Questions_and_Answers_to_IFB_24-3053.pdf

California Department of Social Services Questions and Answers

Invitation for Bid (IFB) 24-3053 Transcription Services

1. Q: . I would like to know if my continuous transcription over the years preparing court transcripts as a freelance reporter could possibly count towards the 5 years.

A: Refer IFB 24-3053 Section B.1- Minimum Qualifications. Bidders who have at least five (5) years of continuous experience providing transcription services for a California State Agency or California Public Agency as described in Exhibit 2, Sample Agreement, Exhibit A will be eligible.

2. Q: My other question is whether I need insurance as a SOLE PROPRIETOR.

A: All bidders must adhere to IFB 24-3053, Section C.19 – Insurance Requirements.

3. Q: Who is the current or most recent vendor providing these services to CDSS?

A: The most recent vendor to provide these services to CDSS was eScribers, LLC.

4. Q: What are the rates being charged by the current or most recent vendor?

A: The most recent rates for these services were as follows:

Same Day: $5.50 1 Working Day: $4.95 2 Working Days: $3.85 3 Working Days: $3.15 4 Working Days: $3.15 5 Working Days: $3.15 6-10 Working Days: $2.90 11-15 Working Days: $2.85

5. Q: How much did CDSS spend on this service in each of the past three years?

A: The previous three fiscal year costs were as follows, However, CDSS does not make any guarantees of future service levels:

FY 21-22: $3,153.45

FY 22-23: $10,476.05

FY 23-24: $18,967.85

6. Q: How many pages per year have been transcribed for this project in each of the past three years.

A: The previous three fiscal year service levels were as follows, however, CDSS does not make any guarantees of future service levels:

FY 21-22: 1,942 pages FY 22-23: 3,325 pages FY 23-24: 4,733 pages

7. Q: What is the budget for this contract?

A: The anticipated budget for the resulting contract is $120,000.00. However, CDSS does not make any guarantees of future service levels.

8. Q: Please verify that DVBE participation of at least 3% is required.

A: Yes, a 3% DVBE participation is required. Refer to IFB 24-3053, Section C.12.a - Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Program Requirements

9. Q: The rate sheet included in the bid package only has one line item for transcription per page (shown below). However, the Scope of Work asks for varying turnaround time options of: Same Day, 1 Working Day, 2 Working Days, 3 Working Days, 4 Working Days, 11 to 15 Working Days. We will need to submit a separate rate for each turnaround time option. Will it be acceptable for us to submit the additional rates on our own, or will a new rate sheet be provided?

A: Attachment_4, Rate Sheet has been updated. Refer to IFB 24-3053’s (Event 0000032634) “View Event Package” page for more details.

10. Q: We were wondering if you could tell us why the Small Business option was not used for this solicitation under the Small Business Procurement and Contracting Act.

Is there a reason this contract is not eligible?

A: The CDSS is granted the authority to determine the appropriate procurement method and has chosen to solicit this service via a formal Invitation for Bid. Small business preferences are available to participating bidders. See IFB 24-3053, Section 11 – Small Business Enterprise (SBE) for more information.

Questions and Answers