Questions and Answers.pdf

RFP# 19KU2022R0002 – for Group Health and Life Insurance Services for Locally Engaged Staff

(LES) of U.S. Embassy Kuwait

Questions and Answers

Questions Answers

What is meant by James Zadroga 9/11 victims health and compensation Act of 2010 Notice?

The new James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 applies to all federal contracts awarded to foreign persons over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), currently at US$250,000, for work performed wholly or partly overseas. The Act requires a 2% Tax on each payment for overseas contracts unless an exception applies.

Foreign person means any person other than a United States person.

The intent is to provide compensation and relief to first responders who were injured or died as a result of 9/11.

Exceptions are based on whether it is a US company, or if a foreign vendor if the USG has tax treaty, international agreement, or other trade agreement in that given country.

This Act Imposes a 2% tax of payment on any foreign person (Any person other than a United States person) for each contract payment received by the U.S. Government for goods and services unless an exemption is available.

Note: Taxes imposed under 26 U.S.C.5000C may not be:

- Included in the contract price or

- Reimbursed to the contractor by the U.S.

Government.

The Offeror is required to submit an IRS W-14 Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal Procurement Payments with their offer to request exemption and seek relief.

If not submitted with the offer, no exemptions will be applied.

Complete IRS form W-14 to ensure compliance with FAR 52.229-11.

The awardee will be required to submit form W-14 along with each invoice submitted under this contract throughout the period in which this status is applicable. If an exemption is not available and/or in the absence of a completed IRS Form W-14 with each submitted voucher or invoice, 2% will be withheld from each invoice.

Countries with Tax Treaties - Corporate

Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Venezuela.

- If contract counterparty is from one of the above, exempt from tax, please see IRS Notice 2015-35.

- Individual nationals (not corporate entities) of the following countries are exempt: Cyprus, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine.

If the offeror is a U.S person and/or entity, are they still required to submit W-14 or submit W-9 “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number Certification” instead?

If so, do we need to submit W-9 form along with each invoice submitted under this contract throughout the period in which this status is applicable

If the offeror is a U.S, then NO withholding under this provision is required. The offeror is required to complete

52.229-11 “TAX ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PROCUREMENTS—

NOTICE AND REPRESENTATION”.

Offers must complete IRS form W-14 to ensure compliance with FAR 52.229-11.

The awardee will be required to submit form W-14 along with each invoice submitted under this contract throughout the period in which this status is applicable. If an exemption is not available and/or in the absence of a completed IRS Form W-14 with each submitted voucher or invoice, 2% will be withheld from each invoice.

Are there any changes in the health coverage and life plan between the existing contract and in the released

RFP 19KU2022R0002?

Yes. The current benefit plans, price structure, and categories in the existing contract are not the same as the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts.

This paragraph is not clear to me. Can you please elaborate more?

Please note that the projected award as a result of the subject RFP 19KU2022R0002 is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. An IDIQ contract fulfills recurring needs when the government cannot predetermine the precise times and/or quantities of supplies or services that will be required during the contract period of performance. IDIQ contracts must contain a minimum and maximum level of quantities to be ordered under the contract, either in terms of dollars or numbers of units.

Minimum: To establish a binding IDIQ contract, FAR 16.504(a)(2) requires that there be a stated a minimum quantity to be ordered and this minimum is guaranteed by the Government.

Maximum: The estimated maximum was established in good faith, was based on the best information available, and accurately represents the anticipated need. The Government will not exceed the maximum quantities to be ordered.

C.1.1.8 Preventive and Wellness Services and Chronic Disease Management Minimum Coverage 80%

This coverage includes also immunization and cancer screening. Can you please clarify more? How frequent is the required check-up/screening? Are we required to provide an annual check-up/screening?

General clinical guidelines call for annual wellness checkups. Some chronic disease issues like diabetes or glaucoma could require quarterly checkups, taking into consideration common local practice.

C.1.1.12 Reproductive Health Minimum Coverage 80%.

I can see that the ART, fertility treatments and reversal of sterilization are not covered. What if this was prescribed or approved by a certified health care provider. Will it be covered then?

NO.

If the local physician can make a clinical case with the provider, and the provider is willing to waive this caveat, then it is an issue and outside the scope of the contract between the physician, the provider, and the patient. Post is not involved or obligated to offer any financial assistance under these circumstances.

Please refer to Paragraph C.1.3 “Exclusions and Limitations” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

C.1.3 Exclusions and Limitations: what is the difference between Out of Country Medical Treatment and Out of Country Medical Travel?

Please note that medical expenses incurred out-of-country will be covered at the same benefit levels and subject to the same total maximum annual limit as for medical expenses incurred in-country.

However, travel to seek treatment is not covered, nor is it a reimbursable expense.

H.5 REPORT REQUIREMENTS

Note that we cannot share claims data info and name of claimants due to confidentiality but can provide a policy performance report.

As indicated in paragraph H.5 of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002, the awardee must comply with this requirement and is required to submit the report to the

COR.

52.237-7 Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance (JAN 1997) We do have Managed Care liability insurance, but we don’t carry Medical Malpractice liability, instead, we require the physicians in the network in USA to carry Malpractice liability insurance. And to our knowledge Ministry of Health in Kuwait requires physicians in the medical providers to carry Malpractice liability insurance.

Interested offers must comply with this requirement and maintain liability insurance issued by a responsible insurance carrier of not less than the amount stated in the RFP 19KU2022R0002 during the term of this contract.

Section J List of Exhibits/Attachments Page 62 of 91 – Certificate of Foreign Contracting Party Receiving Federal Procurement Payments (W-14)

Can you please give some clarification as to what is required?

Please refer to the released RFP 19KU2022R0002, Section L “The Offeror shall submit a completed IRS Form W-14, found at www.irs.gov/w14, to ensure compliance with FAR 52.229-11”.

Reference to EXEMPTIONS:

26 U.S.C. 5000C does not apply to payments in the following situations with provisions:

Simplified acquisitions. Payments for purchases under the simplified acquisition procedures that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold as described in 48 CFR 2.101;

b. Emergency acquisitions. Payments made pursuant to a contract if the contract is—

i. Awarded under the “unusual and compelling urgency” authority of 48 CFR 6.302-2, or

ii. Entered into under the emergency acquisition flexibilities as defined in 48 CFR Part 18;

c. Certain personal service contracts. Payments for services provided by, and under contracts with, a single individual in which the payments do not (and will not) exceed on an annual calendar year basis the simplified acquisition threshold as described in 48 CFR 2.101 for all years of the contract. Payments that satisfy this exemption remain exempt if the contract is later renegotiated so that future payments under the contract do not meet this exemption;

d. Certain foreign humanitarian assistance contracts.

Payments made by the U.S. government pursuant to a contract with a foreign contracting party to obtain goods or services described in or authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1691, et seq., 22 U.S.C. 2151, et seq., 22 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., 22 U.S.C. 5801 et seq., 22 U.S.C. 5401 et seq., 10 U.S.C. 402, 10 U.S.C. 404, 10 U.S.C. 407, 10 U.S.C. 2557, and 10 U.S.C.

2561, if the acquiring agency determines that the payment is for the purpose of providing foreign humanitarian assistance;

e. Certain international agreements. Payments made by the U.S. government pursuant to a contract with a foreign contracting party when the payments are entitled to relief from the tax imposed under section 5000C pursuant to an international agreement with the United States, including relief pursuant to a nondiscrimination provision of a qualified income tax treaty, because the foreign contracting party is entitled to the benefit of that provision;

f. Goods manufactured or produced or services provided in the United States. A payment made pursuant to a contract to the extent that the payment is for goods manufactured or produced or services provided in the United States; or

g. Goods manufactured or produced or services provided in a country that is a party to an international procurement agreement. A payment made pursuant to a contract to the extent the payment is for goods manufactured or produced or services provided in a country that is a party to an international procurement agreement. International procurement agreement means the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement within the meaning of 48 CFR 25.400(a)(1) and any free trade agreement to which the United States is a party that includes government procurement obligations that provide appropriate competitive government procurement opportunities to U.S. goods, services, and suppliers. A party to an international procurement agreement is a signatory to the agreement and does not include a country that is merely an observer with respect to the agreement.

Vendors that fall under items a through d are automatically exempt. Vendors that fall under items (e) through (g) are required to file a W-14 to request exemption and seek relief (see RELIEF below). In order for the offeror to claim the exemptions at 26 CFR 1.5000C- 1(d)(5) through (7) they must submit a W-14 with the offer. If the W-14 is not submitted with the offer, exemptions will not be applied to the contract. The contracting officer will be responsible for verifying the application of the situations above.

The foreign person may seek relief by submitting a completed Form W-14 to the acquiring agency in the following situations:

a. The foreign person is covered by a qualifying income tax treaty. Qualifying income tax treaties apply to the following countries:

i. Nationals (including corporations and individuals) of the following countries: Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Venezuela National individuals (excluding corporations) of the following countries: Cyprus, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine See IRS Notice 2015-35 for a list of qualified income tax treaties.

b. The foreign person is providing goods manufactured or services performed in the United States;

c. Goods manufactured or services provided in a country which is a party to an international procurement agreement with the U.S. International procurement agreements include the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (WTO GPA) within the meaning of 48 CFR 25.400(a)(1) or a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) listed at FAR 25.400(a)(2).

Each contract requires a separate W-14.

A foreign person must submit a revised Form W-14 within 30 days of a change in circumstances that causes the information in a previously accepted W-14 to be incorrect with respect to the acquiring agency’s determination of whether to withhold or the amount of the withholding.

Section K Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors

K.14 52.229-11 Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements Paragraph d) what is required here?

Offerors are required to complete FAR 52.229-11.

Section L Instructions, Conditions and Notice to Offerors L.4.3 Volume 3; Part 2, Understanding of the Requirement Par.3 Provide the resume/CV of the person who will be responsible for managing this contract. Is this required?

Offerors are required to comply with Section “L” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002 and submit the required information and/or documents.

L.4.4 Volume 4; Financial Statement. Is this required?

Offerors are required to comply with Section “L” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002 and submit the required information and/or documents.

For both Medical and Life insurance

Please provide details of the staff members (in excel sheet) as per below table:

Staff Name Relation (Principal / Spouse / Child) Gender (Male / Female) Date of Birth National ID Nationality Salary Designation/title Limit for cover

Please refer to the released RFP 19KU2022R0002, Section “J”, Exhibit A, B and C for additional demographics of employees. In addition, please refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

Please note that the minimum salary is KWD 7,177 per annum and the highest salary is KWD 44,261 per annum.

No other information is available.

Coverage limit for each employee Please refer to Section “C” of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002.

Contract duration and estimated start and end date The contract will be for one year (12 months) with four one-year options. Tentative start date for the base year is November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023.

Please provide average insured member counts for the last 5 years – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 & 2017. It is standard practice in the insurance industry (and in other Department of State insurance solicitations) to provide this information to ensure equal/fair opportunity for all offerors in an open solicitation

Health insurance:

Year Estimated number of employees

Single Employee Family

2017 62 300

2018 59 317

2019 46 320

2020 57 319

2021 63 294

Life insurance:

Year Estimated number of employees

2017 362

2018 376

2019 366

2020 376

2021 357

Please note that data provided in response to this question is for informational purposes and under no circumstances shall it be construed to change any terms or conditions or requirements within the solicitation. Under no circumstances shall the U.S. Government be liable for this data, or shall it become the basis for a request to adjust the premium rates once the contract is awarded.

Please refer to the released RFP 19KU2022R0002, Section “J”, Exhibit A, B and C for additional demographics for employees. In addition, please refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

Section H.4 of the Solicitation does not specify the time limit for settling life insurance claims. Could you please provide this information?

Please refer to Section H, paragraph H.4 (b)(3) of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

Please clarify if section H.9 of the solicitation has a mandatory requirement for the offeror to recruit Third Country nationals. If yes, please provide us the details on TCN minimum recruitment counts and the timeline for recruitment of TCN.

No, it is not mandatory.

The clause “Recruitment of Third Country Nationals for Performance” on Department of State Contracts is ONLY applicable when the contractor may recruit third country nationals specifically for contract performance.

Proposal submission deadline? Your proposal must be submitted no later than June 30, 2022, at 10:00 am Kuwait local time. No proposal will be accepted after this time.

Please clarify what is meant by “Bi-weekly Rates Per Premiums”

Clarify Bi-weekly Rates compared to Retention Amount:

The retention amount must be a derivative of the bi-weekly premium amount

Retention Amounts – also stated as a bi-weekly rate

a. The Contractor’s cost of doing/conducting business (labor costs/rent/utilities/supplies/profit).

b. This amount is fixed for the duration of the contract

c. It does not include anticipated claims to be paid out Bi-weekly Rates/Premiums:

a. Includes both retention amount and the anticipated claims.

b. Can be adjusted based either on claims paid out or local law

Offerors are required to complete the retention table in Section B of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002

Membership mentioned in Page# 4 not aligned with number mentioned in Page #58. Please clarify.

These are estimated premium numbers and NOT exact figures. Interested offerors are required to complete the table.

Exact number of employees will be reflected at the time the Government issues a funded task order @ the rate provided by the offeror in Section B.2 “Prices”

Please refer to paragraph H.3 of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002 for ordering procedures.

Can we quote for the base Year only?

Rates for the following 4 years will be based on Policy Performance, please clarify if this is acceptable.

No. Interested offerors must complete the pricing structure for base and all option years.

Please refer to Paragraph B.4, B.8, L.4.2 and M.2 of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

Q. We need copy of your present year 2021-2022 and last year 2021-2021 Table of Benefits (TOB).

Please note that the current table of benefits under the existing contract from November 2017 – October 31, 2022, is below:

Note that RFP 19KU2022R0002 has a different pricing structure and different benefit levels from the existing contract.

C.1.1.1

Covered Benefit Description Employee Dependent

Hospitalization Coverage of room and board expenses for a semi-private room.

100% 100%

Coverage of room and board expenses for a private room, not to exceed

100% of the cost of a semi-private room

80% 80%

Coverage of hospital medical expenses including laboratory tests and x-rays, nursing care, operating room expenses, intensive care, and physical therapy

100% 100%

Coverage of land ambulance service 100% 100%

C.1.1.2

Professional Services and Treatment

Coverage of doctors’ and surgeons' fees incurred while hospitalized, at a hospital on an out-patient basis, at a clinic or doctor's office, or at home.

Coverage for medical services and expenses when not hospitalized such as laboratory tests and x-rays, physical therapy.

80% 80%

C.1.1.3

Prescription drugs and medicines

Coverage of expenses when hospitalized and

100% 100%

Coverage of expenses when not hospitalized, of the cost of medicines and drugs for which a prescription is legally required

80% 80%

Expenses incurred for medicines, vitamins, cold remedies, etc., that are available over the counter without a prescription will not be reimbursed even if prescribed by a physician

0% 0%

C.1.1.4

HIV/AIDS Coverage of expenses for medications to suppress opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis for employees who have HIV/AIDS; as well as brief courses of anti-retroviral drugs during childbirth to prevent the transmission of HIV to the employee's child. This expanded coverage generally excludes medications for the long-term suppression of AIDS through the combination of anti-retroviral drugs at those posts with inadequate local healthcare infrastructures.

The maximum limit for expenses reimbursed under section C.1.1.4 is USD 10,000 or equivalent in Kuwait local currency (KD) per patient per contract year.

C.1.1.5

Obstetrical Care Coverage of expenses when hospitalized, and

100% 100%

Coverage of expenses when not hospitalized

100% 100%

Coverage of expenses for prenatal and postnatal care.

50% 50%

C.1.1.6

Family Planning Coverage of expenses of prescribed contraceptive devices and drugs, voluntary sterilization and diagnosis, and treatment of infertility, fertility drugs

100% 100%

Not covered is reversal of voluntary sterilization, infertility treatment after voluntary sterilization, genetic counseling, and assisted reproductive technology

C.1.1.7

Hearing Aids Coverage of expenses for the cost of a hearing aid apparatus and related examination. Limited to one apparatus per ear per patient in a three-year period.

C.1.1.8

Optical Care Coverage of expenses for eye examination and treatment and prescription eyeglass or contact lenses. Limited to two lenses per patient every two years

No coverage for eyeglass frames, non-prescription lenses, tinting or sunglasses.

C.1.1.9

Dental Care Coverage of expenses for dental services including dentists' fees, x-rays, examination and treatment, cleaning, fillings, extractions, false teeth, crowns, and bridges.

Orthodontia treatment is covered only if treatment begins before age 15, unless required as a result of an accident. A maximum of four years of orthodontia treatment per patient.

C.1.1.10

Psychiatric Treatment Coverage of expenses for customary and reasonable cost of psychiatric care when referred to a psychiatric care specialist for medical reasons.

C.1.1.11

Covered Benefit Description

Medical Expenses Incurred Out of

Country

Medical expenses incurred out of country will be covered for employees and/or dependents when:

(a) an illness or injury occurs when the individual is out of the country and treatment is medically necessary before the individual returns home or

(b) the individual’s attending physician certifies in advance that such treatment is medically necessary and unavailable locally. Reimbursement will be made at the same percentage rate and subject to the same annual maximum limit as for expenses incurred in country.

C.1.1.12

Transportation for Out of Country Medical

Treatment:

Transportation for out of country treatment is not a covered expense.

C.1.1.13

Expenses not covered Expenses will not be covered for elective cosmetic surgery; spa cures; rejuvenation cures; massage; exercise therapy; long term rehabilitative therapy; eyeglass frames; annual physical examination and inoculations, non-medical hospital charges such as telephones or television; home help, family help, or similar household assistance; fees of persons who are not licensed physicians or nurses; or services or supplies which have not been prescribed or approved by a physician or nurse.

No coverage will be made for expenses that will be reimbursed or paid directly under a host country medical program, the U.S. workers' compensation program, or post’s LES workers’ compensation program

No coverage will be made for expenses related to an illness or injury that is a result of an unlawful action on the part of the patient; the practice of a dangerous sport; excessive or illegal use of alcohol or drugs; a self- inflicted wound; or service in the armed forces of any country.

No coverage will be made for expenses incurred after an employee leaves the service of the U.S. Mission.

C.1.1.14

Maximum Annual Reimbursement

With the exception of expenses incurred under paragraph C.1.1.4 above, the Insurance

Company will reimburse covered expenses up to a limit of 53,200 KWD per family per contract year.

The insurance company will reimburse covered expenses described under paragraph C.1.1.4 of the plan up to a separate limit of USD 10,000 per employee per contract year

Please provide average insured member counts for the last 5 years – 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 & 2017. It is standard practice in the insurance industry (and in other Department of State insurance solicitations) to provide this information to ensure equal/fair opportunity for all offerors in an open solicitation.

Health insurance:

Year Estimated number of employees

Single Employee Family

2017 62 300

2018 59 317

2019 46 320

2020 57 319

2021 63 294

Life insurance:

Year Estimated number of employees

2017 362

2018 376

2019 366

2020 376

2021 357 circumstances shall it be construed to change any terms or conditions or requirements within the solicitation. Under no circumstances shall the U.S. Government be liable for this data, or shall it become the basis for a request to adjust the premium rates once the contract is awarded.

Please refer to Section “J of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002 for additional demographics of employees.

Claim Details for the present policy 2021-2022 specifying the extraction date of claims, along with the Loss Ratio report from Present Insurer on Company letterhead.

Please refer to Section “J” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002. In addition, you can refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

No other information is available.

Reference the Health Insurance.

Geographical Scope of cover meaning in which areas around the world are you currently covered and/or wish to be covered in your upcoming renewal. Please provide list of employee’s nationalities

Interested offerors are required to comply with RFP requirements to provide worldwide plan coverage at the reimbursement levels stated in the RFP.

Country/ Billing Type Direct Billing

Re-imbursement

Kuwait

G.C.C.

Europe

USA & Canada

Others (Please specify)

However, for informational purposes only, the following is a list of nationalities of eligible participants currently working for US Embassy Kuwait

ARMENIA BAHRAIN BANGLADESH

CANADA EGYPT ERITRIA

FRANCE GHANA HONDURAS

INDIA JORDAN LEBANON

MALAWI MOROCCO NEPAL

NIGERIA PAKISTAN PALESTINE

PHILIPPINES PORTUGAL RWANDA

SOMALIA SRI LANKA SUDAN

SYRIA TUNIS TURKEY

USA

circumstances shall it be construed to change any terms or conditions or requirements within the solicitation. Under no circumstances shall the U.S. Government be liable for this data, or shall it become the basis for a request to adjust the premium rates once the contract is awarded.

Reference the Health Insurance.

Census List in Excel Format including Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Relation, Nationality

Please refer to Section” J” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002 for additional demographics of employees. No other information is available.

Reference the Life Insurance.

Employee Census of Eligible participant (.xls format) with the following details:

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYY) Gender Occupation Title Monthly Salary

Please refer to Section “J” of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002.

Please note that the minimum salary is KWD 7,177 per annum and the highest salary is KWD 44,261 per annum.

No other information is available.

Reference the Life Insurance.

If previously insured, please fill in below table

Year Total number of employees

Total sum insured

Claims paid amount

Claims outstanding amount

Please refer to Section “J” and Exhibit D of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002 for additional details. In addition, please refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

Note: There were no claims paid in 2017 and 2018

Year Avg No of insured

Claims Paid Amount

Claims Outstanding Amount

Remarks

362 $ - $ -

Basis completed date (yr Nov to Oct)

362 $ - $ -

Basis completed date (yr Nov to Oct)

358 $ 106,825 $ 105,291

Basis completed date (yr Nov to Oct)

369 $ 44,237 $ 50,480

Basis completed date (yr Nov to Oct)

368 $ 122,687 $ -

Basis completed date (yr Nov to Oct)

Reference the Life Insurance.

What is the “Expiry policy Face Amount of Coverage (Times Monthly salary)”?

Please refer to Paragraph C.2.1. ”Group Life Insurance Coverage” and Paragraph B.6. “Group Life Insurance Rates of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

The initial amount of money stated on the life insurance application when you first buy the policy and is intended to be paid as a death benefit.

Please provide five years of loss data (table 1) by year of account including annual net premium (for the same period), incurred claims and membership history. For membership history (Table 2) please provide the number of Employees with single coverage and with family coverage at the end of each year. Please do not include any confidential information, just the overall statistics for the group. Claims information is critical to our pricing and the relationship of claims to employee growth or shrinkage is part of the claims analysis.

Please refer to Section “J” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002. In addition, please refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

No other information is available.

We would like to know if you have been informed of Catastrophic cases, such as: Hemodynamics, Open Heart Surgery, Orthopedic Mayor Surgeries, Organ Transplant, Traumatic Accident, Cancer and Oncology Cases (Radio and Chemotherapy), and hospitalizations with more than 10 days

In Patient Claims - for conditions as listed Open Heart Surgery - No Claims Orthopedic Mayor Surgeries – see below Organ Transplant – No Claims

Traumatic Accident - See Below Cancer and Oncology Cases (Radio and Chemotherapy) – See Below

Year Final Consolidation No. of Claims Paid Amount/US$

2016 - 2017 Cancer 2 1,660

Orthopedic Mayor 5 29,276

Total 7 30,936

2017 - 2018 Cancer 2 16,345

Orthopedic Mayor 10 49,036

Total 12 65,381

2018 -2019 Cancer 8 6,115

Orthopedic Mayor 3 4,886

Total 11 11,001

2019 - 2020 Cancer 2 2,610

Orthopedic Mayor 7 29,950

Traumatic accident 1 135

Total 10 32,695

2020 - 2021 Orthopedic Mayor 10 80,367

Total 10 80,367

2021 - 2022 Cancer 3 1,743

Orthopedic Mayor 2 12,287

Total 5 14,029

Grand Total 55 234,409

What is the name of the insurance company that currently provides coverage?

American Life Insurance Co. (MetLife).

Is there a preferred list of Hospitals, Clinics or other Medical Facilities that the Embassy employees prefer? If yes, please provide a list of these facilities

There is NO preferred list. The contractor must provide worldwide plan coverage that is acceptable at all locations and medical facilities

Could you please provide information about the claims you have had out of country during your current coverage?

Provider Name Year Final Consolidation No. of Claims Paid Amount/US$

Indian Subcontinent Default Facility 2017 - 2018 Cancer 2 13,097

Orthopedic Mayor 2 4,039

Total 17,136

2018 -2019 Orthopedic Mayor 1 376

Total 17,511

Kuwait Facility 2016 -2017 Cancer 1 265

2017 -2018 Cancer 1 2,034

2018 - 2019 Cancer 4 4,495

2019 -2020 Traumatic accident 1 135

2021 -2022 Cancer 2 357

Total 7,286

Grand Total 24,797

Please note that data provided in response to this question is for informational purposes and under no circumstances shall it be construed to change any terms or conditions or requirements within the solicitation. Under no circumstances shall the U.S. Government be liable for this data, or shall it become the basis for a request to adjust the premium rates once the contract is awarded.

No other information is available.

Has there been any changes to the Table of Benefits over the past 5 years?

The new released RFP 19KU2022R0002 has a different pricing structure and different benefit levels from the existing contract.

Would the Embassy accept proposals in USD where premium is also paid in USD from non-US companies?

Please refer to the following Paragraphs of the released

RFP 19KU2022R0002:

G.3.

M.10.

Can also claims be paid in USD or is there a need to be paid in the local currency?

Please refer to following Paragraphs of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002:

G.3.

M.10.

Would the Embassy accept a proposal from an internationally licensed insurance company under an offshore jurisdiction or does it insist on a locally licensed insurance company only?

Please refer following Paragraphs of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002:

H.6.2

DOSAR: 652.242-73

L.4.3 Part 4, Licensing Information M.3.1 M.5

Would 2 % tax based on James Zadroga Act be applicable to this solicitation?

The 2 % tax based on James Zadroga Act applies to all federal contracts awarded to foreign persons over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), currently at US$250,000, for work performed wholly or partly overseas. The Act requires a 2% Tax on each payment for overseas contracts unless an exception applies.

Foreign person means any person other than a United States person

Health Insurance

Is this a mandatory plan, meaning all employees of the Embassy will be covered or voluntary, meaning the

No, it is not mandatory.

Health insurance is offered to eligible employees and dependents on a voluntary basis.

employees will be given the option to sign up for the health insurance?

What are the possible differences to the provided “Estimated Number of Premiums under a, b, c” as the number of insured persons is essential for the risk evaluation (premium rates calculation)

Categories listed as a, b and c in Section B of the released RFP are estimated numbers of eligible employees and estimated family size.

Is this Solicitation addressed only to Insurance companies or would Insurance intermediaries/brokers also be eligible offerors?

Please refer to the following paragraphs of the released

RFP 19KU2022R0002:

H.6.2.

DOSAR: 652.242-73.

L.4.3 Part 4, Licensing Information.

M.3.1.

M.5.

Life Insurance

We would like to ask for a full census containing ages, genders and the individual salaries for the:

355 employees 5 ORE (Ambassador) employees 3 ORE (DCM) employees 3 AEWA employees

Please refer to Section “J” of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002.

No other information is available.

Please provide the loss data for the current policy year and date at which those claims were last reported, plus at least the three prior years of loss data by year of account.

All claims should be individually itemized detailing date and cause of the person’s death or disability plus the benefit paid.

Please also provide the corresponding membership history, detailing the number of employees at the beginning and end of each policy year.

Please refer to Section “J” of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002. In addition, please refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

No other information is available.

Please confirm whether there have been any changes to the benefit structure (i.e new benefits added / change in salary multiple etc.) over this period.

The new released RFP 19KU2022R0002 has a different pricing structure and different benefit levels from the existing contract.

Claims information is critical to our pricing as we need to analyze the relationship of claims to a fluctuating group profile. Without it, we are left with making assumptions and since your current insurer has access to this information, we would be at an unfair disadvantage unless we had it too.

Please refer to Section J Exhibit D of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002. In addition, please refer to other related information provided in this “Questions and Answers” document.

No other information is available.

What is the target inception date / renewal date? Tentative start date for the base period is November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023.

When do you expect to confirm the award to the winning bidder

The Government anticipates making an award decision between August – Mid October 2022.

Reference Life Insurance

Is this a mandatory or voluntary group?

Life insurance coverage is being offered on a mandatory basis to all eligible Embassy employees.

Please can you provide me the following information to properly bid on this

Name:

Date of birth SSN (if applicable) Address Email Phone

Please refer to Section J of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002.

No other information is available.

Reference Group Life Insurance:

Is there a medical record for these employees?

The information is not available to be released.

Reference Group Life Insurance:

Can we apply Underwriting Rules if we won the tender?

No.

Offerors must comply with all terms and conditions of the subject RFP.

C.2.1.1 Amount of Employee Life Insurance.

The amount of life insurance coverage for each employee is based upon the basic salary of the individual. Each employee is eligible for a face amount of coverage that is equal to 24 times his or her last reported monthly basic salary. In the event of the natural death of an eligible employee, the Contractor shall pay to the employee’s estate a lump sum benefits equal to 24 months of employee’s last reported monthly basic salary.

Can we know what the Minimum and Maximum monthly salary is

Please refer to Paragraph B.6 for “Estimated Payroll” in the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

Minimum salary is KWD 7,177 per annum and the highest salary is KWD 44,261 per annum.

C.1.1.16 Catastrophic Coverage: “RESERVED” as well as the word “RESERVED” is shown in different places

What is meant by Reserved?

Not covered.

C.1.1.20 Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who

Offerors are required to provide this benefit as described in Paragraph C.1.1.20 of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002.

have personal and/or work-related problems. This optional benefit is subject to availability of funds at post.

What is requested from Insurance under this section?

C.1.6 Brochure Requirement

Can this be an electronic version?

Please refer to C.1.6.1 of the released RFP

19KU2022R0002.

In addition to hardcopies the contractor will be required to provide an electronic version in English.

Please provide a list of members along with salary and segregation of claims. We don't need the names of the members. Please provide just the age, gender, and salary to define the risk correctly for the offerors

Please refer to Paragraph B.6 for “Estimated Payroll” and Section J of the released RFP 19KU2022R0002.

Please note that minimum salary is KWD 7,177 per annum and the highest salary is KWD 44,261 per annum.

No other information is available.