RFQ_35910-15706_Amendment_2.pdf

RFQ # 35910-15706 – Amendment # 2 Page 1 of 5

STATE OF TENNESSEE

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS # 35910-15706

AMENDMENT # 2

FOR DENTAL SERVICES AT WILDER YOUTH

DEVELOPMENT CENTER (WYDC)

DATE: MAY 18, 2026

RFQ # 35910-15706 IS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

1. This RFQ Schedule of Events updates and confirms scheduled RFQ dates. Any event, time, or date containing revised or new text is highlighted.

EVENT

TIME

(central time zone)

DATE

1. RFQ Issued APRIL 20, 2026

2. Disability Accommodation Request Deadline 2:00 p.m. APRIL 23, 2026

3. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. APRIL 24, 2026

4. Written “Questions & Comments” Deadline 2:00 p.m. MAY 1, 2026

5. State Response to Written “Questions & Comments” MAY 18, 2026

6. Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. MAY 22, 2026

7. State Completion of Technical Response Evaluations JUNE 1, 2026

8. State Notice of Intent to Award Released and RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection

. JUNE 4, 2026

9. End of Protest Period 4:30 p.m. JUNE 11, 2026

10. State sends contract to Contractor for signature JUNE 12, 2026

11. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m. JUNE 15, 2026

RFQ # 35910-15706 – Amendment # 2 Page 2 of 5

2. State responses to questions and comments in the table below amend and clarify this RFP.

Any restatement of RFP text in the Question/Comment column shall NOT be construed as a change in the actual wording of the RFP document.

RFP

SECTION

PAGE

QUESTION / COMMENT STATE RESPONSE

1. Please provide the average daily population at WYDC, including any typical fluctuations throughout the year.

At this time, we are projected to have no more than 16 youth, daily.

2. How many fully equipped dental operatories/chairs are available on-site for use by the Contractor?

One

3. The RFQ states that the dental team shall consist of a dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant (RFQ §1.1, p. 2). Please confirm whether all three roles are required to be present during each service period.

No, the hygienist and the assistant have to have a dentist present to work under.

The dentist can work without the hygienist or assistant.

4. Would the State consider an alternative staffing model consisting of one dentist and one dental assistant, with the dentist performing hygiene services (e.g., prophylaxis)?

If so, will such a model be considered responsive?

Yes, the State would consider an alternative staffing model, and it would be considered responsive.

5. Will the State provide dental radiography equipment for Contractor use, or may the Contractor supply and utilize its own equipment (RFQ §A.10, p. 28)?

The state provides equipment and supplies. Wilder’s dental work area does have its own x-ray machine, although the equipment is dated.

6. The RFQ requires eight (8) hours per week of on-site services (RFQ §1.1,

p. 2). Please clarify:

• How these hours are expected to be scheduled (e.g., one full day versus multiple partial days)

• If all scheduled patients are treated before the eight-hour period concludes, the Contractor is expected to remain on-site

See responses to bulleted items below.

• Broken up into 2 days.

• No, they would not be required to stay on sight.

• Prioritize by need, i.e.

emergency services, intake exams within 7 days, cleanings within 14 days of admission, and so forth.

RFQ # 35910-15706 – Amendment # 2 Page 3 of 5

RFP

SECTION

PAGE

QUESTION / COMMENT STATE RESPONSE

• If patient demand exceeds available hours, how services should be prioritized or deferred

7. RFQ Section A.4 establishes timeframes for examinations and prophylaxis, including initial assessments within seven (7) days and prophylaxis within fourteen (14) days (RFQ §A.4(a)(1)-(2), p. 26).

Please clarify:

• Whether these timeframes are strict performance requirements or aspirational goals

• How performance will be evaluated if patient volume exceeds the Contractor’s available service hours

• These are strict requirements per State Policy.

• We do not see this as viable issue. Performance will be reviewed informally on a quarterly basis.

8. RFQ Section A.6 requires the Contractor to “ensure the referral, coordination and provision” of specialty services (RFQ §A.6(a), p.

26). Please clarify:

• What specific responsibilities are included in “ensuring” coordination and provision

• Whether the Contractor is responsible for scheduling and follow-up care

• Whether the Contractor has any financial responsibility for referred services

• Whether the State maintains a preferred referral network

• Writing a referral for the services needed.

• The contractor will follow up after appointment.

• The contractor does not have any responsibility for referral services.

• The state tries to maintain a preferred referral network, however if the payment changes or insurance changes we must find someone that will accept form of payment.

9. In the event that scheduled clinical staff are unavailable (e.g., illness or emergency), please clarify:

• Expectations regarding rescheduling missed service hours

• Whether substitute clinicians are required

• Any potential performance implications

• Reschedule for next available day

• Substitute clinicians are not required

• No.

RFQ # 35910-15706 – Amendment # 2 Page 4 of 5

PAGE

QUESTION / COMMENT STATE RESPONSE

10. The RFQ requires the Contractor to provide on-call dental services twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week (RFQ §A.5,

p. 26). Please clarify:

• Anticipated call volume

• Whether in-person response is required or if telephonic triage is sufficient

• Expected response times

• Whether on-call responsibilities are included in the hourly rates or separately compensated

• Rare occasions, history dictates one after hours call per year.

• Telephonic triage is sufficient, or virtual triage.

• Within one hour.

• On-call hours are billed at hourly rate

11. Please provide historical volume data, if available, including the average number of:

• New intakes

• Routine examinations

• Prophylaxis (prophys)

• Emergency visits per month

• Maybe one new intake per month currently.

• With the numbers being low there may be 9-10 visits a month.

• 2 per month. Follow up visits after referrals vary.

• 2 to 3 emergency visits per month, based on sick call submissions.

12. RFQ Section A.4 requires the Contractor to provide “prosthetic devices as needed” (RFQ §A.4(a)(4),

p. 26). Please clarify:

• The types of prosthetic services/devices contemplated

• Whether such services are expected to be performed on-site or off-site

• How associated laboratory and material costs will be handled

• Partial dentures may be provided.

• No cosmetics are expected.

• Fittings and measurements are expected on site and sent to lab to be made.

• The state is responsible for lab payment.

13. The contract term extends for five (5) years (RFQ §B, p. 29). Please clarify:

• Whether the State anticipates allowing periodic rate adjustments during the term

RFQ # 35910-15706 – Amendment # 2 Page 5 of 5

PAGE

QUESTION / COMMENT STATE RESPONSE

• Whether such adjustments may be tied to inflation or changes in operating costs

• How any such adjustments would be structured

• N/A

3. RFQ Amendment Effective Date. The revisions set forth herein shall be effective upon release. All other terms and conditions of this RFQ not expressly amended herein shall remain in full force and effect.