196.) Subject: Section C.4

Question: With regard to activity from January 1 - March 31, 2008. The RFP states that the offeror must be ready to receive requests for coupons by January 1. In addition, the RFP states that coupon distribution will occur in the Operational Period (starting 4/1/08). Is the offeror expected to collect requests for coupons for the 3 month period (1/1/08 -- 3/31/08) and begin coupon distribution for those collected requests beginning on April 1, 2008, the commencement date of the Operational Phase? Or is the offeror expected to begin distribution of coupons prior to April 1? If coupons are distributed prior to 4/1, how should the offeror represent pricing for those coupons that are distributed between 1/1 and 3/31? As OCD transactions (SLIN 0001AB) or as Operational transactions (SLIN 0002AC)?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor must be ready to accept coupon requests on January 1, 2008, as required by law. Limited distribution and redemption of coupons starts during the Start-up and OCD phase. The Contractor can define the number of transactions for both distribution and redemption they propose to demonstrate their system to the Government. The demonstration at some point must process actual transactions. Any requested coupons not processed during this phase can be held for the operational phase. Once the system is approved by the Government, the operational phase starts and any held requests and all new requests for distribution and redemption must be processed based on the Contractor's service level standards. If the actual transaction processing occurs in the Start-up and OCD phase, use SLIN 0001AB and 0001AC. If the actual processing occurs in the operational phase, use SLIN 0002AC and 0002AD.