A.09.03_Solicitation_Amendment_W81K04-17-T-BPAA-0001.pdf

W81K04-17-T-BPAA – Amendment 0001

Amendment 0001 -- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation IAW FAR Subpart 12.6 BPA Requirement for Allied/Ancillary Healthcare Services in Support of the U.S. Army Medical Command

Synopsis/Solicitation Number: W81K04-17-T-BPAA

Effective Date of Amendment : 15 February 2017

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth below. The hour and date specified for receipt of quotes is not extended.

Quoters must acknowledge receipt of this amendment by signing the last page and submitting a copy with their solicitation response prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation.

FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THIS AMENDMENT, TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE

DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF QUOTES, PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR QUOTE.

Amendment 0001 -- Change 1: The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is updated to reflect the removal of PWS section 2.1.27. On-Call Phone Consultation, changes are highlighted in yellow for ease of reference:

2.1.27. ON-CALL PHONE CONSULTATION. Defined as actual telephonic patient care performed for the MTF outside the normal scheduled shift, Monday through Friday, and all day on holidays and weekends. The provider shall be required to provide telephonic consultations. Carrying a beeper, a pager, or a cell phone shall not qualify as “On-call Phone Consultation”. “On-Call Phone Consultation” will be compensated by the occurrence. “On-Call Phone Consultation” requirements will be reflected on the individual call(s).

NOTE: An “On-Call Phone Consultation” occurrence is defined as that period between the end of the current, regular workday and the beginning of the following, consecutive regular work day (i.e. weeknights 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and weekends Friday evening, 4:30 p.m. through Monday morning at 7:30 a.m.). There may be multiple telephonic consultations while “On-Call Phone Consultation”; however, services shall only be billed as a flat rate per occurrence.

Paragraph numbering was adjusted in section 2 of the PWS to reflect the deletion of the above paragraph.

Amendment 0001 -- Change 2: The addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-1 has been updated as follows, changes are highlighted in yellow for ease of reference:

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1

Paragraph 52.212-1(b) is hereby replaced with the following:

(b) Instructions for preparation and Submission of Quotes:

1. The quoter shall submit their quote through e-mail. Telegraphic and facsimile responses will NOT be accepted. The entire quote shall be submitted as one (1) file; as an Adobe Acrobat document (.pdf). In addition, the

(1) Specialty Pricing By Region, (2) Allied/Ancillary Services Provided, and (3) States in Which Allied/Ancillary Services are Provided Spreadsheets shall also be submitted as a Microsoft Office Excel document (.exe) and viewable in Microsoft Excel 2007 or earlier. The Font shall be Times New Roman and the Font size shall be no smaller than 10 Points, however the Government will allow a different Font and Font size of no less than 8 Points f o r graphics and tables. The quote shall have a cover page identifying the quoter, primary point of contact, CAGE Code, DUNS number, the solicitation number, and the contents. To assure timely and equitable evaluation of quote(s), quoter must follow the instructions contained herein. The quoter is required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and those identified as evaluation factors and/or subfactors. Failure to meet a requirement may result in the quote being ineligible for establishment of a BPA. Taking exception to any provision in the solicitation may render the quote ineligible for establishment of a BPA. All documents submitted in response to this solicitation must be fully responsive to and consistent with the requirements of the solicitation.

2. To be considered, the complete quote must be received not later than the time and date identified within this combined synopsis/solicitation by the Health Readiness Contracting Office, Attn: Yesenia C. Rodriguez, Contracting Officer, email: yesenia.c.rodriguez2.civ@mail.mil and Dawn E. Simington, Contract Specialist, dawn.e.simington.civ@mail.mil. All quotes received after this due date and time may be considered late in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(f). All quotes must be in English.

3. The Government intends to use simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR Subpart 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The source selection process will be informal. Evaluation will be based on best value, trade-off source selection process. BPAs will be established with the responsible quoters whose quotes conform to the solicitation and are deemed to be the best value to the Government. The BPAs may be established without discussions with quoters (except communications conducted for the purpose of minor clarification). Therefore, each initial quote should contain the quoter's best terms from a technical and price standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if it is later determined by the contracting officer to be necessary. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, the quoter is agreeing to comply with all terms and conditions contained in the solicitation. The contracting officer may reject any quote that contains exceptions. Also, except for any portions of the quote incorporated into the resulting contract by specific reference, the terms and conditions included in the solicitation, including any amendments, shall take precedence over the quote.

4. The following shall be included in the quote submission:

(a.) Cover page. The cover page shall identify the quoter, primary point of contact, CAGE Code, DUNS number, the solicitation number, and the contents. The cover page shall contain the Signature and point of contact information of a corporate officer authorized to negotiate for the company.

(b.) One completed copy of FAR Provision 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications –

Commercial Items, Alternate I

(c.) If the quoter has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at the System for Award Management (SAM) website (https://www.sam.gov/sam/) or if their SAM registration does not include the following representations, the quoter shall also submit one completed copy of each of the following:

i. FAR Provision 52.203-2, Certificate Of Independent Price Determination

ii. FAR Provision 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations--

Representation

iii. FAR Provision 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law

iv. FAR Provision 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports

v. FAR Provision 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance

(d.) Mission-Essential Contractor Services Plan. A written plan describing how the contractor will continue to perform essential contractor services during periods of crisis as required by DFARS Provision 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services. In accordance with DFARS Clause 252.237-7023, this plan will be incorporated into the resultant contract.

(e.) Quote’s Technical Narrative and Spreadsheets: The quote’s technical narrative shall address elements in Factor 1 and Subfactors 1A-1E. The technical narrative must not exceed 18 pages. In addition to the technical narrative, the quote shall include the completed Excel spreadsheets for Subfactor 1D and Subfactor 1E. The t e c h n i c a l narrative, spreadsheets and priced quote spreadsheets shall be responsive to the following evaluation Factors and Subfactors:

(1) Factor 1: Technical and Management Capability. Subfactors 1A through 1E will be evaluated and will result in an overall technical evaluation rating for Factor 1. Along with addressing components of the PWS, the quote shall address each Factor and Subfactor listed below separately, and shall provide sufficient narrative and supporting data for each.

Subfactor 1A. Recruitment and Placement of Allied/Ancillary providers. Submit narrative and/or flow charts describing the quoter’s ability to recruit and place personnel to ensure BPA calls will be fulfilled in a timely manner. Discuss the healthcare market in each of the regions to include challenges, trends and strategies necessary to provide the services required. Describe the recruitment process you will use to recruit qualified and competent allied/ancillary providers for filling short term assignments Describe your processes for initial verification of credentials (licensure, certification, education, life support training) and preparing credentialing/privileging packages for submission to the Military Treatment Facility (MTF).

Describe your process for background checks. Describe your process for making travel arrangements for staff on assignments away from their residence. Describe your strategies for filling allied/ancillary provider(s) short term assignments for high demand and shortage specialties or hard to fill geographic locations.

Subfactor 1B: Compensation Plan and Retention of Allied/Ancillary Providers. Submit narrative and/or flow charts describing the quoter’s ability to retain allied/ancillary providers to ensure continuity of services throughout the life of the BPA. Describe your compensation plan for allied/ancillary providers. Describe your compensation philosophy. Describe your different types of compensation (e.g. bonuses, benefits, housing, etc.). Describe your strategy for issuing compensation to allied/ancillary healthcare providers.

Describe your retention strategies that will ensure minimal turnovers in allied ancillary providers term assignments, to include benefits and incentives.

Subfactor 1C. Management Capability. Submit narrative and/or flow charts describing the quoter’s management capability. This narrative shall include at a minimum a description of management techniques, tools, and practices the quoter will use to ensure quality and timely performance of all required services throughout the life of the BPA. Also, in terms of employee relations, describe your employee performance evaluation process; your process for managing performance issues with your employees; your methods to provide timely information to your employees; and your procedures for and commitment to timely payment of employees. If the your quote involves another company/companies, clearly identify the company(ies) by name and CAGE code; the proposed teaming arrangement with the company(ies) and the capacity in which the other company(ies) will serve in the management of this effort.

Subfactor 1D. Allied/Ancillary Services Provided. Complete the Excel spreadsheet indicating the allied/ancillary specialties your firm has the ability to provide.

Subfactor 1E. States in Which Allied/Ancillary Services Have Been Provided. Complete the Excel spreadsheet indicating the states in which your firm has provided allied/ancillary services.

(2) Factor 2: Past and Present Performance. The quoter shall submit evidence of past and/or present performance for a maximum of three (3) contract(s) under which same or similar services were performed in the p a s t three years. The Government will consider past and present performance of any teaming partners under an approved teaming arrangement. For purposes of this solicitation a teaming arrangement is considered one in which two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime contractor. In addition, each teaming partner shall submit a signed consent form which permits the Government to discuss past and present performance information with each teaming partner for the duration of the source selection process. The Government will not consider the past performance efforts of subcontractors since the Government does not have privity of contract with subcontractors and subcontractors are not obligated to perform under any resultant contract (i.e. BPA calls). For each contract include: name of serviced entity, point of contact and email address, contract number; description of services, contract award date, completion date; whether or not you completed the contract;

initial contract value; adjusted contract value; and a statement of why you consider the contract to be relevant past of present performance. If you have not performed any same or similar contracts, you may furnish any other past or present performance information performed in the past three years which you believe demonstrates your ability to perform the services required by this solicitation. Other past or present performance information shall include the name of serviced entity, point of contact, email address, description of services, and a statement of why you consider the information provided to be relevant past performance. Quoters shall ensure the accuracy of references provided

(names and email address(es)). The Government will not be responsible for tracking incorrect references. Quoters are reminded that the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, however the burden of providing thorough and complete past performance information rests with the quoter.

a. Relevant contracts are defined as those where allied/ancillary services have been provided to the federal, state, and local Government; and private industry. Quoters may submit references for contracts and/or subcontracts that include performance with federal, state and local Governments, private industry and commercial customers, and those performed as a teaming or joint venture partner.

b. Since the Government may obtain past performance information from sources other than those provided with the quote, quoters are encouraged to provide details on any past performance problems and the corrective actions taken. Additionally, the Government may or may not obtain information on all of the quoter’s listed contract references and/or may or may not contact all of the identified POCs.

(3) Factor 3: Price. The quoter shall submit the completed Specialty Pricing by Region spreadsheets.

The quoter shall also provide other than cost or pricing data which describes in sufficient detail and supports the elements that make up the specialty pricing per region. Examples of price breakdown may include direct labor hours and rates, discount terms, fringe benefits to include incentive bonuses, and overhead elements. As a note, these competitive quoted rates will be the ceiling prices for the Master BPA for the full duration of the Master BPA. Subsequent BPA calls will be competed as requirements are known and quoted prices for the BPA calls shall be equal to or lower than the ceiling price established on the Master BPA.

Paragraph 52.212-1(m) is hereby added:

(m) The non-FAR Part 12 discretionary FAR, DFARS, AFARS and LOCAL provisions included herein are incorporated into this solicitation either by reference or in full text. If incorporated by reference, see provision 52.252-1 herein for locations where full text can be found.

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)

Amendment 0001 -- Change 3: The addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-2 is updated as follows, changes are highlighted in yellow for ease of reference:

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-2

Paragraph (a) is hereby replaced with the following:

(a) The Government will establish up to four (4) Master BPAs resulting from this solicitation with the responsible contractor(s) whose quote represents the best value to the Government. The Government reserves the right to establish less than four (4) Master BPAs as a result of this solicitation. To receive consideration for a Master BPA, a rating of no less than Acceptable must be received for Factor 1, Technical and Management Capability and for each of the Subfactors 1A-1E; and a rating of no less than Satisfactory Confidence or a Neutral Confidence rating must be received for Factor 2, Past Performance. In addition, pricing must be considered fair and reasonable. .

(1) Technical Evaluation: The term “technical,” as used herein, refers to factors other than past performance and price. The purpose of the technical evaluation is to assess whether the quote will satisfy the Government’s minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government will evaluate technical capability based on the written quotes for Factor 1 and its Subfactors 1A-1E. As stated in the ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1, the technical narrative must not exceed 18 pages. If the technical narrative exceeds 18 pages, the evaluators will stop reading after page 18 and any information on subsequent pages will not be considered in the technical evaluation. The Excel spreadsheet submitted for Subfactor 1D and 1E will be compared to the pricing spreadsheets for consistency and discrepancies.

The following Combined Technical/Risk Adjectival Ratings will be used in evaluating Factor 1 and Subfactors

1A though 1E

Color Rating Adjectival Rating Description

Blue Outstanding Quote indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements and contains multiple strengths, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Purple Good Quote indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements and contains at least one strength, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low to moderate.

Green Acceptable Quote indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and risk of unsuccessful performance is no more than moderate.

Yellow Marginal Quote has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Red Unacceptable Quote does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one or more deficiencies, and/or risk of unsuccessful performance is unacceptable. Quote is unawardable.

(2) Technical Risk Rating. Assessment of technical risk, which is manifested by the identification of weakness(es), considers potential for disruption of schedule, increased costs, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, and/or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance.

Combined Technical/Risk Adjectival Ratings take into consideration the risk descriptions in the table below.

Adjectival Rating Description

Low Quote may contain weakness(es) which have little potential to cause disruption of schedule, increased cost or degradation of performance. Normal contractor effort and normal Government monitoring will likely be able to overcome any difficulties.

Moderate Quote contains a significant weakness or combination of weaknesses which may potentially cause disruption of schedule, increased cost or degradation of performance.

Special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring will likely be able to overcome difficulties.

High Quote contains a significant weakness or combination of weaknesses which is likely to cause significant disruption of schedule, increased cost or degradation of performance.

Is unlikely to overcome any difficulties, even with special contractor emphasis and close Government monitoring.

Unacceptable Quote contains a material failure or a combination of significant weaknesses that increases the risk of unsuccessful performance to an unacceptable level.

(3) The following factors will be used to evaluate quotes:

(i) Factor 1. Technical and Management Capability. Subfactors 1A through 1E will be evaluated and result in the overall technical evaluation rating for Factor 1. Note: Merely restating the Government’s requirements may be deemed insufficient and rated marginal or unacceptable.

Subfactor 1A: Recruitment and Placement of Allied/Ancillary Providers. This Subfactor will be evaluated to determine the quoter’s ability to recruit and place personnel to ensure BPA calls will be fulfilled in a timely manner. The following will be evaluated: healthcare market in each of the regions to include challenges, trends and strategies necessary to provide the services required; recruitment process to recruit qualified and competent personnel for short term assignments; processes for initial verification of credentials (licensure, certification, education, life support training); process for preparing credentialing/privileging packages for submission to the MTFs; process for background checks; process for making travel arrangements for staff on assignments away from their residence; and strategies for short term assignments for high demand and shortage specialties or hard to fill geographic locations.

Subfactor 1B: Compensation Plan and Retention of Allied/Ancillary Providers. This Subfactor will be evaluated to determine the quoter’s ability to retain allied/ancillary providers to ensure continuity of services throughout the life of the BPA. The following will be evaluated: proposed compensation plan for allied/ancillary providers; description of the compensation philosophy; different types of compensation proposed (e.g. bonuses, benefits, housing, etc.); the strategy for issuing compensation to allied/ancillary providers; and retention strategies to ensure minimal turnovers of short term staffing assignments.

Subfactor 1C. Management Capability. This Subfactor will be evaluated to determine the quoter’s management capability to include management techniques, tools, and practices the quoter will use to ensure quality and timely performance of all required services throughout the life of the BPA. The following will be evaluated: employee performance evaluation process; process for managing employee performance issues; methods to provide timely information to quoter’s employees; procedures for and commitment to timely payment of employees; and any subcontractor or teaming arrangement.

Subfactor 1D: Allied/Ancillary Services Provided. This Subfactor will be evaluated to determine the quoter’s ability to provide the specialties required. The Excel spreadsheet for Subfactor 1D, Allied/Ancillary Services Provided, will be compared to the pricing spreadsheet for consistency and discrepancies. If the Services Provided spreadsheet is marked “YES” indicating that the services are provided, but the pricing spreadsheet does not have pricing for the specialty; the government will determine that the specialty is not provided and it may result in a change to the technical rating for this Subfactor and the overall Factor. The technical rating for this Subfactor will be based on the number of required allied/ancillary specialties the quoter will provide as indicated below:

Color Rating: Adjectival Rating: Number of Allied/Ancillary Specialties % Quoted Blue Outstanding 69 specialties 100% Purple Good 58 specialties 84% Green Acceptable 48 specialties 70% Yellow Marginal 38 specialties 55% Red Unacceptable 29 specialties 42%

Subfactor 1E: States in Which Allied/Ancillary Services Have Been Provided. This Subfactor will be evaluated to determine the quoter’s ability to provide the services in the states where the Army MTFs (to include satellite sites) identified in the solicitation are located. The technical rating for this Subfactor will be based on the number of states the quoter has provided allied/ancillary services as indicated below.

Color Rating: Adjectival Rating: Number of States % Quoted Blue Outstanding 27 States 100% Purple Good 19 States 70% Green Acceptable 12 States 44% Yellow Marginal 9 States 33% Red Unacceptable 6 States 22%

(ii) Factor 2: Past Performance. Performance risk analysis provides insight into the quote’s probability of successfully completing the solicitation requirements based on the quoter’s performance record on recent, relevant, and similar contract efforts. The Government may consider and use any information from its own files, databases, references provided by the quoter, or from any source, as it deems appropriate. Evaluation of past performance will be subjective and will take into consideration areas such as schedule performance;

quality of services; business relations; management of key personnel; customer satisfaction; and small business utilization. If adverse past performance information is obtained, the respective point of contact will be contacted to obtain additional information about the circumstances surrounding the situation. The Government will consider past and present performance of any teaming partners under an approved teaming arrangement. For purposes of this solicitation a teaming arrangement is considered one in which two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime contractor. The Government will not consider the past performance efforts of subcontractors since the Government does not have privity of contract with subcontractors and subcontractors are not obligated to perform under any resultant contract (i.e. BPA calls). Quoters will be given an opportunity to address unfavorable reports of past performance to which the quoter has not had a previous opportunity to respond. The quoter’s response, or lack thereof, will be taken into consideration. If a quoter does not have a past performance history relating to the solicitation, the quoter will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably and will receive a Neutral Confidence rating for this factor. Providing incorrect references may affect the overall rating for Factor 2.

The following adjectival ratings will be used in evaluating Factor 2:

Adjectival Rating: Description:

Substantial Confidence Based on the quoter’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a high expectation that the quoter will successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence Based on the quoter’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the quoter will successfully perform the required effort.

Neutral Confidence

No recent/relevant performance record is available or the quoter’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned. The quoter may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on the factor for past performance.

Limited Confidence Based on the quoter’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a low expectation that the quoter will successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the quoter’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has no expectation that the quoter will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

(iii) Factor 3. Price: The quote shall include the complete pricing spreadsheets for each region which will be used to evaluate the quote, but this Factor will not be scored. Pricing will be evaluated to the extent in which it is fair and reasonable in terms of the Government’s requirements. To determine fair and reasonable the Government will compare the prices of all quoters. In addition, the KO will conduct a responsibility assessment, in accordance with FAR Part 9.104, of each quoter being considered for a Master BPA; the quoter must be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

Professional Compensation Evaluation: The professional compensation clause does not apply to the Master BPA, because it only applies to contracts and a BPA is not a contract. However, to try and evaluate the prices on the individual calls prior to establishing the Master BPA, the KO considered applying FAR 52.222-41 to the establishment of the Master BPAs. However, the KO has determined that there are no predecessor BPAs within the meaning of the term “predecessor contracts” as it is used in FAR 52.222-46(b). Previous USAHCA BPAs are not close enough in comparison to the current BPA requirement to compare compensation levels. Since there are no predecessor BPAs with which to compare compensation levels, evaluation of compensation will not include comparison to predecessor BPAs.

(4) The relative order of importance for the evaluation factors is as follows: Subfactors 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are equal in importance and when combined make up the total evaluated rating for Factor 1. Factor 1 is more important than Factor 2. Factor 2 is more important than Factor 3. Factors 1 and 2 when combined are significantly more important than Factor 3. To receive consideration for a BPA, a rating of no less than Green/Acceptable must be received for Factor 1, Technical and Management Capability and for each of the Subfactors 1A-1E; and a rating of no less than Satisfactory Confidence or a Neutral Confidence rating must be received for Factor 2, Past Performance. In addition, pricing must be considered fair and reasonable. Quoters are reminded that in the case of a quoter without a record of relevant past performance or for when information on past performance is not available, the quoter’s lack of past performance will be evaluated as an Neutral rating having no favorable or unfavorable impact on the evaluation.

Paragraph (b) is hereby replaced with the following:

(b) Options. The Master BPA will have a 5-year ordering period and will not include options. However, given that FAR Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, provides that the Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract (i.e., the rates in effect when the Option to Extend Services clause is exercised), for purposes of evaluating this option, the contracting officer will consider the prices submitted for the timeframe from 15 March 2021 to 14 March 2022, since those would be the binding prices should this option be exercised. Evaluation of this option shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option.

Amendment 0001 -- Change 4: Subfactor 1E_States in Which Allied-Ancillary Healthcare Professionals Services are Provided Spreadsheet has been removed and replaced with Subfactor_1E States in Which Allied- Ancillary Healthcare Professionals Services Have Been Provided Spreadsheet.

[End of Amendment 0001]

Receipt of Amendment 0001 is acknowledged:

Company Name and CAGE/DUNS

Printed Name and Title

Signature and Date