Amendment_1_and_Umbrella_Questions_Responses.docx

RFP-CMS-MIDS-2013-0001

Amendment 0001 Responses to Solicitation Questions and Solicitation Amendments

AMENDMENT 0001

1. Under SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA, the following changes are made:

(a) Subsection G.18.g. Modifications to Task Orders, DELETE the reference to c(2) and REPLACE WITH the reference “c.”

(b) Subsection G.11 -SUBCONTRACTING PROGRAM FOR SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES, ADD the following subcontract category.

Veteran Owned Small Business 3%

2. Under SECTION H- SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS, Subsection H.2- CONFLICT OF INTEREST,

(a) H.2.c.2(d) Identification of a Conflict, RENUMBER (3) as number (2).

(b) H.2.d.1, REVISE the first sentence to READ:

Disclosure. The OCI Certificate must be maintained in accordance with this contract clause and contain the information specified in paragraphs H.2.d.1 (a) through (i) of this section as follows:

(c) H.2.d.1(a), REVISE the first sentence to READ:

Disclosure of OCIs: A description of all business and/or contractual relationships and/or activities for the organization, as well as the financial interests or relationships (see (h)(5) below) of its officers, directors and managers, that a prudent business person and/or the Government would view as an actual, apparent or potential conflict of interest with the work to be performed under this contract.

3. Under SECTION H- SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS, Subsection H.2.e Conflict of Interest Resolution, RENUMBER (5) as number (4).

4. Under SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES, Subsection I.1 - FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998), DELETE the following clause:

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (DEC. 2011)

5. Under SECTION J – Attachments, Attachment J.1-A Outcome Measure Development Statement of Work, DELETE SECTION B Period of Performance and REPLACE with the following:

(a) B. Period-of Performance: The Period of Performance is September 30, 2013 through September 29, 2014.

Note: We acknowledge that a measure cannot be developed end to end (environmental scan through implementation in a year. It is acceptable to propose and budget for work in the first year only. Please propose (but not budget) later steps in the out years of the entire process. You may use measures that you are proposing for other task orders or for current work as examples of this effort.

(b) Attachment J.1-A Outcome Measure Development Statement of Work, REVISE Chapter 2- General Requirements TO READ:

In accordance with (IAW) Chapter 2 of the MIDS USOW, the contractor shall carry out all work/tasks described in sections 2.A. – 2.F.

(c) Attachment J.1-A Outcome Measure Development Statement of Work, REVISE Chapter 7- REPORTS/APPROVAL PACKAGES TO READ:

In accordance with (IAW) Chapter 7 of the MIDS USOW, the contractor shall carry out all work/tasks described in sections 7.A. – 7.H.

6. Under SECTION J – Attachment:

(a) REPLACE the following attachment:

J.1 – B Outcome Measure Development Schedule of Deliverables

(b) Attachment J.7 – Conflict of Interest:

1) RENAME the title from “Conflict of Interest Certificate” to “Compliance Program Certificate”

2) REPLACE the first sentence to READ:

(Insert Offeror/Company Name) understands and unconditionally assents to the requirements of Section L.17, tab C entitled Compliance Program and attests that it has in place an effective compliance program that articulates and demonstrates the Offeror’s commitment to ethical and legal conduct.

(c) ADD the following:

J.11 – A Development Reevaluation, and Implementation Proposal Instructions and Evaluation Criteria J.11 – B Development Reevaluation, and Implementation of Hospital Outcome Efficiency Measures SOW J.11 – C Development Reevaluation, and Implementation of Hospital Outcome Efficiency Measures SOD

7. Under Section L, INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR QUOTERS, Subsection L.12, Proposal Organization, part b. Volume I - Business Proposal IDIQ, ADD the following:

8. Consulting Agreements 11 (H) Disclosure Statement

8. DELETE Subsection L.12.c.2, Proposal Organization, Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order, Business Proposal Narratives, in its entirety.

9. Under Subsection L.13, part a – Volumes, ADD the following:

Offerors must submit three (3) hard copies and (3) electronic copies on CDs for the conflict of interest, Volume III.

10. Under Subsection L.14 BUSINESS PROPOSAL, ADD G.8 Identification of subcontractors or teaming arrangements

11. Under Subsection L.15 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

(a) Subsection L.15.B, REVISE the instruction of the Past Performance submission to READ:

References shall be asked to submit their responses directly to Irina Perl at Irina.Perl@CMS.hhs.gov no later than 2:00 PM EST.

(b) Subsection L.15.C - Task Order 0001 Response, DELETE the sentence that READS:

(Task Order pages limits are independent from the Volume II page limit) (35 page limit per task order proposal)

(c) Subsection L.15.E, Umbrella IDIQ, Technical Proposal Instructions DELETE the sentence that READS:

4. Address the method to be employed for obtaining labor for additional work.

REPLACE WITH:

4. Address the method to be employed for obtaining labor for this task order.

12. Under Section L.17 - VOLUME III – CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND COMPLIANCE PROGRAM PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS:

(a)(1) REVISE the first paragraph under Tab A to READ:

The Offerors or Contractors must disclose all contracts, both government (local, state, and federal) currently held with CMS, other government health care agencies, or with non-government entities, as a Prime and/or as a Subcontractor, for itself, its parent company, subsidiaries or other affiliated entities related to healthcare.

(a)(2) REVISE the second paragraph under Tab A to READ:

All proposed healthcare subcontractor(s) must disclose to the Prime contractor all contracts, both government (local, state, and Federal) and non-government, currently held as Prime and/or as a Subcontractor, at the same level of detail required under (a) through (g) as stated above.

(b) REVISE the title under Tab B to READ:

TAB B: Conflict of Interest – Program Information and Detail

END OF AMENDMENT

Attachments:

J.1-B Outcome Measure Development Schedule of Deliverables

UMBRELLA IDIQ QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

STATEMENT OF WORK QUESTIONS

1. Section Number: C – Description/specifications/work statement Section & Title: Chapters 2 - 11 Question: Can CMS clarify the number of Tasks to be addressed in the proposal? The chapters may not necessarily correlate to Tasks that need to be addressed. Chapter 1 is background with no tasks that we can determine. Chapter 2 lists basic requirements, but includes satisfying the requirements of the Measures Management System. The Project Management Plan is listed in Chapter 2 but that is also a separate part of the Technical Proposal per section L.15.E. Chapter 10 covers access to data. Is obtaining a DUA to be considered a task that needs to be explained in our proposal? Chapter 11 is mostly related to what CMS is going to do (CMS tasks) not contractor tasks. So, it doesn’t necessarily correlate that a “chapter” equals a “task.” Could we get a clear listing of tasks to be addressed in our response?

Response: The Chapters do not necessarily correlate to Contractor Deliverables, but rather reflect the work that needs to be done surrounding measures development and implementation. The Chapters do have specific tasks related to successful completion of the work. CMS can clarify any questions related to Deliverables but unfortunately, cannot provide an exact listing of work and of the tasks. The work of the contractor is to examine the Umbrella SOW and SOD (Deliverables) and clearly identify the tasks which most appropriately, efficiently and successfully accomplish the work that CMS has requested.

2. Section Number: C.1B Section & Title: Statement of Work - Purpose Question: Will the MIDs contract vehicle be used by components of CMS other than CCSQ, such as CMCS which is responsible for a lot of Medicaid work?

Response: Yes

3. Section Number: Chapter 4.A.2 Section & Title: Public Comment Question: Is there a specific deliverable number associated with the public comment activity in chapter 4? One was not identified in the schedule of deliverables.

Response: There is not a deliverable number associated with the public comment activity; however there are CMS Measures Management System (MMS) requirements related to this work (see Section 4.A.2). The contractor shall include the public comment activities in the deliverables related to new measures under development and support of the MMS-Blueprint.

4. Section Number: C.1. Statement of Work Section & Title: 5.A. Development of Data Collection Tool/Assessment Instrument and Associated Instructions Question: With respect to the statement, “Data collection sets shall be relied upon to ensure the use of standardized data elements,” has CMS defined a standard data model for use in developing the data collection sets?

Response: In some instances, CMS has defined a standard data model. For example, CMS employs a standard data model specific for electronic measure development called the Quality Data Model or QDM. The QDM describes the data elements and associated context as 4 specific levels of information.

In regard to standard data models for Data Collection Tools, the measure developer shall recommend existing standard data models appropriate for the setting of interest and indicate how the model supports the qualities of the critical data elements relative to measure properties and calculation, internal consistency, and reliability and validity testing of the concepts. For example, for the post-acute care setting assessment tools, sets shall be relied upon to ensure the use of standardized data elements. This is for measures built from the assessment tools. The data is collected via standardized questions/response sets.

5. Section Number: C.1. Statement of Work Section & Title: 5.A. Development of Data Collection Tool/Assessment Instrument and Associated Instructions Question: Will CMS create a task order for a single entity to develop and manage a quality measure data element evaluation system that works with the National Library of Medicine Value Set Authority Center? And will all other MIDS contractors be required to develop their data elements using that infrastructure, or will each contractor be expected to provide its own?

Response: For electronic Clinical Quality Measure (eCQM) development, each measure development contractor shall be required to work within the task order award and validate the measure elements and codes with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Value Set Authority Center.

Each MIDS contractor developing or maintaining electronic clinical measures will be required to use tools and standards that have been adopted for electronic clinical quality measures. For example, electronic clinical quality measures must be developed using the Measure Authoring Tool (MAT), with electronic clinical measure properties consistent with the QDM, and code set validation consistent with the NLM Value Set Authority Center.

6. Section Number: C.1. Statement of Work Section & Title: 5.A. Development of Data Collection Tool/Assessment Instrument and Associated Instructions Question: What is the definition of the medical record within the statement, “The data collection vehicles should be developed, and maintained, with their potential use as a primary source, or as part of the medical record, when appropriate”? Does this include patient reported data such as those found in PHRs and other sources?

Response: The definition of the medical record, as used here, includes the official written record of the individual’s medical experience, including clinical and social history, assessment records, testing, physical complaints and treatments, provider and health care worker encounters, and so on.

Yes, this does include patient reported data when the PHR is used to indicate a Personal Health Record.

7. Section Number: C.1. Statement of Work Section & Title: 5.C. Data Collection Tool/Assessment Instrument Updates 5.C.1 – Updates:

b. A cross walk of data elements that may differ at the data element level but are congruent, and are (or will be) used in a common quality measure, e.g. data elements in cross setting measures.

Question: Please explain what is meant by ‘data elements that may differ at the data element level but are congruent.’ An example would be very helpful.

Response: An example is a blood pressure measurement. As a data element, a blood pressure measurement may be obtained using an automated machine attached to a blood pressure cuff which provides a digital reading of systolic/diastolic blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement may also be defined as the digital reading obtained via an arterial catheter. These data elements are obtained by differing methods but are congruent in that both provide an indication of blood pressure.

8. Section Number: C.1. Statement of Work Section & Title: 5.C. Data Collection Tool/Assessment Instrument Updates 5.C.1 – Updates:

e. Provide data logic, such as the data sub-specifications, associated with data elements used to support the data elements used in the measure calculation.

Question: Has a standard method been defined and/or adopted by CMS to describe data logic for measures?

Response: No, however, eMeasure specifications must be developed in HQMF or any subsequent standard(s) adopted by CMS.

9. Section Number: C.1. Statement of Work Section & Title: 5.C. Data Collection Tool/Assessment Instrument Updates 5.C.1 – Updates: e. Provide data logic, such as the data sub-specifications, associated with data elements used to support the data elements used in the measure calculation.

Question: Please expand upon data logic, data sub-specifications to provide additional information on the associated relationship between data level logic and sub-specifications and ‘logic’ contained within measure intent and subsequent calculation.

Response: The data logic includes the “how” and “where” the required data elements will be collected, including consideration of the level of measurement, critical definitions of the data elements, specific codes, and/or allowable exclusions and exceptions to collection. The logic helps to ensure that the measure specifications are included in the submission specifications in such a way to ensure data accuracy and provide internal consistency logic.

10. Section Number: Umbrella IDIQ (p. 39) Section & Title: 8.A.4 – Measure Dry Run Question: On Chapter 5 of the Umbrella IDIQ, it states “The Contractor shall provide Questions and Answers Support (Qs & As) (Deliverable 38) for publicly reported measures that undergo a dry run and are then implemented for a length of period specified by CMS.” Is this the only level of participation expected from the Offeror? Will the Offeror be assisting with the dry run?

Response: No, this is not the only level of support expected from the Offeror. Regarding this work, Section 8A – Implementation of Measures through 8D – Program, Measure and Initiative Assessment provide additional details regarding the expectations of CMS related to this requirement. Yes, the Offeror will be assisting with the dry run. See details in Section 8.A.4.related to the Technical Support required related to the Dry Run.

11. Section Number: 8.B.2 Section & Title: Chapter 8 – Implementation, Production & Assessment, B.2 Testing/ Documenting/ Producing Measure Calculation (page 40) Question: The developer is asked to “develop, review, and test codes for the calculation of measure results.” Based on the remainder of this section, it looks like CMS intends to insure that computer programs (“code”) developed to implement measures is correct and accurate. However, “codes” could also refer to data elements used to calculate measures, such as ICD-10 or HCPCS codes. In section 8.B.2, should “codes” be replaced with “code” and is the intent of the section to develop, review, and test computer programs for calculating measures?

Response: In Section 8.B.2, the use of “codes” in sentence #1refers to ICD-10, HCPCS, National Drug Codes (NDC) and similar identifiers that comprise the technical specifications for Clinical Quality Measures. In Section 8.B.2, the use of “code” in sentence #2 refers to the code (SAS code or other) which is programmed according to the technical specifications for the measure and when executed, provides the measure calculation and measure rate.

12. Section Number: 9.E Section & Title: Chapter 9 – Public Reporting/Compare Sites, E. Measure File Production (page 42) Question: This section asks the developer to “prepare hospital and/or discharge level data files.” Since MIDS task orders are not exclusively for hospital based measures, can CMS clarify how this requirement will apply to measures in other settings?

Response: This work refers to requirements related to Public Reporting. Application of this requirement to measures in other settings will be identified in the specific Task Orders.

13. Section Number: Section L.15, Subsection A Section & Title: Section L.15 - Technical Proposal Instructions, Subsection A - Technical Approach Question: In Section L.15 - Technical Proposal Instructions, Subsection A - Technical Approach: under 1 - Environmental Scan and Empirical Review, item 1.c "Describe the Environmental Scan and Empirical Review" appears to be similar to item 1.a which is " Describe the relationship between Environmental Scans and Empirical Reviews to the development or reevaluation of Quality Measures." Please provide more detail about how these two items differ.

Response: Item 1.c "Describe the Environmental Scan and Empirical Review" refers to the detailed report for the specific Task Order which identifies and describes the items and methods comprising the Environmental Scan and Empirical Review, specific to development of CMS clinical quality measures that are suitable for endorsement by a consensus entity, such as the NQF (National Quality Forum). Item 1.a " Describe the relationship between Environmental Scans and Empirical Reviews to the development or reevaluation of Quality Measures” refers to the specific actions involving the Environmental Scan and Empirical Review that are essential to the list of the potential new measure concepts for the specific Task Order that the contractor shall recommend to CMS, including consideration of current applicable measures, gap analysis, national goals, strategies, and reports that drive quality healthcare delivery and expert input, data analysis (if indicated) and an initial business case to support the new measure recommendations of the contractor.

14. Section Number: L.15.E Section & Title: Umbrella IDIQ, Technical Proposal Instructions, E.4, p. 140 Question: With respect to the Management Plan and Corporate Capacity section of the Technical Proposal, can CMS clarify what is meant by “additional work” for the following requirement: “Address the method to be employed for obtaining labor for additional work?”

Response: Please address the method for obtaining work for the overall requirements of Task Order 0001. Please refer to amendment.

15. Section Number: L.15.E.4 Section & Title: Technical Instructions for response Section E, Management Plan and Corporate Capacity Question: In the following sentence, what does CMS mean by “additional work?” Address the method to be employed for obtaining labor for additional work.

Response: Please address the method for obtaining work for the overall requirements of Task Order 0001. Please refer to amendment.

SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES QUESTIONS

16. Section Number: Deliverable 12 Section & Title: Deliverable 12: TEP Composition Documentation Form Question: The umbrella statement of work describes this deliverable as a call for a technical expert panel while the schedule of deliverables identifies this as a TEP composition form. Please confirm if the TEP composition form is the same deliverable as the deliverable in the USOW to call for a technical expert panel.

Response: Convene the Technical Expert Panel (TEP) is the same deliverable as the TEP Composition Form (Deliverable 12). Both Section 4.A.1 and Section 4.B.4 have detailed information relating to the TEP requirements for the work.

BUSINESS PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

17. Section Number: Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Section & Title: B.5 Labor Rates (Time and Materials (T&M)) (pages 6 and 7) Question: The RFP states, “The following fixed rates shall be utilized for T&M type Task Orders. The Contractor is limited to the negotiated T&M rate ceilings stated below for all T&M Task Orders.” Are we to propose a complete list of labor categories we believe may be used under the resultant contract or will the government provide a list of labor categories and descriptions for which they would like all offerors to provide ceiling rates?

Response: Section B.5 states “T&M Rates will not be established until such time as a T&M Task Order Contract is awarded.”

18. Section Number: B.5 Section & Title: B.5 LABOR RATES (TIME AND MATERIALS (T&M)) Question: Since T&M rates are required, may offerors propose their Government approved GSA MOBIS rates for their T&M rates since they are already established and Government approved?

Response: Section B.5 states “T&M Rates will not be established until such time as a T&M Task Order Contract is awarded.”

19. Section Number: B.5.

Section & Title: Section B.5. Labor Rates T&M. T&M Rates will not be established until such time as a T&M Task Order Contract is awarded.

Question: Will labor categories and T&M rates established on an individual Task Order be incorporated to the IDIQ main contract for use in future Task Orders, or will all T&M pricing be established only at the Task Order level?

Response: Response: Section B.5 states “T&M Rates will not be established until such time as a T&M Task Order Contract is awarded.”

20. Section Number: G.21 Payment Selected Items of Cost Reimbursement Contracts Section & Title: (e) Facilities Capital Cost of Money Question: It states—“In accordance with HHSAR 315.404-4, facilities capital cost of money shall be an unallowable cost under this contract.” Yet, HHSAR 315.404-4 provides “If the contractor does not propose this cost, the Contracting Officer shall insert a provision in the contract that makes facilities capital cost of money an unallowable cost.” We request the inclusion of 52.215-16 Facilities Capital Cost of Money which allows FCCOM if Contractor proposes FCCOM. Is this acceptable to CMS?

Response: In accordance with HHSAR 315.404-4, the profit will be reduced accordingly.

21. Section Number: Part III Section & Title: Section L.12 – Proposal Organization Question: On c.1 on page 130, the RFP requires completion of the “Business Proposal Spreadsheets.” Please indicate where in the RFP these “Business Proposal Spreadsheets” can be found.

Response: CMS will not be providing a spreadsheet for this procurement.

22. Section Number: Part III Section & Title: Section L.12 – Proposal Organization Question: On c.1 on page 130, the RFP requires completion of the “Business Proposal Spreadsheets.” Please indicate where in the RFP these “Business Proposal Spreadsheets” can be found.

Response: CMS will not be providing a spreadsheet for this procurement.

23. Section Number: L.10 Section & Title: Communications Regarding This Solicitation Question: The instructions require that we submit our files in at least Microsoft Word 2007. Can you accept files in a later version, or is that the compatible format you require?

Response: Yes, more recent versions than MS 2007 are acceptable.

24. Section Number: L.10 Section & Title: Communications Regarding This Solicitation Question: Will you accept files on the CD in PDF format?

Response: For the technical proposal, PDF format is acceptable. For the business proposal, please leave any spreadsheets in Excel format.

25. Section Number: L.11 Section & Title: General Proposal Instructions for a Multiple Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract and Task Orders Question: If a non-small business bids on the IDIQ contract and has a small business as part of its team, can the small business bid as the prime on Task Order 2 with the non-small business holding the IDIQ contract?

Response: No, the small business must be awarded the Umbrella IDIQ to receive a Task Order award as stated in the solicitation.

26. Section Number: L.11 Section & Title: General Proposal Instructions for a Multiple Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract and Task Orders Question: Understanding that Task Order 1 is a small business set aside, does the small business have to be the prime of its own IDIQ to bid?

Response: Task Order 0001 is not a small business set aside and must be included as part of the proposal to receive award for the IDIQ. Task Order 0002 is a small business set aside. The small business does need to be the prime and must be awarded the IDIQ to receive Task Order 0002 award.

27. Section Number: L.12 Proposal Organization (pg. 129) Section & Title: b. Volume I – Business Proposal IDIQ (pg. 129) Question: Are the Business Proposal spreadsheets the first section of the Task Order half of the Business Proposal?

Response: Section L.12.c has been deleted. Please see Section L.14.c for details. Please refer to amendment.

28. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: L.12. Proposal Organization b. Volume I – Business Proposal IDIQ (pg. 130) Question: Is a small business subcontracting plan required by each Subcontractor for the Business Proposal IDIQ?

Response: No, a small business subcontracting plan is only required for the Prime contractor.

29. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: L.12. Proposal Organization c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order (pg. 130) Question: Is a small business subcontracting plan required by the Prime for the Task Order Business Proposal? Is a small business subcontracting plan required by each Subcontractor for the Business Proposal Task Order?

Response: No, a small business subcontracting plan is not required for Task Order 0001.

30. Section Number: L.12(a)(7) Section & Title: Proposal Organization Question: This section indicates that the subcontractor’s proposal should be submitted if applicable. Please clarify when this would occur as applicable.

Response: See FAR 52.244-2.

31. Section Number: Section L Section & Title: Section L.12, Proposal Organization, b. Volume I – Business Proposal IDIQ and c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order Question: Should the business proposal have two (2) main sections, with the first being the items detailed under section b. IDIQ (items 1 – 11) and the second being the items detailed under the section c. Task Order section (items 1 – 2)? If two main sections, does the Task Order 0001 Business Proposal get included in the second main section? If additional Task Orders are bid, do they get included in the second main section after the IDIQ Task Order 0001 Business Proposal?

Response: The Business Proposal should be one volume for both the IDIQ and Task Order 0001. Each additional Task Order should be treated separately and proposals should be submitted in accordance with the Task Order Instructions as described in Attachment J.2-A, J.3-A, J.4-A, and J.11-A.

32. Section Number: Section L Section & Title: Section L.12, Proposal Organization, b. Volume I – Business Proposal IDIQ Question: Item number 8 is missing. Based on further information provided in Section L.14, Business Proposal, should Item number 8 be Consulting Agreements? Is an item missing in the organization list for the IDIQ Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal? Should the Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal be included after Item number 6, Solicitation Section K?

Response: Item number 8 refers to Consulting Agreements. Please refer to amendment.

33. Section Number: L.12, Part b Section & Title: Proposal Organization – Volume I – Business Proposal IDIQ Question: Item 8 is missing from Business Proposal Organization. Should something be included here?

Response: Item number 8 refers to Consulting Agreements. Please refer to amendment.

34. Section Number: L.12.b Section & Title: Umbrella IDIQ, Proposal Organization, p. 130 Question: Can CMS clarify why item number 8 is excluded from the list of Business Proposal Items on pages 129-130? (The list proceeds from number 7 to number 9.) Might this be “Consulting Agreements” shown on page 134?

Response: Item number 8 refers to Consulting Agreements. Please refer to amendment.

35. Section Number: Section L Section & Title: Section L.12.c.2.(F), Proposal Organization, Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order, Business Proposal Narratives, Umbrella Contract Section H.2 – Conflict of Interest Question: Should proposed Subcontractor’s conflict of interest information be included in Volume III, instead of in the Business Proposal?

Response: Letter (F) has been removed. Please refer to amendment.

Question: Item 15A. Explain what ‘Code’ to use and what ‘Facility’ to use

Response: Block 15A of the SF-33 is for the company name and address. The “Code” is the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code and Facility is for the Facility Code, if the Offeror has one.

37. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization, SF-33, Solicitation, Offer and Award Question: Item 12. Is this number 270, as stated on page 134?

Response: Yes, 270 days should be stated on Item 12 of the SF-33.

38. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization, Solicitation Section B Question: Confirm that what is to be included is a T & M Rate table for key personnel.

Response: No, the proposal should include actual labor rates for key personnel as you should assume that it is a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract as stated in Section L.14 (c).

39. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization, Solicitation G Question: What if anything is to be included in the proposal from Section G?

Response: Please fill in blanks as appropriate.

40. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization, Solicitation H Question: Confirm that what is to be included is a Key Personnel list

Response: Please refer to Section L.15 (D).

41. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization, c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order Question: We have made an attempt to reference Section L.14 for details for item c. 2. Business Proposal Narrative Organization; however, Section L.14 maps to L.12, b. Volume I Business Proposal IDIQ. Where can we find the details for section c. Business Proposal Narrative Organization?

Response: Section L.12.c has been deleted. Please see Section L.14.c for details. Please refer to amendment.

42. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization Question: TABS instructions do not appear to coincide with Section L.14 instructions to vendors on the order and contents of the Business Proposal for Umbrella and TO1. Please clarify.

Response: Section L.12.c has been deleted. Please see Section L.14.c for details. Please refer to amendment.

43. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: L.12. Proposal Organization c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order (pg. 130) Question: What is required for each of the following: (c) Subcontracts, (d) Contract Forms and (e) Service Contract Act?

Response: Section L.12.c has been deleted. Please see Section L.14.c for details. Please refer to amendment.

44. Section Number: L.12.c Section & Title: L.12 -- Proposal Organization, c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order (page 130) Question: Does this Section only apply to Task Order 0001?

Response: Yes. If proposing on additional task orders, please follow business proposal instructions included in attachments J.2-A, J.3-A, J.11-A.

45. Section Number: L.12.c.1 Section & Title: L.12 -- Proposal Organization, c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order (page 130) Question: Could CMS specify in what format(s) the business proposal spreadsheets should be submitted? If they are to be submitted in excel format, should offerors also provide snapshots of the spreadsheets along with the Business Proposal Narratives in PDF format?

Response: Business proposal spreadsheets should be submitted in Excel format. Narratives can be provided in PDF format and snapshots of spreadsheets are not necessary to include.

46. Section Number: L.12.c.2 Section & Title: L.12 -- Proposal Organization, c. Volume I – Business Proposal Task Order (page 130) Question: Could CMS be more specific on requirements (D) and (E)? What do “Contract Forms” and “Service Contract Act” refer to?

Response: That section has been removed. Please refer to amendment.

47. Section Number: L.12.b Section & Title: Umbrella IDIQ, Proposal Organization, p. 129 Question: Page 129 states that the Volume I Business Proposal must include Schedule B, which contains a matrix for loaded T&M rates. However, Schedule B itself (p. 7) states that “T&M rates will not be established until such time as a T&M Task Order Contract is awarded”. Does CMS want us to submit hourly rates at this time, or should we only do so at a later date, when a T&M Task order is issued?

Response: The T&M rates will not be required until a T&M Task Order is awarded. Therefore, T&M hourly rates do not need to be submitted at this time.

48. Section Number: L.12.b Section & Title: Umbrella IDIQ, Proposal Organization, p. 130 Question: Page 130 shows the Business Proposal Task Order as if it was to be included in the proposal after “Other Administrative Data,” but page 132 places it after the Representations and Certifications and before “Subcontracts Proposal – IDIQ only.” Does CMS have a preference as to where the Task Order 0001 cost proposal should be included?

Response: CMS does not have a preference as to where the Task Order 0001 cost proposal is included, as long as it is within the proposal.

49. Section Number: L.12 & L.14 Section & Title: Proposal Organization Question: The order of items to be included in the business proposal for the IDIQ under L.12.b.Volume I – Business Proposal IDIQ, beginning on page 129, does not match the order of items listed under L.14, beginning on page 132. Would CMS please clarify the order of information to be included in the IDIQ Business Proposal?

Response: CMS does not have a preference for the order of the information included in the proposal as long as it is present.

50. Section Number: L.13 Section & Title: Section a. Volumes Question: The requirement states “Offerors must submit one (1) original and five (5) hard copies and (5) electronic copies on CDs for both the technical and business proposals.” Will the Government please clarify if the 5 electronic copies on CD are to include both the technical and business or should the electronic copies to be 5 CDs for the business volume and 5 CDs for the technical volume.

Response: The technical and business proposals should be submitted on separate CDs.

51. Section Number: L.13 Section & Title: Section a. Volumes Question: Please provide the number of copies and CDs to be submitted for Volume III – Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program as it is not listed.

Response: Please provide three (3) hard copies and three (3) electronic copies on CDs.

52. Section Number: Section L Section & Title: L.13.e, Page Size, Typing, Spacing and Page Numbering Question: Business proposal spreadsheets sometimes require sizing to fit on 8½ x 11” pages and can impact the appearance when printed. Does the 12 or 10 point font as noted in Section L.13.e apply to business proposal spreadsheets? Does the 1” margin apply to business proposal spreadsheets?

Response: Business proposal spreadsheets shall not exceed 8½ x 14” pages. The font size should be a minimum of 10 point with no margin limitations on business proposal spreadsheets.

53. Section Number: L.13, pg. 131 Section & Title: Proposal Presentation and Delivery, Section a, Volumes I, II and III, pg. 131 Question: This section does not specify how many copies of Volume III, Conflict of Interest are required and if electronic copies are also required. Is the requirement the same as it is for Vols. I and II?

Response: Please provide three (3) hard copies and three (3) electronic copies on CDs for Volume III.

54. Section Number: L.13 Section & Title: Section e. Page Size, Typing, Spacing and Page Numbering Question: Will the Government please confirm that there is no page limit for Volume III – Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program as it is not listed.

Response: Yes, there is no page limit for Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program.

55. Section Number: L.14 Section & Title: L.14. Business Proposal d. 5 .Subcontracts Proposal – IDIQ ONLY (pg. 134) Question: “Provide a statement as to whether the proposed subcontractor is on the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-Procurement Programs.” Where can this list be found and define a Non- Procurement Program?

Response: Please refer to www.Sam.gov for such information.

56. Section Number: L.14 Section & Title: L.14. Business Proposal d. Subcontracts Proposal – IDIQ ONLY (pg. 133-134) Question: Are the instructions 1 through 7 required for the IQIQ proposal? Are the instructions 1 through 7 required for the Task Order proposals? Does instruction 7 mean that we only need to obtain a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data for Task Order proposals (and not for the IDIQ proposal)?

Response: The instructions are required for the IDIQ proposal and are not required for the Task Order 0001 proposal. Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data is not required for the IDIQ but may be required under an individual task order. Note that it is not applicable to Task Order 0001.

57. Section Number: Section L Section & Title: Section L.14.d, Business Proposal, Subcontracts Proposal – IDIQ ONLY Question: Are the items listed under this Subcontractor section to be included in the IDIQ part of the Business Proposal? And should it be for all prospective Subcontractors over the life of the IDIQ contract, even if they may not be proposed on Task Order 0001 or other Task Orders bid at this time?

Response: Yes, Subcontractors should be included on the IDIQ proposal, which should include all intended Subcontractors over the life of the IDIQ contract. Each Task Order has its own Subcontracting proposal instructions.

58. Section Number: L.14.c Section & Title: L.14 Business Proposal, c. Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal Question: Should Task Order 0001 be budgeted by task? If the answer is yes, please provide a list of tasks that should be used for Task Order 0001 budgeting purposes.

Response: No, it is not necessary to be budgeted by task.

59. Section Number: L.14 Business Proposal (pg. 132-33) Section & Title: L.14, Business Proposal, c. Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal (pg. 132-33) Question: Does the Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal need to be broken down by Tasks or MIDS Chapters?

Response: No, it is not necessary to break down the cost proposal by Tasks or MIDS Chapters.

60. Section Number: L.14.c.

Section & Title: L.14 BUSINESS PROPOSAL, c. Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal Question: Page 133 of the Umbrella states that the Task Order 0001 is a cost plus fixed fee contract. Deliverable 33 in J.1-B Schedule of Deliverables is an Award Fee Self-Assessment. Would CMS please provide further clarification or direction regarding Deliverable 33?

Response: Attachment J.1-B has been replaced. Please refer to amendment.

61. Section Number: L.14.c.5 Section & Title: L.14 BUSINESS PROPOSAL, c. Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal Question: Page 133 of the Umbrella states 'Other direct costs shall not exceed $60,000 for this Task Order 0001.' Would CMS please clarify what costs are included in 'other direct costs' (e.g., are subcontractor and consultant costs included in other direct costs?

Is the $60,000 an annual figure?

Response: Subcontractor costs and consultant costs are not included in the $60,000 not to exceed amount. The $60,000 is an annual figure. The $60,000 amount represents ancillary costs to perform the contract.

62. Section Number: L.14 Business Proposal (pg. 132-33) Section & Title: L.14, Business Proposal, c. Task Order 0001 Cost Proposal, 5. Other Direct Costs (pg. 132-33) Question: “Other direct costs shall not exceed $60,000 for this Task Order 0001.” Does this include costs for data? The costs for the linked Chronic Condition Warehouse (CCW) data can often exceed this amount. How do we handle costs for data that cause other direct costs line to exceed $60,000?

Response: Data is not included in the $60,000 not to exceed amount and can be included as a separate line item.

63. Section Number: L.14 Section & Title: Business Proposal Question: This section references the use of a business proposal spreadsheet. Can CMS provide this to all potential offerors?

Response: CMS will not be providing a spreadsheet for this procurement.

64. Section Number: L.17 Section & Title: Volume III Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program Organization Question: How many copies and in what format should Volume III be submitted?

Response: Please provide three (3) hard copies and three (3) electronic copies on CDs.

65. Section Number: L.17 Section & Title: L. 17 Volume III – Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program Question: Are there page limits for each tab of this volume? Is there a total page limit?

Response: There is no page limit for Conflict of Interest and Compliance Program.

66. Section Number: Attachment J.7 Section & Title: Conflict of Interest Certificate Question: Clarification is needed. Where or what is section C.X.X.XX that is being referred to?

(Insert Offeror/Company Name) understands and unconditionally assents to the requirements of the Statement of Work entitled Compliance Program (section C.X.X.XX) and attests that it has in place an effective compliance program that articulates and demonstrates the Offeror’s commitment to ethical and legal conduct.

Response: The section that Attachment J.7 refers to is Section L.17 Tab C. Please refer to amendment.

67. Section Number: M Section & Title: Evaluation Factors for Award Question: We did not see evaluation criteria for the Umbrella/Base and TO1 Pricing/Cost in Business Proposal. Please confirm this is correct.

Response: This is a best value procurement. Please refer to Sections M.1 and M.3.

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

68. Section Number: L.12 Section & Title: Proposal Organization Question: Please clarify the organization of Volume II for the Base proposal. Should the IDIQ response consist of item 1 and 2 (Technical Approach and Past Performance) only?

Response: Volume II consists of items 1 through 6 that must be addressed in the base proposal.

69. Section Number: L.15 A Section & Title: Technical Proposal Instructions, Technical Approach Question: This section states, “The following established the acceptable minimum requirements for the format and content of proposals. The Offeror shall detail the overall technical approach to performing the functions explained in the IDIQ Statement of Work as it relates to the areas listed below.” Following this statement, items 1-5 correspond with five of the SOW Chapters. Is CMS’ intent that contractors NOT respond to the six SOW Chapters not listed in Section L.15.A?

Response: Please respond to the items 1-5 included in L.15.A.

70. Section Number: L.15.A.5.a Section & Title: Technical Proposal Instructions, Technical Approach, Implementation and Production Question: In the instruction: Describe the process which the Offeror would employ to implement health assessment instruments or other data collection vehicles into existing systems, what systems does “existing systems” refer to?

Response: If there is an existing system (e.g., HIQR, ESRD QIP), this must be taken in to consideration when the technical proposal is crafted.

71. Section Number: L.15.B.2 Section & Title: Technical Proposal Instructions, Past Performance Question: L.15.B.2 requests “A list of all contracts and/or subcontracts for same or similar work (completed and/or currently in progress) for the prime contractor and any subcontractors for the last three (3) years. Offerors and proposed subcontractors shall limit the number of Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) submitted to no more than 10 each.” We understand that the number of Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) is limited to no more than 10 each for Offerors and proposed subcontractors; is it CMS’ intention that the list of contracts and/or subcontracts for same or similar work also be limited to no more than 10 each for Offerors and proposed subcontractors, or is the list of contracts and/or subcontracts unlimited in number and limited only by the past 3 years of past performance?

Response: Past Performance Questionnaires should be for similar work performed in the past 3 years and are limited to 10 for each Offeror.

72. Section Number: L.15.B.3 Section & Title: Technical Proposal Instructions, Past Performance Question: L.15.B.3 (final bullet) states: “The Offeror shall identify the methods and outcomes of its evaluation of proposed subcontractors.” This bullet does not appear to relate to past performance contract information; could CMS please clarify the intent of this bullet, or whether this bullet was included in error and should be deleted?

Response: It is not included it error. It relates to your previous subcontractors that you are proposing for this procurement and additional information regarding fair evaluation when completing Attachment J.5.

73. Section Number: L.15.B Section & Title: Technical Proposal Instructions, Past Performance Question: L.15.B.3 states: “CMS will access the CPARS for all relevant CMS performance history, if available.” Does CMS require that Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) be submitted for contracts that are in CPARS, or only for those contracts that are not in CPARS?

Response: Offerors should submit Past Performance Questionnaires for any contracts of similar work done in the past 3 years regardless of if they are in CPARS.

74. Section Number: L.15 Section & Title: L.15. Technical Proposal Instructions B. Past Performance (pg. 137) Question: Does the Past Performance section count towards the total 60 pages allowed for the IDIQ page limit?

Response: No, Past Performance does not count towards the page limit.

75. Section Number: L.15 Section & Title: L.15. Technical Proposal Instructions B. Past Performance (pg. 137) Question: Does the Chapter B Past Performance in the Technical Proposal only reflect past performance related to the Task Order(s) (and not to the IDIQ more generally)?

Response: Past Performance is related to the IDIQ as stated in Section L.15.

76. Section Number: L.15 Section & Title: L.15. Technical Proposal Instructions B. Past Performance (pg. 137) 1.

Question: “1. The Offeror shall demonstrate satisfactory performance on current and completed contracts. For purposes of this section, contracts referenced shall be related to the Statement of Work. Offerors shall submit the following information as part of their proposal for both the Offeror and proposed significant subcontractors (“significant” is defined as those subcontractors who are performing at least 25% of the contract effort). “ Does this mean that only Subcontractors who perform at least 25% of the Task Order effort need to be included?

Response: Yes, that is correct.

77. Section Number: L.15 B Section & Title: Past Performance Question: Will CMS remove the requirement of subcontractor past performance to be a significant subcontractor as defined in Section B past performance as this is related to an IDIQ with unreleased Task Orders since we are relying on the SMEs and expertise of our teammates?

Response: No, that requirement will not be removed.

78. Section Number: M.2 Technical Evaluation (pg. 148) Section & Title: Task Order 0001 Response (pg. 149-150) Personnel and Essential Staff/ Project Management Plan Question: CVs and resumes are requested as part of the Project Management Plan for the response to Task Order 0001. Are these only for those anticipated to participate in Task Order 0001?

Response: Yes.

79. Section Number: M.2 Technical Evaluation (pg. 148) Section & Title: Key Personnel Question: It is anticipated that there will be other Key Personnel used to respond to subsequent Task Orders as they are released by CMS. Where are their CVs or resumes to be placed within the application?

Response: Each subsequent Task Order has its own instructions and requirements for Key Personnel and should be included as stated in each Task Order. Please note that there are also requirements for Key Personnel under the Umbrella IDIQ.

80. Section Number: M2 Section & Title: M2. Key Personnel (pg. 150) Question: This section appears to indicate that the resumes for each member of the project team are required. Can these be included as an appendix in the Technical Volume? Do they count against the page limit?

Response: Resumes do not count towards the page limit.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONS (On an as needed basis)

81. Section Number: Umbrella IDIQ H.2 Section & Title: Section H.2.D.1.I, Financial Interest, Family member Question: Does this section include all organizational personnel from our company? How far up the line do we have to go?

Response: This applies to all personnel that have any form of decision making and influence (indirect) under the contract.

82. Section Number: Umbrella IDIQ RFP H.2.c.2(d) Section & Title: H.2.c.2(d) Identification of a Conflict Question: Under section H.2.c.2(d) there is a (1) and (3), but no (2). Is there an item (2) that is missing?

Response: Section H.2.c.2(d) was inadvertently misnumbered. Please refer to amendment.

83. Section Number: Umbrella IDIQ RFP H.2.c.2(d) Section & Title: H.2.c.2(d) Identification of a Conflict Question: “The Contracting Officer may determine that an Offeror or Contractor has a conflict of interest, or the potential for a conflict exists, based on the following:… (3) Other contracts and grants with the Federal Government.”…