Q A_Sixth_Set_Answers.pdf

SOLICITATION HT9402-13-R-0001

TRICARE PHARMACY PROGRAM, FOURTH GENERATION (TPHARM4)

QUESTION AND ANSWER (Q&A) SET #6

HT9402-13-R-0001

ID: Question: Answer:

93 In reference to C.9.4.3., please provide the average length of time these military personnel are enrolled into the prescription restriction program, which will enable offerors to estimate the resources needed to enter overrides in compliance with the standards in C.9.4.2.8.

Because the length of time varies, the average is not representative of volume. See amendment #2 which provides an additional data file containing Prescription Restriction Program Volumes.

94 With respect to replenishment (C.7.11), it is well known within the PBM industry that there is great operational complexity associated with changing products in a MOP operation, especially with use of automation such as unit-of-use equipment, Baker cells, and other automated filling machines. NDC changes usually result in higher beneficiary call volumes, and negatively impact inventory management processes. It is clear that there will be different reasons the TPharm4 Contractor will need to switch NDCs, such as supply shortages, back orders, and the initial baseline and continuous monitoring requirements (C.7.13).

QUESTION: So that all offerors can accurately price their bid, please estimate the number of NDC changes that will be required each year.

The data provided below reflects the incumbent’s actual historical number of NDC changes from 6/2012 to 6/2013:

NDC changes due to supply issues: 970

Continuous monitoring: 420

Rebaseline: 416

95 With respect to C.7.11.8., the Contractor is required to track and report dispensed agents ordered and replenished by the NPV and provide auditable reconciliation reporting.

QUESTION: What is the Government’s internal reconciliation process and what are the Contractor’s obligations to support such a reconciliation process?

The Government will utilize and rely on the reports that will be provided by the contractor. See F.2.4, CDRLs M190, M200, M210.

96 In accordance with C.7.13.2, please elaborate on the Government’s expectations with respect to the “continuous monitoring” requirement for the lowest cost alternative. Are there a minimum or maximum number of changes that a Contractor shall identify each month?

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to develop an effective process that continuously monitors for all cost saving opportunities. The opportunities vary based on market conditions; as such, the RFP does not have minimum and maximum standards. The Government will rely on the contractor’s expertise. The Government intends to assess the contractor’s level of performance in annual past performance documentation.

97 Recoupment Collection efforts: It is common in the commercial pharmacy environment to immediately offset pharmacy-initiated point of sale refunds (reversals) until fully recovered. It is our understanding of the requirements of this contract to use contractor collection processes for 60 days (i.e. to offset immediately in accordance with commercial practices).

Then, according to TOM, Chapter 10, Sections 4, 16.1 &

In accordance with TOM Chap 10 Section 1, the Contractor is required to take recovery actions in accordance with its network agreements for a period of 60 days. If the outstanding debt is uncollected within 60 days from the initial Contractor-generated letter, the Contractor is required to follow the recoupment guidelines outlined in the TOM Chapter 10, Section 4.

The TOM Chapter 10, Section 4, paragraph 16.1 and

SOLICITATION HT9402-13-R-0001

TRICARE PHARMACY PROGRAM, FOURTH GENERATION (TPHARM4)

QUESTION AND ANSWER (Q&A) SET #6

HT9402-13-R-0001

ID: Question: Answer:

16.2, we are to cease offset efforts and send collection letters for 30 days, send a second collection letter for 30 days, and only after these attempts to collect, to resort to offsets against future payments. Is this understanding correct?

16.2 explains the offset process.

Regarding F.2 and G.5.7 - Contract Data Requirement List (CDRL) - the reports date average time to complete is estimated to be 110 hours. Is this estimate per report or for the entire report catalogue?

The reference to 110 hours is an estimate developed by the Department of Defense, Executive Services and Communications Directorate, which is responsible for the DD-form 1423. Pursuant to government requirements, this Directorate is responsible for estimating the “public reporting burden . . . per response” for the purposes of soliciting public feedback.

This language is on each “1 Data Item” form and appears to be an estimate per report. See the DD-form 1423 form. Offerors are reminded that when determining the estimated time to complete this report they should use their best business judgment and experience.

99 Can the government provide the estimated start dates for the Base Period and all the Option Periods?

See Section L.3.3. of the RFP.

100 G.11.6 states that the check date shall be the same date as the calendar date the Batch/Voucher was transmitted to TMA. However G.11.4.3. states that the contractor can combine multiple daily vouchers into a single payment. If that is the case, what date should be on the check?

Confirmed. The RFP does not make exceptions for the check date requirement in G.11.6 if the contractor chooses to combine into a single payment. The Government is willing to discuss at the post award conference with the successful offeror and may consider refinements to the administrative process if it will facilitate the successful offeror’s planned process.

101 Regarding Table G.5.6, where does the cost for C.10.4.2 fall (which CLIN)?

See Amendment 1.

The requirement at C.10.4.2 does not have a CLIN associated with it. See section G.5.6. “Requests for payment will not be made for mailings in which a CLIN is not associated.”

102 F.1.1. states, "Base Period is no more than one year and will begin on the date of award. The Contractor shall begin contract phase-in activities and complete specific activities by the timelines specified in the TRICARE Operations Manual (TOM) Chapter 1, Section 8." Is the bidder being asked to propose their own timeline for the Base Period/Transition In? Also, we do not see a Section 8 in TOM Chapter 1. What is the correct reference?

The Contractor is required to submit a Phase-In Transition Plan at CDRL T010 and required to complete in accordance with section F.1.1. See amendment 1 for correction to the TOM reference.