Q_A_for_15-236-SOL-00035.docx

Questions and Answers for

15-236-SOL-00035

Below are the answers (in Italics) to questions that were submitted for the above RFQ.

Q: “Basic-Advanced Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) courses”. As per the Exhibit A, most are our Video titles, with some of our text/graphic/picture versions as well. Do you want both full catalogs of video and text/graphic/picture versions?

A: The IHS is seeking CNA courses in video format and text/graphic/picture.

Q: “Community Health Representatives (CHRs) to complete basic para-professional community health representative courses and refresher courses; and, certificates of completion after the user (RN, PHN, CNA or CHR) completes the courses or identified modules.” Does the IHS want both 1. certificates after each course and 2. a final CHR certificate when the curriculum is completed? Is this what is referenced in section 2 as “Create a custom CHR curriculum or series certificate that is issued when the user completes all the courses in a group of courses assigned (including any CNAs courses as recommended)” A: Yes, IHS wants CHR certificates after completion of each course and a certificate of completion of CHR modules after all CHR modules are completed.

Q: “This includes the 36 pre-existing Public Health Nursing (PHN) Training modules, video’s and competencies which will be provided by IHS”. Question: We are aware of the 36 pre-existing. Videos and competencies are new, correct?

A: Yes.

Q: If new (see question above), are they the ones referenced in the exhibit as “Public Health Nursing competencies for ongoing daily practice specific to communicable disease prevention, immunizations, maternal-child health, elderly care, home safety, general public health, and in accordance with service to American Indian/ Alaska Native population”?

A: Yes.

Q: Is IHS providing the awardee all the assets and the awardee will load, convert and provide tech support plus host them?

A: No. Certain assets will be available for conversion but the Contractor shall provide a detailed process of how they will create new or custom educational modules including use of subject matter experts to successfully develop the requested material. This material may not be provided by IHS, but IHS is available to consult on the material and make recommendations but does not have the staff to create this material (contractor will have to solicit subject matter experts to support this activity). If there is material that already exists and modules that are readily available, these resources can be shared with the Contractor to upload, but many will not be available and may require subject matter expert (this is why the element was included in the technical approach steps).

Q: If assets to be provided by IHS for loading, conversion and tech support plus hosting, please provide the number of modules to be hosted and the format of those courses (text/graphic/picture, video, audio, etc.)

A: Seven modules.

Q: “Mental Health" - Is IHS looking for an off-the-shelf courses or custom production?

A: YES. Again, not all assets will be provided by IHS – for example, the material on mental health and dementia will need to be created by the Contractor or other existing approved modules identified by the Contractor’s subject matter expert on the material.

Q: If custom production is IHS providing the awardee all the assets and the awardee will load, convert and provide tech support plus host them?

A: NO, review of the literature/sources and subject matter expert maybe required.

Certain assets will be available for conversion but the Contractor shall provide a detailed process of how they will create new or custom educational modules including use of subject matter experts to successfully develop the requested material. This material may not be provided by IHS, but IHS is available to consult on the material and make recommendations but does not have the staff to create this material (contractor will have to solicit subject matter experts to support this activity). If there is material that already exists and modules that are readily available, these resources can be shared with the Contractor to upload, but many will not be available and may require subject matter expert (this is why the element was included in the technical approach steps).

Q: What is the current size of the IHS nursing staff?

A: Four staff overseeing training program, 2800 nurses requiring continuous education training.

Q: IHS is providing existing training modules and videos which are to be incorporated into the learning management system. Does the scope of work include the contractor obtaining ANCC accreditation for these courses; or is ANCC accreditation only required for the existing courses in contractor’s library?

A: Accreditation would be required for all training materials provided by vendor or IHS.

Q: May the format of the pre-existing modules please be explained? Do they include video, custom SCORM files, reading materials, multiple choice questions, other interactive exam formats?

A: Include all of the above.

Q: Will the contractor’s role require any medical expertise in implementing IHS-developed content into usable learning modules (e.g. is any course writing required of contractor) or will IHS provide access to all subject matter experts and course writing for the new modules it is requiring?

A: Yes, the Contractor’s role will require medical expertise or seek subject matter expert assistance.

IHS will not provide subject matter experts.

Q: Is there a size standard or other limitations on subcontractors?

A: See section (iv.) of the text in the combined synopsis and solicitation.

Q: Is there an incumbent vendor?

A: Yes. Medcom, Inc.

Q: In regards to the RFQ requirement: 1) The contractor shall be accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and provide documentation.

I. Can the vendor be in progress of receiving ANCC accreditation?

II. Can the vendor partner with a group that has ANCC accreditation?

A: I. No. II. Yes.

Q: How many Nurses are there?

A: 2800

Q: What type of programs would need to be constructed specific to the client’s needs?

A: Mental Health and paraprofessional modules for advanced training; and some Public Health Nursing modules.