T2890 Bid Amendment 5 060220~1.docx

PHILIP D. MURPHY

Governor State of New Jersey

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

DIVISION OF PURCHASE AND PROPERTY

PROCUREMENT BUREAU

33 WEST STATE STREET

P. O. BOX 230

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08625-0230

ELIZABETH MAHER MUOIO

State Treasurer

SHEILA Y. OLIVER

Lt. Governor

MAURICE A. GRIFFIN

Acting Director https://www.njstart.gov

June 2, 2020

To: All Interested Vendors {Bidders}

Re: Bid Solicitation # 20DPP00492 T2890 Residential Re-Entry Programming and Services - NJSPB

Bid Amendment #5

The following constitutes Bid Amendment #5 to the above referenced Bid Solicitation:

· This Bid Amendment includes:

· Answers to the second round of Vendor {Bidder} electronic questions;

· Revisions to the Bid Solicitation; and

· Revisions to the Price Sheet/Schedule – revised to unlock the cells for Columns E & F.

· Please note that for all additions, deletions, clarifications and modifications to the Bid Solicitation, please refer to the Revised Bid Solicitation entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220.

· Please note that T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220 includes additions and/or revisions to the following Bid Solicitation Sections:

· 1.3.2 Submission of Quotes;

· 1.4.7.1 Quote Withdrawal Prior to Quote Opening;

· 1.4.7.2 Quote Withdrawal After Quote Opening;

· 1.4.11 Electronic Signatures;

· 3.20 Transportation;

· 3.23.4 Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Education, Counseling and Supportive Services;

· 3.35.6 Staffing;

· 3.35.7.3 Case Managers;

· 3.35.7.7 Operations Personnel; and

· 5.8 Ownership of Material.

Due to concerns with COVID-19, hard copies of Quotes will NOT be accepted. All Quote documents and samples must be submitted through the NJSTART eProcurement site. For more information, see the Special Notice released by the State on March 16, 2020: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/specialnotices/03162020a.shtml.

It is the sole responsibility of the Vendor {Bidder} to be knowledgeable of all of the additions, deletions, clarifications, and modifications to the Bid Solicitation and/or the New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions relative to this Bid Solicitation as set forth in all Bid Amendments.

All other instructions, terms, and conditions of the Bid Solicitation shall remain the same.

Bid Solicitation #20DPP00492 T2890 Residential Re-Entry Programming & Services - NJSPB

Answers to Questions

Where applicable, each question references the appropriate Bid Solicitation section.

Section Reference Question (Bolded) and Answer

Please note that the response provided in Bid Amendment #3 for question #76 is outdated and is no longer correct. That answer is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

In light of the dangers posed by the COVID-19 virus outbreak and the declaration by the World Health Organization of a global pandemic and Governor Murphy Executive Orders (https://www.state.nj.us/infobank/eo/056murphy/approved/eo_archive.html) which declared both a Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency please be advised that all Quotes shall be submitted electronically through NJSTART.

Vendors {Bidders} may refer to the “Vendor Registration” and “Submit a Quote” Quick Reference Guides for instructions on how to enroll in NJSTART and how to submit an electronic Quote through NJSTART. The Quick Reference Guide entitled “Submit a Quote” is available here: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/njstart/pdf/Create-a-Quote.pdf.

Additionally, to ensure that you have properly submitted the required documents you may also review the Quick Reference Guide entitled “How to Review a Submitted Quote” which is available here: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/njstart/pdf/HowtoReviewaSubmittedQuote.pdf. Answers to Frequently asked Questions and all Quick Reference Guides are located on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page. If further assistance is needed, please email NJSTART Vendor Administration Team at: njstart@treas.nj.gov .

The State budget appropriations for each of the past three (3) fiscal years are as follows:

B). Please provide current state budget appropriations for PROMISE, STEPS, and RESAP for the fiscal year that ends 6/30/20.

The current State budget appropriations for the fiscal year that ends September 30,2020 is as follows:

1. STEPS - $7,429,000; and

2. RESAP (Includes PROMISE) - $10,465,000.

Fiscal Year 2021 budget information has not yet been reviewed or determined by the Legislature and will not be released, at this time.

The current per diem pricing structure is likely the most expensive approach, particularly given utilization trends over the past several years. The additional cost and risk that vendors may price into their proposals to account for the risk of low utilization may result in higher per diem rates. Alternate pricing methodologies (i.e. tiered pricing) would likely result in significantly lower pricing. Please allow vendors to offer tiered pricing.

The State does not accept this proposed modification.

B) Would the NJSPB commit to utilizing contracted beds at a certain percentage (i.e. 95%) similar to the NJDOC?

The State does not accept this proposed modification.

The State cannot comment with regard to any funding that may be provided by the Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

This number includes the totality of clients in residential programs, as well as in transitional and/or supportive housing.

The State does not accept this proposed modification. The pricing must be submitted in conformance with the requirements of the Bid Solicitation.

Is there a way to broker an agreement that staff with requisite experience and educational degree be recognized as having the same capability as someone with a state credential? The scope of having to lose a minimum of 50% of existing treatment staff is terrifying from a human resources standpoint.

The NJSPB and the NJDOH, Office of Certificate of Need and Licensing are collaborating regarding licensure standards and requirements. While all licensure requirements established by the NJDOH, Office of Certificate of Need and Licensing, will be reviewed collectively with the NJSPB, the NJDOH, Office of Certificate of Need and Licensing is the approving State agency.

A) Please confirm vendors will be expected to abide by the guidelines included in the link once they are fully approved by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH).

Yes, the Vendor {Contractor} shall be expected to comply with all guidelines. Please refer to Bid Solicitation Section 3.4.2.2 of the revised Bid Solicitation entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220” for additional information.

(B) In the event NJDOH and/or NJSPB modifies the licensing requirements after a vendor submits a quote, please confirm a vendor will be allowed to make equitable adjustments to their programs, staffing, and pricing to align with the requirements.

In the event that the licensing requirements change after the Quotes are submitted, and that change has an impact on the pricing for the services under the Blanket P.O., the awarded Vendor {Contractor} should request a Change Order pursuant to Section 5.5 of the NJ State Standard Terms and Conditions, “Change in Law”, and the State will consider an equitable adjustment if such an adjustment is warranted and adequately justified.

3.4.2.1 and 3.4.2.2 Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment license: Please confirm that the regulations as promulgated and written in Administrative Bulletin 6.01 will be the same regulations to be approved for the RESAP required licensure.

While these are the current licensure requirements, the State is not able to confirm that the same regulations promulgated and written in Administrative Bulletin 6.01 will remain the same regulations to be approved. While the NJSPB and the NJDOH, Office of Certificate of Need and Licensing, are collaborating regarding licensure requirements, the NJDOH, Office of Certificate of Need and Licensing is the State agency responsible for approving the licensure requirements.

N.J.A.C. §10:161B-10.1: Provision of Substance Abuse Counseling states that the average ratio of substance abuse counselors to clients should be maintained at 1:35 for Outpatient Services. Since vendors are required to obtain the Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Treatment License, please confirm a vendor may abide by the 1:35 ratio, and revise the Bid Solicitation sections for RESAP as follows: (1) 3.35.7.3 Case Managers Maintaining a caseload of no more than 35 Offenders

The State does not accept this proposed modification.

N.J.A.C. §10:161B-1.3: states, Outpatient (OP): A service offered at a license outpatient facility, which provides regularly scheduled individual, group and/or family counseling for less than nine hours per week. Please confirm a vendor is only required to abide by the 1:15 ratio for group counseling sessions related to substance abuse programming for less than nine hours per week.

This is not confirmed, because the NJ Department of Health, Office of Certificate of Need and Licensing will establish the final licensure requirements.

N.J.A.C. §10:161B-.9 states Every facility shall ensure that the ratios of substance abuse counseling staff are maintained so that 50 percent of the staff are LCADC or CADC or other licensed health professionals doing work of an alcohol or drug counseling.. remaining 50 percent of substance abuse counseling staff will be considered counselor-interns (formerly referred to as "substance abuse counselors in training) who are actively working toward LCADC or CADC status.

Please allow a vendor to staff licensed, credentialed, and license-eligible Substance Abuse Counselors to fulfill Case Managers responsibilities for RESAP offenders in alignment with Chapter 161B guidelines.

The Vendor {Contractor} may staff licensed, credentialed, and license-eligible Substance Abuse Counselors to fulfill the Case Manager responsibilities provided that this staff meet and/or exceed the education and experience criterion set forth in Section 3.35.6 of the Bid Solicitation; however, they shall not perform both functions simultaneously, since these are two (2) separate functions and staffing requirements. Please refer to the revised Bid Solicitation, entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220”, for additional information.

E) Please confirm that RESAP vendors are not providers of Opioid Treatment Services; therefore, N.J.A.C. §10: 161B-11.1 (Subchapter 11) will not apply to a vendor’s operation.

This is confirmed.

This is confirmed. Please refer to the response provided to question #15, of Bid Amendment #3.

Given the complexity of the technology involved in this requirement, please confirm vendors will be extended a grace period to fully implement a cellular phone solution following contract commencement.

The State does not accept this proposed modification, since this section does not require complex technology.

Please confirm a vendor is expected to drive offenders who cannot contribute to the cost of their transportation to and from all the items included in numbers 1 through 3, including job search activities.

This is confirmed. Please refer to Section 3.20 of the revised Bid Solicitation, entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220.”

A) Please provide information on what the Department means by until such time that the offender is able to contribute towards the cost of transportation.

This refers to the ability of the Offender, via employment or other legitimate funding source, is financially able to contribute towards the cost of transportation.

B) Please specify whether offenders with financial means are expected to pay Vendors for a portion of the cost of the vendor-provided transportation, or be expected to privately pay for transportation services in the community.

Offenders with financial means may reimburse the Vendor {Contractor} for a portion of the cost of the Vendor {Contractor}-provided transportation to the offender’s job-site once they have obtained employment. However, this cost shall not exceed 50% of the Vendor’s {Contractor’} transportation. Please refer to Section 3.20 of the revised Bid Solicitation entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220” for additional information.

Baccalaureate Degrees in Psychology, Human Services, and closely related fields would be appropriate provided the necessary coursework, training and experience in substance abuse has been demonstrated. Please refer to Sections 3.23.4 and 3.35.6 of the revised Bid Solicitation, entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220” for additional information.

The NJSPB does not intend to refer individuals to the program as described in the above scenario.

The State does not hold a contract with a pharmacy to provide medications to Offenders. Medications provided to Offenders, shall be provided by the Vendor {Contractor}.

B) If yes, the State’s purchasing power likely affords it lower prices than vendors for medications. Please provide vendors with the opportunity to establish a cooperative purchasing agreement with that pharmacy to reduce the expensive cost of medications in an effort to reduce the proposed price for the Blanket P.O.

Please refer to the response provided above for part A of this question.

The Vendor {Contractor} is required to provide a recognized cognitive behavioral therapy training curriculum for its staff and certify staff completion of training.

3.35.7.3 Case Managers

Please confirm Certified or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors can fulfill the role of Case Managers for RESAP offenders.

These are two separate positions that are required. However, Certified or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADC) may fulfill the role of Case Managers for Offenders enrolled in RESAP, provided that they meet and/or exceed the education and experience criterion set forth in the Bid Solicitation, and that both functions are not performed simultaneously. Please refer to Section 3.35.6 and 3.35.7.3 of the revised Bid Solicitation, entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220” for additional information.

A) To mitigate staff overcrowding or duplication of efforts, please allow a vendor to satisfy this requirement by providing a minimum of 2 Operations Staff Member for every 50 offenders who are assigned to NJSPB but not necessarily stationed on the housing unit (24/7/365).

This Section has been revised to reflect that the Vendor {Contractor} must provide one (1) operations personnel at a staffing ratio of one (1) operations personnel per every 25 Offenders. Please refer to Section 3.35.7.7 of the revised Bid Solicitation entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220”, for additional information.

B) Please confirm a vendor may designate any of the following positions, who are trained on all security protocol and available to respond to operational issues in-person, as Operations Personnel: (1) Control Room (2) Reception (3) Medical Personnel (who are stationed on the unit and perform regular medical services) (4) Commissary Staff (5) Security Monitors (6) Shift Supervisors

The State does not accept this proposed modification.

A) Please confirm a vendor is not required to expand staffing by 2 Operations Personnel when the unit’s census increases from 50 to 55 residents.

The Vendor must provide one (1) Operations Personnel to NJSPB housing units at a staffing ratio of one (1) operations personnel for every 25 Offenders. Please refer to Section 3.35.7.7 of the revised Bid Solicitation, entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220”, for additional information.

B) Please confirm additional staffing is only required when the unit census reaches the next increment of 50.

Please refer to the response provided above for part A of this question.

C) Please identify how many Operations Personnel are required when a unit reaches: (1) 49 Beds (2) 55 Beds (3) 75 Beds (4) 99 Beds (5) 101 Beds

Please refer to the response provided above for part A of this question.

This is a Blanket P.O. with set-aside subcontracting goals for New Jersey Small Business Enterprises. The Vendor {Bidder} must comply with the requirements set-forth in Section 4.4.1.6 of the Bid Solicitation.

B) If a set-aside percentage goal does exist, please confirm a vendor who intends to subcontract a portion of the Scope of Work to a subcontracted provider, will not be disqualified for failing to meet a set-aside goal if a documented good faith effort is attached to the Subcontractor Utilization Plan.

A Vendor {Bidder} that chooses to use Subcontractors and fails to meet the small business-subcontracting target must submit documentation demonstrating its good faith effort to meet the target goals. If the Vendor {Bidder} provides sufficient documentation of its good faith efforts, the Vendor {Bidder} will not be precluded from award. Refer to Section 4.4.1.6 for additional information.

The Vendor {Bidder} must include the number of beds proposed for each Program in Column A, and a Firm-Fixed Per-Diem rate for each individual bed proposed, for each Program proposed. Please refer to Section 4.4.5.2 of the revised Bid Solicitation, entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220” for additional information regarding State Supplied Price Sheet Instructions.

The predetermined weights established to develop the technical evaluation score are not made public until after the Notice of Intent to Award has been issued.

The listed bed quantities are estimates based upon appropriated funding amounts and future program requirements.

The State does not accept this proposed modification.

Yes, A Vendor {Bidder} may withdraw its Quote submission in NJSTART prior to the Quote opening; however, Vendors {Bidders} should note that while withdrawn NJSTART Quotes remain viewable by the Vendor {Bidder} on its Vendor Profile Homepage, they are removed from the Division’s view and cannot be considered for Blanket P.O. award. The Vendor {Bidder} may submit a revised Quote as long as the Quote is received prior to the announced date and time for Quote submission. Vendors {Bidders} may refer to the QRG “Submit a Quote” for additional instruction. QRGs are located on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page. Please refer to Bid Section 1.4.7.1 of the revised Bid Solicitation entitled “T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220” for additional information.

The following documents are included as attachments to Bid Amendment #5:

1. T2890 Revised Bid Solicitation 060220; and

2. T2890 Revised Price Sheet/Schedule 060220.

image1.png