NEC IDIQ Pre Solicitation Conference QAs.pdf

National Education Campaign & Outreach Contract Pre-solicitation Conference Questions

# Question Answer

I have a question related to the recent contract opportunity that was posted. There is a question about NAICS on the Zoom registration.

We are NAICS Code 541613 - Marketing Consulting Firm. Are we eligible to submit a proposal with our classification?

CMS has chosen NAICS code 541810-Advertising Agencies for this acquisition. Only offerors with this NAICS code will be considered when submitting proposals.

Can you please tell me if the NEC IDIQ will have a small business requirement? If so, can you specify which category of small business?

Since the Pre-Solicitation Conference held on 7/25/2024, it has been determined that the NEC IDIQ will be procured via a Full & Open competition.

The solicitation will include a small business utilization evaluation criterion.

In addition, Offerors who are large businesses, will be required to submit a subcontracting plan. Plans will be evaluated and approved at the IDIQ level and will become part of the IDIQ contract award. CMS has identified a small business goal of 31% of total subcontracted labor dollars and will also include the following socioeconomic goals:

5% - Small Disadvantaged Business, including 8(a) Program Participants, Alaska Native Corporations (ANC) and Indian Tribes 5% - Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 8% - Women Owed Small Business 3% - HUBZone

Large Business Offerors will submit their Subcontracting Plans in the SBCX system.

3 How likely are you to set this opportunity aside for a small business? Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

4 We’re SDVOSB, any chance it will be set aside for that designation? Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

We’ve managed large $60M+ media campaigns, and have strong partnerships with all the major media outlets - how are you planning to set goals and KPIs that effectively measure the performance of this campaign?

CMS will work with the Contractor awarded each unique task order to set goals and put performance measures in place.

Will billable administrative professional services (accounting, legal, 3rd party verification, etc.) be permissible within this solicitation?

The NEC IDIQ will be procured as a commercial Part 12 acquisition.

Therefore, task order pricing mechanisms will include T&M and Fixed Price.

The proposed T&M labor rates shall include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit for each category of labor. The administrative professional services cost described in the question appear to typically be indirect type costs. However, Offerors should capture costs consistent with their standard accounting practices.

7 Is there an incumbent contractor for this work? If so, what is the current contract number?

Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #28.

8 What is the anticipated budget range or ceiling for this IDIQ contract? Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #26.

Will the government provide any government-furnished information or materials to support the campaign efforts, such as existing research on target audiences?

For the purpose of this solicitation, no. Throughout the NEC IDIQ period of performance the bulk of consumer research will be executed by CMS’ Division of Research and it will be shared for specific task orders. The Contractor should have the ability to provide access to and analysis of syndicated research specific to CMS audiences. This could include demographic information, media consumption habits and other data related to audience behavior used to shape proposed communications campaigns.

Given the focus on data-driven approaches and analytics, are there any specific measurement or reporting tools/platforms that CMS prefers or requires contractors to use?

Contractors will be granted access to CMS' data platform for paid digital metrics (i.e. Adobe Analytics) upon task order award.

11 Is the government looking to award this IDIQ to multiple vendors or a single vendor?

The NEC IDIQ will be awarded to a pool of contractors. Please see Pre-solicitation Conference slide #27 for the historic pool size.

12 Will this be a small business set-aside? Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

Page 4, D.2.: Can the government kindly clarify which languages are anticipated for material transcreation?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement.

The requirement could vary by campaign base on the goal and the audience.

Most recently we've focused on Spanish-reliant Latinos, English-reliant Latinos and AANHPI languages.

Page 5, D.2.2.: Will the government specify what quantity of unique video concepts should be assumed for development each year?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement. In each task order the offeror may be required to propose a comprehensive media plan that includes the recommendations from offerors.

Page 7, D.4: Will the government specify how many social media channels and social media platforms should be assumed for executing paid content per year?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement. In each task order the offeror may be required to propose a comprehensive media plan that includes the recommendations from offerors.

Page 7, D.4: Will the government specify how many unique paid search ad buys to assume per year?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement. In each task order the offeror may be required to propose a comprehensive media plan that includes the recommendations from offerors.

Page 7, D.4: Will the government specify how many unique paid social media ad buys to assume per year?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement. In each task order the offeror may be required to propose a comprehensive media plan that includes the recommendations from offerors.

Page 8, D.6: Will the government specify how many unique media pitches need to be developed and executed per year?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement. In each task order the offeror may be required to propose a comprehensive media plan that includes the recommendations from offerors.

Page 8, D.6: Will the government specify how many unique media trainings need to be developed and delivered per year?

This information will be specific to each individual task order requirement. In each task order the offeror may be required to propose a comprehensive media plan that includes the recommendations from offerors.

Page 10, D.8: Can the government kindly confirm the projected number of CMS-sponsored events requiring Contractor support?

It is important to note that the draft SOW provided with the conference posting is for the overall NEC IDIQ . Specific conference requirements will be designated in each individual task order Statement of Work. Proposal instructions on how to address the IDIQ SOW will be provided with the solicitation.

There are currently four holders of the NEC IDIQ. How many awards does the government expect to make for the new contract? Allowing for more holders of the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle would enhance competition, drive innovation, and ensure a broader range of expertise and solutions, ultimately leading to better value for the government. We recommend considering 8-10 awardees.

Please refer to the answer provided for question #11, above.

Does the government anticipate any IDIQ awards to be set aside for small businesses? If so, how many awards are anticipated to be awarded to small business concerns?

Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

Will the government require large businesses to provide a Small Business Subcontracting Plan as a part of their submissions? If so, what are the participation targets expected for different classifications of small businesses? Can the HHS template be used for this plan? Understanding the targets early will provide offerors sufficient time to engage qualified small business partners.

Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

24 Will the government please provide the anticipated evaluation criteria so that offerors can understand the basis for award decision?

CMS is still working on the evaluation criteria. The solicitation will contain the evaluation criteria and the order of importance.

Will the government be releasing a sample task order (TO) as a part of the initial IDIQ? If so, will it be an awardable TO? If so, we also recommend that the government release a draft SOW for the TO for comment and awareness prior to releasing the RFP.

Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #29. CMS will be releasing the Statement of Work for the live, awardable Task Order, " Health Care Fraud Prevention Outreach Campaign Task Order" as a part of Phase II of the solicitation.

The 2017 RFP included three separate requirements: a go/no go requirement; the technical proposal; and two sample task orders, all of which needed to be completed at the same time. We expect that the government will receive increased responses of higher quality by changing the initial response format, perhaps by have multi-phased approach, requiring a phase 1 go/no go threshold before preparing and submitting technical proposals and sample task orders as part of a phase 2.

Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #29.

27 Does the government anticipate requiring offerors to provide oral presentations as part of their response?

At this time, CMS does not anticipate oral presentations.

Will the government preclude multiple legal entities from the same holding company from preparing separate responses to the IDIQ solicitation? Allowing multiple legal entities from the same holding company to submit proposals has the potential to undermine fair

The CO continues to analyze this planned acquisition to identify and evaluate potential organizational conflicts of interest as early in the acquisition process as possible. CMS will address any potential conflicts of interest and the requirement for mitigation in the solicitation.

competition and may lead to conflicts of interest, potentially skewing the procurement process.

Will the government allow Contractor Teaming Agreements (CTAs) as a part of a response to this solicitation? Allowing CTAs will enable the government to leverage combined expertise and resources, resulting in more comprehensive and innovative solutions while reducing risks.

This requirement will be a full and open solicitation, not under GSA. A formal Contractor Teaming Agreement (CTA) is specific to GSA Schedule acquisitions. However, offerors may choose to enter into team arrangements with subcontractors and or form joint ventures for example.

Will the government share information on the number and size of the task orders expected to be released in the first year?

The forecast for FY26 has not been determined yet. Once this information is known CMS will share an annual forecast of anticipated task orders for the upcoming fiscal year. CMS publishes the annual forecast of actions to CMS.gov. The forecast is updated monthly. Please also refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #28 for the historical task orders awarded.

After award of the IDIQ vehicle, will the government provide forecasts of requests for task order proposals and update them on a regular basis?

CMS will share an annual forecast of anticipated task orders for the upcoming fiscal year. CMS publishes the annual forecast of actions to CMS.gov. The forecast is updated monthly.

Draft SOW p.2: The potential task orders include “coordinating and executing data infrastructure, such as email marketing, short message service (SMS) and outbound call marketing.” Please provide clarification what is meant by coordinating and executing data infrastructure. Will the NEC contractor be responsible for email marketing, SMS, and outbound call marketing? Or are those services provided separately?

Contractors may be required to help create communications for email marketing, SMS and outbound call marketing based on overall strategic campaign goals. Typically, another contractor handles coordination and execution of data infrastructure. Experience with direct response and database outreach marketing, including testing strategies is valuable.

33 D.6.1 SOW, p. 9: Does CMS seek crisis communications planning and support, in addition to issues management support?

CMS does not anticipate crisis communications planning and support, however the agency would include that in a task order, if needed.

D.7, Draft SOW, p. 9-10: Which media and campaign monitoring platform(s) does CMS prefer?

CMS does not have a preference. Offerors should note in their response which platforms they use and/or have experience using. Contractors will be granted access to CMS' data platform for paid digital metrics (i.e. Adobe Analytics) upon task order awards.

35 Historically, what is the dollar value of media buying across TOs annually?

Media buy values vary greatly by task order/campaigns. For the past three years, media buying across all task orders has exceeded $200 million.

Draft SOW, p.1: Please clarify the number of consumer communication topics based on the statement “shall develop strategic plans for each consumer communication topic”?

To clarify, each task order/campaign will focus on a specific topic and associated goal.

D.2, Draft SOW, p.3: Please clarify the number of campaigns that are required for this project based on the statement, “shall be responsible for developing up to three (3) creative approaches…for each campaign”?

The Statement of Work provided is for the overall NEC IDIQ. Once awarded, CMS will issue individual task orders under the IDIQ. At the task order level, the contractor will be responsible for providing CMS with three creative approaches, which will likely be used for consumer testing.

D.2, Draft SOW, p.3: Do we need to provide examples of past expertise in translation based on the statement, “shall have special expertise in identifying or working with appropriate individuals or organizations in developing materials for these populations including, but not limited to translations”?

Offerors will be required to speak to this past experience and demonstrate the capability.

D.2.1, Draft SOW, p.4: Regarding the statement, “Releases for talent, images, graphics, music, and other elements shall be obtained on a 100% buyout basis”, does CMS want named recognized talent like Alicia Keys, Julie Roberts, and George Clooney or non recognizable talent that will be less expensive?

Offerors will be required to make recommendations at the task order level.

CMS has worked with a variety of talent.

D.4.4, Draft SOW, p.7: We appreciate your expectation for a brand safety and suitability framework, can you provide any additional insight relating to this area of the requirement?

CMS is interested in ensuring the digital marketing you place on a client's behalf runs in a suitable environment that poses no harm to the brand. In addition, offerors should provide safeguards or tools to validate served impressions, ad viewability and protect from fraudulent advertising placement.

D.8, Draft SOW, p.9: Throughout the contract period, is there an anticipation that we would need to warehouse and distribute branded promotional items? If so, please provide expected volumes needed for fulfillment.

CMS does not anticipate this need.

In reviewing the newly released SOW for this contract versus prior versions of it, we noticed that the Direct Response portion (including list development, database management, etc.) has been eliminated.

Can CMS please explain what the changes are with this requirement?

Contractors may be required to help create communications for email marketing, SMS and outbound call marketing based on overall strategic campaign goals. Typically, another contractor handles coordination and execution of data infrastructure. Experience with direct response and database outreach marketing, including testing strategies is valuable.

Can CMS please expand on the need for “Coordinating and executing data infrastructure, such as email marketing, short message service (SMS) and outbound call marketing”. Specifically, what technology, vendors, systems, and processes are in place today and would be leveraged versus anything that would need to be enhanced or further developed.

Please refer to the answer provided for question #42, above.

44 What are some examples of the types of partnerships and community outreach that have been successful under this contract?

Each task order/campaign will have unique partnership plans based on the goal, the audience and the intended behavior.

45 What key metrics are used for the conversion-based marketing portion of the campaign? How are they measured?

Metrics vary by task order. CMS works with Contractors to establish Key Performance Indicators based on the goals of each task order campaign.

What level of state/regional activity do you expect? The level of state/regional activity varies by task order. Depending on the scale of the outreach, there could be an overlay of national advertising with heavy up in local or regional areas based on the overall marketing strategy.

Are there specific languages you anticipate needing for adaptation? The requirement could vary by campaign base on the goal and the audience.

Most recently we've focused on Spanish-reliant Latinos, English-reliant Latinos and AANHPI languages.

Please clarify the role/responsibility for formative research under this contract. The SOW states that “the bulk of consumer research will be executed by CMS’ Division of Research.”

Throughout the NEC IDIQ period of performance the bulk of consumer research will be executed by CMS’ Division of Research and it will be shared for specific task orders. Upon task order award, CMS will share any research that inform strategy, messaging or creative. CMS will also engage the contractor collaboratively when conducting new research and evaluation.

Please describe what the requirements will be for past performance of the prime contractor and subcontractors.

At the IDIQ level, past performance will be evaluated for the Prime and any significant subcontractors. The task order will include past performance for any additional significant subcontractors not proposed at the IDIQ level.

Does CMS have any preferences or guidance for teaming partnerships? Do you prefer teams with more or less small business subcontractors? Is CMS comfortable with the models of the largest advertising firms that create integrated agency teams that bring the best and right talent to the team (as opposed to siloes of individual marketing agencies that operate as “subcontractors”)?

CMS does not have any guidance or preferences for teaming arrangements.

However, please note that there will be small business subcontracting goals that contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to meet.

Does the Government require that successful bidders provide users with access to a COTS SaaS media monitoring platform?

No.

If the Government requires access to a SaaS media monitoring platform, how many users will need access to the underlying technology?

N/A

How many owned social media accounts will the successful bidder need to manage (ie:

5 X(Twitter), 5 Facebook, 4 LinkedIn, 1 YouTube)?

CMS' Division of Digital Marketing manages the agency's social media accounts. Contractors would work with the Program Office and DDM to create content for CMS accounts, as needed. This would be outlined in the task order level.

In D.7, we notice the Government’s desire for “Print Media Clippings”.

Is it correct to assume that this is an illustrative example and the Government requires online news tracking, broadcast monitoring, and comprehensive social listening

Contactors will be asked to develop monitoring and tracking systems to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns. We'll ask the contractor to develop these systems based on they types of tactics that have been deployed. "Print Media Clippings" is an illustrative example.

to effectively gauge impact of campaigns and potential behavior change?

55 Does CMS anticipate expanding the number of IDIQ awards beyond four for the recompete?

Please refer to the answer provided for question #11, above.

56 Can CMS provide more details on allowable teaming arrangements?

i.e. CTAs

Please refer to the answer provided for question #29, above.

Can CMS provide more details on what contractors will need to provide for this procurement regarding media buying parameters?

Contractors are expected to handle the full media planning and buying process, including but not limited to establishing goals, budgets, timing, negotiation, purchase orders, optimizations, invoice stewardship, reconciliation.

Does the requirement for the large-scale media buys ($60 million or more) have to be completed by the main offeror or can that task be supported by a subcontractor in order to serve as the prime contractor for this IDIQ?

The prime or subcontractor can complete the media buys.

59 How many total contractors do plan to add to this IDIQ? Please refer to the answer provided for question #11, above.

60 What is the anticipated release date for official solicitation? Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #30.

Can you provide examples of completed task orders that has been well executed in previous years and the type of outcomes CMS is looking to achieve this time around?

Offerors should refer to the conference presentation for examples.

Outcomes are defined at the task order level.

62 What priority communities or geographic regions are you looking to target?

Each campaign task order will come with unique goals, target audiences and geography.

Can you please provide a short list of your top publications, newswires, television and networks you’d like to place earned media coverage?

Each campaign task order will come with unique goals and target audiences.

Earned media coverage should be placed to deliver the target audience.

Would the government consider also releasing the solicitation on 541820 as well as on 541810? This would increase competition. The scope also speaks to public relations agencies, and we would bid as a prime if it was released on 541820.

Please refer to the answer provided for question #1, above.

65 Will we be responsible for net new campaigns, continuing/revamping existing campaigns, or a combination?

This may vary by task order.

What qualitative and quantitative measures has CMS been tracking to evaluate the effectiveness of national campaign programs, and do they have tracking data that they can share for existing campaigns?

CMS will share historical data for existing campaigns once task orders are awarded.

67 What other previous research about national, regional, local targeted populations can be shared?

CMS will not be sharing any data that is not publicly available.

Will CMS’ Division of Research share their research agenda for informing campaign strategy, creative and message testing, and

Throughout the NEC IDIQ period of performance the bulk of consumer research will be executed by CMS’ Division of Research and it will be shared for specific task orders and not in advance of the NEC IDIQ solicitation. Upon evaluation, in order for us to identify any gaps in understanding and develop a formative research plan?

task order award, CMS will share any research that informs strategy, messaging or creative. CMS will also engage the contractor collaboratively when conducting new research and evaluation.

69 What are CMS’ goals/expectations related to Minority and/or Woman-Owned Small Businesses competing for this work?

Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

If we want to partner with other companies, should we submit our answers as one agency or should we both submit and note the partnering agency?

If prime offerors are proposing teaming arrangements, they should submit one complete proposal.

71 Who is the incumbent agency and are they defending/participating in the RFP?

Please refer to the answer provided for question #7, above.

72 What, if any coordination/collaborate is there between these national efforts, and state/local Health Departments?

This is not requirement for the solicitation.

Aside from English and Spanish-language communication efforts, are any campaign materials/media efforts that include other languages based on geographic locations; ie Chinese, Tagalog, or Haitian Creole?

The requirement could vary by campaign base on the goal and the audience.

Most recently we've focused on Spanish-reliant Latinos, English-reliant Latinos and AANHPI languages.

In multiple places, including on page 4, the SOW notes that materials produced in languages other than English “shall not be straight translations, but rather culturally sensitive adaptations.” Can CMS confirm which languages it is most likely to require that materials be transcreated in?

The requirement could vary by campaign base on the goal and the audience.

Most recently we've focused on Spanish-reliant Latinos, English-reliant Latinos and AANHPI languages.

On page 5, in section D-2-1, the government requires, “Releases for talent, images, graphics, music, and other elements shall be obtained on a 100% buyout basis when possible; and appropriate selection of these elements shall be conducted to achieve buyout at the lowest price possible.” A 100% buy out for “in perpetuity” use can be very expensive. Can CMS share data on how much it has paid in the past for talent contracts?

Talent contracts vary by task order. CMS relies on the Contractor to negotiate talent fees that are in the best interest to the government.

On page 5, the SOW references securing licensing agreements for talent and adhering to any union laws, including SAG and AFTRA.

Please confirm that this contract does not allow for any use of non-union talent.

The draft SOW on SAM.gov does not specifically detail talent agreement requirements. It states: “The Contractor shall be responsible for securing the appropriate licensing agreements for any talent that appears in the produced materials. When working with content creators/influencers, the Contractor shall be responsible for verifying the creator’s identity; ensuring the content on channel is appropriate (i.e., no alcohol, drug use, hate speech, etc.); and does not fraudulently inflate their channel metrics.” This language will remain consistent in the solicitation.

77 On page 6, the SOW requires that contractors “inform CMS of the use of Artificial Intelligence or Generative AI tools in the development

As Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI tools advance, CMS expects there to be an open conversation about their utility and if they are being used to of creative and messaging.” What system or process should bidders anticipate using to share any relevant information regarding the use of

AI?

develop creative and messaging. A specific process will be discussed at the time of task order award.

On page 8, the SOW notes the potential need for “partner relations” as part of the earned media efforts. Does CMS anticipate requiring support for partner and/or stakeholder outreach and engagement separate from earned media work? If so, which task would include that work?

To clarify, there could be a potential need to adapt earned media materials to be distributed through partner relations channels.

On page 10, the SOW notes that “the Contractor shall have the ability to conduct formative research—both qualitative and quantitative.”

Should bidders presume that OMB clearance may be required for relevant research efforts?

The Division of Research would lead OMB clearance, as needed.

Anticipating CMS is likely seeking robust competition on this RFP, can you provide any insight on how many awardees you anticipate as a result of this IDIQ? Will any slots on the vehicle be set aside for small businesses?

Please refer to the answers provided for questions #2 and #11, above.

Can CMS share what percentage of the total funding under the prior iteration of this vehicle was spent on paid ad buys versus labor and other ODCs? Do you anticipate that split changing in the new IDIQ?

We look to Offerors to make recommendations on task order budget allocations.

In addition to responding to the sample Statement of Work provided, will bidders be asked to respond to a sample task with separate technical and pricing proposals?

The draft SOW that was provided with the conference notice was the draft IDIQ SOW. Please refer to the answer provided for question #25, above.

There will be a "live" task order, Health Care Fraud Prevention Outreach and Education Campaign. This "live" Task Order will have a separate technical and pricing proposals. This live task order will be utilized in the evaluation of the overall IDIQ as well as the evaluation of the task order itself. Only offerors who are awarded an IDIQ will be eligible for award of the live task order.

To provide past performance of contracts of similar size and scope, will CMS base this on the dollar volume of labor on a similar contract or on the total amount of labor/media/other ODCs?

CMS is considering the answer to this question, however, it is anticipated to be based on total campaign size. The solicitation will further define similar size, scope and complexity.

In addition to considering the bidders’ technical responses to the sample statement of work provided, how will CMS be weighing bidders’ other qualifications for IDIQ award?

a. For example, how much do you anticipate past work with CMS will be weighted, in comparison to other criteria, or in comparison to similar work performed for other Federal health agencies?

b. In addition, how do you anticipate that an offeror’s strategic approach to the sample Statement of Work will be weighted in comparison to factors like key personnel experience with CMS?

CMS is still working on the evaluation criteria. The solicitation will contain the evaluation criteria and the order of importance.

Past CMS RFPs, CMS has required the contractor have the capability to finance $40 million in media buys prior to receiving funding from the government. Will this be a requirement for this RFP?

Yes. Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #25; see NEC Requirement/Key Capability: Media Planning and Buying: $60M+.

In the past, the response to the IDIQ-level Statement of Work has been one of five volumes that bidders were expected to submit. Do you anticipate similar requirements this time?

CMS anticipates multiple proposal volumes in the two Phase Approach as shown on Slide 29.

Will CMS provide a rough order of magnitude for the expected number of labor hours that will be purchased through this IDIQ and/or on any sample task, in order to allow for an apples-to-apples comparison of contractor’s pricing?

CMS will not provide an estimate of labor hours. However, it is anticipated a budget limit will be provided for the live task order.

Will CMS publish a list of attendees to the virtual conference for partnership development? Or can CMS advise how best to identify potential partners for the IDIQ RFP?

An attendee list has been posted to SAM.gov.

Can CMS provide details on the CMS components that have historically used this IDIQ (i.e., which offices, associated spend, etc.)?

Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #7. The majority of task orders issued are from the Strategic Marketing Group, however, the IDIQ will be open for all CMS components.

90 Can CMS provide details on bidder qualifications? The Offerors must meet the key capabilities outlined during the conference.

Evaluation criteria will be outlined in the solicitation.

Can CMS provide any further details on the types of messages or topics on which CMS plans to support national education campaigns through this IDIQ?

CMS provided examples during the conference.

Will applicants be required to specify vendors upon responding to the RFP, or will subcontractors be able to be identified after the funds are awarded to prime contractors?

Teaming agreements shall be provided as applicable in the overall NEC IDIQ response. Additionally, subcontractors should be specified in the response to the task order RFP. If the contractor wants to add a subcontractor after task order award, consent must be requested and approved by the Contracting Officer.

93 What is the anticipated total funding amount for this IDIQ? The IDIQ Ceiling is $5 Billion over a 7 year ordering period.

94 Has CMS determined how many awards may be made? Please refer to the answer provided for question #11, above.

The solicitation and current procurement will utilize sam.gov; would the government consider a more appropriate NAICS code of 513199 which is based on employee size standard versus revenue determining the size standard? This would give the government the opportunity to have larger firms with an employee size standard of under 1,000 employees qualify as a small business. Size standard of less than 1,000 employees tend to have increased capacity and increased capabilities vs a revenue based NAICS code for identifying small businesses that might often provide less capabilities and less capacity. The decision to change the NAICS to 513199 aligns with

Please refer to the answer provided for question #1, above.

the E.O. 14091 and SBA/OMB initiatives, which allows HHS CMS to be supportive of the small business participation requirements for this IDIQ.

If the government is not willing to change the NAICS code to 513199 based on employee size standard would the government consider adding to the RFQ solicitation requirement.. “any bidder not a small business must have a documented small business participation plan as part of their proposal, and, have a mandatory 30% small business participation on all task orders based on total revenue”? This should be an evaluated requirement with the Agency identifying the social economic category percentages accumulative totals being 30% of all award values. There is precedent within the federal government with previously competed and awarded IDIQ’s within DoD, DOJ, etc.

Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

Based on the CMS NEC prime Awardee history for the past 13-14 years, is it the government’s intent to continue to down select the number of Awardees that are awarded a prime contractor slot on the CMS NEC for the 2025 solicitation? Meaning the government has decreased a quantity of at least 1 Awardee based on historical data, will this trend continue?

Please refer to the answer provided for question #11, above.

Given the current list of Awardees, at least one firm is significantly underperforming compared to the other awardees – will the government consider prior participation in the current and past CMS NEC IDIQs as a basis for NOT awarding a prime contractor award?

Meaning, due to lack of historical participation in the current IDIQ would the government consider the lack of historical participation as a basis for ‘off ramping’ or ‘not awarding’ a prime position on the 2025

IDIQ?

Any consideration of an offeror's past performance will be in accordance with the Past Performance Evaluation Criteria defined in the solicitation.

Does the government encourage teaming and partnering with a prime contractor comprised of multiple subcontractors made up of both large and small businesses?

The Government cannot provide subcontracting recommendations. However, refer to the answer provided for question #2, above, for subcontracting small business utilization goals that have been identified for the NEC IDIQ.

100 What is the time frame for the execution of this program? Is there a timeline for the proposal and decision?

Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #30.

101 What is expected in a proposal for this RFP—are there specific questions and requirements?

Please refer to the NEC IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Conference slide #29. Specific evaluation criteria will be specified in the solicitation.

102 Will/Can this RFP be divided among several vendors? Please refer to the answer provided for question #11, above.

103 Can a group of vendors apply together to fulfill the requirements of this RFP?

Please refer to the answer provided for questions #29 and #50, above.

Can CMS please provide more information on its plans to encourage small business participation? For example, would CMS consider opening up a small business domain, or awarding small business participation points?

Please refer to the answer provided for question #2, above.

Sub Contracting question - will we receive contacts for all interested companies for PRIME, so we can reach out to them re: sub contracting?

The Government cannot provide subcontracting recommendations. However, a list of conference attendees has been provided on SAM.gov.

106 Are you gonna add these opportunities public on SAM.gov? CMS intends to release this solicitation via SAM.gov.

107 Are there specific HHS or CMS certifications we should be aware of? There are no formal certifications that Contractors need to go through.

108 Will the work all be comms and marketing - any PR inside these task orders?

Each task order issued under the NEC IQIQ will outline the specific requirements, which may include public relations.

109 Is there any room for any actual health education vs. signing up & be aware of fraud?

Each task order issued under the NEC IQIQ is unique and may have a different call-to-action or desired behavior change.