Amendment 0001 CONT CP Questions and Answers_18FEB20.pdf

Question Number Document

Page Number

Section and Paragraph Question Government Response

1 PWS

PWS 1.4.5.4 references security clearance. Please confirm whether personnel clearances/facility clearance will be required.

ANG Response: Each contractor will attain a CAC. The background check is required and is performed as part of the CAC application/issuance.

ARNG Response: Per the regulation, a T1/NACI is the minimum requirement to obtain a CAC, this includes Finger Prints and a background check.

2 PWS

Is helpdesk software provided by the Government or contractor?

ANG Response: The contractor.

ARNG Response: It is the contractor's responsibility to provide helpdesk assistance in support of the government systems of record JCCQAS, support ARNG personnel in the 54 States and territories with overall credentialing process, and Provider Management Tracker (PMT).

3 PWS

Please provide more information about the requirement to provide COTS software (5.1). For example:

a. What is rationale behind the preference of an external solution instead of utilizing the reporting capabilities within

CCQAS?

b. Will data reside on Government computers or contractor computers?

c. What restrictions does the Government place on PCF data that will be stored in the COTS software?

d. Is the cost of the software reimbursable through the ODC CLIN? If the Government instead requires the contractor to contemplate this cost as overhead in the FFP, please the number of Government users who will need to have accounts.

ANG Response: a) JCCQAS Reports section is not user friendly;

we have 150-200 field users who only use the system once a month, therefore no efficiency; access is limited to RSD useage for 90% of the users; & the actual reports from JCCQAS are very complex for what is requred for ANG. b) neither, web-based system. c) COTS software must be HIPAA and PA compliant. d) no, the cost is not reimbursable and there will be an estimated 150-200 users from the ANG GMU field and ANG HQ.

ARNG Response: a) JCCQAS is a repository based system and has very difficult and limited capabilities with reporting. b) JCCQAS is the system of record and will maintain all Health Care Provider file elements. PMT will be use as a provider file management tool and will contain checklist and provider file status data. c) COTS software must be HIPAA, PII, and PA compliant.d) ARNG will have an estimated 2500 JCCQAS and PMT users to include providers, credentialiers, reviewers, approvers, and management staff. ARNG will consider the COTS systems as a data management tool, not to replace the system of record per the credentialing regulations.

4 PWS

Re the Sample ARNG TO, we are concerned that the experience requirements in 5.7.1-5.7.5 are sufficiently restrictive as to create performance risk because a the quantity of qualified personnel may be insufficient to guarantee the required manpower at all times. Additionally, this could create significant transition risk the start of the PoP if even a few incumbent personnel turnover because CCQAS-specific experience is required even of the most junior personnel. We respectfully request the Government remove that requirement for the Cred Specialist position in Section 5.7.1.1.2 or else merely strike the words “utilizing CCQAS/JCCQAS” so that the appropriate manpower pipeline can be maintained.

ANG Response: There will be no change to this requirement.

ARNG Response: This is a regulatory system of record and can't be stricken from the contract. It is up to the vendor to plan accordingly for onboarding and training of their personnel to be competent in this system. The Government will allow for a 30 day initial window of training to be the compromise. Additionally, the ARNG has created a LMS based training program that the vendor can utilize for their staff. It is recommended offerors find several internal staff who are well versed in JCCQAS to train and support the vendor's internal staff.

5 RFP

With regard to the Price volume, please clarify what offerors are to price in J-1 (basic IDIQ without orders).

As stated in the Evaluation Approach on page 117, offerors are to complete all seven spreadsheets in Attachment J-1.

Spreadsheet 1.a.1 - Final Pricing, must include pricing for CLINs 0001, 0004, and the -8 pricing for ARNG and ANG.

The total evaluated price should include the five ordering periods and -8 pricing.

6 General

Please specify the number of FTE required to perform this contract?

The number of FTEs proposed is at the discretion of the offeror and is predicated upon their own interpretation of the PWS requirements.

7 General Are all tasks and functions noted in the PWS currently being performed by the incumbents?

ANG Response: No.

ARNG Response: Yes.

8 General

What is the cost of the LMS accounts?

ANG Response: JKO and ADLS is no cost to service members.

ARNG Response: Depends on which LMS module is used. 20- 50K. For the vendor to determine the best version and cost productive

Questions & Answers AMENDMENT 0001 Continuation 18FEB2020 Solicitation: W9133L20R1000

Centralized Credentialing and Privileging Program Management Services for the Army National Guard & the Air National Guard

9 General

Please provide the incumbents' contract numbers and contract dollar values.

ARNG: Contract Number: W9133L-15-C-0039; $13,401,211.37 ANG: Contract Number: W9133L-16-C-0111; $3,545,290.00

10 PWS 10 1.2

The DoDI regulations were recently updated and the title changed to DHA-PM. Will the government incorporate the update in the final RFP?

ANG Response: No.

ARNG Response: The changes made from the DoDM 6025.13 to DHA-PM 6025.13 will not incur additional costs to the vendor.

Currently, the DHA-PM is only applicible to ARNG providers when they are on Title X orders. It does not apply to Title 32 status.

11 PWS 11 1.4.4

The PWS states: “The management of credentialing and privileging as a centralized program will ensure NGB remains compliant with AFI 44-119, AR 40-68, OTSG MEDCOM Policy 17-041, and DoDI 6025.13. The contractor’s support services need to encompass all of ARNG/ANG States and Territories (approximately 150 locations).” Can you please provide a list of the place of performance locations?

ANG Response: Yes, please see Attachment J-7 ANG Wing Locations.

ARNG Response: Actual vendor location is not the intent of this task. The support to the locations will be done electronically and telephonically by the vendor remotely. This task is to require the remote support across different time zones based on the fact that NGB includes 54 States and Territories across the country.

12 PWS 17 1.4.5.13

Is it the government’s intent for contractors to receive and store classified information? ANG Response: No.

ARNG Response: No Classifed Information, only PII and HIPPA.

13 PWS 18 1.4.7

The PWS states: “The contractor shall complete JCCQAS Credentialing User Role Training. The contract shall ensure all employees possess all required knowledge for operating JCCQAS used in the performance of this contract.” Will the government provide the JCCQAS Credentialing User Role Training to contractors?

ANG Response: No, it is available on JCCQAS website.

ARNG Response: It is the governments intent for the vendor to provide the JCCQAS training to all users. However, the government oversite office is prepared to provide the initial training to the vendor in order for them to become subject matter experts on the process and information. Thereafter, it would be the vendor's requirement to train and support the 54 States and Territories providers and users.

14 PWS 18 1.4.7

Will the interested vendors be provided the most recent version of the JCCQAS manual in order to be responsive to the RFP requirements?

JCCQAS access will be provided after contract award. The current users manual cannot be uploaded to beta.SAM.

15 PWS 19 1.4.12

Is it correct that the government will utilize its own CPCB and it will be the contractor's responsibility to prepare board meeting documents and travel to certain locations to participate?

ANG Response: Yes.

ARNG Response: It is the vendors responsibility to posture, prepare, and assist with facilitation of all of our boards (ad hoc, virtual, and in person boards). The quarterly in person boards are traditionally held in Arlington VA. Additionally, at a minimum of 2 times a year, 2 of the 4 in person boards are held at other locations within the CONUS and travel will be required.

16 PWS 19 1.4.12

Will the contract manager be the only person or should a team of credentialing personnel attend? If so, what key personnel will be required by contract to attend?

ANG Response: This shall be at the discretion of the offeror and is predicated upon their own interpretation of the PWS requirements.

ARNG Response: It is recommended a contract program lead/manager attend the in person boards along with sufficient support staff. Number of contract attendees will range on knowledge and performance level of the individuals.

17 PWS 20 1.4.15

Phase In/Phase Out: Will the awardee and incumbent contractor be allowed 90 days to complete the Phase In/Phase Out?

The current contract services will be in place through 26 July 2020.

Depending on when the new contract is awarded, will determine how long the phase in/phase out period will cover.

18 PWS 25 5.1

What functions does the government hope to acquire through the COTS software that is not currently provided by the JCCQAS? Are there any specific capabilities within JCCQAS the government would like to improve on?

ANG Response: a) JCCQAS Reports section is not user friendly;

we have 150-200 field users who only use the system once a month, therefore no efficiency; access is limited to RSD useage for 90% of the users; & the actual reports from JCCQAS are very complex for what is requred for ANG. b) ability to track data and run reports that are not complicated.

ARNG Response: JCCQAS is not owned by ARNG or NGB. It is a DoD product. Changes and/or updates to JCCQAS are determined by a DoD Change Order board. It is a very restrictive system that does require additional tracking and management capabilities. The desire of a COTS system is for the management and tracking capabilites for the providers file statuses.

19 PWS 25 5.1.3

What COTS software is currently being used? ANG Response: No, COTS software is currently in use.

ARNG Response: Windows products, which were not fully being developed/utilized by the current vendor. The ARNG then redirected our efforts and worked to develop PMT which will be required of the new vendor to learn and utilize. The Government will provide initial training on PMT and will require the new vendor to become subject matter experts. It is still desired by the ARNG that the new vendor to explore and present alternate COTS options of provider file management.

20 PWS 25 5.1.3

Can the government please provide the technical requirements for the COTS software?

ANG Response: Web-based and must be HIPAA and PA compliant.

ARNG Response: Able to track provider file elements, provider file statuses, expiration of expirable documents, credentials and/or privilege dates

21 PWS 25 5.1.3

Based on this requirement, is it the government's intent to eventually transition to the contractors COTS software versus JCCQAS?

ANG Response: No.

ARNG Response: No, JCCQAS is the system of record.

22 PWS 25 5.1.3

Is it the governments intent to have the COTS and JCCQAS systems integrated? If so, how will the COTS software communicate with the data in JCCQAS? Or is it the governments intent to keep the two systems separate with two individual manual data inputs?

ANG Applicable: a) no, b) N/A, c) keep separate

23 PWS 5 5.4 and 5.4.2

The Government states in RFP document that Historically, ARNG incurs approximately 100 per year, Attachment J-5 ARNG Sample Task Order PWS para 5.4 states Historically, ARNG incurs approximately 50 per year, and para 5.4.2 Adverse actions are estimated at 10- 20 per year. Please verify the number of adverse actions the ARNG incurs annually.

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: ARNG has an estimated 100 adverse actions per year that will require to be processed, tracked, and managed. This breaks down to about 10 per month.

24 Section H 35 d

Can the government provide the estimated number of contractor personnel who shall require a secret clearance in performance of this contract?

As stated in section H.4(d) Security Requirement, the Government may require a Secret security clearance for the performance of certain duties on some task orders issued under this contract. In such an event, a TO-specific DD Form 254 will be incorporated for individual TOs, as required. The levels of security clearance and number of personnel required for each level is unknown. Following contract award, the government will issue a DD254 and security classification guidance to the awardee and will allow sufficient time for the awardee to obtain the required FCL or GCA/CSA will sponsor an interim DSS-approved FCL in accordance with DSS requirements.

25 Section L 108 3.1

Since this is electronic submission only, can you please delete, “Each binder shall be clearly labeled with its Title and a copy number (e.g., copy 1 of 5).” from the RFP?

Yes, this sentence will be deleted from the RFP.

26 Section L 109 3.4.2

The solicitation states: “All of the proposal files shall be separate uploads in PDF format.” Can all volume files be submitted in one email? Are there any file size restrictions for emails?

Yes, volume files can be submitted in one email or in multiple emails.

27 Section L 112 6

Please confirm PPQs are to be completed by ONE Point of Contact per reference (Contracting Officer, OR Contract Specialist, OR Technical Representative).

Yes, the PPQs are to be completed by one POC per reference.

28 Attachment J-5 1-2 1.2

The Government states that approximately 5,000 privileged and non-privileged HCPs are supported by this contract. Historically, on average, how many new credentialing and privileging files are processed each year? (New, in this context, meaning personnel entering the ARNG as a HCP each year that do not have an established credentialing/privileging record in JCCQAS.)

ANG Response: N/A to ANG ARNG Response: The number 5000 is all inclusive of ARNG and ANG. The ARNG alone would represent an estimated 3000 providers. It can be estimated that 500-700 are true initial accession providers. Upon a provider completing their initial year, they move into a recred/2 year cycle.

29 Attachment J-6 9 5.8.3

Could the government please provide a copy of the current training outline, training materials, and training program guide?

ANG Response: This is a new requirement and has not been developed.

ARNG Response: Copies will be provided to the awardee.

30 Attachment J-6 1 1.2

The Government states that approximately 2,200 privileged and non-privileged HCPs are supported by this contract. Historically, on average, how many new credentialing and privileging files are processed each year? (New, in this context, meaning personnel entering the ANG as a HCP each year that do not have an established credentialing/privileging record in JCCQAS.)

ANG Response: ANG new accessions approximately 300 per year.

ARNG Response: N/A

Attachment J-5 Attachment J-6 1 Sample Tasks

Will ANG provide insight if the sample tasks referenced in the solicitation will be awarded with the IDIQ or, re-solicitated sometime during the IDIQ Period of Performance?

It is the intent of the government to award both ANG and ARNG task orders at time of award along with the overall ID/IQ.

Attachment J-5 Attachment J-6 Multiple Sample Tasks

Will ANG provide a Bidders Library for Publications, Regulations, and Instructions referenced in each of the Sample Tasks? Will ANG provide the most updated or newly published policy and guidance documents referenced in the sample task documents?

ANG Applicable: Negative on both questions. Vendor will utilize e-publishing website (https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/ ) to have the most recent publication/regulations/instructions.

33 Section L 110

(a) Proposal Due Date and Time

Will ANG consider extending the proposal due date to accommodate bidders at least a 3-week proposal development time after answers to questions are released?

The proposal due date and time has been changed to 28 February 2020 at 10:00 AM EST.

34 GENERAL

The ARNG and ANG have separate and distinct guidelines for various business rules related to credentialing, committee, and privileging activities. Would both force components, in the spirit of efficiency, agree to discuss and agree to one common threshold of acceptability for these activities in older to allow the contractor to manage all files to an accepted standard rather than have two separate and distinct approaches to performing this work?

ANG Response: Negative on the first options, but maybe on the second option after the contractor sees both operations.

ARNG Response: No, there are distinction in how each component accesses and retains provider documentation which are not commonly in place for each componet. The overall end result is a common factor, but how ARNG works with each State varies by the ANG Units and commands. Our infrastructure varies thus creating different requirements.

PWS

Section C 25 5.1

IAW PWS paragraph, is there a COTS product that provides this dashboard currently or is this a new requirement? If new requirement, is a COTS solution for a dashboard acceptable?

ANG Response: a) No COTS software is currently in use. b) A COTS solution is acceptable and it should be web-based and must be HIPAA and PA compliant.

ARNG Response: No, It was requested but never developed by the current vendor. The ARNG then redirected our efforts and worked to developing Provider Management Tracker (PMT) which will be required of the new vendor to learn and utilize. PMT is currently operating in a Silverlight platform but is going through a conversion over to Windows based. The Government Owns PMT and will provide the initial training. The new vendor will be required to utilize and become subject matter experts on PMT. It is still desired by the ARNG that the new vendor explore and present alternate COTS options of provider file management.

PWS

Section C

25 5.2

For the approximately 5,000 current Health Care Providers combined in ARNG and ANG, what percentage are currently fully credentialled with a complete file in JCCQAS?

ANG Response: All ANG HCPs have a current file in JCCQAS, unless they are in the initial process of accession.

ARNG Response: Has est. 3000K providers and of them est.

2000K are currently credentialing and privileges, while the remaining providers are either still in residency or initial providers pending presentation. ARNG is at 90% of the eligible providers to be fully credentialed and privileged.

PWS

Section C 26 5.3

Is there a government approved platform for conducting the virtual boards to protect PII and PHI?

ANG Response: ANG does not conduct virtual boards.

ARNG Response: Yes.

38 PWS 26 5.3 and 5.5.2

Is there a government approved/purchased e-application program that providers utilize?

ANG Response: Yes, JCCQAS.

ARNG Response: No, JCCQAS is the system of record and all EAPPs are issued and processed through it. There is no additional cost to ARNG to utilize JCCQAS.

PWS

Section C

26 5.5

If a provider fails to submit the required information to fully credential and complete an ICTB, who is responsible for following up with that provider?

ANG Response: The contractor.

ARNG Response: It is a shared responsibility to complete all contract requirements in regards to provider submission and completion of tasks. Vendor Credentialer/Provider/State Credentialer. Success depends on open communication and participation by all three.

PWS

Section C 27 5.6

Will the current JCCQAS training materials owned by the government be made available to vendor on award for adoption, modification, or replacement subject to government review and approval? And will the government provide access to the JCCQAS software to establish a training site for use by the contractor?

ANG Response: a)JCCQAS training materials will remain the same and are available on the JCCQAS website. b) Access to JCCQAS will be granted upon award of the contract.

ARNG Response: Yes, the current training materials will be share with the awardee. Any modifications and edification will need to go directly through the government. The current LMS online training access will be granted with management rights to the awardee. Again, all changes and modifications will need to be presented to the goverment for review and approval. Access to JCCQAS will also be made available.

PWS

Section C 26 5.4

To allow for adequate workload planning, how many of the 5000 records do you estimate will be due for credentialing 30, 60, 90 days after award. What is the historical distribution of the approximate 5000 records each month for 12 months.

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: Of our 3000 providers, an estimated 150 files per month need to be renewed.

RFP

Section M

122-123 5

Request clarification on what would constitute an Acceptable or Unacceptable Small Business Participation Factor rating.

Request example of an Acceptable small business participation percentage mix and an example of an Unacceptable small business participation percentage mix

The percentages must meet the minimum goals stated in Section M paragraph E of the RFP.

RFP

Section B 3 B.2

Is it the Governments intent to issue separate task orders for the ARNG and ANG after award?

Yes

44 PWS 120-121 4.1

The "recency" limitation for relevant past performance is currently set to three years. Would the Government consider extending this to five (5) years as former incumbent vendors have significant and relevant past performance regarding this subject matter and the requirements outlined hereunder.

No, the three year limitation will remain as stated in the RFP.

PWS 19 1.4.13

Please confirm that vendor brought intellectual property and management approaches to deliver services specified in the RFP are not considered Government property. If this is not the case, please confirm that the Government intends to procure all knowledge based products and processes as part of this solicitation

Vendor brought intellectual property and management approaches to deliver services are not considered Government property. However, intellectual property and approaches developed or procured during contract performance are considered Government property.

46 PWS 20 1.4.15

To allow appropriate planning, a thorough knowledge transfer, and alignment of resources, please provide the Government approved transition out plans for the ARNG and ANG incumbents. If this is not available, please confirm that the Government has a four month period of overlap.

ANG Response: ANG can provide an overlap period up to 4 months.

ARNG Response: Our current contract will be in place through 26 July 2020.

47 PWS 20 1.4.15

Please provide the locations of incumbent operations and confirm that the Government will establish a transition knowledge portal with program artifacts to enable an effective and efficient knowledge transfer.

ANG Applicable: ANG C&P Manager will provide transition and incumbent information to contractor after contract award.

48 PWS 20 1.4.15 Will the government issue a transition in task order? No

49 PWS 20 1.4.15

To support an efficient and secure transition, please provide a copy of the incumbents OPSEC and security SOPs / plans and detailed information pertaining to the current state of data security.

ANG Response: Normally, the contractor provides a transition plan as part of the proposal with specifics on how/when to get information from the previous vendor. The current state of data security is also part of how they will transfer any data if necessary.

All documents for the C&P program are stored within JCCQAS and only moves through the Regional C&P leads.

ARNG Response: T1, fingerprints, and background check is the requirement. The vendor can initiate fingerprints and background request. ARNG will be given a copy of required security documents and will ensure submission to ARNG security office for processing of all required T1 clearances.

50 PWS 20 1.4.15

To determine pre-award investment requirements and effective resource mobilization needs, please communicate how many days prior to the start of transition the Government intends to make an award notification.

The period of performance starts in July 2020. The Government tentatively plans to make an award announcement sometime in April or May 2020.

J-5 ARNG Section 2 and 3 5.1.4

Please provide an overview of the Department of Defense's tiered support construct for JCCQAS to clarify roles and responsibilities of the Military Health System's Global Service Desk, the JCCQAS support maintenance provider, and the ARNG/ANG credentialing support vendor.

ANG Response: JCCQAS access will be provided after contract award.

ARNG Response: MEDCOM currently has a helpdesk for JCCQAS technical issues and the ARNG vendor helpdesk support would be for ARNG users that need password resets, credentialing training and process support.

J-5 ARNG Section / 5 J-

6 ANG Section 5.1 Inclusive 2

Would all of the reporting requirements within this section be fulfilled by providing a real-time reporting capability within the contractors on going interactions with HCPs? This would include all credentialing, privileging, and ICTB actions. There are several specific reports defined and rather than create these statically, would the Government accept the ability to query this data interactively at all times to garner this information?

ANG Response: a) yes, b) negative, separate reports ARNG Response: the newly developed PMT will take care of some of these static reports, but ARNG would still require the vendor to pull it from PMT and present to the COR/PM on a monthly basis.

53 J-5 ARNG Section 5 "" ""

With regard to the 8 business hour response metric for RFIs, how does the Government expect those credentialing elements and their respective verifications which are "in process" to be reported.

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: PMT will track when/who requests are submitted and all responses. PMT time stamps every action and by each element of a credential file.

J-5 ARNG Section 5 "" ""

What is the timeframe for contractors to gain access to JCCQAS? Our experience is that the time to acquire a new employee CAC Card and perform background investigations may be at least 30-60 days.

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: ARNG can't control the hiring of new employees in which they have never been vetted by government security etc. If a new hire has a favorable T1 or higher, finger prints have been submitted, and back ground check complete then it is reasonable to receive a CAC within 1-2 weeks for those offsite personnel. Onsite personnel will require further in processing steps for space and equipment which could take up to 4 weeks.

J-5 ARNG Section 5 /

J6 ANG Section 5.1.10

How will non-Government (i.e., Contractor, Civilian) practitioners engage with the program? What operational processes will ensure their engagement/collaboration with credentialing/privileging processes?

ANG Response: a) with JCCQAS, b) the contractor will ensure operational processess consistent with the contract are in place to facilitate practioner engagement with the credentialing/privileging processes ARNG Response: Contract providers will be vetted through their contracts and not supported through the ARNG task order. Civilian (which IS government) providers on a full time Title V status will be processed through the ARNG task order. There are only 1-2 per State so this requirement is minimal.

56 J-5 ARNG Section 5 "" ""

In order to ensure force mobilization readiness, the contractor must continuously maintain expirable credentials (e.g., licenses, board certifications, etc.) in order to effectively execute ICTBs/Mobilization/Deployment actions. To be clear, does the Government understand and expect that this work must be performed continuously for all managed practitioners within this program?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: Yes, thus the reason for this contract. Yes, continuous processing of file elements to ensure a file maintains accuracy and completeness in the event an ICTB is needed.

J-5 ARNG Section 5.3 "" ""

Describe the difference between a quarterly physical credentialing/privileging board and the need for 8-16 additional virtual boards per annum? Are the additional virtual boards necessary within a well-run program? The ARNG previously (FY2008-FY2015) held quarterly physical boards and maintained a 99.4% mobilization readiness level. Further, please explain the 150-180 HCP per board quota-- as such this would equate to 3000+ HCPs per annum being board reviewed and accredited.

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: Estimated half of our provider population is to be boarded annually. Previously, the file elements were incomplete, missing documents, offline erronous paper privileges issued which caused a back log in processing with the current vendor. ARNG is now in a good battle rhythm with monthly virtual and quarterly in person boards. We have been able to maintain the ICTB demands during seasonal high rotations. The difference between the boards is the obvious, telephonic verse in person. The virtual boards don't discuss strategic or process issues/solutions and focuses on file presentation. Additionally, the Executive Committee (EXCOM) only presents adverse or sensitive cases at the quarterly in person boards.

J-5 ARNG Section

5.3.2

For reserve component forces, utilizing CAQH's industry standard application for appointment drew directly from soldier's existing private sector data and did not require additional effort on their behalf to establish baseline credentials data with DoD. Would the Government approve of returning to using this approved mode of data collection for initial application/demographic data for RC soldiers if the contractor could upload this information into JCCAQS without requiring practitioners to perform an additional and tedious step to initiate credentialing actions?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: Not at this time.

J-5 ARNG Section

5.5.3

Regarding ICTB requests, previously those requests were required to be communicated to the contractor 90 calendar days (per ARNG-SO policy directives) in advance of a planned mobilization or deployment activity in order to ensure that any changes to credentials could be actively verified and that any local variations (i.e., gaining facilities) to privileging requirements be mitigated. As such, 100% of all ICTB requests were successfully fulfilled between FY 2012-2015.

Would the Government consider these timing considerations reinstated in this regard?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: ARNG has already moved to 120 days+ for file management and take ICTB requests as early as one year in advance. ICTB sustainment has been more successful with the improvement of provider file integrity.

J-5 ARNG Section 5.7 "" ""

The experience requirements within this section are unachievable. Given our direct experience with performing this work for many years, very few experienced credentialing professionals-- outside of existing Government employees--would meet these criteria. To wit, our firm maintained a comprehensive training and development program that grew employees into performing this work at an exceptional level for many years. Further, military credentialing requirements often greatly exceed those of private sector healthcare delivery operations-- requiring specific training and orientation to DoD's specific needs. Therefore, would the Government accept a firm's ability to establish a comprehensive training program to ensure that both staff and management-level employees understand and appreciate the specific needs and nuances required to perform this work in a highly consistent and reliable manner?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: ARNG has already created and established a ARNG training program that is specific to ARNG government credentialing. We are open to enhancing the ARNG credentialing training program and all changes would need to be reviewed and approved by the government.

61 J-5 ARNG Section 5.8 "" ""

Should the PMT, as referenced, be delayed upon contract award, would the Government accept using a program-specific system in the interim?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: No to the delay. The current vendor will be in place through 26 July 2020 which allows time for the new incumbent to train and learn the system.

62 J-5 ARNG Section 5.9 "" ""

Does an FTE need to be truly stationed within the ARNG-SO?

We performed this work very successfully for eight years and were available 24/7 via phone or video conference for any form of communication. Would the Government consider changing this requirement to being a 24/7 on-call resource?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: Yes, ARNG is requiring a FTE onsite lead in order to liaise between the incumbent and the government, be continuity POC as a program lead, and attends meetings as contractor representative. This will provide a cohesive platform.

ARNG will not consider changing this requirement of one onsite

FTE.

J-6 ANG 5.1.12, 5.1.14 "" ""

In order to maintain expirable and recredentialing data, the contractor must retain the credentials data for every prationer within the program. Is the Government willing to waive this provision/requirement from the RFP?

ANG Applicable: Negative

64 J-6 ANG 1.2 "" ""

Has the ANG already defined the Privilege Delineations for all ANG AOCs or will this need to be done as a function of Program initiation?

ANG Applicable: Completed

65 J-6 ANG 5.1.16 "" ""

Can the Government please describe what they mean by "credential update" within this section?

ANG Applicable: The contractor must provide credentials update to the practioner, periodicity of updates to be decided by contractor in conjunction with Air Force guidance (AFI 44-199).

J-6 ANG 5.1.8 "" ""

Can the Government please describe the delineation of when the contractor must use the ACFCVO in its workflows and when not? Per J-6.1.5.8, it appears that for any cost-bearing verifications for ANG practitioners in the program must be run through this entity.

ANG Applicable: All cost-bearing verifications for ANG practioners are to go through AFCCVO. In addition,all privileged providers are to be credentialed through AFCCVO.

67 J-6 ANG 5.1.12 "" ""

In order to maintain expirable and recredentialing data, the contractor must retain the credentials data for every prationer within the program. Is the Government willing to waive this provision/requirement from the RFP?

ANG Applicable: The contractor will not store any HCP credentials

68 J-6 ANG 5.1.18 "" ""

Can the Government describe what is meant by "org box" within this requirement? Is this a technical platform that contractors will have ready access to?

ANG Applicable: An email box for ANG that is monitored by multiple associates

J-6 ANG 5.1.20 "" ""

How will the contractor be notified of PCS actions for non-privileged practitioners?

ANG Applicable: GMUs will notify when a HCP C&P must be moved to another GMU

70 J-6 ANG 5.2.1 "" ""

To confirm, initial privileging actions require an intracycle reprivileging action following a new practitioner's first year of duty?

ANG Applicable: correct

52.204-8 Annual

Representations and Certifications

51 ""

The RFP shows a check mark indicating that this opportunity is exempt from the application of the Service Contract Act.

Can the Government confirm that there are no labor positions on this proposed contract that will qualify under the SCA?

It is in the government's estimation, the contemplated work could potentially be satisfied using an exempted labor force. However, an offeror's proposed labor mix is at their sole discretion predicated upon their interpretion of the PWS requirements.

5. Small Business Participation Factor

122 ""

Is the total small participation per this requirement 35%, inclusive of the percentages of the set aside (Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB): {5%} of the total contract value;

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Small Business: {3%} of the total contract value; Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB): {3%} of the total contract value;

Yes, please see note in paragraph E of Section M.

73 PWS 1.0 General 9 ""

Can the government advise how many non-privileged providers are expected as well as the number of privileged providers? Is the current contract tracking non-privileged providers? Does the process work the same for both privileged and non-privileged, or are we just tracking expirables for compliance?

ARNG Applicable: Estimated 3000 providers with est. 2300 unrestricted licensed. The remaining population are students and residents which will only be tracked by name and estimated graduation dates. As they complete their residency and obtain an unrestricted license they will be onboarded as an initial provider.

PMT pulls in all providers from ITAP and will populate into PMT for tracking purposes.

74 PWS 5.0 Requirements 26 ""

Can the government advise how frequently the credentialing and privileging boards are?

ANG Response: Credentialing and Privileging boards meet quarterly.

ARNG Response: every month there will be either a virtual OR a quarterly in person board. Additionally there may be a need for an ad hoc virtual board (1-10 providers) that are emergent or critical due to ICTB mission need.)

PWS 5.0 Requirements 26 ""

Can the government please clarify what the 50 files per year are for? ANG Response: the 50 files per year are files on adverse action activities (a separate file is maintained for each individual adverse action) ARNG Response: exactly what the task states (Adverse Actions)-

5.4. The contractor shall provide administrative support, coordinate, and facilitate adverse action activities. Historically, ARNG incurs approximately 50 per year. The contractor shall provide adverse action support to all ARNG Military and non-military HCPs and program end-users./// ARNG Estimates there will be 50 Adverse Action Cases to track and provide administrative support for)

76 ARNG PWS 9 ""

In reference to "The contractor shall provide fulltime onsite program lead support and availability located at the ARNG headquarters (HQ)." Can the government advise what the functions of the Program Lead Support will be?

ANG Response: N/A ARNG Response: See response to Question 62.

77 ANG PWS 5.1 General 3 "" Can the government advise if the ANG will be tracked through

PMT?

ANG Response: Negative.

ARNG Response: Not at this time.

ANG PWS 5.1 General 3 ""

Please clarify if there are any verifications which have additional costs that will be picked up by the AFCCVO, if so will the AFCCVO upload/update to JCCQAS?

ANG Applicable: All cost-bearing verifications for ANG practitioners are to go through AFCCVO. In addition, all privileged providers are to be credentialed through AFCCVO b) Privileged providers initial verifications are uploaded by AFCCVO;

Subsequent renewal/change in status verifications are to be updated by the contractor.

79 ANG PWS 5.1 General 3 "" Can the government advise who the non-privileged providers are referenced (what roles)? Will this just be for tracking expirables?

ANG Applicable: Yes, NC and will be for tracking expirables.

ANG PWS 5.8

Training & Support

NA ""

Is the main goal for DHA to combine ARNG/ANG training?

If so, are the trainings currently different?

ANG Applicable - This information is unknown.

NA 11 Paragraph 1.4.4

Can the government provide historical data regarding facility closings (emergency or administrative)? Additionally, can the government provide historical data regarding non traditional business hours to support drill weekends?

ANG Response: This information was not tracked.

ARNG Response: Inclement weather, no data on file// ARNG Title 32 Traditional Guard MDAY status providers only drill over weekends which creates a communication and results completion issue. It is the ARNG desire to have contract support during drill weekends.

82 NA 113 Paragraph 8.2

Can the government clarify that the summary of the price by price element and the breakdown of pricing for each CLIN required is the tab labeled I.a.7 Rate Buildup on Attachment J- 1? With that, we would like to confirm that any additional documentation to include subcontractor breakdown, to support these costs summaries can be provided in any format and there is no limitation in the pages?

See updated Section L, paragraph 8, Volume V - Price. There are no page limitations with additional documentation related to pricing.

83 NA 25 Paragraph 5.1

Can the government confirm that the contractor will burden the cost for the dashboard system and support and it is not allowable under other direct costs CLINS?

ANG Response: Affirmative ARNG Response: Utilization of PMT is at no cost to the incumbent. Any COTS systems costs could be invoiced through

ODC CLIN.

RFP Section Attachment J-1 Price Proposal Matrix IDIQ

Is the total price per ordering period for CLINS 0002, 0005, 0003 and 0006 a NTE determined by government estimates and therefore no proposal is due by the contractor?

The plug-in numbers for Travel and ODC CLINs are provided in the Price Proposal Matrices.

RFP Section

Attachment J-1 Price Proposal Matrix IDIQ

As these two worksheets are for sample task orders, how is the contractor expected to estimate the required labor categories/personnel associated with that task order?

The labor categories and number of personnel is at the discretion of the offeror and is predicated upon their own interpretation of the PWS requirements.

RFP Section

Attachment J-1 Price Proposal Matrix IDIQ

The pricing sheets all reference “proposed person”. Is it expected that offerors submit resumes with proposals?

Yes, offerors shall include resumes with their proposed labor mix for both ANG and ARNG. There is no page limit for the resumes. Resumes shall be included in the Technical Approach volume. See the technical evaluation emphases in the RFP page 111.