RFP-CMS-RMADA-2014-Question_ _Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers - RFP-CMS-RMADA-2014

1. Section & Title: L.5 General Instructions, Proposal Format and Content, A.

Technical Proposal Format Page Number: 95 of 110 Question: This section requires that offerors submit “1 hardcopy original, 1 copy, and 1 electronic copy of both the technical and business management proposals.”

What type of electronic submission would the Government prefer – submission via e-mail, or submission on a CD-ROM?

The electronic copy of the technical and business proposals must be submitted via e-mail to APP131181@cms.hhs.gov .

2. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” A. Technical Proposal Format Page Number: 96 of 110 Question: Please confirm that “front matter” (e.g., cover page, table of contents, cover letter) are excluded from the 60-page Technical Proposal limit.

“Front matter” is not considered to be a part of the 60- page technical proposal limit.

3. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” A. Technical Proposal Format Page Number: 96 of 110 Question: This section states: “Detailed vitae for key personnel and project summaries may be included in separate Appendices without page limitations.”

Are “project summaries” the same as item #4 Past Performance in section A, and therefore excluded from page count?

Project summaries are considered part of past performance and are excluded from the page count.

4. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” B. Technical Approach, section b) Page Number: 96 of 110 Question: Instructions state, “If your organization were to be awarded one of the IDIQ contracts, what would be your organization’s position on which task orders to submit proposals in consideration of resources, conflicts of interest, etc.”

Please clarify what information the Government is requesting.

The Government is interested in your organization’s perspective on resource allocation, conflict of interest, etc., when deciding on which task orders to submit proposals for.

mailto:APP131181@cms.hhs.gov

5. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” C. Key Personnel Page Number: 97 of 110 Question: This section lists the items that must be addressed for all key personnel (e.g., educational background, professional experience, etc.). Must this information be included in the Key Personnel section within the Technical Proposal, or can it be presented in the individual’s resume in the Curriculum Vitae Appendix?

CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offeror. This is a performance based acquisition; therefore, CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offer to provide the proper documentation in a clear format.

6. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” C. Key Personnel, 1. Project Director Page Number: 97 of 110 Question: This section lists the Project Director as key personnel; however, Section G.9 of the RFP – HHSAR 352.242-70 KEY PERSONNEL (JAN 2006), on page 35 of 110, lists the Program/Project Manager as the only key position. Are these the same person/labor category?

Yes, this is considered the same labor category.

7. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” I. Business Management Proposal, A.

Administrative Business Data, 4. Approved Accounting and Estimating Systems Page Number: 100 of 110 Question: The instructions state that our Business Management Proposal must include: “4. Approved Accounting and Estimating Systems – Offerors shall certify that they have approved accounting and estimating systems that are in compliance with applicable contract cost principles and procedures of FAR Part 31 as well as FAR Appendix A, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) in order to be considered for award of cost type contracts/task orders. Offerors shall state if their practices used in estimating cost are consistent with their cost accounting practices used to accumulate, segregate, and report costs.” Will a pre-award accounting system audit performed by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) satisfy this requirement?

Yes, but the contractor must have an accounting system that has been deemed adequate before submitting a proposal for a cost reimbursement type of contract.

8. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task

Administrative Business Data, 4. Approved Accounting and Estimating Systems Page Number: 100 of 110 Question: The instructions state that our Business Management Proposal must include: “4. Approved Accounting and Estimating Systems – Offerors shall certify that they have approved accounting and estimating systems that are in compliance with applicable contract cost principles and procedures of FAR Part 31 as well as FAR Appendix A, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) in order to be considered for award of cost type contracts/task orders. Offerors shall state if their practices used in estimating cost are consistent with their cost accounting practices used to accumulate, segregate, and report costs.” If the offeror does not have approved accounting and estimating systems, please confirm that offeror will still be eligible for the IDIQ and that it can bid on FFP and T&M Task Orders.

Offerors will be eligible for the IDIQ, but will not be able to submit a proposal for cost reimbursement contracts including time and materials. CMS is not precluding any offerors from submitting proposals for the IDIQ award. CMS will be awarding to offerors that provide the “Best Value” to the Government.

9. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task

Administrative Business Data, 4. Approved Accounting and Estimating Systems Page Number: 100 of 110 Question: If the offeror is permitted to use GSA Schedule rates in lieu of the cost-based rates, does the offeror need to provide the certification that they have approved accounting and estimating systems in compliance with FAR?

Yes, offerors will need to provide proper audit documentation that their accounting system has been audited and deemed adequate. GSA rates will not be permitted in lieu of cost based rates as they are used for FAR part 8 procurements and this vehicle will be procuring using FAR part 16.

10. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” I. Business Management Proposal, B.

Additional Cost and Pricing Data Considerations, 1. Labor Rates Page Number: 101 of 110 Question: The instructions state that our Business Management Proposal must include the following: “The proposed labor rates should be supported with payroll information, letters of intent or salary survey information. The appropriate fringe benefits, overhead, and G&A rates should be applied to the labor category and identified.” Since this Task Order will be Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), based on the commercial item exception contained in FAR 52.215-20(a)(ii)(A), will the Government:

• Please remove the requirement to include “payroll information … salary survey information … fringe benefits, overhead, and G&A rates”?

The requirement shall remain in the RFP.

• Please confirm that Offeror may use its established General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule rates as the basis for price reasonableness for this Task Order and that it will NOT be required to submit its price buildup?

Offerors should not be submitting proposals using their GSA rates.

11. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task

Additional Cost and Pricing Data Considerations, 1. Labor Rates Page Number: 101 of 110 Question: The instructions state: “The proposed labor rates should be supported with payroll information, letters of intent or salary survey information.” Are letters of intent required for all proposed personnel or just those named as key?

Letters of intent will be required for all personnel named as key only.

12. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task

Additional Cost and Pricing Data Considerations, 1. Labor Rates Page Number: 101 of 110 Question: If the offeror is permitted to use GSA Schedule rates in lieu of the cost-based rates, will the Government please confirm that Offeror will NOT have to provide the payroll information, letters of intent, or salary survey information as well as the fringe benefits, overhead, G&A rates, and indirect rate information since the GSA Schedule rates are based on established commercial rates that are approved by GSA?

Please refer to question #9.

13. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan,” I. Business Management Proposal, C.

Subcontracts Proposal Page Number: 101 of 110

Question: If the offeror is permitted to use GSA Schedule rates in lieu of the cost-based rates, will the Government please confirm that offeror will NOT have to include the information requested in L.7.B and L.7.C (1) through (4) and (6)?

Please refer to Question # 9.

14. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order – “Functional Improvement to Reduce Healthcare Costs (FIRHC) Demonstration” Page Number: 104 of 110 Question: Instructions require “a description of the anticipated functions and duties of each individual to be involved in the project (Note: all persons mention in Chapter 3 should be included in this chapter …” However, the instructions do not describe the requirements for Chapter 3. Will the Government clarify Chapter 3 requirements?

Please refer to Question #33

15. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order – “Functional Improvement to Reduce Healthcare Costs (FIRHC) Demonstration,” Chapter 2 Personnel Qualifications/Experience with Work of a Similar Scope Page Number: 104 of 110 Question: Are resumes required for the sample task order?

Yes.

16. Section & Title: L.9 Business Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order –

Page Number: 105 of 110 Question: Instructions state, “The offeror must submit a cost reimbursement Business Proposal adequate for the Government to allow for cost realism …” May the offeror elect not to bid on this Task Order, or may the offeror bid using GSA Schedule rates?

The offeror must submit a proposal for the IDIQ, Project Management Plan, and Sample Task Order and may not use GSA rates.

17. Section & Title: M.4 Business Proposal Page Number: 110 of 110 Question: This section states, “… the evaluation will focus on the offeror’s indirect rate history, accounting system adequacy, within budget history, and projected future direct labor rate and indirect cost rate stability and competitiveness.” May the offeror use GSA Schedule rates, and, if permitted, will the evaluation still consider the indirect rate history, accounting system, direct labor rate, and indirect cost rate stability in the evaluation? The RFP requires all offerors to submit their cost/pricing data to show its indirect cost rate buildup. If the offeror does not perform cost-type services and does not intend to bid on any cost-type Task Orders issued under the RFP, can the Government confirm that the offeror may propose rates based on its established and approved GSA Schedules and that such Schedules will serve as a sufficient basis for the Government to establish price reasonableness pursuant to FAR 52.215(20)(a)(ii)(A)?

Please refer to Question #9.

18. Section & Title: Attachment J.3 – Past Performance Questionnaire Page Number: 1 of 4 Question: When are the questionnaire responses due to CMS?

Past Performance Questionnaires are due no later than 10:00 AM, Local (Baltimore) Prevailing Time, on January 14, 2014.

19. Section & Title: Attachment J.5 – Consent to Subcontract Page Number: 1 of 2 Question: In what proposal volume and section should this form be submitted?

Consent to Subcontract information can be included as a separate attachment for Volume I- technical Proposal- IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan”.

Consent to Subcontract information will not be included in the 60 page limit.

20. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order -

Page Number: 104 of 110 Question: Please provide the page limit for the sample task order Technical Proposal.

Section L.8 of the RFP has been amended. The two (2) sections combined shall be no more than sixty (60) single-spaced one-sided pages.

21. Section and Title: L, Instructions Page Number: 96 Question: CMS has indicated that the technical proposal for Volume I shall not exceed 60 single spaced one-sided pages. In consideration of the fact that the statement of work combined with the instructions regarding Volume I of the proposal comprise 25 pages, will the government consider increasing the page limit for Volume I?

No.

22. Section and Title: L, Instructions

Question: CMS has indicated that the technical proposal for Volume I shall not exceed 60 single spaced one-sided pages. However, no indication is made of the maximum length for Volume III, the technical proposal for the sample task order (instructions on pages 104 to 105. Can CMS please provide an indication of the expected length of this volume?

Please refer to Question # 20

23. Section and Title: L, Instructions Page Number: 94 Question: CMS indicates that “There are two task orders included with this solicitation and each offeror is required to submit a proposal response for BOTH of the orders to be considered for a base award under the umbrella IDIQ.” The RFP further indicates that the first of these two task orders is “Task Order 0001 – Project Management Plan.” However, there is no additional documentation provided with regard to this task order, other than to indicate that it needs to be included in Volume I of the proposal. Can offerors assume that the Project Management Plan, included in the Technical Approach and as described on page 99 of Section L, will suffice as a response to Task Order 0001? If this is not the case, can CMS please provide the requirements for responding to Task Order 0001?

The information regarding Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan” is located under Section L.6- D.

24. Section & Title: L, Instructions Page Number: 99 Question: Regarding the technical proposal and business proposal associated with Task Order 0001 (Project Management Plan), can CMS provide clearer guidance regarding what is expected with regard to addressing the technical requirements? The directions included on page 99 appear to be written to address a specific task order project that includes a significant budget, multiple tasks, and the potential involvement of subcontractors. In contrast, the project management plan for an IDIQ more commonly focuses on how incoming task orders will be triaged, proposals will be drafted, and on management oversight of specific task order projects. Can the government indicate a general anticipated level of effort for TO 0001, since this can be scoped anywhere from the contract minimum ($1000 over the life of the entire contract) to a significant investment each year?

The project management plan is the overall plan of the IDIQ and the level of effort was given as the minimum of Section B.3 of the RFP.

25. Section and Title: L, Instructions

Page Number: 95 Question: With questions due on 12/4 and the typical turnaround time for responses to questions, there will be little time available to ensure that proposals are fully responsive to the answers CMS provides to questions from the contracting community. Would CMS please consider extending the due date for proposals beyond January 14th? We would like to have the opportunity to allow our employees to spend time with their families over the holidays.

At this time, CMS will not be extending the due date for proposal submission.

26. Section & Title: Section L, Instructions Page Numbers: 101-102 Question: May subcontractors submit their confidential and proprietary business information directly to CMS? (Portion C. Subcontracts Proposal)

Yes, as long as they meet the submission deadline.

27. Section and Title: L.7, Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan” Page: 102 Question: Is it the government’s intent that a full subcontractor proposal package (as outlined in L.7.I.C (1-6)) be provided for each and every subcontractor team member for the IDIQ?

28. Section and Title: L.7, Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page: 102 Question: Is it the government’s intent that the offeror submit a full IDIQ rate sheet with the corresponding indirect rate build up information for each subcontractor team member at the IDIQ level?

29. Section and Title: L.7, Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page: 102 Question: Will these subcontractor rates be incorporated into the contract as capped IDIQ labor rates (to be used when bidding at the task order level) or will subcontractor labor bid at Task Order time be considered an ODC by the offeror?

Subcontractor rates will not be incorporated in the contract and how they are proposed is contractor specific based on a vendor’s methodology consistent with its cost accounting system.

30. Section and Title: L.7, Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page: 102 Question: If the subcontractor labor rates are required for the IDIQ award will the subcontractor indirect rates be capped as part of the contract?

31. Section and Title: L.7, Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page: 102 Question: Is it the government’s intent that Task Order 1 will be awarded to all IDIQ award winners to cover the cost of the IDIQ Program Management over the 5 year life of the contract?

Yes, the firm fixed price task order 1 will cover the IDIQ minimum.

32. Section & Title: Volume I - Technical (IDIQ and TO 0001), L.6.E Page Number: Pg 99 of 110 Question: Section L.6.E asks Offerors to provide 3 to 5 Past Performance references. Does this requirement include any planned subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement? If so, should those 3-5 be inclusive of references from subcontractors or could such subcontractor(s) provide additional references?

Past performance references should only be submitted for the prime contractor. The project management plan shall describe subcontract management.

33. Section & Title: Volume III - Technical (Sample Task), L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions (Chapter 2) Page Number: page 104 of 110 Question: Bullet 2 says, "(Note: all persons mentioned in Chapter 3 should be included in this chapter, referencing specific tasks in which they will be involved).

Only Chapters 1 and 2 are identified, can the Government please clarify what it means by Chapter 3?

This language will be removed. Please see the revision to Section L.

34. Section & Title: Volume II - Business (IDIQ and TO 0001), L.7.I Page Number: pg. 100 of 110

Question: Can the government clarify what is meant by "We are expecting the project management task to be a firm fixed price and to cover the contract minimum for the entire period of performance?"

Is the government expecting to issue a FFP Task Order for $1,000, the minimum contract value stated in B.3? If not, can the government provide an expected LOE and associated scope of work for TO 0001-Project Management Plan?

Please refer to question #31.

35. Section & Title: L.5 Proposal Instructions

Question: The RFP States that “This solicitation includes instructions for submission of a proposal for a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract award. There are two task orders included with this solicitation and each offeror is required to submit a proposal response for BOTH of the orders to be considered for a base award under the umbrella IDIQ Task Order 0001- “Project Management Plan” is applicable to all offerors and must be included with your proposal submission and will be a part of the overall evaluation for the base IDIQ award. Sample Task Order - “Functional Improvement to Reduce Healthcare Costs (FIRHC) Demonstration” is a representative sample of the types of work envisioned to be performed under this contract and not intended to indicate the full breadth of services required. Submission of a technical proposal for this task is also applicable to all offerors and must be included with your proposal submission and will be a part of the overall evaluation for the base IDIQ award.”

The Sample Task Order is included as Attachment J2.

Where is Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan” located?

The information regarding Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan” is located under Section L.6- D.

36. Section & Title: L.6.E Past Performance Page Number: 99 out of 110 Question: The RFP States that “Offerors shall submit summaries of recent contracts, subcontracts, task orders, or purchase orders with CMS, other Department of Health and Human Services agencies, other U.S. Government organizations, and/or commercial firms for the same or similar services required by this solicitation. The projects included should be ongoing or should have been completed in the last three years. Three to five references should be submitted.”

Can the Offeror include past performance summaries from subcontractors?

Please refer to question #32.

37. Section & Title: L.6.E Past Performance, Attachment J.3 Past Performance Questionnaire Page Number: 99 out of 110 Question: The RFP states that “Offerors shall submit summaries of recent contracts, subcontracts, task orders, or purchase orders with CMS, other Department of Health and Human Services agencies, other U.S. Government organizations, and/or commercial firms for the same or similar services required by this solicitation. The projects included should be ongoing or should have been completed in the last three years. Three to five references should be submitted.”

Section L does not include any instructions for the Offeror to provide responses to Attachment J.3. Does the Government require that the Offeror request that our customers complete and submit Attachment J.3?

Past performance questionnaires can be submitted by the offeror or the offeror’s customer. Past Performance Questionnaires are due no later than 10:00 AM, Local Prevailing Time, on January 14, 2014.

38. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order – “Functional Improvement to Reduce Helathcare Costs (FIRHC) Demonstration” Page Number: 104 Question: Is there a page limit for Volume II Technical Proposal - Sample Task Order?

Please refer to question # 20

39. Section & Title: L.5 General Instructions

Question: Are the Sample Task Orders intended to be awarded, or only for proposal evaluation?

The sample task order, ‘Functional Improvement to Reduce Healthcare Costs (FIRHC) Demonstration’, will be used only for evaluation purposes.

40. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 001, “Project Management Plan” 1, B Page Number: 100-101 Question: Will Offerors be allowed to propose additional labor categories for Task Orders if the labor category was not included in the RFP response?

Yes, additional labor categories will be determined on a task order level.

41. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 001, “Project Management Plan” 1, C

Page Number: 102 Question: Is a Subcontractor allowed the option of providing detailed rate information in a sealed package to the Government directly, rather than providing the information to the Prime Contractor, as is indicated on page 105, Section L.9 – Business Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order, - “Functional Improvement to Reduce Healthcare Costs (FIRHC) Demonstration?

Yes, the subcontractor can submit this information directly to the government, see question #26.

42. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan” – Section C. Key Personnel Page Number: 97 Question: The government has provided examples of types of work that may be performed at the task order level and the skill sets. Can the government please clarify if there are other areas that should be considered when formulating the list of key personnel that would then need to be priced out as a labor rate? It is hard to understand how the government will evaluate the labor rates if the labor categories are not defined the same across all the various primes.

Offerors should provide key personnel based on the tasks included in the statement of work and sample task order.

43. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan” – Section E. Past Performance Page Number: 99 Question: Are prime offerors permitted to submit past performance references for their subcontractor’s projects.

Please see question #32.

44. Section & Title: L.4 Special Instructions and L.6 Vol 1 Technical Proposal IDIQ and TO1 Instructions Page Number: 93 of 110 Question: Please confirm that Volume 1 is the only volume with a page limitation, which is indicated as 60 pages. We presume the 60 pages are one side per page.

Section L.8 of the RFP has been amended. The two (2) sections combined shall be no more than sixty (60) single-spaced one-sided pages.

45. Section & Title: L.4 Special Instructions Page Number: 93 of 110

Question: Please confirm that 12 pt. Times New Roman is the desired font size and type with one-inch margins per page for each volume. Also, please confirm that graphics and tables may use 8 pt. or other readable size font.

CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offer to provide the proper documentation as long as it is a clear format.

46. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan” Page Number: 97 of 110 Question: The Factor 2 – Key Personnel instructions contain requirements that typically would be in Factor 3 Management. An example is Staff Mix for Factor 2 of Key Personnel and others and Factor 3 requires a staff mix of both key and non-key personnel. Please clarify if two staff mix tables are required. Also, the duties of the project director are typically found in the Factor 3 Management, such as maintaining schedules, costs, staff, etc. Please clarify if you are seeking a simple overview of the project director’s capabilities in Factor 2, and for Factor 3, details of how we will manage the IDIQ and Task Order 1.

This is a performance based acquisition; therefore, CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offer to provide the proper documentation in a clear format.

47. Section & Title: L.9 Business Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order Vol 4.

Page Number: 105 of 110 Question: Does CMS anticipate awarding Sample Task FIRHC, and if so, will the response to the Sample Task be considered a binding proposal? Or is this simply for CMS to determine the knowledge, understanding, and ability of the offeror to propose adequate staff at competitive rates for performance of the IDIQ tasks?

48. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions Sample Task Order FIRHC, Chapter 2 requirements Page Number: 104 of 110 Question: The RFP mentions “Chapter 3,” but we do not find a Chapter 3 in the document. Please clarify what you are referring to by “Chapter 3.”

49. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, Page Number: Page 96 of 110

Question: Are there any restrictions on font type or size, or size of margins for this technical proposal?

See question #45.

50. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, Page Number: Page 96 of 110 Question: Are the project summaries that are permitted to be included as a separate Appendix limited to the three to five projects selected for completion of a Past Performance Questionnaire or will additional projects be viewed favorably?

Offerors shall limit submission to no less than three and no more than five past performance summaries for this RFP.

51. Section & Title: L.6 Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, Page Number: Page 99 of 110 Question: Is the narrative in Section 4 Past Performance limited to the three to five projects selected for completion of a Past Performance Questionnaire or will discussion of additional projects be viewed favorably?

See question #50.

52. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page Number: Page 100 of 110 Question: Section B.1 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 RMADA.” Is the bidder to propose labor categories based on its own workforce structure or does CMS have definitions of labor categories that will be standardized across all bidders?

The tasks included in the Umbrella IDIQ Statement of Work may require the expertise of multi-disciplinary staff including, but not limited to, economists, actuaries, statisticians and biostatisticians, epidemiologists, health policy analysts, health services researchers, and other social scientists; physicians, pharmacists, and other clinical professionals; and systems analysts and programmers. Offerors may propose labor categories that they deem appropriate to complete the tasks in the umbrella IDIQ statement of work.

53. Section & Title: L.7 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page Number: Page 102 of 110

Question: Section C.3 requests that subcontractors “Provide schedules for each indirect rate pool proposed showing expenses by general ledger account, as well as the related allocation base for each pool.” If a subcontractor has a current forward pricing rate agreement, may this be submitted instead of the requested schedules?

54. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order -

Page Number: Page 104 of 110 Question: Are there any page limitations, restrictions on font type or size, or size of margins for this technical proposal?

Page limitations, refer to Question #20, Restrictions on font type or size, or size of margins for this technical proposal, refer to Question #49

55. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order -

Page Number: Page 104 of 110 Question: The second bulleted item under Chapter 2 states “(Note: all persons mentioned in Chapter 3 should be included in this chapter, referencing specific tasks in which they will be involved);” as there is not a Chapter 3 in this volume, does this refer to Chapter 3 in Volume I, which is the Project Management Plan for Task Order 0001? Is CMS expecting that all staff that have a role in the overall management of the IDIQ umbrella contract are to be involved in the performance of the Sample Task Order? Please clarify the statement.

Section L.8 of the RFP has been amended.

56. Section & Title: L.5(A) – General Instructions

Question: The instructions require that 1 hardcopy original, 1 copy and 1 electronic copy of the proposals are to be submitted. Can CMS clarify the method of the electronic copy delivery? Is it expected that the electronic copy be on a CD/DVD and be submitted with the hardcopies or is it expected that the electronic copy be submitted via email at the email address included in this instruction? If email is the expected submission method, has CMS taken appropriate measures to be able to accept emails with large attachments from multiple offerors and eliminate the possibility of the receiving mailbox from becoming full and will email submissions be acknowledged as received?

The electronic copy of the technical and business proposals must be submitted via e-mail to APP131181@cms.hhs.gov. Based upon the size of the electronic submissions, offerors are advised that the Agency often holds transfer of large documents to after core work hours (8:00AM – 5:00PM EST), so as not to disrupt the normal flow of business. Therefore, it is recommended that offerors account for possible delay and provide additional transmission of time. The offeror can request that the government acknowledge receipt of the proposal. It is the offeror’s responsibility to follow FAR

15.208 for submission.

57. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for the IDIQ and Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan” and L.9 – Business Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order Page Number: 100 and 105 Question: The business proposal instructions list the types of information required, but does not prescribe a standard presentation format or order in which components of proposal should be presented in a tabbed organization format.

Does CMS plan to provide a prescribed order of the business proposal to allow for consistency between all proposals received or is it left to the discretion of each offeror to organize the business volumes?

58. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for the IDIQ and Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan” Page Number: 100 Question: The business proposal instruction for the IDIQ (L.7, first three bullets) does not require the following elements to be included in the proposal:

• Table of Contents

• SF-33

• RFP Section B

• RFP Section C

• RFP Section D

• RFP Section G

• RFP Section H

Were these items intentionally excluded from the proposal requirements with the expectation that they will be executed upon award of the contract or should these be included in the submitted Business Proposal?

RFP Sections B and G will be completed at the time of award.

59. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for the IDIQ and Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan” Page Number: 100 mailto:APP131181@cms.hhs.gov

Question: The instructions neither requires that offerors state that their offer is predicated upon the terms and conditions of the RFP nor the period of time that offers must be valid. Does CMS intend to request such statement and if so, please provide a required validity period?

CMS is requesting the offer is firm for a period of one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of proposal receipt.

60. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for the IDIQ

L.9 – Business Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order

Page Number: 100 and 105 Question: The instructions do not require that the offeror address the following topics:

• Business Proposal Assumptions

• Productive labor hours

• Government Property

• Service Contract Act

• Rational for fee proposed

Can CMS confirm that due to expecting adequate competition in response to this RFP some or all of these topics do not need to be addressed in the Business Proposal volumes?

The instructions provided in the RFP remain in effect.

61. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for the IDIQ and Task Order 0001 “Project Management Plan Page Number: 100-101 Question: The business proposal instructions request that the business proposal for the IDIQ and Task Order 0001 be included in the same volume. Can CMS confirm that it is their intent to include business proposal information applicable to just the IDIQ and business proposal information applicable to Task Order 0001 in the same volume? For example, an offeror may propose subcontractors at the IDIQ level which may not participate in Task Order 0001, but are proposed as part of the total solution to the IDIQ Statement of Work.

Yes, this is CMS’ intent.

62. Section & Title: L.7(I)(B) – Additional Cost and Pricing Data Considerations

Question: The instruction at this location requests labor rates for key labor categories that are expected to be used in the performance of proposed task orders under the RMADA. Can CMS confirm that the information requested at this element is overall expected labor categories which may be utilized in task orders and not specifically for Task Order 0001 or is this instruction intended to cover the Key Personnel labor category of “Program/Project Manager” specified in Section G.9 of the solicitation? Additionally, are the requested labor rates to be “burdened” (including indirect rates and fee) or “unburdened” (base rate only) and government site or contractor site rates?

CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offeror to propose key personnel. The requested labor rates are to be unburdened contractor site rates.

63. Section & Title: L.7(I) – Business Management Proposal

Question: The instruction at this location appears to be the request for a firm fixed price of the business management proposal. Will CMS issue a prescribed format (excel or otherwise) for the Task Order 0001 cost/price proposal to allow for consistency among offerors or is the format of the cost/price proposal at the discretion of each offeror? Further, can CMS confirm that the intent of the work performed under the Task Order 0001 firm fixed price proposal is to accomplish the totality of the RMADA project management function for the entire period of performance? Lastly, can CMS confirm that the Task Order 0001 Firm Fixed Price proposal is a single price proposal as opposed to a base period followed by option periods?

This is a performance based acquisition; therefore, CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offer to provide the proper documentation in a clear format. CMS is expecting that Task Order 00001, Project Management, will cover the contract minimum for the entire period of performance. This contract minimum was included in Section B.3 of the

RFP.

64. Section & Title: L.7(I)(C)– Subcontracts Page Number: 101-102 Question: The instruction at this location appears to be applicable only to subcontractors proposed on the IDIQ, but may not be applicable to the Project Management Task Order 0001 or Sample Task Order. Can CMS clarify this instruction?

Section L.7 of the RFP pertains to the IDIQ and Task Order 000001, Project Management Plan.

Additionally, L.7(I) requests Section K, Representations and Certifications. Does CMS request Section K for all subcontractors in addition to the Prime?

No, CMS is not requesting this for subcontractors. However, if awarded an umbrella contract it is the responsibility of the prime to flow down clauses and provisions for subcontractors.

65. Section & Title: L.7(I)(C)(2)– Subcontracts

Question: The instruction requests “a representative sample of the average labor rates for the various categories that are anticipated to be used under this IDIQ and how they are calculated with supporting documentation”. Is CMS requesting government site or contractor site rates? Unburdened rate, Cost-plus fee rate or T&M rate?

CMS is requiring unburdened, contractor site rates.

Can CMS confirm that this request is for evaluation of current rates at the time of the proposal and that rates will be evaluated at the time that a task order for any labor category is proposed and awarded so there is no need to provide escalated rates?

Yes.

Finally, in line with the request for a “representative sample” of labor categories and rates, can CMS confirm that not all labor categories which may be proposed in future task orders need to be included in this section?

66. Section & Title: L.7(I)(C)(3)– Subcontracts

Question: Is the intent of this instruction to require each subcontractor to submit information at the same level as the Prime specified in L.7(I)(B)(2)?

67. Section & Title: L.7(I)(B)(5)– Facilities Capital Cost of Money Page Number: 101 Question: This section provides instruction regarding Facilities Capital Cost of Money implying that Facilities Capital Cost of Money may be included as a proposal cost component provided there is an offset to proposed profit objective.

Section G.22(b), however, states that Facilities Capital Cost of Money is unallowable under this contract. Can CMS clarify this inconsistency?

When facilities capital cost of money is included as an item of cost, a reduction in profit objective shall be made in an amount equal to the amount of facilities capital cost of money proposed/claimed. Section G.22 of the RFP will be revised.

68. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for the IDIQ

L.9 – Business Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order and Attachment J.5 – Consent to Subcontract Page Number: 100, 105 and Attachment J.5 Question: Attachment J.5 is included in the RFP, but there is no specification in the proposal instructions for its inclusion in the proposal. Can CMS clarify when this attachment would be required and used in connection with this award?

CMS is requesting this attachment when submitting subcontract information.

69. Section & Title: L.7.C.1, Subcontracts Proposal - Accounting System Page Number: page 102 of 110 Question: The RFP states: "If a subcontractor does not have an adequate accounting system, the subcontractor will be unable to be awarded cost reimbursement subcontracts until their accounting system is deemed adequate."

A company's accounting system can only be reviewed at the request of the government. In light of this, will CMS request DCAA to review subcontractor accounting systems or will approvals by third party auditors suffice so subcontractors may participate in cost type task orders?

Subcontractors must have an adequate accounting system that has been previously audited by another Federal Agency if a cost reimbursement type of contract is considered. If an audit has not been performed or the accounting system was not deemed adequate, then the prime contractor shall only enter into a firm fixed price type of contract with the subcontractor.

70. Section & Title: L.8, Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order –

Page Number: page 104 of 110 Question: The RFP states: " A description of the anticipated functions and duties of each individual to be involved in the project (Note: all persons mentioned in Chapter 3 should be included in this chapter, referencing specific tasks in which they will be involved)." This offeror has found only one reference to Chapter 3, and it is this quoted text. Is Chapter 3 meant to reference section L.9, the Business Proposal instructions? If not, please provide more detail regarding what is expected for chapter 3, and where these instructions are provided.

71. Section & Title: L.5 – General Instructions

Question: Within section L.5, it states “Task Order 0001- “Project Management Plan” is applicable to all offerors and must be included with your proposal submission and will be a part of the overall evaluation for the base IDIQ award.”

We did not see this task as part of Section C – Statement of Work. We noted that this task is only referenced in section L.5 and within section L.6 – General Instructions for the Project Management Plan. Will additional instructions be provided on the Project Management Plan? Does this task need to be priced separately?

Please refer to Question #23

72. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page Number: 100 Question:

• Section I.B.1 (Labor Rates) requests labor rates for key labor categories expected to be used in the performance of proposed task orders. May offerors propose Key Personnel for only a subset of the proposed labor categories, or are offerors expected to submit Key Personnel for each proposed labor category?

This is a performance based acquisition; therefore, CMS is leaving it up to the discretion of each offer to provide the proper documentation in a clear format.

• If an offeror does not know, with certainty, the value of task orders it may receive under the IDIQ, how is the value of the IDIQ to be determined for the purposes of determining dollar thresholds for Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) applicability?

This will be determined on a task order level.

73. Section & Title: L.7 – Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan”, Section C. Subcontracts Proposal Page Number: 102 Question: Request number 2 in the Subcontracts Proposal section requests “A representative sample of the average labor rates for the various categories that are anticipated to be used under the IDIQ and how they are calculated with supporting documentation.” Is this request only for subcontractor rates or is this request for both the prime contractor and subcontractor rates?

Please refer to Section L.7-B for Prime Contractor information.

74. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order Page Number: 104 Question: Are there page limits for the Sample Task Order Technical Proposal (Volume III)?

Please refer to Question #20

75. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order

Question: The second bullet on page 104 refers to “all persons mentioned in Chapter 3 should be included in this chapter” but it appears that Volume III only includes 2 chapters. Please clarify if Volume III should include Chapter 3 and if so, what should be included in Chapter 3.

76. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order

Question: Please confirm whether past performance references are required for the sample Task Order and if so, please provide the number of references required.

Any past performance references that are associated with the sample task order should be included in the 3-5 past performance references.

77. Section & Title: L.7.B.1, Business Proposal, Labor Rates Page Number: 100-101 Question: This section asks for labor rates for key labor categories. What is meant by ‘key’? Does it only mean senior positions? Must we propose rates for labor categories such as clerical or administrative staff as well?

Please refer to Question #46

78. Section & Title: L.7.B.1, Business Proposal, Labor Rates

Question: Will the labor rates being requested serve as ceilings for each labor category over the life of the IDIQ? Or will they merely be representative based on our existing staff, but will not be treated as caps?

The labor rates proposed by each contractor will not serve as a ceiling.

79. Section & Title: L.7.C.2, Business Proposal, Subcontractors Proposals - Rates

Question: Is CMS intending for the Prime Contractor to submit sample rates for its Subcontractor(s), on which subcontractor handling fee would be applied? Or does CMS wish the Prime Contractor to integrate the Subcontractor rates into the labor rate matrix referred to in L.7.B.1?

CMS is leaving this up to the discretion of each offerer. Please refer to Question #29.

80. Section & Title: L.5 General Instructions

Question: The instructions state that there are two task orders included with the solicitation, and references Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan”.

However, no attachment or RFP section labeled Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan” was included with the materials received from CMS. Can CMS send out Task Order 0001?

Please refer to Question #23

81. Section & Title: L.6.A Technical Proposal Format

Question: Is the reference to “one-sided pages” meant merely to define “page,” or is single-sided printing required? If the latter, can we assume the requirement pertains only to the Technical Proposal and not to the appendices?

One-sided pages are meant to define page.

82. Section & Title: L6.E. Past Performance

Question: What is the due date that completed past performance questionnaires are due to CMS?

Please refer to Question #37

83. Section & Title: L.6 D Technical Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and Task Order 0001, “Project Management Plan” Page Number: 99 Question: The instructions at “D. Project Management Plan” refer to how the offeror will manage and conduct the proposed Task Order. However, no Task Order is included with the IDIQ scope of work. Can CMS provide clarification regarding what this chapter of the IDIQ response should contain?

Please refer to Question #23.

84. Section & Title: L.7.1 Business Management Proposal Instructions for IDIQ and

Page Number: 100 Question: The instructions state that CMS is “expecting the project management task to be a firm fixed price and to cover the contract minimum for the entire period of performance.” Should the offeror provide CMS with a FFP budget for $1000.00, in addition to Labor Rates for the life of the IDIQ, in the Volume II Business Proposal?

Please refer to Question #24.

85. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order

Page Number: 104 Question: On page 104, the instructions reference Chapter 3, but there is no list of contents for a third chapter. Could CMS list the contents for Chapter 3? Also on page 104, the RFP states that “the proposal shall be prepared in two parts, written technical information and a business proposal (including attachments).” What attachments is CMS referring to from page 104?

86. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order –

Page Number: 104 Question: The instructions state that the Sample Task Order technical response should contain two chapters, including the Technical Approach, and Personnel Qualifications. However, the Sample Task Order Scope of Work contains a schedule of deliverables. Does CMS want the offeror to include a management plan for how/when deliverables will be submitted to CMS according to this schedule of deliverables, and if so, should a third chapter, Task Order Management Plan, be included in the Sample Task Order response?

Project management plan will not be required for the sample task order.

87. Section & Title: L8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order –

Page Number: 104 (and 99) Question: Does the sample task order have separate past performance requirements from the Task Order 0001, or do the 3-5 past performance questionnaires referenced in the IDIQ and Task Order 0001 instructions (pp. 99) cover the sample task order as well?

Please refer to Question #76

88. Section & Title: L.8 Technical Proposal Instructions, Sample Task Order –

Page Number: 104 Question: What is the page limit for the Sample Task Order (Volume III of the Technical Proposal)?

89. Section & Title: L.7…