Attachment_J.7-_General_Questions_Draft_RFP.pdf

Attachment J.7 – General Questions from Draft RFP

RFP-CMS-RMADA-2014

The following are a list of general questions that were submitted for the Draft RFP. These questions do not impact the language included in the final RFP:

1. Will CMS publish a list of entities that submitted feedback to this draft solicitation?

No, CMS will not be providing a list of entities that provided feedback to the Draft RFP.

2. How many IDIQ awards does CMS anticipate making?

CMS has not determined the amount of awards for this IDIQ.

3. Does CMS have an expected date for awarding this IDIQ contract vehicle?

CMS anticipates awarding this contract vehicle by the end of March, 2014.

4. During the past years, CMS and HHS have moved to severable contracts. For those task orders that are multiple years with a base year and option years, will CMS consider alternatives to severable contracts? In many cases they have created challenges and potential disruptions to both the contractor and CMS especially when unforeseen delays occur in terms of data gathering, delays in demonstration enrollment, or other unforeseen events.

CMS will determine this on a task order level.

5. Are RMADA umbrella contractors required to respond to all Request for Task Order Proposals issued?

Each RMADA umbrella contractor will not be required to submit a proposal for all Request for Task Order Proposals that are issued.

6. Does the Government intend to hold an Industry Day for this procurement?

No, CMS will not be holding an industry day for this procurement. CMS released the Draft RFP on August 14, 2013, to receive feedback from industry partners to refine the solicitation requirements in order to better achieve the agency’s objectives.

7. Does CMS intend to release the RMADA IDIQ as a small business set aside?

CMS has determined that there will be no set asides for this multiple IDIQ award. CMS does encourage collaboration among organizations with knowledge, experience, and expertise with each of the tasks in the Statement of Work. Small businesses are encouraged to submit proposals in response to this RFP or to team with large businesses.

8. Please confirm that this restriction will be task order based – i.e., winning a seat on the IDIQ does not automatically preclude the contractor from bidding on future work resulting from task orders awarded to other IDIQ contractors.

Contractors shall identify and address any perceived or actual conflicts of interest and offer a mitigation plan on how to effectively limit the effects of a conflict or to eliminate the conflict in its entirety. OCI issues will be addressed on a task order level.

9. Section G.12, page 37 - Will the 33% small business subcontracting guideline apply to each task order, (made up of at least 5% woman-owned, 3% HubZone, 3% SDVO, etc.) or over the life of the IDIQ?

The small business subcontracting goals should be met over the life of the IDIQ, not on a task order level.

10. Will there be any restrictions put on bidding to specific Task Orders if other Task Orders have been awarded?

OCI issues will be addressed on a task order level.

11. With respect to teaming arrangements, may an offeror submit a bid as a prime contractor, as well as be listed as a subcontractor on another organization’s bid/proposal?

A contractor would need to submit a mitigation plan on how to effectively limit the effects of a conflict or to eliminate the conflict in its entirety. If a mitigation plan is considered inadequate, then the perceived conflict will prevent the contractor from receiving the award.

12. As the scope of work detailed in the RFP is very similar to the Small Business Expedited Research and Demonstration (SBRAD) IDIQ, can CMS provide any insight into whether RMADA will eventually replace SBRAD efforts?

CMS does not anticipate the RMADA IDIQ replacing the SBRAD IDIQ.

13. The IDIQ consists of CPFF, T&M and FFP task orders. Would CMS consider making all awards T&M and FFP awards?

The type of contract will be determined by the Contracting Officer on a task order level.

14. Can you be conflicted out of other work by participating in the IDIQ or are conflicts determined at the Task order level?

15. Is CMS asking primes and subs to limit their work for other entities such as states, insurers, and providers after it makes an award if it determines that doing so would enable those other clients to benefit from the information the CMS contractor has through its work for CMS.

16. Is preference going to be given to a team that covers the entire range of requirements or is it possible to focus on a subset of requirements?

Each firm should demonstrate the capability of performing all tasks that are listed in the Statement of Work.

17. Section B.8 Indirect Ceiling Rates: When will the government be publishing the ceiling for the indirect rates?

CMS will determine the indirect ceiling rates for each contractor at time of award.