TDP6 Pre-Proposal QA Final Consolidated List.pdf

Question Number

RFP/Manual Location Subsection/Citation Subject Question Government Response

1 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

RFP Reference: Part 1, 1.0 General Administration, C.1.5 Scope (page C2‐C3); “The contractor shall be responsible for program operations and administration. TDP6 includes all associated administrative services, such as eligibility verification and enrollment, premium collection, customer service, claims processing, and beneficiary and provider education, which are at a minimum, consistent with the contractor’s commercial practices and industry standards.”

Third Party Administrative Services If DHA is planning on adding additional dental plan options to the Dental Program, would DHA consider a conflict‐free EEE contractor to support the beneficiaries in enrolling in a dental plan?

The Government is considering the EEE option. Please refer to final RFP for decision.

2 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.4.2 Electronic Copies Would the Government allow for submission via DoD SAFE in lieu of email due to the file sizes?

The Government will consider it. Please refer to final RFP for decision.

3 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.6 Volume 2 ‐ Technical Proposal Would the Government consider adding a section on Transtion Management to allow offerors the opportunity to provide their approach to the requirements in the RFP and TRICARE manuals?

The Government will not consider adding Transition Management as a technical evaluation subfactor.

4 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.7.1 Subcontractor Does the Government consider leased provider networks subcontractors?

No, a leased network is not considered a subcontractor. Per L.7.1, "A first‐ tier subcontractor does not include providers…" If you hired a company to specifically oversee the administration of the contract's provider network, then that would be considered a subcontract.

5 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

TDP6 HT9402‐22‐R‐001

C 1.5 ‐‐ "TDP6 requires the contractor to establish and maintain a provider network in the 50 United States, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico. "

C 1.5 ‐‐ "The contractor shall be responsible for program operations and administration. TDP6 includes all associated administrative services, such as eligibility verification and enrollment, premium collection, customer service, claims processing, and beneficiary and provider education, which are at a minimum, consistent with the contractor’s commercial practices and industry standards."

Would DHA consider the use of an indepedent third‐party administrative contractor, performing Eligibility, Enrollment, Encounter and Payment Processing, to improve program efficiency and provide greater choice to beneficiaries?

The Government is considering the EEE option. Please refer to final RFP for decision.

6 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.1.8 Contractor Travel Given contractor travel requirements are not specific enough to be reasonably estimated, would the Government please consider providing an ODC Travel CLIN with a plug number for all contractors to use to bid travel costs so that there is an even playing field across bids? Request that DHA provide a list of meetings over the past 3 to 4 years (considerng COVID impact) to help identify cost estimates.

This is a premium based contract (i.e. premiums cover the administration costs); therefore, a separate CLIN will not be added. C.1.8 states the number of maximum meetings to price.

7 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.1.8 OCONUS Meetings Will more than 14‐days notice be provided for the OCONUS meetings? That would be necessary for planning purposes and to achieve the best travel rates/cost.

Yes, more than 14 days notice will be provided. Clarification will be added to C.1.8.

8 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.4.1 Services Please clarify what is meant by "The Contractor will NOT provide Contractor Furnished Services in support of this contract/task order." Please define Services with examples in final RFP

"Contractor Furnished Services" mean the requirements stated in Part 5 of Section C such as providing provider networks, claims processing, customer service, etc.

9 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.3 Appointment Availability Standards How would a carrier demonstrate that their network could provide appointments in X number of days as part of an RFP? Please identify the specific criteria, data and frequency of verification by dentist location that DHA is seeking to verify a provider's ability to meet appointment availability.

The 21 calendar days is a 32 CFR 199.13 requirement. There are variances between companies in how they measure and track to ensure the standards are met; therefore, the Government cannot explicitly tell the offerors how to write their proposal. Network providers must be made aware of the TDP standards. The offeror must describe if their network is in place, if so how does it meet or exceed the TDP provider network access standards, this would include how they measure and track to ensure the standards are met. If the offerors current network does not meet the standards, then it must describe how it will be developed to meet or exceed the TDP provider network access standards. Offerors must commit to the standard or commit to a higher standard where permitted to do so. After award, in addition to reviewing the monthly status reports provided by the contractor, the COR will make periodic checks with provider offices and will also follow‐up with providers when complaints on appointment availability are received.

10 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.3 Appointment Availability Standards How will the Government define an area around which to use census data to make this Very Rural, Rural, Surburban and Urban classification. Is the intention of this definition to be on a Zip code by Zip code basis?

The definition is "per square mile." ZIP codes may be utilized in the development of the network. ZIP codes/miles where TDP beneficiaries reside may overlap provider networks. Offerors will receive data by 5‐ digit ZIP codes on eligible TDP beneficiaries and also enrolled TDP beneficiaries. Offerors may utilize that in determining if the beneficiary lives in a urban, surban, rural or very rural area.

11 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.6d Tracking Claim Errors Is the expectation that the carrier applies to the standard sample that carrier conducts monthly to validate claims are coded (not specified or called out as a PG) and paid correctly (PG of 97%)?

C.5.1.1.6c and C.5.1.1.6d standards are applied to 100% of claims processed, not just a monthly sample validation.

12 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.9b Customer Satisfaction Survey Will carriers be able to see the survey questions and the definition of "somewhat satisfied" prior to contract award? Also request that the Government identify the survey methodology (e.g., random selection of beneficiaries with a paid claim in past 12 months, who, what, how often) for determining who receives the survey and requirements for the contractor to provide any data to support the survey.

Phone calls are made to beneficiaries receiving care for the previous quarter. The survey is concluded when 400 beneficiaries respond. A set of 5 standard questions are asked each quarter. The questions do not change. The questions are as follows:

1. All things considered, how satisfied were you with the overall service you received through 'contractor's name' during the past three months?

2. All things considered, how satisfied were you with the wait time between making appointments and actually seeing a civilian dental provider?

3. All things considered, how satisfied were you with 'contractor's name' handling of your dental claims during the past three months?

4. TRICARE Dental Program newsletters are mailed to enrollees four (4) times per year. Have you received a TDP newsletter in the mail within the last six months?

5. Using any number from 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst dental care possible and 10 is the best dental care possible, what number would you use to rate all of the dental care you received in the past three months?

The beneficiary may select from the following responses:

‐ completely staisfied ‐ very satisfied ‐ somewhat satisfied ‐ neither dissatisfied nor satisfied ‐ somewhat dissatisfied ‐ very dissatisfied ‐ completely disastisfied ‐ don't know/refused ‐ did not use

13 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.10a Quality Control Program Claims Sampling

What is the criteria or definition to determine 'appropriate care'?

Please provide specific details of the data and information in the final RFP that the Government would like to evaluate as meeting "appropriate care."

Appropriate means the standard of care for the CDT/care rendered.

C.5.1.1.10a will be clarified to state "99% of sampled claims shall indicate the appropriate standard of care was rendered each OP."

14 Section C ‐ Description/

Statement

C.5.1.3.2 Access to Data Does the Government have a preferred application offerors should use regarding the TDP data set, dashboard, and access requirements? Does the Government have a preferred system/technology that, if used for product selection, would help to streamline future MHS/M2 integration requirements?

The Government does not have a preferred application for the contractor to utilize. The systems must comply with the requirements as stated in Section C.5.2 and Section C Part 6. The MHS/M2 (see C.5.9) is not a future requirement such as MHS Genesis (see C.5.1.3.4). The Government does not have a preferred system for the MHS/M2. As stated in C.5.9, an Interface Control Document (ICD) will be developed describing the data exchange to the MDR. Attachment J‐10 describes the MDR data elements layout; which may be revised as necessary after award.

15 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.3.3 TDP Dashboard Will a dashboard template or design expectations be shared in the final RFP, or just a list of the required fields?

The Government does not have a template for the TDP Dashboard so as not to restrict the contractor based on their current systems. The dashboard requirements are stated in C.5.8.3.

16 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.3.4 Interface to EHRS Is there a set of requirements for this interface including the expected data elements? Would the Government please identify requirements or parameters for the data/dashboard interface to assist offerors with selecting one that will be compatible with the Government's systems?

The Government will provide the MHS Genesis requirements sometime after award. Offerors are not to propose anything in regards to C.5.1.3.4.

17 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.3d and Attachment J‐5 Mobile Dental Units In addition to South Fairbanks, AK, are there other locations in the current TDP contract that are extremely close to meeting the threshold required for a Mobile Dental Unit?

The status of the current provider network is considered proprietary and will not be disclosed. Offerors may make their assumptions for the need of MDUs based on their own provider networks.

18 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.8 Data Systems Access and Training There is no CLIN in the pricing spreadsheet for this requirement.

Please advise as to how this should be priced (priced into overhead as direct cost is not allowable?) or if it will be priced at a future date (post award). Please note that many requirements necessary for accurate pricing, such as number of trainings and/or location, are not identified.

A separate CLIN will not be added for cost of training. Offerors may price in transition cost and/or as part of administrative costs. Times for training are stated in C.5.1.3.1. C.5.8.1 will be clarified to state "The contractor shall provide the Transition‐In initial training at the contractor's place of business. After start of OP1, the contractor shall offer options in which to attend new user initial training and refresher training (e.g. the contractor's place of business, webinar, Teams, etc.)." with "The contractor shall provide the Transition‐In initial training at the contractor's place of business. After start of OP1, the contractor shall offer options in which to attend new user initial training and refresher training (e.g. the contractor's place of business, webinar, Teams, etc.)."

19 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.8.1.1 System Availability This section refers to PWS Sections that do not exist ‐‐ C.4.3.2 and C.4.3.3. Please clarify.

References C.4.3.2 and C.4.3.3 will be corrected to state C.5.1.3.2 and C.5.1.3.3.

20 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.8.2 TDP Data Set Can the access to the data ‐ with the selection of specific data elements for download capability ‐ be incorporated into the TDP Dashboard? Is the data set inclusive of the elements described in J‐ 10 MDR Data Elements Layout?

The Government requires access to the contractor's system to pull any TDP data for specific needs reports that may incompass more than what is provided on the dashboard. The Government believes the two cannot be combined without losing ease of use on the dashboard; however, the contractor may elect to program access to the TDP data set in any manner as long as it meets the requirement in which the Government has access to all TDP data as stated in C.5.8.2. The TDP data set is all data associated with the TDP contract and not just the Attachment J‐10.

21 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.9.1 Data Repository Is the data set inclusive of the elements described in J‐10 MDR Data Elements Layout, or will a list of the data elements expected to be transmitted and/or received by DHA and the Contractor be provided? Would the MHS and M2 contain the same data as the TDP Data Set described in C.5.8.2?

The TDP data set stated in C.5.8.2 is all data associated with the TDP contract, which includes the data stated in Attachment J‐10 MDR Data Elements Layout. The contractor will be transmitting the Attachment J‐10 data on a monthly basis. The MDR/M2 is maintained by the Government for historical purposes. There is no specific data to be transmitted by the contractor for C.5.8.2. C.5.8.2 is for the Government to be able to obtain and download any data as required. The MHS/M2 only contains the claims data as stated in Attachment J‐10. There is overlap between the TDP data set, the dashboard and the MDR/M2. Each serve their own purpose.

22 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.9.2 TDP ICD Is there an Interface Control Document currently available and if so will it be provided?

Per C.5.9.2, the ICD is developed with the contractor after award. This is because the interface with the contractor's automated information system may differ from the current contractor's system.

23 Section C ‐ Description/

Statement

C.5.9.2 MHS MDR and M2 It is required that the Offeror work with DHSS to develop a TDP Interface Control Document to be completed 45 days prior to OP1.

Please advise as to which CLIN should include the pricing for this requirement.

A separate CLIN does not exist for the MDR/M2 requirement. It is the offeror's perogative as to price under Transition‐In or include in administrative/overhead costs.

24 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.10.3.3 Historical Data File Is there an existing file format for this data and if so will it be provided?

A template does not exist. Per CDRL R100 "File Format: Comma Separated File (.csv), Microsoft Excel, or PDF as needed." This is an as needed report and will only be used in the event of when the Government cannot obtain the information from the Government's systems.

25 Section C ‐ Description/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.10.3.6 FOIA Requests Please advise if there are any special instructions regarding how Offerors should label content to protect proposal proprietary and confidential information from FOIA inquiries.

Offerors may indicate in headers and footers if the document contains any proprietary information. As for C.5.10.3.6, CDRL A010 provides instructions for bracketing proprietary information within the contract.

Bracketed information is redacted prior to releasing under FOIA.

26 Section H ‐ Special Contract Requirements

H.3.1.1 Enrollee Annual Dental Examination Utilization

The wording "unique enrollees (i.e. individual enrollee)" is used in this section to describe the incentive. Are the incentives based on total membership?

Yes, the percent of unique enrollees is based on the total number of enrollees.

27 Section H ‐ Special Contract Requirements

H.3.1.1 Enrollee Annual Dental Examination Utilization

The utilization incentive is a well‐intentioned concept yet one that could be a detriment if a carrier succeeded in P&D service delivery without building in additional cost to the rates to account for services following a P&D visit. The average cost per additional utilizer is usually at least $100, much more than the stated incentive reimbursement that is worth less than half in total dollars. A possible way for this to work is to build the additional utilization increase into the cost estimate upfront. However, this would drive up the total price for evaluation and reduce proposal competitiveness. DHA may want to reconsider the utilization incentive by increasing the incentive payments to a sufficient amount above the cost per additional utilizer. This can be achieved by increasing the incentive payments per performance tier or adjusting the incentive payment to be a flat dollar amount per additional utilizer in order to make this a performance enhancement versus additional costs to the carrier.

The Government will take the recommendation into consideration

28 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5 1.1.1.2. Partial Family Enrollments What constitutes a different location (i.e. different address, different zip code, different state, etc.)?

Any of the examples you provided apply. It is when the family member does not reside with the sponsor.

29 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5 2.3 Finance Center Interface "To accurately identify our approach to and cost associated with the requirement to interface with the Uniformed Services Finance Centers through the MHS B2B Gateway, more information is needed. Therefore, will details associated with this requirement be provided in the Final RFP?

A link to the TRICARE Manuals which includes the TRICARE Systems Manual (TSM) will be provided with the final RFP.

30 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5 2.10. Retroactive Enrollment "The contractor may retroactively enroll beneficiaries up to 18 months" ‐ Under what circumstances would this be allowed?

For example an enrollee who thought they were enrolled, but weren't and received care would be allowed to pay back enrollment fees in order to have their claim paid.

31 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5 5.3.1 Terminology In 5.3.1 and in other locations in J‐5, the term "Ordering Period" is used. Should this be "Option Period" in these references? If not, please define the difference between Option Period and Operating Period.

There are no option periods, only ordering periods. Please see FAR Subpart 16.5.

32 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J5, Items 11.6 and 11.7 Appointment Setting Services The requirements for Appointment Setting Services are not clear in the RFP. Item 11.7 states that "Enrollees may schedule an appointment online with providers who accept online appointments..." where common business practice is that most dental offices use their own Practice Management Systems and/or processes for their office appointment scheduling. What is the expectation for the contractor for appointment setting (specific) requirements and systems in order to send "Appointment reminders sent to enrollees at least 24 hours prior to their scheduled dental appointments" as well as "Personalized" and "Tailored" reminders one month prior to their appointment?

The Government does not specify what types of systems the contractor is to use, nor does is require the contractor to provide online appointment scheduling. In regards to appointment reminders, these could be sent by the provider's office and/or if the contractor schedules the appointment at the request of the enrollee, the contractor could also send a reminder notice. As for appointment assistance in paragraph 11.7, as stated enrollees may schedule appointments on line if providers have the capability for online appointment scheduling. In addition, if an enrollee is having difficulty in obtaining an appointment they can request the contractor to assist them in scheduling an appointment.

33 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5, 11.8 Special Needs Materials Regarding this requirement, "The contractor shall provide tailored educational materials for all special needs enrollees, caregivers and network providers." ‐ if the DHA Communications Branch is producing all TDP materials (see J‐5, 12.0), why would the contractor create and produce separate Special Needs materials? If it is the intent for the contractor to produce these materials, please define the specific materials requested (letters, brochures, etc.) to support Special Needs population.

The contractor develops a MOU with DHA Communications. There is collaboration between the two on content of educational materials. The contractor develops some on their own and DHA will develop some on their own. Each reviews and comments on each. DHA does 2 newsletters with input from the contractor. In regards to Special Needs enrollees, the requirement is for the contractor to provide this educational information as it pertains to their network providers, specific benefits and/or assistance offered, etc. It is up to the contractor on whether specific letters, brochures, etc. are created for the Special Needs Program or whether the information is contained within the overall program's brochure, benefit booklet, etc.

34 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5, 12.0 Education Requirements How many military installation unit individual briefings and activities (conferences/conventions) take place each option year?

There are approximately 750 installations worlwide. The Government does not dictate how many briefings are conducted each year. This is part of the contractor's education plan. The contractor's representatives create a relationship with the military bases and coordinate the number of briefings without DHA input.

35 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5, 12.0 Education Requirements For this requirement: "The contractor is responsible for providing the content of educational materials..." please confirm that the contractor is responsible for providing/assisting with content, but not for creating the contractor's own TDP materials, correct? Also need to confirm and specifically identify what the contractor will be required to mail or email to each household relative to information about the new contract (related to Comment #31).

See response to #33.

36 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5, 12.5.2 Newsletter Distribution In order to appropriately price the twice annual newsletter mailing, requesting that DHA identify the total quantity emailed versus mailed in the final RFP in order to accurately estimate and bid fulfillment and postage costs.

DHA does not track how many beneficiaries select email vs. U.S. Mail.

DHA will attempt to obtain this information for the RFP data. HIPAA and DEERS allows the contractor to utilize sponsor email address if it is stated in DEERS. The incumbent contractor is not allowed to transfer email addresses they have obtained from the beneficiaries. Incoming contractor must establish the beneficiary preference at the beginning of the contract. This is done utilizing the list of eligible beneficiaries provided by DEERS during transition. It is the contractor's choice of how this is accomplished, i.e. postcards pr letters and available sponsor email addresses.

37 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐5, 12.7 TDP Brochure Distribution Is the Government requesting a notification email or mailing to the newly eligible? If mailing, please identify current number of email versus mail recipients in order to estimate costs.

The contractor may use both. See response to #36.

38 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐6a, 2.1.1 TOPD List Requesting that the Government provide the TOPD dentist list with the final RFP in order to identify the current TOPD providers to assess contracting and credentialing activity. In order to receive a competitive bid price that doesn't favor the incumbent, it should be provided with the RFP rather than during the Transition In period (J‐ 11, 2.12.1) following award. The Government should also identify shortages/deficiencies in current TOPD availability by geography in order to assess level of effort for new contracting.

The TOPD list will be provided. The DEERS eligible/enrolled data will show where OCONUS beneficiaries reside. This will indicate where TOPDs are needed based on population. In addition, claims data will indicate where care has been rendered.

39 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐6a 3.10.1 Translation Services For real time phone translation, are all languages expected to be translated, or only specific languages?

Attachment J‐6a, para 3.10.1 will be clarified to state "The contractor shall provide real‐time toll‐free telephonic translation support services at the time of the detal care appointment upon beneficiary request. The contractor shall provide translation services for the languages stated in paragraph 3.10.3 and shall translate any other languages on a best‐effort basis."

40 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐11, 2.8, Table Row 1 Transition In/Information Files Transfer Requirements

Regarding the activity of receiving the 1st eligibility Education and Communication Listing, the activity states, "Name and address information on each household eligible for the TDP, but not enrolled, to supply the incoming contractor with sufficient data for direct‐mail educational activities." What is the requirement for the carrier to USPS mail what item to all households on this list? In Program Operations J‐5, it does not define what needs to be mailed.

In addition, this file (or something similar) should also contain Communication Preference indicator for each beneficiary so that the incoming contractor can immediately be communicating with the beneficiary through their preferred method. In addition, in J‐5, 12.7 there is the identification of distribution of the TDP brochure to newly eligible. It this that file for the (first) mailing activity and does the TDP Benefits Brochure need to be hardcopy mailed if the beneficiary has already selected "email" or "website" as their communication preference? Note that J‐5, 12.7 states "make available" versus distribution to households making it seem like there might be a disconnect between the two requirements/activities.

See response to #36. Attachment J‐5 states the enrollee may select how they want to receive educational materials. If the enrollee has not identified to the contractor how they are willing to receive the materials, then the materials must be mailed.

41 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐20 Price Evaluation Template: CLIN for NIST and Physical and Personnel Security

Please identify which PWS requirements should be aligned to the pricing CLIN: NIST and Physical and Personnel Security Requirements (Sustainment Requirements). Please confirm TDP dashboard, data, access, training, and system requirements do not align to this CLIN and identify to which CLIN they should be aligned.

NIST requirements are stated in C.5.2 and Section C, Part 6. It is the offeror's perogative as to how it prices its NIST requirements in relation to the TDP dashboard, data, access, training, and system requirements.

42 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.1, FAR 52.216‐1 Type of Contract Hybrid Contract Type Please explain the difference between firm‐fixed‐price and fixed‐ price contract types? Also, if this contract includes cost‐type CLINS, are offerors required to have a DCAA Approved cost accounting system?

Will delete fixed‐price reference.

43 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

Table L.2 Page Limits and L.4.8 Organization Chart Submission Please confirm that the requirement is as follows:

1. The Organization Chart must address the Offeror and major subcontractor(s), partner(s), joint venture.

2. The Organization Chart can be no more than 4 pages.

3. A copy of the Organization Chart that is no more than 4 pages must be provided in each volume.

Where within each volume would you like this document provided?

Please note that Section L.4.8 only requires that the organization chart be provided in Volume 1 and confirms it does not count against any page limitations.

Yes, confirmed. Please include in the beginning of each volume. Will update L 4.8

44 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.2.5.4 Pre‐Proposal OCI Reporting Requirement

Please clarify as to what constitutes "previous or ongoing work that is in any way associated with this proposal." If the work does not cause an actual, potential, or perceived OCI, is it still required to be disclosed? Are offerors required to disclose incumbent work?

Yes, it's required to be disclosed

45 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.4.3 Proposal Submission Requirements Please consider allowing single‐spaced proposals instead of double‐ spaced. If double‐spaced is preferred, please confirm double space requirements do not apply to supporting data exhibits/tables.

Please see L 4.3

46 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.4.4 Proposal Page Limitations Please confirm that glossaries/acronym tables will not count against page limitations.

Confirmed. Will update language

47 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.6.1.1 Scoring Strengths To ensure compliance with this requirement, can the Government expand on its position and intent behind the following language:

"Offerors shall not use the word “strength” to describe their approaches in their technical proposals..... Offerors shall refrain from using any formatting or graphic symbols to portray any portion of the proposal as a strength..." Please identify the detailed criteria, with examples, of what the Government scores as a "Strength."

The offeror must describe their approach in a manner that indicates is it meeting or exceeding the RFP requirement. The Government does not want to see special indicators such as flags, light bulbs to indicate what the offeror perceives is a strength in its proposal. Just because the offeror thinks the procedure, method or standard is a strength doesn't mean the Government will determine it to be a strength in its evaluation. Per L.6.1.1, The proposal must clearly describe and explain how the offeror will meet these proposed standards that either exceed the Government’s minimum standard or are additional standards or requirements. If the Government determines that these proposed standards or requirements will be advantageous to the Government during contract performance, the Government, at its sole discretion, will incorporate these into the contract. Per M.4.1, Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of how well an offeror’s proposed procedures, methods, and delivery of services meet or exceed the Government’s minimum standards and/or requirements.

Where the solicitation permits, the Government will consider whether an aspect of an offeror’s proposal, that has merit or exceeds specified performance or capability requirements, and would be advantageous to the Government during contract performance. If the aspect of the proposal is found to be advantageous to the Government, the Government may assess a strength. Per M.4.1, the definition of a Strength is an aspect of an offeror’s proposal that has merit or exceeds specified performance or capability requirements in a way that will be advantageous to the Government during contract performance.

48 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.8 Pricing Of the 1.8M eligible, how many are currently enrolled in the TDP?

And of those enrolled, how many are utilizing dental services? In order to provide a fair price to the Government ‐ relative to the incumbent who has direct access to utilization data ‐ this information needs to be provided with the final RFP in order to have fair competition.

Per Attachment J‐18 Ordering Instructions for TDP Data Files, listings of the number of eligibles and enrolled per 5‐digit ZIP Code will be provided to offerors.

49 Section M ‐ Evaluation Factors for Award

M.2.2 Single or Multi Carrier Award The draft RFP states…”The Government anticipates award of a single contract…” In January 2021, DHA issued a Draft Concept of Operations that contemplated a second option which would result in awards to multiple carriers, thus offering TRICARE beneficiaries the ability to choose the carrier and plan that best met their needs.

In addition, we note the Senate Armed Services Committee has included language in it’s version of NDAA23 that also calls for multiple carriers and an effective date of 1/1/2025. Has the Government made a final decision to reject the multiple carrier option for TDP6, or can we anticipate possible changes to this RFP to reflect that scenario?

The Government is considering multiple carriers option. Please refer to final RFP for decision

50 Section M ‐ Evaluation Factors for Award

M.7.2.1 Small Business Concerns Optimal dental insurance program solutions include Offerors providing all services using in‐house, trained, experienced staff.

Therefore, requiring Offerors to meet the stated small business requirements, and especially the small percentage and variety of small business designations, can result in receiving lesser quality services and unnecessarily increasing costs to the Government (for subcontracting). To that end, please consider providing additional information to identify the range of variation that will still be deemed "Acceptable" ‐‐ by overall small business requirement percentage as well as by small business designation percentage requirement. (Example, meeting overall small business requirements within +/‐ 8% of the overall small business requirement and including at least two of the small business designation categories will be deemed "acceptable.")

The Government will take the recommendation into consideration

51 Section L ‐ Instructions, Offerors

L.4.8 Organization Chart Please clarify what the Government expects for this submission. Is this a listing of the prime contractor and first‐tier subcontractors in an organization chart format? Does the Government want a description of each company and its roles and responsibilities?

What does the Government mean by "clear description?" Does this mean to identify each subcontractor as first tier or affiliate?

Please refer to L 4.8 and L 7.1. The purpose is to understand the contractual relationships

52 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.6 Technical Proposal The technical proposal does not ask for a general description of the offeror and their teaming partners. Is that the intention of L.4.8? If so, please see additional recommendations to provide all offerors clear direction on what to include. We believe the inclusion of a high level technology solution overview will make the evaluation of technical proposals more clear and save space in each subfactor.

The government will take the recommendation into consideration

53 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.1.3 Access Standards for General Dentists

The application of tele‐health and tele‐dentistry, especially for rural areas, has helped expand dental access across the United States.

There are various tele‐health models that have been widely accepted. What is DHA's perspective of tele‐health and tele‐ dentistry? Would DHA consider modifying the performance standards to reflect access inclusive of tele‐health and tele‐dentistry alternatives?

The Government understands access to a dentist may be limited in remote areas; however, The access standard to see a dentist is set by 32 CFR 199.13. Teledentisty is meant to assist in reducing the number of ER visits when possible.

54 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.3 Dental Outcomes Can DHA provide guidance on what type of outcome measures they would want tracked?

Outcome measurements are detailed in C.5.8.3. TDP Dashboard.

55 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.5.1.3.4 Medical ‐ Dental Integration Medical‐dental clinical integration has demonstrated meaningful benefits for several medical conditions (i.e., outcomes, financial savings). Does DHA intend to allow a single medical record to capture all medical and dental notes and clinical interactions? Will the next iteration of the RFP request medical‐dental integration opportunities?

The Government realizes the importance of dental health and overall health; however, the Government does not have the capability to implement a single health record at this time. The Government will take this under consideration for the future.

56 Section F ‐ Deliveries or Performance

F.2.1 Transition In Would DHA consider extending the transition in period to eliminate migration risk?

Historically proven a non‐incumbent was able meet the 12‐month transition time frame. The Government would consider extending the 12‐ month transition time frame only for extenuating circumstances.

57 Section G ‐ Contract Administration Data

G.3.2.5 NIST Pricing Because the contract is covered by the Cost Accounting Standards, how should offerors charge NIST and security costs to this CLIN, as the costs are pooled, reside in the G&A pool, are indirect, and are not able to be treated as an Other Direct Cost?

See reponse to #41.

58 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.4.1 Two Electronic Copies Given electronic copies can be duplicated and file size may preclude an offeror from emailing two electronic copies in one submission, we recommend the Government change L.4.1 to a single electronic copy.

Will update to single electronic copy

59 Section H ‐ Special Contract Requirements

H.3.1.1. Clarification Can DHA please provide an example or clarity of this sentence: "A unique enrollee is counted only once when more than one examination is utilized by the enrollee in the same period." Does this mean an enrollee who has two P&D visits would be counted as one enrollee?

A unique enrollee may only be counted once when receiving one of the examination codes listed in H.3.1.1.

60 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.4.1 Table L.1 Please add Organization Chart to the volume boxes for Volumes 2, 3, and 4. The chart only appears in the Volume 1 box.

Will update volume boxes

61 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

Section J Administrative Workloads What TDP administrative workload information will be provided as part of the RFP? In order to submit a price that reflects the actual annual effort, would DHA be willing to provide two years of all TDP administrative workload information (i.e., claims, calls, enrollment, appeals)? Ideally 2021 and 2022 information is preferred, as 2020 workload information is skewed due to the pandemic

Attachment J‐18 Ordering Instructions for TDP Data Files lists the data to be provided. Administrative data (e.g, customer service and claims data) will be provided from the start of dental care under the current dental contract.

62 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

Section J TOPDs Will DHA provide a listing of the existing and/or projected TOPDs?

Can DHA provide a snapshot of TOPDs by year / location / access points for 2019‐2021?

See response to #38.

63 Section L ‐ Instructions, Offerors

L.6.3 Beneficiary, Network Providers and TOPDs

The services and education programs for beneficiaries, network providers, and TOPDs are significantly different. We recommend this subfactor is restructured to align the contents differently for ease of response and evaluation.

The Government will take the recommendation into consideration.

64 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.7.2.2 Negative Past Performance L.7.2.2 requests the offeror address any negative past performance as part of the past performance narrative requested at L.7.2. Can the Government please clarify this request and describe how it differs from the request contained in L.7.3.1 regarding the summary description of each contract? The request in L.7.2.2 is broad and could be interpreted in different ways. For example, would lack of dental network providers causing beneficiary complaints in finding convenient dentists within access standards be considered "negative past performance" or is the threshold for negative past performance only when the performance results in a corrective action?

The Government does not see a conflict. L.7.2.2 states "…which it has not addressed elsewhere and been made available to the Government."

Negative performance does not always require a corrective action plan.

Complaints that are subjective and do not affect contract performance should not be provided as negative performance.

65 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.7.2.1 Newly Formed Entity Please define "newly formed company" as contained in this requirement. Does this mean a company formed within the last month, 6 months, 12 months, 36 months, or other threshold?

Within the past 12 months

66 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.7.2.3 Relevant Is there a rubric that the Government will use to define "relevant" in terms of providers, claims, phone calls, etc.? If so, please provide.

"Relevant" means as it relates to the solicitation requirments

67 Section L ‐ Instructions, Conditions, Notices to Offerors

L.7.4 Newly Formed/Re‐Organization Can the Government please clarify the purpose of having L.7.2.1 request information about a newly formed entity and also have the separate section at L.7.4 request information about a newly formed company?

The Government will take recommendation into consideration

68 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.1.4 Objectives As currently written, the contract objectives are operational based on the scope of the contract rather than being outcomes focused. Is the Government intending to measure based on outcomes?

The objectives are a mixture of operational and outcomes, which are reflected in the standards listed in Section C, Part 5.

69 Section C ‐ Decription/ Specifications/ Work Statement

C.3.5.2 DEERS Will the TDP6 program be impacted by the migration to the Eligibility, Enrollment and Encounter (EEE) platform / system?

At this time, the Government does not know the impact of migration to the EEE system as no decision has been made on its implementation.

70 OTHER N/A Current Contract Performance In the Evaluation of the TRICARE Program FY 2021 Report to Congress, TDP Overall Satisfaction has declined since FY 2017, to the lowest rate since FY 2007. As offerors can enhance their proposal to remedy the DHA and beneficiary areas of concern, can DHA provide insights into what are the root causes of the decline in satisfaction?

Overall satisfaction has remained above 92%. The TRICARE surveys do not provide beneficiary response as to why there is dissatisfaction. The way the TRICARE survey is designed, it does not afford the TDP contractor the opportunity the ability to receive or respond to negative responses.

71 Section B ‐ Supplies or Services and Price/ Cost

Cost Structure We believe a different benefit structure including premiums and cost share changes may result in improved utilization of preventive services and/or improve outcomes. The detail level data made available through J‐18 will illuminate potential changes that could help the Government realize positive changes in the program. Will the Government allow for this type of feedback after the data is made available?

Premium and benefit structure is set by 10 USC Chapter 55 Section 1076a and 32 CFR 199.13; therefore no changes are allowed as currently written.

See Section C, Part 2.

72 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐18 Data Files Given the amount of analysis required to develop a compelling and compliant dental network and financial model, the early availability of data for analysis is critcal. We ask the government to release the data files at least 6 months prior to RFP release with regular updates as needed.

Releasement of data 6 months prior to RFP release is not possible due to current procurement schedule.

73 Section J ‐ List of Attachments and Exhibits

J‐20 Price Eval Temp There are separate CLINs for Transition In and NIST and Physical & Personnel Security. Would the government consider removing these from the total evaluated price in order to increase competition?

The government will take the recommendation into consideration.