Responses_to_Questions_RFP_2017N66775.pdf

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NUMBER 2017N66775

Question 1

Page 40, L.8 Format of Technical Proposal – May we use a smaller font than 11 for tables? Is there a preferred font? Do the title page and TOC count in the 50 pages? Are there any color use restrictions?

Response to Question 1

Yes, a smaller font than 11 for tables can be used. The title page and the table of contents does not count in the

50 page limitation. There are no color use restrictions.

Question 2

Page 42, L.10 Past Performance – Are there any page limitations?

Response to Question 2

No

Question 3

Our assumption is that the CDC would be the CME accrediting provider for this activity but please confirm.

Response to Question 3

Correct

Question 4

Our assumption is that the training curriculum will be hosted on the CDC web site but please confirm.

Response to Question 4

Correct.

Question 5

Does the CDC have a preferred or required LMS platform for this type of web-based curriculum (e.g., Adobe

Captivate, Articulate, etc)?

Response to Question 5

CDC is working on preparing a formal list of requirements for training development vendors, but it is not available yet. Authoring tools that are approved for use at CDC are Lectora (Trivantis) and Captivate 8

(Adobe). Flash is no longer supported, and Articulate Storyline is not approved as it is not 508 compliant to our standards for cdc.gov. There may be other options that are approved for CDC use or could be requested for approval at CDC. We will work with our vendor to ensure that platform chosen is approved for use at CDC before any development moves forward.

Question 6

Section L.9, 2(d) on page 41 suggests a subcontracting plan (if applicable) is not required if the subcontracted total is less than $500,000 but please confirm.

Response to Question 6

Subcontracting Plan is not required if the contract total is less than $700,000.

Question 7

Section F.4 (Milestone Payment Schedule) – are any payments made prior to completion of deliverables (i.e., is the offeror obligated to upfront all costs until completion of the first set of deliverables?)

Response to Question 7

The first payment would be for the completion of the first set of modules as listed in F.4 Milestone Payment

Schedule. The amount will be 50% of the base period amount.

Question 8

What are the qualification requirements for an Infection Preventionist (IP)? LPN? RN? A-GNP?

Response to Question 8

There are no listed requirements, but generally a RN, LPN, or MPH with 5 to 10 years of practical experience in Infection prevention and control and CIC certification would be compatible with understanding the realities of infection prevention in long term care settings.

Question 9

English only? If other languages, please specify dialects.

Response to Question 9

English only

Question 10

Is CDC amenable to innovative learning formats such as micro learning?

Response to Question 10

We want this learning content to be easily digestible and accessible for any learning style or time frame. We do not expect a learner to go through all content in one sitting. Most learners will be learning in pieces through their work days. We would want the learner to be able to pick up where they left off and return to any portion at any time. We would not want a learning system that defines how the learner will learn and what time they will apply to any section. The modules requested and average time frames for each are outlined in the RFP.

Question 11

What are the most important performance metrics for this project:

o Median time persistence (engagement)?

o Number of successful completions?

o Length of time to completion?

o 2 week content recall?

o Other?

Response to Question 11

None of those listed. We want to ensure that content is freely available and easily accessible and understandable to all interested parties, though targeted to long term care Infection Prevention staff.

Question 12– Background page 3 Joint project with CDC and CMS

Can the government please clarify how this project will be managed and success measured if both the CDC and

CMS are collaborating on the curriculum?

Response to Question 12

While CDC is developing and maintaining the curriculum in collaboration with CMS, CDC will be managing the contract independently. There is no vendor requirement beyond those laid out in the RFP for ensuring success.

Question 13- Background page 3 Ownership of web-based learning portal

Can the government please clarify if the offeror will provide the web-based learning portal, or if the training will be launched on a CDC or CMS portal?

Response to Question 13

The developed web-based content will be hosted by CDC.

Question 14- Background page 3 Ownership of web-based learning portal

If the contractor is to provide the training portal, how will continued maintenance of the portal being contracted, after the term of this requirement?

Response to Question 14

CDC will provide hosting and maintenance after completion.

Question 15– Purpose page 4 Additional resources

Can the government please clarify what “additional resources” the training should also provide access to?

Response to Question 15

This could be links to relevant open-access information sources or definitions.

Question 16– Task 2 page 4 Facilitator’s Guide

Can the government please clarify if a Facilitator’s Guide is also to be developed to assist the Infection

Preventionist (IP) with the guidance and tools to ensure the learners have an outstanding learning experience?

Response to Question 16

There is no listed requirement for a Facilitator Guide.

Question 17- Task 2 page 4 Level of Interactivity

Can the government please clarify the level of interactivity to be applied to the classroom and eLearning options, i.e., I-IV?

Response to Question 17

The requirement does not have a classroom option. The only required interactivity are the pre-test questions, knowledge checks, and the certification exam. The certification exam would be optional for the learner as some learners may just want to view the content. The vendor should understand that users will be accessing the content intermittently and differently.

Question 18 - Task 2 page 4 Guidance content

Can the government please clarify where the “latest cleared” content for developing each of the modules will be found? It appears the CDC has Guides to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings available on their website – would these be our sources? Is it possible to review the content sources prior to submitting our proposal?

Response to Question 18

The vendor would be developing the content and not relying on CDC content. Our subject matter experts will be able to guide the selected vendor in obtaining various resources that may be helpful in the development.

Question 19- Task 2 page 4 CDC/CMS Subject Matter Experts

Our practice is to have our Instructional Designers collaborate with client SMEs as curriculum is developed to ensure continuous acceptance and approval of training materials and approach as each module progresses. Can the government please confirm if this is your expectation? If it is not your expectation, please clarify how the

Instructional Designers will engage with the SMEs during design and development activities?

Response to Question 19

Yes, that is the expectation. The Vendor would communicate with CDC weekly as described in Task 1b to share draft materials and ensure content is in line with expectations. These meetings would include subject matter experts at CDC. The vendor would also have contact information for CDC subject matter experts to arrange additional conversations or clarification calls as necessary.

Question 20– Task 3 page 6 Certification

Can the government please clarify if the contractor is to work with the CDC POC on achieving the certification, or just create the test bank?

Response to Question 20

The vendor will not be involved with the CDC request for CME course accreditation.

Question 21– Task 3 page 6 Certification

If the contractor is to work with the POC on gaining CEUs, would the government be open to including the

Certification requirement in Task 1 so the process can be integrated and seamless with the curriculum development to ensure a smooth process?

Response to Question 21

That is not possible. The pilot testing process can only be performed on a completed and fully functioning training course. The user must pilot test for the first time as a new learner in the same way that a learner would experience the content for credit. All development must be completed and finalized before a pilot test that would qualify for CME certification could be conducted.

Question 22– Task 2 Option Number 1 page 7 Audio Files, Number 7

Can the government please clarify why the audio file would need to be downloaded and saved? If the entire course is available free-of-charge, why wouldn’t the training occur through the CDC/CMS portal?

Response to Question 22

The course would be hosted on a CDC or CMS website. We wanted to make all content freely available and accessible for various users with various audio needs.

Question 23 – Task 2 Option Number 1 page 6 Learning Management System, Number 8

Can the government please clarify if the contractor is to have an LMS that complies with CDC standards, or if we will work with the CDC technical staff to launch the eLearning modules on the CDC TRAIN system?

Response to Question 23

External facing courses (for the public) are typically hosted on the CDC Center’s server. CDC TRAIN is an

LMS that lists courses, but it does not host them. The vendor will work with CDC to deliver the finalized course to CDC for hosting on a CDC server.

Question 24 – Task 2 Option Number 1 page 7 Software Platform compatibility, Number 9

Can the government please clarify which software program the eLearning should be developed in to allow for

CDC staff to edit at a later date?

Response to Question 24

CDC will likely buy an authoring tool for the chosen program. Authoring tools that are approved for use at

CDC are Lectora (Trivantis) and Captivate 8 (Adobe).

Question 25 – Task 2 Option Number 2 page 7 Pilot Testing

Can the government please clarify if they would consider aligning the pilot testing with the creation of the web-based modules? Allowing testing through development, as well as at completion, will significantly eliminate/reduce the need for rework.

Response to Question 25

This is not possible as the pilot testing is required by the CDC Continuing Medical Education application process and must be performed on the completed and finalized course. There is no vendor requirement to respond to recommendations from pilot testing.

Question 26 – Task 2 Option 2 page 7 Pilot Testing, Number 2 and Number 3

Can the government please clarify what actions are to be taken based on the feedback from the pilot tests, or will this be a follow-on project to address comments?

Response to Question 26

The vendor is not required to act on feedback from the pilot tests.

Question 27 – Minimum Qualifications page 7 Five Years medical communications

Can the government please reconsider the requirement for five (5) years of experience working in medical communications, and instead focus on demonstrated performance designing, developing and delivering quality classroom and eLearning training materials? Training professionals are successful working in a number of different fields with various types of communication products including job aids, reports, trainings, facilitator guides, etc. The SOW does indicate the importance of being able to communicate in “plain language” to the targeted audience. We would appreciate a less stringent minimum level of qualifications, supported by a practical staffing mix to deliver quality training focused on medical information, as well as an excellent demonstrated track record producing quality products and services for the CDC.

Response to Question 27

The vendor minimum qualifications will remain unchanged. For this requirement specifically, the program is requesting significant medical communications experience and web-based learning content development experience. Similar experience is critical as outlined in the evaluation standards. As noted on page 44 of the requirement’s evaluation criteria, similar experience is a key evaluation element. Classroom learning, facilitator guides, and job aids are not comparable.

Question 28 – Minimum Qualification page 7 Medical Expertise in Infection Prevention

The SOW indicates the Offeror “shall be able to show medical expertise in Infection Prevention, or ability to hire specialized experience required”. Will the CDC evaluate equally the demonstrated “on staff” capabilities with demonstrated ability to hire specialized experience? If no, what is the CDC’s preference?

Response to Question 28

The vendor should recognize the specific and specialized nature of the subject matter expertise and show how they will obtain that expertise.

Question 29 – F.4 page 13 Milestone Payment Schedule

Can the government please give some consideration to a monthly % complete approach to invoicing rather than

2 payments across 12 months? This seems like an unusual, and burdensome requirement, especially for smaller firms.

Response to Question 29

The base period is 6 months, see page 2, to develop content. The payment for Modules 1-7 and Modules 8-14 would be the 2 payments made across 6 months (or sooner for early delivery). There is no good way to evaluate

% complete in such a short period of time. Milestone payment schedule shall remain unchanged.

Question 30 – G.4 page 15 Subcontracting

Can the government please provide guidance on what the subcontracting goals are for this project?

Response to Question 30

G.4 page 15 Subcontracting is where the offeror will provide a subcontracting plan to the government with their listed subcontracting goals. Subcontracting plans are not required for small businesses.

Question 31 – Section H.2 and H.3 page 18 Security Compliance

In addition to the change in NACIS code from the initial solicitation, the government also increased Security

Compliance clauses, Section H.2 and H.3. Can the government please explain why this type of data security is being required for the development of a training program that will be shared with the public, being developed with content that is already public to hospitals, clinics, etc. on CDC and CMS websites? The NDA clause, required by H.4, is usually sufficient for this type of consulting service.

Response to Question 31

The security compliance is required for all information technology requirements that are federally funded.

Since this requirement may be hosted on the CDC website, it will have to meet all of the security compliance requirements.

Question 32 – Section I page 28 52.204-5

With the inclusion of FAR 52.204.5, is the solicitation intended to be a woman-owned, small business set-aside?

Response to Question 32

No, FAR 52.204-5 is titled Women-Owned (Other Than Small Business). This clause is hereby removed.

Question 33 – L.3 page 38 Recompetition

Can the government please clarify why FAR 52.222-46 is applicable to this solicitation? The requirement reads as a new training need, not a recompete, and the pricing is firm-fixed pricing? We respectfully request this clause can be eliminated.

Response to Question 33

FAR 52.222-46 is hereby removed

Question 34 – L.4 page 39 Pricing

Would the government be open to a mix of firm fixed pricing and time and materials, and/or expense allowance for certain out-of-pocket costs? Based on our experience, it is difficult until we’re into the curriculum development to “estimate” the amount of video, narration and photography expenses that may be required?

Response to Question 34

The Government will consider a mix of firm fixed pricing and time and materials.

Question 35 – L.8 page 40 Technical Proposal – Key Personnel Resumes

Can the government please clarify the “key personnel” resumes are required for?

Response to Question 35

To assist with the Staffing and Management Plan assessment, page 44.

Question 36 – L.9.1(c) page 41 Pricing Breakdown

Can the government please clarify if the breakdown included in (c 1-3) this section is applicable? It does not align with the information requested in Section B - Pricing. We respectfully request c 1 – c2 and c3 be eliminated.

Response to Question 36

The pricing breakdown will remain. The Government will consider Time and Materials and the pricing breakdown is required.

Question 37 – L.9.1(c) page 41 Travel

If pricing for travel is to be included, can the government please clarify where travel would be required to and how frequent the travel would be? How should travel costs be included in the completion of Section B?

Response to Question 37

If travel is a part of your proposed pricing, please include a travel contract line item in your business proposal.

The government is not requiring travel but it can be proposed by the vendor.

Question 38- L.9.2(b) page 41 Audited Financial Statements

Can the government please clarify why audited financial statements are required, and how they will be evaluated along with our business proposal? This seems like an unusual, and burdensome requirement for the size of this project.

Response to Question 38

Audited Financial Statements are normally used in the bidding process. A key component of the Federal

Acquisition Regulation is provisions regarding the computation of overhead rates.

Question 39 – L.9.2(c) page 41 Staffing Plan and Hourly Rates

Can the government please clarify why labor categories and hourly rates are being requested when the pricing is unit price – fixed fee per period of performance?

Response to Question 39

The requirement was anticipated to be Firm Fixed Price. The Government will consider a Time and Materials type requirement. The labor categories and labor rates are required.

Question 40 – L.9.2(d) page 41 Subcontracting Plan

Can the government please clarify that a subcontracting plan is not required for an offer submitted by a small business concern?

Response to Question 40

Page 41 states the following:

Subcontracting Plan - The offeror, prior to being awarded a contract, must submit an acceptable subcontracting plan (see FAR 52.219-9) or demonstrate that no subcontracting opportunities exist. (Note: This requirement does not apply to small business concerns or to offers which do not exceed $500,000.00 ($1,000,000.00 for construction) or to offers from non-domestic concerns.)