RFP-S_22NS1246_Q_A.pdf

California Public Utilities Commission RFP Number 22NS1246 – Questions and Answers

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Question 1: Is there an incumbent on this DDTP project? If so, who is it?

Answer 1: Yes, Communication Service for the Deaf

Question 2: The RFP mentions “vendor partners” the successful contractor would work with regularly; who are the vendor partners?

Answer 2: The vendor partners are California Communications Access Foundation, Maximus, California Services for the Deaf, Unspoken Language Services, Hamilton Relay, Question 3: Does the DDTP have a recommended percentage of how you would like to allocate in-person versus virtual services for this overall project? Are there specific tasks the CPUC wants to prioritize as in-person? Or are there specific communities or regions throughout the state the DDTP will recommend for in-person versus virtual services?

Answer 3: Prioritize In-person Transition-In and Transition-out.

Question 4: Page 12 Table 5 – Could you clarify what is meant by maintaining monthly dashboard? Do you require a live, interactive dashboard, or could you describe what features the dashboard should entail?

Answer 4: Live data on dashboard is not required. Dashboard data needs to be within 30 days or reports ran at the end of the month.

Question 5: Page 14 Table 27 – Could you clarify what you mean by "All Subcontractors shall be subject to the same requirements and standards as the Contractor," does this mean that subcontractors must meet all minimum qualifications stated on page 89?

Answer 5: All Subcontractors shall satisfactorily provide services following the State rules and regulations. The Contractor staff will possess the skills and experience necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this SOW. The Contractor must employ an approach for management of Subcontractor Staff that facilitates a productive working relationship and progress towards task completion.

Upon the CPUC’s request, the Contractor shall provide the CPUC with the required documentation (e.g., resume, experience that meets or exceeds the mandatory qualifications, etc.) of any member of its Staff or a Subcontractor’s Staff assigned to or proposed to be assigned to any aspect of the performance of this Contract before commencing any Services.

Question 6: Page 4 – Who is the current PPCA vendor?

Answer 6: California Communications Access Foundation, and Maximus.

Question 7: Page 5 – Which vendors are currently performing community outreach and marketing services?

Answer 7: California Communications Access Foundation and California Services for the Deaf, respectively.

Question 8: Page 81 Item 23 – Is a Small Business Participation required? If yes, what is the target percentage of work for the Small Business to perform?

Answer 8: Small Business Participation is not mandatory. There is only a Small Business Preference for this solicitation.

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Question 9: Page 127 Attachment 13 – Could you confirm that per these instructions: "The cost ceiling for marketing activities under this contract must not exceed $2,000,000 per year, of which $500,000 per year shall be the cost ceiling for branding, creatives, and collateral. The cost ceiling for outreach activities under this contract must not exceed $1,500,000 per year," there will be $7 million total available for marketing and outreach activities over the course of the 2-year agreement term, and the remaining $10.5 should be allocated towards Project Management and Transition Activities?

Answer 9: The total to be awarded for the 2-year contract is 7,000,000.00 which includes all the SOWs activities, along with Project Management and transition activities. For each extension year option exercised by the CPUC the award amount is $3,500,000.00 per year, and includes all the SOWs activities, along with the Project Management and transition activities.

Question 10: Task 10, Branding, Creatives, and Collateral, Page 22 – What is your definition of "television"? Is it strictly broadcast programming or are streaming services sufficient?

Answer 10: Print/Radio, Streaming services or proposer/Contractor can suggest other approaches for creating new creatives.

Question 11: Marketing Campaign Requirements, Page 21 – If a marketing plan extends beyond the two-week requirement - to 4 weeks for example - would this be considered two of the eight campaigns?

Answer 11: Yes.

Question 12: General – Will there be time for a transition out/in process from the current outreach provider (CCAF) to the new provider?

Answer 12: Yes

Question 13: General – Is there an explicit breakdown between labor (contract expenses) and non-labor (subcontractor) expenses in this budget? The current MSP indicates 25% labor expenses and 75% non-labor expenses, for example.

Answer 13: Costs are all inclusive and must include labor, materials, supplies, equipment, travel, supervision, and any other items necessary to perform the work.

Question 14: General – Please confirm there is no SBE requirement?

Answer 14: See Answer 8.

Question 15: Outreach Activities, Page 28 – Does the State or CPUC have any requirements or guidelines for using volunteers for labor support?

Answer 15: This RFP is specific to State Contracting opportunities, providing the guidelines for Contractors and Contractor’s staff along with Sub-Contractors and Sub-Contractor’s staff, only.

The RFP does not provide guidelines for volunteers.

Question 16: Outreach Activities, Page 28 – Will all volunteers, no matter what their role, need to complete the Basic Training Curriculum? For example, if a volunteer is only assisting in setting up or tearing down an event.

Answer 16: Please refer to Answer 15, above.

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Question 17: Task 19, Table 23, Req ID 20.6, Page 37 – The RFP states the new contract holder is given a lump sum at the onset of the contract. However, the lump sum is not available for the incumbent. This RFP adds responsibilities from the previous MSP. Since this is an expansion of scope, does this not qualify for the lump sum even for the incumbent?

Answer 17: The Contractor’s lead personnel will spend an average of no less than sixteen (16) hours per week at the current DDTP Primary Program and Contract Administrator’s office(s) to facilitate the transition of the administrative duties. The new Contractor will be paid a fixed lump sum for this period. In addition, there is quarterly lump sum disbursement specific to the Outreach Planning and Implementation activities the Contractor’s creates and defines the Quarterly Outreach Planned activities. The above information outlines the opportunities which the State will disburse lump sum payments relative to the signed contract.

Question 18: Exhibit E – Exhibit E's invoice format has "total invoiced by Field Operations". Is this an error that needs to be updated to "Marketing and Outreach"?

Answer 18: Please be advised Exhibit E is only an example. The DDTP staff will assist the awarded Contractor with clear instructions on invoicing the State.

Question 19: Section II, Key Staff Requirements – Are all key staff expected to be dedicated 100% to this RFP?

Answer 19: Yes

Question 20: Do you have an incumbent and would they be participating in this RFP?

Answer 20: Yes, there is an incumbent. No, incumbents do not participate in the State’s RFP process.

Question 21: Could you let us know if you have a local preference or are you open to a Canadian agency that has done similar work with clients across the United States, with some currently being the States of California, Colorado and Wyoming?

Answer 21: No preference. However, Contractors are expected to attend in person meetings.