Number range CHAPTEROMB 0990-0115

**PART I - THE SCHEDULE** Request for Proposal

**SECTION A - SOLICITATION FORM** No. AHRQ-07-10039

Date Issued: June 13, 2007

Date Questions Due: June 21, 2007

Date Proposals Due: July 17, 2007

Time Due: 12 noon local time

You are invited to submit a proposal to the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ) for Request for Proposal (RFP) No.
AHRQ-07-10039, entitled "Technical Assistance for Health IT and Health
Information Exchange in Medicaid and SCHIP." Your proposal must be
developed and submitted in accordance with the requirements and
instructions of this RFP.

A cost reimbursement, task order-type contract is contemplated for a
period of three years with 2 one year options.

The following information is applicable if and when a task order award
is made over the \$550,000 threshold. The AHRQ recommended goal (as a
percentage of total contract value for the base period) is 20% for Small
Businesses, which shall include at least 5.5% (as a percentage of total
planned subcontract dollars for the base period) for Small Disadvantaged
Businesses, at least 5% (as a percentage of total planned subcontract
dollars total planned subcontract dollars for the base period) for
Women-Owned Small Businesses, and at least 3% (as a percentage of total
planned subcontract dollars for the base period) for HUBZone Small
Businesses and at least 3% (as a percentage of total planned subcontract
dollars for the base period) for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. These
goals represent AHRQ's expectations of the minimum level for
subcontracting with small business at the prime contract level.

The offeror shall submit the following:

A. Technical Proposal (See Section L.8) (Original and 10 copies)

B. Past Performance Information (See Section L.9) (Original and 4
copies)

C. Business Proposal (See Section L.10) (Original and 4 copies)

D. Response to Request for Task Order #1 (See Section L.11) (Original
and 4 copies)

Your **technical proposal** must be concisely written and should be
**limited to** **100 typewritten pages** (double-spaced, single sided),
exclusive of personnel qualifications (i.e., resume, etc., see Section
L.8 for additional details). Your **appendices are** **limited to 100
pages** (single sided) including all resumes, bibliographies, exhibits
and attachments. This limitation is for administrative purposes only and
exceeding the limitation shall not, of itself, be considered a basis for
rejection of your proposal.

[Offerors are required to provide one electronic copy of the entire
proposal on CD]{.underline}. 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.

As part of the business proposal, offerors shall provide an original and
four (4) copies of their cost/price proposal, only to the extent that it
shall include:

1\. 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.8).

2\. 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.

3\. 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.

Your proposal must provide the full name of your company, the address,
including county, Tax Identification Number (TIN), DUN and Bradstreet
No., and if different, the address to which payment should be mailed.

If you intend to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation,
please inform the Contracting Officer of your intent by completing the
Proposal Intent Response Form (attached) and submit the form no later
than June 21, 2007. Please fax it to 301-427-1740, Attention: Jessica
Alderton, Contracting Officer or email to
<jessica.alderton@ahrq.hhs.gov>.

Questions regarding this solicitation shall be received in this office
no later than June 21, 2007. (See Section L.6). All questions shall be
submitted electronically by e-mail to Jessica Alderton, Contracting
Officer at the following email address: <jessica.alderton@ahrq.hhs.gov>
. The subject line should be marked "Proposal Questions RFP No.
AHRQ-07-10039**."**

Answers to questions will be provided in the form of an Amendment to
this solicitation and will be posted on AHRQ's web page:
[[www.ahrq.gov]{.underline}](http://www.ahrq.gov/) under "Funding
Opportunities," "Contracts" and the Federal Business Opportunities web
page: [www.fedbizopps.gov](http://www.fedbizopps.gov/). It is your
responsibility to monitor the web sites where the RFP will be posted to
learn about any amendments to the solicitation.

**YOUR ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE LATE PROPOSAL PROVISIONS PROVIDED IN
SECTION L.3 OF THIS RFP. YOUR ATTENTION IS ALSO DIRECTED TO THE
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN SECTION L.8 OF THE
SOLICITATION.**

**[Discussions with any other individual outside the Division of
Contracts Management, may result in rejection of the potential offeror's
proposal]{.underline}.**

The proposal shall be signed by an authorized official to bind your
organization and must be received in our Contracts Office no later than
**12 noon**, local prevailing time, on **July 17, 2007**. Your proposal
must be mailed to the following address:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

Hand carried proposals may be dropped off at the above location.
However, 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.

NOTE: 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."

The RFP does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the
preparation and submission of a proposal. It is also brought to your
attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can
legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in
connection with the proposed acquisition.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-16, all
contractors must be registered in the central contractor registration
(CCR) database in order to conduct business with the government \[See
Section I -  FAR clause 52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration (OCT
2003), Alternate 1 (Oct 2003)\] .  As stated in paragraph (h) of this
clause, additional information can be obtained at
[http://www.ccr.gov](http://www.ccr.gov/) or by calling 1-888-227-2423,
or 269-961-5757.

Requests for any information concerning this RFP should be referred to
Jessica Alderton,

\(301\) 427-1783.

Sincerely,

Jessica Alderton

> Contracting Officer
>
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

**[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}**

**[PART I]{.underline} [Pages]{.underline}**

Section A Solicitation 1-3

Table of Contents 4

Section B Supplies or Services & Prices/Costs 5-7

Section C Description/Specification/Work Statement 8-12

Section D Packaging and Marking 13

Section E Inspection and Acceptance 13

Section F Deliveries or Performance 14-15

Section G Contract Administration Data 16-18

Section H Special Contract Requirements 19-23

**[PART II]{.underline}**

Section I Contract Clauses 24-29

**[PART III]{.underline}**

Section J List of Attachments 30

**[PART IV]{.underline}**

Section K Representations and Instructions 31-37

Section L Instructions, Conditions & Notices to Offerors 48-58

Section M Evaluation Factors for Award 59-60

**[Attachments]{.underline}**

1\. Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form 61-65

2\. SF LLL-A, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 66-68

3\. Small Business Subcontracting Plan (to be included with task order
proposal) 69-77

4\. Request for Task Order (RFTO) #1 78-87

5\. Proposal Intent Response Sheet 88

Number range CHAPTER

**[SECTION B-SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS]{.underline}**

**B.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES**

> "Technical Assistance for Health IT and Health Information Exchange in
> Medicaid and SCHIP." See Section C for a complete description.

**B.2 TASK ORDERS**

> This is a task order requirement for "Technical Assistance for Health
> IT and Health Information Exchange in Medicaid and SCHIP." Services
> will be acquired on an as-needed basis through issuance of task
> orders. The minimum total amount to be awarded over the three year
> contract period will be \$50,000. It is anticipated that the maximum
> total amount will be \$3,000,000.
>
> In consideration of the satisfactory performance of the work performed
> in Section C, the Contractor shall be reimbursed on a
> cost-reimbursement basis. Each task order awarded under this contract
> shall include one or more of the labor categories in Section B.3, and
> the Contractor shall be reimbursed for costs incurred for labor based
> on the following hourly rates. All other costs, i.e., travel,
> supplies, etc., shall be reimbursed in accordance with individual cost
> proposals received under task orders.

**B.3 PROPOSED LABOR RATES FOR TASK ORDERS**

**Note: The following labor rates are [NOT]{.underline} loaded rates.
(Ranges in rates may be provided)**

[Base Year 1]{.underline}

[LABOR CATEGORY]{.underline} [HOURLY RATE]{.underline}

Class I \$

Class II \$

Class III \$

Class IV \$

[Base Year 2]{.underline}

[LABOR CATEGORY]{.underline} [HOURLY RATE]{.underline}

Class I \$

Class II \$

Class III \$

Class IV \$

[Base Year 3]{.underline}

[LABOR CATEGORY]{.underline} [HOURLY RATE]{.underline}

Class I \$

Class II \$

Class III \$

Class IV \$

[Option Year 1]{.underline}

[LABOR CATEGORY]{.underline} [HOURLY RATE]{.underline}

Class I \$

Class II \$

Class III \$

Class IV \$

[Option Year 2]{.underline}

[LABOR CATEGORY]{.underline} [HOURLY RATE]{.underline}

Class I \$

Class II \$

Class III \$

Class IV \$

**B.4 PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO DIRECT COSTS**

a\. Items Unallowable Unless Otherwise Provided Notwithstanding the
clauses, ALLOWABLE COST AND PAYMENT, and FIXED FEE, incorporated into
this contract, unless authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer,
the costs of the following items or activities shall be unallowable as
direct costs:

\(1\) Acquisition, by purchase or lease, of any interest in real
property;

\(2\) Rearrangement or alteration of facilities;

\(3\) Purchase or lease of any item of general purpose-office furniture
or office equipment regardless of dollar value. (General purpose
equipment is defined as any items of personal property which are usable
for purposes other than research, such as office equipment and
furnishings, pocket calculators, etc.);

\(4\) Accountable Government property (defined as both real and personal
property with an acquisition cost of \$1,000 or more, with a life
expectancy of more than two years) and \"sensitive items\" (defined and
listed in the Contractor\'s Guide for Control of Government Property,
1990, regardless of acquisition value;

\(5\) Travel to attend general scientific meetings;

\(6\) Foreign Travel;

\(7\) Any costs incurred prior to the contract\'s effective date;

\(8\) Rental of meeting rooms not otherwise expressly paid for by the
contract;

\(9\) Any formal subcontract arrangements not otherwise expressly
provided for in the contract

> \(10\) Consultant fees in excess of \$500/day; and

\(11\) Information Technology hardware or software.

b.  This contract is subject to the provisions of Public Law (P.L.)
    99-234 which amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to
    provide that contractor costs for travel, including lodging, other
    subsistence, and incidental expenses, shall be allowable only to the
    extent that they do not exceed the amount allowed for Federal
    employees. The Contractor, therefore, shall invoice and be
    reimbursed for all travel costs in accordance with Federal
    Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 31.205-46.

**[SECTION C/ STATEMENT OF WORK]{.underline}**

**DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT**

Number range CHAPTER

Independently and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor
shall furnish all the

necessary services, qualified personnel, material, equipment, and
facilities, not otherwise

provided by the Government as needed to perform the Statement of Work
below:

**A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION**

Some sections in the following background information have been
excerpted from an AHRQ-funded report, "Establishing a Foundation for
Medicaid's Role in the Adoption of Health Information Technology:
Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations for the Future," prepared
by The Center for Health Policy and Research, University of
Massachusetts Medical School, AHRQ publication No. 07-0046, April 2007.

**Medicaid Overview** (excerpted from AHRQ publication no. 07-0046)

Medicaid is one of the largest health care purchasers in the United
States. In 2005 the Medicaid program served over 55 million Americans
and spent more than \$305 billion on health care services (Kaiser
Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, March, 2007).

The Medicaid program is administered by states in partnership with the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) within the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Medicaid covers health
care services for a highly diverse and vulnerable population that is
subject to frequent and complex encounters with the health care system.
Although there is overlap among Medicaid, commercial insurers, and
Medicare in populations served, Medicaid covers a disproportionate share
of low-income families, pregnant women, children, and persons with
severe disabilities and chronic medical and psychiatric conditions.
Medicaid also covers the elderly in need of long-term care, including
those who are "dually-eligible" for both Medicaid and Medicare services
(Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, 2004).

Medicaid covers many services -- such as community-based supports and
long-term care -- that are not typically covered by commercial insurers
or Medicare. In addition, Medicaid expenditures are disproportionately
greater for elderly and disabled adults than for non-elderly,
non-disabled adults and children. This makes Medicaid the predominant
purchaser of services in several provider specific population groups
(Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, 2005).

**SCHIP Overview**

[I]{.underline}n 1997 Congress passed the State Children's Health
Insurance Program to provide insurance to children whose families earned
too much to qualify for Medicaid but could not afford to purchase
dependent coverage. States can operate SCHIP through an expansion of
Medicaid, as an independent program, or a combination.

Although SCHIP is small in comparison to Medicaid, approximately 6
million children have received insurance coverage through SCHIP since
its inception. Furthermore, SCHIP may grow markedly. SCHIP is due to be
reauthorized at the end of 2007, and several of the bills being
discussed in Congress include major expansions of SCHIP as a vehicle to
reduce the number of uninsured.

**The Medicaid Management Information System** (excerpted from AHRQ
publication no. 07-0046)

The federal government first required states to implement Medicaid
Management Information Systems (MMIS) in 1972. The MMIS was envisioned
primarily as a claims processing engine to enhance states' ability to
accurately pay Medicaid providers in a timely manner. States have had
significant flexibility under federal regulations to design their
information systems around specific needs of their programs. As Medicaid
agencies evolved, supporting business applications were incorporated
into many states' MMIS to address the issues of fraudulent claim
detection, coordination of benefits with other insurers, management
reporting, and utilization review.

New technologies have extended the reach of MMIS. For example, claim
history files have been accumulated into data warehouses and data marts
for easier analysis. Data mining techniques have been found to be useful
in identifying population characteristics. In addition, on-line
analytical processing (OLAP) is frequently used in conjunction with the
data mining activities of the MMIS for complex data analysis and
time-series modeling and forecasting. Some states have also focused
their MMIS investments on the development of consumer access portals,
immunization registries, and e-prescribing capacities.

Medicaid agencies currently make significant investments in information
technologies (IT) through their MMIS. In FY 2004, combined state and
federal spending for Medicaid IT investments were over \$2.7 billion
(Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2006).

The evolution of fifty-one separate MMIS systems (one for each state and
the District of Columbia) and multiple proprietary subsystems has
resulted in a number of challenges as Medicaid agencies consider their
involvement with a wider health information community. Within many
Medicaid agencies, the dependence on multiple and often proprietary
subsystems to accomplish necessary tasks has resulted in redundancies in
processes and personnel. This has also made it difficult to exchange
data within Medicaid agencies, with publicly-funded health care
programs, and with other state or private health care delivery systems.
The inherent difficulties associated with data sharing by Medicaid
agencies have driven CMS to invest in state MMIS modernization.

**SCHIP Data**

SCHIP programs operated as Medicaid expansions retain and report data on
enrollees in their Medicaid Management Information System. Many
separately operated SCHIP programs contract with managed care plans to
provide services. Encounter data from these plans suffers from
reliability problems common to non-claims-based health care reporting.
CMS only requires that states submit SCHIP aggregate data on a quarterly
basis, unlike Medicaid programs which are required to submit full claims
files. Because it is a relatively new and small program, SCHIP
information systems have received far less attention than MMIS.

**The Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA) Initiative**
(excerpted from AHRQ publication no. 07-0046)

To address the difficulties facing Medicaid information systems, CMS
implemented the Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA)
Initiative in 2002. MITA, a collaboration among CMS, states, and other
stakeholders, provides guidance for states reviewing their business
priorities, planning future improvements, and acquiring technical
applications that both meet their needs and are consistent with current
and anticipated industry IT standards. (For more information on MITA,
see <http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidInfoTechArch/>: - accessed August,
2006.)

MITA promotes the use and adoption of data and industry IT standards for
MMIS modernization. These standards are meant to support
interoperability and integration among state agencies, public and
private purchasers and providers, and other stakeholders in order to
address the real and perceived barriers for data sharing between these
organizations.

CMS, through MITA, provides guidance for states to maximize the
interoperability of their information systems within the framework of
federal Medicaid/MMIS requirements. One of the unique potential
opportunities presented by MITA includes CMS support for infrastructure
development that enables Medicaid to interact with health information
exchange (HIE) efforts in order to share claims, eligibility, and
clinical data.

Numerous Medicaid agencies have begun work on developing new Medicaid
Management Information Systems (MMIS) that exchange some data with
providers to, for example, exchange electronic eligibility and claims
data and support immunization registries for broad community use. These
advances in administrative IT systems represent an initial step in the
modernization of Medicaid IT systems.

**AHRQ's Medicaid/SCHIP and Electronic Health Data Exchange Initiative**

The unique characteristics of the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and the
populations they serve create a range of challenges -- from clinical to
political -- to organizers of electronic data exchanges. A literature is
growing around the barriers to Medicaid involvement in HIE development
as well as the specific issues that must be addressed in order to
determine the value of health IT and HIE to Medicaid programs and their
beneficiaries. Issues of potential future changes to federal Medicaid
and SCHIP policy, governance, regulation and financial mechanisms are
beyond the scope of this initiative.

AHRQ has a history of engaging state Medicaid programs in a variety of
ways.  Currently AHRQ has two learning networks focused on Medicaid -
the Medicaid Medical Directors Learning Network (MMDLN) and
the Medicaid Care Management Learning Network (MCMLN).  The MMDLN
provides opportunities for Medicaid medical directors to gather
periodically to exchange information and strategize on areas related to
clinical care in the Medicaid population.  Health IT and HIE was a topic
at a recent MMDLN meeting where Medicaid Medical Directors expressed the
need for more information on health IT and HIE and the desire to ensure
that the clinical perspective is included in any initiatives happening
in their states. The MMDLN  is an ongoing knowledge exchange effort
working with ten states and two faculty states to help State Medicaid
agencies measure and improve the quality of care for Medicaid
beneficiaries with multiple chronic diseases.  Health IT and HIE was a
topic at a recent MMDLN meeting where Medicaid Medical Directors
expressed the need for more information on health IT and HIE and the
desire to ensure that the clinical perspective is included in any
initiatives happening in their states.

AHRQ also has played a vital role in supporting SCHIP programs. AHRQ
operates the SCHIP online learning program, SCHIP: Implementing
Effective Programs and Understanding Their Impacts. In partnership with
the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Health Resources and
Services Administration, AHRQ, has supported The Child Health Insurance
Research Initiative (CHIRI™), an effort to supply policymakers
information to help them improve access to, and the quality of, health
care for low-income children. Many CHIRI studies specifically examined
SCHIP to uncover what works in children's health insurance.

In 2005, per a Congressional mandate,[^1], AHRQ investigated the actual
and potential role of management and policy tools used by state Medicaid
agencies to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of services
provided under Medicaid and SCHIP. To do so, the project also examined
the quality of existing data systems and assessed the need for
additional data. The study showed that state and Medicaid leaders rely
on a range of data systems and a set of management tools to make
data-driven decisions and policy. Only a few States are innovators in
Medicaid and SCHIP data systems and tools, and even these states lag in
the use of encounter data. In part because implementing state-of-the-art
data management tools is difficult for States, technical assistance on
developing a stable data infrastructure and the use of management tools
was recommended.

AHRQ has an interest in supporting state Medicaid and SCHIP program
efforts to identify and adopt effective IT and to participate in
electronic data exchange for the benefit of their programs and the
people who rely on them. This initiative focuses primarily on
identifying and addressing the specific barriers and risks related to IT
adoption by state Medicaid and SCHIP programs and on clarifying the
value of Medicaid program involvement in electronic data exchange
activities. By helping state Medicaid programs improve the
interoperability of their IT systems and integrate those systems with
the larger, intersecting world of electronic HIE development, AHRQ aims
to connect state Medicaid programs more directly with on-going national
initiatives in health care effectiveness, quality
measurement/improvement, and patient safety. This initiative seeks to
maximize the ability of policy makers and state Medicaid programs to use
health IT and HIE for improving the delivery and coordination of care
and the proactive management of health for their beneficiaries, with the
overall goal of improving health care for all Americans who rely on
Medicaid.

**B. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS**

The contractor shall serve as the central link between state Medicaid
and SCHIP agencies, AHRQ and its existing National Resource Center for
Health Information Technology (NRC) (see www.healthit.ahrq.gov), and
other government agencies/entities that collaborate with AHRQ during the
contract period for activities related to the implementation of health
information technology (IT) and health information exchange (HIE) by
state Medicaid and SCHIP programs to improve the quality, safety,
efficiency and effectiveness of patient care for Medicaid/SCHIP
beneficiaries. Collaborating organizations include, but are not limited
to, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the
National Library of Medicine (NLM), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Office of the
National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), the American Public Human
Services Association's (APHSA) National Association of State Medicaid
Directors (NASMD), and the National Governor's Association (NGA). The
overall purposes of this procurement, extending over the three years of
the contract period, are to (1) gather, synthesize and disseminate
information about the challenges state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies are
currently experiencing as they attempt to implement and/or expand health
IT and participate in HIE to improve quality, safety, efficiency and
effectives of care; (2) provide consultative and technical services that
help address these challenges in selected Medicaid programs; and (3)
develop educational and dissemination programs, tools and information
repositories that provide useful information about health IT
implementation and HIE participation to all Medicaid and SCHIP programs
and their stakeholders.

This procurement is intended to provide a contracting mechanism to
facilitate the provision of consultation and technical assistance
related to Medicaid and SCHIP use of health information technology
(health IT) and health information exchange (HIE) to improve the
quality, safety, efficiency and/or effectiveness of care. Technical
assistance shall include developing and providing general technical
assistance for Medicaid and SCHIP agencies as a group, and some
one-on-one technical assistance with individual agencies.

The types of assistance to be offered by the contractor shall include,
but not be limited to:

-   Planning and design of an optimal approach or strategy for data
    collection and aggregation;

-   Defining barriers to and recommending solutions for Medicaid and
    SCHIP participation in health IT and HIE and Medicaid/SCHIP
    integration with other state and local data aggregation efforts
    including recommending what state and federal agencies can do to
    facilitate this participation;

-   Improving state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies' understanding of
    regulatory and other issues (e.g., data security, standards, etc)
    related to health IT and HIE;

-   Identifying instruments, tools or software to assist in the
    collection, management and analysis of Medicaid data as well as
    information sharing;

-   Providing technical assistance to guide Medicaid and SCHIP agencies
    through key processes related to health IT applications and
    participation in HIE for quality improvement;

-   Assessing the resources required and the costs/value to Medicaid and
    SCHIP agencies of implementing and maintaining health IT and HIE.

-   Providing technical assistance for bridging the gap between public
    health and other agencies and Medicaid and SCHIP, including
    knowledge transfer from states that have been successful in this
    area;

-   Establishing a mechanism for peer to peer technical assistance;

-   Assessing the needs of potential users of Medicaid and SCHIP
    information to incorporate those needs into proposed solutions for
    Medicaid and SCHIP participation in health IT and HIE.

-   Developing and disseminating information about lessons learned.

To enable AHRQ to obtain quick action on needed activities, offerors
must possess, either in-house or through available subcontracting
arrangements, organizational expertise and experience in the work areas
specified above. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with other
organizations to be able to provide the broadest range of skills and
expertise that may be required to perform tasks requested under this
contract.

**[SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING]{.underline}**

Not Applicable

**[SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE]{.underline}**

**E.1 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE**

a\. The contracting officer or the duly authorized representative will
perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be
provided.

b\. For the purpose of this SECTION the Government Project Officer is
the authorized technical representative of the contracting officer.

c\. Inspection and acceptance will be performed at:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

**E.2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)**

> This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the
> same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request,
> the Contracting [Officer]{.underline} will make its full text
> available.

**FAR Clause No. Title and Date**

52.246-5 Inspection of Services-Cost Reimbursement (April 1984)

> **[SECTION F - PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERY
> SCHEDULE]{.underline}**

**F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)**

> This contract incorporates the following clause by reference, with the
> same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon
> request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

**FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES**

**FAR Clause No. Title and Date**

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

Alternate I (APRIL 1984)

**F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE**

> The Government anticipates the period of performance shall begin on or
> about September 30, 2007 and run through September 29, 2010 with two
> one year options (if exercised) from September 30, 2010 through
> September 29, 2012.

**F.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE**

> Number range CHAPTERThe items specified for delivery below are subject
> to the review and approval of the Task Order Officer before final
> acceptance. The Contractor shall be required to make revisions deemed
> necessary by the Task Order Officer.
>
> The Contractor shall produce the following scheduled
> reports/deliverables in the amount, and within the time frame
> indicated. Complete delivery instructions will be provided with each
> Task Order awarded.
>
> The Contractor shall submit the following items in accordance with the
> stated delivery schedule:

+---+------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| [ | [De                    | [Quantity/Delivery Date]{.underline}   |
| I | scription]{.underline} |                                        |
| t |                        |                                        |
| e |                        |                                        |
| m |                        |                                        |
| ] |                        |                                        |
| { |                        |                                        |
| . |                        |                                        |
| u |                        |                                        |
| n |                        |                                        |
| d |                        |                                        |
| e |                        |                                        |
| r |                        |                                        |
| l |                        |                                        |
| i |                        |                                        |
| n |                        |                                        |
| e |                        |                                        |
| } |                        |                                        |
+---+------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| 1 | Administrative,        | As specified in each task order        |
|   | progress, and          |                                        |
|   | financial              |                                        |
|   | reports**\***          |                                        |
+---+------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| 2 | All other deliverables | As specified in each task order        |
|   | identified in each     |                                        |
|   | task order             |                                        |
+---+------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| 3 | Subcontracting Report  | April 30 (annually)                    |
|   | for Individual         |                                        |
|   | Contracts (SF -294)    | October 30 (annually)                  |
|   |                        |                                        |
|   |                        | **(1 original and 2 copies to the      |
|   |                        | Contracting Officer)**                 |
+---+------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| 4 | Summary Subcontractor  | October 30 (annually)                  |
|   | Report (SF 295)**\***  |                                        |
|   |                        | (1 copy to the Office of Small and     |
|   |                        | Disadvantaged Business Utilization     |
|   |                        | (DHHS))                                |
+---+------------------------+----------------------------------------+

The above items 1 and 2 shall be addressed and submitted as electronic
and hard copies, as requested, to the Government Task Order Officer. In
addition, one electronic and one hard copy of final reports and all
other deliverables shall be submitted Project Officer at the following
address:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

ATTN: Erin Grace

CP3

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

**\* The Contracting Officer shall also receive [one copy]{.underline}
of each deliverable denoted by an asterisk.**

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

ATTN: Jessica Alderton, Contracting Officer

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

The subcontracting information is only applicable if and when a task
order award is made over the \$550,000 threshold.

**[SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA]{.underline}**

**G.1 KEY PERSONNEL**

> Pursuant to the Key Personnel clause incorporated in Section I of this
> contract, the following individual(s) is/are considered to be
> essential to the work being performed hereunder:

[NAME]{.underline} [TITLE]{.underline}

**(TO BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF CONTRACT AWARD)**

> The clause cited above contains a requirement for review and approval
> by the Contracting Officer of written requests for a change of Key
> Personnel reasonably in advance of diverting any of these individuals
> from this contract. Receipt of written requests at least 30 days prior
> to a proposed change is considered reasonable.

**G.2 PROJECT OFFICER & TASK ORDER OFFICER**

> Number range CHAPTERThe following Project Officer(s)and Task Order
> Officer(s) will represent the Government for the purpose of this
> contract:

**(TO BE COMPLETED AT TIME OF CONTRACT AWARD)**

**(TASK ORDER OFFICER DESIGNATION PER TASK ORDER)**

> The Project Officer and Task Order Officer is/are responsible for: (1)
> monitoring the contractor\'s technical progress, including the
> surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the
> contracting officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the
> statement of work and any other technical performance requirements;
> (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing
> technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and
> (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered
> during performance.
>
> The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as an
> agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting
> Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the
> statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3)
> change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the
> contractor of any costs incurred during the performance of this
> contract; or (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this
> contract.
>
> The Government may unilaterally change its Project Officer or Task
> Order Officer designation

**G.3 INVOICE SUBMISSION**

a\. INVOICE SUBMISSION

> Billing Instructions are attached and made part of this contract.
> Instructions and the following directions for the submission of
> invoices must be followed to meet the requirements of a \"proper\"
> payment request pursuant to FAR 32.9, and must be in accordance with
> the General Provisions clause 52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2003).

Invoices/financing requests shall be submitted in an original and three
copies to:

Contracting Officer

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

**G.4 INFORMATION ON VOUCHERS**

> \(1\) The Contractor is required to include the following minimum
> information on vouchers:

\(a\) Contractor's name and invoice date;

\(b\) Contract Number;

\(c\) Description and price of services actually rendered;

\(d\) Other substantiating documentation or information as required by
the contract;

\(e\) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and complete
mailing address or responsible official to whom payment is to be sent;
and

\(f\) The Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Identification Number.

\(2\) The Contractor shall furnish the following [minimum]{.underline}
information in support of costs submitted:

> \(a\) Direct Labor -- include all persons, listing the person's name,
> title, number of hours or days worked, hourly rate (unburdened), the
> total cost per person and a total amount of this category.

\(b\) [Fringe Costs]{.underline} - show rate, base and total amount as
well as verification/allowability or rate changes (when applicable);

\(c\) [Overhead or Indirect Costs]{.underline} - show rate, base and
total amount as well as verification/allowability or rate changes (when
applicable);

\(d\) [Consultants]{.underline} - include the name, number of days or
hours worked, a total amount per consultant and a total amount for this
category;

\(e\) [Travel]{.underline} - include for each airplane or train trip
taken the name of the traveler, date of travel, destination, the
transportation costs including ground transportation, shown separately,
and per diem costs. Other travel costs shall also be listed. A total
amount for this category shall be provided;

\(f\) [Subcontractors]{.underline} - include for each subcontractor, the
same data that is being provided for the prime contractor. A total
number for this category shall be provided.

\(g\) [Data Processing]{.underline} - include all non-labor costs, i.e.,
computer time, equipment purchase, lease or rental, data tapes, etc. A
total amount for this category shall be provided.

\(h\) [Other]{.underline} - include a listing of all other direct
charges to the contract, i.e., office supplies, telephone, equipment
rental, duplication, etc.

\(i\) [Equipment Cost]{.underline} - itemize and identify separately
from material costs including reference to approval in all cases;

\(j\) [G&A]{.underline} - show rate, base and total as well as
verification/allowability of rate changes (when applicable);

\(k\) [Fee]{.underline} - show rate, base and total and;

> \(l\) Current amount billed by individual cost element and total
> dollar amount and cumulative amount billed by individual cost element
> and total dollar amount.

\(3\) Payment shall be made by:

PSC Finance

Parklawn Building, Room 16-23

5600 Fishers Lane

Rockville, Maryland 20857

Telephone Number (301) 443-6766

**G.5 INDIRECT COST RATES and FEE**

> In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR
> Chapter 1) Clause 52.216-7(d)(2), [Allowable Cost and
> Payment]{.underline}, incorporated by reference in this contract, in
> Part II, Section I, the primary contact point responsible for
> negotiating provisional and/or final indirect cost rates is the
> cognizant contracting official as set forth in FAR Subpart 42.7 -
> Indirect Cost Rates.
>
> Reimbursement will be limited to the rates and time periods covered by
> the negotiated agreements. The rates, if negotiated, are hereby
> incorporated without further action of the contracting officer.

**G.6 ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER**

> Pursuant to FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer -
> Central Contractor Registration (OCT 2003), the Contractor shall
> designate a financial institution for receipt of electronic funds
> transfer payments. This designation shall be submitted, in writing, to
> the finance office designated in the contract.

**[SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS]{.underline}**

**H.1 RELEASE AND USE AND COPYRIGHT OF DATA FIRST PRODUCED FROM WORK
PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT**

\(a\) *Release and Use -- Data* *first produced in the performance of
the Contract.* As permitted in FAR 52.227-17, the provisions of this
Section H.1 shall apply to any release or use of data first produced in
the performance of the Contract and any analysis, tools, methodologies,
or recorded product based on such data.

\(b\) *Release and Use -- Requirements related to confidentiality and
quality.* To ensure public trust in the confidentiality protections
afforded participants in Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
(AHRQ)-supported research, AHRQ requires and monitors compliance by its
contractors with section 934(c) of the Public Health Service Act (PHS
Act) (42 U.S.C. 299c-3(c)), which states in part that

> No information, if the establishment or person supplying the
> information or described in it is identifiable, obtained in the course
> of activities undertaken or supported under this title, may be used
> for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was supplied
> unless such establishment or person has consented\...to its use for
> such other purpose. Such information may not be published or released
> in other form if the person who supplied the information or who is
> described in it is identifiable unless such person has consented\...to
> its publication or release in other form.

In addition to this requirement, section 933(b)(1) of the PHS Act (42
U.S.C. 299c-2(b)(1)) requires AHRQ to assure that statistics and
analyses developed with Agency support are of high quality,
comprehensive, timely, and adequately analyzed. Accordingly \--

> \(1\) prior to the release or use of data based upon work performed
> under this Contract, the Contractor agrees to consult with the Project
> and Contract Officers regarding the proposed release or use. The
> Contractor will in good faith consider, discuss, and respond to any
> comments or suggested modifications that are provided by AHRQ within
> two months of receiving the proposed release or use.
>
> The purpose of such consultation is to assure that:
>
> \(A\) identifiable information is being used exclusively for the
> purpose(s) for which it was supplied or appropriate consents have been
> obtained;
>
> \(B\) the confidentiality promised to individuals and establishments
> supplying identifiable information or described in it is not violated;
> and
>
> \(C\) the quality of statistical and analytical work meets the
> statutory standards cited above.
>
> \(2\) The Contractor must satisfy conditions (1)(A) and (1)(B). At the
> conclusion of any consultation required by paragraph (b)(1) above, if
> AHRQ and the Contractor cannot agree that a proposed use or release
> satisfies condition (1)(C) above:
>
> \(A\) the research professional at the Contractor responsible for the
> quality of the Contract work will, in advance of any release or use of
> such data, certify in a letter to the Contracting Officer what
> differences of opinion cannot be resolved regarding the statutory
> standards referenced in condition (1)(C) and the basis for Contractor
> assertions that these standards have been met; and
>
> \(B\) the Contractor must print prominently on the release or other
> product, or on any portion that is released, or state prior to any
> oral presentation or release of such material, the following
> disclaimer:
>
> THIS presentation/ publication/or other product is derived from work
> supported under a contract with THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND
> QUALITY (AHRQ) (# ). However, this presentation/ publication/or other
> product HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED by the agency.

\(c\) *Required Statement Regarding Protected Information*. On all
written material or other recorded products, or preceding any
presentation or other oral disclosure, release or use of material based
on identifiable information obtained in the course of work performed
under this contract, the Contractor shall make the following statement:

> IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ON WHICH THIS REPORT, PRESENTATION, OR OTHER
> FORM OF DISCLOSURE IS BASED IS PROTECTED BY FEDERAL LAW, SECTION
> 934(c) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT, 42 U.S.C. 299c-3(c). NO
> IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY INDIVIDUALS OR ENTITIES SUPPLYING
> THE INFORMATION OR DESCRIBED IN IT MAY BE KNOWINGLY USED EXCEPT IN
> ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR PRIOR CONSENT. ANY CONFIDENTIAL IDENTIFIABLE
> INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT OR PRESENTATION THAT IS KNOWINGLY DISCLOSED
> IS DISCLOSED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS PROVIDED.

\(d\) *Copyright -- Data first produced in the performance of the
Contract.* Subject to the terms of this Section regarding release and
use of data, AHRQ, through its Contracting Officer, will grant
permission under FAR 52.227-17(c)(1)(i) to the Contractor to establish
claim to copyright subsisting in scientific and technical articles based
on or containing data first produced in the performance of this contract
that are submitted for publication in academic, technical or
professional journals, symposia proceedings or similar works. When claim
to copyright is made, the Contractor shall affix the applicable
copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402 and acknowledgment of
Government sponsorship (including contract number) to the data when such
data are delivered to the Government, as well as when the data are
published or deposited for registration as a published work in the U.S.
Copyright Office. In such circumstances, the Contractor hereby agrees to
grant to AHRQ, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up, nonexclusive,
irrevocable, worldwide license for all such data to reproduce, prepare
derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly
and display publicly, by or on behalf of AHRQ. A description of this
license will be incorporated into the copyright notices required above.

\(e\) *Subcontracts.* Whenever data, analyses, or other recorded
products are to be developed by a subcontractor under this Contract, the
Contractor must include the terms of H.1 in the subcontract, without
substantive alteration, with a provision that the subcontractor may not
further assign to another party any of its obligations to the
Contractor. No clause may be included to diminish the Government's
stated requirements or rights regarding release or use of products or
materials based on data derived from work performed under this contract.

**H.2 LACK OF COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR RELEASE OR USE**

Failure to submit materials for statutorily mandated confidentiality and
statistical and analytic quality reviews as required by Section H.1 of
this contract will be viewed as a material violation and breach of the
terms of this contract, as the requirements of this provision are
necessary for AHRQ to carry out its statutory obligations and
responsibilities. Records of the Contractor\'s performance, including
the Contractor\'s performance pertaining to this Contract, will be
maintained in AHRQ\'s Contracts Management Office and will be considered
as an element of past performance which is part of all subsequent
competitive contract proposal reviews.

**H.3 SUBCONTRACTS**

The contractor must include in any subcontracts executed or used to
provide the support specified in this contract the terms of requirements
H.1, H.2, H.3, and H.6. These requirements are to be included without
substantive alteration, and no clause may be included to diminish these
requirements.

Award of any subcontract is subject to the written approval of the
Contracting Officer upon review of the supporting documentation as
required by FAR Clause 52.215-12, Subcontractor Cost or Pricing Data, of
the General Clauses incorporated into this contract. A copy of the
signed subcontract shall be provided to the Contracting Officer.

**H.4 LATE PAYMENTS TO THE GOVERNMENT**

Late payment of debts owed the Government by the Contractor, arising
from whatever cause, under this contract/order shall bear interest at a
rate or rates to be established in accordance with the Treasury Fiscal
Requirements Manual. For purposes of this provision, late payments are
defined as payments received by the Government more than 30 days after
the Contractor has been notified in writing by the Contracting Officer
of:

a\. The basis of indebtedness.

b\. The amount due.

c\. The fact that interest will be applied if payment is not received
within 30 days from the date of mailing of the notice.

d\. The approximate interest rate that will be charged.

**H.5 PRIVACY ACT**

The Privacy Act clauses cited in Section I (FAR 52.224-1 and 52.224-2)
are applicable to the consultant records kept by the Contractor for the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

You are hereby notified that the Contractor and its employees are
subject to criminal penalties for violations of the Act (5 U.S.C.
552a(i)) to the same extent as employees of the Department. The
Contractor shall assure that each Contractor employee is aware that
he/she can be subjected to criminal penalties for violations of the Act.
Disposition instructions: Records are to be destroyed after contract
closeout is completed and final payment is made and in accordance with
IRS regulations.

**H.6 SALARY RATE LIMITATION HHSAR 352-270-15 (JANUARY 2006)**

Pursuant to the applicable HHS appropriations acts cited in the table
below, the Contractor shall not use contract funds to pay the direct
salary of an individual at a rate in excess of the salary level in
effect on the date the expense is incurred as shown in the table below.

For purposes of the salary limitation, the terms \`\`direct salary,\'\'
\`\`salary,\'\' and \`\`institutional base salary\'\' have the same
meaning and are collectively referred to as \`\`direct salary\'\' in
this clause. An individual\'s direct salary is the annual compensation
that the Contractor pays for an individual\'s appointment whether that
individual\'s time is spent on research, teaching, patient care, or
other activities. Direct salary excludes any income that an individual
may be permitted to earn outside of duties to the Contractor. Direct
salary also excludes fringe benefits, overhead, and general and
administrative expenses (also referred to as indirect costs or
facilities and administrative \[F&A\] costs).

The salary rate limitation also applies to individuals performing under
subcontracts. However, it does not apply to fees paid to consultants. If
this is a multiple-year contract, it may be subject to unilateral
modification by the Contracting Officer to ensure that an individual is
not paid at a rate that exceeds the salary rate limitation provision
established in the HHS appropriations act in effect when the expense is
incurred regardless of the rate initially used to establish contract
funding.

+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Public law**                     | Period Covered    | Salary      |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | Limitation  |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | (based on   |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | Executive   |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | Level I)    |
+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+
| 108-447, Div F, Title II, General  | 10/01/05 --       | \$180,100   |
| Provisions,                        | 12/31/05          |             |
|                                    |                   |             |
| Section 204                        |                   |             |
+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+
| 109-149, General Provisions,       | 01/01/06 -- until | \$183,500   |
| Section 204                        | revised           |             |
+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+

Executive Level salaries for the current and prior periods can be found
at the following Web site:
[http://www.opm.gov/oca/05tables/html/ex.asp](http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.opm.gov/oca/05tables/html/ex.asp).
Click on \`\`Salaries and Wages\'\' and then scroll to the bottom of the
page to select the desired period.

**H.7** Number range CHAPTER**TASK ORDER SELECTION CRITERIA AND
PROCEDURES**

> All work required under this contract will be authorized through the
> issuance of task orders (TOs) signed by the Contracting Officer and
> accepted by the Contractor. TOs may be issued at any time within the
> contract period.
>
> TOs may often vary in terms of content, cost and duration. Task orders
> will normally be cost-reimbursement type contracts. However, depending
> on the nature of the task order, task orders may also be negotiated as
> fixed price, performance based, incentive type, etc.
>
> The Contractor will be guaranteed a minimum of one task order during
> the 3-year contract. The minimum dollar amount guaranteed per
> Contractor is \$50,000 (including option years).
>
> A Task Order Officer (TOO) will be designated for each TO issued under
> this contract. The TOO will function as principle technical liaison
> between the Contracting Officer and the Contractor\'s Project Manager.

Procedures for Issuance of TOs

1\. When a TO is to be awarded, the Government will request a proposal
from the Contractor. A cost proposal and a brief discussion of technical
approach shall be submitted within twenty (20) calendar days. In unusual
circumstances, contractors may be requested to reply within a shorter
amount of time.

2\. The determination of award of the TO will be based on cost,
technical merit, and any other relevant factors.

3\. Each TO proposal will be subject to review and negotiation and will
not be effective until signed by both parties.

Required content of TO proposals will usually include, but not
necessarily be limited to, the following:

\--offeror\'s understanding of TO objectives;

> \--proposed approach to solving the problem in terms of major steps or
> subtasks of the proposed study program;

\--types of final products anticipated;

> \--proposed staff by name and percentage of time each individual will
> be assigned to the work; and

\--management plan for conducting the TO.

4\. The cost and fee for each TO will be negotiated based on the fixed
maximum labor rates set forth in Section B - [Supplies or
Services]{.underline} and on other cost/fee issues.

5\. Upon negotiation and agreement on the proposal submitted, the
Contracting Officer shall issue for the signature of the Contractor a
formal TO. The Contractor shall not proceed with performance until the
Contracting Officer has signed the TO and provided written approval to
proceed.

> 6\. The Contractor\'s performance of the TO is subject to the terms
> and conditions in the contract, and the TO may be modified by the
> Contracting Officer and **ONLY** the Contracting Officer.

Number range CHAPTER **Number range CHAPTER**(**FAC 2005-17)**

SECTION I

CONTRACT CLAUSES

GENERAL CLAUSES FOR A COST-PLUS-A-FIXED-FEE CONTRACT

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEBRUARY 1998)

This contract incorporates the following clauses by reference, with the
same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text
of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address:
<http://www.arnet.gov/far/> .

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1)

CLAUSES

FAR Clause No. Title and Date

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984)

52.203-5 Covenant Against Contingent Fee (APR 1984)

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government

> (SEPT 2006)

52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures (JUL 1995)

52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal

or Improper Activity (JAN 1997)

52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity (JAN
1997)

52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal
Transactions (SEP 2005)

52.204-4 Printing or Copying Double-Sided on Recycled Paper (AUG 2000)

52.204-7 Central Contractor Registration. (JULY 2006)

52.209-6 Protecting the Government\'s Interest When Subcontracting With
Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (SEPT 2006)

52.215-2 Audit and Records - Negotiation (JUN 2007)

52.215-8 Order of Precedence-Uniform Contract Format (Oct 1997)

52.215-10 Price Reduction for Defective Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 1997)

> (applicable to contract actions over \$550,000)

52.215-12 Subcontractor Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 1997)

> (applicable to contract actions over \$550,000)

52.215-15 Pension Adjustments and Asset Reversions (OCT 2004)

52.215-18 Reversion or Adjustment of Plans for Postretirement Benefits
(PRB) Other Than Pensions (JUL 2005)

52.215-19 Notification of Ownership Changes (OCT 1997)

52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment (DEC 2002)

52.216-8 Fixed Fee (MAR 1997)

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990)

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (MAY 2004)

52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2006)

52.222-2 Payment for Overtime Premiums (JUL 1990). The amount in

> paragraph (a) is \"zero\" unless different amount is separately
>
> stated elsewhere in contract.

52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUNE 2003)

52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (APR 2002)

52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of
the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans. (SEPT 2006)

52.222-36 Affirmative Action for Workers With Disabilities (JUNE 1998)

52.222-37 Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of
the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans. (SEPT 2006)

52.222-39 Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union
Dues or Fees (DEC 2004)

52.223-6 Drug Free Workplace (MAY 2001)

52.223-14 Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (AUG 2003)

52.224-1 Privacy Act Notification (APR 1984)

52.224-2 Privacy Act (APR 1984)

52.225-1 Buy American Act - Supplies (JUNE 2003)

52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2006)

52.227-1 Authorization and Consent (JULY 1995)

52.227-2 Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copy-

> Right Infringement (AUG 1996)

52.227-3 Patent Indemnity (APRIL 1984)

52.227-17 Rights in Data -- Special Works (JUNE 1987)

52.228-7 Insurance-Liability to Third Persons (MAR 1996)

52.232-9 Limitation on Withholding of Payments (APRIL 1984)

52.232-17 Interest (JUNE 1996)

52.232-20 Limitation of Cost (JUNE 2007)

52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (JAN 1986)

52.232-25 Prompt Payment (OCT 2003)

52.233-1 Disputes (JULY 2002)

52.233-3 Protest After Award (AUG 1996) Alternate I (JUNE 1985)

52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004)

52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime (Oct 1997)

52.242-1 Notice of Intent to Disallow Costs (APRIL 1984)

52.242-3 Penalties for Unallowable Costs (MAY 2001)

52.242-4 Certification of Final Indirect Costs (Jan 1997)

52.242-13 Bankruptcy (JULY 1995)

52.243-2 Changes - Cost Reimbursement (AUG 1987) - Alternate II

> (APRIL 1984)

52.244-2 Subcontracts (JUNE 2007)

52.244-5 Competition in Subcontracting (DEC 1996)

52.245-5 Government Property (Cost Reimbursement, Time-and-

> Material, or Labor-Hour Contract (JUNE 2007)

52.246-5 Inspection of Services-Cost Reimbursement (APRIL 1984)

52.246-23 Limitation of Liability-(FEB 1997)

52.248-1 Value Engineering (FEB 2000)

52.249-6 Termination (Cost-Reimbursement) (MAY 2004)

52.249-14 Excusable Delays (JUNE 2007)

52.251-1 Government Supply Sources (APRIL 1984)

52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991)

II\. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ACQUISITION

REGULATION (HHSAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 3) CLAUSES

HHSAR

Clause No. Title and Date

352.202-1 Definitions (JAN 2006)

> Alternate h

352.228-7 Insurance - Liability to Third Persons (DEC 2006)

352.232-9 Withholding of Contract Payments (JAN 2006)

352.233-70 Litigation and Claims (JAN 2006)

352.242-71 Final Decisions on Audit Findings (APRIL 1984)

352.270-5 Key Personnel (JAN 2006)

352.270-6 Publication and Publicity (JAN 2006)

352.270-7 Paperwork Reduction Act (JAN 2006)

[Number range CHAPTERThe following clauses are applicable to this
contract and are provided in full text:]{.underline}

### ORDERING (OCT 1995) (FAR 52.216-18)

\(a\) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract
shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the
individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be
issued from the contract award date through the contract expiration
date.

\(b\) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and
conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery
order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

\(c\) If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered "issued"
when the Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued
orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if
authorized in the Schedule.

### ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995) (FAR 52.216-19)

(a) *Minimum order*. When the Government requires supplies or services
covered by this contract in an amount of less than \$10,000, the
Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated
to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

\(b\) *Maximum order*. The Contractor is not obligated to honor---

\(1\) Any order for a single item in excess of \$1,500,000;

\(2\) Any order for a combination of items in excess of \$ 1,725,000; or

\(3\) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 30 days
that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in
paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

\(c\) If this is a requirements contract (*i.e., *includes the
Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any
one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the
maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) of this section.

\(d\) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the
Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations
in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the
ordering office within 5 days after issuance, with written notice
stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called
for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may
acquire the supplies or services from another source. (End of clause)

**INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995) (FAR 52.216-22)**

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services
specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The
quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are
estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

\(b\) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders
issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall
furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services
specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in
the Schedule as the "maximum." The Government shall order at least the
quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the
"minimum."

\(c\) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations
clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders
that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery
to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

\(d\) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and
not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor
within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the
Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to
that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the
contract's effective period; *provided*, that the Contractor shall not
be required to make any deliveries under this contract after12 months
after the contract expiration date.

**OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) 52.217-9  **

\(a\) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written
notice to the Contractor within 30 days of the expiration date of the
contract; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a
preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days
before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the
Government to an extension.

\(b\) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract
shall be considered to include this option clause.

\(c\) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any
options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

**KEY PERSONNEL (APR 1984) (HHSAR 352.270-5)**

The personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential
to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the
specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the
Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification
(including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit
evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by
the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer;
provided, that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such
diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the
Contracting Officer required by this clause. The contract may be amended
from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or
delete personnel, as appropriate.

**PART III- LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS**

**SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS**

[Attachment]{.underline} [Pages]{.underline}

1\. Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance Form 5

2\. SF LLL-A, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 3

3\. Small Business Subcontracting Plan 8

**(to be included with task order proposal)**

4\. Request for Task Order (RFTO) #1 10

5\. Proposal Intent Response Sheet 1

**NOTE: ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE LOCATED AT THE END OF THIS REQUEST FOR
PROPOSAL**.

Number range CHAPTERNumber range CHAPTER (FAC 2005-03)

PART IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K.1 HHSAR 315.204-5 Representations and Instructions

K.2. FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (JAN 2006)

K.3. FAR 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999)

K.4. FAR 52.230-1 Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification
(JUNE 2000)

K.5. FAR 15.406-2 Certificate of Current Cost and Pricing Data

K.6. P.L. 103-227 Certification Regarding Environmental

> Tobacco Smoke

K.l REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

\(a\) Section K, Representations, certifications, and other statements
of offerors.

\(1\) This section shall begin with the following and continue with the
applicable representations and certifications:

TO BE COMPLETED BY THE OFFEROR: (The Representations and Certifications
must be executed by an individual authorized to bind the Offeror.) The
Offeror makes the following Representations and Certifications as part
of its proposal. (Check or complete all appropriate boxes or blanks on
the following pages.)

(Name of Offeror) (RFP No.)

(Signature of Authorized Individual) (Date)

(Typed Name of Authorized Individual)

NOTE: The penalty for making false statements in offers is prescribed in
18 U.S.C. 1001.

K.2. ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2006) (FAR 52.204-8)

> (a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code
> for this acquisition is 541611.

\(2\) The small business size standard is 6.5Mil.

\(3\) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an
offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract,
but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself
manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)(1) If the clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, is
included in this solicitation, paragraph (c) of this provision applies.

\(2\) If the clause at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation,
and the offeror is currently registered in CCR, and has completed the
ORCA electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (c) of this
provision instead of completing the corresponding individual
representations and certifications in the solicitation. The offeror
shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following
boxes:

\[  \] (i) Paragraph (c) applies.

\[  \] (ii) Paragraph (c) does not apply and the offeror has completed
the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

\(c\) The offeror has completed the annual representations and
certifications electronically via the Online Representations and
Certifications Application (ORCA) website at
[[http://orca.bpn.gov]{.underline}](http://orca.bpn.gov/). After
reviewing the ORCA database information, the offeror verifies by
submission of the offer that the representations and certifications
currently posted electronically have been entered or updated within the
last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this
solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the
NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this
offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201);
except for the changes identified below \[*offeror to insert changes,
identifying change by clause number, title, date*\]. These amended
representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this
offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this
offer. Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this
solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations
and certifications posted on ORCA.

(End of provision)

K.3. PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES

(FEB 1999) (FAR 52.222-21)

\(a\) \"Segregated facilities,\" as used in this clause, means any
waiting rooms, work areas, rest rooms and wash rooms, restaurants and
other eating areas, time clocks, locker rooms and other storage or
dressing areas, parking lots, drinking fountains, recreation or
entertainment areas, transportation, and housing facilities provided for
employees, that are segregated by explicit directive or are in fact
segregated on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin
because of written or oral policies or employee custom. The term does
not include separate or single-user rest rooms or necessary dressing or
sleeping areas provided to assure privacy between the sexes.

\(b\) The Contractor agrees that it does not and will not maintain or
provide for its employees any segregated facilities at any of its
establishments, and that it does not and will not permit its employees
to perform their services at any location under its control where
segregated facilities are maintained. The Contractor agrees that a
breach of this clause is a violation of the Equal Opportunity clause in
this contract.

\(c\) The Contractor shall include this clause in every subcontract and
purchase order that is subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this
contract.

(End of Clause)

K.4. COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND

CERTIFICATION

(FAR 52.230-1) (JUNE 2000)

NOTE: This notice does not apply to small businesses or foreign
governments. This notice is in three parts, identified by Roman numerals
I through III.

> Offerors shall examine each part and provide the requested information
> in order to determine Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) requirements
> applicable to any resultant contract.
>
> If the offeror is an educational institution, Part II does not apply
> unless the contemplated contract will be subject to full or modified
> CAS-coverage pursuant to 48CFR 9903.201-2(c)(5) or
> 9903.201-2(c)(6),respectively.

I. Disclosure Statement - Cost Accounting Practices and Certification

\(a\) Any contract in excess of \$500,000 resulting from this
solicitation, will be subject to the requirements of the Cost Accounting
Standards Board (48 CFR, Chapter 99), except for those contracts which
are exempt as specified in 48 CFR 9903.201-1.

\(b\) Any offeror submitting a proposal which, if accepted, will result
in a contract subject to the requirements of 48 CFR Chapter 99 must, as
a condition of contracting, submit a Disclosure Statement as required by
48 CFR 9903.202. When required, the Disclosure Statement must be
submitted as a part of the offeror\'s proposal under this solicitation
unless the offeror has already submitted a Disclosure Statement
disclosing the practices used in connection with the pricing of this
proposal. If an applicable Disclosure Statement has already been
submitted, the offeror may satisfy the requirement for submission by
providing the information requested in paragraph (c) of Part I of this
provision. Caution: In the absence of specific regulations or agreement,
a practice disclosed in a Disclosure Statement shall not, by virtue of
such disclosure, be deemed to be a proper, approved, or agreed-to
practice for pricing proposals or accumulating and reporting contract
performance cost data.

\(c\) Check the appropriate box below:

\[ \] (1) Certificate of Concurrent Submission of Disclosure Statement.

> The offeror hereby certifies that, as a part of the offer, copies of
> the Disclosure Statement have been submitted as follows: (i) original
> and one copy to the cognizant Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO)
> or cognizant Federal agency official authorized to act in that
> capacity, as applicable, and (ii) one copy to the cognizant Federal
> auditor.

(Disclosure must be on Form No. CASB DS-1 or CASB

> DS-2, as applicable. Forms may be obtained from the cognizant ACO or
> Federal official and/or from the loose-leaf version of the Federal
> Acquisition Regulation.)

Date of Disclosure
Statement:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name and Address of Cognizant

ACO or Federal official where filed:

> The offeror further certifies that practices used in estimating costs
> in pricing this proposal are consistent with the cost accounting
> practices disclosed in the Disclosure Statement.

\[ \] (2) Certificate of Previously Submitted Disclosure Statement.

> The offeror hereby certifies that the required Disclosure Statement
> was filed as follows:
>
> Date of Disclosure
> Statement:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Name and Address of Cognizant

ACO or Federal official where filed:

> The offeror further certifies that the practices used in estimating
> costs in pricing this proposal are consistent with the cost accounting
> practices disclosed in the applicable Disclosure Statement.
>
> \[ \] (3) Certificate of Monetary Exemption.
>
> The offeror hereby certifies that the offeror together with all
> divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliates under common control, did not
> receive net awards of negotiated prime contracts and subcontracts
> subject to CAS totaling more than \$25 million in the cost accounting
> period immediately preceding the period in which this proposal was
> submitted. The offeror further certifies that if such status changes
> before an award resulting from this proposal, the offeror will advise
> the Contracting Officer immediately.
>
> \[ \] (4) Certificate of Interim Exemption.
>
> The offeror hereby certifies that (i) the offeror first exceeded the
> monetary exemption for disclosure, as defined in (3) of this
> subsection, in the cost accounting period immediately preceding the
> period in which this offer was submitted and (ii) in accordance with
> 48 CFR, Subpart 9903.202-1, the offeror is not yet required to submit
> a Disclosure Statement. The offeror further certifies that if an award
> resulting from this proposal has not been made within 90 days after
> the end of that period, the offeror will immediately submit a review
> certificate to the Contracting Officer, in the form specified under
> subparagraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of Part I of this provision, as
> appropriate, to verify submission of a completed Disclosure Statement.
>
> Caution: Offerors currently required to disclose because they were
> awarded a CAS-covered prime contract or subcontract of \$25 million or
> more in the current cost accounting period may not claim this
> exemption (4). Further, the exemption applies only in connection with
> proposals submitted before expiration of the 90-day period following
> the cost accounting period in which the monetary exemption was
> exceeded.

II\. Cost Accounting Standards - Eligibility for Modified Contract
Coverage

> If the offeror is eligible to use the modified provisions of 48 CFR,
> Subpart 9903.201-2(b) and elects to do so, the offeror shall indicate
> by checking the box below. Checking the box below shall mean that the
> resultant contract is subject to the Disclosure and Consistency of
> Cost Accounting Practices clause in lieu of the Cost Accounting
> Standards clause.
>
> \[ \] The offeror hereby claims an exemption from the Cost Accounting
> Standards clause under the provisions of 48 CFR, Subpart 9903.201-2(b)
> and certifies that the offeror is eligible for use of the Disclosure
> and Consistency of Cost Accounting Practices clause because during the
> cost accounting period immediately preceding the period in which this
> proposal was submitted, the offeror received less than \$25 million in
> awards of CAS-covered prime contracts and subcontracts or the offeror
> did not receive a single CAS-covered award exceeding \$1 million. The
> offeror further certifies that if such status changes before an award
> resulting from this proposal, the offeror will advise the Contracting
> Officer immediately.

Caution: An offeror may not claim the above eligibility for modified
contract coverage if this proposal is expected to result in the award of
a CAS-covered contract of \$25 million or more or if, during its current
cost accounting period, the offeror has been awarded a single
CAS-covered prime contract or subcontract of \$25 million or more.

III\. Additional Cost Accounting Standards Applicable to Existing
Contracts

> The offeror shall indicate below whether award of the contemplated
> contract would, in accordance with subparagraph (a)(3) of the Cost
> Accounting Standards clause, require a change in established cost
> accounting practices affecting existing contracts and subcontracts.

\[ \] Yes \[ \] No

(End of Provision)

ALTERNATE I (APR 1996)

\[ \] (5) Certificate of Disclosure Statement Due Date by Educational
Institution.

> If the offeror is an educational institution that, under the
> transition provisions of 48 CFR 9903.202-1(f), is or will be required
> to submit a Disclosure Statement after receipt of this award, the
> offeror hereby certifies that (check one and complete):

\[\] (a) A Disclosure Statement filing Due Date of

> has been established with the cognizant Federal agency.
>
> \[\] (b) The Disclosure Statement will be submitted within the six
> month period ending months after receipt of this award.
>
> Name and Address of cognizant ACO or Federal Official where Disclosure
> Statement is to be filed:

**(END OF ALTERNATE I)**

K.5. CERTIFICATE OF CURRENT COST OR PRICING DATA

(FAR 15.406-2)

CERTIFICATE OF CURRENT COST OR PRICING DATA

When cost or pricing data are required, the contracting officer shall
require the contractor to execute a Certificate of Current Cost or
Pricing Data using the format in this paragraph, and shall include the
executed certificate in the contract file.

This is to certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the
cost or pricing data (as defined in Section 15.401 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation(FAR) and required under FAR subsection 15.403-4)
submitted, either actually or by specific identification, in writing, to
the contracting officer or the contracting officer\'s representative in
support of \* are accurate, complete, and current as of \*\*.

This certification includes the cost or pricing data supporting any
advance agreements and forward pricing rate agreements between the
offeror and the Government that are part of the proposal.

FIRM

NAME Signature

TITLE

DATE OF EXECUTION\*\*\*

\* Identify the proposal, request for price adjustment, or other
submission involved, giving the appropriate identifying number (e.g.,
Request for Proposal number).

\*\* Insert the day, month, and year when price negotiations were
concluded and price agreement was reached or, if applicable, an earlier
date agreed upon between the parties that is as close as practicable to
the date of agreement on price.

\*\*\* Insert the day, month, and year of signing, which should be as
close as practicable to the date when the price negotiations were
concluded and the contract price agreed to.

End of Certificate

K.6. ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE

> The Public Health Service strongly encourages all grant and contract
> recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and to promote the nonuse
> of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the
> Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or
> in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine
> education, library, day care, health care or early childhood
> development services are provided to children.

[CERTIFICATION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE]{.underline}

Public Law 103-227, also known as the Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Act),
requires that smoking not be permitted in any portion of any indoor
facility owned or leased or contracted for by an entity and used
routinely or regularly for the provision of health, day care, early
childhood development services, education or library services to
children under the age of 18, if the services are funded by Federal
programs either directly or through State or local governments, by
Federal grant, contract, loan, or loan guarantee. The law also applies
to children\'s services that are provided in indoor facilities that are
constructed, operated, or maintained with such federal funds. The law
does not apply to children\'s services provided in private residences;
portions of facilities used for inpatient drug or alcohol treatment;
service providers whose sole source of applicable Federal funds is
Medicare or Medicaid; or facilities where WIC coupons are redeemed.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the law may result in the
imposition of a civil monetary penalty of up to \$1000 for each
violation and/or the imposition of an administrative compliance order on
the responsible entity.

By signing this certification, the offeror/contractor certifies that the
submitted organization will comply with the requirements of the Act and
will not allow smoking within any portion of any indoor facility used
for the provision of services for children as defined by the Act.

The submitting organization agrees that it will require that the
language of this certification be included in any subawards which
contain provisions for children\'s services and that all subrecipients
shall certify accordingly.

Organization:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Signature\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Title\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**[SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO
OFFERORS]{.underline}**

**L.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) (FAR
52.252-1)**

> This solicitation incorporates the following solicitation provisions
> by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in
> full text. Upon request, the contracting officer will make the full
> text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be assessed
> electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov/far/

a\. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1) Solicitation
Provisions

\(1\) 52.215-16 Facilities Capital Cost of Money (OCT 1997)

> \(2\) 52.215-20 Requirements for Cost or Pricing Data or Information
> Other Than Cost or Pricing Data (OCT 1997)

**L.2 DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING (DUNS) (OCT 2003) (FAR 52.204-6)**

\(a\) The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on
the cover page of its offer, the annotation "DUNS" or "DUNS+4" followed
by the DUNS number or "DUNS+4" that identifies the offeror's name and
address exactly as stated in the offer. The DUNS number is a nine-digit
number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet Information Services. The DUNS+4
is the DUNS number plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned at the
discretion of the offeror to establish additional CCR records for
identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see
Subpart 32.11) for the same parent concern.

\(b\) If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun
and Bradstreet directly to obtain one.

\(1\) An offeror may obtain a DUNSnumber---

\(i\) If located within the United States, by calling Dun and Bradstreet
at 1-866-705-5711 or via the iInternet at
[*http://www.dnb.*com](http://www.dnb.com/); or

\(ii\) If located outside the United States, by contacting the local Dun
and Bradstreet office.

\(2\) The offeror should be prepared to provide the following
information:

\(i\) Company legal business name.

\(ii\) Tradestyle, doing business, or other name by which your entity is
commonly recognized.

\(iii\) Company physical street address, city, state and Zip Code.

\(iv\) Company mailing address, sity, state and Zip Code (if separate
from physical).

\(v\) Company telephone number.

\(vi\) Date the company was started.

\(vii\) Number of employees at your location.

\(viii\) Chief executive officer/ key manager.

\(ix\) Line of business (industry)

\(X\) Company Headquarters name and address (reporting relationship
within your entity).

(End of provision)

**L.3 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (MAY 2001)**

**ALTERNATE I (JAN 2004)(FAR 52.215-1)**

\(a\) Definitions. As used in this provision --

> "Discussions" are negotiations that occur after establishment of the
> competitive range that may, at the Contracting Officer's discretion,
> result in the offeror being allowed to revise its proposal.
>
> "In writing," "writing," or "written" means any worded or numbered
> expression that can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and
> includes electronically transmitted and stored information.
>
> "Proposal modification" is a change made to a proposal before the
> solicitation's closing date and time, or made in response to an
> amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.
>
> "Proposal revision" is a change to a proposal made after the
> solicitation closing date, at the request of or as allowed by a
> Contracting Officer as the result of negotiations.
>
> "Time," if stated as a number of days, is calculated using calendar
> days, unless otherwise specified, and will include Saturdays, Sundays,
> and legal holidays. However, if the last day falls on a Saturday,
> Sunday or legal holiday, then the period shall include the next
> working day.

\(b\) Amendments to solicitations. If this solicitation is amended, all
terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. Offerors
shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the
date and time specified in the amendment(s).

\(c\) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

\(1\) Unless other methods (e.g., electronic commerce or facsimile) are
permitted in the solicitation, proposals and modifications to proposals
shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages (i)
addressed to the office specified in the solicitation, and (ii) showing
the time and date specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and
the name and address of the offeror. Offerors using commercial carriers
should ensure that the proposal is marked on the outermost wrapper with
the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this
provision.

\(2\) The first page of the proposal must show---

\(i\) The solicitation number;

\(ii\) The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the
offeror (and electronic address if available);

\(iii\) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms,
conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to
furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set
opposite each item;

\(iv\) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and
electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on
the offeror's behalf with the Government in connection with this
solicitation; and

\(v\) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the
proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence
of that agent's authority, unless that evidence has been previously
furnished to the issuing office.

\(3\) Submissions, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

\(i\) Offerors are responsible for submitting proposals, and any
modification or revisions, so as to reach the Government office
designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the
solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for
receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office
on the date that proposal or revision is due.

\(ii\) (A) Any proposal, modification, or revision received at the
Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time
specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered
unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer
determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the
acquisition; and -

\(1\) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method
authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of
entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one
working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals; or

\(2\) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at
the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was
under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of
offers; or

\(3\) It is the only proposal received.

\(B\) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful proposal
that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be
considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

\(iii\) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the
Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that
installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of
receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements
of Government personnel.

\(iv\) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal
Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office
designated for receipt of proposals by the exact time specified in the
solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of
the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of proposals will be
deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the
solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes
resume.

\(v\) Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time
before award. Oral proposals in response to oral solicitations may be
withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals,
proposals may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before
award, subject to the conditions specified in the provision at 52.215-5,
"Facsimile Proposals." Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an
offeror or an authorized representative, if the representative's
identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the
proposal before award.

\(4\) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, the offeror may
propose to provide any item or combination of items.

\(5\) Offerors shall submit proposals submitted in response to this
solicitation in English, unless otherwise permitted by the solicitation,
and in U.S. dollars, unless the provision at FAR 52.225-17, Evaluation
of Foreign Currency Offers, is included in the solicitation.

\(6\) Offerors may submit modifications to their proposals at any time
before the solicitation closing date and time, and may submit
modifications in response to an amendment, or to correct a mistake at
any time before award.

\(7\) Offers may submit revised proposals only if requested or allowed
by the Contracting Officer.

\(8\) Proposals may be withdrawn at any time before award. Withdrawals
are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

> \(d\) Offer expiration date. Proposals in response to this
> solicitation will be valid for the number of days specified on the
> solicitation cover sheet (unless a different period is proposed by the
> offeror).

\(e\) Restriction on disclosure and use of data. Offerors that include
in their proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public
for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation
purposes, shall ---

\(1\) Mark the title page with the following legend:

> "This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the
> Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed--in whole
> or in part--for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal." If,
> however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of--or in
> connection with-- the submission of this data, the Government shall
> have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent
> provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit
> the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it
> is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject
> to this restriction are contained in sheets \[insert numbers or other
> identification of sheets\]; and

\(2\) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following
legend:

> "Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the
> restriction on the title page of this proposal."

\(f\) Contract award.

\(1\) The Government intends to award a contract or contracts resulting
from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s)
represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the
factors and subfactors in the solicitation.

\(2\) The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is
in the Government's interest.

\(3\) The Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in
proposals received.

\(4\) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract
after conducting discussions with offerors whose proposals have been
determined to be within the competitive range. If the Contracting
Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be
in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient
competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the
number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that
will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated
proposals. Therefore, the offeror's initial proposal should contain the
offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

\(5\) The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for
a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit cost or prices
offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the proposal.

\(6\) The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if,
after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the
Government's best interest to do so.

\(7\) Exchanges with offerors after receipt of a proposal do not
constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

\(8\) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if
the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or
subline items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable
total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is
significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application
of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the
Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an
unacceptable risk to the Government.

\(9\) If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be
considered by the source selection authority in evaluating performance
or schedule risk.

\(10\) A written award or acceptance of proposal mailed or otherwise
furnished to the successful offeror within the time specified in the
proposal shall result in a binding contract without further action by
either party.

\(11\) If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the
Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

\(i\) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient
factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

\(ii\) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the
successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on
the debriefed offeror.

\(iii\) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was
developed by the agency during source selection

(iv) A summary of the rationale for award

(v) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item
    to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(vi) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed
     offerors as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the
     solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable
     authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

**L.4 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APRIL 1984) (FAR 52.216-1)**

> Number range CHAPTERThe Government contemplates award of a cost
> reimbursement, completion type, task order contract resulting from
> this solicitation.

Number range CHAPTER**L.5 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) (FAR 52.233-2)**

\(a\) Protests, as defined in Section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any
protests that are filed with the General Accounting Office (GAO) shall
be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining
written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Director, Division of Contracts Management

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

\(b\) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated
above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

**L.6 POINT OF CONTACT FOR TECHNICAL INQUIRIES**

The technical contact for additional information and answering inquiries
is the Contracting Officer. All questions regarding this solicitation
Number range CHAPTERshall be e-mailed to Jessica Alderton at
<jessica.alderton@ahrq.hhs.gov> no later than **June 21, 2007.** The
subject line should be marked "Proposal Questions RFP No.
AHRQ-07-10039**."**

**L.7 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS**

[Introduction]{.underline}

> The following instructions will establish the acceptable minimum
> requirements for the format and contents of proposals. Special
> attention is directed to the requirements for technical and business
> proposals to be submitted in accordance with these instructions:

a\. [Contract Type and General Provisions]{.underline}: Number range
CHAPTERIt is contemplated that a cost-reimbursement, task order type
contract will be awarded. In addition to the special provisions of this
request for proposal (RFP), any resultant contract shall include the
general clauses applicable to the selected offeror\'s organization and
type of contract awarded. Any additional clauses required by Public Law,
Executive Order, or procurement regulations, in effect at the time of
execution of the proposed contract, will be included.

b\. [Authorized Official and Submission of Proposal]{.underline}: The
proposal shall be signed by an official authorized to bind your (the
offeror\'s) organization. Your proposal shall be submitted in the number
of copies, to the address, and marked as indicated in the cover letter
of this solicitation. Proposals will be typewritten, reproduced on
letter sized paper and will be legible in all required copies. To
expedite the proposal evaluation, all documents required for responding
to the RFP should be placed in the following order:

I. [TECHNICAL PROPOSAL]{.underline}: See Technical Proposal Instructions
for recommended format (L.8). **Please mark as original or copy.**

II. [PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION]{.underline}: See Past Performance
    Information Instructions for format (L.9)

III. [BUSINESS PROPOSAL]{.underline}: See Business Proposal Instructions
     for recommended format (L.10).

IV. [RESPONSE TO RFTO#1]{.underline}: See RFTO #1 for Instructions
    (L.11)

c\. [Separation of Technical, Past Performance Information and Business
Proposal]{.underline}: The proposal shall be in 4 parts:

> \(1\) Technical Proposal; (2) Past Performance Information; (3)
> Business Proposal; (4) Response to RFTO #1. Each of the parts shall be
> separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be
> accomplished independently of, and concurrently with, evaluation of
> the other. [The technical proposal shall not contain reference to
> cost]{.underline}; however resources information, such as data
> concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc.,
> shall be contained in the technical proposal so that your
> understanding of the Statement of Work (SOW) may be evaluated. It must
> disclose your technical approach in as much detail as possible,
> including, but not limited to, the requirements of the technical
> proposal instructions.

d\. [Evaluation of Proposals]{.underline}: The Government will evaluate
technical proposals in accordance with the criteria set forth in Section
M, [Evaluation/Award Criteria]{.underline}.

e\. [Rejection of Proposals]{.underline}: The Government reserves the
right to reject any or all proposals received. It is understood that
your proposal will become part of the official contract file.

f\. [Unnecessarily Elaborate Proposals]{.underline}: Unnecessarily
elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to
present a complete and effective proposal are not desired and may be
construed as an indication of the offeror\'s lack of cost consciousness.
Elaborate art work, expensive visual and other presentation aids are
neither necessary nor wanted.

g\. [Privacy Act]{.underline}: The Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law
(P.L.) 93-579) requires that a Federal agency advise each individual
whom it asks to supply information: 1) the authority which authorized
the solicitation; 2) whether disclosure is voluntary or mandatory; (3)
the principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended
to be used; (4) the uses outside the agency which may be made of the
information; and 4) the effects on the individual, if any, of not
providing all or any part of the requested information.

Therefore:

> \(1\) The Government is requesting the information called for in this
> RFP pursuant to the authority provided by Section 301(g) of the Public
> Health Service Act, as amended, and P.L. 92-218, as amended.

\(2\) Provisions of the information requested are entirely voluntary.

\(3\) The collection of this information is for the purpose of
conducting an accurate, fair, and adequate review prior to a discussion
as to whether to award a contract.

\(4\) Failure to provide any or all of the requested information may
result in a less than adequate review.

\(5\) The information provided by you may be routinely disclosed for the
following purposes:

> -to the cognizant audit agency and the General Accounting Officer for
> auditing;

-to the Department of Justice as required for litigation;

-to respond to Congressional inquiries; and

-to qualified experts, not within the definition of Department employees
for opinions as a part of the review process.

In addition, the Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579, Section 7) requires
that the following information be provided when individuals are
requested to disclose their social security number.

> Provision of the social security number is voluntary. Social security
> numbers are requested for the purpose of accurate and efficient
> identification, referral, review and management of AHRQ contracting
> programs. Authority for requesting this information is provided by
> Section 305 and Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

h\. The RFP does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the
preparation and submission of a proposal. It is also brought to your
attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can
legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in
connection with this or any acquisition action.

> The Government reserves the right to award a contract without
> discussions if the Contracting Officer determines that the initial
> prices are fair and reasonable and that discussions are not necessary.

**L.8 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS**

> The technical proposal shall contain an original and ten (10) copies.
> The technical proposal described below shall be limited to **100
> pages** not including resumes or bibliographies, with no less than a
> 11 point pitch, with the majority of the text double-spaced (lists of
> deliverables, person loading charts, and similar materials need not be
> double-spaced, so long as they are legible). Your **appendices are**
> **limited to 100 pages** (single sided) including all resumes,
> bibliographies, exhibits and attachments. This limitation is for
> administrative purposes only and exceeding the limitation shall not,
> of itself, be considered a basis for rejection of your proposal.
> Resumes or CVs are only required for key personnel. Brief biographic
> sketches of other personnel may be provided. Lengthy proposals and
> voluminous appendices are neither needed nor desired as they are
> difficult to read and evaluate and may indicate the offeror's
> inability to concisely state their proposal.

a\. [Recommended Technical Proposal Format]{.underline}

> The offeror's proposal should present sufficient information to
> reflect a thorough understanding of the work requirements and a
> detailed plan for achieving the objectives of the scope of work.
> Technical proposals shall not merely paraphrase the requirements of
> the Agency's scope of work or parts thereof, or use of phrases such as
> "will comply" or "standard techniques will be employed." The technical
> proposal must include a detailed description of the techniques and
> procedures to be used in achieving the proposed end results in
> compliance with the requirements of the Agency's scope of work.

\(1\) [Cover Page]{.underline}: The name of the proposing organization,
author(s) of the technical proposal, the RFP number and the title of the
RFP should appear on the cover. One (1) manually signed original copy of
the proposal and the number of copies specified in the RFP cover letter
are required.

\(2\) [Table of Contents]{.underline}: Provide sufficient detail so that
all important elements of the proposal can be located readily.

\(3\) [Introduction]{.underline}: This should be a one or two page
summary outlining the proposed work, your interest in submitting a
proposal, and the importance of this effort in relation to your overall
operation.

> \(4\) [Technical Discussion]{.underline}: The offeror shall prepare a
> technical discussion which addresses evaluation criteria A, B, C, D, E
> and F below. The evaluation criteria are as follows:
>
> A. Understanding the Problem
>
> B. Technical Approach
>
> C. Management and Staffing Plan D. Key Personnel

E. Past Performance (See Section L.9)

F. RFTO #1 (See Section L.11)

> **[Technical proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall address
> each of the items described below, and shall be organized in the same
> manner and within the page limitations specified. Proposals shall be
> prepared in double-spaced format, with numbered pages.]{.underline}**

A.  **Understanding the Problem**

> Offeror shall provide a brief statement of the issues(s)/problem(s)
> which underscore the concept of and need for the basic procurement.
> Also included in this section shall be a description of the scope,
> purpose, and products of the different types of services called for
> under this contract. The Offeror shall include a discussion of the
> issues related to Health Information Technology (health IT), use of
> health IT and HIE for quality improvement, health IT planning, health
> IT implementation, health IT benefits evaluation, health information
> exchange (HIE), and adoption and diffusion of health IT as it relates
> to state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies wanting to implement health IT
> and HIE for quality improvement, as well as issues related to
> providing general technical assistance to state Medicaid and SCHIP
> agencies. General discussion of technical approaches to the different
> types of activities identified in the RFP should be included. While
> technical assistance related to specific needs is part of this
> contract, equally important is the ability to develop general
> resources to serve needs of all Medicaid and SCHIP agencies as a
> group. Offeror should be sure to include its understanding of this
> concept and need.

B.  **Technical Approach**

> Offeror shall submit a narrative that clearly addresses how it plans
> to develop, design, and implement the statement of work (SOW) for the
> basic procurement within the time constraints of the project. Within
> the content of the narrative, the Offeror shall also address plans for
> identifying, utilizing and monitoring consultants and subcontractors;
> generating clear, concise reports on project findings; and conducting
> quality assurance and problem area identification and resolution
> strategies.
>
> Offeror shall clearly demonstrate experience in and ability to: a)
> work with Medicaid and SCHIP agencies from multiple states or
> territories; b) provide technical assistance related to health IT and
> HIE for public entities, both general technical assistance and
> resources for Medicaid and SCHIP agencies and their stakeholders as a
> group, and one-on-one technical assistance to a subset of agencies; c)
> support health IT collaborative efforts among government and other
> organizations, implementing and evaluating electronic health record
> and other healthcare technologies; d) provide recommendations,
> concepts, proposals and solutions in the form of white papers,
> seminars, workshops, etc. on new visionary approaches for applying
> information technology to improve health care, to improve health
> services research and data, to accelerate the translation of research
> into practice and policy, and to operationalize health IT solutions in
> the Medicaid and SCHIP arena; e) provide support on: methods of
> planning and implementing health IT; determining the benefits and
> value of HIT; state Medicaid agency technical issues and the
> specialized expertise needed for health IT planning and
> implementations in state Medicaid settings; collecting and aggregating
> research data; applying and using information technology, networks,
> connectivity, hardware, software, interoperability and standards;
> fiscal expertise; sustainability strategies; using and understanding
> research methods (including behavioral and social research methods);
> methods for addressing protection of the privacy and confidentiality
> of patient-level data; compliance with current HIPAA regulations; and
> methods organizations can use to assure that health IT research and
> projects findings and lessons learned are translated into practice; f)
> plan and provide logistics for conferences and/or meetings that will
> involve state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies and their stakeholders; g)
> provide information, dissemination, knowledge management and
> engineering functions and services based on project activities and
> results; h) support the development of monographs, papers and resource
> materials to report requirements, performance and results of state
> Medicaid and SCHIP health IT initiatives; i) evaluate and assess the
> impact of state Medicaid agency investments in health IT and HIE; k)
> plan for state Medicaid and SCHIP agency participation in statewide
> and regional IT data interoperability demonstration projects; and n)
> establish and support a community of practice, workgroups, and other
> collaborative efforts to facilitate state Medicaid and SCHIP agency
> participation in health IT and HIE.

C.  **Management and Staffing Plan**

> The Offeror shall describe the overall plan for organizing, staffing,
> and managing the tasks required by this task order contract. The plan
> shall indicate how organizational roles and responsibilities will be
> divided, decisions made, work monitored, and quality and timeliness
> assured. The Offeror shall explain how this management and staffing
> plan will enable the Offeror to start projects quickly, conduct
> multiple projects concurrently, complete complex tasks within narrow
> time frames, and assure quality of products. Offeror shall demonstrate
> its ability to achieve the delivery of performance requirements
> through the proposed use of organizational/corporate management and
> other personnel resources as well as demonstrate that the Offeror's
> organizational structure and capabilities will meet the project's
> milestones in a timely manner. In doing so, and at a minimum, the
> Offeror shall:

1.  Demonstrate corporate/organizational experience in managing projects
    of a similar size and nature.

2.  Provide a fully supported narrative showing Offeror's understanding
    of the requirements in the Statement of Work from a managerial
    perspective. The narrative should at a minimum address the following
    topics:

    a.  Labor skill mix determination (why Offeror chose the skill mix
        for this project);

    b.  Personnel selection and assignment (why Offeror chose an
        individual person for an individual job);

    c.  The percentage of full-time core personnel (if a ratio of less
        than seventy percent full-time core staff to thirty percent
        consultants/subcontractors is proposed, Offeror shall provide a
        detailed explanation of how the proposed staffing plan ensures
        that the work is conducted by individuals with a mastery of the
        technical requirements of the Statement of Work);

    d.  Monitoring and control of services provided: technical quality,
        responsiveness, cost control, and effective and efficient
        resource utilization, compliance and technical requirement and
        contract provisions. Clearly show proposed system for quality
        control of work performed, including documents to be produced,
        and proposed system for management control and contract
        provision compliance;

    e.  Managerial problems Offeror expects to encounter. Describe the
        methods Offeror proposed to solve these problems. Demonstrate
        ability and flexibility to rapidly solve the same or similar
        managerial problems encountered previously; and

    f.  Ability and flexibility to respond rapidly to changes in budget,
        priorities, and schedule.

3.  Indicate clear lines of authority and delineation of staff
    responsibilities.

4.  Describe the number of person hours for each task and for service
    delivery.

5.  Provide an organizational chart and a Program Evaluation Review
    Technique (PERT) chart showing all tasks (staffing plan).

6.  Describe coordination with proposed subcontractors/consultants,
    including monitoring of their performance.

7.  Provide a signed agreement, e.g., a letter of commitment, between
    the Offeror and any personnel other than direct employees that
    includes dates of employment and specific tasks to be performed.

8.  Provide a person-level task-loading chart (to include consultant and
    subcontractors effort) and an organizational chart indicating clear
    lines of authority, delineating staff responsibilities and a plan
    for organizational backup. Employees not currently employed by the
    Offeror shall be listed with an asterisk (\*).

**D.        Key personnel**

 

The proposal shall specify the project team, including subcontractors
and consultants.  In this project, the Project Director and Project
Manager(s) are classified as key personnel.

1.  Offeror shall provide evidence of the availability, qualifications,
    and demonstrated experience of key management personnel, including
    the Project Director and Project Managers.  The Project Director
    should have, at a minimum, a master's degree and have extensive
    experience in health information technology and program management. 
    The Project Director should have not less than twelve (12) years
    total work experience which includes: 1) at least ten (10) years in
    the SOW's specialty services field in progressively responsible
    positions; 2) demonstrated skills in organizing and monitoring
    challenging and complex projects conducted by groups of diverse
    professionals; and 3) expertise working with Medicaid and SCHIP
    agencies in more than one state.  The Project Manager should have,
    at a minimum, a masters degree in a health and human
    services-related specialty, or informatics, and not less than
    eight (8) years total work experience which includes: 1) at least
    six (6) years in the health services research, quality improvement,
    and/or health IT specialty services field; 2) extensive knowledge of
    health IT, informatics, and healthcare information systems
    issues; 3) extensive knowledge of Medicaid and SCHIP populations and
    information systems; 4) expertise in generating data from IT systems
    and using tools with data to produce information for decision
    making;  and 5) demonstrated skills in organizing and monitoring
    complex projects in health care and health IT.

    a.  Describe how the education and  technical experience of the
        Project Director, the Project Manager and other key personnel
        specifically relate to the SOW.

    b.  Provide length and currency of the overall education of the
        Project Director, the Project Manager, and other key personnel.

    c.  Describe the experience of the proposed Project Director and the
        Project Manager in managing the SOW and complex projects
        involving data gathering and synthesis and dissemination of
        information, tools and resources for a broad range of
        stakeholders.  This description shall include at a minimum the
        size of projects managed, start-up time required, number of
        projects managed, problems encountered, and the resolution of
        those problems.  Describe those projects currently managed. 
        Describe how the management experience of the proposed Project
        Director an the Project Manager equips them to manage a staff
        which reflects the diverse needs of the SOW.

    d.  Describe the ability of the proposed Project Director, Project
        Manger, and others to address issues of policy and legal
        sensitivity as they relate to the SOW.

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1.  Offeror shall provide evidence of availability, qualifications, and
    demonstrated experience of key medical, education, and technical
    personnel.  They should possess the education, experience, and
    demonstrated skills to conduct a comprehensive healthcare IT
    integration program as it relates to state Medicaid agencies.

    a.  Describe how the education and technical experience of the
        proposed technical personnel specifically relate to the SOW.

    ```{=html}
    <!-- -->
    ```
    a.  Provide length and currency of the overall education of the
        proposed technical personnel.

    b.  Describe the management experience of the technical personnel,
        if they are to serve as team leaders.  Include a description of
        their experience in independent problem solving and conflict
        resolution, in facilitating groups in the analysis of large
        quantities of information, and in coordinating and editing the
        work of others in the production of extensive, complex reports. 
        Describe those projects currently managed.

    c.  Describe the ability of the technical personnel to address
        issues of medical education and learning as they relate to the
        SOW.

>  **Class I**
>
>  
>
>             Senior management personnel, holding an advanced clinical,
> technical or professional degree, at the M.D., Ph.D., or Masters
> level, with a minimum of 10 years experience working with Medicaid and
> SCHIP programs, analyzing data, scientific literature and research
> findings with significant experience related to development
> of community initiatives to improve health care quality and safety
> using health IT.  Class I personnel shall also have corporate level
> management experience that reflects an ability to command
> organizational resources and direct staff within the broader
> organization.
>
>  
>
> **Class II**
>
>  
>
>             Associate management or clinical/professional/technical
> personnel, holding an advanced degree, at the M.D., Ph.D., or Master
> level, with a minimum of 5 years experience working with Medicaid and
> SCHIP programs, addressing health IT, informatics and health care
> information systems, analyzing data, scientific literature, research
> findings, and with experience related to development of community
> initiatives to improve health care quality and safety using health
> IT. 
>
>  
>
>  
>
> **Class III**
>
>  
>
>             Intermediate clinical/technical personnel, holding a BS or
> BA degree and at least 3 years experience in technical activities of
> which 2 years experience are directly related to in analyzing data,
> scientific literature and research findings and/or working with health
> IT to improve quality and safety of patient care.    The individual is
> capable of carrying out independent assignments with minimum
> supervision or acting as leader of small projects.  Class III
> personnel includes specialists in science writing and editing, as well
> as computer programming.
>
>  
>
> **Class IV**
>
>  
>
>             Data support, literature search and retrieval, report
> drafting, etc. at a research assistant level.

**L.9 PAST PERFORMANCE** **INFORMATION**

> Offerors shall submit the following information (original and 4
> copies) as part of their proposal for both the offeror and proposed
> major subcontractors:

\(1\) A list of the last five (5) contracts and subcontracts completed
during the past three years and all contracts and subcontracts currently
in process. Contracts listed may include those entered into by the
Federal Government, agencies of State and local governments and
commercial customers. Offerors that are newly formed entities without
prior contracts should list contracts and subcontracts as required for
all key personnel. Include the following information for each contract
and subcontract:

> a: Name of contracting activity
>
> b: Contract number
>
> c: Contract type
>
> d: Total contract value
>
> e: Contract work
>
> f: Contracting Officer and telephone number
>
> g: Program Manager and telephone number
>
> h: Administrative Contracting Officer, if different from item f, and
> telephone number
>
> i: List of major subcontracts

\(2\) The offeror may provide information on problems encountered on the
contracts and subcontracts identified in (1) above and corrective
actions taken to resolve those problems. Offerors should not provide
general information on their performance on the identified contracts.
General performance information will be obtained from the references.

\(3\) The offeror may describe any quality awards or certifications that
may indicate the offeror possesses a high-quality process for developing
and producing the product or service required. Identify what segment of
the company (one division or the entire company) that received the award
or certification. Describe when the award or certification was bestowed.
If the award or certification is over three years old, present evidence
that the qualifications still apply.

\(4\) Each offeror will be evaluated on his/her performance under
existing and prior contracts for similar products or services.
Performance information will be used for both responsibility
determinations and as an evaluation factor against which offeror's
relative rankings will be compared to assure best value to the
Government. The Government will focus on information that demonstrates
quality of performance relative to the size and complexity of the
procurement under consideration. References other than those identified
by the offeror may be contacted by the Government with the information
received used in the evaluation of the offeror's past performance.

> The attached Past Performance Questionnaire and Contractor Performance
> Form (Attachment 1) shall be completed by those contracting
> organizations listed in (1) above. The evaluation forms shall be
> completed and forwarded directly to the following:
>
> Jessica Alderton
>
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
>
> Division of Contracts Management
>
> 540 Gaither Road
>
> Rockville, Maryland 20850
>
> FAX: 301-427-1740

Number range CHAPTEREvaluation forms must be received by **July 17,
2007** in order to be included in the review process. It is the
responsibility of the offeror to ensure that these documents are
forwarded to the Contracting Officer.

**L.10 BUSINESS PROPOSAL**

> The offeror shall submit as part of the proposal a
> [separate]{.underline} 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:
>
> The offeror shall submit as part of the proposal a
> [separate]{.underline} 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:

A. [Cost/Price Proposal]{.underline}

Number range CHAPTERA. Cost/Price Proposal

> A cost proposal, in the amount of an original and four (4) copies,
> shall be provided only to the extent that it shall include:

1\. 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.9).

2\. 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.

3\. 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.

B.  [Small Business Subcontracting Plan:]{.underline}

> All offerors except small businesses are required to submit a
> subcontracting plan with their response to the request for task order
> in accordance with the Small Business Subcontracting Plan, FAR
> 52.219-9, incorporated in this solicitation. A copy of a model
> subcontracting plan is available at
> <http://www.knownet.hhs.gov/smallbus/sb-subplan-hhs.pdf> and located
> at the end of this RFP (Attachment 3). If the model plan is not used,
> all elements outlined must be addressed in the offeror's format. **If
> the offeror is not a small business and fails to submit a
> subcontracting plan with the initial [task order
> proposal]{.underline}, the offeror will be considered non-responsive
> and their proposal will be returned without further consideration.**
>
> **[This provision does not apply to small business concerns. This
> provision does apply to all other offerors, including large business
> concerns, colleges, universities and non-profit
> organizations.]{.underline}**

The term "subcontract" means any agreement (other than one involving an
employer-employee relationship) entered into by a Federal Government
prime contractor or subcontractor calling for supplies or services
required for the performance of the original contract or subcontract.
This includes, but is not limited to, agreements/ purchase orders for
supplies and services such as equipment purchase, copying services, and
travel services.

The offeror understands that:

a.  No contract will be awarded unless and until an acceptable plan is
    negotiated with the Contracting Officer. The plan will be
    incorporated in to the contract.

b.  An acceptable plan must, in the determination of the Contracting
    officer, provide the maximum practicable opportunity for small
    business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled
    by socially and economically disadvantaged persons to participate in
    the performance of the contract.

c.  If a subcontracting plan acceptable to the Contracting Officer is
    not negotiated within the time limits prescribed by the contracting
    activity and such failure arises out of causes within the control
    and with the fault or negligence of the offeror, the offeror shall
    be ineligible for award. The Contracting Officer shall notify the
    Contractor in writing of the reasons for determining a
    subcontracting plan unacceptable early enough in the negotiation
    process to allow the Contractor to modify the plan within the time
    limits prescribed.

d.  Prior compliance of the offeror with other such subcontracting plans
    under previous contracts will be considered by the Contracting
    Officer in determining the responsibility of the offeror for award
    of the contract.

e.  It is the offeror's responsibility to develop a satisfactory
    subcontracting plan with respect to small business concerns and
    small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and
    economically disadvantaged individuals, and women-owned small
    business concerns, and that each such aspect of the offeror's plan
    will be judged independent of the other.

f.  The offeror will submit, as required by the Contracting Officer,
    subcontracting reports in accordance with the instructions thereon,
    and as further directed by the Contracting Officer. Subcontractors
    will also submit these reports to the Government Contracting Officer
    or as otherwise directed, with a copy to the prime Contractor's
    designated small and disadvantaged business liaison.

    1.  For this particular acquisition, the AHRQ recommended goal (as a
        percentage of total contract value for the base period) is 20%
        for Small Businesses, which shall included at least 5.5% (as a
        percentage of total planned subcontract dollars for the base
        period) for Small Disadvantaged Businesses, at least 5% (as a
        percentage of total planned subcontract dollars total planned
        subcontract dollars for the base period) for Women-Owned Small
        Businesses, and at least 3% (as a percentage of total planned
        subcontract dollars for the base period) for HUBZone Small
        Businesses and at least 3% (as a percentage of total planned
        subcontract dollars for the base period) for Veteran-Owned Small
        Businesses. These goals represent AHRQ's expectations of the
        minimum level for subcontracting with small business at the
        prime contract level. Any goal stated less than the AHRQ
        recommended goal shall be justified and is subject to
        negotiation.

C. Other Administrative Data

\(1\) [Terms and Conditions]{.underline}: The proposal shall stipulate
that it is predicated upon the terms and conditions of the RFP. In
addition, it shall contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for
a period of at least 120 days from the date of receipt thereof by the
Government.

> Minimum Bid Acceptance Period (April 1984)

\(a\) \"Acceptance period,\" as used in this provision, means the number
of calendar days available to the Government for awarding a contract
from the date specified in this solicitation for receipt of bids.

\(b\) This provision supersedes any language pertaining to the
acceptance period that may appear elsewhere in this solicitation.

\(c\) The Government requires a minimum acceptance period of 120 days.

\(d\) A bid allowing less than the Government\'s minimum acceptance
period may be rejected.

\(e\) The bidder agrees to execute all that it has undertaken to do, in
compliance with its bid, if that bid is accepted in writing within (i)
the acceptance period stated in paragraph (3) above, or (ii) any longer
acceptance period stated in paragraph (4) above.

\(2\) [Authority to Conduct Negotiations]{.underline}: The proposal
shall list the names and telephone numbers of persons authorized to
conduct negotiations and to execute contracts.

> \(3\) [Property]{.underline}:

\(a\) It is HHS policy that contractors will provide all equipment and
facilities necessary for performance of contracts. Exception may be
granted to furnish Government-owned property, or to authorize purchase
with contract funds, only when approved by the contracting officer. If
additional equipment must be acquired, you shall include the
description, estimated cost of each item and whether you will furnish
such items with your own funds.

\(b\) You shall identify Government-owned property in your possession
and/or property acquired from Federal funds to which you have title,
that is proposed to be used in the performance of the prospective
contract.

\(c\) The management and control of any Government property shall be in
accordance with HHS Publication (OS) 74-115 entitled, [Contractor\'s
Guide for Control of Government Property]{.underline}\" 1990, a copy of
which will be provided upon request.

\(4\) [Royalties]{.underline}: You shall furnish information concerning
royalties which are anticipated to be paid in connection with the
performance of work under the proposed contract.

\(5\) [Commitments]{.underline}: You shall list other commitments with
the Government relating to the specified work or services and indicate
whether these commitments will or will not interfere with the completion
of work and/or services contemplated under this proposal.

\(6\) [Financial Capacity]{.underline}: You shall provide sufficient
data to indicate that you have the necessary financial capacity, working
capital, and other resources to perform the contract without assistance
from any outside source. If not, indicate the amount required and the
anticipated source. (Financial data such as balance sheets, profit and
loss statements, cash forecasts, and financial histories of your
organization\'s affiliated concerns should be utilized.)

\(7\) [Performance Capability]{.underline}: You shall provide acceptable
evidence of your \"ability to obtain\" equipment, facilities, and
personnel necessary to perform the requirements of this project. If
these are not represented in your current operations, they should
normally be supported by commitment or explicit arrangement, which is in
existence at the time the contract is to be awarded, for the rental,
purchase, or other acquisition of such resources, equipment, facilities,
or personnel. In addition, you shall indicate your ability to comply
with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule taking
into consideration all existing business commitments, commercial as well
as Government.

\(8\) [Representations and Certifications]{.underline}: Section K,
\"Representations and Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors\"
shall be completed and signed by an official authorized to bind your
organization. **This section shall be made a part of the original
business proposal**

**L.11 REQUEST FOR TASK ORDER (RFTO) #1**

The first request for task order entitled "Needs Assessment for and
Implementation of Technical Assistance for State Medicaid and SCHIP
Agencies related to Health IT and Health Information Exchange" is
located at the end of this RFP under Attachment 4. Offerors are required
to submit a separate task order proposal (technical and cost estimate)
that will be evaluated by internal AHRQ program staff based upon the
criteria listed below and in the RFTO.

**[Criteria]{.underline} [Weight]{.underline}**

1\. Understanding the Objective [10]{.underline}

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the offeror\'s demonstrated
> understanding of the effort and the issues involved in the subject
> area.

2\. Technical Approach [25]{.underline}

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the overall approach for
> developing, designing and implementing the statement of work.

3\. Management Plan [15]{.underline}

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the overall plan for organizing,
> staffing, and managing the task order.
>
> Maximum Total Points for the RFTO= 50
>
> **The estimated dollar value of the first task order is above the
> \$550,000 small business subcontracting threshold. Therefore Offerors
> shall submit the attached subcontracting plan with their task order
> proposal. (Attachment 3) For information on the subcontracting plan
> see Section L.10.B.**

**L.12 SELECTION OF OFFEROR**

a\. The acceptability of the technical portion of the contract proposal
will be evaluated by the technical review committee. The committee will
evaluate the proposal in strict conformity with the evaluation criteria
of the RFP, utilizing point scores and written critiques. The committee
may suggest that the Contracting Officer request clarifying information
from an offeror.

b\. The business portion of the contract proposal will be subjected to a
limited cost review, management analysis, etc.

c\. Number range CHAPTERPast performance and the response to the request
for task order of the technically acceptable offerors will be evaluated
by AHRQ staff. A competitive range will be determined. Oral or written
discussions will be conducted with the offeror in the competitive range,
if necessary. All aspects of the proposals are subject to discussions,
including cost, technical approach, past performance, and contractual
terms and conditions. Final Proposal Revisions will be requested with
the reservation of the right to conduct limited negotiations after
submission of the Final Proposal Revisions.

d\. A final best-buy analysis will be performed taking into
consideration the results of the technical evaluation, cost analysis,
past performance, and ability to complete the work within the
Government's required schedule. The Government reserves the right to
make an award to the best advantage of the Government, technical merit,
cost, past performance, and other factors considered.

e\. The Government reserves the right to make a single award, multiple
awards, or no award at all to the RFP.

**[SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD]{.underline}**

**[TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA]{.underline}**

Number range CHAPTERSelection of an offeror for contract award will be
based on an evaluation of proposals against three factors. The three
factors are: scientific technical merit, cost and past performance. The
scientific technical merit of the proposals will receive paramount
consideration for this acquisition.

**THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO**

**MAKE AN AWARD WITHOUT DISCUSSION**

All proposals will be reviewed in accordance with the governing
regulations and AHRQ policies and procedures. The technical proposal and
past performance will be evaluated in terms of the offeror's responses
to each of the evaluation factors. The proposal will be evaluated on the
likelihood of meeting the Government's requirements. The evaluation will
be based on the technical and administrative capabilities in relation to
the needs of the program, anticipated tasks, and the reasonableness of
costs shown in relation to the work to be performed. The Government
reserves the right to make an award to the best advantage of the
Government.

The evaluation factors and assigned weights which will be used in the
overall review of the offeror's proposal are outlined below. The
technical proposal shall consist of the responses to evaluation criteria
A through F (including subcriteria). The offeror should show that the
objectives stated in the proposal are understood and offer a logical
program for their achievement. The following criteria will be used to
evaluate the proposal and will be weighted as indicated in establishing
a numerical rating for all proposals submitted. Factors facilitating the
evaluation of each criteria below are referenced in the corresponding
criteria found in Section L of this solicitation:

**[Evaluation Criteria]{.underline} [Weight]{.underline}**

> A. [Understanding the Issue/Problem]{.underline} [20]{.underline}
>
> The proposal shall be evaluated on the offeror\'s demonstrated
> understanding of the effort and the issues involved in the subject
> area.

B. [Technical Approach]{.underline} [40]{.underline}

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the overall approach for
> developing, designing and implementing the statement of work.
>
> C. [Management and Staffing Plan]{.underline} [20]{.underline}
>
> The proposal shall be evaluated on the overall plan for organizing,
> staffing, and managing the task order contract.
>
> D. [Key Personnel]{.underline} [20]{.underline}
>
> The proposal shall be evaluated on the availability, qualifications
> and demonstrated experience of key personnel as identified in the
> technical proposal instructions.
>
> E. [Past Performance]{.underline} [25]{.underline}
>
> (TO BE RATED ONLY AFTER A DETERMINATION OF TECHNICAL ACCEPTABILITY OF
> THE OFFEROR'S PROPOSAL, BASED ON THE ABOVE TECHNICAL EVALUATION
> CRITERIA A-D)
>
> The offeror's past performance will be evaluated after completion of
> the technical evaluation. Only those offerors determined to be
> technically acceptable will be evaluated. Each offeror will be
> evaluated on its performance under existing and prior contracts for
> similar products or services. Performance information will be used for
> both responsibility determinations and as an evaluation factor against
> which offeror's relative rankings will be compared.
>
> The Government reserves the right to evaluate relevant past
> performance information not specifically provided by the offeror.
>
> The Government will assess the relative risks associated with each
> offeror. Performance risks are those associated with an offeror's
> likelihood of success in performing the acquisition requirements as
> indicated by the offeror's record of past performance.
>
> If the offeror or the proposed employees for the offeror, do not have
> a past performance history relative to this acquisition, or past
> performance not relative to this acquisition, the offeror will not be
> evaluated favorably or unfavorably on this factor. A neutral rating
> will be determined.
>
> In evaluating past performance the Government, will consider the
> offeror's effectiveness in quality of products or services; timeliness
> of performance; cost control; business practices; customer
> satisfaction, and key personnel past performance.
>
> Number range CHAPTER[NOTICE: Past Performance questionnaires are to be
> provided to the contracting office NO LATER than the closing date and
> time of this solicitation. It is the offeror's responsibility to
> ensure that these documents are forwarded to the contracting
> office.]{.underline}
>
> F. [Response to RFTO #1]{.underline} - [50]{.underline}
>
> (TO BE RATED ONLY AFTER A DETERMINATION OF TECHNICAL ACCEPTABILITY OF
> THE OFFEROR'S PROPOSAL, BASED ON THE TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
> A-D)
>
> The evaluation of the task order proposal will be conducted using the
> criteria listed in the RFTO. (Attachment 4)

**TOTAL AVAILABLE POINTS [175]{.underline}**

**ATTACHMENT 1**

**PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE**

**PART ONE: INSTRUCTIONS**

The offeror listed below has submitted a proposal in response to the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Solicitation No.
AHRQ-07-10039, entitled "Technical Assistance for Health IT and Health
Information Exchange in Medicaid and SCHIP." Past performance is an
important part of the evaluation criteria for this acquisition, so input
from previous customers of the offeror is important. This office would
greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this form. **This
information is to be provided to Jessica Alderton, the AHRQ Contracting
Officer and is NOT to be disclosed to the offeror either verbally or in
writing.** Please provide an honest assessment and return all 5 pages of
this form to AHRQ to the address shown below, no later than **July 17,
2007**. It is important to include all five pages so that the name of
the offeror you are assessing is clearly listed on this page. You are
also welcome to fax or email your completed questionnaire to the
Contracting Officer listed below. If you have any questions, please
contact Mrs. Jessica Alderton at (301) 427-1783. [Please note we cannot
accept any questionnaires that are delivered AFTER close of business on
July 17, 2007.]{.underline}

Ms. Jessica Alderton

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Division of Contracts Management

540 Gaither Road

Rockville, Maryland 20850

FAX: (301) 427-1740

Email: Jessica.Alderton@arhq.hhs.gov

NAME OF
OFFEROR:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ADDRESS:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**[Contractor Performance Form]{.underline}**

1\. Name of
Contractor:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

2\.
Address:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

3\. Contract/Grant Number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

4\. Contract/Grant Value (Base Plus Options):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

5\. Contract/Grant Award Date:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

6\. Contract/Grant Completion Date:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

7\. Type of Contract/Grant: (Check all that apply) ( )FP ( )FPI (
)FP-EPA

( ) Award Fee ( ) CPFF-Completion ( ) CPFF-Term ( ) CPIF ( ) CPAF

( ) IO/IQ ( ) BOA ( ) Requirements ( ) Labor-Hour ( )T&M ( ) SBSA

( )8(a) ( )SBIR ( ) Sealed Bid( )Negotiated( )Competitive (
)Non-Competitive

8\. Description of Requirement:

**[CONTRACTOR'S PERFORMANCE RATING]{.underline}**

Ratings: Summarize contractor performance and circle in the column on
the right the number which corresponds to the performance rating for
each rating category. Please see reverse page for explanation of rating
scale.

+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Quality of       | Comments                                      | 0 |
| Product or       |                                               |   |
| Service          |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Cost             | Comments                                      | 0 |
|                  |                                               |   |
| Control          |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Timeliness of    | Comments                                      | 0 |
|                  |                                               |   |
| Performance      |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
| Business         | Comments                                      | 0 |
| Relations        |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 1 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 2 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 3 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 4 |
|                  |                                               |   |
|                  |                                               | 5 |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+
|                  |                                               |   |
+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+---+

Customer Satisfaction - Is/was the Contractor committed to customer
satisfaction? Yes No ; Would

you use this Contractor again? Yes No

Reason:

**NAME OF EVALUATOR:**
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**TITLE OF EVALUATOR:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**SIGNATURE OF
EVALUATOR:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**DATE:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**MAILING ADDRESS:**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**PHONE
#:**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Rating Guidelines:** Summarize contractor performance in each of the
rating areas. Assign each area a rating 0(Unsatisfactory), 1(Poor),
2(Fair), 3(Good), 4(Excellent) 5(Outstanding). Use the following
instructions as guidance in making these evaluations.

+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
|            | **Quality** | **Cost    | **         | **Business     |
|            |             | Control** | Timeliness | Relation**     |
|            |             |           | of**       |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             |           | **Per      |                |
|            |             |           | formance** |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
|            | -Compliance | -Within   | -Met       | -Effective     |
|            | with        | bud       | interim    | management     |
|            | contract    | get(over/ | milestones |                |
|            |             |           |            | -Businesslike  |
|            | r           | under     | -Reliable  | correspondence |
|            | equirements | target    |            |                |
|            |             | costs)    | -          | -Responsive to |
|            | -Accuracy   |           | Responsive | contract       |
|            | of reports  | -Current, | to         |                |
|            |             | accurate, | technical  | requirements   |
|            | -Technical  | and       |            |                |
|            | excellence  |           | direction  | -Prompt        |
|            |             | complete  |            | notification   |
|            |             | billings  | -Completed | of problems    |
|            |             |           | on time,   |                |
|            |             | -Rel      |            | -Reasonab      |
|            |             | ationship | including  | le/cooperative |
|            |             | of        | wrap-up    |                |
|            |             |           | and        | -Flexible      |
|            |             | n         |            |                |
|            |             | egotiated | contract   | -Pro-active    |
|            |             | costs to  | adm        |                |
|            |             |           |            | -Effective     |
|            |             | actual    | -No        | small/small    |
|            |             |           | liquidated |                |
|            |             | -Cost     | damages    | disadvantaged  |
|            |             | eff       |            | business sub-  |
|            |             | iciencies | assessed   |                |
|            |             |           |            | contracting    |
|            |             | -Change   |            | program        |
|            |             | orders    |            |                |
|            |             | issue     |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 0-unsa     | Nonc        | Ability   | Delays are | Response to    |
| tisfactory | onformances | to manage | je         | inquiries,     |
|            | are         | cost      | opardizing |                |
|            |             |           |            | tech           |
|            | j           | issues is | the        | nical/service/ |
|            | eopardizing | jeo       | a          | administrative |
|            | the         | pardizing | chievement |                |
|            |             |           | of         | issues is not  |
|            | achievement | pe        |            | effective      |
|            | of contract | rformance | contract   |                |
|            |             | of        | req        |                |
|            | re          | contract  | uirements, |                |
|            | quirements, |           |            |                |
|            | despite use | requ      | despite    |                |
|            |             | irements, | use of     |                |
|            | of Agency   | despite   | Agency's   |                |
|            | resources   |           |            |                |
|            |             | use of    | resources  |                |
|            |             | Agency    |            |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | resources |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 1-Poor     | Overall     | Ability   | Delays     | Response to    |
|            | compliance  | to manage | require    | inquiries,     |
|            |             | cost      | major      |                |
|            | requires    |           |            | tech           |
|            | major       | issues    | Agency     | nical/service/ |
|            | Agency      | requires  | resources  | administrative |
|            |             | major     | to         |                |
|            | resources   |           |            | issues is      |
|            | to ensure   | Agency    | ensure     | marginally     |
|            |             | resources | a          | effective      |
|            | achievement | to        | chievement |                |
|            | of contract |           | of         |                |
|            |             | ensure    |            |                |
|            | r           | ac        | contract   |                |
|            | equirements | hievement | re         |                |
|            |             | of        | quirements |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | contract  |            |                |
|            |             | req       |            |                |
|            |             | uirements |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 2-Fair     | Overall     | Ability   | Delays     | Response to    |
|            | compliance  | to manage | require    | inquiries,     |
|            |             | cost      | minor      |                |
|            | requires    |           |            | tech           |
|            | minor       | issues    | Agency     | nical/service/ |
|            | Agency      | requires  | resources  | administrative |
|            |             | minor     | to         |                |
|            | resources   |           |            | issues is      |
|            | to ensure   | Agency    | ensure     | somewhat       |
|            |             | resources | a          | effective      |
|            | achievement | to        | chievement |                |
|            | of contract |           | of         |                |
|            |             | ensure    |            |                |
|            | r           | ac        | contract   |                |
|            | equirements | hievement | re         |                |
|            |             | of        | quirements |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | contract  |            |                |
|            |             | req       |            |                |
|            |             | uirements |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 3-Good     | Overall     | M         | Delays do  | Response to    |
|            | compliance  | anagement | not impact | inquiries,     |
|            | does        | of cost   |            |                |
|            |             |           | a          | tech           |
|            | not impact  | issues    | chievement | nical/service/ |
|            | achievement | does not  | of         | administrative |
|            | of          | impact    | contract   |                |
|            |             |           |            | issues is      |
|            | contract    | ac        | re         | usually        |
|            | r           | hievement | quirements | effective      |
|            | equirements | of        |            |                |
|            |             | contract  |            |                |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             | req       |            |                |
|            |             | uirements |            |                |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+
| 4          | There are   | There are | There are  | Response to    |
| -Excellent | no quality  | no cost   | no delays  | inquiries,     |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            | problems    | m         |            | tech           |
|            |             | anagement |            | nical/service/ |
|            |             | issues    |            | administrative |
|            |             |           |            |                |
|            |             |           |            | issues is      |
|            |             |           |            | effective      |
+------------+-------------+-----------+------------+----------------+

5-Outstanding. The Contractor has demonstrated an outstanding
performance level that justifies adding a point to the score. It is
expected that this rating

will be used in those rare circumstances where Contractor performance
clearly exceeds the performance levels described as "Excellent."

**ATTACHMENT 2 0348-0046**

Complete this form to disclose lobbying activities pursuant to 31 U.S.C.
1352

(See reverse for public burden disclosure.)

+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| 1\. Type of Federal   | 2\. Status of Federal | 3\. Report Type:     |
| Action:               | Action:               |                      |
|                       |                       | > a\. initial filing |
| > a\. contract        | a\.                   | >                    |
| >                     | bid/offer/application | > b\. material       |
| > b\. grant           |                       | > change             |
| >                     | b\. Initial award     | >                    |
| > c\. cooperative     |                       | > For Material       |
| > agreement           | c\. post-award        | > Change Only:       |
| >                     |                       | >                    |
| > d\. loan            |                       | > year \_\_\_\_\_\_  |
| >                     |                       | > quarter            |
| > e\. loan guarantee  |                       | > \_\_\_\_\_\_\_     |
| >                     |                       | >                    |
| > f\. loan insurance  |                       | > date of last       |
|                       |                       | > re                 |
|                       |                       | port\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+-----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 4\. Name and Address of          | 5\. If Reporting Entity in No. 4  |
| Reporting Entity:                | is Subawardee, Enter Name and     |
|                                  | Address of Prime                  |
| G Prime G Subawardee             |                                   |
|                                  | Congressional District, if known: |
| Tier\_\_\_\_\_, if known:        |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| Congressional District, if       |                                   |
| known:                           |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 6\. Federal Department/Agency:   | 7\. Federal Program               |
|                                  | Name/Description                  |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | CFDA Number, if applicable:       |
|                                  | \_\                               |
|                                  | _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 8\. Federal Action Number, if    | 9\. Award Amount, if known:       |
| known:                           |                                   |
|                                  | \$                                |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 10\. a. Name and Address of      | b\. Individual Performing         |
| Lobbying Entity                  | Services (including address if    |
|                                  | different from No. 10a)           |
| (if individual, last name, first |                                   |
| name, MI):                       | (last name, first name, MI)       |
|                                  |                                   |
| (attach Continuation Sheet(s)    | SF-LLL-A, if necessary)           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 11\. Amount of Payment (check    | 13\. Type of Payment (check all   |
| all that apply):                 | that apply):                      |
|                                  |                                   |
| \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ G actual  | G a. retainer                     |
| G planned                        |                                   |
|                                  | G b. one-time fee                 |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G c. commission                   |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G d. contingent fee               |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G e. deferred                     |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | G f. other; specify:              |
|                                  | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\         |
|                                  | _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| 12\. Form of Payment (check all  |                                   |
| that apply):                     |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| G a. cash                        |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| G b. in-kind; specify:           |                                   |
| nature\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| v                                |                                   |
| alue\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------------------------+------+--------------------------------+
| 14\. Brief Description of    |      |                                |
| Services Performed or to be  |      |                                |
| Performed and Date(s) of     |      |                                |
| Service, including           |      |                                |
| officer(s), employee(s), or  |      |                                |
| Member(s) contacted, for     |      |                                |
| payment indicated in Item    |      |                                |
| 11:                          |      |                                |
|                              |      |                                |
| (attach Continuation         |      |                                |
| Sheet(s) SF-LLL-A, if        |      |                                |
| necessary)                   |      |                                |
+------------------------------+------+--------------------------------+
| 15\. Continuation Sheet(s)   | Yes  | No                             |
| SF-LLL-A attached:           |      |                                |
+------------------------------+------+--------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| 16\. Information requested through this | Signature:\_\_\_\_\_       |
| form is authorized by title 31 U.S.C.   | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| section 1352. This disclosure of        | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| lobbying activities is a material       |                            |
| representation of fact upon which       | Print                      |
| reliance was placed by the tier above   | Name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  |
| when this transaction was made or       | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| entered into. This disclosure is        | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| required pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1352.    |                            |
| This information will be reported to    | Title:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   |
| the Congress semi-annually and will be  | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| available for public inspection. Any    | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| person who fails to file the required   |                            |
| disclosure shall be subject to a civil  | Telephone                  |
| penalty of not less than \$10,000 and   | No.:\_\_\_\_\_\            |
| not more than \$100,000 for each        | _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Dat |
| failure.                                | e:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

**DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES**

**CONTINUATION SHEET**

Approved by OMB

0348-0046

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Reporting
  Entity:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
  Page \_\_\_\_\_ of \_\_\_\_\_

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authorized for Local Reproduction

Standard Form\--LLL-A

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF SF-LLL, DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES

This disclosure form shall be completed by the reporting entity, whether
subawardee of prime Federal recipient, at the initiation or receipt of a
covered Federal action, or a material change to a previous filing,
pursuant to title 31 U.S.C. section 1352. The filing of a form is
required for each payment or agreement to make payment to any lobbying
entity for influencing of attempting to influence an officer or employee
of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress,
or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with a covered
Federal action. Use the SF-LLL-A Continuation Sheet for additional
information if the space on the form is inadequate. Complete all items
that apply for both the initial filing and material change report. Refer
to the implementing guidance published by the Office of Management and
Budget for additional information.

1\. Identify the type of covered Federal action for which lobbying
activity is and/or has been secured to influence the outcome of a
covered Federal action.

2\. Identify the status of the covered Federal action.

3\. Identify the appropriate classification of this report. If this is a
follow-up report caused by a material change to the information
previously reported, enter the year and quarter in which the change
occurred. Enter the date of the last previously submitted report by this
reporting entity for this covered Federal action.

4\. Enter the full name, address, city, state and zip code of the
reporting entity. Include Congressional District, if known. Check the
appropriate classification of the reporting entity that designates if it
is, or expects to be, a prime or subaward recipient. Identify the tier
of the subawardee, e.g., the first subawardee of the prime is the 1st
tier. Subawards include but are not limited to subcontracts, subgrants
and contract awards under grants.

5\. If the organization filing the report in item 4 checks
\"Subawardee,\" then enter the full name, address, city, state and zip
code of the prime Federal recipient. Include Congressional District, if
known.

6\. Enter the name of the Federal agency making the award or loan
commitment. Include at least one organizational level below agency name,
if known. For example, Department of Transportation, United States Coast
Guard.

7\. Enter the Federal program name or description for the covered
Federal action (item 1). If known, enter the full Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for grants, cooperative agreements,
loans, and loan commitments.

8\. Enter the most appropriate Federal identifying number available for
the Federal action identified in item 1 (e.g., Request for Proposal
(RFP) number, Invitation for Bid (IFB) number, grant announcement
number, the contract, grant, or loan award number, the
application/proposal control number assigned by the Federal agency).
Include prefixes, e.g., \"RFP-DE-90-001.\"

9\. For a covered Federal action where there has been an award or loan
commitment by the Federal agency, enter the Federal amount of the
award/loan commitment for the prime entity identified in item 4 or 5.

10\. (a) Enter the full name, address, city, state and zip code of the
lobbying entity engaged by the reporting entity identified in item 4 to
influence the covered Federal action.

\(b\) Enter the full names of the individual(s) performing services, and
include full address if different from 10(a); Enter Last Name, First
Name, and Middle Initial (MI).

11\. Enter the amount of compensation paid or reasonably expected to be
paid by the reporting entity (item 4) to the lobbying entity (item 10).
Indicate whether the payment has been made (actual) or will be made
(planned). Check all boxes that apply. If this is a material charge
report, enter the cumulative amount of payment made or planned to be
made.

12\. Check the appropriate box(es). Check all boxes that apply. If
payment is made through an in-kind contribution, specify the nature and
value of the in-kind payment.

13\. Check the appropriate box(es). Check all boxes that apply. If
other, specify nature.

14\. Provide a specific and detailed description of the services that
the lobbyist has performed, or will be expected to perform, and the
date(s) of any services rendered. Include all preparatory and related
activity, not just time spent in actual contact with Federal officials.
Identify the Federal official(s) or employee(s) contacted or the
officer(s), employee(s), or Member(s) of Congress that were contacted.

15\. Check whether or not a SF-LLL-A Continuation Sheet(s) is attached.

16\. The certifying official shall sign and date the form, print his/her
name, title and telephone number.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > Public reporting burden for this collection of information is       |
| > estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including time for    |
| > reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering  |
| > and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the   |
| > collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden       |
| > estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,     |
| > including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of    |
| > Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0046),     |
| > Washington, D.C. 20503.                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**Attachment 3 -- To be submitted with the response to the RFTO**

**SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN**

**DATE OF PLAN**: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

CONTRACTOR
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ADDRESS:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

DUNN & BRADSTREET NUMBER:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

SOLICITATION OR CONTRACT NUMBER:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ITEM/SERVICE (Description):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT: \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Total contract or Option #1

> Base-Year, if options (if applicable)

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Option #2 Option #3 Option #4

(if applicable) (if applicable) (if applicable)

TOTAL MODIFICATION AMOUNT, IF APPLICABLE \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

TOTAL TASK ORDER AMOUNT, IF APPLICABLE\$ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

PERIOD OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE (Month, Day & Year):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

The following outline meets the minimum requirements of section 8(d) of
the Small Business Act, as amended, and implemented by Federal
Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 19.7. While this outline has been
designed to be consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements,
other formats of a subcontracting plan may be acceptable. It is not
intended to replace any existing corporate plan that is more extensive.
Failure to include the essential information of FAR Subpart 19.7 may be
cause for either a delay in acceptance or the rejection of a bid or
offer when a subcontracting plan is required. "SUBCONTRACT," as used in
this clause, means any agreement (other than one involving an
employer‑employee relationship) entered into by a Federal Government
prime contractor or subcontractor calling for supplies or services
required for performance of the contract or subcontract. **If assistance
is needed to locate small business sources, contact the Office of Small
and Disadvantage Business Utilization (OSDBU) at (202) 690-7300 or the
OPDIV Small Business Specialist at
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**. **Sources may also be obtained
from SBA's PRONET website**. Please note that the Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS) has subcontracting goals of \_30\_\_% for small
business (SB), \_11\_% for small disadvantaged business (SDB), \_3\_\_%
for HubZone businesses (HUBZone), \_\_\_5\_\_% for women-owned business
(WOSB), \_\_3\_\_% for veteran-owned business (VOSB), and service
disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) concerns for fiscal year
\_\_\_\_\_. For this procurement, HHS expects all proposed
subcontracting plans to contain the following goals, at a minimum,
\_\_\_\_\_% for small business, \_\_\_\_% small disadvantaged business,
\_\_\_\_% for HubZone businesses, \_\_\_\_\_\_% for woman owned
businesses, and \_\_\_\_\_\_% for veteran-owned businesses. These
percentages shall be expressed as percentages of the total estimated
subcontracting dollars. **The offeror is required to include an
explanation for a category that has zero as a goal.**

**NOTE TO CONTRACTORS:** Please provide your CCS number with your Dun &
Bradstreet number.

**1. Type of Plan (check one)**

> \_\_\_\_\_ ***Individual plan*** (all elements developed specifically
> for this contract and applicable for the full term of this contract).
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ ***Master plan*** (goals developed for this contract) all
> other elements standardized and approved by a lead agency Federal
> Official; must be renewed every three years and contractor must
> provide copy of lead agency approval.
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ ***Commercial products/service plan*** This plan is used
> when the contractor sells products and services customarily used for
> non-government purposes. Plan/goals are negotiated with the initial
> agency on a company-wide basis rather than for individual contracts.
> The plan is effective only during the year approved. The contractor
> must provide a copy of the initial agency approval, and must submit an
> annual SF 295 to HHS with a breakout of subcontracting prorated for
> HHS (with a OPDIV breakdown, if possible.)

**2. Goals**

State separate dollar and percentage goals for Small Business (SB),
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Woman‑owned Small Business (WOSB),
Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Small Business,
Veteran‑owned (VOSB), Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business
(SDVOSB) and "Other than small business" (Other) as subcontractors, for
the base year and each option year, as specified in FAR 19.704 (break
out and append option year goals, if the contract contains option years)
or project annual subcontracting base and goals under commercial plans.

a.  Total estimated dollar value of ALL planned subcontracting, i.e.,
    with ALL types of concerns under this contract is \$
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (b + h = a) (Base
    Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

b.  Total estimated dollar value and percent of planned subcontracting
    with SMALL BUSINESSES (including SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and
    VOSB): (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_%

> (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

c.  Total estimated dollar value and percent of planned subcontracting
    with SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES: (% of "a") \$
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

d.  Total estimated dollar value and percent of planned subcontracting
    with WOMAN‑OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES: (% of "a") \$
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

e.  Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
    HUBZone SMALL BUSINESSES:

> (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
VETERAN SMALL BUSINESSES: (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

g.  Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
    Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business: (% of "a)
    \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

h.  Total estimated dollar and percent of planned subcontracting with
    "OTHER THAN SMALL BUSINESSES":

> (% of "a") \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ and
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_% (Base Year)

FY \_\_\_1^st^ Option FY \_\_\_2^nd^ Option FY \_\_\_3^rd^ Option FY
\_\_\_4^th^ Option

\$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \$ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

> **Notes:** 1. Federal prime contract goals are:
>
> SB equals 30%; SDB equals 11%; HUBZone equals 3%, WOSB equals 5% and
> SDVOSB equals 3%, VOSB equals 3% and can serve as objectives for
> subcontracting goal development.

2.  SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB goals are subsets of SB and
    should be counted and reported in multiple categories, as
    appropriate.

3.  If any contract has more four options, please attach additional
    sheets showing dollar amounts and percentages.

Provide a description of ALL the products and/or services to be
subcontracted under this contract, and indicate the size and type of
business supplying them (check all that apply).

  ------------------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ---------- ------ --------
  Product/Service     Other   SB     SDB    WOSB    HUBZone    VOSB   SDVOSB

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      

                                                                      
  ------------------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ---------- ------ --------

> i\. Provide a description of the method used to develop the
> subcontracting goals for SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB concerns.
> Address efforts made to ensure that maximum practicable subcontracting
> opportunities have been made available for those concerns and explain
> the method used to identify potential sources for solicitation
> purposes. Explain the method and state the quantitative basis (in
> dollars) used to establish the percentage goals. Also, explain how the
> areas to be subcontracted to SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB concerns
> were determined, how the capabilities of these concerns were
> considered contract opportunities and how such data comports with the
> cost proposal. Identify any source lists or other resources used in
> the determination process. (Attach additional sheets, if necessary.)
>
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> j\. Indirect costs have \_\_\_\_ have not \_\_\_\_ been included in
> the dollar and percentage subcontracting goals above (check one).

k.  If indirect costs have been included, explain the method used to
    determine the proportionate share of such costs to be allocated as
    subcontracts to SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns.

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**3.** **Program Administrator:**

> NAME/TITLE:
>
> ADDRESS:
>
> TELEPHONE/E-MAIL:

**Duties**: Does the individual named above have general overall
responsibility for the company's subcontracting program, i.e.,
developing, preparing, and executing subcontracting plans and monitoring
performance relative to the requirements of those subcontracting plans
and perform the following duties? (If NO is checked, please indicate who
in the company performs those duties, or indicate why the duties are not
performed in your company.)

> Developing and promoting company‑wide policy initiatives that
> demonstrate the company's support for awarding contracts and
> subcontracts to SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns; and
> for assuring that these concerns are included on the source lists for
> solicitations for products and services they are capable of providing.
> \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no
>
> Developing and maintaining bidder source lists of SB, SDB, WOSB,
> HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns from all possible sources;
> \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

a.  Ensuring periodic rotation of potential subcontractors on bidder's
    lists; \_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_ no

b.  Assuring that SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZONE, SDVOSB and VOSB businesses are
    included on the bidders' list for every subcontract solicitation for
    products and services that they are capable of providing.

> \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

c.  Ensuring that requests for proposals (RFPs) are designed to permit
    the maximum practicable participation of SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone,
    SDVOSB and VOSB concerns. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no

d.  Reviewing subcontract solicitations to remove statements, clauses,
    etc., which might tend to restrict or prohibit small, HubZone small,
    small disadvantaged, and women-owned small business participation.

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no

e.  Accessing various sources for the identification of SB, SDB, WOSB,
    HUBZone, SDVOSB and VOSB concerns to include the SBA's PRO-Net and
    SUB-Net Systems, ([http://www.sba.gov](http://www.sba.gov/)), the
    National Minority Purchasing Council Vendor Information Service,
    the Office of Minority Business Data Center in the Department of
    Commerce, local small business and minority associations, contact
    with local chambers of commerce and Federal agencies' Small Business
    Offices; \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

f.  Establishing and maintaining contract and subcontract award records;
    \_\_\_\_\_\_ yes \_\_\_\_\_\_ no

g.  Participating in Business Opportunity Workshops, Minority Business
    Enterprise Seminars, Trade Fairs, Procurement Conferences, etc;

h.  Ensuring that SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB concerns are made
    aware of subcontracting opportunities and assisting concerns in
    preparing responsive bids to the company;

i.  Conducting or arranging for the conduct of training for purchasing
    personnel regarding the intent and impact of Section 8(d) of the
    Small Business Act, as amended;

j.  Monitoring the company's subcontracting program performance and
    making any adjustments necessary to achieve the subcontract plan
    goals;

k.  Preparing, and submitting timely, required subcontract reports;

l.  Conducting or arranging training for purchasing personnel regarding
    the intent and impact of 8(d) of the Small Business Act on
    purchasing procedures.

m.  Coordinating the company's activities during the conduct of
    compliance reviews by Federal agencies; and

n.  Other duties:
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**4.** **Equitable Opportunity**

Describe efforts the offeror will Describe efforts Describe efforts the
offeror will make to ensure that SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB
concerns will have an equitable opportunity to compete for subcontracts.
These efforts include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

a.  Outreach efforts to obtain sources:

    1.  Contacting minority and small business trade associations; 2)
        contacting business development organizations and local chambers
        of commerce; 3) attending SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB
        procurement conferences and trade fairs; 4) requesting sources
        from the Small Business Administrations (SBA) PRO-Net and
        SUB-Net Systems, (<http://www.sba.gov/>) and other SBA and
        Federal agency resources. Contractors may also conduct market
        surveys to identify new sources, to include, accessing the NIH
        e-Portals in Commerce, (e-PIC), (<http://epic.od.nih.gov/>). The
        NIH e-Portals in Commerce is not a mandatory source and may be
        used at the offeror's discretion.

b\. Internal efforts to guide and encourage purchasing personnel:

1.  Conducting workshops, seminars, and training programs;

2.  Establishing, maintaining, and utilizing SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and
    VOSB source lists, guides, and other data for soliciting
    subcontractors; and

3.  Monitoring activities to evaluate compliance with the subcontracting
    plan.

> Additional efforts:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**5.** **Flow Down Clause**

The contractor agrees to include the provisions under FAR 52.219‑8,
"Utilization of Small Business Concerns," in all acquisitions exceeding
the simplified acquisition threshold that offers further subcontracting
opportunities. All subcontractors, except small business concerns, that
receive subcontracts in excess of \$500,000 (\$1,000,000 for
construction) must adopt and comply with a plan similar to the plan
required by FAR 52.219‑9, "Small Business Subcontracting Plan." (Flow
down is not applicable for commercial items/services as described in
52.212-5(e) and

52.244-6(c).)

**6.** **Reporting and Cooperation**

The contractor gives assurance of (1) cooperation in any studies or
surveys that may be required; (2) submission of periodic reports which
show compliance with the subcontracting plan; (3) submission of Standard
Form (SF) 294, "Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts," and
attendant Optional Form 312, SDB Participation Report, if applicable,
(required only for contracts containing the clause 52.219-25) and SF
295, "Summary Subcontract Report," in accordance with the instructions
on the forms; and (4) ensuring that subcontractors agree to submit
Standard Forms 294 and 295.

  --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------
  Reporting Period            Report Due                Due Date

  Oct 1 - Mar 31              SF 294                    4/30

  Apr 1 - Sept 30             SF 294                    10/30

  Oct 1 - Sept 30             SF 295                    10/30

  Contract Completion         OF 312                    30 days after
                                                        completion
  --------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------

Special instructions for commercial plan: SF 295 Report is due on 10/30
each year for the previous fiscal year ending 9/30.

a.  Submit SF 294 to cognizant Awarding Contracting Officer.

> b\. Submit Optional Form 312, (OF-312), if applicable, to cognizant
> Awarding Contracting Officer.
>
> c\. Submit SF 295 to cognizant Awarding Contracting Officer and to
> the:
>
> Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
>
> Department of Health and Human Services
>
> 200 Independence Avenue, SW
>
> Humphrey H. Building, Room 517‑D
>
> Washington, D.C. 20201
>
> d\. Submit "information" copy of the SF 295 and the SF 294 upon
> request to the SBA Commercial Market Representative (CMR); visit the
> SBA at <http://www.sba.gov/gc> and click on assistance directory to
> locate your nearest CMR.

**7. Record keeping**

FAR 19.704(a) (11) requires a list of the types of records your company
will maintain to demonstrate the procedures adopted to comply with the
requirements and goals in the subcontracting plan. The following is a
recitation of the types of records the contractor will maintain to
demonstrate the procedures adopted to comply with the requirements and
goals in the subcontracting plan. These records will include, but not be
limited to, the following:

a.  SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and VOSB source lists, guides and other data
    identifying such vendors;

b.  Organizations contacted in an attempt to locate SB, SDB, WOSB,
    HUBZone, and VOSB sources;

c.  On a contract‑by‑contract basis, records on all subcontract
    solicitations over \$100,000, which indicate for each
    solicitation (1) whether SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone, and/or VOSB
    concerns were solicited, if not, why not and the reasons solicited
    concerns did not receive subcontract awards.

d.  Records to support other outreach efforts, e.g., contacts with
    minority and small business trade associations, attendance at small
    and minority business procurement conferences and trade fairs;

e.  Records to support internal guidance and encouragement provided to
    buyers through (1) workshops, seminars, training programs, incentive
    awards; and (2) monitoring performance to evaluate compliance with
    the program and requirements; and

f.  On a contract‑by‑contract basis, records to support subcontract
    award data including the name, address, and business type and size
    of each subcontractor. (This item is not required on a *contract --
    by -- contract basis* for company or division‑wide commercial
    plans.)

g.  Other records to support your compliance with the subcontracting
    plan: (Please describe)

> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**8. Timely Payments to Subcontractors**

FAR 19.702 requires your company to establish and use procedures to
ensure the timely payment of amounts due pursuant to the terms of your
subcontracts with small business concerns, HubZone small business
concerns, small disadvantaged small business concerns, veteran-owned
small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns.

Your company has established and uses such procedures: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
yes \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ no

**9. Description of Good Faith Effort**

Maximum practicable utilization of small, HubZone small, small
disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and women-owned small business concerns as
subcontractors in Government contracts is a matter of national interest
with both social and economic benefits**. When a contractor fails to
make a good faith effort to comply with a subcontracting plan, these
objectives are not achieved, and 15 U.S.C. 637(d) (4) (F) directs that
liquidated damages shall be paid by the contractor.** In order to
demonstrate your compliance with a good faith effort to achieve the
small, HubZone, small disadvantaged, veteran-owned and women-owned small
business subcontracting goals, outline the steps your company plans to
take. These steps will be negotiated with the contracting officer prior
to approval of the plan.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**SIGNATURE PAGE**

Signatures Required:

This subcontracting plan was submitted by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

This plan was reviewed by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Contracting
Officer\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

This plan was reviewed by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Small Business
Specialist\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

This plan was reviewed by:

**Signature:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title: [\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_SBA Procurement Center
Representative\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**And Is Accepted By:**

**OPDIV:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Typed Name:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Title:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Date:
[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

> **Attachment 4Number range CHAPTER**

**REQUEST FOR TASK ORDER**

> **[Project Title:]{.underline}** Needs Assessment for and
> Implementation of Technical Assistance for State Medicaid and SCHIP
> Agencies related to Health IT and Health Information Exchange
>
> **[Date Issued:]{.underline}** May 2007
>
> **[Task Order Number:]{.underline}** 1

**[Task Order Officer(s):]{.underline}** Erin Grace

**[Project Officer:]{.underline}** Erin Grace

[**Period of Performance**:]{.underline} 9/30/07-9/29/10

**[Estimated Cost:]{.underline}** Not to exceed \$3,000,000

**[Objectives and Proposal Solicitations]{.underline}**

> The specific objective of this RFTO is to develop and implement
> mechanisms to provide technical assistance related to health
> information technology (health IT) and electronic health information
> exchange (HIE) for state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies. The contractor
> will first conduct a structured assessment of the health IT needs of
> all state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies that agree to participate, and
> will provide to AHRQ a summarized, prioritized list of needs.
> Technical assistance designed to address those needs will take the
> form of specific one-on-one consultation and assistance for a subset
> of Medicaid and SCHIP agencies, as well as the provision of general
> education and knowledge transfer activities related to health IT and
> HIE for all Medicaid and SCHIP agencies and their stakeholders.
> Technical assistance will be developed in consultation with AHRQ and
> the National Resource Center for Health Information Technology (NRC).
> The contractor, in the first year of the contract, will offer to
> provide specific consultative and technical services and other forms
> of assistance for up to five state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies that
> will be selected using a set of criteria to be recommended by the
> Contractor and approved by AHRQ.
>
> Unless prohibited, the contractor shall be responsible for
> establishing direct lines of communication with the Medicaid and SCHIP
> agencies of all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and
> territories, and for assessing the general and specific needs and
> barriers faced by agencies, recommending solutions to overcome these
> barriers, and gathering, synthesizing and disseminating information,
> tools, and other resources. The contractor shall also be responsible
> for providing targeted, one-on-one technical assistance to agencies
> that express interest in implementing/improving its health IT and/or
> participating in HIE [and]{.underline} that agree to the assessment.
>
> In the second year, the contractor shall evaluate the impact and
> effectiveness of the support and services provided for general
> technical assistance and to the initial group of agencies and update
> the needs assessment of each of these agencies. While continuing to
> support the initial group of agencies, the contractor shall offer to
> provide consultative and technical services and other forms of
> assistance for up to ten (10) additional Medicaid and SCHIP agencies.
> In the third year, the contractor shall evaluate the outcomes of its
> assistance to the (up to fifteen) agencies it has supported to date,
> and offer assistance for up to five additional Medicaid agencies. By
> the third year, the contractor will be assisting up to twenty (20)
> state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies. The contractor shall be prepared to
> scale its resources and staff during any year of the contract period,
> as may be required to support additional or fewer state Medicaid and
> SCHIP agencies.
>
> While no more than twenty selected state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies
> are currently scheduled to receive technical, consultative and other
> assistance related to health IT and HIE through the basic procurement
> of this contract, AHRQ has an interest in assuring that all state
> Medicaid and SCHIP agencies and their stakeholders have access to the
> knowledge gained through these efforts as well as specific tools and
> strategies that can be used to facilitate the adoption and
> implementation of health IT and HIE for improving the healthcare of
> Medicaid and SCHIP beneficiaries. The purposes of this Task Order are
> to (1) develop and maintain a repository of health IT and HIE-related
> information, including descriptions of approaches/strategies, and
> tools, instruments and software found effective and useful in the
> support of state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies; (2) develop and maintain
> a Medicaid/SCHIP-specific section of the AHRQ National Resource Center
> for Health IT web site that will provide access to most of the
> materials in the repository; (3) develop and implement at least one
> formal educational conference per year, in addition to other more
> informal learning experiences related to health IT and HIE, to which
> all state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies and their stakeholders are
> invited; and (4) establish and support an on-going interest group
> (Community of Practice) composed of state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies
> to facilitate the sharing of ideas, foster collaborations, and
> discuss/compare best health IT-related practices within Medicaid and
> SCHIP programs. These activities are to be conducted over three years
> and simultaneously with the required tasks of the basic procurement.
>
> AHRQ's National Resource Center for health IT (NRC) was created in
> 2004 to serve as a central national source of information on health IT
> and a central repository for tools developed and lessons learned from
> AHRQ's \$160+ million investment to date in health IT-related grants
> and contracts. A subset of the information, tools and lessons-learned
> collected by NRC are likely to prove useful to the health IT
> implementation efforts of state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies. In
> addition, NRC maintains an internet site
> ([http://healthit.ahrq.gov](http://healthit.ahrq.gov/)) as well as an
> extranet on AHRQ-supported servers for the purposes of sharing and
> disseminating health IT-related information. Given the potential
> overlap of this contract with NRC efforts, close collaboration between
> the contractor and NRC will be essential in order to avoid duplication
> of efforts.
>
> The specific tasks to be performed by the contractor shall include,
> but not be limited to, those listed below:

1.  Conduct an initial meeting with AHRQ Task Order Officer (TOO), NRC
    staff, and others as deemed appropriate, to establish a detailed
    work plan.

2.  Submit for AHRQ approval proposed plans/processes for:

    -   Identifying and contacting key officials in state Medicaid and
        SCHIP agencies;

    -   Conducting needs assessments of the agencies;

    -   Reporting to AHRQ the results of the assessments;

    -   Establishing criteria to use in prioritizing and selecting state
        Medicaid and SCHIP agencies to be offered assistance;

    -   Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the support provided,
        which includes developing evaluation criteria;

    -   Collecting and assessing data or other information from selected
        Medicaid and SCHIP programs about the costs and value of health
        IT and HIE.

3.  Conduct needs assessments of all state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies
    that are willing to be assessed;

4.  Develop for AHRQ approval a detailed report of the identified needs
    of all participating state agencies that includes a description of
    the reasons any state agency offered for not participating. The
    report should propose a prioritized, annotated listing of the
    agencies selected to receive on-going health IT and HIE-related
    assistance;

5.  Offer and deliver, as appropriate and as resources allow, a wide
    range of consultative and technical assistance to the selected state
    Medicaid and SCHIP agencies. Services to be offered should include,
    but are not limited to, those itemized above;

6.  Collect or generate as possible from data made available by the
    selected agencies information on the costs and value to the agency
    of adopting and implementing health IT and HIE;

7.  Evaluate the effectiveness of consultative and technical assistance
    provided to agencies, including an assessment of the usefulness of
    specific strategies, approaches and tools;

8.  Conduct at least three conference calls annually with AHRQ health IT
    staff, NRC staff, and staff from collaborating organizations for
    sharing progress and results of work to date, coordinating
    initiatives that support health IT development in state Medicaid and
    SCHIP programs, and receiving advice/feedback on current efforts.

9.  Collaborate with the NRC to develop and maintain a separate
    repository of health IT-related knowledge, strategies and tools
    known to be effective (or potentially effective) in the support of
    state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies.

10. As part of the assessments and re-assessments of state Medicaid and
    SCHIP agency health IT needs, the contractor is expected to inquire
    about perceived best practices as well as lessons learned about
    health IT implementation by agencies. To the extent possible, the
    contractor is expected to test or further assess and refine the best
    of these strategies and add to the repository those products
    determined to be effective (or potentially effective).

11. Systematically search the health IT literature as well as other
    potential sources of information for synthesized knowledge, tools
    and strategies found to be effective (or potentially effective) in
    the support of health IT and HIE implementation efforts by state
    Medicaid and SCHIP agencies.

12. Synthesize all knowledge currently available or developed as part of
    the basic contract procurement on the costs and value to state
    Medicaid and SCHIP programs of implementing and maintaining health
    IT and HIE systems. This information is to be included in the
    repository.

13. Collaborate with NRC to develop and maintain the content of a
    Medicaid/SCHIP-specific section of the internet and extranet
    websites that make available to all Medicaid and SCHIP agencies
    information and materials included in the repository.

14. Plan and implement annually at least one national meeting dedicated
    to health IT and HIE implementation to which all state Medicaid and
    SCHIP agencies and stakeholders invited. A major goal of the meeting
    is the sharing and coordination of state Medicaid and SCHIP agency
    health IT efforts. This meeting should be coordinated, as
    appropriate, with other state Medicaid or SCHIP meetings, such as
    the Medicaid Medical Directors' Learning Network.

15. Plan and facilitate the development of a state Medicaid/SCHIP health
    IT Community of Practice (CoP) composed of those agencies interested
    in learning more, as well as sharing, ideas, best practices, etc.
    related to health IT and HIE adoption and implementation. The
    contractor is expected to organize and direct peer learning groups
    convened regularly through conference calls or webcasts involving
    all interested state Medicaid and SCHIP agencies, and (as resources
    allow) to convene regional educational conferences for smaller
    groups of agencies, and potentially establish a mechanism for
    peer-to-peer technical assistance.

16. Provide monthly and annual progress reports and a final report.

**Deliverables and Schedule**

The proposal shall include a timeline for milestones, which identifies
each of the major steps, critical paths and project deliverables. [The
timeline should include specific tasks and date of
completion.]{.underline} The timeline should specify deliverables. Items
specified for delivery are subject to the review and approval of the TOO
before final acceptance. The contractor will make revisions as deemed
necessary based on the TOO comments.

The Offeror shall directly provide to the **Contracting Officer**: (a)
one print copy of the final report; (b) one print copy of the annual
report and (c) monthly progress reports (sent electronically) at the
following address:

> Jessica Alderton
>
> Contracting Officer
>
> Division of Contracts Management
>
> Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
>
> 540 Gaither Road
>
> Rockville, MD 20850

Email: <Jessica.Alderton@ahrq.hhs.gov>

**[The Offeror shall propose actual dates in the
schedule.]{.underline}**

**Schedule of deliverables and timeline for Years 01** will be as
follows:

+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| ** | **Description**              | **Product**    | **Delivery**   |
| It |                              |                |                |
| em |                              |                |                |
| ** |                              |                |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 1  | Meet with TOO, NRC and       | N/A            | Within 2 weeks |
|    | others to discuss work plan/ |                | of Effective   |
|    | deliverables                 |                | Date of        |
|    |                              |                | Contract       |
|    |                              |                | (EDOC)         |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 2  | Submit for TOO approval a    | Written plan.  | Within 4 weeks |
|    | plan for each of the         | Electronic     | of EDOC        |
|    | following:                   | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
|    | -   Contacting state         |                |                |
|    |     Medicaid and SCHIP       |                |                |
|    |     agencies;                |                |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    | -   Conducting needs         |                |                |
|    |     assessments;             |                |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    | -   Establishing criteria to |                |                |
|    |     prioritize and select    |                |                |
|    |     agencies to be offered   |                |                |
|    |     assistance;              |                |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    | -   Reporting results of     |                |                |
|    |     needs assessments to     |                |                |
|    |     AHRQ;                    |                |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    | -   Adjusting resource       |                |                |
|    |     levels as needed to      |                |                |
|    |     support selected         |                |                |
|    |     agencies;                |                |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    | -   Criteria and methodology |                |                |
|    |     for assessing impact and |                |                |
|    |     effectiveness of         |                |                |
|    |     assistance provided.     |                |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 3  | Submit for TOO approval a    | Written        | Within 10 days |
|    | monthly progress report      | progress       | of the         |
|    |                              | report.        | beginning of   |
|    |                              | Electronic.    | each month.    |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 4  | Conduct assessment of health | Written report | Within 20      |
|    | IT and HIE needs of state    | of needs       | weeks of EDOC  |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies  | assessments.   |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    |                              | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy           |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 5  | Propose for AHRQ approval a  | Written        | Within 21      |
|    | group of at least five (5)   | proposal.      | weeks of EDOC  |
|    | state Medicaid or SCHIP      | Electronic     |                |
|    | agencies to whom assistance  | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    | with health IT and HIE will  | copy.          |                |
|    | be offered and propose the   |                |                |
|    | type(s) of assistance to be  |                |                |
|    | offered to each              |                |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 6  | As found acceptable by each  | Monthly        | Within 10      |
|    | agency, provide technical    | progress       | business days  |
|    | and other assistance related | reports to     | of the end of  |
|    | to health IT and HIE to      | include        | each calendar  |
|    | selected state Medicaid and  | account of     | month,         |
|    | SCHIP agencies.              | types of       | beginning no   |
|    |                              | assistance     | later than 6   |
|    |                              | provided in    | months after   |
|    |                              | previous month | EDOC           |
|    |                              | for each state |                |
|    |                              | Medicaid/SCHIP |                |
|    |                              | agency         |                |
|    |                              | engaged.       |                |
|    |                              | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 7  | Based on criteria and        | Written        | Within 12      |
|    | methodology approved under   | report.        | months of EDOC |
|    | task #2, assess impact and   |                |                |
|    | effectiveness of all         | Electronic     |                |
|    | resources provided to state  | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies  | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 8  | Organize and lead at least   | Written notes  | Within one     |
|    | three conference calls with  | of conference  | week following |
|    | AHRQ and NRC staff, and      | call.          | each           |
|    | staff from collaborating     |                | conference     |
|    | organizations                | Electronic and | call           |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.  |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 9  | Develop repository of health | Progress       | Within 10      |
|    | IT-related knowledge and     | report on      | business days  |
|    | strategies for state         | number and     | of the end of  |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies  | type of        | each calendar  |
|    |                              | products added | month,         |
|    |                              | to repository  | beginning no   |
|    |                              | to be included | later than 6   |
|    |                              | in each        | months after   |
|    |                              | monthly        | EDOC           |
|    |                              | report.        |                |
|    |                              | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 10 | Develop and maintain content | Report on      | See above      |
|    | of Medicaid/SCHIP-specific   | development    |                |
|    | section of AHRQ/NRC          | and updating   |                |
|    | supported internet and       | of websites in |                |
|    | extranet health IT websites  | each monthly   |                |
|    |                              | report.        |                |
|    |                              |                |                |
|    |                              | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 11 | Hold national meeting on     | Written        | Within 12      |
|    | health IT and HIE            | summary of     | months of EDOC |
|    | implementation in state      | meeting        |                |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP programs  | proceedings.   |                |
|    | annually                     | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 12 | Plan and facilitate          | Report of all  | Within 6       |
|    | activities of state Medicaid | activities to  | months of EDOC |
|    | and SCHIP health IT          | be included in | and ongoing    |
|    | Community of Practice        | monthly        |                |
|    |                              | reports.       |                |
|    |                              | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 13 | Organize and direct at least | Written        | Within 2 weeks |
|    | 4 peer learning groups       | summary of     | of each        |
|    | convened through conference  | each           | convening.     |
|    | calls, webcasts, or other    | convening.     |                |
|    | mechanisms to be determined. | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 1 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copy.          |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+
| 14 | Submit annual report of      | Written        | Within 12      |
|    | contract efforts.            | report.        | months of EDOC |
|    |                              | Electronic     |                |
|    |                              | plus 5 paper   |                |
|    |                              | copies.        |                |
+----+------------------------------+----------------+----------------+

Schedule of deliverables and timeline for Years 02 will be as follows:

+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| ** | **Description**              | **Product**     | **Delivery**   |
| It |                              |                 |                |
| em |                              |                 |                |
| ** |                              |                 |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 1  | Meet with TOO and revise     | Revised plan(s) | Within 13      |
|    | work plan, as needed, based  | as needed.      | months of EDOC |
|    | on feedback received.        | Electronic and  |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 2  | Re-assess health IT and HIE  | Written report  | Within 14      |
|    | needs of agencies that       | of needs        | months of EDOC |
|    | received assistance in       | assessments.    |                |
|    | previous year                | Electronic and  |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 3  | Propose for AHRQ approval a  | Written         | Within 14      |
|    | group of at least ten (10)   | proposal.       | months of EDOC |
|    | additional state Medicaid or | Electronic plus |                |
|    | SCHIP agencies to whom       | 1 paper copy.   |                |
|    | assistance with health IT    |                 |                |
|    | and HIE will be offered and  |                 |                |
|    | propose the type(s) of       |                 |                |
|    | assistance to be offered to  |                 |                |
|    | each                         |                 |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 4  | As found acceptable by each  | Monthly         | On-going,      |
|    | agency, provide technical    | progress        | within 10      |
|    | and other assistance related | reports to      | business days  |
|    | to health IT and HIE to      | include account | of end of each |
|    | selected state Medicaid and  | of types of     | calendar       |
|    | SCHIP agencies               | assistance      | month.         |
|    |                              | provided in     |                |
|    |                              | previous month  |                |
|    |                              | for each state  |                |
|    |                              | Medicaid/SCHIP  |                |
|    |                              | agency engaged. |                |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 5  | Identify or develop          | Written report, | Within 18      |
|    | information on the           | to be updated   | months of EDOC |
|    | costs/value of health IT and | as needed.      |                |
|    | HIT to state Medicaid and    |                 |                |
|    | SCHIP agencies               | Electronic and  |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy    |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 6  | Organize and lead at least   | Written notes   | Within one     |
|    | three conference calls with  | of conference   | week following |
|    | AHRQ and NRC staff, and      | call.           | each           |
|    | staff from collaborating     | Electronic and  | conference     |
|    | organizations                | 1 paper copy.   | call           |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 7  | Continue to update and add   | Progress report | Within 10      |
|    | to repository of health      | on number and   | business days  |
|    | IT-related knowledge and     | type of         | of the end of  |
|    | strategies for state         | products added  | each calendar  |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies  | to repository   | month,         |
|    |                              | to be included  | beginning 6    |
|    |                              | in each monthly | months after   |
|    |                              | report.         | EDOC           |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 8  | Continue to develop and      | Report on       | See above      |
|    | maintain content of          | development and |                |
|    | Medicaid/SCHIP-specific      | updating of     |                |
|    | section of AHRQ/NRC          | websites in     |                |
|    | supported internet and       | each monthly    |                |
|    | extranet health IT websites  | report.         |                |
|    |                              |                 |                |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 9  | Hold national meeting on     | Written summary | Within 24      |
|    | health IT and HIE            | of meeting      | months of EDOC |
|    | implementation in state      | proceedings.    |                |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP programs  | Electronic and  |                |
|    | annually                     | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 10 | Plan and facilitate          | Report of all   | See above      |
|    | activities of state Medicaid | activities to   |                |
|    | and SCHIP health IT          | be included in  |                |
|    | Community of Practice        | monthly         |                |
|    |                              | reports.        |                |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 11 | Organize and direct at least | Written summary | Within 2 weeks |
|    | 4 peer learning groups       | of each         | of each        |
|    | convened through conference  | convening.      | convening.     |
|    | calls, webcasts, or other    | Electronic and  |                |
|    | mechanisms to be determined. | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 12 | Based on criteria and        | Written report. | Within 24      |
|    | methodology approved in year | Electronic plus | months of EDOC |
|    | 1 and revised as necessary,  | 1 paper copy.   |                |
|    | assess impact and            |                 |                |
|    | effectiveness of all         |                 |                |
|    | resources provided to        |                 |                |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies. |                 |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 13 | Submit annual report of      | Written report. | Within 24      |
|    | contract efforts.            | Electronic plus | months of EDOC |
|    |                              | 5 paper copies  |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+

**Schedule of deliverables and timeline for Years 03 will be as
follows:**

+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| ** | **Description**              | **Product**     | **Delivery**   |
| It |                              |                 |                |
| em |                              |                 |                |
| ** |                              |                 |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 1  | Meet with TOO and revise     | Revised plan(s) | Within 25      |
|    | work plan, as needed, based  | as needed.      | months of EDOC |
|    | on feedback received.        | Electronic and  |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 2  | Re-assess health IT and HIE  | Written report  | Within 26      |
|    | needs of agencies that       | of needs        | months of EDOC |
|    | received assistance in       | assessments.    |                |
|    | previous years               | Electronic and  |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 3  | Propose for AHRQ approval a  | Written         | Within 26      |
|    | group of at least five (5)   | proposal.       | months of EDOC |
|    | additional state Medicaid or | Electronic plus |                |
|    | SCHIP agencies to whom       | 1 paper copy.   |                |
|    | assistance with health IT    |                 |                |
|    | and HIE will be offered and  |                 |                |
|    | propose the type(s) of       |                 |                |
|    | assistance to be offered to  |                 |                |
|    | each                         |                 |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 4  | As found acceptable by each  | Monthly         | On-going,      |
|    | agency, provide technical    | progress        | within 10      |
|    | and other assistance related | reports to      | business days  |
|    | to health IT and HIE to      | include account | of end of each |
|    | selected state Medicaid and  | of types of     | calendar       |
|    | SCHIP agencies               | assistance      | month.         |
|    |                              | provided in     |                |
|    |                              | previous month  |                |
|    |                              | for each state  |                |
|    |                              | Medicaid/SCHIP  |                |
|    |                              | agency engaged. |                |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 5  | Update information on the    | Updated written | Within 30      |
|    | costs/value of health IT and | report.         | months of EDOC |
|    | HIT to state Medicaid and    |                 |                |
|    | SCHIP agencies               | Electronic and  |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy    |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 6  | Organize and lead at least   | Written notes   | Within one     |
|    | three conference calls with  | of conference   | week following |
|    | AHRQ and NRC staff, and      | call.           | each           |
|    | staff from collaborating     | Electronic and  | conference     |
|    | organizations                | 1 paper copy.   | call           |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 7  | Continue to develop          | Progress report | Within 10      |
|    | repository of health         | on number and   | business days  |
|    | IT-related knowledge and     | type of         | of the end of  |
|    | strategies for state         | products added  | each calendar  |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies  | to repository   | month,         |
|    |                              | to be included  | beginning 6    |
|    |                              | in each monthly | months after   |
|    |                              | report.         | EDOC           |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 8  | Continue to develop and      | Report on       | See above      |
|    | maintain content of          | development and |                |
|    | Medicaid/SCHIP-specific      | updating of     |                |
|    | section of AHRQ/NRC          | websites in     |                |
|    | supported internet and       | each monthly    |                |
|    | extranet health IT websites  | report.         |                |
|    |                              |                 |                |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 9  | Hold national meeting on     | Written summary | Within 36      |
|    | health IT and HIE            | of meeting      | months of EDOC |
|    | implementation in state      | proceedings.    |                |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP programs  | Electronic and  |                |
|    | annually                     | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 10 | Plan and facilitate          | Report of all   | See above      |
|    | activities of state Medicaid | activities to   |                |
|    | and SCHIP health IT          | be included in  |                |
|    | Community of Practice        | monthly         |                |
|    |                              | reports.        |                |
|    |                              | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 11 | Organize and direct at least | Written summary | Within 2 weeks |
|    | 4 peer learning groups       | of each         | of each        |
|    | convened through conference  | convening.      | convening.     |
|    | calls, webcasts, or other    | Electronic and  |                |
|    | mechanisms to be determined. | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 12 | Based on criteria and        | Written report. | Within 35      |
|    | methodology approved in year | Electronic plus | months of EDOC |
|    | 1 and revised as necessary,  | 1 paper copy.   |                |
|    | assess impact and            |                 |                |
|    | effectiveness of all         |                 |                |
|    | resources provided to        |                 |                |
|    | Medicaid and SCHIP agencies. |                 |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 13 | Submit annual report of      | Written report. | Within 35      |
|    | contract efforts.            | Electronic plus | months of EDOC |
|    |                              | 5 paper copies  |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 14 | Submit for TOO review draft  | Written report. | Within 35      |
|    | final report of all contract |                 | months of EDOC |
|    | efforts                      | Electronic plus |                |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy.   |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+
| 15 | Submit final contract report | Written report. | Within 36      |
|    |                              | Electronic plus | months of EDOC |
|    |                              | 1 paper copy    |                |
+----+------------------------------+-----------------+----------------+

**[Technical Requirements]{.underline}**

Overall the proposal shall be succinct but provide enough information
for AHRQ to assess the merits of the project as well as the adequacy of
the project management plan. Below are the instructions and criteria
that will be used to evaluate the RFTO proposals.

**[Proposal Instructions]{.underline}**

**A. Understanding the Objectives**

The proposal shall include a brief statement of the issues(s)/problem(s)
which underscore the concept of and need for the Task Order. Also
included in this section shall be a description of the scope, purpose,
and products of the different types of services called for under this
Task Order. The proposal shall include a discussion of the issues
related to health IT, HIE, health IT and HIE benefits evaluation,
development and diffusion of health IT, and development and diffusion of
health IT information as it relates to Medicaid and SCHIP agencies, as
well as issues related to providing technical assistance to Medicaid and
SCHIP agencies.

B.  **Technical Approach**

The proposal shall clearly address how the contractor plans to develop,
design, and implement the statement of work within the time constraints
of the project. The proposal shall also clearly demonstrate the
contractor's experience and ability to implement the statement of work.
The proposal shall address the technical approach proposed for each task
required by the statement of work.

C.  **Management Plan**

The contractor shall demonstrate its ability to achieve the delivery of
performance requirements through the proposed use of
organizational/corporate management and other personnel resources. The
proposal shall specify the project team, including subcontractors and
consultants, and clearly state which tasks will be performed by
contractor personnel and which tasks may be subcontracted out. For those
tasks that will be subcontracted out, contractor shall clearly
demonstrate the process and ability to manage deliverables from
subcontractors. Proposal shall include a signed agreement between
contractor and any personnel other than direct employees that includes
dates of employment and specific tasks to be performed.

Only those technically acceptable Offerors will have their response to
this RFTO evaluated and scored.

**[Evaluation Criteria]{.underline} [Weight]{.underline}**

1\. Understanding the Objective 10

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the offeror\'s demonstrated
> understanding of the effort and the issues involved in the subject
> area.

2\. Technical Approach 25

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the overall approach for
> developing, designing and implementing the statement of work.

3\. Management Plan 15

> The proposal shall be evaluated on the overall plan for organizing,
> staffing, and managing the task order.

**Maximum Total Points = 50**

**[Salary Rate Limitation]{.underline}**

Pursuant to the applicable HHS appropriations acts cited in the table
below, the Contractor shall not use contract funds to pay the direct
salary of an individual at a rate in excess of the salary level in
effect on the date the expense is incurred as shown in the table below.

For purposes of the salary limitation, the terms \`\`direct salary,\'\'
\`\`salary,\'\' and \`\`institutional base salary\'\' have the same
meaning and are collectively referred to as \`\`direct salary\'\' in
this clause. An individual\'s direct salary is the annual compensation
that the Contractor pays for an individual\'s appointment whether that
individual\'s time is spent on research, teaching, patient care, or
other activities. Direct salary excludes any income that an individual
may be permitted to earn outside of duties to the Contractor. Direct
salary also excludes fringe benefits, overhead, and general and
administrative expenses (also referred to as indirect costs or
facilities and administrative \[F&A\] costs).

The salary rate limitation also applies to individuals performing under
subcontracts. However, it does not apply to fees paid to consultants. If
this is a multiple-year contract, it may be subject to unilateral
modification by the Contracting Officer to ensure that an individual is
not paid at a rate that exceeds the salary rate limitation provision
established in the HHS appropriations act in effect when the expense is
incurred regardless of the rate initially used to establish contract
funding.

+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+
| **Public law**                     | Period Covered    | Salary      |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | Limitation  |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | (based on   |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | Executive   |
|                                    |                   |             |
|                                    |                   | Level I)    |
+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+
| 108-447, Div F, Title II, General  | 10/01/05 --       | \$180,100   |
| Provisions,                        | 12/31/05          |             |
|                                    |                   |             |
| Section 204                        |                   |             |
+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+
| 109-149, General Provisions,       | 01/01/06 -- until | \$183,500   |
| Section 204                        | revised           |             |
+------------------------------------+-------------------+-------------+

Executive Level salaries for the current and prior periods can be found
at the following Web site:
[http://www.opm.gov/oca/05tables/html/ex.asp](http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.opm.gov/oca/05tables/html/ex.asp).
Click on \`\`Salaries and Wages\'\' and then scroll to the bottom of the
page to select the desired period.

> Number range CHAPTER**ATTACHMENT 5**
>
> ***PROPOSAL INTENT RESPONSE SHEET***
>
> **[RFP No. AHRQ-07-10039]{.underline}**
>
> **Please review the attached request for proposal. Furnish the
> information requested below and return this page by June 21, 2007.
> Your expression of intent is not binding but will greatly assist us in
> planning for the proposal evaluation.**
>
> **\[ \] INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL**
>
> **\[ \] DO NOT INTEND TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING
> REASONS:**
>
> **\[ \] I GRANT PERMISSION TO THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND
> QUALITY, CONTRACTS OFFICE TO ADD THE CONTACT INFORMAION BELOW TO A
> BIDDERS LIST TO PROVIDE TO OTHER INTERESTED OFFERORS FOR
> TEAMING/SUBCONTRACING OPPORTUNITIES. (\*MUST INCLUDE AUTHORIZED
> SIGNATURE)**
>
> **COMPANY/INSTITUTION NAME & ADDRESS:**
>
> **\*AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **TYPED/PRINT NAME AND TITLE:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **DATE: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **\[ \] PLEASE [DO NOT]{.underline} RELEASE THE CONTACT INFORMATION.**
>
> **Please return to: Jessica Alderton**
>
> **Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality**
>
> **Contracts Management**
>
> **540 Gaither Road**
>
> **Rockville, Maryland 20850**

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