FAQs - Vendor

Vendor

Q: How do I apply for a contract?

Answer

Open RFPs are posted on our website yearly (circa June/July). Please check the website http://www.pawp.uscourts.gov regularly and follow the instructions included in the RFP.

Q: Who do I contact at the USPO regarding contracts?

Answer

You may contact us via email at pawpml_treatmentservices@pawp.uscourts.gov

Q: What if I don’t have a location included in the catchment area described in the RFP?

Answer

You would be unable to submit a proposal for that RFP. If your location is not included in any of the open RFPs, your location would not be applicable for services with the USPO.

Q: Will I be notified if my proposal is not complete or correctly filled out?

Answer

You may be notified by USPO staff to request clarification on an item or issue. You will be notified if your proposal is deemed “not technically acceptable”.

Q: How will I be notified if my proposal is awarded?

Answer

You will receive an award letter via email, along with contractual documents.

Q: Are there separate RFPs for mental health, substance abuse, and sex offender treatment services?

Answer

Yes, RFPs are issued by type and by catchment area.

Q: When are the RFPs due?

Answer

Please refer to the specific RFP. Due dates are indicated on page 1.

Q: What is the time line for the RFPs?

Answer

June/July – RFPs posted with 30 days to respond

August – RFPs evaluated

September – Site visits for lowest price technically acceptable vendors

October 1 – Contract award, referrals begin

Q: How long does a contract last?

Answer

We mostly utilize Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) to procure treatment services. A BPA is not a grant or lump sum of money, it is similar to a charge account or a fee-for-service agreement. The BPAs are a one-year agreement, with four option years to extend, as long as the vendor is performing satisfactorily. So, potentially, the contract would be for five years.

We also utilize Non-Competitive Agreements that cannot exceed $10,000. Those are one-year agreements.

Q: How do you define co-occurring disorders?

Answer

Integrated provision of mental health and substance abuse treatment in same location, at the same time, with same therapist.

Q: What is the USPO’s fiscal year?

Answer

October 1 through September 30.

Q: Is Vivitrol covered under the MAT RFP?

Answer

Yes, it will be.

Q: Can a vendor provide services under the contract and then later transfer the client to an insurance pay?

Answer

Yes.

Q: Can we call if we have any questions?

Answer

Please email questions using the Contact Treatment Services link on the vendors page of website.

Q: If the services we provide are split up among the RFPs, do we have to complete multiple proposals, or can we consolidate them?

Answer

A full proposal must be submitted for each RFP, with all required information/documents included in each proposal.

Q: We have two locations. Both provide co-occurring services. Do we need to submit two applications?

Answer

If both locations are in Allegheny County, you would list them as locations on one proposal. There is no need to submit two proposals.

(Please refer to page L- 3 of 12, part 2.b. of the background statement)

Q: Can a treatment services provider subcontract out the medical portion of this RFP? Ie. We are applying to provide the outpatient services and will subcontract with a medical provider to provide the actual Vivitrol injection.

Answer

Providers can subcontract for whatever they want, we pay the price for the services, it is up to them to pay their sub-contractors. Also, subcontractors must still meet our qualifications, and RFP requirements.

Q: Even though we serve Allegheny County residents, we are not in Allegheny county so we would not complete the Allegheny County RFP, right?

Answer

You would only want to apply for RFPs in which you have a location in the specified geographical area.

Q: I received a letter that my contract was extended. Am I correct to assume that I do not need to complete the application this year?

Answer

That's correct. If you are currently under contract and it is not expiring this fiscal year, you do not need to do anything. However, if you are interested in providing additional services covered under an open RFP in your geographical area, you may submit a proposal for that.

Q: Is the contract awarded to the lowest bid or do other factors consider?

Answer

We will award proposals that are technically acceptable (meaning everything is complete and all services can be provided as stated in the RFP), and to the lowest offeror(s). We do not consider any other factors. Page B-1 of the RFP will indicate how many lowest cost vendors we intend to award. A final decision on number of vendors will be determined after reviewing all proposals.

Q: For the poly RFP, when it says “not in lieu of” for office/catchment area, my understanding is that you are requesting the examiner to have an office in the catchment area?

Answer

Yes, that is correct. To have an office (can be a home office) or ability to perform the service at a site (can be a treatment provider site) within the catchment area. Services may also be requested to be performed within the USPO office.

United States Probation & Pretrial Services

Western District of Pennsylvania

Sara A. Romig, Chief U.S. Probation Officer

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FAQs - Vendor

Vendor