Telehealth Services for the Billings Area

This is a Sources Sought Notice and Request for Information (RFI) issued for market research purposes only.

This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, quotations, or offers and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for information submitted in response to this notice. Pursuant to 48 CFR Part 326, Subpart 326.603-3 and IHM 5.5-6, the Indian Health Service (IHS) must use the authority of the Buy Indian Act, 25 U.S.C. § 47, to give preference to Indian Economic Enterprises (IEEs) whenever the use of that authority is authorized and practicable. The Government is seeking to identify Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEEs), Indian Economic Enterprises (IEEs), and other categories of vendors capable of performing the requirement described below. Interested vendors are requested to submit a capability statement and the attached Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form. Consistent with Buy Indian Act regulations, HHS/IHS has adopted the definition of an Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) set forth in 48 CFR 1480.201. This definition includes, among other

requirements, that the Indians or Indian Tribes must, together, receive at least a majority of the earnings from the contract. The Government is also releasing a Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for industry review and comment. Interested parties are encouraged to provide recommendations, identify ambiguities or inconsistencies, suggest improvements, and provide any other feedback that may assist the Government in refining the requirement and acquisition strategy. Responses to this RFI will be used solely for market research and acquisition planning purposes. The Government may, but is not required to, incorporate industry feedback into the final solicitation or PWS. Responses to this notice will not be considered offers and will not be evaluated for award. If, as a result of this market research, the Government determines that this acquisition will be conducted as a Buy Indian Act set-aside, the solicitation will include HHSAR 352.226-6, Indian Economic Enterprise Subcontracting Limitations, and the successful contractor will be required to comply with all applicable subcontracting limitations contained in that clause if applicable. Instructions for submission are provided below. DEFINITIONS Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE) Any business activity owned by one or more Indians, Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, or Alaska Native Corporations, provided that: The combined Indian, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe, or Alaska Native Corporation ownership of the enterprise constitutes not less than 51 percent; The Indian, Federally Recognized Indian Tribe, or Alaska Native Corporation owners must, together, receive at least 51 percent of the earnings from the contract; and The management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more individuals who are Indians. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT NAICS: 621999 – All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services Size Standard: $20.5 Million Contract Duration: One (1) Base Year with Four (4) One-Year Option Periods Scope: See attached Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). INSTRUCTIONS TO INDUSTRY ISBEEs are highly encouraged to respond to this notice. Generic capability statements are not sufficient for effective evaluation of a firm's ability to perform the required work. To be considered a capable source, responses should clearly demonstrate the firm's experience, qualifications, and capability to perform the services described in the Draft PWS. Capability statements should include, at a minimum: Number of years of experience providing services similar to those described in the Draft PWS. A list of relevant contracts or projects demonstrating experience performing similar services. A description of how the company meets the definition of an Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE). A description of how the company will receive at least 51 percent of the earnings under the contract. If proposing the use of a similarly situated subcontractor, explain how the prime contractor and subcontractor together will satisfy applicable Buy Indian Act

requirements. If proposing the use of a subcontractor that is not a similarly situated entity, explain how the prime contractor will continue to satisfy applicable Buy Indian Act

requirements. Describe how management and daily business operations will be controlled by one or more individuals who are Indians. Failure to adequately address these items may preclude the Government from determining that your firm is a capable IEE/ISBEE source. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) In addition to the requested capability statement, interested parties are encouraged to review the attached Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) and provide comments and recommendations to assist the Government in refining the requirement and acquisition strategy. The Government requests feedback on the following: Draft Performance Work Statement Are the

requirements clear, complete, and achievable? Are there any ambiguities, inconsistencies, or conflicting