ASPE_Questions_and_Answers.docx

SAQMMA14R0438 A001 – Assessment of ASPE Program

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Reference the SOW.

a. On page one of the statement of work, you mention that the vendor will "recommend healthcare and insurance information in orientation materials, and related training materials for all options identified by the vendor." Can you provide additional context around this request as there is no other detail in the Deliverables section of the SOW. Can you provide a list, description, and examples of the materials used today for these purposes? Response: The vendor is required to provide an assessment of the existing Accident and Sick Program for Exchanges (ASPE) program, and an assessment of other healthcare options. The vendor is also required to develop a proposed transition and implementation plan based on the vendor’s recommended healthcare options. The vendor will only be required to produce sample orientation and training materials that directly relate to the options they present the Government. This will help the Government to have the information needed to consider all healthcare options provided by the vendor and to determine how to structure future healthcare coverage for exchanges participants. The Statement of Work has been updated to clarify that the vendor will only be required to produce sample orientation and training materials that directly relate to the options they present the Government.

The materials used for the ASPE program today include printed materials, online DOS and cooperative agencies websites, the ASPE guidebook at: www.usdos.sevencorners.com and the Consolidated Insurance System (COINS). The COINS system is the enrollment benefit system for the ASPE program. COINS allow registered users worldwide to enroll, modify, and print ID cards for their exchange grantees.

b. Please also identify the audience(s), and the channels used today (print, online, other) and anticipated in the future. Response: The existing audience for ASPE is the ECA Bureau, grantee organizations, cooperating agencies, the current Third Party administrator and exchange participants. The channels used for the ASPE program today and anticipated future includes printed materials, online DOS and cooperating agencies’ websites, the ASPE guidebook at: www.usdos.sevencorners.com and the Consolidated Insurance System (COINS). The COINS system is the enrollment benefit system for the ASPE program. COINS allow registered users worldwide to enroll, modify, and print ID cards for their exchange grantees.

c. Finally, you request this for all options identified by the vendor regardless of which alternative is recommended or selected. Response: The Government is seeking an analysis and recommendations under this Statement of Work to help determine how to structure future healthcare coverage for exchange participants. The vendor is required to provide an assessment of the existing Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) program, and an assessment of other healthcare options. The vendor is also required to develop a proposed transition and implementation plan based on the vendor’s recommended healthcare and insurance options. The vendor will only be required to produce sample orientation and training materials that directly relate to the options they present the Government. The Statement of Work has been updated to clarify that the vendor will only be required to produce sample orientation and training materials that directly relate to the options they present the Government.

1. Reference the solicitation.

1. The contract calls for a FFP, but there is language throughout indicating it might not be. An example is the requirement to turn in weekly time and attendance data? This will be a FFP type contract. Please see revised solicitation and SOW.

1. There is no travel CLINs on the solicitation. Must we assume that any contractor travel is at their own expense and therefore much be built into the Firm Fixed Price? An other direct cost (ODC) line item/CLIN has been included.

1. Is it the expectation that the Offerors would solicit proposals or evaluate proposals from Vendors to meet the CFR regulations and the “four pillars” of the plan? Response: There is no expectation for the vendor to solicit proposals or evaluate proposals from a vendor. The Government is seeking an assessment of the existing ASPE program and other healthcare options that might be recommended under the Statement of Work that would meet the requirements of the 22 CFR 62.14 and meet the objectives of the exchanges.

1. Is the government seeking a single source to produce healthcare services/plans? Or is it the intent to create an exchange allowing multiple plans to choose from? Response: The Government is seeking an assessment of the existing ASPE program and other healthcare options that might be recommended under this Statement of Work. These options may include single source or multiple plans, depending on the analysis of needs, which will help the Government decide how to structure future healthcare coverage for exchange participants.

1. Is the government requesting the Offeror to evaluate and maintain existing sources for healthcare services? Response: No, the Government is not requesting Offerors to evaluate and maintain the existing sources for healthcare services. The Government is, however, seeking an analysis of the existing ASPE program as part of the requested analysis and recommendations of multiple options for health care coverage of exchange participants in the future.