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Q1: In relation to the four new billing invoices that we are going to be receiving, at what point will the SIBS integrated system stop billing for services?

A1: The SIBS system will stay intact until all services are transitioned off of it.

Q2: Will the SIBS billing be stopped by agency, service type, or something else?

A2: At this point in time, we do not know how the transition for billing will be handled. In order to eliminate SIBS, various tasks must be performed, such as (1) transferring devices, (2) closing out bills and cleaning them up, and (3) resolving any outstanding billing issues. Once the MSAs are awarded, the new Contractor will work with the current Contractor to decide how the SIBS billing will be stopped.

Q3: Will there be any training for the new billing system, such as how we can sort things under the new contract?

A3: Yes, the new Contractor will provide training. We will coordinate this effort with the CALNET 2 Contractors.

Q4: Currently with SIBS, we receive one bill which includes both local and long distance. When we transition, could we possibly receive up to four invoices? And if so, does that mean that new account numbers will be issued for all of our accounts?

A4: Yes, you can receive up to four invoices. And yes, when the new contracts are awarded, you may have new account numbers. But until after the award, we will not know the full impact.

Q5: Is there any plan in the CALNET 2 guidelines to set up some sort up of system that would be similar to SIBS?

A5: No, there are no plans to implement a consolidated billing system. Each CALNET 2 Contractor will develop their own billing invoices and maintain their own billing systems. However, it is expected that the invoices will be very similar, based upon the requirements identified in the RFP.

Q6: Is there a method under the new contract in which penalties could be applied to the Contractor to help ensure that transition issues are handled in a timely fashion and make for a smoother transition?

A6: There is a requirement in the RFP stipulating that any invoice errors caused by the Contractor must be corrected, or have a correction plan in place within 60 days, after the Contractor is notified of the discrepancy.  We expect outstanding invoicing problems to be resolved within this timeframe, but if not, our office will do all that it can to facilitate resolution, as needed. The new MSAs do allow penalties for non-performance in certain instances, that will have to be determined on a case by case basis.

Q7: Agencies under CALNET I receive summary bills from the SIBS System. Is there a mechanism in place to simply transfer those existing summary bills that have already compiled all of the business telephone numbers (BTNs) and work telephone numbers (WTNs) under a main fictitious billing number? Is there going to be a provision made so that transition can be somewhat painless?

A7: That is something we will have to work out after the CALNET contracts are awarded. That kind of feedback is helpful to us, so please feel free to provide it.  We will try to help make this transition as painless as possible.

Q8: Currently, we receive our summary account billing on CDs, instead of paper. Is there any consideration given to continue receiving the CDs instead of being inundated with paper?

A8: Yes, we have required that the Contractor submit a variety of billing media, such as paper, CD and Web.

Q9: Is there any provision in the new CALNET 2 contract about back-billing? Is there a limitation on how far they can go back and bill?

A9: For contracted services, Government Code 911.2, allows Contractors to back bill up to one year. The Contractors are required to issue credit up to three years. For non-contracted services, limitation of charges shall be controlled by State Statute, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Regulations, California Tariff pricing guide as appropriate. It is different for each type of product as well as the different carriers.