The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.
MSSI Questions / Comments Tracking Matrix As of 8 February 2011
Item No.
| Question / Comment |
| Response |
| Document/ Section / Page |
| Action Required |
| Primary Action Officer |
| Date 2011 |
| 1 |
| Why only an HU where there are 1100 PAR? |
| (Ref. Erbil) Local hospital facilities are available. |
| PWS/c.2/8 |
| none |
| n/a |
| 7 Feb |
| 2 |
| Will equipment resupply be done by government? |
| No |
| PWS/ |
L.10.3.1.2/
| Recommend adding statement: “to include resupply” to paragraph 1) of section L.10.3.1.2 in the first sentence after the word equipment. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
Concur.
21 Jan
| 3 |
| Recommend that companies provide complete IT and communications solutions |
| Provided by IT representative at pre-solicitation conference |
| PWS/ |
L.10.3.1.2/
| Recommend replacing the word “automation” with “information technology and communications” in paragraph 5) of section L.10.3.1.2. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
Concur.
21 Jan
| 4 |
| Will this be a single or multiple award contract? |
| Awarded to a single company |
| PWS/B.2/ |
| Recommend beginning section B.2 with “This will be a single award IDIQ contract…” |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
Concur.
21 Jan
| 5 |
| Does contractor need a PSC license for moving people? |
| PSC license is not needed. Internal movement taken care of by another contract. Jeanine Jackson (JJ): Government is working on a security solution for moving contractors in and out the country. |
| PWS/ H.1/ 31 |
| 6 |
| Is there going to be a facility security requirement for this contract? |
| No, there is no facility clearance at this time. |
| PWS/ H.1/ 31 |
| Government is still looking at issues of security |
| Embassy Security |
| 21 Jan |
| 7 |
| Who is adjudicator of medical staff for positions? |
| Regional Medical Officer |
| PWS/C.6.4/ |
17 third paragraph 3rd bullet
| 8 |
| Why two small DSHs with first two Task Orders? |
| State Department schedule is linked to Department of the Army withdrawal schedule. NOTE: Schedule has changed. |
| n/a |
| Change in basic contract task order RFP attachments. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 9 |
| Will there be bandwidth at all locations? |
| Internet connectivity for the purposes of conducting work under this contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor. OpenNet is available for communications to carry out business. |
| PWS/C.5/ |
| 10 |
| Is there a requirement for physicians to be employees of contractor for insurance purposes? |
| No, you tell the government your business plan. |
PWS/H.11/33 and PWS/652.228-71(d)/45
None.
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 11 |
| Is there a small business requirement? |
| It is Dept. of State policy to promote the use of all segments of the Small Business Community to the maximum extent practicable. |
| Slides/38 |
| FAR 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontract Plan (Jul 2010) has been added. See also H.8 Department of State Subcontracting Goals. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 12 |
| What percentage for Small Business required? |
| The Department of State’s goals are included for reference purposes. The individual small business contracting subcontracting goals must reflect a good faith effort towards ensuring that all segments of the small business community shall have the maximum practicable effort to participate in the procurement. |
| Slides/38 |
| FAR 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontract Plan (Jul 2010) has been added. See also H.8 Department of State Subcontracting Goals. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 13 |
| Do you want vendors to determine what equipment is needed at each level? |
| Yes, you propose in accordance with your services delivery model. |
| Task Orders Attachments F & G |
| None. Government Furnished Equipment list to be provided upon contract award or as soon as it is available. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
Concur.
21 Jan
| 14 |
| Are these existing facilities? |
| There are extant facilities in all Health Unit locations, though they will need to be modified in some locations – that will be done by the USG before, during or after the arrival of the contractor. In any case, they will be serviceable for initial use. The Diplomatic Support Hospitals are extant – though larger than necessary – at Basra, Sather and Kirkuk. A facility will need to be constructed or supplied in Mosul. Modifications of extant DSH facilities will be the responsibility of the USG and may be done before, during or after the contractor’s arrival. |
| C.3.1.2. |
| Insert, C.3.1.2.: Physical structures have been identified at all Health Unit (HU) locations. The U.S. Government will be responsible for any modifications required , and such modifications may be done before, during , or after arrival of the Contractor. They will be serviceable for initial use. The Diplomatic Support Hospitals (DSH) are existing facilities at Basra, Sather, and Kirkuk. Modifications of extant DSH facilities will be the responsibility of the USG and may be done before, during or after the contractor’s arrival. A facility will need to be constructed or supplied in Mosul. In no circumstances is the Contractor responsible for construction of facilities. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 15 |
| Will contractors have to provide transition facilities while government builds facilities? |
| Each facility will be different. Three facility options: start from scratch, take over existing facility, drop in shelter to empty building |
To be determined on individual task orders.
| 16 |
| Will contractors have to provide CT? |
| Propose the equipment needed for the offeror’s services delivery model. Price only the mark-up. |
Sec L and M need to emphasize that pricing and evaluation for ODCs will be based on mark-up only.
Colleen Griffith-Regal 21 Jan
| 17 |
| What is catchment area for dental? |
| Only work related injuries. |
PW/C.4.2/
Added “for work related injuries only” to section C.4.2, page 13
Dr. Brooks Taylor 21 Jan
| 18 |
| Are we covering local nationals? |
| If injured or ill on the job; otherwise, only on an emergency basis and authorized by the Chief of Mission. |
| PWS/C.3.1/ |
| C.3.1.1-clarification added. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 19 |
| Are we covering NATO forces? |
| Yes. |
| PWS/C.3.1/ |
| C.3.1.1-clarification added. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 20 |
| Are we covering health care of contractors? |
| In International Zone (IZ), contractors generally take care of their own. Outside the IZ and Union III, this contract covers health care for contractor personnel. |
| PWS/C.3.1/ |
| C.3.1.1-clarification added. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 21 |
| Will contractor provide maintenance medication? |
| People requiring maintenance meds are responsible for their own. |
| Add a sentence to paragraph C.6.3 Medical Fitness that states: “Individuals requiring maintenance medication are responsible for bringing sufficient quantities for the duration of their stay.” |
| Dr. Brooks |
Taylor 21 Jan
| 22 |
| Who owns pharmaceuticals and supplies? |
| Government owned, contractor managed-- Supplies ordered for support of this contract become government owned upon receipt. |
| PWS/C.4.4.1/13 |
| No action. FAR 52.245 governs. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 23 |
| Will Vendor be responsible for drug screening or screening after accidents? |
No.
| 24 |
| Any psychological patients that need to be taken care of? |
| Yes. Primary care physicians are responsible for initial management and possible referral to Sather. |
| Add emergency medicine to primary care/emergency specialist MD description |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 25 |
| Any problem with providing services via telemedicine? |
| Vendors may propose it with rationale for ensuring quality care. |
| 26 |
| Who will provide food, housing, transportation? |
| Government provides basic life support services. |
| PWS/H.13/ |
| 27 |
| Do Vendors need to propose providing in-country travel? |
| Vendor will be responsible for bringing people into country. The government will get contractor personnel from the airport to their sites. All in-country official travel will be provided by the Government. The government will provide medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) support via another contract for all patients to the appropriate facility or airport for further transport. |
| PWS/H.13/ |
| C.3.1.2—clarification language added. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 28 |
| Will mission support transport of supplies like people? |
| Vendor needs to figure out how to move its own materiel. Cold chain or blood products may be able to move by embassy provided helicopters but it would be on a case by case basis. |
| PWS\L.10.3.1.2/ |
para 1) page 80
| Contractor will specify in the proposal the days’ stock of medications and supplies. (L.10.3.1.2.) |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 29 |
| Do you see any ability to use DoD Class VIII supplies? |
| Contractors should Propose as a backup. |
| PWS/L.10.1.2/ |
PWS/L.10.3.1.4/ 71
| Add statement that DoD supply chain is to be proposed as an alternative only. (C.4.4.1 and L.10.3.1.2.) |
| Brooks Taylor/Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 30 |
| Will you accept white papers at this time? |
| Yes, through 31st |
| n/a |
| None required |
| n/a |
| 21 Jan |
| 31 |
| Are you sure you want to do an FFP? Would you consider doing a CPAF? |
| No. CPAF is not being considered. |
| n/a |
| None required |
| n/a |
| 21 Jan |
| 32 |
| Will contractors inventory equipment on site visit? |
| In the property management sense, no, contractor will not take custody until he is on site. However, contractor will be given the opportunity to assess the GFP available. |
| PWS/C.4.4.2/13/ |
13 & L.2/ 70
| 33 |
| Is there an incumbent? |
| DoD is the incumbent other than the clinics provided by some of the contractors. |
| n/a |
| None required |
| n/a |
| 21 Jan |
| 34 |
| Orals: Are orals part of evaluation? |
| Orals will be part of the technical evaluation process. Government will require people that are part of the program to give presentation. Orals will last approximately 4 hours, including Q&A. |
| PWS/L.10.5 / |
84-85
| L.10.5 has been updated and clarified. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 35 |
| How certain are you that you will hit late February date? |
| We have no choice. The Army is pulling out. |
| n/a |
| None required |
| n/a |
| 21 Jan |
| 36 |
| Was it intentional to have the clause limiting this to US firms? |
| No. It will be corrected. |
| PWS/Sec I |
| Remove clause restricting competition to US firms. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 37 |
| Security, clearances are a big concern to the vendors. |
PWS/H.1/
| Embassy Security/Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 21 Jan |
| 38 |
| State Department is building facilities in Kirkuk and Mosul. When you get there during the transition period you could be outside the wire meaning you’d have to provide your own security. |
| Not going to happen. No contractors will be put outside. |
| PWS/C.2/8 |
| None required |
| n/a |
| 21 Jan |
| 39 |
| Are all facilities within current military secure areas? |
| All facilities will be within State Department secure areas. |
| n/a |
| None required |
| n/a |
| 7 Feb |
| 40 |
| If contractor arrives at an airport, will State Department take people to the facilities? |
| Yes. Contractor is responsible for getting people into Iraq. DoS will get them to their sites. |
| PWS/H.13/36 |
| Consider changing this section title to Government Furnished Property and Support Services since it describes much more than property. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
Concur.
21 Jan
| 41 |
| This will be an IDIQ contract with task orders issued on a firm fixed price basis to the extent practicable. Recommend the cost structure of the contract be cost plus, fixed fee (CPFF). During the pre-solicitation conference the Government indicated that there would be less risk when the U.S. Military withdraws. Our analysis and experience indicates there will be more risk due to terrorist acts. Please clarify the Governments position. |
| Position remains FFP orders when practicable. |
| B.2 Type of Contract |
| None. |
| n/a |
| 21 Jan |
| 42 |
| After the U.S. military forces withdraw from Iraq, the U.S. Embassy and constituent posts and sites will be comprised of approximately 14,000 to 17,000 U.S. Government personnel. To what extent will the Government provide demographic data on the 14000-17000 personnel that will receive medical services? |
| Not available. It is a civilian work force, predominantly male and predominantly middle-aged. |
| C.2 Background |
| C.3.1.1.—added language. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 43 |
| Some test capability requested is not available under CLIA waived regulations. For instance, D-dimer testing is considered a moderately complex test. Will the DOS consider dropping the requirement for testing to be CLIA waived since there will be an Medical Technologist (MT ASCP) assigned to the network that is qualified to manage the QC programs necessary to monitor moderate to high complexity laboratory procedures? |
| Yes, HUs will be CLIA waived. |
| C.3.2 Health Unit (HU) Capabilities |
| None. See C.3.2. |
| Not applicable |
| 7 Feb |
| 44 |
| All providers shall be licensed to US or equivalent standards and physicians shall be qualified by US or equivalent specialty boards. Will the DOS provide a specific reference to be used for determining equivalency of medical training to US standards? |
| a) The Government of Iraq, Ministry of the Interior, is releasing a list of partner countries that will be allowed to provide services. The list of approved countries will be provided as an amendment to the solicitation. b) Providers with non-US and non-Canadian qualifications will be evaluated on a case by case basis. |
| C.3.2 Health Unit (HU) Capabilities |
C.6.6. Position Descriptions (C.6.6.) Notice of impending Partner Country List (C.6.6.1.) Clarification.
| 45 |
| If return to quarters is not anticipated within 96 hours of surgery or medical admission, patients will be medically evacuated for onward treatment and medical care, environmental conditions permitting. Please clarify what specific surgeries of the medical population and approximate number the Government anticipates by frequency, type and location. |
| Examples include uncomplicated abscess, appendicitis, hernia debridement, breast biopsy, removal of skin lesions, ingrown toe nails, and similar surgeries that normally allow return to quarters within 72 hours. |
| C.4.1 Medical Treatment – Resuscita-tive, General Surgical Care and Medical Care |
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 46 | |
| When there is an emergency within a DoS support area due to a medical condition, the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) shall arrange for medical response and transportation to the nearest health care facility. Once EMS is activated who will be responsible for providing medical control and oversight? In other words, will the EMS provider have a qualified clinician on staff to advise its medics? We recommend that control be passed to the receiving facility. | |
| There is no clinician to advise medics on ambulances. There is no medical control until the receiving facility. (This does not apply to medivacs.) | |
| C.4.1.1 | Emergency Response |
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 47 |
| The Contractor will provide computers, peripherals, and automation support required to meet the health care requirements described in this PWS. What means of communication will the TOC be using for EMS control? Compatibility is our reason for asking. |
| Communications systems equipment will be provided by the Government. |
| C.5 Medical Communications and Automation Support |
| Added to C.4.4.2. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 48 |
| Contractor employees shall take 2-week Foreign Affairs Counterterrorism training at the NFATC. Where is the NFATC located? Is this training part of the transition period? Is NFATC training Government provided or Contractor provided. |
| FACT training is part of the transition. It is Government-provided, conducted in the Washington D.C. area, and required for all U.S. citizens, regardless of country of residence. |
| C.6.5 Training and Certi-fications |
| See H.15. Training Requirements. |
(C.6.5.) Language added.
| 49 |
| Position descriptions repeatedly use the terminology “defined by current US or equivalent board certification”. Please define “equivalent board certification.” Please clarify specifically what the word “equivalency” means regarding all aspects of required medical licenses, certifications, and acceptable criteria for approval by the Government. |
| See 44, above. |
| C.6.6 Position Descriptions |
| See 49, above. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 50 |
| Current ATLS and ACLS are required; recent completion of Tactical Combat Casualty Care or comparable advanced trauma course featuring “live tissue” or exceptional simulation training is desirable. TCCC is a medical technician level course that is less intensive than ATLS and any of the training received by professional medical staff. Would the DOS consider removing this requirement for clinicians? |
| ATLS and ACLS are required; TCCC is desirable. |
| C.6.6.1 General Medical Officer |
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 51 |
| The Laboratory Technician will hold certification as a medical laboratory technician through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCALP) or the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB). What is the equivalent non-US certification that would be acceptable to the DOS? |
| Unable to specify for every country. |
| C.6.6.10 Medical Laboratory Technician |
| RFP is amended. Laboratory personnel with non-American or non-Canadian certifications will be evaluated on an individual basis. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 52 |
| G.5.1 – All cost proposals provided shall also be fully burdened including Overhead Charges, General and Administrative Charges. No profit and/or fee is allowable. This is on a cost reimbursable basis. |
G.5.3 – Invoices shall include any General and Administrative Charges In G.5.1, Overhead and G&A are allowed, but under G.5.3, only G&A. Please clarify.
| Mark-up (G&A, overhead, handling chargers, and/or other, as specified in the Offeror’s accounting system), is allowed for ODCs and Travel. The proposed mark-up rate is a basis for evaluating the Offeror’s cost proposal. |
| G.5.1 Cost Reimbursable /Other Direct Costs CLINs |
G.5.3 Other Direct Costs (ODCs) “(G&A, overhead, handling charges, and/or other indirect costs pools, as specified in the contractor’s accounting system.)” (H.14 and L.10.1.2.)
| 53 |
| Referenced paragraph states “A police check covering criminal and/or subversive activities, a check of personal residence and a credit investigation is also required.” The “police check” covers subjects similar to a National Agency Check. Will any employees on this contract require a security clearance (Confidential, Secret or Top Secret)? |
| No security clearances will be required. |
| H.2 Approval and Acceptance of Contractor Employees |
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 54 |
| The Contractor is responsible for the international transportation of their staff. Does the DOS desire a single point of entry to Iraq or should we price transportation to the assigned region (Erbil, BIAP or Basrah)? |
| A single point of entry is not required. |
| H.13 Government Furnished Property |
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 55 |
| Para (3) (c) The current rate under the Department of State contract is [contracting officer insert rate] of compensation for services. a)Please provide rate for DoS DBA insurance for services. b)It is understood that Subcontractor will price the DBA insurance and that the Prime will acquire subcontractor DBA insurance through their prime contract with DoS. Please confirm understanding. |
| a)Done. See Section B, CLIN 0005. |
b)DBA is required for all workers in Iraq. It is up to the contractor to determine whether DBA will be through the prime or at the sub level.
I.3 DOSAR Clauses in Full Text
652.228-71 DBA
| Rate has been inserted in clause and in Sec B, CLIN 0005. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 56 |
| Local nationals/TCNs where there are no local worker’s compensation programs like Iraq. Do we need to get DBA insurance for TCNs and ensure DOSAR 652.228-74 is included in subcontract? |
| Yes, see above. |
| I.3 DOSAR Clauses in Full Text |
652.228-70 DBA-Covered Contractor Employees
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 57 |
| The two referenced paragraphs contradict each other. Paragraph 1 states “Narrative font size shall not be smaller than 11.” |
Paragraph 3 states “No less than size 12 font, Times New Roman.” Please clarify font size requirement.
Can a smaller font size such as Arial Narrow 9 be used for tables and graphs?
| RFP has been corrected. |
| L.10, paragraphs 1 and 3 |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| Feb 2 |
| 58 |
| The table in paragraph 1 states “. . . 75 double-sided printed pages (150 single-sided printed pages), excluding charts, graphs, or foldouts.) However, paragraph 4 states “Charts and graphs will be included in the page count.” Please clarify whether charts and graphs are included in the page limitations. |
| Charts and graphs are not included in page count. |
| L.10, paragraphs 2 and 4 |
| Corrected paragraph inconsistency. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 59 |
| Contractors shall propose as an option the use of DOD as a backup material supplier in lieu of directly from commercial sources. Please clarify that Contractor can use DOD if MEDLOG is available, and that we will supply via commercial sources if not available from DOD. |
| Yes. |
| L.10.1.2 Section B. Pricing |
Equipment and Supplies
| None. |
| Not applicable. |
| 7 Feb |
| 60 |
| Section B – Cost Spreadsheet When will the Government provide a copy of Section B? |
| A mandatory cost spreadsheet has been deleted. Contractor will propose in his format, including information specified in L.10.1.3. See also Attachment A, Labor Categories, which will be incorporated into the contract. |
| L.10.1.3 Price Proposal Worksheet |
| (L.10.1.3.) Language referencing Section B has been deleted. |
| Done. |
| 61 |
| Requirement to describe company’s financial condition and capability. To include a current statement of financial condition, certified by an independent third party. Is this a requirement for Subcontractors as well? Subcontractors typically do not provide that level of documentation relative to financial capability, other than a general statement of solvency. |
| No. |
| L.10.1.5 Business Manage-ment |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 62 |
| The Offer shall provide up to three past performances that demonstrate the Contractor’s relevant experience and capabilities to perform the contract work on a scale comparable to this proposal. We recommend the Government allow at least 5 past performance citations since past performance is equal in Section M award criteria to the three major technical elements. |
| Requirement remains at 3 past performance citations. |
| L10.3.2 Past Perfor-mance |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| Feb 2 |
| 63 |
| Offerors remain solely responsible for researching, confirming, incorporating and applying all the required terms of any host country local labor law and security service law to their proposals. Please clarify the security the Government is responsible to provide and the security the contractor is responsible to provide. This includes security from arrival airports in Iraq to point of mission, mobile security as contractor medical personnel are travelling while in-country in Iraq, static security around the HU’s, small and large DSHs. If Contractor provides security, a PSC license may be required. |
| Contractor is not responsible for providing security. |
| L.11 Obtaining Licenses Permits |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 64 |
| We strongly recommend the contractor be required to possess a Facility Security Clearance as there will most likely be derived requirements to obtain CAC cards or other documentation to travel on military aircraft or occasional missions that require contractor medical personnel to perform in a classified environment. |
| A decision has been made by the Department that a facility security clearance is not required. |
| General Comment - Security |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 65 |
| Please clarify the position of the contractor medical personnel providing services under this contract as it pertains to increased threat posture. Specifically, if DOS evacuates its personnel due to increased security threat and requires “essential personnel only”, will contractor medical providers be evacuated along with them or are they considered “essential personnel?” |
| Evacuation of medical personnel will be in accordance with the Embassy procedures in effect at the time. |
| General Question – Status of Contract Personnel |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 66 | |
| FAR 52.237-7(e), included in H.11.1, states the medical malpractice insurance should contain an endorsement that the insurance company cannot cancel or make an adverse material change in the policy without 30 days notice. This was previously standard practice in the insurance industry; however, it is our understanding that as of October 2010 insurance companies are no longer making this notification. Will the government amend the H.11.1 clause to relieve the contractor of this requirement? | |
| Any change to FAR clauses is beyond the power of this agency. | |
| H.11.1 | Medical Malpractice. |
| None required. | |
| N/A | |
| 2 Feb | |
| 67 |
| Medical Evacuation from Iraq. The medical director at the DSHs will be responsible for making the determination that medical evacuation out of Iraq is necessary. Contract employees will be evacuated IAW the cognizant Contractor’s standard operating procedures. For US government direct hire employees the medical director will contact the Regional Medical Officer in Baghdad, who will make arrangements for the medical evacuation. In all medical evacuation cases, the RSO will be involved in the evacuation coordination and decision process. |
Question 1: Is the Regional Medical Officer in Baghdad, the one responsible for finding an accepting physician/location outside of Baghdad.
Only for direct hire employees. The RMO will find an accepting physician and hospital and will arrange transportation. For ALL OTHER CONTRACTORS, each contractor will hold private medical evacuation insurance. The Medical Director (or treating physician) at each DSH will contact the medical evacuation insurance company which will (presumably) make arrangements for medical evacuation including location, accepting hospital, etc.
| C.4.1.1. |
| Clarification language at C.4.1.1. “For ALL OTHER CONTRACTORS, each contractor will hold private medical evacuation insurance.” Insert before, “In all medical evacuation cases, the RSO will be involved ..” |
| Brooks Taylor; Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 68 |
| Dental: Dental services, if ordered, will be limited to performance at the Sather Facility. The Contractor shall provide emergency and routine dental services at the Sather DSH within the scope of practice of general dentistry to eligible patients. |
Question 2: Who moves patients to Sather for dental services?
All Chief of Mission employees (which should be the only patients) will be moved using Embassy resources on regularly scheduled routes or on an emergency basis.
| C.4.2 |
| Add, “Patients will be moved using Embassy resources.” |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 2 Feb |
| 69 |
| Question 3: Pharmaceuticals – Basic formulary at each site. Who decides what will be available and what will be special ordered. For example, an individual may require blood pressure pills that aren’t on select formulary. Patients will require maintenance drugs as well as drugs for acute symptoms. How will these drugs be reimbursed? |
The contractor will determine a basic formulary for routine, urgent and emergency medications (e.g. acetaminophen, antacids, antibiotics, narcotic pain medication, ACLS drugs) at each location (“Health Unit” and DSH). Patients will be responsible for obtaining maintenance medications, off-formulary and otherwise. This can be done by patients using mail order services (Walgreen, drugstore.com, etc) with delivery to the Health Unit via DPO shipping.
| Need clarification language regarding maintenance meds. “Patients will be responsible for obtaining maintenance medications.” Add to C.4.4.1. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 2 Feb |
| 70 |
| Biomedical Equipment Maintenance and Repair. The Contractor is responsible for maintenance and services to include calibration and repair of all medical equipment including CT scanners utilized under this contract. Contractor Question 4: Appears a sentence was cut off under above paragraph. |
| Clerical error. |
| C.4.4.3 |
| Delete word, “Contractor” from end of section. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 2 Feb |
| 71 |
| Mortuary Affairs. The Contractor shall notify American Embassy - Baghdad Human Resources and the RSO upon the death of a patient. The Contractor shall have custody of remains until other arrangements can be made. Another contract will provide mortuary services. |
Question 5: What is maximum time expected that contractor will have to hold remains? Is on-site refrigeration required at each location. In case of mass casualities will Baghdad dispatch representatives to clinic site to coordinate release of remains? This is more important if local nationals are involved in the incident.
The Contractor is free to release the bodies of local nationals to their families unless otherwise notified by the Chief of Mission. Otherwise, remains may be held from 24-48 hours.
| C.4.4.4 |
| Language added. (C.4.4.4.) |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 72 |
| The Offeror shall propose its approach on how it will requisition, receive and distribute equipment and supplies to health care facilities in country. The approach will identify the estimated cost by facility plus an estimated cost per month of consumable supplies per facility based on the estimated population at risk provided for each and facility type (HU and DSH). Purchase of equipment with an acquisition cost (including shipping and installation) in excess of $5000 requires prior government approval. Offeror will notify the CO/COR of equipment that needs to be replaced or added. |
Question 6: CT scans/MRI’s etc are high dollar investments. What equipment is expected to be supplied by the contractor?
CT scanners will be provided by the USG. No MRI is planned.
| L.10.1.2 Section B Pricing Equipment and supplies. |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 73 |
| Question 7: Outfitting a specific location will be much above a total of $5,000. Need to understand how initial outfitting is going to be handled. |
| See B.3.1. |
| Sec B, B.3.1. |
| None required. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 74 |
| Question 8: What is the ”predetermined markup” or handling fee on provisioning? Is this to be set by the government or proposed by the contractor? |
“Predetermined Mark-Up” is the mark-up proposed and/or negotiated with the Offeror, to be applied to cost-reimbursable items. The mark-up rate will provide a basis for evaluating the cost proposal.
Added the following to L.10.1.2., both OTHER DIRECT COSTS and TRAVEL: “This is a reimbursable CLIN. Offeror will propose a mark-up rate to be applied to the costs of items procured under ODCs/Travel.”
(Deleted references to Sec B in both ODCs and Labor. Labor should read Atch A.)
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 75 |
| Question 9: What percentage of the task order is expected to be other than FFP? What type of delivery order is expected to be issued? In what scenario will the Government issue another delivery order type? |
Delivery orders will not be issued. All task orders will be determined on a case by case basis, depending on facilities availability, GFP available, and local conditions. It is anticipated that Labor will be firm fixed price.
| None required. |
| Colleen Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 76 |
| Question 10: Section I Clauses incorporated by Reference- 52.211-11 Liquidated Damages—Supplies, Services, or Research and Development (Sep 2000) ($500 plus dollar value of proposed labor hours not delivered) – How will Liquidated Damages be assessed? |
| $500.00 plus dollar value of proposed labor hours not delivered. |
| Sec. I. |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
Question 11: Will Iraqi nationals be treated at the facilities in addition to Americans and their dependents? If so, how many are estimated annually?
| There is no plan to treat Iraqi nationals or dependents except for those employed under COM. Extraordinary circumstances may result in treatment of some Iraqi nationals at the direction of the COM, however it is expected that this would be a rare occurrence. |
| C.2 Background |
| Language added to C.2. |
| 78 |
| Question 12: Can you tell us any incumbents doing this work today? Are we expected to interview and potentially retain any of these personnel? |
| Current provider is the United States Army. There is no requirement regarding incumbent personnel. |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 79 |
| Question 13: What is the status of any of the facilities to be used? Are they already completely built with just the equipment and furnishings to be installed, or is there some renovation yet to be performed? |
| There are extant facilities in all Health Unit locations, though they will need to be modified in some locations – that will be done by the USG before, during or after the arrival of the contractor. In any case, they will be serviceable for initial use. The Diplomatic Support Hospitals are extant – though larger than necessary – at Basra, Sather and Kirkuk. A facility will need to be constructed or supplied in Mosul. Modifications of extant DSH facilities will be the responsibility of the USG and may be done before, during or after the contractor’s arrival. |
| C.3.1.2. |
| Insert, C.3.1.2.: Physical structures have been identified at all Health Unit (HU) locations. The U.S. Government will be responsible for any modifications required , and such modifications may be done before, during , or after arrival of the Contractor. They will be serviceable for initial use. The Diplomatic Support Hospitals (DSH) are existing facilities at Basra, Sather, and Kirkuk. Modifications of extant DSH facilities will be the responsibility of the USG and may be done before, during or after the contractor’s arrival. A facility will need to be constructed or supplied in Mosul. In no circumstances is the Contractor responsible for construction of facilities. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| Question 14: Will we receive a list of equipment already available for reuse in the medical treatment facilities and expected to use our own equipment planners to finalize the over/under list of equipment to be procured and outfitted? Will we need to finalize the interior design of the medical facilities and do transition including signage and movement plans? |
| See Q. 82. Plan to provide or purchase all supplies necessary for provision of essential services at each facility. It is not critical that interior design is complete before initial occupancy and use, but rather that critical services are available. |
| L.10.1.2. |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 80 |
| Question 15: For past performance, is it acceptable to include 3 references showing distinct but critical required capabilities in lieu of all of them simultaneously -- which would be prohibitive – for example, one citation for clinical augmentation; one for hospital outfitting and logistics; and one for MidEast operations) as an indication of ability to successfully perform this project? |
| It is the Offeror’s decision what previous experiences best demonstrate his abilities. |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 81 |
| Recommendations for a cost model best suited for the contract line items and task orders. |
Cost model should allow program management to be included in all task orders and sub task orders to ensure there is sufficient program management in this complex environment.
It is up to the Offeror to propose his best services delivery model.
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 82 |
| Identify what additional information may be necessary in order to firm fix price a specific task order. |
Equipment list; building specification; condition of existing equipment; current list of equipment at a typical facility
| The Government acknowledges that the Contractor is going to have to know what Government Furnished Equipment and Supplies are available. However, at this time, that information in incomplete. We therefore ask that all Offerors propose what will be needed for their service delivery model. Cost Proposals will NOT be evaluated on ODC costs but, rather, on the proposed mark-up rate. The ODC list proposed will demonstrate Offerors’ understanding of the technical requirements. |
| L.10.1.2. (See item 74, above.) |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 83 |
| Identify the type of information that may be needed to respond to a future Government Task Order Requests for Proposal. |
Equipment list; building specifications and pictures if possible; condition of existing equipment; current list of equipment at a typical facility See above.
| 84 |
| Does all of the contractor’s equipment to be supplied under this |
contract required to be new?
No. Remanufactured or reconditioned equipment is acceptable, with prior Contracting Officer approval.
| Sec I |
| Add 52.211-5 Material Requirements (Aug 2000) to Sec I |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 85 |
| What provision has DOS made in respect to CSSD at the various facilities? |
| Central Sterile Supply? Central Sterile Services? Central Sterile Supply is the Contractor’s responsibility. |
| 86 |
| The Pre solicitation RFP indicates that the contractor will be |
assisted in bringing into Iraq equipment and supplies duty free, does DOS guarantee this?
| Shipments should be marked for and addressed to the Embassy, without the contractor’s name on the shipping container. Mark for “EBO (site)(task order number). |
| Sec F |
| Language added to F.4. Shipments |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 87 |
| Does transport need to be supplied by the contractor in order to be |
able to transport there staff to the DFAC and or MWR/PX?
Need for contractor transport is not foreseen.
| 88 |
| What recreational services are provided by DOS for the contractor’s |
staff at each location? e.g. will there be a PX/MWR/Internet/Postal services etc.
MWR facilities and PX are available at all sites over 1,000 people.
| 89 |
| Does the Malpractice Insurance for the Dr have to be under the |
Company or can it be the DR own private insurance?
This is the decision of the prime contractor and part of his business model.
| 90 |
| Is there a need for any of the management or senior staff to have a |
Security Clearance?
No.
| 91 |
| Is there a requirement in the future for the company to have a |
facility clearance?
No.
| 92 |
| Is it possible for the awarded contractor to be granted permission |
to setup a private practice within the compounds of DOS to provide services to Contractors and subcontractors that fall outside the scope of the SOW?
Example to provide personal medical screening, to provide long term medication for the treatment of say blood pressure diabetes etc?
No.
| 93 |
| When using DOS PSD runs or the Fixed Wings, will these services be |
free of charge to the contractor or will the cost be reimbursable by the contractor?
At this time, transport of personnel to and from the duty station is the responsibility of the Embassy.
| 94 |
| a) Is the Contractor required to possess or operate any ambulances? |
| No. |
| Section C.4.1.1 Emergency Response |
| No action required. |
| N/A |
| 2 Feb |
| 95 |
| b) If a patient is being transported by air or ground ambulance within the mission area, is the Contractor required to provide medical attendants to accompany the patient in the ambulance, or will this task be performed by another Contractor? |
| No. |
| C.4.1.1. |
| Clarification needed. Add to C.4.1.1. MedEvac: Medical attendants during evacuation will be provided by the Government, if required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 2 Feb |
| 96 |
| Is the Contractor permitted to acquire and use its own vehicles for routine or emergency administrative and logistical movements? |
| Need for contractor transport is not foreseen. |
| Section C.4.4.2, Equipment |
| No action required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 97 |
| a) Is the Contractor required to monitor any base station radio, or mobile radio networks in the mission area? |
| Monitoring is not required. |
| Sec. C.5 Medical Communications and Automation Support |
| No action required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 98 |
| b) If the Contractor is required to monitor base station or mobile radio nets, will the Government furnish the required radios, encryption devices (if any) and frequencies at no expense to the Contractor? |
| Yes, communication equipment and Government controlled frequencies will be provided. |
| C.5 Medical Communications and Automation Support |
| Added to C.4.4.2. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 99 |
| c) Does the Government require the Contractor to employ any specific medical or Government software or operating systems in the performance of this contract, or may the Contractor use discretionary systems? |
| None required. |
| No action required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 100 |
| d) Does the Government require the contractor to use or operate any Government-furnished automated systems? |
| None required. |
| No action required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 101 |
| a) Does the Government require the Contractor to use a specific Government medical and dental examination form when conducting contractor medical examinations as part of contractor pre-deployment screening? If yes, please provide the form. |
| There is no such form required. |
| Section C.6.3 Staff Medical Fitness |
| No action required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 102 |
| b) Are there specific minimum medical and dental qualifications for contractor personnel to be considered acceptable to DoS as contractor employees on this contract in Iraq? |
| Employees must meet the criteria set out in C.6.3. Staff Medical Fitness. |
| C.6.3. |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| Feb 2 |
| 103 |
| a) Are the Contractor’s U.S. National employees required to take Foreign Affairs Counterterrorism Training (FACT) prior to deployment to Iraq? |
| Yes. See H.15 of the RFP. |
| Sec. C.6.5 Training and Certs; H.15 FACT |
| The requirement and information have been added to the RFP. See Sec C.6.5. and H.15 FACT Training Requirements. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 104 |
| b) Will the FACT be provided by DOS directly? Will FACT be provided in Washington D.C.? Are alternate sources of equivalent training acceptable? |
| Yes. No alternative sources are available. |
| See above, Q. 103. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 105 |
| Is FACT training and employee’s travel, per diem expenses, and salaries reimbursable? |
| Yes, on base salary. See above, Q. 103. |
| C.6.5 Training and Certs; |
H.15 FACT
| See Q. 103. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 106 |
| a) Is the contractor required to provide any employees with US security clearances? If so, what level of clearance (e.g., SECRET, TOP SECRET, etc.) for which personnel? |
| No security clearances are required. |
| Section H.1 Security |
| 107 |
| b) Is the Contractor required to submit a “Request for US Embassy Iraq Security Clearance” form to the RSO at the US Embassy Baghdad in order to obtain pre-deployment security clearances for US national (AN) and Third County National (TCN) Non-American employees? If yes, please provide a copy of the form and the procedures to be followed. |
| There is currently no such form. |
| 108 |
| c) Is the Contractor required to obtain “Combined Access Card” (CAC) for US national employees prior to their deployment to Iraq? Are any other identification cards required by US national employees? If yes, what are they and what is the procedure to obtain them? |
| The CAC card is issued prior to deployment. SF85 Forms are required of all personnel prior to receipt of CAC cards. After award, the Government will assist through the Iraq Support Unit. |
| H.1.2. |
| H.1.2. Contractor Favorable Investigations and Attachment L, MRPT Processing Procedures have been added. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 109 |
| d) Is the Contractor required to obtain a DOS “Letter of Authorization” (LOA) for employees signed by the Contracting Officer prior to deployment, in order to obtain authorization for access to US facilities in Iraq? If yes, what is the procedure to obtain an LOA? |
| The Contractor’s Company Facility Security Officer is responsible for entering data into the SPOT program, a prerequisite for the LOA. After award, the Government will assist through the Iraq Support Unit. |
| H.1.2. |
| H.1.2. Contractor Favorable Investigations and Attachment L, MRPT Processing Procedures have been added. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 110 |
| e) Is the Contractor required to obtain DOS or US Embassy identification cards for employees? If yes, what is the procedure to obtain them? And, will these be required prior to entry into Iraq or provided after deployment? (See also question at Section H.17 below) |
| See Q. 108, above. Embassy ID badges will be obtained after arrival in Iraq. |
| 111 |
| f) Is it permissible to employ TCN personnel in this contract? What restrictions are applicable to the employment of TCNs in this contract? |
| See prohibited nations list (added to final version of RFP), subject to host nation restrictions and requirements. The Government of Iraq, Ministry of the Interior, is releasing a list of partner countries that will be allowed to provide services. The list of approved countries will be provided as an amendment to the solicitation. |
| H.1.1. Assignment Restrictions and C.6.6. |
| No action required. RFP has been amended to include notice of Iraq partner country list. |
| N/A |
| Feb 2 |
| 112 |
| g) Is it permissible to employ Iraqi National / Local National (LN) personnel in this contract? What restrictions are applicable to the employment of TCNs in this contract? |
| a) The Government of Iraq, Ministry of the Interior, is releasing a list of partner countries that will be allowed to provide services. The list of approved countries will be provided as an amendment to the solicitation. b) Iraqi nationals may be employed. However, the Iraqi clearance process can be lengthy. |
| H.1.1. Assignment Restrictions and C.6.6. |
| No action required. RFP has been amended to include notice of Iraq partner country list. |
| N/A |
| Feb 2 |
| 113 |
| h) We understand that CAC cards are not issued to TCN employees. In lieu of CAC cards, what identity cards will be issued to TCNs on this contract, and what is the process to obtain them? |
| After award, the Iraq Support Unit will provide assistance. |
| 114 |
| i) Will the Government provide Kevlar ballistic helmets, flak jackets and respirators to the Contractor when contractor personnel are in transport? |
| Contractor is to provide his own body armor and protective gear. |
| 115 |
| a) The Contractor AN and TCN personnel engaged in this contract will be deployed to Iraq for the exclusive performance of this US Government contract. As such, will the contract status of the Contractor and its employees offer immunity to Iraqi corporate and personal income taxes? |
| At present, yes, but the Iraqi government may change the status of US contractor personnel at the end of CY 11. |
| 116 |
| b) Is the Contractor required to obtain a commercial license from the Government of Iraq to perform the services in this contract? |
| Yes, and lead time can be significant. Go through the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior. |
| Sec. H.9 Licenses, Bonds and Permits; L.11 Obtaining Licenses and Permits |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 117 |
| c) Is the cost of Iraqi Visas procured on behalf of the Contractor’s employees reimbursable? |
| All travel costs are reimbursable IAW the Federal Travel Regulations. See Part 301-12—Misc. Expenses; visas and passports are reimbursable. |
| H.16.1 Travel |
| None required. |
| N/A |
| 7 Feb |
| 118 |
| d) Given that this contract provides services solely and directly to the US Government, is the Contractor required to obtain ITAR licenses for all of the equipment and materials shipments forwarded to Iraq in support of this contract? If yes, will DOS assist the Contractor to obtain a single blanket license for the duration of the contract to perform these contract services in compliance with ITAR requirements? |
| Shipments should be marked for and addressed to the Embassy, without the contractor’s name on the shipping container. Mark for “EBO (site)(task order number). |
ITAR will not be required.
| F.4 Shipments |
| Language added to F.4. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 119 |
| Will there be any GFP provided to contractor to perform this work besides Government-furnished facilities? For instance, will the contractor be provided any former DoD or DoS medical equipment, automated systems, medical supplies or materials, personal protective equipment, armored vehicles, etc.? |
What GFP will be provided for Task Order 1? For Task Order 2? For Task Order 3?
| The Government acknowledges that the Contractor is going to have to know what Government Furnished Equipment and Supplies are available. However, at this time, that information in incomplete. We therefore ask that all Offerors propose what will be needed for their service delivery model. Cost Proposals will NOT be evaluated on ODC costs but, rather, on the proposed mark-up rate. The ODC list proposed will demonstrate Offerors’ understanding of the technical requirements. |
| Sec H.14 Gov’t Furnished Property (GFP) |
| H.14 Availability of Government Furnished Property has been amended to clarify. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 120 |
| The link provided in the RFP to the DOS web site http://www.state.gov/m/ds/rls/rpt/c21554.htm does not connect to the procedures to obtain DOS personal ID Cards. Please provide a working link. |
| This link is not available at this time. Iraq Support Office will supply assistance after award. |
| Section H.17 DOS Personal ID Card Issuance Procedures (Aug 2007) |
| H.17 has been amended to delete the out of date link. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 121 |
| a)If the contractor provides American National employees with uplifts standard to and defined by DOS for Iraq that include 35% Hardship Differential plus 35% Danger Pay uplifts to basic compensation, will these uplifts be reimbursable to the contractor? |
| The Offeror is to propose those rates that will be charged to the Government. If he wins the award, those will be the rates paid. |
| L.10.1.4 Compensa-tion Plan |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 2 Feb |
| 122 |
| b)If the contractor provides TCN employees with uplifts standard to and defined by DOS for Iraq that include 35% Hardship Differential plus 35% Danger Pay uplifts to basic compensation, will these uplifts be reimbursable to the contractor? |
| See above. |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 123 |
| The list of tabs specified includes two “Tab A2” titles. Please clarify whether this is the intent. |
| That has been corrected. |
| Sec. L.10.3, Volume 2 Technical Proposal |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 124 |
| If TCN medical staff are proposed, has the Government identified specific countries wherein the qualifications of medical staff are deemed to be inadequate in this contract; and if yes, what are those countries? |
| No. |
| M.5.1.1.2.2 Key Personnel, Support and Medical Staff, and Qualifica-tions |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 125 |
| Will the Government define how many persons and which key persons will be required at the orals to facilitate the contractor’s planning? It is our preference that contractors be allowed to bring up to five technical experts. |
| See L.10.5.1. Five are permitted, provided they are personally involved in the delivery of services under this contract. Of the five, one should be a senior corporate representative. |
| M.6 Oral Presenta-tions |
| Section L.10.5.1 Oral Technical Proposal Constraints has been amended. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| 7 Feb |
| 126 |
| Will the Contractor’s AN and TCN personnel be entitled to use MWR facilities? PX facilities? Postal Services? |
| Yes, to AN and TCN. Local Nationals are permitted to buy food for consumption on site. |
| General |
| None required. |
| Griffith-Regal |
| Feb 2 |
| 127 |
| Will the Contractor be the primary provider of medical services for DOS personnel in Iraq? For other contractor personnel in Iraq supporting the U.S. Government in some capacity? For all remaining DoD personnel? |
| See C.2. |
| General |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
