RFP-LES Health Insurance Solicitation_Final.pdf

Embassy of the United States of America

September 29, 2020

U.S. Embassy Rruga Stavro Vinjau, No. 14 Tirana, Albania

Dear Prospective Offeror:

SUBJECT: Solicitation Number 19AL6020R0001 – LE Staff Health Insurance Contract

The Embassy of the United States of America in Tirana, Albania, invites you to submit a proposal for locally employed staff health insurance coverage. The Embassy encourages prospective offerors to offer off-the-shelf plans that meet at least the minimum benefit levels required in this solicitation.

The Embassy intends to conduct a pre-proposal conference, and all prospective offerors are invited to attend. See Section L of the attached Request for Proposals (RFP).

Your proposal must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked "Proposal Enclosed" to the Contracting Office Sally Lewis on or before November 16, 2020 at 16:30 local (Tirana) time. No proposal will be accepted after this time.

In order for a proposal to be considered, you must also complete and submit the following:

1. SF-33

2. Section B, Pricing Schedule;

3. Section B, Retention Amounts in B.3;

4. Section K, Representations and Certifications; and

5. Additional information as required in Section L.

Direct any questions regarding this solicitation to Sally Lewis by letter or by email, TiranaHealthIS@state.gov during regular business hours.

Please note: Proposals that contain less than the minimum reimbursement levels or do not provide all benefit categories may be deemed technically unacceptable.

The successful offeror shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) database https://www.sam.gov prior to contract award pursuant to FAR provision 5.207. Therefore prospective offerors are encouraged to register prior to the submittal of their proposal. The guidelines for registration in SAM are also available at: https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/learning-center-system.do?sysparm_system=SAM

The U.S. Government intends to award a contract to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract based on initial proposals, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so.

Sincerely, Sally Lewis

Contracting Officer

SOLICITATION for LE STAFF HEALTH INSURANCE

SERVICE

(19AL6020R0001)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION NO. of PAGES

Table of Contents 1

A. Solicitation, Offer and Award Form SF33 1

CONTRACT 63

B. Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs C. Description/Specifications/Work Statement D. Packing and Marking E. Inspection and Acceptance F. Deliveries or Performance G. Contract Administrative Data H. Special Contract Requirements I. Contract Clauses J. List of Attachments K. Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offeror L. Instructions and Notice to Offerors M. Evaluation Factors for Award

Attachments:

Exhibit A – EMPLOYEE STATISTICS Exhibit B – ORE EMPLOYEES RIDER Exhibit C – EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION EMPLOYEES RIDER Exhibit D - CLAIMS PAID OUT FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS

SECTION A - MODEL CONTRACT

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 350)

RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 | 63

2. CONTRACT (Proc. Inst. Ident.) NO.

3. SOLICITATION NO.

19AL6020R0001

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

[ ] SEALED BID (IFB)

[x] NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

September 29,

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE

NO.

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than item 7) American Embassy Tirana Rr. Stavro Vinjau, No.14 Tirana, Albania

Phone: +3552247285 Fax:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitation "offer" and "offeror” mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and 1 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified, in Block 7 until

November 16, 2020 local time 4:30 PM.

(hour) (date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L. Provision No. 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all tems and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

Sally Lewis

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT

CALLS)

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT

+355 4 224 7285

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

TiranaHealthIS@state.gov

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(x) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (x) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(

S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 23-34

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICE AND PRICES/COSTS 2-6 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS/WORK STATEMENT 7-13 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 35-36

X D PACKAGING AND MARKETING 14 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 15-16 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 17 OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS 37-54

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION 18-19 X L INSTRS., COND., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 55-60

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 20-22 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 61-63

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: ITEM 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (120 calendar days unless a different period is inseted by the offer) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT SEE 14

(See section I, Clause No 52.232-8)

10 CALENDAR

DAYS

20 CALENDAR DAYS

30 CALENDAR

DAYS

CALENDAR

DAYS

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF

AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation and related documents ) numbered and dated:

15A. NAME CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON

AUTHORIZED

AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

TO SIGN OFFER (Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE

ADDRESS [ ] IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEM NUMBERED

20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

[ ] 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( ) [ ] 41 U.S.C. 253(c)( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN

IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM

24. ADMINISTRATION BY (If other than Item 7)

CODE

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD

DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this form, or on the Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

NSN 7540-01-152-8064 STANDARD FORM 33 (REV 9-97)

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA

SECTION B

PRICE

B.1. HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide the Health Insurance services to employees of the Government of the United States of America in Albania and their eligible dependents as described in Section C. This insurance shall be provided in accordance with Section C.

B.1.1. Official Residence Expense (ORE) Staff and American Employee Recreation Association (AERA) are included under this contract only as a rider; the Contractor shall bill the Chief of Mission and Deputy Chief of Mission (for ORE Staff), and the Embassy Association (for AERAs) at the rates specified below. Excess Coverage (C.1.1.19) is included under this contract only as rider benefits; the Contractor shall bill the individual covered at the rates specified below. See Section G for billing procedures. Note that USG is not responsible, nor liable, for any riders.

JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 VICTIMS HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT OF 2010

NOTICE: UNLESS A WAIVER OR EXCEPTION APPLIES, PAYMENTS

SUBSEQUENT TO THIS PROCUREMENT ARE SUBJECT TO AN EXCISE TAX OF

2% PERSUANT TO 26 U.S.C. 5000C.

B.2. PRICES

B.2.1 VALUE ADDED TAX.

The Contractor shall include VAT as a separate charge on the Invoice and as a separate line item in Section B. All prices shall be in Albanian Lek (ALL).

B.2.2 This is a fixed price with economic price adjustment requirements type contract under which will be issued firm, fixed-price task orders. The fixed prices/premium rates for the health insurance services as specified in Section C are as follows:

B.2.3 Base Year of Contract

Bi-Weekly Rates Per Premium

Category Estimated Number of Premiums*

Rate per Premium in

ALL

Extended Bi-Weekly Total in ALL

a. Self 55

b. Self Plus One 62

c. Family (3 or more individual)

d. Subtotal 265

Total Price for Base Year (d x 26)**

*estimated number of premiums does not include any Riders (B.1.1) **does not include any premiums for Riders.

If VAT is needed added a separate column in matrix above

Rider Category*** Biweekly Rate per Premium in ALL C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage

***not included in the Total Price for Base Year Calculation

B.2.4 First Option Year of Contract

Rate per Premium in

ALL

Extended Bi-Weekly Total in ALL

a. Self 55

b. Self Plus One 62

c. Family (3 or more individual)

d. Subtotal 265 Total Price for First Option Year (d x 26)**

If VAT is needed added a separate column in matrix above

Rider Category*** Biweekly Rate per Premium in ALL

***not included in the Total Price for First Option Year Calculation

B.2.5 Second Option

Rate per Premium in

ALL

Extended Bi-Weekly Total in ALL

a. Self 55

b. Self Plus One 62

c. Family (3 or more individuals)

d. Subtotal 265 Total Price for Second

***not included in the Total Price for Second Option Year Calculation

B.2.6 Third Option

Rate per Premium in

ALL

Extended Bi-Weekly Total in ALL

a. Self 55

b. Self Plus One 62

c. Family (3 or more individuals)

d. Subtotal 265 Total Price for Third

***not included in the Total Price for Third Option Year Calculation

B.2.7 Fourth Option

Rate per Premium in

ALL

Extended Bi-Weekly Total in ALL

a. Self 55

b. Self Plus One 62

c. Family (3 or more individuals)

d. Subtotal 265 Total Price for Fourth

***not included in the Total Price for Fourth Option Year Calculation

B.3 ADMINISTRATIVE RETENTION AMOUNTS

B.3.1 If the Contractor requests a price adjustment under B.4 below, the Contractor shall present cost experience data that includes the retention amount. For purposes of any economic price adjustment, this retention amount is a fixed amount that is a part of the premium amounts in B.2. This retention amount will not be adjusted for any reason.

The retention amount is part of the premium and may include, but not be limited to, such costs as overhead and general and administrative costs. It will also include any profit. Essentially, it includes all costs except the actual portion of the premium intended to fund claims paid to the health care provider/claimant. B.3.2 sets forth the retention amounts per premium paid for each category of premium and for each period of performance.

NOTE TO OFFEROR: Fill in the fixed bi-weekly retention amounts for each period of performance and for each category of premium. This fixed amount shall be expressed in the currency in which the premium amount is proposed. The fixed retention amount shall not be expressed in terms of a percentage of the premium.

B.3.2 Bi-Weekly Retention Amounts per separate premium paid per single employee and per family plan.

B.2.8. Grand Total of Base plus All Option Years

Base Year Total First Option Year Total Second Option Year Total Third Option Year Total Fourth Option Year Total

Grand Total of Base plus All Option Years

Period of Performance Employee

Employee’s Spouse Employee’s Dependent Child

Base Period

First Option Year

Second Option Year

Third Option Year

Fourth Option Year

B.4. ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT-HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS

B.4.1. Premium Adjustment Based on Experience - For health insurance, prices may be adjusted upward or downward based on the experience rating of the Mission(s) covered by this contract, and it specifically excludes all riders in B.1.1. No adjustment will be allowed during the first twelve months. After such time, the Contractor or the Government may request an adjustment in premiums on an annual basis. Adjustments are not retroactive to previous contract terms. Before any such adjustment is made, the Contractor agrees to provide the Government a balance sheet showing three main components for the time period: (1) receipts (premiums received) minus the retention amount, (2) number of insurance plans and (3) claims paid. This information shall be provided per type of premium, ie per line item. The retention amount is not subject to adjustment. The Government reserves the right to have an independent third party review the balance sheet and claims and make recommendations regarding the appropriateness of the requested adjustment. Any adjustment shall be subject to mutual agreement of the parties and shall result in a written modification to the contract. Mutually agreed to adjustments shall be effective thirty days after complete information is received by the Government. Any failure to reach agreement under this clause shall be subject to the procedures in the Disputes clause.

B.4.2. Premium Adjustment Based on Laws - The rates may also be adjusted during the performance period of the contract as a result of laws enacted by the host Government, if such change in the laws has a direct impact on the cost to the Contractor to perform this contract at the contracted rate. In that event, the Contracting Officer may enter into negotiations with the Contractor to modify the contract to adjust the premium rate. The Contractor agrees to provide all documentation necessary to support any requested adjustment.

B.4.2.1 Employee Pool – This clause is only in effect if the Contractor included details in its offer regarding a pooling arrangement, of which this contract is a part.

Before any adjustment is made under this price adjustment clause, the Contractor shall include in its proposal for adjustment, details setting forth how the pool impacts the request for equitable adjustment.

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1. HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES

The Government of the United States of America requires Health Insurance coverage for its employees as described herein. The Government pays 90% and the employee pays 10% of the premium costs.

Premiums will be based on the number of individuals covered. For quantity of plans and cost estimates, please refer below.

Self-Only: one covered individual – 55 plans Self Plus One: two individuals – 62 plans Family: three or more individuals – 148 plans

C.1.1 Employee and Dependent Health Service Benefits

The health benefits under this contract are as follows. Reimbursement of covered expenses is limited to the stated percentages of reasonable and customary costs. Reimbursements or payments shall be made for the following covered benefits, subject to reasonable and customary costs in the locality where treatment was provided.

C.1.1.1 Hospitalization (Treatment in the Hospital for Inpatient Care):

Minimum Coverage - 100% Services and supplies provided during hospitalization including services provided by a licensed healthcare provider, bed and board (semi-private accommodations), operating room, recovery room, intensive care, imaging and diagnostic testing, and general hospital nursing care, physical therapy, as well as drugs and medicines administered while in-patient. When private accommodations are provided, coverage will be limited to the cost of a semi-private room unless otherwise covered in an off the shelf plan.

See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care (below) for details concerning inpatient psychiatric care.

See Outpatient Services (below) for details concerning professional services.

C.1.1.2 Emergency Services (Trips to Emergency Room): Minimum Coverage - 100% Services provided for conditions that could lead to serious disability or death if not immediately treated, such as accidents or sudden illness.

C1.1.3 Ambulance: Minimum Coverage - 80% Professional ground transport to move a patient from the place where s/he is injured or becomes ill to the nearest hospital able to provide treatment or to move a patient from one medical facility to another.

C.1.1.4 Outpatient Services: Minimum Coverage - 80% Services provided by a licensed healthcare provider on an ambulatory or outpatient basis (without being admitted to a hospital), including surgeon’s fees and other medical services provided at a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, medical facility, etc. Examples include, but are not limited to:

- Annual physical examinations. The Contractor shall provide a check-up list of covered services and tests by gender and age group.

- Specialist consultations and treatment, including second surgical opinion

- Minor surgical interventions that are performed without general anesthesia or respiratory assistance

- Chemotherapy and radiation treatments

- Immunizations recommended by local authorities and/or the World Health Organization

- Diagnostic tests and diagnostic imaging

See Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services and Devices (below) for details concerning physical therapy.

See Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care (below) for details concerning psychiatric therapy.

C.1.1.5 Obstetric and Newborn Care: Minimum Coverage - Inpatient/Emergency:

100%; Outpatient: 80% Care and services that women receive during pregnancy (prenatal care), throughout labor, delivery and post-delivery, and outpatient care for newborn babies. Hospitalization during pregnancy and/or delivery will be reimbursed as inpatient care. All other treatments will be considered outpatient services and will be reimbursed at that rate.

C.1.1.6 Pediatric Services: Minimum Coverage - Inpatient/Emergency: 100%, Outpatient: 80% Primary and preventive routine care services for covered dependent children, including, but not limited to: physical examinations, developmental assessments, laboratory tests, and immunizations recommended by local authorities and/or the World Health Organization.

C.1.1.7 Prescription Drugs: Minimum Coverage -Inpatient/Emergency: 100%, Outpatient: 80% Medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider that are medically required.

Medications must follow EU standards or be on the list of authorized drugs from the Government of Albania. Examples include, but are not limited to prescription antibiotics to treat an infection, medication used to treat an ongoing condition, such as high cholesterol, prophylaxis, contraceptive medication.

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

C.1.1.8 Preventive and Wellness Services and Chronic Disease Management:

Minimum Coverage - 80% Counseling or preventive care designed to prevent or detect medical conditions and care for chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Examples include, but are not limited to:

physicals, immunizations, cancer screenings, and blood glucose monitoring devices.

C.1.1.9 Hearing Aids: Minimum Coverage – 80% Examinations and Treatment: 80% Minimum Coverage

Hearing Aid Apparatus: Limited to one apparatus per ear up to a maximum of 158,670 ALL per covered individual per three-year period. 80% Minimum Coverage: with annual cap.

C.1.1.10 Optical Care: Minimum Coverage – 80% Examinations and Treatment: 80% Minimum Coverage

Prescription lenses and frames, or contact lenses: Covered up to a maximum of 31,734 ALL per covered individual every two years. 80% Minimum Coverage; with annual cap.

C.1.1.11 Dental Care: Minimum Coverage – 80% Examinations and Treatment: Dentist’s fees, x-rays, examinations and treatment, cleanings, fillings, extractions, false teeth (dentures), implants, crowns, and bridges, as well as all materials required, up to a maximum of 338,496 ALL per covered individual per contract year. 80% Minimum Coverage: with annual cap.

Orthodontia: Treatment is covered only if treatment begins before age 18, or if required as the result of an accident. A maximum of four years of orthodontia treatment will be covered per covered individual up to a maximum of 253,872 ALL lifetime limit. 80% Minimum Coverage;

with contract lifetime cap.

C.1.1.12 Reproductive Health: Minimum Coverage - 80% Prescribed contraceptive devices, preventive care and routine examinations, voluntary sterilization, and diagnosis and treatment of conditions which may cause infertility. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), fertility treatments, and reversal of sterilization are not covered (see Exclusions to Coverage).

C.1.1.13 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care: Minimum Coverage - 50%

Inpatient and outpatient care provided to evaluate, diagnose and treat a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder. This includes behavioral health treatment, counseling, and psychotherapy. Services must be provided by a licensed psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, psychologist, or psychiatric social worker.

Trips to the emergency room to treat a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder will be reimbursed as emergency services.

Inpatient care for alcohol and substance abuse must be provided at a facility licensed for detoxification and rehabilitation.

C.1.1.14 Rehabilitative and Habilitative Services and Devices:

Minimum Coverage - 50% Rehabilitative services (e.g., recovering skills, such as speech therapy after a stroke or physical therapy after an accident) and habilitative services (e.g., developing skills, such as speech therapy for children, etc.) that help develop skills needed for everyday life. Devices to help gain or recover mental or physical skills lost due to injury, disability or a chronic condition, and devices needed for habilitative reasons.

C.1.1.15 HIV/AIDS: 100% up to 1,057,800 ALL per contract year per covered individual Medications to suppress opportunistic infections (such as tuberculosis or toxoplasmosis for covered individuals who have HIV/AIDS). Brief courses of anti-retroviral drugs during childbirth to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS to the child. Generally excludes medication for the long-term suppression of HIV/AIDS through the combination of anti-retroviral drugs in locations with inadequate local healthcare infrastructures.

Reimbursement under this benefit is excluded from the annual maximum limit (C.1.2).

*C.1.1.16 Catastrophic Coverage

Additional coverage equal to 3,293,078 ALL per covered individual per contract year.

Catastrophic conditions shall be defined as major medical conditions occurring as a result of a single/illness/accident or closely related set of major illnesses (or conditions relating to a single accident) that exceed the standard maximum coverage limit.

*C.1.1.17 Out-of-Country Medical Treatment:

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. The attending physician must certify in advance that such treatment is medically necessary and unavailable locally in Albania.

*C.1.1.18 RESERVED

C.1.1.19 180 Day Coverage for Dependents After Employee’s Death

At the time of a covered employee’s death, his/her eligible dependents covered under post’s medical plan are eligible to continue receiving the same level of medical coverage for up to 180 days. This optional benefit is subject to availability of funds at post and no extensions are permitted.

C.1.1.20 RESERVED

NOTE: Employee responsible for paying 100% of premium for Excess Coverage

Additional coverage equal to 3,293,078 ALL per covered individual per contract year. This excess coverage will be offered as an optional benefit to LE Staff. This can be used for any covered individual for any covered expense that exceeds annual maximum. LE Staff must pay 100% of the premium if they elect Excess Coverage. The premium for this additional coverage is a rider to be paid by the employee to the vendor directly and USG will not be responsible for collecting of these premium payments.

C.1.2 Annual Maximum Limit - The maximum annual reimbursement per covered individual per contract year, not including expenses defined under Exclusions and Limitations (C.1.3) and C.1.1.16, Catastrophic Coverage, or those covered under C.1.1.15, HIV/AIDS, and C.1.1.21 Excess Coverage is equivalent to 3,293,078 ALL

C.1.3 Exclusions and Limitations

There is no coverage for elective cosmetic surgery; spa cures; rejuvenation cures; massage; exercise therapy; long-term rehabilitative therapy; non-medical hospital charges (e.g., telephone, television, etc.); home help, family help, or similar household assistance; fees of persons who are not certified health care providers; advanced reproductive technology (e.g., in-vitro fertilization, intra-cellular sperm injection, artificial insemination, microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration, testicular sperm extraction, cryopreservation, etc.); or services or supplies which have not been prescribed or approved by a certified health care provider. Exclusions to coverage may be amended if provided in an off the shelf plan and is the lowest-cost and technically acceptable. Removal of any exclusions require prior authorization.

There is no coverage for expenses that will be reimbursed or paid directly under a host country medical program or workers' compensation program, the U.S. workers’ compensation program, or post’s LE Staff workers’ compensation program.

There is no coverage for medical travel expenses incurred out-of-country.

C.1.4 Eligible Participants

C.1.4.1 Identification of Eligible Employees and Dependents: U.S. Mission Albania will provide a list of all eligible employees and dependents with relationship to employee (self/spouse/child) and DOB for each. Updates will be provided to add or remove individuals on a bi-weekly/monthly basis.

C.1.4.1.1 Definition of Dependents

C1.4.1.1.1 Spouse: a limit of one legal spouse as defined by local law per employee will be covered. In cases where the LE Staff and their legal spouse both work for the mission and both are eligible to participate in the medical plan, one will be designated as the lead for purposes of the medical plan, and the other will be considered a legal spouse.

C.1.4.1.1.2 Children: a child is defined as the LE Staff’s natural, adopted, stepchild, or foster child. The child must be unmarried and financially dependent upon the LE Staff. A child will be covered until the end of the contract year in which s/he reaches age 26. An unmarried child determined to be incapable of self-support due to a physical or mental condition will continue to be eligible to participate in the medical plan as long as the condition persists, the child remains unmarried, and the LE Staff maintains coverage.

C.1.4.2 Location of Employment: The eligible employees covered by C.1.4.1 must be employed within the geographic boundaries of Albania by: Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of Justice, Peace Corps, and Department of Defense.

C.1.4.3 Participants Covered Under a Rider

a. All current active ORE Staff personally employed by the Chief of Mission and the Deputy Chief of Mission and assigned to their respective official Government residences and paid under an ORE account. All costs for coverage of ORE Staff are the responsibility of the Chief of Mission and the Deputy Chief of Mission, not the U.S.

Government.

b. All current active employees of the Employee Association at Embassy Tirana.

All costs for coverage of the American Employee Recreation Association (AERA) are the responsibility of the Employee Association, not the U.S. Government.

C.1.5 Eligibility and Enrollment

C.1.5.1 Term of Eligibility and Effective Date

Each current active eligible employee and their eligible dependents are enrolled for health benefits under this contract upon award and thereafter during the performance period of this contract. Each new eligible employee and eligible dependents will be enrolled upon entering on duty with the United States Government. An employee is considered active ("on the rolls") whenever such employee is on approved leave, whether paid or unpaid.

C.1.5.2 To be eligible to participate in the medical plan, LE Staff must be:

Paid under the terms of the Local Compensation Plan (LCP); and Under a non-temporary direct hire appointment, personal services agreement (PSA), or personal services contract (PSC); or Under a temporary direct hire appointment or PSA Fixed Term of one year or more.

Not eligible are those working under temporary appointments; those working under a PSC or PSA that is time limited to less than one year; non-personal services contract personnel and their employees, supplied by an independent contractor licensed to do business in Albania who provides services to other local organizations as well as to the U.S. Mission; employees working on an intermittent or When Actually Employed (WAE) schedule; employees of USAID institutional contractors; Peace Corps personal services contractors as indicated in MS 743; and Employee Association employees.

Official Residence Expense (ORE) and Employee Association (EA) employees are covered under a rider to the contract. The employing officer/EA, not the U.S. Government, is responsible for the employer's share of the premium costs for an ORE employee.

C.1.5.3 Periods of Ineligibility

Employees and their dependents are not entitled to health benefits during any period of employment for which premiums are not paid. Additionally, employee's dependents are not entitled to health benefits during any period of employment during which the employee was not eligible to participate.

During a period of extended Leave Without Pay (LWOP) or unpaid leave beyond one pay period, the employee is responsible for the full cost of the insurance premiums for self and dependents. The Mission will pay the premiums directly to the Contractor and will collect the full cost from the employee on a quarterly basis. Alternatively, the employee may elect to have coverage cease if they prefer not to pay the premium.

C.1.6 Brochure Requirement

C.1.6.1 The Contractor shall provide a document (brochure/pamphlet/other written document) in Albanian and English that sets forth a complete listing of the health insurance benefits to be provided under this contract. The brochure shall specify all pre-approval, reimbursement, and appeal procedures – including documentation required to submit a claim, a list of services that require pre-approval, and a list of exclusions. The Contractor may request medical records from employees to determine medical necessity. This brochure shall be provided in sufficient quantities so that each covered employee receives a copy. The Contractor shall furnish all copies of the brochures to the COR, who will ensure that appropriate distribution is made.

C.1.6.2 The Contractor shall provide the document described in C.1.6.1 to the COR not later than five (5) business days after date of contract award. The Contractor shall provide additional brochures for new employees within ten (10) business days of the COR’s request.

C.1.6.3 The Contractor assumes full responsibility for ensuring that the document described in C.1.6.1 accurately reflects the requirements, coverage, and contract terms of the contract, as implemented by the Contractor’s technical proposal. In all cases, the contract shall take precedence. Should the COR discover that the document contains inaccuracies, the Contractor will be notified in writing; however, failure on the part of the U.S. Government to notice any inaccuracies shall in no way limit, revise or otherwise affect the requirement under this contract for the Contractor to fully comply with all contract terms.

C.1.6.4 The Contractor shall provide and staff a 24/7 customer service hotline that employees can call with questions about benefits coverage and medical care.

C.1.6.5 The Contractor shall provide identification cards for all covered employees and dependents. These cards serve as proof of insurance and employees must show it whenever they receive services from a provider.

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

(RESERVED)

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clause(s) is/are incorporated by reference:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - FIXED PRICE (AUG 1996)

E.2. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan is designed to provide an effective surveillance method to promote effective Contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to conduct quality assurance to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Performance Objective

PWS

Paragraph Performance Threshold

Services Performs all the insurance services set forth in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

C.1.0 thru C.1.6

All required services are performed and no more than one

(1) customer complaint is received per month

E.2.1 Surveillance. The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

E.2.2 Standard. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price (AUG 1996) or the appropriate Inspection of Services clause), if any of the services exceed the standard.

E.2.3 Procedures

(a) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed, they should immediately contact the COR.

(b) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(c) If the COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant.

The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(d) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(e) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(f) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(g) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complaint.

(h) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses are incorporated by reference:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The performance period of this contract is one year beginning on April 1, 2021 with four one-year options to renew.

F.3 OPTIONS

(a) The Government may extend this contract in accordance with the option clause at Section I, clause I.2, FAR Clauses Incorporated by Full Text (FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract), which also specifies the total potential duration of the contract.

(b) The Government may exercise the option set forth at Section I, "FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services".

F.4 REPORTS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

All reports and other deliverables required under this contract shall be delivered to the following address:

US Embassy Tirana

GSO / Procurement

Rruga Stavro Vinjau, Nr.14

Tirane

SECTION G

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1. 652.242-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (AUG 1999)

(a) The Contracting Officer may designate in writing one Government employee, by name or position title, to take action for the Contracting Officer under this contract. This designee shall be identified as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Such designation shall specify the scope and limitations of the authority so delegated; provided, that the designee shall not change the terms or conditions of the contract, unless the COR is a warranted Contracting Officer and this authority is delegated in the designation.

(b) The COR for this contract is the Human Resources Officer.

G.2 COR DUTIES

G.2.1 The COR is responsible for inspection and acceptance of services. These duties include review of Contractor invoices, including the supporting documentation required by the contract. The COR may provide technical advice, substantive guidance, inspections, invoice approval, and other purposes as deemed necessary under the contract.

G.2.2 In addition, the COR shall maintain updated list of employees and dependents insured, which will supersede the initial list provided under this contract and as reported to the insurer, without prejudice to the ineligibility clause.

G.2.3. The COR has the additional responsibility of maintaining the eligible listing of employees and dependents for insurance coverage.

G.2.4 The COR may not change the terms and conditions of the contract. While the COR is authorized to provide the Contractor with updated listings of eligible employees and dependents, only the Contracting Officer may modify existing task orders or issue new task orders, reflecting these changes, since only the Contracting Officer can obligate funding and commit the Government.

G.3. Payment shall be made in local currency – ALL (Albanian Lek)

G.4 SUBMISSION OF INVOICES AND PAYMENT

G.4.1. Invoices for U.S. Government employees shall be submitted in an original and three (3) copies to the following address (designated billing office only for the purpose of submitting invoices):

AMERICAN EMBASSY

FMO TIRANA VOUCHERING

RRUGA “STAVRO VINJAU”, NO. 14

TIRANE

G.4.2. Frequency of Payments. All funds under this contract for non-rider coverage will be obligated by issuance of task orders, as described in H.3. Each task order will fund a specific period of time and number of employees, and the task orders will be issued at the frequency described in H.3. All payments under this contract will be made at the conclusion of the period covered. Invoices may be submitted monthly with payments being made monthly by the Government.

G.4.3. U.S. Government Employees. The Government shall make payments directly to the Contractor for all Government employees, whether or not the employee is contributing to the basic premium amount.

G.4.4 Riders:

a. ORE. The Chief of Mission and/or Deputy Chief of Mission will make payment directly to the Contractor for the entire premium amount of the ORE staff, whether or not the ORE employee is contributing to the premium amount.

b. AERA Staff. The Employee Association will make payment directly to the Contractor for the entire premium amount of the AERA employee, whether or not the AERA employee is contributing to the premium amount.

G.6 VALUE ADDED TAX

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT). The Contractor shall include VAT as a separate charge on the Invoice and as a separate line item in Section B.

SECTION H

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 SECURITY. On occasion, a Contractor employee may require entry into U.S. Government-owned or -operated facilities. If so, the Contractor should be prepared to provide the necessary identification to permit escorted access within that facility.

H.2 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. The Contractor shall maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, cleanliness, appearance, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to employees as may be necessary. Each Contractor employee is to adhere to standards that reflect credit on themselves, their employer, and the United States Government.

H.3 ORDERING PROCEDURES. The Government will issue a task order as soon as possible after contract award to identify all employees to be covered by the insurance described in this contract and the coverage selected by each employee, including dependents to be covered. The COR will make subsequent additions or deletions to this list in writing and provide the revised list to the Contractor. All such revisions shall be consolidated, and a new or modified task order will be issued by the Contracting Officer. If any changes have been made to the coverage listing, the Government anticipates issuance of a new task order on a monthly basis. This new task order will include all changes made since the previous task order was issued and will include any increase or decrease in necessary funding. The changes to the list of eligible individuals will supersede the initial list provided under prior task orders without prejudice to the ineligibility clause. Task orders will indicate the effective date of employment, for purposes of calculating the premium due.

H.3.1. Riders are not included under the task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Because their coverage is under a rider, either their employer are themselves are responsible for directly interacting with the Contractor to order any coverage. When contacted, the Contractor shall advise the person of the paperwork and payment that will be necessary to order coverage for the identified individuals. The Contractor may be contacted by more than one individual.

H.4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY IN CLAIMS AND REIMBURSEMENT TO

CLAIMANTS

General.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all planning, estimating, programming, project management, scheduling, dispatching, supervision, and inspection of work. The Contractor shall maintain his own reference library of technical reference works and local laws and regulations, including current tariffs and registries. The Contractor shall treat the information provided by the Embassy concerning employee' personal data, medical information, and salaries as highly sensitive and not divulge any employee information to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall establish procedures for handling medical insurance claims as follows:

(a) Administrative Records

(1) The Contractor shall maintain medical insurance files for each covered employee and each covered dependent including receipts and proof of paid claims, requests for claim reimbursements, and accounting of paid benefits with balances of amounts remaining in the annual per person reimbursement ceiling.

(2) The Contractor shall provide the COR with the necessary claim forms for each type of benefit that can be claimed under the contract. These forms shall specify a list of documents required to be appended to each claim and otherwise provide instructions for claim filing.

(3) The Contractor shall use the English spelling of the employees' names in all transactions, including reimbursement checks.

(4) The Contractor shall provide employee claim reimbursement checks to the COR for disbursement to the employee not later than the Tuesday which is two weeks after the claim has been submitted.

(b) Medical Insurance Claims. Settlement of medical insurance shall be completed as follows:

(1) All medical claims shall be submitted directly to the Contractor by employees, through a drop box in the COR's office. The claims shall be picked up from the COR each Tuesday.

(2) The Contractor shall date stamp and screen all claims submitted on the day of receipt. If there are any missing documents or information thereby disallowing said claim to be payable, the Contractor shall notify the employee within two days, with a copy to the COR (if notification is written).

(3) The Contractor shall settle the claims no later than two weeks from the date the claim is submitted to the Contractor.

(4) Settlement shall be by issuance of checks in the name of the employee for each claim submitted. Each check shall be accompanied by a form providing details of the amount reimbursed with an explanation of deductions, if any.

(5) The Contractor shall accept the employee's or dependent's choice to go for surgery to hospitals designated by the Contractor in order that the Contractor will pay the expenses directly to the hospitals.

H.5. REPORT REQUIREMENTS. The Contractor shall provide the following monthly report. The report shall be received by the COR no later than the 10th day of each month. The report shall report on the previous month's activities.

(a) Employee Claims Report. The report shall list all claims paid by the Contractor to a claimant, including the name of the claimant, date claim is received by the Contractor, the amount claimed, the date the claim was paid by the Contractor, and the number of days between submission and payment. This report shall also include all outstanding claims and a brief description of why claim has not been paid. The report shall not include any claims information for riders.

H.6. MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

H.6.1. General. The Contractor shall take all such steps as are necessary, and obtain and pay for all permits, taxes and fees as are required by the Republic of Albania government to establish and/or operate a commercial venture locally. A contract with the U.S. Government conveys no special privileges or immunities to the Contractor. The Contractor is an independent commercial concern and not a part of the U.S. mission. The Contractor's employees are not U.S. Government employees.

Registration of this contract with the Republic of Albania government, if required by law, will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor, and any fees, taxes, or other duties shall be payable by the Contractor without recourse to the Government of the amounts thereof.

H.6.2. Licenses and Local Laws. The Contractor shall possess all permits, licenses, and any other appointments required for the prosecution of work under this contract, all at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall perform this contract in accordance with local laws.

H.7 ERRONEOUS PAYMENTS. If the Government becomes eligible for a refund of payment because of erroneous overpayment or other cause, the Contractor shall refund the amounts or use them to offset future payments owed by the Government, whichever the Government prefers. The Contractor shall refund any refunds not complete or discovered after the completion date of this contract.

H.8 REQUIRING ACTIVITY. The requiring activity under this contract is the U.S. Embassy Tirana.

SECTION I

CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1. 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. In addition, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at: Acquisition.gov this address is subject to change.

If the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is not available at the location indicated above, use the Department of State Acquisition website at e-CFR to see the links to the FAR. You may also use an Internet “search engine” (for example, Google, Yahoo or Excite) to obtain the latest location of the most current FAR.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses are incorporated by reference:

CLAUSE TITLE AND DATE

52.202-1 DEFINITIONS (JUN 2020)

52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (MAY 2014)

52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUN

2020)

52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (JUN 2020)

52.203-8 CANCELLATION, RESCISSION, AND RECOVERY OF FUNDS FOR ILLEGAL OR

IMPROPER ACTIVITY (MAY 2014)

52.203-10 PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (MAY

2014)

52.203-12 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL

TRANSACTIONS (JUN 2020)

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND

REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER

RIGHTS (JUN 2020)

52.203-19 PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY

AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS (JAN 2017)

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT

PAPER (MAY 2011)

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.204-10 REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACT

AWARDS (JUN 2020)

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL LAND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG

2020)

52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2014)

52.204-23 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE,…