Questions and Answers_20250606.pdf

Questions and Answers 20250606

1.0 Malpractice Insurance

1.1 Is medical malpractice insurance required for performance under this contract, given that the PWS 5.1.13 states “dental treatment is not required or authorized by the contractor employees,” and the scope of work is limited to dental examinations?

The only requirement for the dentist is dental examinations and if applicable, provide education to the Soldier on dental health. The contract company is required to ensure the dentist is credentialed and any can specify requirements is determined by the contractor.

1.2 If malpractice insurance is required, are there specific dollar limits (minimum coverage amounts) that must be met?

We require the contractor to provide a dentist to do examinations. Credentialing will be performed through the contract company and requirements will be determined by them. We do not require proof of credentialing.

1.3 If required, can the Prime contractor entity (including the government if needed) be added as an “additional insured” on the dentist’s malpractice policy to satisfy this requirement?

We require the contractor to provide a dentist to do examinations. Credentialing will be performed through the contract company and requirements will be determined by them. We do not require proof of credentialing.

1.4 Or must the Prime contractor entity itself also carry separate malpractice insurance?

We require the contractor to provide a dentist to do examinations. Credentialing will be performed through the contract company and requirements will be determined by them. We do not require proof of credentialing.

2.0 Common Access Card (CAC) & Special Qualifications

2.1 How does the Government expect the Prime contractor to address dentist absences, such as PTO, illness, or other short-term leave?

We understand there are emergencies and unforeseen circumstances that can occur.

With that, we do expect that scheduled absences are covered. Our medical clinic requires a dentist to be on site to conduct examinations and without coverage, we can’t see Soldiers and it will have a negative effect on medical readiness.

2.2 Is there an expectation that the Prime contractor will provide a substitute dentist who would also need to complete the CAC process and meet the special qualifications (e.g., BLS certification and three years of experience as a dentist with the military population)?

We understand that CAC process can take time. If the contract company has a couple of dentists who will provide coverage, we will ensure they will all go through the procedures to get a CAC. The only caveat is that a contractor does need to sign in periodically to maintain access on the system. We will work with the contract company and discuss the best way forward.

As for BLS or any credentialing item, that will be the responsibility of the contract company to ensure the dentist is current.

As for the experience, yes it will be required for any dentist that works with our Soldiers.

2.3 Alternatively, does the Government accept that there may be temporary gaps in services due to the time-intensive CAC clearance and credentialing processes?

We understand there may be small gaps with CAC that we accept, but they must be credentialed upon entering the clinic.

3.0 Global Question on Special Requirements and Operational Factors Will the Government consider exceptional commercial experience in lieu of the military-specific experience requirement to broaden the candidate pool while maintaining the standard of care? This question is posed as collectively, the PWS contains several unique or special requirements that may limit the pool of qualified candidates, particularly those without direct military population experience, as well as a willingness to travel between Maryland locations.

Military Experience. Military experience is required and would consider exception for a dentist with less than three years. The reason it is required is Soldiers mobilize to austere environments where they do not have access to care. Additionally, any medical evacuation of a Soldier can put the entire medical evacuation team at risk and the mission could be in jeopardy if a single unit member is not able to perform their job. If a dentist has never worked with the unique circumstances of the military, I am concern they may not understand the gravity of the situation. There is also a steep learning curve of the DoD policies, and we do not have a military dentist that is available to teach any contractor who does not have any experience.

- PWS 5.1.2: Valid, unrestricted Maryland dental license

Required

- PWS 5.1.3: Current BLS certification, minimum of three years of experience as a dentist with the military population, and CAC prior to reporting

BLS is required. We would consider an exception to a dentist with less than three depending on their experience.

- PWS 5.1.20: Completion of all training required to access military databases, websites, and network systems

There is required training to log into the government systems and document dental exams, but it can be completed upon arrival to the clinic

- Operational Travel: The requirement to provide services at two Maryland locations (CFMR and Edgewood) as part of a single dentist’s responsibilities (Not itself an issue, but travel considerations are always factored in)

I understand that having two clinics can be an obstacle and will limit the pool of dentists. We have two clinics to expand our medical readiness services, because our Soldiers live throughout Maryland and the surrounding states. Both clinics will need to be staffed with a dentist.