Amended RFQ IHS1548449 Amendment 4.pdf

AMENDED REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO. IHS1548449 –

Pandemic Preparedness Plan Evaluation Services

(1) General Information

a. This solicitation is prepared as a combined synopsis/solicitation in accordance with

FAR Part 12, as restructured and implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2 (effective 04/24/2026), and the corresponding HHSAR Part 312 deviation.

Additional details are included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotes are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

b. Solicitation Number: The solicitation number is IHS1548449. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

c. FAC Applicability: The solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2026-01.

d. HHSAR Deviation: This acquisition is also subject to HHSAR Class Deviation 2026-03, Revolutionary FAR Overhaul deviation to HHSAR Part 312 (effective 03/26/2026), which supplements the FAR Part 12 deviation referenced above.

e. Set-Aside & NAICS: This requirement is a 100% set-aside for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs). This set-aside is conducted under the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47). The NAICS code is 541611. The small business size standard is $24.5 Million.

(2) Requirement Description

a. Description of Services

The Indian Health Service (IHS) requires commercial consulting services. Please review the attached Statement of Work (SOW) for full details and requirements.

Performance Details: The period of performance will begin on the date of contract award and end on July 31, 2027.

All work must be performed entirely off-site at the contractor's facility or at a contractor-designated workspace. All work performed must take place within the United States.

b. Contract Line Item Structure

The Government intends to award a single Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract.

(3) Instructions to Offerors

FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2 (RFO DEVIATION, effective 04/24/2026), applies to this acquisition.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1:

1. Quote Organization: Offerors shall submit their quote in two separate volumes:

Volume I (Technical Quote) and Volume II (Price Quote and Administrative Documents). Volume I shall not contain any pricing information.

2. Volume I (Technical Quote) Instructions: The Technical Quote shall not exceed 15 pages. The 15-page limitation does not include the cover page, table of contents, acronym list, unpriced staffing matrix, or resumes for proposed key personnel.

All other materials submitted as part of Volume I, including past performance information, qualification summaries, cross-reference matrices, and other supporting materials, count toward the 15-page limitation. Volume I must address Factor 1 (Technical Approach), Factor 2 (Staffing and Management Approach), and Factor 3 (Relevant Experience/Past Performance) as described in the Evaluation Method section.

3. Volume II (Price) Instructions: Include a cover letter, FAR 52.212-3 (or active SAM.gov status verification), and Provide Total Firm-Fixed-Price for the full period of performance ending July 31, 2027. Use the following pricing table:

CLIN Description Qty Total Firm-Fixed-Price

0001 Administrative and General Management Consulting Services 1 $

4. A completed copy of the IHS Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) Representation Form must be submitted as a separate document.

(4) Evaluation Method

FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2 (RFO DEVIATION, effective 04/24/2026), applies.

The Government will use the streamlined evaluation procedures under FAR Part 12, as implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2, which incorporates simplified acquisition authorities formerly found in FAR Subpart 13.5.

Quotations will be evaluated using a tradeoff process in considering following evaluation factors: Technical Approach, Staffing and Management Approach, Relevant Experience/Past Performance, and Price. The non-price factors are equal in importance.

The non-price factors, when combined, are significantly more important than price. The Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest priced quote.

Notice of Intent to Award Without Discussions:

Quoters are advised that the Government intends to evaluate quotations and make an award without conducting discussions. Initial quotes should be their best from a technical and price standpoint.

Evaluation Factor 1: Technical Approach

The quotation will be evaluated on the quoter’s technical understanding and approach for fulfilling the SOW requirements. Favorable consideration will be given to:

a) Detailed understanding of the scope

b) A technical approach that complies with all SOW tasks

c) Plans for mitigating difficulties, including the offeror's approach to ensuring Section 508 accessibility compliance for all deliverables.

d) Approach to quality control, consistent with the Quality Control Plan requirements in PWS Section 3.8.

Evaluation Factor 2: (Staffing/Management)

Detail proposed labor categories, personnel qualifications, schedule management, and approach to coordinating with Government SMEs. Include an unpriced staffing matrix showing proposed labor categories and estimated hours. The quotation shall demonstrate that the proposed Project Manager and Lead Evaluator/Senior Analyst meet or exceed the minimum qualifications set forth in PWS Section 3.7, including the Lead Evaluator/Senior Analyst's required experience leading or materially supporting at least two discussion-based exercises, simulations, tabletop exercises, or comparable readiness assessments.

The quotation shall include resumes for the proposed Project Manager and Lead Evaluator/Senior Analyst. The Government will evaluate the resumes to determine whether each proposed individual meets or exceeds the minimum qualifications set forth in PWS Section 3.7. The quotation shall also detail the offeror's approach to managing the deliverable schedule set forth in PWS Section 2.2, including the concurrent planning demands of two discussion-based exercises within the required timeframes.

Evaluation Factor 3: (Relevant Experience/Past Performance)

Evaluated on recent and relevant experience performing projects of similar scope, size, and complexity.

Evaluation of Price:

Proposed prices will be evaluated for reasonableness. The Government will evaluate the total Firm-Fixed-Price using one or more price analysis techniques, including comparison of proposed prices received in response to the solicitation, comparison to the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), or comparison to historical prices paid for similar services.

(5) Provisions, Clauses, and Deviations

FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2 (RFO DEVIATION, effective 04/24/2026), applies to this acquisition. The Offeror shall complete this provision in accordance with the RFO FAR Part 12 model deviation text, or reference its current annual representations and certifications in SAM.gov.

MANDATORY DEVIATION NOTICE: System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations. Examples include 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance, and paragraph (d) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2 (RFO DEVIATION, effective 04/24/2026), applies to this acquisition.

FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as implemented by FAR Class Deviation 2025-09, Amendment 2 (RFO DEVIATION, effective 04/24/2026), applies to this acquisition. The applicable statutory/E.O. flow-down clauses will be included with the contract.

FAR 52.252-5, Authorized Deviations in Provisions, and FAR 52.252-6, Authorized Deviations in Clauses, apply to this acquisition. The following FAR and Department of Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition and are incorporated by reference unless otherwise stated. Full text of provisions and clauses incorporated by reference is available electronically at Acquisition.gov.

a. FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (OCT 2022).

For this acquisition for services, the applicable limitation on subcontracting shall be determined in accordance with FAR 52.219-14.

b. HHSAR 352.232-71, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests, as implemented by

HHSAR Class Deviation 2026-07 (effective 04/23/2026) (RFO DEVIATION).

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Payment request means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), “Content of Invoices,” and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Department of Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) or successor system. Information regarding IPP, including IPP Customer Support contact information, is available at www.ipp.gov or any successor site.

(c) The Contractor may submit payment requests using other than IPP only when the Contracting Officer authorizes alternate procedures in writing in accordance with HHS procedures.

(d) If alternate payment procedures are authorized, the Contractor shall include a copy of the Contracting Officer's written authorization with each payment request.

c. HHSAR 352.226-4, Notice of Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise Set-Aside.

This clause is incorporated by reference.

d. HHSAR 352.226-6, Indian Economic Enterprise Subcontracting Limitations.

This clause is incorporated by reference. In accordance with HHSAR 352.226-6, the Contractor shall comply with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, in determining the percentage of work that may be subcontracted. The requirements of HHSAR 352.226-6 regarding performance by Indian Economic Enterprises, cooperation with Government compliance reviews, and incorporation of the substance of the clause in applicable subcontracts also apply.

e. HHSAR 352.226-7, Indian Economic Enterprise Representation.

This provision is incorporated by reference.

CRITICAL INSTRUCTION: Offerors MUST complete and submit the attached IHS Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) Representation Form as part of their response. Failure to provide this form will render the offeror ineligible for award.

DPAS Rating: The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) does not apply to this requirement.

(6) Submission Deadlines and Contact Information

Quotations must be submitted by August 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. All quotes must be submitted electronically to Marlene Milgram, Supervisory Contracting http://www.ipp.gov/

Officer, at marlene.milgram@hhs.gov and Andrei Howze, Contracting Officer, at andrei.howze@hhs.gov.

(7) List of Attachments

The following documents are attached to this solicitation and incorporated herein:

1. Attachment A: performance Work Statement (PWS)

2. Attachment B: IHS Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) Representation Form

3. Attachment C: IHS 2025 Pandemic Preparedness Plan Table of Contents

4. Vendor Questions and Answers mailto:marlene.milgram@hhs.gov mailto:andrei.howze@hhs.gov

PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS PLAN EVALUATION SERVICES

AMENDED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

1.1 Background

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing comprehensive health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). As the principal Federal health care provider and health advocate for AI/AN people, the IHS mission is to raise the health status of AI/AN people to the highest possible level.

Pandemic preparedness and readiness are essential to tribal health security, continuity of health care operations, workforce readiness, supply-chain resilience, and the delivery of essential services during a public health emergency. IHS developed a Pandemic Preparedness Plan in 2025 and requires an independent evaluation of the plan, including readiness exercises and an after-action report.

1.2 Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this contract is to improve IHS pandemic readiness by evaluating and stress-testing the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan, conducting two web-based readiness exercises, and developing findings and recommendations for consideration and improvement.

The objectives are to:

• Evaluate the completeness, clarity, feasibility, and operational readiness of the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

• Obtain input from designated IHS subject-matter experts (SMEs) regarding planning assumptions, known gaps, existing strengths, dependencies, and lessons learned.

• Conduct two web-based simulation exercises to assess the plan under realistic pandemic-response conditions.

• Identify and document strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities, risks, dependencies, and capability gaps.

• Develop prioritized, actionable recommendations that address the findings and include considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities.

• Communicate the findings to IHS leadership and designated SMEs through written work products and a web-based findings meeting.

2.0 CONTRACTOR WORK SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all services, qualified personnel, materials, equipment, facilities, software, and other resources necessary to perform the work described in this SOW, except for the Government-furnished information and Government participation expressly identified herein.

The Contractor shall provide objective analysis and recommendations. IHS retains responsibility and authority for all Government policy, operational, preparedness, and resource-allocation decisions.

2.1 Tasks

2.1.1 Task 1 - Discovery and Analysis

The Contractor shall:

Attachment A

• Conduct web-based discussions with designated IHS SMEs to understand the history of the current plan, planning assumptions, known unknowns, gaps, strengths, dependencies, and relevant lessons learned from prior exercises.

• Review the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

• Identify areas requiring further evaluation during the two stress tests.

• Prepare a one-page Discovery Summary for IHS leadership and SME review.

For planning and pricing purposes, the Contractor shall assume participation by approximately 8 to 12 SMEs per session in up to four web-based discovery sessions. Some SMEs may participate in more than one session, and individual sessions may include a mix of returning and new SMEs. Each session will not exceed 90 minutes.

Sessions may be conducted as individual interviews, group discussions, or a combination of both. IHS will identify participants and the contractor will work to coordinate meetings based on their availability.

2.1.2 Task 2 - Plan Evaluation and Stress-Testing

The Contractor shall assess preparedness across the key areas addressed in the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan and conduct two web-based stress tests through discussion-based simulation exercises, such as tabletop exercises.

The evaluation shall consider, as applicable:

• Governance, authorities, roles, responsibilities, and decision-making.

• Activation, escalation, coordination, and communication.

• Continuity of health care and public-health operations.

• Workforce readiness and continuity.

• Supply-chain and resource dependencies.

• Situational awareness, data collection, and reporting.

• Coordination with tribal, Federal, state, local, and other partners.

• Considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities.

• Recovery, transition, training, exercise, and plan-maintenance requirements.

For each exercise, the Contractor shall develop the objectives, scenario, agenda, facilitator guide, participant materials, discussion questions or scenario injects, and an exercise summary. The Contractor shall facilitate the exercise and document significant observations, strengths, gaps, concerns, and recommended follow-up actions.

For planning and pricing purposes, the Contractor shall assume:

• Each exercise will be conducted virtually and will last approximately three hours.

• Approximately 15 to 25 IHS participants will attend each exercise.

• Up to three planning meetings, not to exceed 60 minutes each, will be conducted for each exercise.

• IHS will identify and invite Government participants and provide consolidated comments on draft exercise materials.

• The exercises will be discussion-based and will not require deployment of personnel, equipment, or physical resources.

• No travel or in-person exercise support is required.

2.1.3 Task 3 - After-Action Reporting

Based on the findings from Tasks 1 and 2, the Contractor shall prepare a comprehensive After-Action Report.

The report shall follow recognized after-action reporting practices and shall include:

• An executive summary.

• A description of the evaluation scope and methodology.

• A summary of discovery and exercise activities.

• Identified strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities, risks, dependencies, and capability gaps.

• Considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities.

• Prioritized and actionable recommendations for consideration and improvement.

• A corrective-action matrix that links each recommendation to the corresponding finding and identifies a suggested implementation timeframe.

The Contractor shall submit a draft and final report. The final report shall incorporate or otherwise resolve all consolidated Government comments.

2.1.4 Task 4 - Findings Dissemination

The Contractor shall host a web-based meeting for IHS leadership and designated SMEs to present the relevant findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the discovery, evaluation, exercises, and final report.

The Contractor shall track the number of attendees, substantive questions and concerns, and recommendations for next steps. The Contractor shall submit a Findings Meeting Summary within five business days after the meeting.

2.1.5 Task 5 - Project Management and Progress Reporting

The Contractor shall manage the work to meet all contract requirements, milestones, and due dates. The Contractor shall maintain a current schedule, identify actual or anticipated barriers and risks, coordinate meetings and reviews, and submit the progress reports identified in Section 2.2.

2.2 Deliverables and Reporting Requirements

The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables. All references to days are calendar days unless expressly identified as business days.

Deliverable Required Content Due Date/Frequency Deliver To

Project Management Plan

Technical approach, project schedule, roles, communication procedures, risk management, and quality-control approach.

Within 5 business days after the kickoff meeting.

COR

and IHS

POC

One-Page Discovery Summary

Principal planning assumptions, strengths, gaps, issues requiring validation, and planned areas of emphasis.

No later than 30 calendar days after contract award.

COR

and IHS

POC

Exercise 1 Package and Summary

Exercise Package: Objectives, scenario, agenda, facilitator guide, participant materials, and discussion questions or injects. Exercise Summary: Activities conducted, participant functions, significant observations, strengths, gaps, concerns, and follow-up matters.

Exercise Package: Draft at least 15 business days before Exercise 1; final at least 5 business days before Exercise 1.

Exercise 1: To be completed on a Government-approved date that supports completion of both exercises no later than February 26, 2027.

Exercise Summary: Within 10 business days after Exercise 1.

COR

and IHS

POC

Exercise 2 Package and Summary

Exercise Package: Objectives, scenario, agenda, facilitator guide, participant materials, and discussion questions or injects. Exercise Summary: Activities conducted, participant functions, significant observations, strengths, gaps, Exercise Package: Draft at least 15 business days before Exercise 2; final at least 5 business days before Exercise 2.

Exercise 2: To be completed on a Government-approved date, COR and IHS

POC

To concerns, and follow-up matters. with both exercises completed no later than February 26, 2027.

Exercise Summary: Within 10 business days after Exercise 2.

Draft After- Action Report

Content required by Section 2.1.3, including executive summary, evaluation scope and methodology, summary of discovery and exercise activities, findings, considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities, prioritized actionable recommendations, and corrective-action matrix.

No later than April 2, 2027.

COR

and IHS

POC

Final After- Action Report

Revised report incorporating or otherwise resolving all consolidated Government comments.

No later than June 18, 2027.

COR

and IHS

POC

Findings Presentation, Web-Based Meeting, and Summary

Presentation/Meeting: Presentation of findings, conclusions, and prioritized recommendations to IHS leadership and designated SMEs. Meeting Summary:

Attendance count, substantive questions, concerns, and recommended next steps.

Findings Presentation and Meeting: No later than July 16, 2027.

Findings Meeting Summary:

Within 5 business days after the findings meeting, but no later than July 23, 2027.

COR

and IHS

POC

Quarterly Progress Reports

Activities, barriers, accomplishments, upcoming work, risks, and schedule status.

Quarter 1: Day 105; Quarter 2:

Day 195; Quarter 3: Day 285.

COR

and IHS

POC

Final Activities Report

Administrative summary of activities performed, deliverables submitted, milestones completed, unresolved matters, and disposition of Government information.

No later than July 30, 2027.

COR

Milestone Basis for Invoice Percentage of Award Amount

1 Acceptance of Project Management Plan and One-Page Discovery Summary 10%

2 Acceptance of final Exercise 1 Package (includes completion and acceptance of Exercise 1 and Exercise 1 Summary 20%

3 Acceptance of final Exercise 2 Package (includes completion and acceptance of Exercise 2 and Exercise 2 Summary) 20%

4 Acceptance of Draft After-Action Report 15%

5 Acceptance of Final After-Action Report 25%

6 Completion of Findings Meeting and acceptance of Findings Meeting Summary and Final Activities Report 10%

Deliverable Format and Section 508 Compliance Unless otherwise authorized in writing by the COR, narrative deliverables shall be submitted in searchable Microsoft Word and PDF formats; presentations shall be submitted in Microsoft PowerPoint and PDF formats;

and tables, matrices, and supporting data shall be submitted in editable Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel format, as appropriate. The Contractor shall provide editable source files for all final deliverables.

All work products and electronic deliverables developed under this contract, including reports, presentations, spreadsheets, exercise materials, facilitator guides, participant materials, briefing materials, meeting materials, and supporting documentation, shall comply with applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements. The Contractor shall perform accessibility checks before submission and correct identified accessibility defects at no additional cost to the Government.

2.3 Government Review, Revision, and Acceptance

The COR is the Government official authorized to inspect and formally accept deliverables within the scope of the COR delegation. The COR will provide written acceptance, rejection, or consolidated comments within 15 business days after receipt.

For planning purposes, the Contractor shall assume one Government review cycle for deliverables other than the Draft After-Action Report and up to two Government review cycles for the Draft After-Action Report.

The Contractor shall submit revised deliverables within five business days after receipt of Government comments, except that revisions to the Draft After-Action Report shall be submitted within 10 business days, unless another timeframe is established in writing by the COR and does not change the contract requirements.

A deliverable will be acceptable when it:

• Includes all required content and complies with the applicable task and deliverable requirements.

• Is technically accurate, complete, internally consistent, and professionally prepared.

• Clearly distinguishes observations, assumptions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Incorporates or otherwise resolves consolidated Government comments.

• Is submitted in the required format and complies with applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements.

• Is delivered by the required due date.

The COR may reject a deliverable that does not meet these standards and shall identify the basis for rejection in writing. Payment of an invoice does not constitute acceptance of a deliverable.

3.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Place of Performance

The contract may be performed entirely off-site at the Contractor’s facility or another Contractor-designated workspace. All work shall be performed within the United States. Meetings, discussions, exercises, and presentations shall be conducted virtually unless otherwise authorized through a written contract modification.

3.2 Period of Performance

The estimated period of performance is September 4, 2026 through July 31, 2027.

3.3 Travel

No travel is anticipated or required. If travel becomes necessary, it must be authorized in advance by the Contracting Officer through a written contract modification before any travel costs are incurred. Authorized travel shall be conducted in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation and the terms of the contract.

3.4 Government-Furnished Property

No Government-furnished property will be provided under this contract.

3.5 Government-Furnished Information

The Government will provide the following Government-furnished information:

• A digital copy of the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

No other Government-furnished information is anticipated. In support of contract performance, IHS will identify Government participants, coordinate their availability, provide access to designated IHS subject-matter experts for scheduled virtual discussions, planning meetings, exercises, and the findings meeting, review submitted materials, and provide consolidated comments and Government decisions needed to support performance.

3.6 Post-Award Kickoff Meeting

The Contractor shall participate in a virtual post-award kickoff meeting with the COR and other IHS stakeholders within 10 business days after contract award. The purpose of the meeting is to confirm a common understanding of the requirements, review the schedule, establish communication procedures, and introduce key personnel. The Contractor’s Project Manager shall attend and be prepared to discuss the technical approach and project management plan.

3.7 Key Personnel

The Contractor shall propose individuals for each key personnel position. Offerors shall submit a resume for each proposed key person with the quotation. Each resume shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the individual meets or exceeds the applicable minimum qualifications identified in this section.

The following positions are designated as key personnel:

• Project Manager.

• Lead Evaluator/Senior Analyst.

Project Manager minimum qualifications:

• At least five years of experience managing professional services, public health, health care, emergency-preparedness, emergency-management, or comparable analytical projects.

• Experience managing schedules, personnel, stakeholder communications, deliverables, risks, and quality control.

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.

Lead Evaluator/Senior Analyst minimum qualifications:

• At least seven years of relevant experience in public-health preparedness, emergency management, health care preparedness, continuity planning, program evaluation, exercise design or facilitation, after-action reporting, or a closely related discipline.

• Experience leading or materially supporting at least two discussion-based exercises, simulations, tabletop exercises, or comparable readiness assessments.

• Experience analyzing plans and operational information and developing findings and actionable recommendations.

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.

The Contractor shall not remove, replace, or significantly change the duties of key personnel without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. Except when circumstances are beyond the Contractor’s reasonable control, substitution requests shall be submitted at least 30 days before the proposed substitution and shall include the reason for the substitution, the proposed effective date, the proposed replacement’s resume and qualifications, and a comparison with the qualifications of the individual being replaced. The proposed replacement shall meet the minimum qualifications and have qualifications equal to or greater than those of the individual being replaced. Only the Contracting Officer may approve or disapprove a key-personnel substitution.

3.8 Contractor Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall establish and maintain a comprehensive Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure that all services and deliverables are accurate, complete, timely, accessible, and professionally prepared. The QCP shall describe the Contractor’s processes for technical review, editorial review, schedule monitoring, version control, Section 508 review, protection of Government information, and correction of deficiencies before submission. The QCP is not a formal deliverable but shall be made available to the Government upon request.

Adherence to the QCP is a material requirement of the contract.

3.9 Security and Handling of Government Information

The Contractor shall safeguard all nonpublic Government information received or generated during contract performance from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. The Government will identify or mark information requiring specific safeguarding at or before the time it is furnished, when applicable.

At a minimum, the Contractor shall:

• Restrict access to personnel with a need to know for contract performance.

• Use access-controlled systems and encryption for nonpublic Government information in transit and at rest.

• Not store contract information in publicly accessible repositories or systems.

• Not disclose nonpublic Government information without prior written authorization from the Contracting

Officer.

• Promptly notify the Contracting Officer and COR of any suspected or confirmed loss, compromise, unauthorized access, or unauthorized disclosure.

• Ensure that subcontractors comply with the same safeguarding requirements.

• Return or destroy Government information at contract completion or termination, as directed by the

Contracting Officer, and provide written certification of disposition within 10 business days after receiving disposition instructions.

3.10 Rights in Data and Publication Restrictions

Rights in data and deliverables shall be governed by the applicable contract clauses, including FAR 52.227-14, Rights in Data - General, when included in the contract. The Government shall receive unlimited rights in data first produced in the performance of the contract, as provided by the applicable contract clauses.

Before incorporating preexisting proprietary materials, commercial methodologies, templates, software, or third-party materials into a deliverable, the Contractor shall identify the material and any proposed restrictions to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall not incorporate material that would restrict the Government’s intended use of a deliverable unless the Contracting Officer approves the restriction in writing.

The Contractor shall not publish, disclose, or use nonpublic data or materials generated under the contract for any commercial or noncommercial purpose without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer.

3.11 Contracting Authority

Only the Contracting Officer may modify the contract, change the scope or requirements, authorize additional costs, extend delivery dates, or otherwise bind the Government. The COR may provide technical clarification, monitor performance, review deliverables, and perform acceptance functions only within the authority delegated in writing by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer if it believes a Government communication constitutes a change to the contract.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

Office of Management Services Division of Acquisition Policy (DAP)

5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE

BUY INDIAN ACT

INDIAN ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE

REPRESENTATION FORM

SOLICITATION/SOURCES SOUGHT/RFI #: _________________________________________________

PROJECT TITLE: ________________________________________________________

DATE: ___________________________________________________________________

In accordance with 25 U.S.C. 47 the Buy Indian Act, the signature below constitutes self-certification that the Offeror meets the definition of an “Indian Economic Enterprise” (HHSAR 326.601) in response to this Sources Sought Notice, Request for Information (RFI) or Solicitation and resultant contract.

The enterprise must meet the definition of “Indian Economic Enterprise” throughout the following time periods:

(1) At the time an offer is made in response to this solicitation;

(2) At the time of contract award; and

(3) During the full term of the contract performance period. At any point during these periods, if the Contractor no longer meets the eligibility requirements, the contractor must provide immediate written notification to the Contracting Officer.

Individual Contracting Officers may require documentation of eligibility before awarding a set-aside or sole source contracts under the Buy Indian Act and awards may be subject to protest if the eligibility of the successful Offeror is in question. In addition to the self-certification requirements, successful Offerors must also be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM).

Any false or misleading information submitted by an enterprise when submitting an offer in consideration of an award set-aside under the authority of the Buy Indian Act is a violation of the law and punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

False claims submitted as part of contract performance are subject to the penalties enumerated in 31 U.S.C. 3729 to 3731 and 18 U.S.C. 287.

REPRESENTATION

The Offeror represents as part of its offer that it does _____, does not _____ meet the definition of an “Indian Economic Enterprise” with “Indian Ownership” under the authority of the Buy Indian Act.

Name of the 51% owner of IEE Firm

Certifying Signature

Print Name

Name of Federally Recognized Tribal Entity

Business Name

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number

ATTACHMENT B

PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS PLAN EVALUATION SERVICES

AMENDED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

1.1 Background

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing comprehensive health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). As the principal Federal health care provider and health advocate for AI/AN people, the IHS mission is to raise the health status of AI/AN people to the highest possible level.

Pandemic preparedness and readiness are essential to tribal health security, continuity of health care operations, workforce readiness, supply-chain resilience, and the delivery of essential services during a public health emergency. IHS developed a Pandemic Preparedness Plan in 2025 and requires an independent evaluation of the plan, including readiness exercises and an after-action report.

1.2 Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this contract is to improve IHS pandemic readiness by evaluating and stress-testing the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan, conducting two web-based readiness exercises, and developing findings and recommendations for consideration and improvement.

The objectives are to:

• Evaluate the completeness, clarity, feasibility, and operational readiness of the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

• Obtain input from designated IHS subject-matter experts (SMEs) regarding planning assumptions, known gaps, existing strengths, dependencies, and lessons learned.

• Conduct two web-based simulation exercises to assess the plan under realistic pandemic-response conditions.

• Identify and document strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities, risks, dependencies, and capability gaps.

• Develop prioritized, actionable recommendations that address the findings and include considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities.

• Communicate the findings to IHS leadership and designated SMEs through written work products and a web-based findings meeting.

2.0 CONTRACTOR WORK SCOPE AND REQUIREMENTS

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all services, qualified personnel, materials, equipment, facilities, software, and other resources necessary to perform the work described in this SOW, except for the Government-furnished information and Government participation expressly identified herein.

The Contractor shall provide objective analysis and recommendations. IHS retains responsibility and authority for all Government policy, operational, preparedness, and resource-allocation decisions.

2.1 Tasks

2.1.1 Task 1 - Discovery and Analysis

The Contractor shall:

ATTACHMENT C

• Conduct web-based discussions with designated IHS SMEs to understand the history of the current plan, planning assumptions, known unknowns, gaps, strengths, dependencies, and relevant lessons learned from prior exercises.

• Review the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

• Identify areas requiring further evaluation during the two stress tests.

• Prepare a one-page Discovery Summary for IHS leadership and SME review.

For planning and pricing purposes, the Contractor shall assume participation by approximately 8 to 12 SMEs per session in up to four web-based discovery sessions. Some SMEs may participate in more than one session, and individual sessions may include a mix of returning and new SMEs. Each session will not exceed 90 minutes.

Sessions may be conducted as individual interviews, group discussions, or a combination of both. IHS will identify participants and the contractor will work to coordinate meetings based on their availability.

2.1.2 Task 2 - Plan Evaluation and Stress-Testing

The Contractor shall assess preparedness across the key areas addressed in the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan and conduct two web-based stress tests through discussion-based simulation exercises, such as tabletop exercises.

The evaluation shall consider, as applicable:

• Governance, authorities, roles, responsibilities, and decision-making.

• Activation, escalation, coordination, and communication.

• Continuity of health care and public-health operations.

• Workforce readiness and continuity.

• Supply-chain and resource dependencies.

• Situational awareness, data collection, and reporting.

• Coordination with tribal, Federal, state, local, and other partners.

• Considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities.

• Recovery, transition, training, exercise, and plan-maintenance requirements.

For each exercise, the Contractor shall develop the objectives, scenario, agenda, facilitator guide, participant materials, discussion questions or scenario injects, and an exercise summary. The Contractor shall facilitate the exercise and document significant observations, strengths, gaps, concerns, and recommended follow-up actions.

For planning and pricing purposes, the Contractor shall assume:

• Each exercise will be conducted virtually and will last approximately three hours.

• Approximately 15 to 25 IHS participants will attend each exercise.

• Up to three planning meetings, not to exceed 60 minutes each, will be conducted for each exercise.

• IHS will identify and invite Government participants and provide consolidated comments on draft exercise materials.

• The exercises will be discussion-based and will not require deployment of personnel, equipment, or physical resources.

• No travel or in-person exercise support is required.

2.1.3 Task 3 - After-Action Reporting

Based on the findings from Tasks 1 and 2, the Contractor shall prepare a comprehensive After-Action Report.

The report shall follow recognized after-action reporting practices and shall include:

• An executive summary.

• A description of the evaluation scope and methodology.

• A summary of discovery and exercise activities.

• Identified strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities, risks, dependencies, and capability gaps.

• Considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities.

• Prioritized and actionable recommendations for consideration and improvement.

• A corrective-action matrix that links each recommendation to the corresponding finding and identifies a suggested implementation timeframe.

The Contractor shall submit a draft and final report. The final report shall incorporate or otherwise resolve all consolidated Government comments.

2.1.4 Task 4 - Findings Dissemination

The Contractor shall host a web-based meeting for IHS leadership and designated SMEs to present the relevant findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the discovery, evaluation, exercises, and final report.

The Contractor shall track the number of attendees, substantive questions and concerns, and recommendations for next steps. The Contractor shall submit a Findings Meeting Summary within five business days after the meeting.

2.1.5 Task 5 - Project Management and Progress Reporting

The Contractor shall manage the work to meet all contract requirements, milestones, and due dates. The Contractor shall maintain a current schedule, identify actual or anticipated barriers and risks, coordinate meetings and reviews, and submit the progress reports identified in Section 2.2.

2.2 Deliverables and Reporting Requirements

The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables. All references to days are calendar days unless expressly identified as business days.

To

Project Management Plan

Technical approach, project schedule, roles, communication procedures, risk management, and quality-control approach.

Within 5 business days after the kickoff meeting.

COR

and IHS

POC

One-Page Discovery Summary

Principal planning assumptions, strengths, gaps, issues requiring validation, and planned areas of emphasis.

No later than 30 calendar days after contract award.

COR

and IHS

POC

Exercise 1 Package and Summary

Exercise Package: Objectives, scenario, agenda, facilitator guide, participant materials, and discussion questions or injects. Exercise Summary: Activities conducted, participant functions, significant observations, strengths, gaps, concerns, and follow-up matters.

Exercise Package: Draft at least 15 business days before Exercise 1; final at least 5 business days before Exercise 1.

Exercise 1: To be completed on a Government-approved date that supports completion of both exercises no later than February 26, 2027.

Exercise Summary: Within 10 business days after Exercise 1.

COR

and IHS

POC

Exercise 2 Package and Summary

Exercise Package: Objectives, scenario, agenda, facilitator guide, participant materials, and discussion questions or injects. Exercise Summary: Activities conducted, participant functions, significant observations, strengths, gaps, Exercise Package: Draft at least 15 business days before Exercise 2; final at least 5 business days before Exercise 2.

Exercise 2: To be completed on a Government-approved date, COR

To concerns, and follow-up matters. with both exercises completed no later than February 26, 2027.

Exercise Summary: Within 10 business days after Exercise 2.

Draft After- Action Report

Content required by Section 2.1.3, including executive summary, evaluation scope and methodology, summary of discovery and exercise activities, findings, considerations specific to IHS and AI/AN communities, prioritized actionable recommendations, and corrective-action matrix.

No later than April 2, 2027.

COR

and IHS

POC

Final After- Action Report

Revised report incorporating or otherwise resolving all consolidated Government comments.

No later than June 18, 2027.

COR

and IHS

POC

Findings Presentation, Web-Based Meeting, and Summary

Presentation/Meeting: Presentation of findings, conclusions, and prioritized recommendations to IHS leadership and designated SMEs. Meeting Summary:

Attendance count, substantive questions, concerns, and recommended next steps.

Findings Presentation and Meeting: No later than July 16, 2027.

Findings Meeting Summary:

Within 5 business days after the findings meeting, but no later than July 23, 2027.

COR

and IHS

POC

Quarterly Progress Reports

Activities, barriers, accomplishments, upcoming work, risks, and schedule status.

Quarter 1: Day 105; Quarter 2:

Day 195; Quarter 3: Day 285.

COR

and IHS

POC

Final Activities Report

Administrative summary of activities performed, deliverables submitted, milestones completed, unresolved matters, and disposition of Government information.

No later than July 30, 2027.

COR

Milestone Basis for Invoice Percentage of Award Amount

1 Acceptance of Project Management Plan and One-Page Discovery Summary 10%

2 Acceptance of final Exercise 1 Package (includes completion and acceptance of Exercise 1 and Exercise 1 Summary 20%

3 Acceptance of final Exercise 2 Package (includes completion and acceptance of Exercise 2 and Exercise 2 Summary) 20%

4 Acceptance of Draft After-Action Report 15%

5 Acceptance of Final After-Action Report 25%

6 Completion of Findings Meeting and acceptance of Findings Meeting Summary and Final Activities Report 10%

Deliverable Format and Section 508 Compliance Unless otherwise authorized in writing by the COR, narrative deliverables shall be submitted in searchable Microsoft Word and PDF formats; presentations shall be submitted in Microsoft PowerPoint and PDF formats;

and tables, matrices, and supporting data shall be submitted in editable Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel format, as appropriate. The Contractor shall provide editable source files for all final deliverables.

All work products and electronic deliverables developed under this contract, including reports, presentations, spreadsheets, exercise materials, facilitator guides, participant materials, briefing materials, meeting materials, and supporting documentation, shall comply with applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements. The Contractor shall perform accessibility checks before submission and correct identified accessibility defects at no additional cost to the Government.

2.3 Government Review, Revision, and Acceptance

The COR is the Government official authorized to inspect and formally accept deliverables within the scope of the COR delegation. The COR will provide written acceptance, rejection, or consolidated comments within 15 business days after receipt.

For planning purposes, the Contractor shall assume one Government review cycle for deliverables other than the Draft After-Action Report and up to two Government review cycles for the Draft After-Action Report.

The Contractor shall submit revised deliverables within five business days after receipt of Government comments, except that revisions to the Draft After-Action Report shall be submitted within 10 business days, unless another timeframe is established in writing by the COR and does not change the contract requirements.

A deliverable will be acceptable when it:

• Includes all required content and complies with the applicable task and deliverable requirements.

• Is technically accurate, complete, internally consistent, and professionally prepared.

• Clearly distinguishes observations, assumptions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Incorporates or otherwise resolves consolidated Government comments.

• Is submitted in the required format and complies with applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements.

• Is delivered by the required due date.

The COR may reject a deliverable that does not meet these standards and shall identify the basis for rejection in writing. Payment of an invoice does not constitute acceptance of a deliverable.

3.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Place of Performance

The contract may be performed entirely off-site at the Contractor’s facility or another Contractor-designated workspace. All work shall be performed within the United States. Meetings, discussions, exercises, and presentations shall be conducted virtually unless otherwise authorized through a written contract modification.

3.2 Period of Performance

The estimated period of performance is September 4, 2026 through July 31, 2027.

3.3 Travel

No travel is anticipated or required. If travel becomes necessary, it must be authorized in advance by the Contracting Officer through a written contract modification before any travel costs are incurred. Authorized travel shall be conducted in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation and the terms of the contract.

3.4 Government-Furnished Property

No Government-furnished property will be provided under this contract.

3.5 Government-Furnished Information

The Government will provide the following Government-furnished information:

• A digital copy of the 2025 IHS Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

No other Government-furnished information is anticipated. In support of contract performance, IHS will identify Government participants, coordinate their availability, provide access to designated IHS subject-matter experts for scheduled virtual discussions, planning meetings, exercises, and the findings meeting, review submitted materials, and provide consolidated comments and Government decisions…