MACPAC_IDIQ August 2011.pdf

INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT

SECTION I: Contract Details

1. Supplies or Services and Prices/Cost

1.1. Contract Type

1.1.1. This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), firm fixed priced (FFP) contract subject to task order assignments. Cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) task orders may be also issued under this contract when conditions warrant their issuance. The Contracting Officer will determine task order type on a case-by-case basis. Services will be defined and priced through individual task orders. In the performance of task orders, the Contractor shall propose firm fixed hourly rates for labor categories in accordance with Clause 1.3 (Fully Burdened Labor Rate Schedule and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) for Base and Option Periods) below. Cost reimbursement material expenses associated with efforts under the materials contract line item number(s) (CLINs) must be supported by an invoice. No fee or profit will be paid.

Contractor-furnished domestic travel required in support of CLINs will be reimbursed at actual cost, in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTRs) and supported by invoice.

Per diems will be reimbursed, as appropriate, in accordance with the General Services Administration's (GSA) per diem rates. No fee or profit will be paid on reimbursements for travel and per diems. In the performance of task orders designated as CPFF, the Contractor shall propose a total cost estimate and a fixed fee in accordance with instructions furnished in the individual task order assignment request.

1.1.2. In order to facilitate the negotiation of task orders, the Contractor shall propose a FFP rate for each labor category proposed. The rates shall be fixed for the base period and each option period. In order to aid the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC or the Commission) in its evaluation of the proposed rates, all offerors shall provide cost and pricing data to demonstrate how the rates were determined. Travel expenses shall not be included in any rates that are proposed as part of the establishment of the base IDIQ contract(s). Travel costs will not be requested or considered until the task order stage, and at that time shall be based on the rules outlined within the FTR (41 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapters 300-304). Travel in association with any future task order will be at a not-to-exceed amount and only actual and allowable travel expenses incurred by the Contractor will be reimbursed.

1.1.3. All work will be performed at the Contractor's site except when the task requires work at specific locations (e.g., MACPAC office, site visits, expert panels, etc.).

Solicitation Number: MACPAC-11-0020

1.2. Period of Performance

1.2.1. The period of performance for this contract is a base period of 11 months and four one-year option periods. The period of performance, including all options, is as follows:

• Base Period November 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012

• Option Period 1 October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013

• Option Period 2 October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014

• Option Period 3 October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015

• Option Period 4 October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016

1.3. Fully Burdened Labor Rate Schedule and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) for Base and Option

Periods

1.3.1. The offeror shall propose fully-loaded hourly rates for all personnel potentially assigned to tasks under this contract. Each offeror's rates will depend on how personnel and positions are classified within each offeror's human resources structure or classification system. However, offerors may use the following sample labor categories as general guidance on how individuals could be classified to facilitate MACPAC's review of proposals. The offeror’s proposed staff should reflect the years and type of experience as specified below.

a) Project Manager. Person responsible for the day-to-day management of the project and direction of offeror project staff. The project manager shall have at least ten years of relevant experience and a minimum of five years' experience in the management of contracts of this type, which involves multiple tasks, changing priorities, and timely action.

b) Supervising Programmer/Analyst/Lead Investigator. Supervising programmer/analyst/lead investigator shall have at least ten years’ of relevant experience and at least five years’ of experience as the manager or supervisor of other programmers/analysts/researchers.

Researchers should have an advanced degree in a directly relevant field and a proven track record researching Medicaid and/or State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) issues.

c) Senior Programmer/Analyst/Research Scientist. Senior programmer/analyst/research scientist shall have at least five years' experience of which at least three years must involve work directly relevant to Medicaid and/or CHIP.

d) Programmer. Mid-level computer programmer shall have at least three years’ data processing experience; experience with Medicaid and/or CHIP data preferred.

e) Junior Programmer. Entry-level computer programmer shall have one year of data processing experience or a four-year degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a social science research discipline.

f) Actuary.

Must possess a current Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation from the Society of Actuaries or a similar designation from another actuarial certifying body.

The actuary must have a minimum of five years’ of experience providing actuarial services regarding Medicaid and/or CHIP programs.

g) Policy Analyst. Mid-level policy analyst, with a Master's degree or higher, shall have at least three years' experience conducting policy research and analysis related to Medicaid and/or

CHIP.

h) Research Assistant. Entry-level analyst, typically with a Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, statistics, or related discipline, shall have one to three years' of work experience.

i) Senior Information Technology (IT) Specialist. Senior IT specialist shall have at least 10 years’ of experience in information technology software and computer support services.

j) IT Specialist. Information technology specialist shall have at least three years’ of experience in information technology and computer support services.

k) Clerical. Clerical staff or administrative support staff as needed.

1.3.2. The fully burdened labor rate schedule and ODCs pricing tables below should be included in the offeror’s business management and cost/price proposal. These tables may be “recreated” for inclusion in proposals, but must replicate the exact content of the pricing tables below.

Base Year: Period of Performance: 11/01/2011 through 9/30/2012

CLIN Category Unit Unit Price/Rate 0001 Labor

0002 Cost Reimbursement Materials

0003 Cost Reimbursement Travel

0004 Other

Option Year One (1): Period of Performance: 10/01/2012 through 9/30/2013

1001 Labor

1002 Cost Reimbursement Materials

1003 Cost Reimbursement Travel

1004 Other

Option Year Two (2): Period of Performance: 10/01/2013 through 9/30/2014

2001 Labor

2002 Cost Reimbursement Materials

2003 Cost Reimbursement Travel

2004 Other

Option Year Three (3): Period of Performance: 10/01/2014 through 9/30/2015

3001 Labor

3002 Cost Reimbursement Materials

3003 Cost Reimbursement Travel

3004 Other

Option Year Four (4): Period of Performance: 10/01/2015 through 9/30/2016

4001 Labor

4002 Cost Reimbursement Materials

4003 Cost Reimbursement Travel

4004 Other

2. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

2.1. PURPOSE

2.1.1. The performance work statement (PWS) describes the types of projects for which MACPAC seeks assistance from qualified contractors under this contract. The contract will provide MACPAC with an expeditious and flexible mechanism for undertaking short and long term defined projects on a potentially wide range of topics relating to Medicaid and CHIP.

2.2. AGENCY BACKGROUND

2.2.1. MACPAC was established by the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of

2009 (CHIPRA, P.L. 111-3) and was later expanded and funded through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, P.L. 111-148). MACPAC is tasked with reviewing state and federal Medicaid and CHIP access and payment policies and making recommendations to the Congress, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and states on a wide range of issues affecting Medicaid and CHIP populations and program policies. Additional information on MACPAC and establishment of the Commission can be found at www.macpac.gov.

2.2.2. MACPAC's deliberations and recommendations are based on MACPAC staff analysis and research and Commissioner guidance. This research can be quantitative (e.g., primary data analysis) or qualitative (e.g., literature reviews, collecting first-hand information via site visits, etc.) MACPAC staff facilitate such research through a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to: conducting literature reviews and preparing research papers; undertaking policy analyses; conducting data analyses; assisting with data development and management;

convening panels of experts; conducting structured interviews; administering small scale surveys; organizing and conducting site visits; providing actuarial analyses; analyzing state budget and operational impacts; assisting with report preparation; and conducting additional services as requested. MACPAC meets publicly to discuss policy issues and formulate its recommendations. In the course of these meetings, Commissioners consider the results of staff research, presentations by policy experts, and comments from interested parties.

MACPAC is also required to regularly consult with states in carrying out its duties and ensure that input from states is taken into account and represented in MACPAC’s recommendations and reports. MACPAC is required to examine the federal and state budgetary implications of its recommendations.

2.3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

2.3.1. The Contractor(s) under this project shall be able to organize and implement the listed types of projects, as described in Clause 2.5 (Discussion of Project Types and Tasks) below, on behalf of MACPAC. A description of the Commission's objectives related to these types of projects is contained in Clause 2.4 (Objective) below. Contractors completing any task under this contract may be asked to present the project results to Commissioners at one of MACPAC's scheduled meetings.

2.4. OBJECTIVE

2.4.1. MACPAC seeks to identify and contract with one or more organizations, which together possess the skills and knowledge to complete the range of identified project types on a wide variety of topics the Commission addresses on Medicaid and CHIP. Offerors may bid on one, several, or all of the projects referenced in Clause 2.5 (Discussion of Project Types and Tasks) below. Offerors must indicate in their proposals each type of project they are proposing to provide and address each of the identified tasks under that project.

2.4.2. MACPAC's goal is to assemble a group of Contractors possessing complementary knowledge and skill sets to facilitate MACPAC access to a range of expertise commensurate with the array of issues that the Commission must address.

2.4.3. MACPAC will choose entities to complete specific projects based upon the types of tasks identified in offerors’ proposals as well as the qualifications of the individual(s) included in proposals. Entities will only be considered for the project types they identify. We strongly encourage qualified individuals and organizations to submit proposals.

2.4.4. Organizations may consider subcontracting with outside individuals to strengthen their skill sets and substantive offerings. However, MACPAC is equally open to having individual researchers and small research entities participate directly in the IDIQ process.

2.4.5. All proposals must demonstrate sufficient understanding of the role of MACPAC and the political and regulatory context in which it operates. Based upon the types of projects in which the offeror has identified an interest, proposals must demonstrate that the offeror has the requisite substantive knowledge, technical capacity, and experience to complete such projects and corresponding tasks. Substantive knowledge and technical expertise can be in any or all areas relating to Medicaid and/or CHIP policy, including understanding state programs and state operations and having experience at both the federal and state levels.

2.4.6. Where quantitative skills are necessary (e.g., conducting data analysis, sampling for surveys), proposals must demonstrate that ability. Likewise, for projects where qualitative skills are more relevant, (e.g., convening expert panels, arranging site visits) relevant abilities, and experience must be demonstrated.

2.4.7. Attachment B contains detailed criteria by which proposals will be judged. The decision to pursue any of the identified project types will be made solely by the Commission's staff during the course of the contract. The Commission cannot predict its needs far in advance.

Accordingly, MACPAC cannot guarantee that each individual and entity awarded a contract under this request for proposal (RFP) will in fact be chosen to complete a project under the contract. Contractors will be selected based on the type of project at hand and the Contractor's demonstrated expertise. A Contractor may refuse a project if it is unavailable to complete the tasks within the required time frame. A delivery schedule and estimated budget will be established upon selection of one contractor from the group of awardees for completion of a requested project under the contract.

2.5. DISCUSSION OF PROJECT TYPES AND TASKS

2.5.1. Literature Review/Research Paper

a) Comprehensive literature reviews and research papers will be completed in defined topic areas, as requested by MACPAC staff. The Contractor will meet with MACPAC staff to discuss the goals of these products, shape research deliverables and prepare a deliverables schedule, complete the required research, and draft a research paper on the topic. In addition to research papers, the Contractor may be asked to prepare a summary set of presentation slides which could be used to brief Commissioners on key findings.

b) Specific tasks are as follows:

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to discuss the topic of the comprehensive literature review and goals of the project.

2. Develop a work plan for completing the literature review and research paper, including discussion of staffing and oversight, as well as sources to be consulted.

3. Submit an annotated bibliography/outline to MACPAC staff.

4. Methodically review and critically evaluate the research literature.

5. Draft the research paper, including but not limited to a summary of key findings and discussion of the overall availability and quality of research.

6. Submit the literature review/research paper to MACPAC staff for review and provide clarification/additional information as well as paper revisions as needed. The Contractor may also be asked to brief the Commission on the results of the literature review.

2.5.2. Policy Analyses

a) Policy analyses will focus on the exploration of particular policy areas as needed to further the Commission’s work with regard to Medicaid and CHIP topics of interest. In addition to analyzing pertinent health policy topics, this task may also involve ongoing research and tracking of relevant health policy issues at the state level, including but not limited to, examining key characteristics of specific Medicaid and CHIP delivery systems, waivers and state plan amendments, implementation of new federal or state policy requirements, and innovative state approaches for delivering and financing care to Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries.

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to discuss the topic and goals of the project.

2. Develop a work plan for completing policy analyses, including discussion of staffing and oversight, sources to be consulted, and methodology for gathering data.

3. Submit an outline of the paper to MACPAC staff for review and feedback and/or a template for data collection if collecting the same types of information across states or other sources.

4. Submit the draft paper for MACPAC staff review and feedback and provide clarification/additional information as needed. For tracking state activities, the submission of routine state-specific status updates may be more appropriate than a draft paper.

5. Submit final policy analysis paper.

2.5.3. Data Analysis

a) Data analysis projects will consist of analytical tasks run on Medicaid/CHIP, Medicare, and other relevant data files. This will generally involve analyses of publicly available data sets or existing data files made available to MACPAC staff. The Contractor should demonstrate familiarity and experience with a variety of data sources, including federal and state administrative data. The Contractor must be able to perform a wide range of analyses, ranging from claims analyses to micro simulation modeling.

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to define topic and goals of the projects.

2. Develop a work plan for completing analyses, including discussion of staffing and oversight, data sources, and analytic methodology.

3. Work with MACPAC staff to plan and manage data and analytic files.

4. Submit draft analysis and documentation. Documentation should include a detailed methodology, data sources, key assumptions, and interpretation of results. Results of the analysis should be submitted in the requested format (e.g., tables and graphs, SAS data files and programming, etc.).

5. Submit final analysis.

2.5.4. Data Development and Management

a) Data development and management will consist of organizing existing and/or creating new data files, programs, and documentation. This may be in support of a specific project or of MACPAC’s general needs, including ad hoc analyses. The Contractor should demonstrate familiarity and experience with a variety of data sources, including federal and state administrative data. The Contractor must demonstrate familiarity and experience with developing data libraries, as well as providing SAS and other programming support.

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to discuss current and future data needs (e.g., organization of raw data files and the creation of programs to analyze the data).

2. Develop a plan, which may be implemented by the Contractor or MACPAC staff, for organizing data files, programs, and documentation that span multiple time periods and different data sources.

3. Provide SAS and other programming support to MACPAC staff to include analytic output and associated data files, programs, and documentation.

2.5.5. Expert Panels

a) The Commission intends to sponsor expert panels on a variety of defined topics pertaining to the Medicaid and CHIP programs. These events will typically consist of day long face-to-face meetings of approximately 8-20 experts in a relevant field.

b) The meetings will follow a set agenda and be organized by a coordinator who helps to identify and invite potential participants, arranges meeting location details, prepares and distributes background materials (including a discussion guide, policy questions, session objectives, etc.), organizes travel arrangements for participants, moderates the discussion, and drafts a document reflecting the panel’s discussion. (Note: MACPAC pays panel participants' travel costs directly; the Contractor is obliged only to assist with arrangements. MACPAC also pays panel participants' honoraria directly.) The Contractor selected to arrange and conduct a particular panel discussion will work with MACPAC staff to refine meeting objectives, identify salient issues, and select individuals who will be invited to participate in the panel discussions. Expert panel meetings may be held at the MACPAC office or an external location.

c) Specific tasks are as follows:

1. Assist MACPAC staff with:

i. Identifying and discussing potential panelists,

ii. Finalizing topics or questions for discussion, and

iii. Discussing advance materials to be sent to panelists.

2. Develop agenda and discussion guide and submit to MACPAC staff for review.

3. Submit packet of materials to be sent to panelists for MACPAC staff review.

4. Arrange for logistical details relating to the panel, for example:

i. Coordinate meeting location and logistics,

ii. Invite potential panelists,

iii. Send advance materials to panelists,

iv. Make travel arrangements and hotel reservations for panelists as warranted, and

v. Arrange for notes and/or transcription services of the panel proceedings.

5. Moderate panel discussion on the day of the event.

6. Summarize findings from the panel discussion and provide briefing slides for

MACPAC staff review. The Contractor may also be asked to brief the Commission on the results of the panel discussion.

2.5.6. Structured Interviews

a) Structured interviews involve a process whereby MACPAC staff work with Contractor staff to identify potential participants and to craft an appropriate list of interview questions. The Contractor then contacts identified participants, carries out the interviews, and prepares a written synopsis of findings for staff and Commission use.

b) Structured interviews generally will be conducted via telephone, unless the selected individuals are available in the Contractor's locale or MACPAC staff determine that travel is warranted. If travel is warranted, the Contractor will make all travel arrangements (Note:

MACPAC reimburses travel for its staff participating in site visits directly) and accompany staff on structured interviews.

1. Assist MACPAC staff with:

ii. Identifying and discussing potential interviewees, and

iii. Finalizing topics or questions for discussion.

2. Develop interview script(s) and submit to MACPAC staff for review and approval.

3. Contact potential interviewees to discuss the project and confirm participation.

4. Conduct structured interviews with participants.

5. Summarize findings from interviews and provide briefing slides for review. The

Contractor may also be asked to brief the Commission on the results of the interviews.

2.5.7. Small Scale Surveys

a) MACPAC may undertake surveys, including quick turn-around surveys, of individuals/entities regarding a defined topic either nationally or within several localities.

b) Survey projects will begin with a meeting between MACPAC and the Contractor to define project goals. In consultation with MACPAC staff, the Contractor will determine the relevant sample size, develop a survey protocol and data collection instrument (e.g., in-person interviews, telephone surveys, web-based or mail surveys), and conduct the survey.

Finally, the Contractor may, depending on the parameters of the task as defined by MACPAC, be asked to draft briefing slides and/or a report on the survey results.

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to define the goals of the survey.

2. Submit a specific schedule for fielding the survey, including follow up to assure adequate response rates, and providing survey results (generally one week after meeting with staff).

3. Submit a draft survey plan, including proposed sample, survey protocol and questionnaire, and analysis plan, including table shells. Timing to be determined at initiation of the project.

4. Conduct the survey.

5. Produce a clean file of survey results in SAS or other electronic format.

6. Prepare a draft report and/or briefing slides on survey results and submit to MACPAC for review and comment.

7. Submit the final report and/or briefing slides on the survey. The Contractor may also be asked to brief the Commission on the results of the survey.

2.5.8. Site Visits

a) Site visits will involve a collaborative process between MACPAC staff and the Contractor to identify potential opportunities and appropriate locations for site visits, as well as the creation of an interview guide with questions relevant to the specific purpose or topic of interest. The Contractor may be expected to conduct relevant background research on a specific site or a specific topic. The Contractor will make all travel arrangements (Note:

MACPAC reimburses travel for its staff participating on site visits directly), accompany staff on site visits, participate in and take detailed notes during site visits, and then prepare a written synopsis of all meetings and site visit findings.

1. Assist MACPAC staff with ongoing identification of potential site visit opportunities.

2. Meet with MACPAC staff to define goals of site visits and target sites. In response to

MACPAC-defined needs, draft a detailed agenda and interview guide for MACPAC review and approval to facilitate discussions/information gathering during site visits.

3. Conduct additional background research as requested.

4. Contact facilities/individuals at the targeted sites to schedule site visits and coordinate site visit logistics.

5. Coordinate travel logistics to selected sites and arrange accommodations for MACPAC staff and 1-2 contractor staff for each visit. The specific number of MACPAC staff attendees will be determined at the initiation of the project.

6. Assist with interviews and site visits, including note taking.

7. Provide MACPAC with a written analysis/summary of the information gathered during the site visit(s) within approximately 2 to 3 weeks after completion of the final site visit. The Contractor may also be asked to draft presentation slides which could be used to brief Commissioners on key findings.

2.5.9. Actuarial Analysis

a) Actuarial analysis projects will consist of analytical tasks run on Medicaid/CHIP, Medicare, and other relevant data files. The Contractor should include a licensed actuary (e.g., FSA) as part of the proposed team if bidding on this particular project type. The Contractor should demonstrate knowledge of fee-for-service payment structures, Medicaid and CHIP managed care capitation rate setting, diagnostic risk adjustment, and be able to perform a wide range of actuarial analyses, including trend analyses and modeling different benefit designs and financing and payment strategies.

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to define topic and goals of the project.

2. Develop a work plan for completing analyses, including discussion of a timeline, staffing and oversight, analytic methodology, and data sources.

3. Submit draft analysis and documentation. Documentation should include a detailed methodology, data sources, key assumptions, and interpretation of results. Results of the analysis should be submitted in the requested format (e.g., tables and graphs, SAS data files and programming, etc.).

4. Submit final analysis.

2.5.10. Analysis of State Budget and Operational Impacts

a) Analysis projects will focus on the state-specific budget impacts of proposed or enacted federal Medicaid and/or CHIP policies. Projects may also focus on analysis of state proposed or enacted Medicaid and/or CHIP policies and their state budget and operational impacts.

1. Meet with MACPAC staff to define topic and goals of the project.

2. Develop a work plan for completing analyses, including discussion of a timeline, staffing and oversight, analytic methodology, and data sources.

3. Submit draft analysis and documentation. Documentation should include a detailed methodology, data sources, key assumptions, and interpretation of results. Results of the analysis should be submitted in the requested format (e.g., tables and graphs, SAS data files and programming, etc.).

4. Submit final analysis.

2.5.11. Report Assistance and Preparation

a) Report assistance and preparation will involve a collaborative process between MACPAC staff and the Contractor to produce MACPAC’s two required reports to the Congress due March 15 and June 15 of each year, as well as other ancillary products ranging from research briefs to research papers. The Contractor is expected to work closely with MACPAC staff on planning for, managing the development of, and editing and formatting the reports and other products. The Contractor will also play a key role in helping to draft and manage the overall production schedule and ensuring that reports are prepared in compliance with MACPAC’s style guide. The Contractor may also revise the style guide as appropriate.

1. Attend and participate in internal staff and Commission meetings as requested.

2. Develop work plans as appropriate.

3. Update MACPAC’s style guide as necessary and ensure all style rules are followed in reports.

4. Thoroughly edit reports for content, grammar, and format (including the formatting of graphics, charts, tables, etc.).

5. Create and oversee the production schedule to ensure report deadlines are met.

6. Coordinate with MACPAC staff to create hardcopy and online versions of reports

(excluding the actual production of hardcopies).

2.5.12. Additional Services

a) MACPAC may require assistance with additional services that do not necessarily fall into one of the project types listed above. Additional projects may include but are not limited to providing technical assistance to staff with information requests, producing ad hoc data analyses and reports, policy impact analyses, and other ad hoc tasks.

1. Discuss additional services needed with MACPAC staff.

2. Prepare a work plan for completing additional services and identify staff and resources needed.

3. Conduct work on additional services requested.

4. If applicable, prepare summary findings documents/analyses for MACPAC review and approval.

5. Finalize documents.

2.6. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

2.6.1. Personnel Qualifications

a) Contractors shall provide qualified personnel with all necessary certifications and competencies to perform the requirements as specified in this contract and resulting task orders at the performance start date(s).

2.6.2. Personnel Maintenance

a) Contractors shall ensure continuation of services during personnel absences due to sickness, leave, and voluntary or involuntary termination from employment such that impact to MACPAC is minimal. When Contractor key personnel have been terminated, leave, or given notice of resignation to the Contractor, a notification shall be communicated to the Contracting Officer within one business day of employee notice.

Contractors shall provide follow-up documentation within 72 hours, describing the management corrective action taken to ensure task completion and the addition of new staff as appropriate.

2.6.3. Replacement/Substitution

a) The Contractor shall designate the key personnel necessary to the successful performance of work under task order assignments resulting from this contract. The Contractor agrees to assign these persons to the performance of work under the contract and shall not replace or substitute for such personnel without written authorization from the MACPAC Contracting Officer.

b) Prior to replacing/substituting key personnel performing on task orders under this contract, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within two weeks in advance of the proposed replacement/substitution. Notice shall include written justification for the change and a sufficiently detailed qualification summary/resume of proposed personnel to permit MACPAC’s evaluation and acceptance, as well as fully-loaded hourly rates and labor categories for proposed key personnel.

c) MACPAC reserves the right to disapprove of any successors to key personnel.

2.6.4. Financial Management – Cost Controls

a) Contractors shall demonstrate effectiveness in forecasting, managing, and controlling contract and task order costs. Contractors shall provide total accountability, accuracy, disclosure, control, forecasting, estimating, and overall management of all non firm fixed price efforts at the task order level.

2.7. TASK ORDER REQUIREMENTS

2.7.1. General Information

a) Contractors shall provide services and perform tasks in accordance with separately issued task order assignments as specified therein. Contractors shall not start performance on any requirement until the Contracting Officer issues a task order.

2.7.2. Content

a) Requests for task order proposals will be prepared by MACPAC and may include a detailed description of the goals to be accomplished and desired outcomes, in the form of a PWS; security instructions if any; any required MACPAC inputs; expected completion date(s); a list of deliverables; and additional data, as appropriate, to assist the Contractor in understanding the task.

2.7.3. Changes/Deviations

a) Changes to task order contents, estimated costs, schedules and deliverables shall be documented by a revision/modification to the task order or sub-task in the same manner as the basic task order. Only the Contracting Officer may authorize changes to any resulting task order awarded under this contract.

2.8. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

2.8.1. Throughout the life of the contract, the Contractor will be evaluated on the basis of the performance measures delineated in each executed task order. Each task order will include a PWS detailing the services required. There is a 100% Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for all required services in the PWS on each task order. The Contractor will be evaluated on the performance measures and must meet an AQL to continue services under the contract. All work described in the PWS to be delivered under each task order is subject to final inspection and acceptance by the Contracting Officer and Project Officer.

a) The performance measures are as follows:

Performance

Metric Required Service Performance Indicator Monitoring Method

Accuracy/ completeness/ technical proficiency

All work products must be complete, accurate, and conducted with techniques commensurate to the task.

Analytic exercises and literature reviews must be free of errors and sufficiently comprehensive;

accounts of site visits, interviews, and expert panels must accurately reflect content of proceedings. Logistical arrangements (e.g., site visits, panels, etc.) must be conducted without disruptions.

Draft and final work products are complete and accurate and were conducted in a technically-competent and appropriate manner.

Work products are written in the style and tone of MACPAC’s March and June 2011 Reports to the Congress (a style guide will be provided by MACPAC).

Work is appropriately cited, neutral in tone, and incorporates comments from MACPAC staff as necessary.

MACPAC Project Officer review of work products may include external peer review of deliverables.

MACPAC reserves the right to perform any inspection and audit as deemed necessary to assure that the Contractor’s services conform to prescribed requirements.

Timeliness All work products - both interim and final - must be completed on schedule in order for MACPAC to use them most effectively.

Contractors’ deliverables are provided on schedule as indicated in the task order contract unless modified with

MACPAC

concurrence.

MACPAC’s Contracting Officer and Project Officer will review task deliverables with respect to the schedule defined in the task order.

Responsiveness The Contractor shall be responsive to requests for clarifications on submitted work products or to refinements to the task work based on changing needs of MACPAC (within the scope of work).

The Contractor is able to provide requested information or make adjustments in task work without undue delays.

MACPAC’s Project Officer will review the Contractor's ability to adjust task work in response to changing conditions, needs, and unexpected circumstances.

Performance Metric Required Service Performance

Indicator Monitoring Method

Communication The Contractor shall proactively keep MACPAC apprised of all issues related to the conduct of the task including, but not limited to progress of work, any issues that affect the Contractor's ability to meet schedule or budget requirements, unforeseen logistical issues, changes to the Contractor's internal operations (e.g., personnel changes) relevant to the work, etc.

The Contractor provides both regular updates on the progress of work under the task order and notifies the Project Officer of any unanticipated circumstances that affect either the analytics / logistics of the project, the project schedule, or the project budget.

MACPAC’s Project Officer will review both regular and ad hoc status reports on the applicable task order.

MACPAC’s Project Officer should have the ability to brief MACPAC's executive staff on the status of his/her task order project at any point in the conduct of the work.

Cost The Contractor shall ensure that work conducted under the task order is completed within the limits of the specified budget, unless otherwise negotiated with and approved by the MACPAC Project Officer and Contracting Officer.

Work is completely and accurately performed within budget.

MACPAC’s Project Officer and Contracting Officer will regularly jointly review progress toward final deliverables at each significant milestone in the task order work to ensure that the project's expenditures are commensurate with each stage of work.

2.8.2. Potential Remediation for Failure of Contractor to Meet 100% AQL

a) Up to five percent of Contractor payments may be deducted for less than full compliance with the AQL. Contractors will have an opportunity to correct nonconforming services at the expense of the Contractor, within a time period specified by the Project Officer, before MACPAC makes an equitable adjustment to the contract.

1. MACPAC reserves the right to refuse deliverables or a work product that is deemed to be deficient in one or more areas specified in the above measures.

2. MACPAC reserves the right to obtain remuneration from the Contractor for work deemed to be unusable as a result of poor quality.

3. Written acceptance, conditional acceptance, or rejection will be sent to the Contractor via email or by fax transmission.

2.8.3. Unsatisfactory Work

a) Performance by the Contractor to correct defects found by MACPAC as a result of quality review and by the Contractor as a result of quality control shall be at the Contractor’s own expense and without additional reimbursement by MACPAC. Unless otherwise negotiated, the Contractor shall correct or replace all nonconforming services or deliverables no later than the time and date granted by the Project Officer.

2.8.4. Quality Control

a) The Contractor shall submit for acceptance, along with its proposal, a Quality Control

Plan (QCP) governing all potential tasks performed under this contract that contains, at a minimum, the items listed below. If applicable, the QCP should be cross-referenced in future specific task order proposals. The Contracting Officer will inform the Contractor upon notification of contract award of acceptance or required modifications to the plan.

The Contractor shall make appropriate modifications and obtain MACPAC acceptance of the plan within 30 calendar days from the date of contract award.

b) The QCP shall include the following minimum requirements:

1. A description of the quality control system to cover all major services and deliverables.

The description shall include specifics as to the scope of reviews conducted on a scheduled and unscheduled basis, frequency of reviews, and the role/title of quality reviewers.

2. A description of the methods to be used for identifying and preventing defects in the quality of services performed.

3. A description of the records to be kept to document quality reviews and corrective or preventative actions taken.

c) All records of inspections performed shall be retained and made available to MACPAC upon request throughout the contract performance period, and for the period after contract completion, until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

d) MACPAC will evaluate the Contractor's performance in following the method of surveillance specified herein. When an observation indicates less than satisfactory performance, the Contracting Officer or other designated representative will immediately notify the Contractor, in writing, of such finding(s) and will request correction of the noted discrepancy. Any action taken by MACPAC as a result of surveillance will be according to the terms of the contract.

2.8.5. Problem Resolution

a) The Contractor shall bring problems or potential issues affecting performance to the attention of MACPAC as soon as possible. Verbal reports will be followed up with written reports when directed. This notification shall not relieve the Contractor of its responsibility to correct problems for which it is responsible. The Contractor will work cooperatively with MACPAC to resolve issues as they arise.

3. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

3.1. Inspection and Acceptance

3.1.1. The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative shall perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be produced.

3.1.2. For the purpose of this clause, the designated MACPAC Project Officer is the authorized representative of the Contracting Officer.

3.1.3. The terms of inspection shall be in accordance with Clause 6.3 (Inspection and Audit).

4. DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

4.1. Completion of Reports

4.1.1. In addition to any other reports required elsewhere in the contract, the Contractor(s) shall be required to complete monthly progress reports as specified in Clause 4.2 (Administrative Progress Reports) below.

4.2. Administrative Progress Reports

4.2.1. During the period in which a Contractor is planning and conducting a project under this contract, the Contractor will be required to submit monthly progress reports covering all work accomplished during the reporting period. The initial report shall cover the period from the effective date of the contract through the first reporting month. Reports shall be in brief, informal, narrative form, and shall include:

a) the contract number;

b) a quantitative description of overall progress for each of the major tasks (e.g., percent complete);

c) a discussion of results obtained;

d) an indication of any current problems that may impede performance and proposed corrective action;

e) a discussion of the work to be performed during the next reporting period; and

f) a statement relating the overall progress being made up through the period of performance.

4.2.2. Administrative Progress Reports shall be submitted monthly, by the 10th working day of each month. One copy shall be submitted to the Project Officer. Failure to submit monthly progress reports may result in a delay in invoice payment.

4.3. Place of Delivery

4.3.1. All items/deliverables generated under each task order assignment shall be submitted electronically via email to the designated Project Officer or shipped to the designated Project Officer at:

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) 1800 M Street, N.W., Suite 350N Washington, DC 20036

4.4. Contract Period of Performance

4.4.1. The period of performance under this contract is 11 months from the date of award, plus four optional extension periods, as defined in Clause 1.2 (Period of Performance), for one year each, after completion of the base contract period.

5. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

5.1. Designation of Project Officer

5.1.1. A MACPAC Project Officer will be designated upon the issuance of individual task order assignments and can be contacted at the following address:

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC)

5.1.2. The Project Officer is responsible for the development, technical monitoring, and evaluation of the Contractor's technical performance under the task order. The Project Officer shall determine if the deliverables meet the requirements as MACPAC has set forth. The Project Officer is not authorized to make any changes that affect the contract amount, terms, or conditions.

5.2. Designation of Contracting Officer

5.2.1. Libbie Buchele is hereby designated as the MACPAC Contracting Officer under this contract and can be reached at the following address after the IDIQ vendor selection has occurred:

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) 1800 M Street, N.W., Suite 350N Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 273-2460 Libbie.buchele@macpac.gov

5.2.2. The Contracting Officer is:

a) Responsible for the overall contract administration.

b) Authorized, in conjunction with the Executive Director, to make bilateral and unilateral changes to the contract that may result in extending the contract period of performance;

make changes requested by the Contractor; and modify the PWS, contract price, quantity, quality, and delivery schedule by properly executed modification to this contract.

c) Responsible for all payment inquiries.

d) Responsible for invoice reviews.

5.3. Indefinite Quantity

5.3.1. This is an indefinite quantity contract for the services specified and effective for the period stated in Clause 1.2 (Period of Performance). The quantities of services will be specified in each individual task order.

5.4. Budget Estimates for Projects

5.4.1. Each time a Contractor is chosen to complete a project under a task order, the Contractor will be asked to complete a financial proposal detailing the expected cost/price of the project.

5.5. Submission of Invoices

5.5.1. An original and two copies of invoices, fully assembled into sets, including required supporting statements or certifications and prominently identified in accordance with Clause 5.5.4 below shall be submitted by the Contractor to:

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC)

5.5.2. Payment schedules for invoices will depend on the type of contract (FFP or CPFF). For FFP contracts or task orders, invoices shall be submitted in a timely manner based on an agreed-upon deliverables or services schedule. For CPFF contracts or task orders requiring services or the delivery of items over several months, the Contractor shall invoice on a monthly basis.

All official invoices must be sent directly to MACPAC.

5.5.3. The Contractor should also submit an official invoice via electronic email to Linda MacNally at the following email address: linda.macnally@macpac.gov.

5.5.4. The following information shall be contained on all invoices submitted for payment:

a) Contractor Tax Identification Number

b) Contractor Mailing Address

c) Contractor Phone Number

d) Date of Invoice

e) Contractor Invoice Number

f) MACPAC Contract and/or Order Number

g) MACPAC Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) or item number (if applicable)

h) Description of services performed for or merchandise provided to MACPAC

i) Date(s) of services performed or merchandise provided to MACPAC

5.5.5. The Contractor must submit a separate invoice for every MACPAC contract and/or order number. The invoice must identify the specific CLIN or item number for which the Contractor is seeking payment under the contract or order. If the invoice covers multiple CLIN or item numbers, the invoice must identify specific amounts and activities applicable to each.

5.5.6. MACPAC aims to reimburse vendors on the 30th calendar day after a proper and valid invoice is officially received. Invoices submitted without required information as outlined in Clause

5.5.4 are not considered proper. If the invoice is disputed or rejected by MACPAC, the Project Officer appointed to the contract or task order will notify the Contractor of the dispute within seven calendar days of the MACPAC invoice receipt date. The Project Officer's dispute/rejection notice will identify the specific invoice items and amounts being disputed, the reason the items or amounts are disputed, a reference to the specific terms of the contract which supports MACPAC’s dispute, and a request for an immediate explanation and/or corrected invoice.

5.5.7. Contractor inquiries concerning an invoice payment may be made to the Project Officer at any time or to MACPAC 30 calendar days after a proper invoice has been submitted. The Contractor may make payment inquiries to the address identified above in Clause 5.5.1 above or to (202) 273-2460.

5.5.8. Contractors must inform MACPAC of any changes in banking information using the address identified above in Clause 5.5.1 above or by calling (202) 273-2460.

5.5.9. Invoices that are not properly submitted, or that contain incorrect data, will be returned for revision.

5.6. Invoice Payment

5.6.1. Payment shall be made on this contract as close as possible to but not later than 30 calendar days after an invoice containing the information set forth herein is received in the payment office designated in this contract.

5.6.2. Method of Payment

a) Payments under this contract will be made by MACPAC via Electronic Funds Transfer

(EFT) through the Automated Clearing House (ACH), unless it is determined that other payment methods are more advantageous. If not already submitted to MACPAC, the Contractor shall complete the ACH Vendor/ Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form, Standard Form 3881 (to be furnished at contract award). The sections to be filled out are "Payee/ Company Information" and "Financial Institution Information". After the vendor has completed the form, it should be mailed to MACPAC. If the Contractor declines use of EFT, the Contractor must submit to the Contracting Officer a written statement citing the reasons for such. MACPAC reserves the right to mandate payment by EFT, if the reasons provided are not acceptable to MACPAC.

b) By no later than 14 days before an invoice of contract financing request is submitted, the Contractor shall designate a financial institution for receipt of EFT payments, and shall submit this designation to the Contracting Officer.

c) In the event the Contractor, during the performance of this contract, elects to designate a different financial institution for the receipt of any payment made using EFT procedures, notice must be received and provided to the Contracting Officer at least 30 days prior to the date such change is to become effective.

d) The documents furnishing the information required in this clause must be dated and contain the signature, title, and telephone number of the authorized official that is providing it, as well as the Contractor's name and contract number. The Contractor's failure to properly designate a financial institution or to provide the appropriate payee bank account information may delay payments of amounts that are otherwise due.

5.7. Technical…