Attachment 9 -RFP Questions and Answers.pdf

Amendment 01 - Questions/Clarifications and Answers

NIMH-20-003832 Evaluation of the Collaborative Hubs for International Research on Mental Health

8/20/2020

No.

Reference (if any)

Question/ Clarification Government Response

1.

3.1.2- Key Personnel

Research Coordinator Liaisons would ideally be located in the host country for the project and a student/intern who’s familiar with their work. Is it required to identify possible candidates for our response (i.e., locate candidates and obtain CVs through grantee PIs) or can those selections be made after award?

This should be made after award and should be discussed with each Hub and NIMH staff

2.

2.2.7- Level of Effort

The RFP states that the period of performance is 1 year and 3 months. Please verify that the ‘year 2’ estimates of level of effort are only for a 3-month period of time.

Please refer to the amended SOW.

3.

of Effort (Data Analyst)

The percent time for the Data analyst in Year 1 is estimated at 40% and 60% for Year 2. Using the standard denominator of 1880 labor hours/year, the designated time is only 10% (192 hours) and 20% (96 hours for a 3-month period), respectively. Please clarify which LOE to use.

Please refer to the amended SOW.

The level of effort in the SOW represents the Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” ” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

4.

(Research Coordinator Liaison)

The percent time for the Research Coordinator Liaison is suggested as 80% total in Year 1 and 20% in Year 2.

However, the designated time is the same as the Data Analyst-- only 10% and 20% (for a 3-month period), respectively. Please clarify which LOE to use.

Please refer to the amended SOW.

The level of effort in the SOW represents the Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” ” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated

Question/ Clarification Government Response

5.

(Research)

The percent time and hours for Year 1 match for the Research and Project Manager positions, however, the 480 hours estimated for Year 2 appears to employ these positions in a full-time capacity. Are these positions to work full time for three months? Please clarify the LOE for Year 2 for these positions.

Please refer to the amended SOW.

The level of effort in the SOW represents the Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” ” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

6. Is the Offeror expected to identify and name 5 research coordinators in the proposal?

No

7. Are the research coordinators already part of the Hubs (and will be compensated through this contract) or will they be hired by the Offeror for this project?

The Government expects this contract to support the research coordinator for each Hub. Please refer to the SOW.

8. Can NIH specify in which countries 5 research coordinators will be based to help with budget estimate?

The research coordinator is based in each country and will be probably indicated by the PI of the Hub, to facilitate data collection and liaison between contractor and the Hub.

Question/ Clarification Government Response

9. Can research coordinators be hired as consultants?

Yes

10. Can NIH clarify what is meant by a “certified resume”?

“certified resume” Letter of attestation with a statement from the proposed individual attesting to the veracity of the information provided in the resume, along with a signature and date.

11. When hiring local nationals, as may be needed for research coordinators, there are statutory and/or additional market-based allowances and severance costs that will have to be budgeted for. Can NIH confirm that the Offerors may add lines to the pricing template to reflect this additional ODC?

The level of effort in the SOW represents the Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

12. In the Level of Effort table (p7 of Attachment 2), there is a mismatch between the number of hours and % effort for several categories. For example, 192 hours for a research coordinator is less than 80%. Can NIH clarify which number should be used for budget estimates – hours or %?

Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised

Question/ Clarification Government Response

13. In the Level of Effort table (p7 of Attachment 2), there is a mismatch between the number of hours and % effort for several categories. For example, 192 hours for a research coordinator is less than 80%. Can NIH clarify which number should be used for budget estimates – hours or %?

Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

14. A footnote to the same table states that % for Program Director depends on the need of having a Research Coordinator or not. This seems to contradict a requirement that each hub has a Research Coordinator and that their LOE is fixed at 80%. Can NIH clarify this discrepancy?

Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

15. Should the Offeror budget for travel costs? How many trips should be assumed?

The Government does not anticipate travel for this requirement.

16. Is there an outside contractor who has performed the services outlined in the SOW in the past? Are they eligible to participate in this competition?

No

Question/ Clarification Government Response

17. Does the staffing structure have to mirror the level of effort in the SOW?

The level of effort in the SOW represents the Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

18. Does the proposed number of hours have to mirror the level of effort in the SOW?

The level of effort in the SOW represents the Government’s estimate of effort to accomplish the SOW. however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised Attachment 3 “Pricing Template dated August 20.”

19.

What is the approved indirect cost rate for a contract submission?

Indirect costs are not applicable. The NIH is contemplating a firm Fixed price type purchase order under FAR Part 13. The solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised

Question/ Clarification Government Response

20. Is there a maximum set for the total direct cost? Total indirect? Total overall cost?

This is a competitive FAR Part 13 procurement, under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (for both the base and option year). A firm fixed price purchase order is contemplated. The Government’s estimate of effort is included in the Statement of Work, however, offerors should base their quote on their proposed firm fixed price to accomplish the tasks outlined in the SOW. Please note that the solicitation is hereby amended to delete Attachment 3 “Pricing Template” in its entirety and replace it with the revised