 1 BFCC NCC contract. |
| 66 |
| CMS-Directed Subcontracts/ Special Project Lead Organizations |
| H.6 |
| The RFP states that “Each BFCC NCC contractor is directed to enter into a subcontract or coordinate with BFCC NCCs and Special Innovation Project Lead Contractors for performance of the work under this contract:” Please clarify which entities CMS is referring to for coordination and subcontracting because the section references BFCC NCC twice. |
| The statement is revised to read “Each BFCC NCC contractor is directed to enter into a subcontract or coordinate with other NCCs and Special Innovation Project Lead Contractors for performance of the work under this contract.” |
| 67 |
| CMS-Directed Subcontracts/ Special Project Lead Organizations |
| H.6 |
| Will directed subcontracts be paid directly by CMS to those subcontractors? |
| Directed subcontractors will be paid from a separate contract vehicle by CMS. |
| 68 |
| CMS-Directed Subcontracts/ Special Project Lead Organizations |
| H.6.B |
| Will CMS release the BFCC NCC from liability regarding other directed subcontracts aside from those types listed presently in section H.6.A of the solicitation and list them in Section H.6.A of the contract as they become applicable, such as the CDAC for any necessary abstraction services, the survey contractor, etc.? |
| Yes, the BFCC NCC will not be liable for the directed subcontractors. |
| 69 |
| Acceptable Compliance Program |
| H.10.A |
| This section makes reference to a BFCC NCC Governing Body and discusses its roles and responsibilities as though it is specific to the BFCC NCC contract alone. Does CMS expect the BFCC NCC contractor to establish a government body strictly for the BFCC NCC contract or will the government body established for the organization as a whole be sufficient? |
| A government body established for the organization as a whole would be sufficient as long as they follow the federal regulations to include one consumer representative and one physician representative. |
| 70 |
| Acceptable Compliance Program |
| H.10.A |
| If the BFCC NCC is a limited liability company, it is acceptable for it to establish a governing body strictly for the BFCC NCC contract? If not, please explain. |
| Yes, it is acceptable for the BFCC NCC to establish a separate governing body as long as they follow the federal regulations to include one consumer representative and one physician representative. |
| 71 |
| QIO Manual Changes |
| H.14 |
| The note in the last paragraph states that “The FAR, HHSAR, OMB A-122 Circular and the BFCC NCC, take any precedence over any term or condition of the QIO Manual in the event the contents of the Manual conflict.” What does CMS mean by the BFCC NCC takes precedence over the QIO Manual? |
| This is a typographical error – the BFCC NCC does not take precedence over the QIO Manual. |
| 72 |
| Transition Plan |
| H.22 |
| Items C and D make reference to the transition and completion of case reviews. Please clarify what types of cases CMS is referring to with regard to BFCC NCC responsibilities? |
| The BFCC NCC will not be required to complete any case review, this applies to BFCC-QIOs only, however the BFCC NCC may provide related assistance and expertise to the BFCC-QIO. |
| 73 |
| Representations and Certifications |
| L.6 |
| If a contractor has completed Reps & Certs on www.sam.gov, can we state that in lieu of providing a completed set in the proposal? |
| Yes, offerors may substitute a completed Section K with Reps and Certs from SAM. |
| 74 |
| Small Business Subcontracting Plan |
| L.9 |
| In what volume should the Small Business Subcontracting Plan be included, and under what specific tab? |
| Volume 2 Business Proposal, under Tab 11: Small Business Subcontracting Plan, per Section L.14.D. |
| 75 |
| Intent to Submit a Proposal |
| L.12.I |
| It states “email should also identify the BFCC NCC Ares(s) that offeror is intending to proposal (propose) on. Please clarify as “areas” not mention elsewhere. |
| This should not include the word “Area(s).” See revised language. |
| 76 |
| Technical Proposal |
| L.14.C |
| Can an offeror reference a Past Performance Questionnaire that was sent to the BFCC mailbox for a previous proposal that was submitted within the past 6 months? |
| No, Past Performance Questionnaires need to be resubmitted under this solicitation. |
| 77 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| Are some tasks considered higher priority than other tasks within the stated level of effort of 71,775? If so, which tasks? |
| The Offeror shall focus only on the tasks in the SOW. There is no task taking higher priority over others. |
| 78 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| What is the LOE breakdown by each of the key positions? |
| CMS is not providing this information. |
| 79 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| Please provide the expected level of effort by task. |
| CMS is not providing this information. |
| 80 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| Is the level of effort the total hours for the 5 year contract inclusive of all tasks (an estimated 14,355 hours per year)? |
| Yes, the estimated level of 71,775 is for the total 5 year contract. |
| 81 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| The Business Proposal requires a breakdown of costs by SOW task and year. Please confirm the tasks to be detailed are those outlined in section C 7.4 of the RFP. If not, please provide the tasks expected to be detailed in the business proposal. |
| Yes, the costs should be broken down by tasks as listed in Section C.7.4. |
| 82 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| For Tab 7 and Tab 8 of the business proposal, can we use our current approved provisional rates? |
| Yes, please provide current approved provisional rate letter. |
| 83 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| The RFP states that the business proposal should be prepared for the period of performance identified in the statement of work. Should the Offeror include transition in its assumptions for the five year period of performance, or should the Offeror make the assumption that the 5 year period of performance starts with August 1, 2014 and the time for transition is in addition to the 5 year period of performance? |
| Transition is included in the 5 year period of performance. CMS anticipates Transition beginning on August 1, 2014 and the period of performance is anticipated to conclude on July 31, 2019. |
| 84 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| Should the bidder use its own proposal pricing templates? |
| Yes, offerors should use their own pricing templates. |
| 85 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| Page 164 directs the Offeror to include a statement indicating its Representations and Certifications are updated and current in the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). ORCA no longer exists as such. Should this reference be changed to the System for award Management (SAM) and the link corrected to the link for SAM? |
| Yes, the reference should be SAM. See revised language. |
| 86 |
| Business Proposal |
| L.14.D |
| Where in the business proposal should the statement on Financial Capability be included (i.e., under what Tab)? |
| It should be included as an attachment or appendix. |
