MSSI RFP response 3 7 final.xlsx
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- SAQMMA11R0010
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SAQMMA11R0010 Response to Industry Questions and Comments Request for Proposal Dated February 11 2011
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Sheet1 SAQMMA11-R-0010, RESPONSE TO INDUSTRY QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DATED FEBRUARY 11, 2011
| COMMENT | REFERENCE | RESPONSE | POC | DATE |
| H.9, “Licenses, Bonds and Permits” states, “The Contractor shall provide and pay for any official bonds and/or licenses required for the performance of this contract.” Because there is no construction, please confirm that no bond (bid bond, performance bond, payment bond, or bonding of any individuals) is required. | H.9 pg 38 | This is not a construction contract. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| The Government notes that task orders will be FFP where possible, but notes that cost-reimbursable type contracts may be used. Please clarify whether the Government intends to use CPAF contracts and would provide an Award Fee Plan. | B.2 pg 7 | There will be no CPAF, either at the basic contract level or at the task order level. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| The contract mentions reimbursable materials and places some controls on non-expendable materials. Will the contractor have to provide expendable materials, medical supplies, or pharmaceuticals as part of the FFP? | B.3.1 pg 7-8 | The Offeror is to propose a supply chain that meets the requirements of the contract. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| B.2 specifies the ID/IQ minimum to be $100K and the maximum to be $1B. Is there a minimum or maximum order limit for any single task order? | B.2 pg 7 | No. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| E.7 seems to be aimed at deliverable reports or data items. E.8 repeats language from E.7. Is E.8 to be applied to all non-data item type deliverables including services, materials, or other work under the contract? | E.7 and E.8 pg 24 | No. E.8. has been deleted. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| F.1 states the contractor will accommodate transition of 90 days. Will transition be part of the first one-year period of performance starting May 20, 2011, as indicated in CLIN 001; such that full contract performance starts August 21, 2011? | F.1 pg 25 | Transition has been added to Task Order 001--Program Management. Transition will extend from May 20, 2011 to September 1, 2011. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| Will transition be a separate CLIN? | Section B, 2 of 9, Amd 0001 | Yes, under Task Order 001. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| Because services will be provided on a continuous basis across a 12-month period, how will the Late Delivery clause be used with respect to delivery of services? Does the notice provision apply only to materials or data to be delivered under the contract? | F.6 pg 25-26 | a. F.6. has been corrected to read, "…Such notification in no way limits the government's right to any and all rights and remedies under the contract." b. This provision applies to all deliverables under the contract. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| G.3 specifies what each invoice must contain; however, it does not require signature or other evidence of acceptance by the Government. G.4 specifies the responsibilities of the COR to include inspection and acceptance. Will the COR have to provide evidence of acceptance for any FFP, Labor Hour, or T&M work as well as acceptance of any material, travel, ODCs, or other work as described in any CLIN for the contractor to invoice and get paid? | G.3 and G.4.2(8) pg 28-31 | Payment and Inspection/Acceptance are two separate functions. | CGR | 2/28/2011 |
| The invoicing instructions for non-fee bearing cost reimbursable (CR) CLINS including travel and ODCs only allow the contractor to invoice monthly. However, FAR 52.216-7 “Allowable Cost and Payment” allows the contractor to invoice every two weeks for CR items. Request the contractor be allowed to invoice every two weeks in accordance with the FAR clause to avoid a deviation. | G.5.2, G.5.3 and G.5.4 pg 31-32 | G.5.4.--"monthly" has been deleted. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| H.1 requires contractors to wear ID cards on their “uniforms”. Please define what uniforms are required for contractor personnel. | H.1 Security pg 33 | Generally medical staff wear scrubs or other easily cleaned clothing. There is no requirement for an identifiable uniform. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| H.1.1 lists countries from which no person may work on the contract in any capacity. Does the tem “any capacity” preclude the contractor from assigning work to any person from these countries who have the legal right to work in the U.S. performing “back office” (e.g., Accounting & Finance, Human Resources)? Does this clause only prohibit the contractor from assigning work in Iraq to persons from these countries? | H.1.1 pg 33 | The Government of Iraq is setting restriction regarding country of origin. This requirement restates that requirement/restriction. To the extent that we can determine the intent of the GOI, working in Iraq means any employee or person performing more than 30 days in Iraq. Experience shows that interpretation is often performed by the individual by the inspector on site on the given day. Therefore, until more specific definition is provided. it would be wise for the contractor to not incur cost to provide an employee that may not be acceptable to the GOI. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| H.1.2 and H.1.3 specify that individuals will need security clearances; and, information security requirements. Will the Government include a security specification or DD 254 with the solicitation or contract? | H.1.2 and H.1.3 pg 33-35 | Neither provision requires a Secret or Top Secret clearance. This contract is at the Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) level. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| H.2 requires Government approval of all Contractor employees. Please clarify whether this clause applies to contractor employees located in the United States performing “back office” type jobs such as Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, etc.; or whether this clause only applies to contractor employees assigned in Iraq directly working on the contract. | H.2 pg 35-37 | H.2. refers to contractor's employees serving in Iraq for the Chief of Mission. H.2. has been amended to add, "in Iraq." | HHP/CGR | 3/2/11 |
| H.5 implements requirements from FAR 52.225-19. However, FAR 52.225-19 is not in the contract. Please clarify the RFP. | H.5 pg 37 | FAR 52.225-19 has been added to Sec. I. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| H.9 requires the contractor to obtain all permits. Will the contractor have to supply pharmaceuticals from the U.S. or pharmaceuticals of U.S. origin under the contract? If so, will the contractor have to obtain the required FDA permits for each export? | H.9 pg 38 | The Offeror is to propose a supply chain that meets the requirements of the contract. Pharmaceuticals can be either FDA or European Medicine Agency Approved, but do not have to come from the U.S. and no FDA export permits are required. | CGR/BAT | 2/22/2011 |
| H.11 requires the contractor to carry insurance as listed in the clause. Section I contains FAR 52.228-5 Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (Jan 1997). However, the contract only requires medical malpractice insurance. Are other types of insurance coverage required for this contract? | H.11 and FAR 52.228-5 pp 39 and 50 | See FAR 52.228-5(a). | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| Section I contains FAR 52.237-7 Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance (Jan 1997). However, the clause requires the Government to state the amount of insurance per specialty per occurrence. The implementation of the clause is not in the contract. Please specify the amount of medical liability insurance the contractor is to carry. | H.11 and FAR 52.237-7 pp 39 and 51 | The RFP has been amended to include the following: a) Malpractice Insurance—for non-surgeon doctors, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants, $1 million/ $3 million (per occurrence/total). | BAT, MJC | 2/23/11 |
| H.12.2 does not allow the contractor to add G&A to DBA insurance. Since DBA is an allowable cost and would be part of the contractor’s cost base where G&A is applicable, request the Government allow the contractor to add its appropriate OH and G&A in accordance with GAAP, the contractor’s CASB Disclosure Statement, and normal business practice as applied to all other US Government contracts. | H.12.2 pg 40 | H.12.2 has been amended. Applicable indirect costs are allowable on DBA. | PC | 3/3/11 |
| FAR 52.229-6 Taxes--Foreign Fixed-Price Contracts (June 2003) requires the contractor to include all applicable taxes in the contract. The Agreement for Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Iraq (the 2005 Assistance Agreement), which provides tax exemption, although signed on behalf of the two governments has not been approved by the Iraqi legislature. Please clarify whether all offerors are to exclude the taxes described in the Agreement in prices proposed? | FAR 52.229-6 pg 51 | The Contractor will be responsible to know and follow the laws of Iraq. Since these laws and regulations are being developed, no comprehensive direction can be provided. As changes are codified by the GOI, those changes will be provided to the Contractor. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| If the taxes in The Agreement for Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the United States and the Government of the Republic of Iraq (the 2005 Assistance Agreement), which provides tax exemption, is not approved by the Iraqi legislature at the time of offer and those taxes were excluded in the prices proposed, will the US Government provide an equitable adjustment to the awardee’s contract? | FAR 52.229-6 pg 51 | The contractor should bid according to the known laws and regulations. Should an adjustment be deemed necessary by the contractor, such request will be heard by the Contracting Officer and adjudicated at that time. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| The Liquated Damages (LDS) of $500 is not clear as to the basis of its application, e.g., per labor hour not delivered, entire month of performance, or what. The dollar amount appears punitive or acts as a negative incentive which violates FAR 11.501(b). Also the application of the clause does not seem to be in accordance with the policy specified in FAR 11.501(a). Therefore, request deletion of the Liquidated Damages clause. | FAR 52.211-11 pg 49 | No. It is anticipated that task orders will, at least for labor, be firm fixed price. The Government will not reimburse for manpower not delivered. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| Since the Defense Base Act applies, FAR 52.228-4 is not to be used (See FAR 28.309(b)). Request deletion of FAR 52.228-4 Workers' Compensation and War-Hazard Insurance Overseas (Apr 1984). | FAR 52.228.4 pg 50 | 52.228-4 has been deleted. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| The clause requires the Contracting Officer to insert the amount of medical liability insurance to be carried by the contractor. Request the amounts be specified in the clause. | FAR 52.237-7 pg 51 | The RFP has been amended to include the following: a) Malpractice Insurance—for non-surgeon doctors, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants, $1 million/ $3 million (per occurrence/total). | BAT, MJC | 2/23/11 |
| These clauses are for supply contracts. The contract is for services where the use of these clauses is not appropriate. Request deletion of these two clauses. | FAR 52.246-17 and FAR 52.246-18 pg 51 | No. ODCs include materiel. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| The use of FAR 52.232-19 does not seem to meet the criteria of FAR 32.705-1(b) as this is not a one-year contract. Request deletion of this clause. | FAR 52.232-19 pg 54 | No, the basic contract is for one year. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| The clause titled, “Accounting for Government Property” does not have a clause number. Request a number be assigned. | Section I pg 60 | No number has been assigned as of this date. | CGR | 2/22/2011 |
| Note 4 under the section on Ceiling Indirect Cost Rates references Section B.5. However, there is no Section B.5. | L.10.1.2.5 82 | Pricing instructions have been amended. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| The section on Ceiling Indirect Cost Rates explains how to communicate these rates. However Section B does not require the contractor to include ceiling rates in its pricing. Suggest deleting the concept of negotiating ceiling rates and use the final rates as negotiated between the contractor and its cognizant Government Contract Administration Activity the final rates to determine the final cost incurred on the contract. | L.10.1.2.5 82 | Pricing instructions have been amended. Ceiling rates will remain and will be a basis for evaluating cost proposals. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| While there is no requirement to meet or fulfill JCAHO requirements, standards, or accreditations, are there any other Dos, U.S., or Iraqi requirements, standards, or accreditations applicable for the 11 health care sites? | Questions and Answers (11 Feb 2011) #143 | There are no specific standards or requirements for the health care facilities beyond what is specified in the RFP. The contractor may utilize some Department of State resources for quality assurance, blood-borne pathogen training, and controlled medication inventory. | MJC | 2/28/11 |
| Please provide detailed instructions to complete schedule B. | B Tables, 3 | Pricing instructions have been amended. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| 1. Why is the Quantity column 0 for each cost element except DBA? | Pricing instructions have been amended. | OJ | 3/7/11 | |
| 2. Is schedule B supposed to demonstrate costs identified in 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlxs? If the answer is yes please provide detailed instructions. | Pricing instructions have been amended. | OJ | 3/7/11 | |
| Document states “The first task order under this contract will be for Program Management.” Program management may include employees who are located outside of Iraq. Do you want these positions added to worksheet 4 Fixed Rates in 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlxs? Would these positions also be included in 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlxs sheets 6 through 10? | B.2, Type of Contract pg 8 | Pricing instructions have been amended. See attachment to Task Order 001. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| Where is Attachment A – Labor Categories? Is this referencing 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlxs? If it is, what sheet is this reference? | B.3, Labor Categories pg 8 | See Attachment A, Amd 0001. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Is a SOFA in currently in place? | C.2, Background pg 8 | (Status of Forces Agreement) No. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Please clarify where, in the proposal, the Subcontracting Plan should be included. | H.8, DoS Subcontracting Goal pg 38 | L.10 has been amended to address the Subcontracting Plan. It will be appended to the Technical Proposal. | CGR | 3/2/11 |
| Will each facility in Iraq be required to obtain separate DEA registration as a dispensing (hospital/clinic) facility? | H.9, Licenses, Bonds, and Permits pg 38 | If the contractor wants to bring controlled substances from the US, he will have to register as a DEA exporter and will have to comply with the international treaties and laws of Iraq. The only other option is to enter into an agreement with a local supplier in that part of the world. | BAT/MJC | 3/8/11 |
| Under what contract type will liquidated damages be enforced? | I.1, Contract Clauses Incorporated by Reference pg 49 | The Government intends to award task orders on a fixed price basis wherever possible. It is anticipated that the Liquidated Damages clause would be applicable when fixed price labor hours are not delivered per the terms and conditions of the task order. However, the Government reserves all its rights under the clause. | CGR | 2/24/11 |
| If Iraqi labor law changes over the contract period will the Government negotiate an equitable adjustment to the contract’s fixed labor rates? | L.10.1.2.1, Labor pg 75 | The contractor should bid according to the known laws and regulations. Should an adjustment be deemed necessary by the contractor, such request will be heard by the Contracting Officer and adjudicated at that time. | CGR | 3/2/11 |
| Please clarify the instruction to address procedures for “laundry services.” PWS C.4.4.1 indicates laundry services are provided by another contractor. | L.10.3.1.2(1), Health Service Support Approach pg 89 | Laundry services are provided by the basic life support contractor. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| The Contracting Officer for one of our past performance references has directed our company to send only one past performance questionnaire (i.e., not one to the lead contract person and one to a technical person, as stated in the RFP). Is our assumption correct that the Government will accept only one questionnaire for this particular reference? | L.10.3.1.5, Past Performance pg 93 | L.10.3.1.5. does NOT direct you to send multiple past performance surveys to the same company. The proposal will describe no more than three relevant experiences that demonstrate the company's capabilities and strengths. In addition to the experience discussion in the proposal, the Offeror is to comply with the Past Performance Survey requirements. It is the Offeror's choice whether the surveys provide additional instances of relevant experience or whether they further support the experience discussion in the proposal. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Please clarify the number of personnel who may attend the Oral Presentation. The RFP states that attendance “shall be limited to no more than five” and then states, “One representative from … may additionally attend.” | L.10.5.1, Oral Technical Proposal Presentation Constraints pg 95 | The number of attendees is dependent on your business structure. In addition to the five slots allotted the prime contractor/offeror, "One representative from each proposed key subcontractor, associate contractor, and/or contract team member can additionally attend." | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Will US law govern any disputes with respect to contract performance in Iraq? | FAR 52.233-1 pg 51 | A contract between a U.S. contractor and DoS to provide medical services in Iraq will be construed in accordance with U.S. laws and that U.S. standard of care would likely govern, but Iraq law may well apply to licensing, taxes, etc. Disputes under CDA can go to CBCA or to Court of Federal Claims at contractor’s option. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| What is the venue for disputes? GSA Board of Contract Appeals, Court of Federal Claims, or what? | FAR 52.233-1 pg 51 | Disputes under CDA can go to CBCA or to Court of Federal Claims at contractor’s option. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Amendment 0001 provided the Section B CLIN structure. In that structure, the quantity for the basic services is “LT” Lot. Suggest the quantity be changed to “MO” Month to allow services to be delivered on a monthly basis and allow the contractor to be fully paid for each month of service provided. | Section B Amd 001 | "LT" will remain. The ODCs are NTE amounts. There is nothing to prevent full payment on a monthly basis. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Suggest that the quantity for travel, ODCs and material be changed to “EA” Each. This will allow the contractor to bill for these items as provided during each month of performance. | Section B Amd 001 | LT will remain. The ODCs are NTE amounts. There is nothing to prevent full payment on a monthly basis. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| The contract requires a warranty of services. What services are subject to warranty and how will the Government administer a warranty for health care services? Suggest removal of this clause. | FAR 52.246-20 | No. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is primarily responsible for quality assurance oversight of this services contract. (Note: the RFP has been amended to insert, "or the COR shall give written notice... within 30 days of detecting the defect." | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| Is the May 20, 2011 start date in Amendment 1 inclusive of the transition period? What is the transition start date that we can use for pricing? | Section B and Section F.1 | Transition will run from May 20, 2011 to September 1, 2011 for the Program Management task order (Task Order 001). For the remaining task orders, transition will be defined as task order award date until mission capable status, as defined in the task order RFP. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| Government provided the annual estimated Medical Equipment (ODC) cost of $6,000,000 in the pricing tables. Is the contractor required to use the annual estimated Medical Equipment (ODC) cost of $6,000,000 for each Task Orders? | 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlsx, 1. Compliance Checklist, & 5. ID/IQ Pricing | No. Offeror is to propose ODCs that support his services delivery model. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Is the contractor required to submit a separate Section B (Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs) for each Task Order and the IDIQ proposal? In other words, is the Government expecting the contractor to submit six sets of Section B, one for each task order and then one for the IDIQ? | 2-11-2011_Final_from_GFMS.pdf; Sec B Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, Sec B Supplies and Services, pp 3-7 | No. Task Order proposals are to be in accordance with H.12 Ordering. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| In the Section B table, the unit is "LT" and the contractor is required to submit the quantities which the unit cost is $250 or less in Line Item x003 and the quantities which the unit cost is $250 or greater. |
| Can we adjust the unit "LT" depending on the type of cost we are providing? | Section L.10.1.2.2. pg 76 | Yes, for purposes of the cost proposal. "LT" will remain for the ODC CLINs. ODCs over $250.00 are NTE amounts. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| If the offeror is to submit a separate Section B for each task order, will the Government provide a Section B with a PoP to match the Task Order PoP or can the offeror adjust the dates in the Section B template. |
For reference:
Attachment F: 2.2. Period of Performance. The period of performance will be one base year plus four (4) one-year option periods. Mission Capable Status will be October 1, 2011.
Attachment G: 2.3. Period of Performance. The period of performance will be one base year plus four (4) one-year option periods. Mission Capable Status will be September 7, 2011.
Attachment H: 2.3. Period of Performance. The period of performance will be one base year plus four (4) one-year option periods. Mission Capable Status will be September 15, 2011.
Attachment I: 2.3. Period of Performance. The period of performance will be one base year plus four (4) one-year option periods. Mission Capable Status will be September 15, 2011.
| 2-11-2011_Final_from_GFMS.pdf and 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlsx, pp 3-7 & 1. Compliance Checklist #18 | Offeror will propose task orders in accordance with H.12 Ordering. | CGR | 2/28/11 | |
| What is the evaluation criteria for the oral presentation? | Section M.5.1 para 1 and 2 | The oral presentation supports the Offeror's overall proposal and should be structured to summarize and augment the written proposal. It will be evaluated in accordance with the technical factors in M.5.1. No cost/price data are to be presented. See L.10.5.5. for organization. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| Are all 5 Proposal Volumes to be delivered simultaneously on 3/30/11 by 17:00 PM? | Section L.6, para 1 | Yes. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Who will provide facilities’ maintenance (i.e., repair roofs, repair flooring; electrical repairs, plumbing repairs, etc)? Does the contractor have to provide and budget for this maintenance or will another DoS contractor provide facilities’ maintenance? | Section H.13 | Facilities, and the maintenance thereof, are the responsibility of the Government. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| If the Government decides to leave existing Government equipment in place, then who will be responsible for replacing aged equipment? Will the Contractor, through a separate Task Order, have the opportunity to program for the retirement of aged equipment? Most capital equipment that the DoD might leave behind as GFE will be reaching the end of its life expectancy. | Section H.14 | Equipment purchase, repair, maintenance, and replacement is an ODC. Costs are allocable at the task order level. There will not be a separate task order for GFE and/or CAP (contractor acquired property). | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Who will pay for the repair of costly medical equipment, e.g., X-ray, X-ray tubes, CT scanner, etc? Are there existing DoD maintenance contracts that can be transferred to the contractor for management through the expiration date? | Section H.14 | Equipment purchase, repair, maintenance, and replacement is an ODC. Costs are allocable at the task order level. There will not be a separate task order for GFE and/or CAP (contractor acquired property). Currently, USF-1 has a parts and unlimited phone consultation contract with Phillips that will not carry over. The Offeror will be responsible for a subcontract with Phillips or another firm. We believe the Contractor's biomed tech will need training from Phillips or a firm with like capability. | MJC | 2/23/11 |
| Do the existing operating rooms have HEPA filters or other types of air purification systems? | Section H.13 | The operating rooms are not routinely equipped with HEPA or other filtration systems. | MJC | 3/4/11 |
| This Government procurement does not clarify if the US Government will assist the contractor in clearing Iraqi Customs. The RFP suggests that the contractor is completely responsible for the clearance of medical material through Iraqi Customs and that the contractor must pay any tariffs and taxes that are levied. However, the answer to Question 86 in the Q&A document seems to indicate that, in fact, the US Government is prepared to help as long as the contractor follows the marking instructions provided. Request clarification. | Section H.9 and 2-11-2011_Response_to_Comments, #86 | Follow the instructions. If the contactor fails to do so, the government is not responsible for providing assistance. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| The RFP suggests that the contractor should propose a Class VIII - Medical Supply Chain process. The RFP also suggests that the contractor can use the existing DoD Class VIII system as a back-up if needed. The answer “yes” to Question Number 59 in the Q&A document seems to indicate or imply that the contractor can, in fact, propose the use of the existing DoD system as the primary means of ordering and receiving medical supplies and that, if not available, then the contractor should have a system that they can propose and use. Is the Government’s intent or preference that the contractor use the existing DoD system? It would be more cost effective if the contractor were allowed to establish accounts and buy all required medical supplies and pharmaceuticals through existing Government Prime Vendor relationships. | 2-11-2011_Response_to_Comments and RFP_SAQMMA11R-0010, Section C.4.4, #59 | The Offeror is to propose a supply chain that meets the requirements of the contract. The DoD system could be the fallback or it may be the primary system if the Offeror so chooses. | BAT/MJC | 3/8/11 |
| For these blood and blood products, will the Government also provide transportation support through the TOC? | Sections C.4.1.1 and C.4.4.6 | The contractor will be responsible for procuring blood and blood products from Qatar; Transportation to Baghdad will be made available from Kuwait and Amman via Embassy supported flights. Within Iraq, Embassy Air Operations will support further movement. | MJC/BAT | 2/28/11 |
| When is the subcontracting plan due, at contract start or as at proposal delivery? | Section H.8 | Sec L. has been amended to clarify that the Small Business Plan will be due with the proposal. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| Will the Government be releasing a CDRL list during the proposal period? | NA | No. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Can the Government provide details for the type of security that will be provided by the Department of State for contractor personnel security during in-country transportation, on and off embassy compounds and medical logistics? | 2-11-2011_Response_to_Comments, #38 and 63 | Security will be provided on site and between sites if travel is directed by the Government. No performance is foreseen outside of secure areas. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| Is the contractor allowed to add columns in the Pricing Table 4 to provide the detail of labor categories? | 2-11-2011_Pricing_Tables.xlsx, 1. Compliance Checklist | See Attachment M, Pricing Instructions. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| On other contracts where the contractor is providing medical, laboratory, pharmaceutical and/or other ancillary health services, the Government has experienced significant savings by indemnifying the contractor against liabilities. Would the government consider indemnifying the contractor against any liability arising out of or related to the contractor’s performance under this contract? | Section H | No. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Regarding any goods being held in warehousing and delivered, does the Freight forwarder delivering the goods require any special licenses to handle these goods? If so, please advise which Licenses so they can be obtained prior to award | C.4.4.1, pg. 14 | No special licenses are understood to be necessary at this time. Changes may be expected and the COM will assist if material movement is coordinated with the COM. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| Under a DoS contract, goods are usually shipped “duty free.” The RFP states:“The Contractor is responsible for any import fees, tariffs, and /or taxes imposed by Iraq as well as completion of all the cross border documentation required as part of this contract.” Please confirm these goods will be shipped to Iraq duty free or if Iraq intends to impose taxes. | C.4.4.1, pg. 14 | Yes, if shipped as directed by the Embassy and marked appropriately. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| “Any U.S. citizen prime or subcontractor employee who will deploy to Iraq in conjunction with this contract, regardless of purpose of visit or duration of stay, must have a favorable investigation, no older than 2 years, resulting in issuance of a Final Secret or Top Secret personnel security clearance from Defense Security Service (DSS) or must have a favorable Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) investigation conducted by the Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Only employees with current clearances or whose MRPT’s are favorably adjudicated will be allowed to travel to Iraq.” Based on the answers to questions from the Industry Day it was our understanding that there would not be a requirement for anyone under this contract to have a security clearance. If this has changed, is an interim SECRET level clearance sufficient for all personnel or will there be requirements for a TOP SECRET level clearance? | H.1.2.1, pg. 33 | Neither H.2. nor H.1.3. require a Top Secret or Secret clearance. This contract is at the MRPT level. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Is the contractor responsible for all pre-deployment processes and procedures through their own facilities or must they go through a Department of State sponsored CONUS Replacement Center or the Department of Defense CONUS Replacement Center or similar facility? | H.7, pg. 37 | It is envisioned that the Contractor's employees will process and travel independently. No reception center is deemed necessary. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| “Any U.S. citizen prime or subcontractor employee who will deploy to Iraq in conjunction with this contract, regardless of purpose of visit or duration of stay, must have a favorable investigation, no older than 2 years, resulting in issuance of a Final Secret or Top Secret personnel security clearance from Defense Security Service (DSS) or must have a favorable Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) investigation conducted by the Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Only employees with current clearances or whose MRPT’s are favorably adjudicated will be allowed to travel to Iraq.” Will the Government accept non-US citizen Third Country Nationals as employees on this contract? | H.1.2.1, pg. 33 | If they can be cleared and will be acceptable to the Government of Iraq. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| “In the event the Government requests the Contractor purchase Reimbursable Materials, the Contractor shall provide 2-3 competitive offeror quotes for all purchases exceeding US $3,000 in support of the purchase, as well as a written justification if the Contractor selects other than the lowest priced quote. The quotes shall serve as a determination of fair and reasonable pricing by the Contracting Officer.” Will the Government in fact require 2 to 3 competitive offers for Reimbursable Materials as long as the contractor obtained 2 to 3 competitive offers for the original materials and the reimbursable materials are ordered through the same vendor as approved for the original material? | Section B.3.1, pg. 8 | In the absence of an ID/IQ delivery order contract or a BPA, negotiated at the time of the original order, the answer is yes. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| “Although this contract may require coordination with other contracts for performance of specific services, primary responsibility for performance of the following services will reside with other contracts and are not the responsibility of this contract: Medical Waste Disposal, Food and Water Point Inspection / Testing, Pest / Vector Control, Cafeteria Inspections.”…“Other contracts will provide medical waste disposal, laundry services, equipment disposal, oxygen tank refills; trash collection; hazard material management and general housekeeping.” Does the Government have a general list of other contractors who will be providing these services and can this list be provided? | C.4.3; C.4.4.1, pg. 14 | The Government does not have a consolidated list of local contractors supporting the Embassy. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| The RFP states that 52.215-11, 52.215-13, 52.215-20, and 52.215-21 are incorporated within any resultant contract. The Contractor requests these be deleted as this is a competitive procurement and therefore not required. The RFP also states that 52.215-1 is incorporated within any resultant contract. However, pg. 70 of the RFP and pg. 85 solidifies that the Government anticipates this to be a competitive acquisition. Request that the Government remove this clause. | I.1, pg. 49; L.1, pg. 70; L.10.1.2.5, pg. 85 | No. The Government agrees that Certified Cost and Pricing Data are not required for the basic contract. However, on an action this large, there is a high probability that modifications and/or orders will exceed the threshold as specified in FAR 15.403-4. | CGR | 2/28/11 |
| The RFP includes an export clauses in I.3a. Does the Government consider a US-to-US (overseas) transaction exporting? | I.3a, pg. 55 | DOSAR 652.225-71 Section 8(a) of the Export Administration Act of 1979, as Amended (Aug 1999) will remain in the contract. | ||
| CGR | 2/28/11 | |||
| “The Contractor shall provide technically competent Health Care Providers (HCPs) that are “medically and dentally fit” in the time frame stated in the task order award notice.” Will candidates be undergoing a Pre-Medical screening? Does the Pre-Medical screening include a drug test? If so, who will pay the cost and are the requirements similar to those deploying to the CRC at Ft. Benning, GA? | C.6.3, pg. 16 | (We are not familiar with the CRC at Ft. Benning.) Contractor is responsible for providing personnel who are medically fit and able to perform their duties. If they are unable to perform due to drug impairment, either because they are not physically and mentally competent or because they are unable to receive and maintain an MRPT clearance, they will be found unacceptable. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| The RFP lists several different positions. Some of the positions are specific in their requirement for US certifications whereas other positions will allow for “equivalent”. Please can you confirm if we can propose equivalents for all positions in our proposed staffing plan if we believe it will represent an effective solution? | Section C.6.6.1, pg. 19 | The requirements are as stated in the RFP. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| “The Contractor shall have custody of remains until other arrangements can be made. Remains may be held for 24-48 hours.” Is the contractor responsible for supplying “cold storage” for remains or will this provided by the mortuary services provider? | Section C.4.4.4, pg. 14 | The Contractor will have custody of the remains up to 48 hours. The Contractor, not the mortuary services provider, will be responsible. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| “In the International Zone, contractors generally take care of their own personnel.” Will Contractor personnel provided under this contract be authorized to use these medical services being provided under this contract or is the contractor expected to provide additional medical services to support contractor personnel operating under this contract? | C3.1.1, pg. 9 | Contractor personnel are authorized to use the medical services being provided under this contract. | MJC/BAT | 2/28/11 |
| “The Contractor shall designate a medical director for appropriate medical oversight at each facility.” Can the Contractor utilize one of its medical staff at the HU as the medical director or is this an additional position not currently listed within any of price lists provided? | C.3.2, pg. 10 | The Offeror is to propose the staffing plan that best supports his services delivery model. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| “The Contractor shall be responsible for all supply chain management processes to support the operations of health care facilities. This includes determining what pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical equipment are required to sustain patient care operations.” Are these anticipated costs to be captured in the labor costs or within the ODC CLIN? | C.4.4.1 | Supplies and equipment are ODCs. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| “The Contractor will provide computers, peripherals, and automation support required to meet the health care requirements described in this PWS.” Are the costs for this equipment to be included in the labor pricing? If so, can the Government provide a more specific list of anticipated communication and automation support? (e.g. 1 computer per person?) | C.5, pg. 16 | You have asked two questions: what equipment is needed and how do you propose it? You are to propose that equipment needed to support your services delivery model. Pricing will depend on your proposal strategy. | CGR | 3/1/11 |
| “The Contractor shall be responsible for application, justification, fees, and certifications for any licenses required by the host government.” Can the Government provide any estimates for these? Should we assume these should be included in the labor rates? | H.9 | See L.11 Obtaining Licenses and Permits. Again, how you propose costs is determined by your proposal strategy. | CGR | 3/1/11 |
| Table L.10.1.2 is inconsistent with Table 5. Does the Government prefer that we use Table 5? | L.10.1.2 (RFP); Table 4 & 5 (2-11-2011 Pricing Tables | Labor rate data are to entered into Table 5. The proposed fully loaded labor rates will go into the contract in Attachment A. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| “The Contractor shall propose the monthly estimates of consumable medical supplies and required medical equipment costs…” The Government states this reference above in Section B as well. This conflicts with Table 5 (2-11-2011 Pricing Tables) which provides a plug of $6M per year for medical supplies and equipment. Should we use Table 5 or does the Government require that we estimate yearly ODC’s? | L.10.1.2.2, pg. 76 | The $6M figure is notional, to provide a comparable basis for price evaluation. See paragraph L.10.1.2.3. for revised instructions regarding estimated ODC requirements. | ||
| “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 U.S. government direct hire employees the medical director will contact the Regional Medical Officer in Baghdad, who will make arrangements for the medical evacuation. For all other contractors, each contractor will hold private medical evacuation insurance. In all medical evacuation cases, the RSO will be involved in the evacuation coordination and decision process.” Will the Contractor’s personnel under this contract be included in the Government medevac or is the Contractor expected to provide its own medevac support for its personnel? | C.4.1.1, pg. 13 | The Contractor's personnel under this contract will be able to utilize Government medevac capabilities only within Iraq. Medevacs outside Iraq will be the responsibility of the Contractor and its medevac insurance company. | MJC/BAT | 2/28/11 |
| Will the hospital facilities be equipped with gunpowder scanners? | N/A | No. | BAT | 2/28/11 |
| Is the Contractor awarded the contract permitted to charge a fee on ODC’s? | N/A | Allowability of fee/profit will be determined at the task order level, depending on the contract type of the ODC and Labor CLINs. Fixed fee will be allowable on a cost-reimbursement CLIN provided the task order labor is fixed price. (See FAR 52.232-7.) | CGR | 3/2/11 |
| Two different documents were released within the RFP dated 11 Feb, 2011 by the Government, one in Word and one as a PDF. Can the Government confirm that the correct RFP consists of the SF33 dated 11 Feb, 2011 and the Word document dated 9 Feb, 2011 is the latest Solicitation? | N/A | Amd 0001 is the corrected solicitation. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Will the military have no residual support in Iraq to provide for service members? Evacuation of service members? And only until December 2011? | C.2, pgs. 8-9 | USF-I will provide support, in some areas only, until the end of 2011. Where support is not available, active duty military will be deemed to fall under the DoS eligible population and will be supported by the Contractor. Beyond 12-2011, all military will fall under the Chief of Mission authority as applicable to eligibility. | MJC/BAT | 2/28/11 |
| Which DSH’s support which HU’s? For instance is Erbil aligned with the Kirkuk or Mosul DSH? Tikrit? | Table C.1, pg. 9 | There is no formal assignment of an HU to a DSH, though proximity will make that determination. Erbil HU will utilize Erbil local resources; Tikrit will be included in the Sather catchment area. A certain flexibility will be required depending on conditions at any point in time. | MJC | 2/28/11 |
| There is an asterisk comment on the large DSH – explain the additional population of 5,000 and what impact this has on doctor/patient ratio? | Table C.1, pg. 9 | The distinction is between primary health care facilities and second care. The Offeror will propose his service model to address patient care. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| How will military drawdown affect the population supported (including by site in Table C.1)? | C.3.1.1, pg. 9 | Table C.1 is the post draw-down population. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Please confirm that no contractors will be treated outside the IZ or Union III? | C.3.1.1, pg. 9 | Please read C.3.1.1. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| HU’s vary in size of population served and differ according to local threat level. How does this affect staffing, bed capacity, medical equipment, etc.? | C.3.2, pg. 10 | The Offeror will propose resources required to support his medical services model. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| “Designate” a medical director? Should this be a medical provider or medical administrator? | C.3.2, pg. 10 | The Offeror will propose resources required to support his medical services model. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Will a military equivalency for physician’s assistants, for example, be acceptable vice the credentials cited in this paragraph? | C.3.2, pg. 10 | No; there is no equivalency. | MJC | 2/28/11 |
| Does “formulary” refer to pharmaceuticals? | C.3.2, pg. 10 | "Formulary" refers to the collection of pharmaceuticals. | MJC | 2/28/11 |
| “Appropriate number of trauma bays…?” On what basis? | C.3.3, pg. 11 | The Offeror will propose resources required to support his medical services model. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| “Consulate and other locations…?” How is this different than HU’s? What impact will this have on minimum staffing levels? Supplies? | C.3.5, pg. 11 | Each consulate or Embassy Branch Office will have a HU, which, when associated with a DSH, will be part of the DSH. Estimated staffing at a DSH include the HU functions. Facilities without a DSH will have a HU. | MJC | 2/28/11 |
| Are contractor (provider) personnel entitled to prophylactic treatment (e.g. vaccinations)? | C.6.3, pg. 17 | Personnel under this contract will receive whatever vaccinations the contractor wishes to provide - by the contractor. | MJC | 2/28/11 |
| Classified reports – in conflict with previous Response to Comments. | D.1, pg. 21 | No DD254 is required for this contract. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| QA Plan metrics: please explain second paragraph (bold). Contractor must offer metrics in its proposal; how then can the RFP be modified prior to award? | E.3, pg. 23 | The Offeror's Quality Assurance Plan indicates the Offeror's approach to quality management. It is a subfactor for the Technical Evaluation. At the task order level, the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is the government's tool for oversight and will, to the extent it is in the Government's best interest, incorporate the proposed metrics. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Do non-US Citizen contractors have a lower investigation standard than US citizens? | H.1.2.2, pg. 34 | No. | HHP | 3/2/11 |
| Are CD’s to be password protected or is this an optional requirement? | L.10 (Table), pg. 72 | "may be password protected"--This is an optional requirement. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Medical Director position/title not identified in Task Orders. Is the public health oversight specialty equivalent to the medical director requirement in Section C? | All Task Orders | The Offeror will propose resources required to support his medical services model. | CGR | 2/22/11 |
| Can the government clarify what the offeror should enter, if anything, in the Section B Line Item Summary for Unit price and Total Cost columns? Should it be the notional cost for all 11 locations or the total of the various TO Prices? Should this be bypassed for this submission as the data required by Section L.10 will be contained in the Excel sheets supplied? | Section B – Line Item Summary | No. Prices and estimated costs will be entered by the Contracting Officer prior to award. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| In section L.10.1.2.1 – Labor it states “The RFP states Labor shall include wages, fringe benefits, overhead, general and administrative and profit and shall be fully supported as indicated above.” It is unclear what the reference to “fully supported as indicated above” means. Does the government require detail cost breakdowns of the labor rates even though this is a competitive procurement for fixed labor rates? | L.10.1.2.1 | Yes. See amended pricing instructions. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| Sections L.10.1.2.4 indicates that no G&A is authorized on DBA Insurance. If an offeror’s disclosed Cost Accounting Practices include the allocation of G&A to DBA expenses why would they not be allowed to apply it on this contract? Cost accounting standards do not allow a contractor to allocate that unapplied G&A costs to other government contracts so it would mean that the offeror would take a direct loss on the allocated amount of G&A if he were not allowed to charge it through. There is no prohibition in FAR or CAS on this allocation. | L.10.1.2.4 | L.10.1.2.4. has been amended. Applicable indirect costs are allowable on DBA. | OJ | 3/7/11 |
| The pricing instructions are not clear relative to the requirements for the Task Order price submission. The tabs for the individual TOs in the Excel spreadsheet supplied with the RFP are blank. Should the offeror create a set of worksheets for each TO that outlines the labor and each group of ODCs and summarize separately from the IDIQ? | Excel Price Schedule; L.10.1 | Pricing instructions have been amended. See attachments to task orders. | OJ/CGR | 3/7/11 |
| Should the offeror be outlining the ODC costs for the entire 11 facilities at the IDIQ level or for each TO in its price proposal documentation? | L.10.1.2.2 | No. | CGR | 3/7/11 |
| The RFP prohibits the application of fee to ODCs. Is this intended to apply to a subcontractor teammate whose primary role is to supply materials and equipment as ODCs? They would have no ability to recover any profit unless they had a labor potion of the contract. Should they just be treated as supply vendors for purposes of the proposal? | L.10.1.2.2 | Except for Contractor Teaming Arrangements, team members normally function as subs under the prime contractor. However, the Offeror should propose in accordance with his business structure. | CGR | 3/7/11 |
| It is unclear from the various documents and data received whether the government expects Danger and Hazard pay allowances to be included in the proposed fixed labor rates or whether they should be segregated and treated as ODCs. Since the ODCs are not part of the evaluated price it has a major impact on that price depending on how the offeror treats them in the proposal. Could the government please clarify how they expect danger and hardship pay allowances to be proposed? | L.10.1 | Danger and Post Hardship Allowance should be entered under ODCs. | JO | 3/7/11 |
| “The Contractor shall propose the monthly estimates of consumable medical supplies and required medical equipment costs…” The Government states this reference above in Section B as well. This conflicts with Table 5 (2-11-2011 Pricing Tables) which provides a plug of $6M per year for medical supplies and equipment. Should we use Table 5 or does the Government require that we estimate yearly ODC’s? | L.10.1.2.2, pg. 76 | The $6M figure is notional, to provide a comparable basis for price evaluation. See paragraph L.10.1.2.3. for revised instructions regarding estimated ODC requirements. | OJ/CGR | 3/7/11 |
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