Solicitation No. AHRQ-07-10034 Amendment 0001

This amendment is issued for the following reasons:

1.  To respond to questions received by potential offerors.

2.  To include the requirement for offerors to provide one electronic
    copy of the entire proposal on CD. This can be provided in either
    Adobe (.pdf) or in Microsoft Word (.doc). If the proposal is
    provided in Microsoft Word please save as 2003 version or earlier.
    AHRQ cannot open documents saved in Microsoft Word that are in a
    version later than 2003.

3.  To include a sample of typical task orders ([for information
    purposes only]{.underline})

[The date and time set for the receipt of proposals is NOT changed and
remains 12:00 p.m. (Noon) local time on Thursday, May 31,
2007.]{.underline}

**[Questions to AHRQ-07-10034 with responses (in bold)]{.underline}**

1.  Regarding line item 3 under Cost/Price Proposal in Section L.12 -
    "Certified documentation that the offeror has a [current indirect
    cost rate agreement]{.underline} in place with a federal agency or
    that is in process of obtaining or revising such an agreement.  A
    copy of the indirect cost rate agreement or the proposed rate
    agreement shall be provided."  We have an approved cost accounting
    system, but DCA will not audit and approve indirect cost rates until
    we have a cost reimbursable contract. Will our DCA approved cost
    accounting system meet the requirements of section L.12 A A.3 of the
    RFQ?

> **If an offeror does not currently have a federally negotiated
> indirect cost rate agreement in place they must submit provisional
> rates in their proposal. These rates will be listed as ceiling rates
> in the contract. Once an award is made, the contractor will have 90
> days to submit their proposal to NIH, Office of Acquisition Management
> and Policy, Division of Financial Advisory Services to start the
> process of negotiating and finalizing your indirect cost rates.**

2.  Section L.11, Past Performance, requests Past Performance for five
    completed contracts and ALL contracts and subcontracts currently in
    place for the Prime and any Major subcontractors. This will be
    approximately 20 Past Performance references for us as the Prime
    contractor, and for our Major subcontractor it may be over 50
    references. Could the number of required Past Performance references
    required be reduced to no more the 5 or 6 per company? If all data
    is still requested for the list of Past Performance, could the
    number of questionnaires required be reduced?

    **There is no specific number of required past performance
    references. However we ask that offerors reference contracts and
    subcontracts, including recently completed and ongoing work,
    directly related to the requirements of this acquisition.**

3.  Do Subcontractors have to provide Past Performance and if so, do
    they have to submit past performance questionnaires for every
    current contract? 

> **Offerors should provide past performance for major subcontractors.
> Subcontractors may submit past performance questionnaires for
> contracts containing work directly related to the requirements of this
> acquisition.**

4.  Since this procurement is a Total Small Business set-aside, is it
    necessary to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan as
    mentioned in the first paragraph of section L.12.

> **No, this was included in error. Please disregard any reference to
> the Small Business Subcontracting Plan.**

5.  It\'s a bit of a challenge to identify exactly what you\'re looking
    for, i.e., R&D, technical support, solutions, integration, personal
    services, etc.  Can you clarify?

> **The greatest number of task orders is expected to be for program or
> product evaluations; personal services are not part of this contract.
> By example, work undertaken in fiscal year 2007 that are illustrative
> of the types of work that could be undertaken via this new task order
> contract include: evaluating the effectiveness of two health services
> research capacity building programs; assessing the utility and
> satisfaction of a pocket guide; creating outcome measures for
> injurious falls and re-hospitalization and convening a meeting of
> experts to improve dissemination and adaptation of these measures; and
> identifying and evaluating AHRQ's research on health care costs,
> productivity, and market forces.**

6.  Are you looking for proposal(s) that focus on one, multiple or all
    areas detailed in the RFP (i.e., your needs)?  In other words, can I
    submit multiple proposals based on the answer above?

> **Offerors should focus on all areas detailed in the RFP. Only submit
> one proposal that details the offerors expertise in all areas and/or
> your plan to subcontract to reach these areas. Please note the
> Limitation on Subcontracting Clause (FAR 52.219-14).**

7.  Section L.11(1) requests past performance info for \"both offeror
    and proposed major subscontractors: list of last 5 contracts (past 3
    years) plus all contracts & subcontracts still active\...\"

> Do you want a total of 5 contracts from the team, or 5 from each prime
> and  major sub(s)?  And if we have more than 5, should we focus on
> \"relevant\" ones first?

**Five from each on work that is directly related to this acquisition.**

> For past performance info for \"all active contracts\"\--just the
> prime or you want those from subs also?

**Active contracts for both prime and subs.**

> And finally, the past performance questionnaire\--do you want those to
> go to the 5 completed contracts plus all the active ones?

**Yes.**

8.  Could you please explain in more detail this requirement?

> Certified documentation indicating that the offeror has a cost
> accounting system in place which allows for the collection, tracking
> and reporting of all costs under a cost reimbursement-type contract.
>
> **The offeror must SELF certify that is it has an appropriate
> accounting system in place as described above.**

9.  Do Offerors have the option to propose to provide services in some
    but not all of the six activity areas described in Section C of the
    solicitation (i.e., Evaluation Activities; Economic and Cost-Benefit
    Analyses; Legal and Policy Analyses; Actuarial Analyses; Customer
    Satisfaction Surveys and Other Agency Performance Information
    Collection Efforts; Internal Management and Organizational Studies,
    Strategic Planning, and Performance Measurement)?  Will doing so
    reflect negatively on the evaluation factors for award?

 

> **Please reference Question 6.**

10. Section L of the solicitation states that Offerors shall provide \"A
    list of the last five (5) contracts and subcontracts completed
    during the past three years and all contracts and subcontracts
    currently in process.\"  Does this requirement pertain to ALL
    contracts/subcontracts completed and in process for an Offeror, or
    only those contracts/subcontracts that are relevant to the AHRQ
    Planning, Evaluation & Analysis contract?  My company has held many
    contracts over the past three years in several business areas, only
    some of which are relevant to the requirements for this
    solicitation. 

> **Please reference contracts and subcontracts completed during the
> past three years and include recently completed and ongoing work
> directly related to the requirements of this acquisition.**

11. Section L.11 Past Performance Information, which is listed as part
    of the Technical Discussion Volume, requires 5 copies + original. 
    Is this information also included in the 100-page limit? Would you
    like this in a separate Volume?

> **No, it is not considered in the 100 page limit. It should be
> provided as a separate volume.**

12. Section L.10.B after the \"Class\" descriptions of the Management &
    Staffing Plan:  \"The offeror shall provide written assurance from
    proposed consultant or subcontractor that they have agreed to
    provide consultation\...\" Will signed Letters of Commitment be
    required from individual consultants which will go towards the page
    count?  Or may we have the consultant sign a Statement of Commitment
    at the bottom of his/her resume if submitted as one of our key
    personnel?  (We actually lost points on a proposal because we took
    the latter tact\--thus the question.)

> **Letters of commitment should be provided for individual consultants
> and will count towards the page limitation.**

13. Table of Contents counted as part of the 100-pages?

> **Yes**

14. On page 52 of the proposal the following is stated: "Certified,
    unloaded, labor rates for individuals expected to work on a project
    of this size and nature (Class Levels I through IV, see Sections B.3
    and L.10)." Question: With regard to unloaded labor rates, six
    categories are provided in the RFP, yet this statement requests
    unloaded labor rates through category IV. Should we provide labor
    rates for all six categories or just through level IV? Also, please
    define how these rates should be "certified?"

> **This was a typo. Please provide labor rate ranges for all six
> categories. This information is "self" certifying.**

15. On page 52 of the proposal the following is stated: "The offeror
    shall submit as part of the proposal a separate enclosure titled
    "Business Proposal." The Business Proposal shall include the
    Cost/Price Proposal, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and
    Other Administrative Data in accordance with the following:"
    Question: I don't recall seeing specific reference to a "Small
    Business Subcontracting Plan" beyond information requested in the
    Technical Proposal regarding details of proposed subcontractors,
    working arrangements, and written assurances of a subcontracting
    relationship. Are there additional items (outside of what is already
    requested in the Technical Proposal) that make up the Small Business
    Subcontracting Plan?

> **Please reference Question 4.**

16. On page 52 of the proposal the following is stated:

> Certified documentation indicating that the offeror has a cost
> accounting system in place which allows for the collection, tracking
> and reporting of all costs under a cost reimbursement-type contract.
>
> Certified documentation that the offeror has a current indirect cost
> rate agreement in place with a federal agency or that is in the
> process of obtaining or revising such an agreement. A copy of the
> indirect cost rate agreement or the proposed rate agreement shall be
> provided."
>
> Can you please provide additional information on the top bullet point
> related to certified documentation for a cost accounting system? We
> have a commercial software accounting system in place capable of
> tracking costs by cost reimbursement-type contract. Could you please
> provide information on how this system should be "certified?"
> Secondly, Section K.4 of the RFP states that "This notice \[Cost
> Accounting Standards\] does not apply to small businesses." Could you
> please clarify this statement with regard to the first bullet point
> above?
>
> **As stated above, this is a self certification. In regards to Section
> K.4, this does not apply to small businesses so you can disregard that
> section.**
>
> With regard to the second bullet point, we currently do not have an
> indirect cost rate agreement in place? Please advise how we can meet
> the requirements of the RFP while seeking negotiation with a federal
> agency regarding an indirect cost rate agreement?
>
> **Please reference Question 1.**

17. With regard to Section K "Representations, Certifications, and other
    Statements of Offerers" can you please clarify which Representations
    must be signed and [submitted]{.underline} with the proposal, which
    proposal they should be included with (technical or business), and
    the number of originals and copies required? Shall subcontractors
    also provide these certifications?

> **Please provide (and sign where applicable) all of Section K. As
> stated in Section L.12 B (8) one copy of Section K shall be included
> with the original business proposal. This is not required for
> subcontractors.**

18. How many small projects (i.e., less than \$50,000 in cost and / or
    less than 2 months in duration) and large projects (i.e., \$250,000
    to \$500,000 or 6 months or greater in duration) does AHRQ
    anticipate awarding each year of the contract?

> **Based on recent experience, AHRQ has not engaged in** **evaluation,
> planning, and analysis** **projects of less than \$50,000 or** **for
> less than 2 months'** **duration. Typically, AHRQ has awarded 12 month
> projects with a** **cost ranging from \$150,000 to \$300,000. However,
> this small business, task order contract** **is a new effort for AHRQ
> and** **initially,** **shorter duration, lower cost projects may be
> anticipated perhaps once or twice a year over the course of the
> contract. As AHRQ's program staff and Project Officers become aware
> of** **this new Task Order mechanism and satisfaction by AHRQ staff
> with Task Order products remains high, the** **number, cost,** **and
> length of contracts will evolve.** **The number, cost,** **and
> duration** **of** **subsequent contracts will** **be dependent upon
> the success of this new mechanism during its first year of
> operation.**

19. Can proposals be submitted by FedEx or UPS? Or do they have to be
    hand delivered.

> **Any of these are acceptable. However, if you decide to hand carry
> the proposal, please allow ample time as proposals cannot be accepted
> until they have gone through security. We will not be held responsible
> for any delays that may be incurred getting your proposal through
> security.**
>
> **Also, please note that the U.S. Postal Service's "Express Mail"
> [does not]{.underline} deliver to our Rockville, Maryland address.
> Packages delivered via this service will be held at a local post
> office for pick-up. [The Government will not be responsible for
> picking up any mail at a local post office]{.underline}. If a proposal
> is not received at the place, date, and time specified herein, it will
> be considered a "late proposal."**

20. Would you like any electronic copies of the proposals along with the
    hard copies? Can it be submitted by email or on CD?

> **After further discussion, AHRQ is requesting [ONE copy]{.underline}
> of all the proposal documents to be provided on CD with their original
> proposal. This can be provided in either Adobe (.pdf) or in Microsoft
> Word (.doc). If the proposal is provided in Microsoft Word please save
> as 2003 version or earlier. AHRQ cannot open documents saved in
> Microsoft Word that are in a version later than 2003.**

21. Is there a page limitation for each resume or any specific
    formatting guidelines for the resumes?

> **No. The page limitation is 100 pages for the [entire]{.underline}
> appendix.**

22. On page 52, L.12 Business Proposal, Section A, items 1-3 all stated
    that they must be "certified." Can you please clarify what you mean
    by "certified?" Who should they be "certified" by?

> **Items 1 & 2 are "self" certifying. For item 3 please provide a copy
> of the final indirect cost rate agreement as certification (if the
> offeror has final rates already negotiated -- if not reference
> Question1).**

23. In L.11 Past Performance Information, it says that offerors shall
    submit five contracts. We are assuming that the 5 contracts includes
    any contracts for our subcontractors. Please clarify?

> **Please reference Question 2.**

24. We just want to confirm that the unloaded labor rate is simply an
    hourly labor rate and does not include fringe benefits?  Is that
    correct?

> **Yes, that is correct.**

25. Is there any clarification to the labor range for each
    classification?

> **Clarification is provided in Section L.10 b -- Management & Staffing
> Plan**

26. For this solicitation could a company bid as prime and also serve as
    a subcontractor on another team?

> **There is nothing that precludes an offeror from serving as both a
> prime and a sub. However, AHRQ cannot determine whether the technical
> proposal evaluators will find this as an advantage or a
> disadvantage.**

27. According to the solicitation, the business proposal should include
    certified documentation that the offeror has a current indirect cost
    rate agreement in place with a federal agency or is in the process
    of obtaining or revising such an agreement.  If an offeror teams
    with a subcontractor, would both companies be required to include an
    indirect cost rate agreement?  If not, then would the subcontractor
    be held to the prime contractor's indirect cost rate agreement? 

> **No -- only the prime must provide their cost rate agreement. The
> subcontractor is not held to the prime's indirect cost rate
> agreement.**

28. Can the indirect rate provided in the agreement(s) be revised?  For
    example, once actual final rates are set at the end of each fiscal
    year, will there be an opportunity to settle the difference between
    the actual rate and the indirect cost rate agreement rate?

> **Provisional rates will be included in the contract as ceiling rates
> and will not be increased once final rates are negotiated. Adjustments
> will only be made if the final rates are lower than the provisional
> rates.**

29. Certified, unloaded, labor rates for individuals expected to work on
    a project of this size and nature (Class Levels I through VI, see
    Sections B.3 and L.10).

> Certified documentation indicating that the offeror has a cost
> accounting system in place which allows for the collection, tracking
> and reporting of all costs under a cost reimbursement-type contract.
>
> Certified documentation that the offeror has a current indirect cost
> rate agreement in place with a federal agency or that is in the
> process of obtaining or revising such an agreement.  A copy of the
> indirect cost rate agreement or the proposed rate agreement must be
> provided.

Who is the certifying authority?

**Please reference Question 22.**

30. In light of the \$6.5M size standard for this work, will the
    Government consider alternative pricing methods (for example T&M
    based on approved GSA rates)?

> **No -- the task orders under this contract will be cost
> reimbursement.**

31. Will the Government consider allowing the offeror's labor rates,
    systems and agreements to be certifiable at the time of award?

> **No -- these must be "self" certified at time of proposal
> submission.**

32. Please confirm that pages in the appendices may be single spaced.

 

> **Yes, appendices may be single spaced.**

33. Please confirm that the table of contents does not count as a part
    of the 100-page limit for the body of the technical proposal.

 

> **The Table of Contents [does]{.underline} count toward the page
> limitation.**

34. Based on AHRQ\'s previous history of work in the areas outlined in
    the SOW, can the government provide any estimate of the number of
    requests for task order proposals that will be issued annually? 

 

> **This is a new and additional contract mechanism for AHRQ to conduct
> its evaluation, planning, and analysis work. Under its current Task
> Order mechanism through HHS's PSC (Program Support Center), which AHRQ
> may continue to use in addition to this new AHRQ Small Business Task
> Order contract, AHRQ's Performance and Evaluation unit issued 8
> planning and evaluation-related Task Orders in Fiscal Year 2007 and
> approximately the same in Fiscal Year 2006. AHRQ intends to publicize
> this new Task Order mechanism for use by all AHRQ Offices and Centers.
> Because this new mechanism will be supported by 5 to 8 small
> businesses, AHRQ recognizes that the number of Task Orders issued
> under this contract may be limited due to the ability and capacity for
> these small businesses to accept and do the work. The number of Task
> Orders, therefore, is difficult to estimate, but for proposal
> purposes, 8 to 10 Task Orders is a reasonable number to plan for per
> year.**

35. Re Section B.3, Proposed Labor Rates for Task Orders, please clarify
    why the government wants unloaded labor rates?  How will this
    information be used to equitably compare offerors\' proposed rates,
    since the information will not reflect the total potential cost to
    the government for an individual\'s time?

 

> **The competitive range will consist of those offerors who are highly
> rated, based upon the technical and past performance evaluation. A
> cost analysis will consist of establishing Labor Category Hourly Rate
> Ranges for the six Labor Categories. The negotiations will include the
> evaluation of the reasonableness of the individual cost components
> related to the Labor Category Hourly Rate Ranges (unburdened rate,
> indirect rates and fee/ profit, if applicable).**
>
> **A cost realism analysis to determine the cost of performance of each
> offeror cannot be made for the base contract award. The base contract
> award will be awarded with no dollars, individual task orders will
> reflect the value of the specific work to be performed. Each task
> order will be negotiated on the basis of the work to be performed and
> the costs proposed. The proposed costs will include specific personnel
> and their corresponding rate within the Labor Category Hourly Rate
> Ranges. The proposed costs for a specific task order may also include
> other direct costs, as necessary for performance of the task (i.e.
> travel, consultants, consumables). These will be reviewed and
> negotiated on an as needed basis.**
>
> **A representative sample of positions that could be averaged to
> propose one hourly rate range per class is requested.**

36. Related to this, how is the offeror to present the \"range\"
    information requested in Section B.3 \-- are we to show the lowest
    salary in the category [and]{.underline} the highest salary, or do
    you want the average figure?

 

> **The proposal should show a range of salaries from lowest to highest
> for each class. Please do not provide averages.**

37. Regarding the instructions in Section L.-12, Business Proposal,
    Section A. Cost/Price Proposal, Item 1 directs offerors to provide
    \"certified, unloaded labor rates for individuals expected to work
    on this project.\"  We have several questions about this - as noted
    above, please explain how the government will evaluate/compare
    unloaded rates for individuals across offerors.  Does the government
    not want loaded labor rates proposed?

 

> **We do not compare labor rates across offerors. Please reference
> Question 35 above. Please provide only unloaded labor rates.**

38. Also, whether loaded or unloaded, are we to present one hourly rate
    for each labor category or a rate for every individual employee who
    is proposed for potential work on the contract?

 

> **Offerors should provide a range of unloaded salary rates for each
> category.**

39. Also regarding Section L.-12, Business Proposal, Section A.
    Cost/Price Proposal, Item 1, directs offerors to provide labor
    rates for Class Levels I through IV.  Does this mean that the
    government does not want any labor rate information for labor
    categories in Class V or Class VI?

> **This is a typo. Please provide unloaded labor rate ranges for all
> [six]{.underline} categories.**

40. Re Section B.3, Proposed Labor Rates for Task Orders, please clarify
    why the government wants unloaded labor rates.

> **This is not a time and materials contract and under a cost plus
> fixed fee contract offerors must provide their unloaded labor rates.
> In addition, in order to comply with the Salary Rate Limitation
> (Section H.7 of the RFP) the Agency needs to review offerors unloaded
> labor rates.**

41. Page 5 of the RFP indicates that hourly labor rates (not loaded
    rates) are to be provided by Labor Category and each of the contract
    years and that ranges in rates may be provided.  Pages 1 and 52 also
    indicate that the cost proposal shall include "Certified, unloaded,
    labor rates for individuals expected to work on a project of this
    size and nature."  Can we assume that rate ranges for each labor
    category, rather than the rates for each individual within a labor
    category, are acceptable?  Should rates be separate for the prime
    contractor and any subcontractors, or should the rates be blended
    for each labor category?

> **Ranges are acceptable. Offerors should not include subcontractors in
> their labor rate ranges.**

42. Page 7 of the RFP indicates that consultant fees in excess of
    \$500/day are unallowable as direct costs?  Does AHRQ anticipate any
    circumstances under which this provision would be relaxed, e.g. in
    order to employ a renowned expert in a highly specialized field?

> **It is possible for the Contracting Officer to allow consultant fees
> in excess of \$500 per day. This will be determined on a case by case
> basis.**

43. Page 8 at the bottom of the page, last sentence reads "perform
    program including all current portfolios of work."  Could this be
    clarified?

> **The item should have read, "perform program**
> **[evaluations]{.underline}** **including all current portfolios of
> work." **

44. Page 49, paragraph 1 of the RFP refers to the management and
    staffing plan and indicates "This plan shall also present staff
    structure by class only, not by named person."  Please clarify.

> **Offerors should not list specific employee salaries. Only provide
> ranges of salary by class category.**

45. Are there any limitations on the share of total work (in terms of
    hours or cost) that can be performed by subcontractors on any given
    task order or for the entire contract overall?

> **Yes -- please refer to the Limitation on Subcontracting clause (FAR
> 52.219-14) listed in Section I of the RFP. This limitation applies per
> task order and not to the over all contract period.**

46. The RPF requires that one original and five copies be submitted for
    the Past Performance Information. This indicates to us that a
    separate proposal is required. However, on page 48 of the RFP, Past
    Performance is listed as item (E) of the Technical Discussion. Can
    the government clarify the requirement?

> **The Past Performance is a separate section of the proposal. It
> should be provided separate from the technical proposal.**

47. Do our team members (subcontractors) need to submit past performance
    questionnaires to their clients?

> **It is not required, however past performance questionnaires from
> subcontractors will be reviewed and evaluated when considering the
> offerors total score for past performance.**

48. Is it mandatory to have a current indirect cost rate agreement with
    a federal agency in order to respond to this solicitation (page 52
    of the RFP)?

> **Please reference Question 1.**

49. What small business vendors have been contracted with in the past to
    provide work in the areas specified in this RFP?

> **This is a new requirement for AHRQ.**

50. Is there a requirement that subcontractors be small businesses?

> **No.**

51. Will proposers need to show qualifications in all areas identified?
    Or would proposals with excellence in a limited number of areas be
    considered?

> **Please reference Question 6.**

52. Please distinguish between the contractor, subcontractors and
    consultants on pages 5 through 7.

> **If this question is referring to the rate ranges, please only
> provide for employees of the contractor, not for subcontractors or
> consultants. Please note that the Salary Rate Limitation
> [DOES]{.underline} apply to subcontracts as well as the prime
> contractor.**

53. Depending on the nature of the future specific task orders, can the
    qualified vendor include additional subcontractors in the task order
    activities that were not included in this RFP response?

> **Yes. However, please note that all subcontracts (even those that are
> included in your original proposal) will be required to be submitted
> to the Contracting Officer for approval in advance of the agreement
> being signed.**

54. On page 52 under A.1, 2 and 3, what does "certified" mean?

> **Please reference Question 22.**

55. If we do not currently have an indirect cost rate agreement in place
    with a federal agency, how do we obtain one?

> **Please reference Question 1. We will notify you once an award is
> made with the point of contact at NIH to start the process of
> negotiating the rates.**

56. When and how will potential proposers be notified of answers to the
    questions? Will all questions and answers be sent to all persons
    indicating intent to propose?

> **An amendment to the solicitation is issued and posted on FedBizOpps
> and the AHRQ website. Individual notifications are not supplied.**

57. In the business proposal instructions the Government uses the term
    "certified." (See page 52, Section L.12, Subsection A, points 1, 2,
    and 3.) Does the application of the signature of the person(s)
    authorized to execute the contract for the offeror essentially
    certify all contents within the business proposal? If not, what is
    the process for certification?

> **Please reference Question 22.**

58. On page 8, last bullet starting with \"perform program including.\"
    There appears to be one or more words missing here. Can you please
    clarify?

> **The item should have read,** **"perform program**
> **[evaluations]{.underline}** **including all current portfolios of
> work."**

59. On page 53, paragraph B.1.E: There is no apparent paragraph 3 or
    paragraph 4.  Can you please clarify?

> **This is a typo. The correct sentence should read ... paragraph (c)
> or (d) above.**

60. Part 1, *The Schedule,* Section A, number 3 requests "Certified
    documentation that the offeror has a current indirect cost rate
    agreement in place with a federal agency or that is in the process
    of obtaining or revising such an agreement. A copy of the indirect
    cost rate agreement or the proposed rate agreement must be
    provided." With government audit agencies focused primarily on
    larger businesses, a requirement for such documentation may tend to
    restrict small business participation in AHRQ\'s competition since
    many smaller firms have not yet been subjected to formal audit
    agency scrutiny. Would the Government consider modifying this
    requirement to allow the alternative of a pre-award audit of
    apparently successful offerors\' proposed and auditable indirect
    rates?

> **Please reference Question 1.**

61. Section C, *Statement of Work,* Page 8, last bullet implies that a
    contractor must have experience with each of the specific AHRQ work
    portfolios. This may be unreasonable to expect of any one small
    business, whereas the Government might reasonably address the full
    range of program requirements through the individual strengths of
    the multiple contract awardees engaged via this procurement. Would
    the Government consider changing this requirement to allow offerors
    to address all areas, as appropriate, but to note areas of
    particular capacity and strength?

> **Please reference Question 6. Offerors should highlight their areas
> of specific expertise.**

62. Section H, *Special Contract Requirements,* Page 18, #4B declares
    that, after general award, some of the contractors may provide
    "unique or highly specialized" services and, thus, may be issued a
    Task Order directly. This implies that selected contractors may be
    more or less qualified in specific areas. As in our previous
    comment, AHRQ may not reasonably be able to expect all things of all
    contractors, but rather, collectively cover all areas through the
    individual strengths of its multiple contract awardees.

> **Please reference Question 6. Offerors should provide their plan for
> subcontracts or teaming arrangements to reach other areas that are not
> specific to their areas of expertise.**

63. Section L10, *Technical Proposal Instructions* provides the format
    for the Technical Proposal, but no specific format requirements are
    provided for the Business Proposal. Does the Government have a
    preferred format for the Business Proposal?

> **There is no specific format.**

64. Section L10, *Technical Proposal Instructions* notes that resumes
    are required only for key personnel. Subsection B, *Management and
    Staffing Plan* further suggests that \"This plan shall also present
    staff structure by class only, not by named person.\" However, the
    same paragraph says that \"Offeror shall identify the specific area
    of. . . expertise each proposed staff person or consultant has,\"
    and that written assurance must be provided in conjunction with the
    proposed engagement of specific consultants or subcontractors. Can
    the Government clarify to what extent evaluators expect to see
    specific, named individuals in the Technical Proposal? Given the
    uncertain nature of actual tasking to be assigned under this
    multiple award contract, it will be of only marginal use to require
    offerors to name a complete staff of specific individuals. We
    recommend that the Government restrict required resumes as
    originally intended, to key personnel only, and consider additional
    named personnel only to evaluate specific corporate capabilities and
    capacity, where relevant.

> **The offeror should provide enough information for the Government to
> determine whether or not they possess the required expertise to
> perform all areas of the requirement.**

65. Section L11, *Past Performance Information*, (1) requires a list of
    the last five contracts and subcontracts completed during the last
    three years and all contracts and subcontracts currently in process.
    Section L.11, *Past Performance Information*, (4) requires the past
    performance questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form be
    completed by contracting agencies listed per subsection (1). Does
    the Government require the questionnaire and form to be completed
    for every contract (on-going and completed) for the last three years
    or only the most highly relevant contracts?

> **Please reference Question 2.**

66. Section L12, *Business Proposal* suggests a requirement for a Small
    Business Subcontracting Plan. Generally, small businesses such as
    those submitting proposals in response to the subject solicitation
    would not be required to submit a subcontracting plan. Would the
    Government consider removing this specification?

> **Please reference Question 16.**

67. Section L12, *Business Proposal,* subsection A requires certified,
    unloaded labor rates for individuals expected to work on a project
    of this size and nature. Can the Government provide a precise
    definition for certified, unloaded labor rates? For example, what
    constitutes an acceptable certification? Does the unloaded labor
    rate represent only salary, or should other elements of compensation
    or fringe benefits be included?

> **Unloaded labor rates are base salary rates excluding fringe benefits
> or any other compensation.**

68. Section M, *Evaluation Factors For Award*, first 2 sentences. First
    sentence declares that selection of an offeror will be based on an
    evaluation of proposals against three factors. However, the second
    sentence mentions four factors but only lists three: scientific
    technical merit, cost, and past performance. Please confirm that
    these are the only three factors.

> **This is a typo. There are only three factors.**

69. Section M, *Evaluation Factors For Award.* Since the Government has
    solicited only unloaded rates as part of the Business Proposal, how
    will offerors\' prices be evaluated? For example, will unloaded
    rates be assessed for realism with disclosed indirect rates applied
    for purposes of evaluating most likely prices?

> **Please reference Question 35.**

70. Section L.12.A.1-3 Requests for the contractor to provide
    \"certified\" materials. What kind of certification is the
    government looking for? Are these three items self-certified?

> **Yes -- self certified.**

71. Cost proposal RFP (page 5) indicates that Contractor shall be
    reimbursed for costs incurred for labor based on the following
    (unloaded) hourly rates -- no rates are listed.  Are there specific
    rates we are to use or can we use those in our current rate
    agreement?

> **This section is where an offeror is to propose their rate ranges per
> category.**

72. Clarify that specific key personnel (names/titles) need not be
    provided in cost proposal and will BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF CONTRACT
    AWARD- need only to provide labor rates and labor class.

> **Specific Key Personnel should be listed in the technical proposal
> and will be inserted into any contract award in Section G.1.**

73. Are the 5 past performance information required from each
    subcontractor, is it a total of 5?. 

> **Please reference Question 3.**

74. Should the appendices also be double-spaced?

> **The appendices can be either single or double spaced.**

75. What constitutes certified documentation for having a cost
    accounting system in place?

> **This is self certifying.**

76. The RPF mention that 5-8 contracts will be awarded for this
    solicitation, does this range include the one set aside for service
    disable veteran owned business and one for a HubZone?

> **Yes.**

77. Page 54: \"Section K\... shall be completed and signed by an
    official authorized to bind your organization.\"  Do you require
    Reps and Certs (Section K) both the prime and all subcontractors, or
    simply the prime contractor?

 

> **Section K is only required for the prime contractor.**

78. The cost/proposal proposal \"shall include: 1. certified, unloaded,
    labor rates\...\" Can you confirm you require UNLOADED labor rates?

 

> **Yes -- unloaded rates.**

79. Page 51: Past Performance Information.  \"Offerers shall submit the
    following information as part of their proposal \... 1) A list of
    the last five (5) contracts and subcontracts completed during the
    past three years and all contracts and subcontracts currently in
    process.\"  Like many small businesses we have a lot of small
    subcontracts.  Is it acceptable to present past performance
    information and evaluations for a sampling of contracts and
    subcontracts most relevant to this proposal?  Additionally, how many
    examples of past performance should be included for subcontractors?

 

> **Please reference Question 3. There is no specific number to be
> provided.**

80. Page 49: Management and Staffing Plan. \"This plan shall also
    present staff structure by class only, not by named person.\"  
    However, p. 50 states \"the offeror\'s proposed project director
    shall be clearly identified.\"  Please clarify the parameters of
    using staff names in the proposal.

> **Key personnel should be included in the Technical Proposal.**

81. Paragraph G4 (2) (f) states that we should include the same data for
    each subcontractor that is provided from the prime.  If a
    subcontractor is providing services to the Prime Contract under
    their GSA Schedule Contract will the labor rates approved by GSA be
    acceptable in lieu of unburdened labor rates?  The subcontractor
    will be reflected on any resultant invoice as "other direct cost.\"

> **No.**

 

82. Given the waiver of cost accounting standards for small businesses,
    may a prime contractor with a valid GSA schedule submit those rates
    rather than unburdened labor rates? 

> **No. The Offeror [must]{.underline} submit unloaded labor rates.**

83. If a prime contractor is allowed to submit GSA schedule rates, may
    those of its subcontractors that are not on the GSA schedule submit
    rates that are broken out as shown in the RFP?

> **Once a subcontractors budget is required (per task order) they will
> be required to provide a break out of their costs.**

84. The business proposal requires a certified cost accounting system. 
    Could you please specify what certifications are acceptable?  That
    is, if a contractor is currently doing business with a federal
    agency using a cost accounting system that has been audited by that
    agency and accepted, is that sufficient certification?  Is there a
    time limit on how recently the audit  was completed (i.e., does it
    have to be an annual audit?)

> **This is self certifying.**

85. Section H.7 refers to a salary rate limitation HHSAR 352-270-15.
     The salary rate limitation also applies to subcontractors.  How are
    contractors to calculate \"salary\" from a rate that is applied to a
    class of employee?  Is there any adjustment if the covered
    individual does not work full-time for a full year on the task
    order?  Does this preclude utilizing any individual who receives a
    salary in excess of \$183,500, regardless of the rate applied to
    that individual for a given task order?  How does this limitation
    apply to a company that does not tie rates to salaries?  Or to a
    subcontractor whose principals are not salaried?

> **AHRQ will determine the annualized rate based upon the information
> provided. Organizations may pay above the salary rate limitation,
> however, those costs in excess may not be charged to the contract.**

86. Could you be more specific about the nature of the IT related
    activities required under this RFP as they relate to design,
    development, and/or evaluating data systems? 

> **Health Information Technology (HIT) is a relatively new, but growing
> area of work by AHRQ. The only reference to IT in the RFP is as one of
> AHRQ's portfolios of work that may be considered for evaluation
> (Health Information Technology, "Objectives," page 8). HIT has become
> a very important and integral part of health care. As such, there is a
> growing need to develop this area of knowledge and to evaluate AHRQ's
> work in the area of HIT. The nature of IT-related Task Orders will be
> programmatic evaluation activities, not IT support. For more
> information and examples of the scope of AHRQ-supported HIT work, go
> to: <http://healthit.ahrq.gov/>.**

87. What administrative and budget forms are required for this RFP?
    Where can I locate the correct application package for submission?

> **There is no specific application package or admin/budget forms.**

88. The RFP indicates that this requirement is set-aside 100% for small
    business concerns. Is a small business allowed to team with a large
    business?

> **Please reference Question 45.**

89. If a small business prime is teamed with a large business
    subcontractor, must the small business prime propose to perform over
    50% of the work for each task order that the team bids? Or is the
    50% limit maintained across the entire award period?

> **This requirement is PER TASK ORDER.**

90. Must the bidder have expertise in all areas specified in Section C-C
    on pages 9 -- 11 to be considered for this contract?

> **Please reference Question 6.**

91. On page 26, the RFP referenced FAR52.227-17, Rights in Data --
    Special Works. Is it permissible for the proposal to operate under
    the "Rights in Data -- General" conditions rather than what
    currently appears?

> **No.**

92. On page 47, the RFP mentions deliverables and staff loading chart.
    Is AHRQ expecting the offeror to submit these items? If so, how are
    we going to develop these items with no knowledge of the scope of
    work?

> **No - offerors should disregard the reference to the list of
> deliverables or person loading charts.**

93. In section L.11 (1) on page 51, the RFP require the offeror to
    submit the last five contracts and subcontracts during the last 3
    years. Does that mean the prime and subs should each submit 5 last
    contracts or combined?

> **Prime and Subs will list individual contracts -- not combined.**

94. Could you please clarify if we should submit past performance
    proposals from each subcontractor or should we include their
    information in our proposal (5 projects total or 5 projects each)? 

> **Please include this in your past performance proposal.**

95. "The RFP states "This requirement is set-aside 100% for small
    business concerns (with one set aside for a service disabled veteran
    owned business and one for a HubZone\..." How will the determination
    be made regarding the one service disable veteran owned business and
    the HUBZone?

> **The most highly qualified service disabled veteran owned business
> and/or HUBZone business within the competitive range will be awarded a
> contract. The Government reserves the right to award to the most
> highly qualified offerors regardless of their small business
> designation. So it is possible that more than one service disabled
> veteran owned business or HUBZone may be awarded a contract.**
>
> **[THIS IS PROVIDED AS INFORMATION ONLY. OFFERORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO
> SUBMIT ANYTHING BASED UPON THESE TYPICAL TASK ORDERS.]{.underline}**

**[Typical Task Order Tasks]{.underline}**

This section contains examples of two different types of activities,
program evaluation and evaluation design, that are typical of the nature
and type of tasks which may be required of contractors in performing
task orders awarded under this contract period. Task orders will not
necessarily contain all of the tasks listed below; **each task order
will include a unique set of tasks tailored to individual
requirements**.

**EXAMPLE \-- PROGRAM EVALUATION**

Task 1.0 [Develop Conceptual Framework/Literature Review]{.underline}

> Subtask 1.1 Meet with the Task Order Officer and any technical
> advisory group (TAG) that has been formed to provide guidance on the
> project, to discuss the study goals, objectives, and specific study
> questions.
>
> Subtask 1.2 Provide brief, monthly progress reports to the Task Order
> Officer and the Contracting Officer by the 10th of each month. (The
> content of these reports will be determined for each Task Order.)
>
> Subtask 1.3 Revise work plan to reflect new understandings,
> priorities, etc.
>
> Subtask 1.4 Prepare written literature review summarizing findings
> from relevant research, reports, and other documentation, related to
> the issue(s) at hand.
>
> Subtask 1.5 Identify and explore the types and sources of information
> available on the issues selected for study, and assess, through
> limited review, the potential usefulness, feasibility, and value of
> each.
>
> Subtask 1.6 Conduct preliminary discussions with other relevant
> Federal, state, local officials to refine issues to be examined and
> identify additional data sources, reports, models, etc.
>
> Subtask 1.7 Develop a cost-effective data analysis plan for approval
> by the Task Order Officer.

Task 2.0 [Prepare Detailed Work Plans and Schedule]{.underline}

> Subtask 2.1 Prepare a detailed plan of work and work schedule. The
> work plan should be very specific. For example, it should define data
> elements to be examined, clearly lay out how data will be obtained,
> specify analyses to be performed on selected data, and identify how
> results will be presented. The work plan will draw on the results of
> the literature review and analysis of available data. It will also
> identify data gaps. The detailed work plan will be presented to the
> Task Order Officer and other officials, as specified by the Task Order
> Officer, and must be approved by the Task Order Officer.

Task 3.0 [Collect Data]{.underline}

> Subtask 3.1 Based upon the work plan, collect needed data.

Task 4.0 [Analyze Data]{.underline}

> Subtask 4.1 Analyze and synthesize data to address study
> issues/questions.
>
> Subtask 4.2 Identify data gaps and needed steps to fill data gaps.
>
> Subtask 4.3 Discuss data gaps with Task Order Officer and steps (as
> well as costs) which would be needed to generate needed data.

Task 5.0 [Prepare Draft Final Report]{.underline}

> Subtask 5.1 Prepare a draft report for the approval of the Task Order
> Officer. The report shall explain how study findings were developed
> and their relevance. Revise report as necessary.

Task 6.0 [TAG Review of Draft Final Report]{.underline}

> Subtask 6.1 If a TAG is established for the project, ask TAG members
> to review and comment on final documents before finalizing.

Task 7.0 [Prepare Final Report]{.underline}

> Subtask 7.1 Prepare final report for Task Order Officer=s approval.
> The final report *must be submitted to AHRQ as both a paper hard-copy
> and in electronic form.*

Task 8.0 [Brief Department and Other Officials]{.underline}

> Subtask 8.1 Prepare briefing materials on the results of the study
> *and* conduct oral presentation of results for officials identified by
> the Task Order Officer. Briefings may require preparation of flip
> charts, handouts, or other types of supporting material.
>
> Briefings must be well-organized and may require rehearsal sessions
> with the Task Order Officer and other selected Agency and Department
> personnel.

**EXAMPLE \-- EVALUATION DESIGN STUDY**

Task 1.0 [Meet With Task Order Officer]{.underline}

> Subtask 1.1 Meet with the Task Order Officer and any technical
> advisory group (TAG) that has been formed to provide guidance on the
> project, to discuss the study goals, objectives, and specific study
> questions.
>
> Subtask 1.2 Revise work plan to reflect new understandings,
> priorities, etc. and submit to Task Order Officer for approval.
>
> Subtask 1.3 Provide the Task Order Officer and the Contracting Officer
> with monthly progress reports by the 10th of each month. (The content
> of these reports will be determined for each Task Order.)

Task 2.0 [Perform Literature Review]{.underline}

> Subtask 2.1 Conduct a literature review of the targeted issue/activity
> and prepare a written summary of findings. The contractor should pay
> particular attention to previous evaluation efforts in the targeted
> area, their methodologies and results. Submit to Task Order Officer
> for approval.

Task 3.0 [Conduct Interviews]{.underline}

> Subtask 3.1 Conduct interviews with relevant federal, state, and local
> officials, as well as appropriate persons in the private sector, to
> collect information on issues relating to the subject topic and
> possible evaluation designs.

Task 4.0 [Identify Available Data Sources]{.underline}

> Subtask 4.1 Identify the types and sources of information available to
> carry out potential evaluation designs, and assess, through limited
> review, the potential usefulness, feasibility, and value of each.

Task 5.0 [Develop Draft Evaluation Designs]{.underline}

> Subtask 5.1 Develop one or more preliminary evaluation designs which
> will measure relevant/specified aspects of program performance. The
> designs produced in this subtask will include data collection plans,
> data collection instruments, and data analysis plans.
>
> Subtask 5.2 Prepare a draft report identifying possible/proposed
> evaluation designs, and their rationales, to Task Order Officer for
> approval. If a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is formed to advise this
> project, it should also be consulted before approval of final
> evaluation design(s).

Task 6.0 [Pilot Test Approved Evaluation Design(s)]{.underline}

> Subtask 6.1 Design pilot tests of approved evaluation design(s). Pilot
> testing will be used to determine the feasibility of each approved
> evaluation design. Pilot testing may involve site visits and must be
> in compliance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) information
> gathering requirements and AHRQ information collection clearances.

Task 7.0 [Analyze the Feasibility, Cost and Usefulness of the Tested
Evaluation Designs]{.underline}

> Subtask 7.1 Analyze the results of the pilot tests (including both the
> data gathered as well as the experience itself) to determine the
> feasibility, cost, and usefulness of the proposed evaluation
> design(s), describe the state of existing knowledge of program
> performance, and identify information gaps.
>
> Subtask 7.2 Based on the analysis identified in subtask 7.1 above,
> modify and expand on the detailed elements of the proposed evaluation
> design(s).

Task 8.0 [Submit Evaluation Design(s) for Approval]{.underline}

Subtask 8.1 Submit a draft report identifying and explaining recommended
evaluation design(s), with analyses of their advantages and
disadvantages, to the Task Order Officer. The draft report *must be
submitted to AHRQ as both a paper hard-copy and in electronic form.*
Make any revisions needed to obtain approval.

> Subtask 8.2 If a TAG is formed for this project, submit approved draft
> evaluation design(s) to the TAG for review and comments.
>
> Subtask 8.3 Make any needed revisions in draft evaluation design(s)
> and submit final report to Task Order Officer. *The final report must
> be submitted to AHRQ as both a paper hard-copy and in electronic
> form.*

Task 9.0 [Final Briefing]{.underline}

> Subtask 9.1 Prepare a final briefing *and* conduct oral presentation
> for high level Agency and Department officials. Supporting materials
> and visual aids (such as flip-charts) should be developed, if useful.