Amendment 0001 - Q-A - 6-8-2022.docx

W912JD22R0002

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

AMENDMENT 0001

This amendment 0001 is hereby incorporated into solicitation W912JD22R0002 and shall become a part of any resultant contract.

Question 1) We would like to know if this is a brand-new contract or if there was an incumbent performing these services.

Response: The government considers this a new requirement, as Medical Support Services have grown, due to the National Guard Bureau’s increase focus on individual medical readiness. These services under this requirement have never been covered by previously government employees. Similar services have been provided in the past, but these requirements are different than previous requirements. The current PWS tasks and other contractual documents have been revised dramatically to reflect the current requirement and required task to accomplish this service.

The below contract that only covers a portion of this new requirement, the information is:

W912JD19C0001 – T47 International - $1,099.901.61.

Question 2) Will contractor employees be provided with computers as GFE items as almost every “office environment” contain them: 3.1 Property: The Government will furnish the necessary workspace for the contractor to perform services outlined in the PWS to include desk space, telephones, notebook, and other items necessary to maintain an office environment. These facilities shall only be used in the performance of this contract.

Response: The word “notebook” in this sentence means notebook computer or laptop computer, which the Government will provide under this contract. The notebook computer system will be used to conduct daily government official use only and subject to monitoring. Unauthorized use of these systems may subject violators to administrative action, civil and/or criminal prosecution under United States Code.

Question 3) Will overtime be authorized to cover weekend or after-hours activities? If not, is Compensated Time Off for hours worked over 40 authorized?

Response: No overtime of any kind authorized under this contract. The typical work week will be Monday through Friday. However, given the geographical dispersion of the Maine Army National Guard and the Service Members are only in uniform 39 days of the year, the USP&FO for Maine will require the contractor staff members to travel to various Army Facilities as part of the requirement to support Medical Readiness Events, which occur one weekend a month during the months of November through March only. During this timeframe or as needed, shorten work week will occur to accommodate the weekend.

Question 4) How will the QASP measure this requirement? 5.2.13 Develop professional networks and establish positive relationships within the MEARNG and its partners.

Response: Per PWS 1.4.3. Quality Control (QC): The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective QC Plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s QCP is how to assure itself that its work complies with the requirements of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop QC procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). Paragraph 5.2.13 is not listed on the Technical Exhibit 1. Additionally, this QASP is based on the premise that the contractor, not the government, is responsible for management and QC/QA actions to successfully meet the terms of the contract. The QASP is a living document. Flexibility in the QASP is required to allow for an increase or decrease in the level of surveillance necessary based on contractors performance. The QASP establishes procedures on how the assessment/inspection process will be conducted. An example for paragraph 5.2.13 might be: Feedback from completed surveys from staff personnel and/or customers, and/or observation during meetings and/or training events.

Question 5) How many FTEs are required for each labor category (i.e. Registered Nurse III, Bachelor of Social Work Services, and Medical Records Technician)? Or Does the Government require the Contractors propose the number of FTEs in their proposal?

Response: As prescribed by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 4.10 – Uniform Use of Line Items; Subpart 4.1001(a) Policy – Line items are established to define deliverable or organize information about deliverables. Each line item describes characteristics for the item purchased. The Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) are constructed in the solicitation from page 10 through page 18 and have been broken-down below to clarify your question.

*CLIN 0001 – Non-Clinical Medical Case Manager Service – RN III – 1 FTE *CLIN 0002 – Medical Records and Medical Support Service – 1 FTE *CLIN 0003 – Medical Records and Medical Support Service – 1 FTE *CLIN 0004 – Behavioral Health Case Management Service – 1 FTE

*with sequential option period as well.

Question 6) On this contract, is there another person other individuals working in another labor category outside of those mentioned? If so, what labor category and how many FTEs.

Response: No other individuals performing any type of service on this contract beside the individuals identified in CLIN 0001 through CLIN 0004, with sequential option period.

Question 7. Given the economic impact of recent events on the medical field and the difficulties in recruitment, will the Government entertain price proposals that exceed the Service Contract Act (SCA) or Department of Labor averages?

Response: The SCA only provides required minimum for hourly pay as applicable to those position subject to the SCA. Offerors are reminded that the resultant contract will be a Firm-Fixed Price and are not subject to economic price adjustment or retro-active price adjustment during the subsequent period of performance, except as provided by wage adjustments originating from changes as implemented by wage determinations at the time of the option period.

Question 8) Many employers within the healthcare industry are offering enhanced benefits including bonuses and additional paid-time off (PTO). Will the Government consider implementing these practices into the contract?

Response: Beyond those requirements listed by the SCA, applicable labor laws, and applicable wage determination, the Government will not implement controls over the internal business practices and their employees. Offerors are responsible for determining the best business practices for recruitment, retention, and quality control to meet the requirements as stated in this solicitation, applicable attachments and amendments.

Question 9) Are any of the position remote?

Response: No telework schedule authorized. Performance shall be at 194 Winthrop Street, Camp Keyes, Augusta, Maine 04333.

(End of Summary of Changes) image1.wmf