36C10B19Q0067-001.docx

FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

CLASSIFICATION CODE

SUBJECT

CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

ZIP-CODE

SOLICITATION NUMBER

BASE NOTICE TYPE

RESPONSE DATE (MM-DD-YYYY)

ARCHIVE

DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

SET-ASIDE

NAICS CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

ADDRESS

POINT OF CONTACT

(POC Information Automatically Filled from User Profile Unless Entered)

DESCRIPTION

See Attachment

AGENCY'S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT'S EMAIL

ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

ADDRESS

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

* = Required Field FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Rev. March 2010 D DSVA Research and Recruiting-Base Period 07724 36C10B19Q0067 11-20-2018 N 541519 Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724 The purpose of this amendment is to correct the Not To Exceed (NTE) amounts on CLINs 0002AH, 0003AA, 1002AH, 1003AA, 2002AH and 2003AA.

The attachments are also included.

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

36C10B19Q0067 11/13/218 Kelly Reale - Contract Specialist 732-440-9712

PM EST

11/20/2018 Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724 x x 541519 $27.5 Million N/A X See Delivery Schedule See Delivery Schedule See Delivery Schedule Eatontown NJ 07724 Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971 See CONTINUATION Page This RFQ is for User Research Recruiting Services This is a Total Small Business Set-aside POCs - Kelly Reale; kelly.reale@va.gov;

Contracting Officer - Joshua Cohen; joshua.cohen2@va.gov X X Joshua Cohen Contracting Officer Table of Contents

A.1 COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and an additional written solicitation will not be issued.

(i) Request for Quotation: 36C10B19Q0067

(ii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-101.

(iii) This is a total Small Business Set Aside under NAICS code 541519, the relevant size standard is $27.5M

(iv) See Section B below for the Schedule of Deliverables

(v) See Section C Statement of Objectives

(vi) Period of Performance is 12-months after date of award, with two 12-month option periods, and FOB point is Destination.

(vii) The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items, do not apply to this acquisition. Evaluation and Basis for award procedures can be found in Section E below.

(viii) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, with its offer.

(ix) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition and a statement and addenda can be found in Section C below.

(x) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition details of which can be found in Section C below.

(xi) Quoters shall submit proposal to Kelly Reale at Kelly.Reale@va.gov no later than 3PM EST 11/20/2018.

(xii) Please contact Kelly Reale, (732) 440-9712, Kelly.Reale@va.gov for information regarding the solicitation.

A.2 GOVERNING LAW

Federal law and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), shall govern this Contract/Order. Commercial license agreements may be made a part of this Contract/Order but only if both parties expressly make them an addendum hereto. If the commercial license agreement is not made an addendum, it shall not apply, govern, be a part of or have any effect whatsoever on the Contract/Order; this includes, but is not limited to, any agreement embedded in the computer software (clickwrap), any agreement that is otherwise delivered with or provided to the Government with the commercial computer software or documentation (shrinkwrap), or any other license agreement otherwise referred to in any document. If a commercial license agreement is made an addendum, only those provisions addressing data rights regarding the Government’s use, duplication and disclosure of data (e.g., restricted computer software) are included and made a part of this Contract/Order, and only to the extent that those provisions are not duplicative or inconsistent with Federal law, Federal regulation, the incorporated FAR clauses and the provisions of this Contract/Order; those provisions in the commercial license agreement that do not address data rights regarding the Government’s use, duplication and disclosure of data shall not be included or made a part of the Contract/Order. Federal law and regulation including, without limitation, the Contract Disputes Act (41 U.S.C. § 7101 et seq.), the Anti-Deficiency Act (31 U.S.C. § 1341 et seq.), the Competition in Contracting Act (41 U.S.C. § 3301 et seq.), the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. §3901 et seq.), Contracts for Data Processing or Maintenance (38 USC § 5725), and FAR clauses 52.212-4, 52.227-14, 52.227-19 shall supersede, control, and render ineffective any inconsistent, conflicting, or duplicative provision in any commercial license agreement. In the event of conflict between this Clause and any provision in the Contract/Order or the commercial license agreement or elsewhere, the terms of this Clause shall prevail. Claims of patent or copyright infringement brought against the Government as a party shall be defended by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). 28 U.S.C. § 516. At the discretion of DOJ, the Contractor may be allowed reasonable participation in the defense of the litigation. Any additional changes to the Contract/Order must be made by contract/order modification (Standard Form 30) and shall only be effected by a warranted Contracting Officer. Nothing in this Contract/Order or any commercial license agreement shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity.

A.3 SOFTWARE LICENSE, MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

(1) Definitions.

(2) Software License

(3) Software Maintenance and Technical Support

(4) Disabling Software Code. The Government requires delivery of computer software that does not contain any code that will, upon the occurrence or the nonoccurrence of any event, disable the software. Such code includes but is not limited to a computer virus, restrictive key, node lock, time-out or other function, whether implemented by electronic, mechanical, or other means, which limits or hinders the use or access to any computer software based on residency on a specific hardware configuration, frequency of duration of use, or other limiting criteria. If any such disabling code is present, the contractor agrees to indemnify the Government for all damages suffered as a result of a disabling caused by such code, and the contractor agrees to remove such code upon the Government’s request at no extra cost to the Government. Inability of the contractor to remove the disabling software code will be considered an inexcusable delay and a material breach of contract, and the Government may exercise its right to terminate for cause. In addition, the Government is permitted to remove the code as it deems appropriate and charge the Contractor for consideration for the time and effort expended in removing the code.

(5) Manuals and Publications. Upon Government request, the contractor shall furnish the most current version of the user manual and publications for all products/services provided under this contract or order at no cost

A.4 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10B Joshua Cohen Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 PRICE SCHEDULE

Days used below refer to calendar days unless otherwise stated. Deliverables with due dates falling on a weekend or holiday shall be submitted the following Government work day after the weekend or holiday.

BASE PERIOD (12-months)

This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PWS paragraph 5.1 and all of its subparagraphs for the base period and each option period and optional task, if exercised.

The cost of Project Management CLIN 0001 and subcontract Sub-Line Item Number (SLIN) 0001AA, 0001AB, and 0001AC shall be included in and allocated to the remaining FFP CLINs below including all option periods.

Period of Performance will be 12-months After Effective Date (AED).

Due 30 days AED and updated as necessary thereafter.

Electronic submission to: VA Program Manager (VA PM), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (CO), and Contract Specialist (CS) Inspection/Acceptance/F.O.B: Destination

Due 7 days AED and within 7 days of the onboard of each new employee.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS Inspection/Acceptance/F.O.B: Destination

Due three days after kickoff meeting.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PWS paragraph 5.2 and all of its subparagraphs for the base period and each option period and optional task, if exercised.

PoP will be 12-Months AED.

*The contractor shall invoice monthly; all services/deliverables provided for studies conducted within the billing month shall be included on the invoice.

Due one business day prior to start of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, Research Lead, COR, CO and CS

Due at least one week prior to the start of each study and as needed after specific studies.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

As needed throughout PoP.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within three business days of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

All Participants who complete the studies shall be compensated based on length of session and whether Participants are required to drive to the test site.

Reimbursements are documented in Table 1 in PWS paragraph 5.2.5.

**This SLIN will be funded to the maximum amount possible (i.e. If all participants were face to face for 2+ hours with travel)

$100.00

NTE

$120,000.00

Materials shall be purchased only upon receipt of approval of the COR Invoicing shall be in accordance with FAR 52.232-7, “Payment under Time-and-Material and Labor Hour Contracts.”

Government Not to Exceed Travel Ceiling:

$5,000.00

This optional task may be exercised at any time during the base period in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, Option for Increased Quantity – Separately Priced Line Item. Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer.

Optional tasks shall include all deliverables under CLINs 5.1 and 5.2.

*The contractor shall invoice monthly; all services/deliverables provided for studies conducted within the billing month shall be included on the invoice.

All Participants who complete the studies shall be compensated based on length of session and whether Participants are required to drive to the test site.

Reimbursements are documented in Table 1 in PWS paragraph 5.2.5.

**This SLIN will be funded to the maximum amount possible (i.e. If all participants were face to face for 2+ hours with travel)

$100.00

NTE

$45,000.00

Days used below refer to calendar days unless otherwise stated. Deliverables with due dates falling on a weekend or holiday shall be submitted the following Government work day after the weekend or holiday.

OPTION PERIOD ONE (12-months) This 12-month option period may be exercised in accordance with FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer. If exercised, this option shall commence at the end of the base period.

This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PWS paragraph 5.1 and all of its subparagraphs for the base period and each option period and optional task, if exercised.

The cost of Project Management CLIN 1001 and subcontract Sub-Line Item Number (SLIN) 1001AA and 1001AB shall be included in and allocated to the remaining FFP CLINs below including all option periods.

Period of Performance will be 12-months After Effective Date (AED).

Due 30 days AED and updated as necessary thereafter.

Electronic submission to: VA Program Manager (VA PM), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (CO), and Contract Specialist (CS) Inspection/Acceptance/F.O.B: Destination

Due 7 days AED and within 7 days of the onboard of each new employee.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS Inspection/Acceptance/F.O.B: Destination

This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PWS paragraph 5.2 and all of its subparagraphs for the base period and each option period and optional task, if exercised.

PoP will be 12-Months AED.

*The contractor shall invoice monthly; all studies conducted within the billing month shall be included on the invoice.

Due one business day prior to start of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, Research Lead, COR, CO and CS

Due at least one week prior to the start of each study and as needed after specific studies.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

As needed throughout PoP.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within three business days of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

All Participants who complete the studies shall be compensated based on length of session and whether Participants are required to drive to the test site. Reimbursements are documented in Table 1 in PWS paragraph 5.2.5.

**This SLIN will be funded to the maximum amount possible (i.e. If all participants were face to face for 2+ hours with travel)

$100.00

NTE

$120,000.00

Materials shall be purchased only upon receipt of approval of the COR Invoicing shall be in accordance with FAR 52.232-7, “Payment under Time-and-Material and Labor Hour Contracts.”

Government Not to Exceed Travel Ceiling:

$5,000.00

This optional task may be exercised at any time during the option period one in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, Option for Increased Quantity – Separately Priced Line Item. Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer.

Optional tasks shall include all deliverables under CLINs 5.1 and 5.2.

*The contractor shall invoice monthly; all services/deliverables provided for studies conducted within the billing month shall be included on the invoice.

All Participants who complete the studies shall be compensated based on length of session and whether Participants are required to drive to the test site.

Reimbursements are documented in Table 1 in PWS paragraph 5.2.5.

**This SLIN will be funded to the maximum amount possible (i.e. If all participants were face to face for 2+ hours with travel)

$100.00

NTE

$45,000.00

Days used below refer to calendar days unless otherwise stated. Deliverables with due dates falling on a weekend or holiday shall be submitted the following Government work day after the weekend or holiday.

OPTION PERIOD TWO (12-months) This 12-month option period may be exercised in accordance with FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000). Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer. If exercised, this option shall commence at the end of option period one.

This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PWS paragraph 5.1 and all of its subparagraphs for the base period and each option period and optional task, if exercised.

The cost of Project Management CLIN 2001 and subcontract Sub-Line Item Number (SLIN) 1001AA and 1001AB shall be included in and allocated to the remaining FFP CLINs below including all option periods.

Period of Performance will be 12-months After Effective Date (AED).

Due 30 days AED and updated as necessary thereafter.

Electronic submission to: VA Program Manager (VA PM), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (CO), and Contract Specialist (CS) Inspection/Acceptance/F.O.B: Destination

Due 7 days AED and within 7 days of the onboard of each new employee.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS Inspection/Acceptance/F.O.B: Destination

This Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PWS paragraph 5.2 and all of its subparagraphs for the base period and each option period and optional task, if exercised.

PoP will be 12-Months AED.

*The contractor shall invoice monthly; all studies conducted within the billing month shall be included on the invoice.

Due one business day prior to start of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, Research Lead, COR, CO and CS

Due at least one week prior to the start of each study and as needed after specific studies.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

As needed throughout PoP.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within one week of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

Due within three business days of the end of each study.

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO and CS

All Participants who complete the studies shall be compensated based on length of session and whether Participants are required to drive to the test site. Reimbursements are documented in Table 1 in PWS paragraph 5.2.5.

**This SLIN will be funded to the maximum amount possible (i.e. If all participants were face to face for 2+ hours with travel)

$100.00

NTE

$120,000.00

Materials shall be purchased only upon receipt of approval of the COR Invoicing shall be in accordance with FAR 52.232-7, “Payment under Time-and-Material and Labor Hour Contracts.”

Government Not to Exceed Travel Ceiling:

$5,512.50

This optional task may be exercised at any time during option period two in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, Option for Increased Quantity – Separately Priced Line Item. Work shall not commence until, and unless, a formal modification is issued by the Contracting Officer.

Optional tasks shall include all deliverables under CLINs 5.1 and 5.2.

*The contractor shall invoice monthly; all services/deliverables provided for studies conducted within the billing month shall be included on the invoice.

All Participants who complete the studies shall be compensated based on length of session and whether Participants are required to drive to the test site.

Reimbursements are documented in Table 1 in PWS paragraph 5.2.5.

**This SLIN will be funded to the maximum amount possible (i.e. If all participants were face to face for 2+ hours with travel)

$100.00

NTE

$45,000.00

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

36C10B19Q0067

Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of

Office of Information & Technology Enterprise Program Management Office

User Research Recruitment Services

Date: October 17, 2018

TAC-18-51265

PWS Version Number: 1.3

1.0 BACKGROUND

The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Information & Technology (OI&T), Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO) is to provide benefits and services to Veterans of the United States. In meeting these goals, OI&T strives to provide high quality, effective, and efficient Information Technology (IT) services to those responsible for providing care to the Veterans at the point-of-care as well as throughout all the points of the Veterans’ health care in an effective, timely and compassionate manner. VA depends on Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) systems to meet mission goals.

This action shall support the United States Digital Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DSVA) which is guided by a core principle: that every digital touchpoint that a Veteran, Service member, caregiver, or family member has with the VA should be designed with users, not for them. The DSVA team works on many concurrent initiatives to help these stakeholders explore, apply for, manage, and track their VA benefits. Each of these initiatives is guided by human-centered design research, and routine studies are conducted throughout the agile development process. Best practices in human-centered design encourages end-user feedback at all stages of an agile product development process. A mechanism for obtaining feedback from a diverse population of Veterans on design concepts and prototype software is critical to ensure that the digital services are helpful and relevant to them.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

In the performance of the tasks associated with this PWS, the Contractor shall comply with the Applicable Documents that are included in Section 7.0 below.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

This VA User Research contract shall provide DSVA with recruitment of Participants (Veterans, Caregivers, Delegates, and Dependents) to participate in studies and provide substantive feedback regarding new DSVA products being developed or acquired by DSVA and its organizational partners. The Contractor shall recruit Participants for individual studies that match specific screening criteria. For the remainder of the PWS:

· “Study” is used in a broad sense. Use of one or more user research methods, involving Participants, to solicit feedback from potential end users. Sample study methods may include contextual inquiry interviews, usability studies, screen reviews, or design workshops. A mix of virtual and face-to-face methods may be employed to conduct studies. A study will typically have a maximum of 10 participants, though some may have more.

· “Session” refers to a single event attended by one or more Participants. For example, a design workshop could consist of a single session with 9 Participants, whereas a usability study may consist of 9 sessions with a single Participant in each.

The Contractor shall perform screening, recruiting, scheduling, technological assistance, note taking, and Participant compensation activities. The Government will facilitate all studies.

3.1 CONTRACT TYPE

The effort shall be proposed on a hybrid Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Time & Materials (T&M) basis.

4.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

4.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The period of performance shall be 12 months from date of award, with two 12-month option periods.

Any work at the Government site shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO).

There are ten (10) Federal holidays set by law (USC Title 5 Section 6103) that VA follows:

Under current definitions, four are set by date:

If any of the above falls on a Saturday, then Friday shall be observed as a holiday. Similarly, if one falls on a Sunday, then Monday shall be observed as a holiday.

The other six are set by a day of the week and month:

4.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Tasks under this PWS should be performed at the Contractor facilities. The Contractor shall also be responsible for coordination of face-to-face studies at the DSVA offices at 811 Vermont Avenue NW in Washington DC.

4.3 TRAVEL

Travel outside the Washington DC metropolitan area is not anticipated under this contract.

4.4 OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Other Direct Costs (ODCs) necessary to support the requirements of this PWS, such as the purchase of software licenses, shall be reimbursed at the Contractor’s cost with no additional handling rate allowed. Contractor invoices shall include copies of all receipts that support ODCs claimed in the invoice and written substantiation for incurred costs. Contactor may only make such purchases with the express, written direction of the Government.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall perform the following:

5.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

5.1.1 CONTRACTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Contractor shall deliver a Contractor Project Management Plan (CPMP) that lays out the Contractor’s approach, timeline, and tools to be used in execution of the contract. The CPMP should take the form of both a narrative and graphic format that displays the schedule, milestones, risks and resource support. The CPMP shall also include how the Contractor shall coordinate and execute planned, routine, and ad hoc data collection reporting requests as identified within the PWS. The initial baseline CPMP shall be concurred upon and updated in accordance with Section B of the contract. The Contractor shall update and maintain the VA PM approved CPMP throughout the PoP.

Deliverable:

A. Contractor Project Management Plan

5.1.2. PRIVACY & HIPAA TRAINING

The Contractor shall submit TMS Training Certificates of completion for VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness, Rules of Behavior and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training. The Contractor shall provide signed copies of the Contractor Rules of Behavior in accordance with Section 9, Training, from Appendix C of the VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security”.

The Contractor shall submit status of VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness training for all individuals engaged on the task.

Deliverables:

A. TMS Training Certificates B. Signed Contractor Rules of Behavior

5.1.3. TECHNICAL KICKOFF CALL

The Contractor shall hold a technical kickoff meeting within 10 days of contract award. The Contractor shall present, for review and approval by the Government, the details of the intended approach for each effort. The Contractor shall specify dates, locations, agenda, and meeting minutes (shall be provided to all attendees within three calendar days after the meeting). The Contractor shall invite the Contracting Officer (CO), Contract Specialist (CS), COR, and DSVA subject matter experts.

The Contractor shall deliver the kick-off meeting package three days after the kickoff meeting. The package shall delineate processes discussed and agreed upon in the kickoff meeting, recruiting strategy for the first POP, and minutes from the kickoff meeting.

Deliverables:

A. Kick-Off Meeting Package

5.2 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES (BASE AND OPTION PERIOD)

5.2.1 STUDY COORDINATION: MANAGE SCREENING AND RECRUITMENT OF PARTICIPANTS FOR RESEARCH STUDIES

“Designing with users, not for users” is a core tenet of the Digital Service, and recruitment is the key driver for this effort. The Contractor shall provide an approach to recruitment for human-centered design research studies. The Contractor shall be responsible for recruiting Participants based on study-specific screening criteria aligned to targeted assessment objectives which shall be provided by DVSA no less than one week in advance of the study start date prior to each recruitment effort. Per study, the Contractor shall meet the study-specific minimum quantity of recruited Participants that match the screening criteria for anticipated tasks and have access to specified technologies (i.e., Veterans with smart phones or Veterans using assistive technology to access VA tools). The minimum required number of participants for each study will be provided by DSVA no less than one week in advance of the study start date.