W81K0222Q0031 RFI Questions.docx

W81K0222Q0031 Behavioral Health Clinical Social Worker RFI Questions

1. Is there a vaccine requirement for this position? If there is not, is there a testing requirement?

a. Answer: On September 9, 2021, the President of the United States directed Executive Branch agencies to implement a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Federal employees to ensure the health and safety of the Federal workforce and members of the public with whom they interact by signing Executive Order 140403, “Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees.”

All DAF civilian employees (regardless of whether they are authorized to telework/remote work), must attest to their vaccination status by completing Section A of the DD Form 3175 “Civilian Employee Certification of Vaccination,” and must provide accompanying vaccination documents as proof of their status. This action should be take via milConnect (https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil).

When screening testing is made available and local testing procedures are established (on or after November 22, 2021), DAF civilian employees and contractor personnel who are not fully vaccinated (as defined in this guidance), are required to undergo COVID-19 screening testing at least weekly (depending on the type of test kit used). This requirement also applies to foreign national employees are service members who are not on active duty who are also DAF civilian employees.

DAF civilian employees who do not become fully vaccinated and/or fail to provide proof of vaccination are subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including removal from Federal service, unless the employee has received an exemption or the employee’s timely request for an exemption is pending decision. If any employee submits a request after enforcement action is initiated, such action may be held in abeyance where appropriate.

DAF civilian employees may request an exemption from the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy on the basis of a disability, medical condition/circumstance, sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance. Exemptions will be granted in limited circumstances and only where legally required. In keeping with DoD’s requirement that exemption approval authority be placed at an appropriate level to consider the impact of the volume of requests and to promote similar cases being handled in a consistent manner.

2. We understand we can only invoice for hours worked. How much leave is the government willing to grant for this position?

a. Answer: The contractor shall not invoice the Government for leave. The contractor is authorized unpaid leave. Please reference PWS 3.6.2. Holidays and PWS 3.7.3. Absences and leave.

3. How many FTE’s are required to perform under this contract?

a. Answer: 1 FTE

4. How many people are working under this contract?

a. Answer: 1 FTE

5. Paragraph 5.2.4.1, 5.2.4.2 and 5.2.4.3 states about two phases of Air Force IBHC training: Phase I and Phase II

a. Please confirm the specific location of the Phase I Training

i. Answer: VIRTUAL (dates are attached). Times are always 1000 to 1500 EST (sometimes adjusted to accommodate different time zones). BHC are required to have a fully functional CAC and be able to access clinic/government computers with a DoD email address BEFORE they attend training. Part of the training is on a web-based BHC tool that can only be accessed with a CAC.

b. Please confirm the specific location of the Phase II Training

i. Answer: VIRTUAL (dates and times are set in accordance with clinical hours to be able to observe patient care).

c. Will there be a cost for Phase I and Phase II Training? If so, who will cover the cost?

i. Answer: No cost for the training. There is no cost to the MTF for training.

The BHC (formerly IBHC) PCBH training starts with a 3-week orientation period that includes a combination of webinars, self-directed learning and opportunities to shadow a PCMH personnel. This is followed by one-week “Phase I” training which is conducted virtually using Microsoft TEAMS. This training consists of a combination of didactic training as well as a 2-day core competency evaluation using simulated patient encounters.

Phase II for BHC will be virtual and consist of observation of patient care. Dates and times are scheduled in accordance with the BHC work schedule.

All new BHCs are required to demonstrate basic core competencies in order to be cleared to practice in primary care setting.

6. Paragraph 5.3.3 states IBHC training is an interactive computer-based training that is approximately three days in length. The candidate must complete all BHCF training requirements before engaging in BHCF patient care services.

a. Is IBHC training different from Phase I and Phase II training?

i. Answer: See above response.

b. Please confirm the specific location of the IBHC training.

i. Answer: VIRTUAL

c. Will there be a cost for IBHC training? If so, who will cover the cost?

i. No cost for training.

7. Paragraph 5.2.5 states Travel: The Government shall reimburse the contractor for all travel costs in accordance with the travel guidance in the contract PWS.

a. Please confirm how many travel occur in one year and where are the location(s)?

b. Does the offeror need to include the travel costs in the quote?

Answer: Paragraph 5.2.5. Travel: The Government shall reimburse the contractor for all travel costs in accordance with the travel guidance in the contract PWS.

8. Please confirm what are the provided Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) to support for this role.

a. Answer: The employer will be provided a computer, desk, phone, office chair, lounge chair or equivalent and office space.

9. Paragraph 3.7.3.2. of the PWS states, “The contractor shall have sufficient qualified personnel available so that all services are provided in the event a contract personnel scheduled to work becomes ill, resigns, is terminated, or is otherwise unavailable to work. The proposed substitutes shall have at least the minimum qualifications required for the position and shall begin performance in the MTF within two (2) weeks of notification that the permanent provider will be absent for over 160 consecutive hours, resigns, is terminated, or is otherwise unavailable to work.” The ability of the contractor to meet this timeline will be dependent largely on the credentialing/background check process. Will the government process packets for “backfill” personnel prior to actual notification/need? This will help to maintain a pool of candidates able to fill in with as little notice as possible.

a. Answer: 51MDG will provide Ramp up training to a qualified candidate within the appropriate time as specified by the contract.

10. Paragraph 5.2.4.2 of the PWS states, “Phase I training is approximately five days onsite at a CONUS location. The candidate must receive a “Pass” determination on the Phase I Training Core Competency Tool (CCT) before proceeding to Phase II.” Please confirm that the government will provide of fund transportation, lodging, per diem and other authorized benefits per the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) for the individual no matter if they are hired in-country or in the U.S.

a. Answer: Phase I and Phase II training are VIRTUAL (see details above).

11. Paragraph 5.2.4.3 of the PWS states, “Phase II training will occur within 90 days of completion of Phase I training for two-day course. The candidate must receive a “Pass” determination of the Phase I Training Core Competency Tool (CCT) in order to be deemed acceptable for the position.” Same as for question above, please confirm.

a. Answer: Phase II for BHC will be virtual and consist of patient care. Dates and times are scheduled in accordance with the BHC work schedule.

12. Are contractors required to use the SCA wage determination for this opportunity? If so, please clarify which job title contractors should use for services required?

a. Answer: No SCA wage determination.

13. Will the government provide SOFA or logistical support for this role?

a. Answer: Yes, if awardee is an US vendor, government will support with obtaining SOFA.

14. Who are authorized to bid on this opportunity? Is this applicable for vendors whose companies are registered in South Korea only? Or this is also applicable to vendors outside South Korea?

a. Answer: Applicable to vendors outside of Korea.

15. Is this a follow-on requirement or a new contract? If it is a follow contract, could you please provide the incumbent contract number and the awarded price?

a. Answer: Yes, it is a follow on to W90VN620P0028, base year of $123,837.96.

16. Please confirm if this service required full-time or part-time.

a. Answer: Full time.

17. The SF1449 states that proposals are due at 10:00AM 17 Feb 2022 local time. Can you please confirm if local time means Korean Standard Time?

a. Answer: Proposal is due Hawaii Standard Time

18. Paragraph 3.7.3.4 of the PWS states, “Scheduled absences of contract personnel shall be coordinated with the COR at least 30 calendar days in advance. Depending on how the hours are specified will determine whether or not the contractor supplies a substitute. The contractor will only be paid for hours actually worked. This is designated a Firm Fixed Price contract. Please clarify.

a. Answer: The expected contract is a firm fixed price contract, where the pricing proposed and accepted will remain fixed and the contractor will be paid for the actual hours worked.