SBRAD Questions amd responses 71610.docx

RFP-CMS-2010-0040

SMALL BUSINESS RESEARCH AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Questions/Statements/Reponses

1. Is this a new solicitation?

Answer: Yes

1. What is the anticipated value of the solicitation?

Answer: Please see Section B.4 of the Solicitation for the Umbrella. Offerors are to propose their best estimate for each task order.

1. If this is not a new solicitation, for the purpose of teaming, could you please provide the name of the incumbent firm(s)?

Answer: The current contractors under the Expedited Research and Demonstration Task Order Contractors are as follows:

(HHSM-500-2006-00006I)

(HHSM-500-2006-00007I)

(HHSM-500-2006-00008I)

(HHSM-500-2006-00009I)

(HHSM-500-2006-00010I)

1. We believe the NAICS Code (541720) is incorrect for a procurement of this type and respectfully request that the NAICS code be re-evaluated to include other small business firms that can provide quality ‘general research, analysis, demonstration and survey activities relating to Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP issues. Due to the potential broad nature of this procurement, we suggest that NAICS codes 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) or 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) be considered.

Answer: The NAICS Code is correct.

1. The RFP (Section L.19, I.C.6) states that “Offerors shall state whether they have an approved purchasing system that is in compliance with FAR Part 44.” As a small business, our purchasing system has never been evaluated by DCAA or any other Federal Agency. Can a small business like ourselves be considered for award?

Answer: Yes

1. The RFP (Section L.19, II.D.1) states that “if the labor rates are escalated, the rationale for the proposed escalation rate should be included in the submission.” Must Offerors provide a rationale even when utilizing escalation factors recommended by CMS (Section L.22)?

Answer: Yes

1. The RFP (Section L.19, II.D.1) states that “if the labor rates are escalated, the rationale for the proposed escalation rate should be included in the submission. The proposed labor rates should be supported by payroll information, letters of intent or salary survey information.” Are we correct in assuming that the proposed escalated labor rates should also be supported by payroll information, letters of intent or salary survey information?

Answer: Yes

1. The RFP (Section L.19, II.D.10) states that “Offerors shall certify that they have Government approved accounting and estimating systems that are in compliance…” We have a DCAA approved accounting system and have had numerous individual cost proposals audited successfully, although our estimating system itself has not yet been approved. Will this be sufficient to meet the requirement?

Answer: Offerors should either certify that they have the systems or that they do not have the systems.

1. Is the SBRAD intended to replace the current XRAD vehicle or will this vehicle exist in addition to XRAD.

Answer: This vehicle will exist in addition to the XRAD; however, it is the government’s intent that no new task orders will be issued under XRAD once SBRAD is in place.

1. The presolicitation notice, posted on June 4, 2010, states "Pursuant to FAR 19.800, this acquisition is set aside for a competition limited to all responsible and eligible Small Business Administration (SBA) concerns". The cover letter, dated and posted on June 24, 2010 states "This is a Small Business Set-Aside." My question relates to the 8a program. FAR 19.800 relates to the 8a program. The cover letter only mentions a Small Business Set-Aside. Is this an 8a set aside or is it a Small Business Set Aside?

Answer: This is a small business set aside. See Amendment 000001.

1. Section L.19 “Volume II – Business Proposal Instructions”, subsection I.B.2. “Financial Statement” (page 109). This item asks offerors to provide a copy of the audited financial statements for the most current completed fiscal year. Will CMS accept any alternative documents in lieu of an audited financial statement, such as a finalized financial statement prepared by a CPA external to the firm and the accompanying tax return?

Answer: Yes

1. Section M-3 TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS subsection c “Past Performance” includes two sub item requests for past performance references. Sub item 1 requests that offerors provide a minimum of three (3) but not more than five (5) references where performance has been completed within the last three (3) years. The contract/task order references shall be similar in scope to the research and demonstration disciplines set forth in Section C, Statement of Work. Sub item 2 requests that offerors provide a minimum of three (3) but not more than five (5) references related to Medicare and/or Medicaid where contracts/task order performance has been completed within the last three (3) years. Is it CMS’s intention to solicit mutually exclusive references for each of these two sub items or may some or all of the same references be used to satisfy both requests? Further, could additional clarification be provided on what detail should comprise a reference (e.g. Project Name, Contract Number, value, period of performance, COTR and COTR contact information)?

Answer: Sub item 1 is deleted in its entirety.

Include the following information for each contract and subcontract:

1. name of contracting organization;

2. contract number (for subcontracts provide the prime contract number and the subcontract number);

3. contract type;

4. total contract value;

5. description of requirement

6. Contracting Officer’s name and telephone number

7. Program Manager’s name and telephone number; and,

8. Project Officer’s name and telephone number

1. Section L.19.I. Volume IIA. Is it correct to assume that each of an offeror’s proposed subcontractors must submit a response to the items under this section and if so, that this information can be provided in a sealed volume to the government so as to safeguard proprietary information? If required and sealed packages permitted, is there a preference for how these are submitted (e.g. as envelopes included with the prime offeror’s binder or submitted directly to the government)?

Answer: Yes, the proposed subcontractors must submit a response to the items under this section. Offerors may use either approach to submit the information to the government.

1. Section L.19.I.A.b.7. Disclosure Statement. Due to the proprietary nature of work with certain private clients, would it be permissible to mask the client name, providing the client type (e.g. health plan) instead, supplemented by other details such as contract value and period of performance?

Answer: The Disclosure Statement referenced in this section refers to an offeror’s accounting practices.

1. Are there any requirements on the distribution of project budget between the prime and subcontractors either at the Task Order level or across the life of the SBRAD? If so, could clarification be provided on how this requirement is calculated (e.g. distribution of unburdened labor costs, distribution of burdened labor costs, distribution of total costs)?

Answer: Please see FAR 52.219-14(b).

1. Section L.19 Volume II Business Proposal Instructions, subsection I.C.1 Cost Summary asks offerors to provide a summary schedule by cost element of the total proposed contract costs. Since this request falls under the instructions for Volume IIA (Umbrella), which does not have a defined scope of work, could further explanation of what types of costs should appear under this section be provided?

Answer: Subsection I.C.1. is deleted in its entirety.

1. General question from section L.19. Does the prime offeror need to present the range of labor rates across all partners (prime and subs) in one place if subcontractors are submitting a sealed proprietary package? That is, is it acceptable for the prime offeror to submit its own labor rates by category and have each partnering subcontractor submit their own rates within their sealed package?

Answer: It is acceptable for the subcontractors to submit this information in a sealed package. No, the prime offeror does not need to present the range of labor rates across all partners in one place.

1. Section L.19 Volume II Business Proposal Instructions, subsection I.C.2. Labor Rates states offerors shall provide labor rates for key labor categories that are expected to be used in the performance of proposed task orders under the SBRAD/TOC. Are there defined key labor categories that offerors should use to present labor rates or should each offeror utilize its own hierarchy/rubric of categories?

Answer: Please include the following categories: Program Manager and Program Director. There are no other predetermined key labor categories.

1. Section L.19 Volume II Business Proposal Instructions, subsection I.C.2. Labor Rates. Are labor rates that are to be bid to be considered ceiling rates or the actual rates to be bid for work? Are such rates to presented loaded with indirect costs and proposed fee or as just base (unloaded) salary?

Answer: Please submit fully loaded labor rates.

1. Does the government anticipate that Task Order 2 will be awarded, either as part of or subsequent to award of the umbrella contract?

Answer: See Section M.4 of the solicitation.

1. Section L.16. General Instructions (p. 101) states that the proposal must be prepared and marked with subparts, grouping Volumes IA, IB and IC together and Volumes IIA, IIB, and IIC together. Given the later instruction on page 104 that offerors shall submit proposals in locking 3-ring binders, can clarification be provided as to whether each subpart requires its own individual binder, or are groupings of the subparts permitted (e.g. Volume IA is separately bound, but Volumes IB and IC can be bound together, Volume IIA is separately bound, and Volumes IIB and IIC are bound together)? Further, if subcontractors are providing their budget information in a sealed manner, should these be bound in three-ring locking binders, or is submission on three-hole punched paper sealed in an envelope, that could be added to the prime offeror’s binders once received by the government, acceptable?

Answer: Each volume should be submitted separately in a locking 3-ring binder. Subcontractors may submit using either a locking 3-ring binder or three-hole punched paper sealed in an envelope that will be added to the prime offeror’s binders once received by the government.

1. Section C-3 III.B. General Research Tasks (p. 6) makes reference to three categories of research functions: 1) research planning and design, 2) research performance and 3) research reporting and dissemination. Only categories 1 and 2 are elaborated upon in the subsequent paragraphs. Is there additional detail for category 3?

Answer: No

1. On page 120, in the Past Performance section for the umbrella task's technical proposal (Vol. IIA), item 1 says the offeror shall provide 3-5 references that are similar in scope to the research and demonstration disciplines in Sec. C. Item 2 says in addition offerors shall provide 3-5 references related to Medicare and/or Medicaid. Can references provided to satisfy item 1 also be provided to satisfy item 2 (i.e., can any of the item 1 and item 2 references be the same)?

Answer: See Response for #12.

1. Regarding the MTM task, when will record layouts for the CMS prescription drug plan information (item 2 in the data list on p. 71) be available? When will the actual data be available? For what years will these data be available?

Answer: Record layouts for the CMS prescription drug plan enrollment, formulary, plan, prescriber, and pharmacy characteristics files are currently available for years 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Specific data pertaining to enrollment in a Part D sponsored Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Program are available via CMS’s Health Plans Monitoring System. Please see the response to question 47 (below) for an explanation of data elements comprising CMS’s Health Plans Monitoring System as of calendar year 2008.

1. Regarding the ACE-E task, for purposes of budgeting the staffing and travel costs related to site visits, how many demonstration sites should be assumed?

Answer: The respondent should plan for up to 16 demonstration sites across several States.

1. Regarding the ACE-E task, the discussion of administrative and management tasks on p. 82 includes (among other things) assisting the COTR in: processing the proposals received, performing an assessment of the providers for the application proposal review panels, assisting in identifying panel members and making arrangements for panel meetings, and collating and organizing information from the panel reviews. Under Task 6 on p. 88, the evaluation support by the contractor mentions receiving and providing an assessment of the proposals. The evaluation support described on p. 82 appears to be significantly broader and more involved than the provision of proposal assessments mentioned on p. 88. Can CMS clarify the scope and/or level of effort for the contractor's involvement in the proposal evaluation process?

Answer: The task mentioned is described in the following passage in the RFP:

“Administrative and management tasks.

The implementation and operation of the demonstration will require assistance from the contractor in managing the demonstration’s day to day activities. The implementation plan and operation plan should include a listing of necessary administrative tasks and assignment of individuals to those tasks. The contractor will be required to assist the project officer in developing a solicitation to providers in the geographic areas selected, processing the proposals received from interested providers, performing an assessment of the providers for the application proposal review panels, assisting in identifying panel members and making arrangements for panel meetings, collating and organizing information from the panel reviews, and assisting the project officer in orienting selected demonstration sites and assisting the project officer in implementation of the demonstration at those sites and act to facilitate communication between the site, CMS and the MAC. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining processes to collect pertinent accounting, quality of care, and outcome information from the sites and provide for the continuous assessment of that information to help CMS monitor the sites. The contractor will also assist the project officer in reporting this information to the CMS evaluation contractor.

The contractor will also assist the project officer in estimating bundled payment amounts for selected episodes of care at the selected demonstration sites and assist in assessing the bundled amounts proposed by the sites. “

Referring back to this need, Task 6 states the following:

“Task 6. Provide Administrative Support.

The contractor will provide ongoing administrative support to the CMS project officer during the implementation and operation of the demonstration. This support will include assistance in soliciting proposals, receiving and providing as assessment of the proposals, assisting in working with the demonstration sites to facilitate implementation of the demonstration, and assistance in the ongoing monitoring of the demonstration. The contractor will provide assistance to the project officer in addressing implementation and operational problems arising from the demonstration sites. The contractor will establish a toll free telephone number and website address to assist the project officer in providing information about the demonstration to interested parties and to receive inquiries from the sites and Medicare beneficiaries about the demonstration. The contractor will assist the project officer in addressing inquiries, concerns and in working out solutions to problems identified within the demonstration. The contractor shall be available to discuss the progress of the demonstration with the project officer on a weekly basis and as needed.”

The task “is” broad in nature. For instance, it requires the contractor to assist CMS in the demonstration site solicitation process and in assessing proposals and preparing them for review by an impartial panel for selection recommendations. It also requires the contractor to provide administrative support to CMS during the implementation process assisting with communications to the sites and providing coordinating assistance in arrangements made between the sites and the MACs in the sites and MACs efforts to work out changes in the payments systems. The contractor will help CMS in monitoring the progress of the demonstration collecting from the sites census information about admissions and discharges and confirming that the information about the claims processed is being recorded and processed appropriately. The contractor will act as a “trouble shooter” to assist CMS in solving implementation problems at the sites. The Contractor will also assist CMS in making available to the public information about the demonstration and in answering inquiries from the general public. The term “evaluation support” is not mentioned and the activities of the contractor do not include conducting an evaluation of the demonstration. However, the contractor is expected to cooperate with the evaluation contractor in providing it with information about the demonstration sites.

1. L16. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. Page 101. “Each of the subparts shall be separate and complete in itself so that the evaluation of one may be accomplished independent of the evaluation of another.”Question: Is the requirement for each subpart to be submitted separately, thus there would be 48 binders for the technical proposal and 48 binders for the business proposal?

Answer: Yes; however, we are revising the number of copies as follows:

Umbrella – original and 8 copies of both Technical and Business – with 2 CD ROM

Task 1 – original and 8 copies of both Technical and Business – with 2 CD ROM Task 2 – original and 8 copies of both Technical and Business – with 2 CD ROM

1. L.19 Volume II – BUSINESS PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. Section I. Volume IIA (UMBRELLA) subsection C. Proposal Details. 1. Cost Summary. (page 110) Question: Please clarify how the offeror shall provide a summary schedule by cost element of the total proposed contract costs.

Answer: See Response to #16.

1. L.19 Volume II – BUSINESS PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. Section I. Volume IIA (UMBRELLA) subsection C. Proposal Details. 2. Labor Rates (Page 110) Question: Could you please explain what is considered a “key labor category?” Would they be considered project directors and high level personnel that may be involved in future task orders?

Answer: Yes, also see Response to # 18.

1. L.19 Volume II – BUSINESS PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. Section II. Volumes IIB and IIC – Business Proposal Instructions (Task Orders 1 and 2) section b. Period of Performance. (Page 112)

Question: For budgeting purposes, what is the anticipated date of award for each of the task orders as well as the umbrella? We understand that an award may or may not be concurrent with umbrella award for Task order 2, but please clarify what period of performance should be utilized for the cost proposal.

Answer: November 30, 2010

1. Section J.3. Task 1 Section III RESEARCH ISSUES AND DESIGN, Research Areas of Focus, (page 70) (first paragraph), the RFP states that: "Up to three high risk populations may be selected." For pricing purposes (site visits, quantitative analysis, etc.), should three sites be assumed?

Answer: CMS anticipates between 5 and 8 site visits for in-depth case studies.

32. G.16 Subcontract Consent. (page 33) Question: Is it CMS’s intention that organizations propose subcontractors for the umbrella contract during the proposal phase or can subcontractors be added when bidding on an RTOP? Is it a requirement for subcontractors to be small businesses as well?

Answer: Offerors may propose teaming arrangements/subcontractors under the Umbrella; as well as they may be proposed with each individual task order. There is no requirement for subcontractors to be a small business.

33. M.4 Evaluation Factors for Tasks 1 and 2. Evaluation Factors (Volume IIB) (Task 1).

Question: Please clarify the point structure for each of the 4 sections as the total points exceed 100.

Answer: Key Personnel is revised to 20 points.

34. Is it correct to assume that Task 1 will be awarded with the umbrella contract, and that Task 2 may or may not be awarded at the same time?

Answer: Yes; please see Section M.4

35. L.19 Volume II-BUSINESS PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS. 1.Volume IIA Umbrella, Section C. Proposal Details, 2. Labor Rates. (page 110). The proposal states that “If the labor rates are escalated, the rationale for the proposed escalation rate should be included in the submission.”

Question: On page 115, Section L.22 ESCALATION FACTOR, escalation factors are recommended. Should the offeror utilize those escalation factors, does the offeror still need to support the rationale for the escalation factors in the business proposal?

Answer: Yes

36. It is our understanding that the objective for Task order 1 “Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in a Chronically Ill Population” is to understand the impact of MTM programs and identify best practices across the market and not to evaluate a Part D sponsor’s specific plan or their performance. Is this assessment correct? Will this task order require gathering any confidential or proprietary data from Part D sponsors?

Answer: The study objective is to perform a critical analysis of the evidence of what appears to work/not work pertaining to outcomes/results (i.e., results-oriented outcomes) with regard to specific MTM programs or components of MTM programs.

Organizations desiring to share available information with CMS about their programs (as case study subjects) are encouraged to do so without remuneration. For an example of a previous study addressing a similar situation, please see http://www.cms.gov/Reports/Downloads/Blackwell.pdf.

37. Is the ACE expansion limited to a procedural focus, or will the demonstration expand into hospital admissions that are medically focused and do not necessarily involve surgical procedures?

Answer: The ACE demonstration includes inpatient diagnostic and treatment procedures. That said, the expansion of the ACE demonstration, where post acute care is included in a global package price will necessarily include medical treatment and rehabilitation services.

38. Under section L19 Business Proposal Instructions, Section II Volumes IIB and IIC Business proposal Instructions (task order 1 and 2), subsection C, CMS provides an estimated level of effort for each task order. Is this for the entire period of performance or for each year?

Answer: The estimated level of effort is for the entire project.

39. Since the RFP is requiring the response to two separate task orders with proposals not due until August 23, might it be possible to extend the period for submission of questions to CMS to for example July 14?

Answer: No

40. For the past performance section of the SBRAD/TOC, is CMS asking for a minimum of 6 but not more than 10 references—3 to 5 contract/task order references for projects of similar scope to the research and demonstration disciplines set forth in Section C and 3 to 5 references related to Medicare and/or Medicaid? Should the past performance references of subcontractors be included in these maximums or should each teaming partner submit their own 6 to 10 references?

Answer: See Response to #12; each teaming partner shall submit their own references.

41. For past experience references for Tasks 1 and 2, does CMS want 3 to 5 references from each team submitting a bid or from each partner (e.g., the prime and each subcontractor) in the proposed project team?

Answer: See Response to #12 and #40.

42. Will the contractor be able to obtain the CMS data sources for Task 1 directly from CMS or will they need to submit an application through RESDAC and pay a fee the files?

Answer: CMS will provide the contractor access to CMS data. The vehicle through which the contractor will receive the data is dependent on the data source proposed by the contract. For example, for PDE data, the contractor will initially work with RESDAC; Buccaneer will then cut the data file. CMS data will be provided to the contractor at no charge. However, the contractor is responsible for developing the analytic files required for the study.

43. Are the estimated levels of effort for Tasks 1 and 2 provided on page 112 (i.e., 2,000 to 3,000 hours for Task 1 and 4,500 to 5,500 hours for Task 2) annual estimates?

Answer: See Response to #38.

44. With regard to Task 1, are the data files that CMS has regarding the MTM programs plan specific? What MTM variables are included in the data files?

Answer: MTM specific data are stored in CMS’s Health Plans Monitoring System. As of calendar year 2008, Part D sponsors were responsible for reporting several data elements related to their Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Programs. Data elements include contract number, eligible beneficiary identification (i.e., beneficiaries identified as being eligible for MTMP), eligible beneficiary name/date of birth, long term care enrollment for each beneficiary enrolled in the MTM program (if applicable), date of MTM enrollment for each beneficiary identified eligible for the MTM, date of MTM discontinuation for each beneficiary who enrolled in the MTM and then discontinued participation, and reason for MTM discontinuation (coded as either death, disenrollment from plan, request by beneficiary, or other).

45. With regard to Task 1, is there a file of individual-level MTM events? If so, what variables are included in it? If there is an individual-level MTM event file, is it linkable to Part A and B claims?

Answer: An individual-level MTM event file does not exist. Please see the response to question 44 (above) for an explanation of data stored in CMS’s Health Plans Monitoring System.

46. Task 1: Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in a Chronically Ill Population. How many case studies does CMS anticipate that the contract will conduct?

Answer: CMS anticipates between 5 and 8 site visits for in-depth case studies.

47. Task 1: Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in a Chronically Ill Population will the MTM specific data referenced in the RFP include information for beneficiaries eligible for MTM but who did not participate in the MTMP?

Answer: This information is available via CMS’s Health Plans Monitoring System. Please see response to question 44 (above) for an explanation of CMS’s Health Plans Monitoring System.

48. General Research Tasks/ Research Planning and Design/Page 6 “If individuals, specified by the COTR, are not Federal employees, the Contractor must arrange for their compensation if such is required.” Question: In the circumstance noted above, will the government provide additional funding post TO award for the services of specified individuals as the contractor will not have prior knowledge of specified individual’s cost?

Answer: This information is not applicable for the umbrella. Offerors should propose such costs in each TO.

49. H.14 FAR 52.234-4 EARNED VALUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, items “a” and “g” page 45. Question: Will the government please clarify if EVM is required for every task order to be awarded, or only those that are above the $20 Million dollar threshold?

Answer: Individual task orders will reference when this requirement is applicable.

50. L.19 Volume II Business Proposal Instruction. Page 109

b) Period of Performance. Page 112

c) Level of Effort

Question: Is the level of effort defined as hours per year or are the hours defined for the total proposed period of performance?

Answer: See Response to #38.

51. M.4 Evaluation Factors for Tasks 1 and 2. Page 120

a) Offeror’s task order proposal shall be evaluated in accordance with the following considerations pursuant to the fair opportunity for consideration process of FAR Subpart 16.505 (b) (1). (100 Points for each).

The Evaluation Factors (Volume IIB) (Task 1), Page 121 has the following allotted points of 120

1. Technical Approach (40 Points)

2. Project Management Plan (20 Points)

3. Key Personnel (40 Points)

4. Past Performance (20 Points)

Question: Does CMS envision the point total for Task 1 to be 100 point or 120 points?

Answer: See Response #33.

52. Reference: Task 1, Section J.3, IV., Task II.1, Qualitative Analysis, page 74

Question: Can CMS provide assumptions regarding the anticipated number of site visits for in-depth case studies for purposes of preparing travel cost estimates in Task 1?

Answer: See Response #46.

53. Reference: Task 2, Section J.4, IV., Task 7, Conduct and Report Site Visits, page 88

Question: Can CMS provide assumptions regarding the anticipated number of demonstration sites for purposes of preparing travel cost estimates in Task 2?

Answer: See Response #46.

54. Reference: Section L.19, I.B.2., Financial Statements, page 109

Question: Will a bidder be excluded if it does not have audited financial statements? Can a bidder submit financial statements with a compilation report from a CPA firm?

Answer: Offerors will not be excluded solely on the basis of not having financial statements. Offerors may submit financial statements with a compilation report from a CPA firm.

55. Reference: Section L.19, II.c., Level of Effort, page 112

Question: Are the estimated hours (levels of effort) for the entire period of performance for Task 1 and Task 2 or do they reflect annual levels of effort?

Answer: See Response to #38.

56. Reference: Section L.19, II.d.10, Approved Accounting System, page 115

Question: This contract is a “Small Business Set-Aside”. Will a bidder be excluded if it has an approved accounting system, but is exempt from FAR Appendix A, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) because it is a small business (under the provisions of 48 CFR 9903.201-2 (b))?

Answer: No

57. Reference: Section K-1, Annual Representations and Certifications, page 92

Question: This section references FAR 52.204-8, but does not have any details. Will CMS provide the specific items of information that it wants to receive from bidders for the Annual Representations and Certifications?

Answer: Offerors Representations and Certifications should be completed in ORCA. A copy from ORCA should be included with the proposal.

58. As a small disadvantaged firm (and graduate of the 8a Program), my company intended to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation. However we believe the NAICS Code (541720) is incorrect for a procurement of this type and respectfully request that the NAICS code be re-evaluated to include other small business firms that can provide quality ‘general research, analysis, demonstration and survey activities relating to Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP issues.

Due to the potential broad nature of this procurement, we suggest that NAICS codes 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) or 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) be considered.

Answer: See Response to #4.

59. What the size standard is for this requirement (I have been unable to find that information in the solicitation documents) and also are there any subcontracting targets or requirements for this contract?

Answer: $7M; there are no subcontracting targets/requirements.

60. Can you please advise as to whether there is an incumbent contractor for this requirement? If so, could you please provide the contractor name and the contract number that was awarded?

Answer: See Response to #3.

61. Would you accept electronic submission of proposal. This will help small business participation to greater level, and save gov and contractor time and money.

Answer: Offerors should submit two (2) CD ROM disk with the original and copies as noted in Response # 27.

62. The purpose of this email is to clarify the small business standard for Solicitation Number RFP-CMS-2010-0040 Small Business Expedited Research and Demonstration (SBRAD) effort. The CMS cover letter states that “This requirement is a Small Business Set-Aside. The North-American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 541720”. The small business size standard for this NAIC code is $7M.

The FBO synopsis of this opportunity states that following “CMS anticipates awarding Multiple Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Task Order Contracts for (SBRAD). Pursuant to FAR 19.800, this acquisition is set aside for a competition limited to all responsible and eligible Small Business Administration (SBA) concerns.”

Is this opportunity set aside for SBA 8(a) concerns in accordance with FAR 19.800 AND concerns with a size standard of $7M for NAICS Code 541720?

Answer: See Response to #10.

63. Is RFP-CMS-2010-0040 – Small Business Research and Demonstration (SBRAD) the follow-on to the current XRAD contract?

Answer: See Response for #3.

64. In multiple places, the RFP states that the Contracting Officer may determine that if the number of proposals exceeds the ability for efficient competition, the number may be limited to 15 proposals.

Can you please give us more details for this RFP as to what aspects of the proposals will determine which ones make the Top 15 before official competitive review?

Answer: See FAR Subpart 15.306(c)(2) and Section M.

65. I would like to ask you to confirm that a proposal to both task #1 and #2 is required. That is, can an offeror only submit to one or the other along with the umbrella?

Answer: Offerors must submit a proposal for the Umbrella, Task 1 and Task 2. See Section M.2(c).