Q A's_-_RFQ_Amendment_3_-_ACIOP.docx

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Office of Acquisitions National Library of Medicine 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 105 Bethesda, MD 20892-5488

To all Vendors: The purpose of this Amendment is to respond to vendor questions and to announce that all questions need to be submitted via email to Gregory.benedict@nih.gov. The due date to submit questions is on July 1, 2015.

VENDOR QUESTIONS

1. We did not find the RFQ on the list at https://ecps.niaid.nih.gov/NLM of proposals to be submitted via eCPS, although #10 on the instructions document indicated that that is how the proposal should be submitted. Where do I find the link to submit?

Information pertaining to proposal submissions via e-CPS has been update and can be found within the solicitation under “Package”, after amendment # 1. The updated link is https://ecps.nih.gov/nlm .

1. The populations mentioned in the RFQ included MSM, African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos, but indicated that the program is not limited to these populations. Given the populations of our study sites (Gainesville and Jacksonville, FL), we are interested in outreach to college students and the elderly. Would these populations be considered legitimate groups alone, or would we also need to include (or concentrate on within the student or elderly populations) those 3 specifically mentioned in the RFQ?

All population groups are legitimate groups for ACIOP awards. MSMs of color are just a segment that we are especially interested in for this round of solicitations.

1. Is there a limit on the number of co-Principle Investigators?

No. The offeror will need to determine the labor mix required for their specific project.

1. Can funding be used to send team members to library or HIV/AIDS-related conferences to present to disseminate information on the project? If so, can the conference be outside the United Stated?

Funds may be used for the purpose of disseminating HIV/AIDS related information at libraries, conferences, etc. but must follow rules mentioned in the “Health and Human Services (HHS) Efficient Spending Policy”. The Efficient Spending Policy can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/contract-policies-regulations/efficient-spending/index.html

1. The budget includes a line for IDC. Is there a maximum amount we can request in IDC, or should the applicant request it’s designated IDC for this type of activity?

If you have a pre-negotiated rate agreement please follow the negotiated agreement. If there is no pre-negotiated agreement use your best business judgement.

1. Can the start date be any date in September?

The start date will be on or about September 15, 2015 as stated in the RFQ. Awardees will be notified of award in advance of the official start date.

1. Is there a provision for no cost extension if the project needs additional time to complete?

No.

1. What is the definition of equipment in terms of costs? $5,000 or more, or less? (we know there is a requirement for 3 bids for “equipment”.)

In accordance with FAR 45.101, the definition of equipment does not include terms of cost. Therefore, all equipment purchases must follow the procedures as outlined in the RFQ.

1. For the CV requirement – must they be official NIH Biosketches or will a traditional short CV suffice?

As stated on page 15 of the RFQ, item C – Personnel, is hereby amended to include:

CV’s shall include the following:

· Contact Information

· Education

· Research Experience

· Teaching Experience (if applicable)

· Publications

· Presentations

· References

· Awards

· Professional Affiliations

· Community or University Service

1. Where do we find additional information on HIV/AIDS Information Outreach, specifically the Equal Access Initiative?

The EAI program is no longer on-going. But, the available resources can be located on the Outreach & Special Populations page at http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/outreach/hiv_outreach.html as well as the ACIOP blog under ACIOP Resources and Services at https://aciopblog.wordpress.com/resources/ image1.png