W81K00-22-R-0016_Questions_Responses_22 July 2022.pdf

W81K00‐22‐R‐0016 22 July 2022

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) Question and Response

1. Question: Is this a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

Response: This is a follow‐on contract with an incumbent currently performing these services.

2. Question: Please provide the current / previous contract number?

Response: Contract Number: HT0050‐18‐D‐0014/W81K00‐18‐F‐0042

3. Question: Can you tell me the name of the incumbent contractor and their contract number?

Response: Dilligas Corp, US GOT People, HT0050‐18‐D‐0014/W81K00‐18‐F‐0042

4. Question: Are there incumbents in the positions now?

Response: Yes

5. Question: If there are, how many positions are currently filled?

Response: Filled FTEs ‐‐ SPD Techs – 24; OR Techs – 13; OR Heart Techs – 2

6. Question: How long have each of the incumbents been in the positions?

Response:

SPD Techs‐ 2012: 1, 2016: 1, 2017: 3, 2018: 2, 2019: 3, 2020: 5, 2021: 6, 2022: 3

OR Techs‐ 2014: 1, 2015: 1, 2016: 2, 2017: 1, 2018: 2, 2019: 2, 2020: 4

OR Hear Tech: 2013: 1, 2019: 1

7. Question: What is the current contract number?

Response: HT0050‐18‐D‐0014/W81K00‐18‐F‐0042

SPD Tech Before 2012 10/11/2016 5/17/2017 8/28/2017 10/11/2017 8/6/2018

11/2/2018 8/19/2019 9/9/2019 11/20/2019 2/4/2020 6/17/2020

9/29/2020 11/17/2020 11/23/2020 1/19/2021 5/4/2021 6/4/2021

7/12/2021 9/28/2021 11/10/2021 3/16/2022 4/19/2022 5/25/2022

OR Tech 8/3/2020 7/13/2020 3/24/2020 1/7/2020 8/5/2019 3/18/2019

11/13/2018 9/20/2018 10/2/2017 6/16/2016 2/8/2016 4/27/2015

12/2/2014

OR Heart Tech 8/19/2019 10/28/2013

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

8. Question: What is the name of the company that currently has the contract?

9. Question: The requirements say there is an 8A set aside for this contract. I am an 8A graduate does this preclude my company from this opportunity?

Response: Per FAR 19.816 exiting the 8(a) program.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, when a contractor exits the 8(a) program, it is no longer eligible to receive new 8(a) contracts. However, the contractor remains under contractual obligation to complete existing contracts, and any priced options that may be exercised.

(b) If an 8(a) contractor is suspended from the program (see 13 CFR 124.305), it may not receive any new 8(a) contracts unless the head of the contracting agency makes a determination that it is in the best interest of the Government to issue the award and SBA adopts that determination.

(c) A contractor that has completed its term of participation in the 8(a) program may be awarded a competitive 8(a) contract if it was an 8(a) participant eligible for award of the contract on the initial date specified for receipt of offers contained in the solicitation, and if the contractor continues to meet all other applicable eligibility criteria.

10. Question: Will there be separate CLINS for OT and Holiday hours as the pay rates are different?

Response: See CLIN structure on solicitation W81K00‐22‐R‐0016 posted on SAM.gov. The

Government is unable to separate the CLINs at this time. It is up to the vendor to develop their own compensation structure in order to recruit and retain qualified staff.

Note: Contractors are scheduled for Holiday coverage as the OR is 24/7 operation.

11. Question: Are there shift differentials that will be required for evening/weekend shifts?

Response: The requirement does not specify shift differentials for evening/weekend shifts. It is up to the vendor to develop their own compensation structure in order to recruit and retain qualified staff.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

12. Question: RE: Attachment 1 ITO, 52.212‐2 Evaluation factor for “listing proposal from lowest to highest price”, and Factor 3. Pricing “The Government will evaluate for price reasonableness.”: Will the Government please confirm whether these evaluation factors are dissimilar and may need to be re‐written, or whether the Government considers providing the lowest price is essentially the same as providing price reasonableness?

Response: The listing of proposals from lowest to highest is the evaluation process not an evaluation factor. Factor 3 – Price is an evaluation factor. See FAR 15.305 normally, competition establishes price reasonableness. If less than three (3) proposals are received then all proposals will be evaluated for technical acceptability and price reasonableness.

13. Question: Will the Government please provide the number of current vacant positions per labor category?

Response: Vacant Positions SPD Tech: 16; OR Tech: 18

14. Question: Will the Government kindly consider allowing contractors to submit previously signed PPQs?

Response: PPQs previously signed within the last 12‐months from the date of the solicitation close will be permitted. The Government reserves the right to verify all information and contact the POC that completed the PPQ.

15. Question: Is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

Dilligas Corp, US GOT People, HT0050‐18‐D‐0014/W81K00‐18‐F‐0042

16. Question: Is there an incumbent contractor? If so, can you provide incumbent information?

17. Question: Would a teaming partner's past performance be counted along with the Prime?

Response: Yes, however the Prime must submit at least one of the three projects. All Teaming

Partner Past Performance submissions must clearly indicate the Teaming Partners information.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

18. Question: Would the government consider Key Personnel past performance?

Response: No, see Factor 2 – Past Performance of the 52.212‐1 Instructions to Offerors ‐

Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

19. Question: What is the name of the company that currently has the contract?

Response: Dilligas Corp, US GOT People

20. Referencing: VOLUME III – FACTOR 2– PAST PERFORMANCE

Question: Is there a page limit or a limit to the number of references that we can use?

Response: Limit – One page per reference. See Factor 2 – Past Performance of the 52.212‐1

Instructions to Offerors ‐ Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Provide a list of references with company name, contract number, contract value, period of performance, point of contact, and phone number. Reference list should include a minimum of three references.

21. Referencing: The 1449 8. Offer Due Date: 2:00pm 21 July 2022

Question: Will the government consider a due date extension?

Response: See Amendment 0002

22. Referencing: FAR Subpart 15.101‐2 LPTA Question: With current staffing challenges on this contract and number of vacancies will the

Govt consider changing the evaluation criteria to best value so that the contractor is able to fully staff and retain desired incumbents?

Response: No, LPTA is the source selection approach for this requirement. Offerors will be required to fully staff the contract in order to fulfill all contractual obligations outlined in the

Performance Work Statement and contract therefore, an Offerors competitive proposal should allow them to do so.

23. Question: How many open positions are on the current contract?

Response: Vacant Positions SPD Tech: 16 FTE; OR Tech: 18 FTE

24. Question: Can Past Performance of Key Personnel be used in the offeror response?

Response: No, see Factor 2 – Past Performance of the 52.212‐1 Instructions to Offerors ‐

Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

25. Question: Has a Wage Conformance been done to determine the correct Wage Determination labor categories for the 3 labor categories in the PWS?

Response: Not known at this time if a Wage Conformance has been completed. It is up to the

Offeror to map/propose occupation codes based on the requirements of the Performance Work

Statement (PWS), SCA Directory of Occupations and salary market research for the service area.

Offerors are required to insure their proposals are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations to include the Service Contact Act Wage Determinations and Executive Orders.

26. Question: Is this a new requirement or an existing requirement?

27. Question: How many incumbents are there performing this work?

Response: SPD Techs – 24; OR Techs – 13; OR Heart Techs – 2

28. Question: What are the incumbent names, contract #s, and revenues received under the incumbent contract?

Response: Dilligas Corp, US GOT People, HT0050‐18‐D‐0014/W81K00‐18‐F‐0042 /

Awarded Task Order value: $21,266,957.40 (base plus options) Note: The Government will not reveal any information prohibited from disclosure by 24.202 or exempt from release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.552) including cost breakdowns, profit, indirect cost rates, and similar information.

29. Question: How many FTEs were on the previous contract? Has the PWS Changed?

Response: Same number of FTEs: 31 OR Techs, 2 OR Heart Techs (Cardiothoracic Surgical Techs) and 40 SPD Techs. Scope of the PWS has not changed.

30. Question: What did you like about the previous contract? Dislikes?

Response: Question is not relevant to the solicitation. The Government will not disclose vendor performance.

31. Question: What are your KPIs?

Response: See the solicitation and supporting attachments.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

32. Question: If we have a teaming agreement with a subcontractor, does the subcontractor's experience count as experience for the prime?

Response: Prime must submit at least one of the three projects. All Subcontractor Past

Performance submissions must clearly indicate the Subcontractor’s information

33. Question: Will the Government be willing to sole source this contract to two 8(a) companies teaming with a big company?

Response: No. This is a competitive 8(a) requirement.

34. Question: Is this a new requirement or an existing contract?

35. Question: Are there incumbents for all the positions?

Response: No, Current FTEs ‐ SPD Techs – 24; OR Techs – 13; OR Heart Techs – 2.

Vacant FTEs Positions SPD: 16; OR Tech: 18

36. Question: How many vacancies currently exist under the contract?

Response: Vacant FTEs Positions SPD: 16; OR Tech: 18

37. Question: Since this requirement is 24/7, does the government have a limit on the number of candidates that can be presented for approval for each of the position in order to meet the required schedule.

Response: It is up to the Offeror to staff the contract to fulfill all contractual obligations outlined in the Performance Work Statement and contract.

38. Question: SF1449; states the FTE needs for each clin, can you provide the number of incumbents currently on contract for each labor category?

Response: Current FTEs ‐ SPD Techs – 24; OR Techs – 13; OR Heart Techs – 2

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

39. Question: How many position vacancies are open? If any, can you provide the specialty that is/are vacant?

Response: Vacant FTEs Positions SPD Tech: 16; OR Tech: 18

40. Question: Have there been any staffing issues or shortages experienced over the last 2 years?

Response: Yes, Vacant FTEs Positions SPD Tech: 16; OR Tech: 18

41. Question: The Federal Wage Determination is attached for reference, however the requested positions are not listed. Can you please provide the occupation code they have previously been listed as?

Response: It is up to the Offeror to map/propose occupation codes based on the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), SCA Directory of Occupations and salary market research for the service area. Offerors are required to insure their proposals are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations to include the Service Contact Act Wage Determinations and

Executive Orders.

42. Question: What occupation codes will be used to base fair and reasonable pay?

Response: It is up to the Offeror to map/propose occupation codes based on the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), SCA Directory of Occupations and salary market research for the service area. Offerors are required to insure their proposals are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations to include the Service Contact Act Wage Determinations and

Executive Orders.

43. Question: Is the incumbent eligible to bid on this solicitation since they have graduated from the 8a program?

Response: Question is not relevant to the solicitation. The Government will not comment on the incumbent 8(a) status. All eligible 8(a) companies can propose on the solicitation.

44. Question: Would the government consider allowing an on‐site manager to assist with contract staff management?

Response: The term onsite is in reference to the San Antonio area.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

45. Question: Can you please provide clarification on clin 0007, CT Surg Tech (Pager)? Specifically focusing on Pager please.

Response: Per the PWS, the contractor will be contacted by telephone.

46. Question: Would the Government consider removing the LPTA method and replace it with

Technically Qualified, especially considering the shortage and demand of HCP's nationwide.

47. Question: Please provide additional information on Malpractice Insurance for Agencies, considering HCP's generally carry this and add the agency under their insurance. Can you please provide more directive on this?

Response: This is a personal services contract. Paragraph 3 of the PWS states “Pursuant to 10

USC 1089(a), DoD shall process any personal injury claim alleging negligence by the HCP within the scope of the HCP’s performance under this contract as claims alleging negligence by DoD military or civil service HCP. The contractor or HCP is not required to maintain medical malpractice liability insurance and the Government will not reimburse or otherwise pay for such insurance should any be purchased.”

48. Question: Does the government want a minimum of 3 references for each teaming member, or is this a combined requirement?

Response: See Factor 2 – Past Performance of the 52.212‐1 Instructions to Offerors ‐

Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Prime must submit at least one of the three projects. All Teaming Partner Past Performance submissions must clearly indicate the Teaming

Partners information.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

49. Question: The included FAR 52.212‐2(a) contains an internal inconsistency. It appears that the Government intends to apply lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA), but the paragraph also references a “best value award decision”. Can the Government clarify which approach they are using and revise the language in this paragraph to reflect which approach the

Government is using?

Response: LPTA is the source selection approach for this requirement. See page 5 of Attachment

1 ‐‐ Award will be made using the lowest‐price, technically acceptable (LPTA) source selection technique in accordance with FAR Subpart 15.101‐2, as supplemented, to make a best value award decision. LPTA is part of the best value continuum – See FAR 15.101. In addition, please see FAR 15.101‐2(a) ‐‐ The lowest price technically acceptable source selection process is appropriate when best value is expected to result from selection of the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price.

50. Question: If LPTA is intended, please confirm and provide a detailed explanation of the

Agency’s analysis of compliance with DFARS 215.101‐2‐70 and the applicable limitations on the use of a LPTA source selection process.

Response: LPTA is the source selection approach for this requirement. Contracting Officers may use the LPTA source selection process, to include healthcare services, provided that the

Contracting Officer documents the contract file with both the description of the circumstances that justify the use of the LPTA source selection process and the determination that the lowest price reflects full life‐cycle costs of the product(s) or service(s) being acquired. All DFARS requirements have been properly addressed. The scope of the requirement is compliant with the limitations and is not prohibited IAW the DFARS.

51. Question: Who is the current incumbent contractor for these services and what is the contract number?

52. Question: Is the eligible contractor eligible to bid on these services?

Response: Question is not relevant to the solicitation. The Government will not comment on the incumbent 8(a) status. All eligible 8(a) companies can propose on the solicitation.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

53. Question: Can the Government provide the current staffing % on the contract?

Response: OR Tech – 42% ; OR Heart Tech – 100% ; SPD Tech – 60%

Overall – 53%

Filled FTEs ‐‐ SPD Techs – 24; OR Techs – 13; OR Heart Techs – 2

Vacant FTEs Positions SPD Tech: 16; OR Tech: 18

54. Question: Can the Government provide the current years of service for the incumbent workers?

Response:

SPD Techs‐ 2012: 1, 2016: 1, 2017: 3, 2018: 2, 2019: 3, 2020: 5, 2021: 6, 2022: 3

OR Techs‐ 2014: 1, 2015: 1, 2016: 2, 2017: 1, 2018: 2, 2019: 2, 2020: 4

OR Hear Tech: 2013: 1, 2019: 1

55. Question: Would the Government consider removing the LPTA evaluation approach?

56. Questions: SF 1449 Block 8 has time due as 0200 PM. Military time designates 0200 as AM.

What time is the proposal due?

Response: See amendment 2. The correct time is 2:00 PM Central Time (San Antonio, Texas)

57. Question: CLIN quantities are 1920 per FTE. EO 13706 applies. Would the Government consider

1864 work hours per FTE?

Response: No, see established CLIN quantities.

SPD Tech Before 2012 10/11/2016 5/17/2017 8/28/2017 10/11/2017 8/6/2018

11/2/2018 8/19/2019 9/9/2019 11/20/2019 2/4/2020 6/17/2020

9/29/2020 11/17/2020 11/23/2020 1/19/2021 5/4/2021 6/4/2021

7/12/2021 9/28/2021 11/10/2021 3/16/2022 4/19/2022 5/25/2022

OR Tech 8/3/2020 7/13/2020 3/24/2020 1/7/2020 8/5/2019 3/18/2019

11/13/2018 9/20/2018 10/2/2017 6/16/2016 2/8/2016 4/27/2015

12/2/2014

OR Heart Tech 8/19/2019 10/28/2013

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

58. Question: 52.222‐42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY 2014) designates GS‐07/Step 01. Does this apply to all positions (SPD – Surgical Techs –

Cardiothoracic Surgical Techs)?

Response: Per Clause 52.222‐42, This Statement is for information only: It is not a wage determination

59. Question: PWS; Is Defense Health Agency Procedure Manual (DHAPM) 6025.13 publicly available?

Response: Currently available at Clinical Quality Management | Health.mil https://www.health.mil/Military‐Health‐Topics/Access‐Cost‐Quality‐and‐Safety/Quality‐And‐

Safety‐of‐Healthcare/Clinical‐Quality‐Management

60. Question: PWS; 3.1.5. The contractor shall ensure HCPs receive Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) required training.

Will this training be provided at the MTF on duty time?

Response: Yes, any required training will be provided on duty time at the MTF.

61. PWS; 5.1. HCPs shall perform services on a schedule established by the Chief, DOPS or his/her designated representative, in coordination with the COR.

Will site assign HCPs to the schedule or will scheduled needs be provided to Contractor to complete? How far in advance will schedules be completed?

Response: The site will assign fulltime HCPs to the schedule at least 3 weeks in advance.

62. Question: PWS; 5.1.3. At times during low workload the Chief, DOPS may release HCPs from a scheduled work shift, or reassign them anywhere within the MTF to perform similar duty assignments within the same scope of practice.

Historically, how many shifts result in release (cancelled shifts) or reassignment per month?

Response: Historically, no shifts had to be released.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

63. Question: PWS; 5.4. PAGER HOURS. CT Surg Techsare (sic) required to provide on‐call services on rotating shifts. Each HCP shall respond by telephone within 15 minutes after receipt of a pager notification.

Are pager duties shared amongst contractors/GS/Active Duty? Historically, how frequent are the rotations? If return to site is required, what is the time limit for reporting?

Response: Our CT techs have to pull call duty, the call duty is rotated with all CT techs that are assigned to us. The frequency of the rotation depends on the number of CT technicians that we have. If the tech is called in they must report within 30 minute.

64. Question: PWS; 10.1. The contractor shall designate, in writing, at least five (5) working days prior to commencement of services, an on‐site representative for contract coordination and implementation.

Will the Government consider a local representative in the San Antonio area? Will office space/functional work area be provided to the onsite representative? May this be an additional duty of one of the HCPs?

Response: The term onsite is in reference to the San Antonio area. No office space/functional work are will be provided. If added as an additional duty to a HCP, it shall not interfere with the normal daily scheduled duties.

65. Question: PWS; 16.1.4. A query of the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is required before privileges may be granted (i.e., at the time of initial medical staff appointment, initial granting of clinical privileges, renewal of privileges, or when expanding privileges or requesting to add new privileges).

Does this apply to OR Techs?

Response: No

66. Question: PWS; (vi) Contractor's HCPs shall be screened before employment and annually for tuberculosis by a tuberculin skin test using the Mantoux technique (TINE test is disallowed as a substitute).

Updated CDC guidelines do not recommend annual screening (unless prevalent) after baseline.

Will the Government consider removing annual testing?

Response: No

67. Question: PWS; What are the COVID immunization requirements for BAMC?

Response: See PWS, there are no COVID immunization requirements.

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

68. Question: PWS; IF HCPs are not immunized, is testing required and provided at no charge to the contractor at the facility?

Response: All HCPs are required to comply with immunization requirements outlined in the

PWS. PWS para 9.5. Contract HCP performing services under this contract shall comply with the health and immunization requirements as stated herein at the time of initial request for clinical privileges and annually thereafter. The expense for all physical examinations to comply with the health requirements shall be borne by the contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

69. Question: Would the Government consider requiring a compensation plan to evaluate wages and fringe rates for acceptability?

Response: No. Offerors will be required to fully staff the contract in order to fulfill all contractual obligations outlined in the Performance Work Statement and contract therefore, an Offerors competitive proposal should allow them to do so.

70. Question: On a Prime‐Subcontractor Team proposing on this effort, will the Government accept past performance of the subcontractor? How many past performances will be accepted by the subcontractor teaming member?

Response: See Factor 2 – Past Performance of the 52.212‐1 Instructions to Offerors ‐

Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Prime must submit at least one of the three projects. All Subcontractor Past Performance submissions must clearly indicate the

Subcontractor’s information.

71. Question: Subfactor 1B. Recruitment. Describe your recruitment and retention plan, the methods you will use to recruit qualified and competent personnel to ensure biomedical technician services commence on the date set forth in the solicitation and throughout the life of the contract.

Will the Government remove “biomedical technician” from this paragraph?

Response: Correction made, See updated ITO, dated 22 July 2022

72. Question: The PWS states that shifts will vary from 8, 10 and 12 hours. What are the specific times for these shifts?

Response: First shift starts at 0630 whether it is 8/10/12 hour shift.

Second shift starts at 1445 whether it is 8/10/12 hour shift

Third shift starts at 2145 whether it is 8/10/12 hour shift

Surgical Technologist, Cardiothoracic Surgical Technologist, Central Sterile Supply Technicians Services;

Fourth Shift starts at 1045 whether it is 8/10/12 hour shift

73. Question: Will the MTF be scheduling the HCWs for their shifts, or would this be done at the contractor level?

Response: Yes, the MTF will be scheduling the HCWs for their shifts.

74. Question: Will there be consideration of a shift differential (i.e. night and/or weekend shifts)?

If so, would a revised pricing worksheet be sent out?

Response: The requirement does not specify shift differentials for evening/weekend shifts. It is up to the vendor to develop their own compensation structure in order to recruit and retain qualified staff. No revisions to the pricing worksheet for shift differential.

75. Question: Are there incumbents for any of the positions, if so, how many or what percentage of the positions are currently filled?

Response: Filled FTEs ‐‐ SPD Techs – 24; OR Techs – 13; OR Heart Techs – 2

Vacant Positions SPD Tech: 16 FTE; OR Tech: 18 FTE

76. Question: Regarding PWS Clause "5.3 ‐ Overtime/Holiday Hours". Would all holiday hours then be billed under the OT clin since holiday hours are not to be considered regular hours per

Clause "5.2 ‐ Regular Hours"?

Response: Yes.

77. Question: Could the OSR (on site representative) be one of the HCWs under the contract that we designate these additional duties to?

Response: If added as an additional duty to a HCP, it shall not interfere with the normal daily scheduled duties.