36C10B19R0045-002.docx

36C10B19R0045

PAGE 1 OF

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

08-12-2019 Babatunde Fakayode, Contract Specialist 732-795-1078 08-20-2019

2.00PM

Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way

Eatontown NJ 07724

X x

Y 541990 $15 Million

N/A

See Delivery Schedule

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 Solicitation is for Targeted Study Recruitment Campaign See Section B.4 Price Schedule and Section B.5 Performance Work Statement.

This Request for Proposal (RFP) will result in a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract.

Offerors will be evaluated in accordance with Section E.

This is a total Small Business set-aside in accordance with FAR 52.219-6

Points of Contact: Contract Specialist, Bababtunde Fakayode 732-795-1078, Babatunde.Fakayode@va.gov and Contracting Officer, Den-el Opuszynski, 732-440-9682, Den-el.Opuszynski@va.gov

See CONTINUATION Page

Den-el Opuszynski

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 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.

B.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Den-el Opuszynski Contracting Officer 36C10B Den-el.opuszynski@va.gov

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

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

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:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.3 PRICE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Offerors are instructed to complete Section B.3 and submit with their proposal. Offerors are cautioned that alterations to the line items as specified below will not be accepted and will render proposal unacceptable.

All questions shall be directed to the Contract Specialist, Babatunde Fakayode at Babatunde.Fakayode@va.gov at (732) 795-1078 and the Contracting Officer, Den-el Opuszynski@va.gov at Den-el .Opuszynski@va.gov at (732) 440-9682, prior to the closing date and time specified in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

BASE PERIOD

Period of Performance: 12 months

Includes all services, labor, management, tools, material, equipment, and reports required for the successful performance of the services detailed in PWS paragraphs 1.0-6.0.

Period of performance: 12 months

In accordance with (IAW) PWS 5.1.1.

Due the fifth day of each month throughout the period of performance (PoP).

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO list others as necessary

Period of performance: 12 months

Inspection: Destination Acceptance: Destination Free on Board (FOB): Destination

The cost of this SLIN shall be incorporated into CLIN 0001.

IAW PWS 5.2

Due 30 DAC

Period of performance: 12 months

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO list others as necessary

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

The cost of this SLIN shall be incorporated into CLIN 0001.

IAW PWS 5.2

First Draft is due 30 DAC; Final is due 120 DAC

Period of performance: 12 months

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO list others as necessary

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

The cost of this SLIN shall be incorporated into CLIN 0001.

LO

NSP

NSP

IAW PWS 5.3

First Draft is due 30 DAC; Final is due 120 DAC

Period of performance: 12 months

Electronic submission to: VA PM, COR, CO list others as necessary

Inspection: destination Acceptance: destination

The cost of this SLIN shall be incorporated into CLIN 0001.

B.4 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Page 1 of

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (NC-PTSD), Dissemination and Implementation Science Division at the VAPAHCS Menlo Park Division

Targeted Study Recruitment Campaign for eHealth PTSD Studies

August 7, 2019

TAC-19-55071

PWS Version Number: 2.0

1.0

BACKGROUND

The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dissemination and Training Division (NCPTSD), part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is responsible for creating training and educational products to support evidence-based care of Veterans with =PTSD and related problems. PTSD is very common among Veterans and has a significant impact on Veterans’ quality of life. Most Veterans with PTSD do not access evidence-based treatments for PTSD, and many Veterans are either unable or choose not to access available mental health services of any kind. Lack of available services, distance from clinics, and stigma associated with mental health care are just a few of the barriers to providing care for Veterans and those living with a Veteran with PTSD. Delivering PTSD interventions via the internet or mobile applications (i.e., eHealth programs) is an innovative way to increase the reach of evidence-based treatments with minimal resources relative to face-to-face therapy. The efficacy of previously developed eHealth treatments for PTSD is promising, including online interventions of written exposure (Interapy; e.g., Knaevelsrud & Maercker, 2007) and mobile apps of self-management tools (PTSD Coach; Kuhn et al., 2017).

The National Center for PTSD has developed a self-management app for symptoms of PTSD, called Renew. Renew focuses on three core activities: 1) in vivo exposure (Approach exercises), 2) written exposure (Process exercises), and 3) Self-Care exercises (designed to promote behavioral activation, relaxation, and social connectedness).

Additionally, The National Center for PTSD has developed an online version of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) called webSTAIR that is delivered through VetsPrevail.org. Two separate clinical trials will be conducted to evaluate the mobile app Renew (Study 1) and the online program webSTAIR (Study 2).

1.1 STUDY 1 GOALS

The overall goal of Study 1 is to test Renew in a mixed-methods Phase II pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate treatment acceptability and to estimate design elements and statistical parameters for a subsequently fully powered Phase III trial.

The specific aims of Study 1 are:

1. Examine the acceptability of Renew with participants during a posttreatment qualitative interview.

2. Examine the efficacy of Renew relative to the delayed treatment condition on change in PTSD symptom severity (primary) as well as depression symptom severity, coping self-efficacy, and perceived social support (secondary).

3. Examine the impact of professional support over and above natural support on participant engagement with the app (primary) as well PTSD symptom severity, depression symptom severity, coping self-efficacy, and perceived social support (secondary).

The procedural overview for Study 1 is as follows: After screening and consent, Veterans will complete a baseline assessment and be randomized to one of the following:

· Delayed treatment

· Renew with study staff support, or

· Renew without study staff support.

Participants will be instructed to use the app for 12 weeks before completing a post-treatment and three-month follow-up assessment. All assessments will be administered online via RedCap, an online survey collection tool. Participants randomized to receive study staff support will be instructed to assign a study staff person (study RA) as a support member in Renew and will receive a minimum of three messages per week from the staff member (or more depending on app usage). Participants randomized to either of the Renew conditions may utilize the app’s support feature with friends or family as they choose. This design allows us to test the effect of professional support on participant engagement and outcomes. After post-treatment, participants in the delayed treatment condition will be offered the Renew condition of their choice.

The participants will be 90 adult men and women who have experienced a traumatic event more than one month ago, have significant PTSD symptoms (as determined by a PCL-5 score ≥ 31), who are fluent in English, and who own an Android mobile device (not accessible via Apple IOS mobile devices). Participants must reside in the continental U.S. and not be engaged in treatment for PTSD during the study period. A sample size of 15-30 participants per cell is expected for feasibility testing and initial outcomes testing in pilot trials (Rounsaville, 2001). Veteran status in neither an inclusion nor an exclusion criterion for this study.

1.2 STUDY 2 GOALS

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the efficacy of a brief peer supported (BPS) version of webSTAIR (BPS webSTAIR) to an enhanced waitlist condition (EWL). BPS webSTAIR is a six-session web-based transdiagnostic program that provides skills training in emotion regulation; participants in this condition will be able to contact a Veteran peer trained in the program to obtain general support plus guidance about program use. In the waitlist control condition, Veterans will be placed on a 10-week waitlist for BPS webSTAIR and be able to contact Veteran peers for general support during the 10 weeks.

The specific aim of Study 2 is to establish the efficacy of BPS webSTAIR in improving emotion regulation, depression and PTSD symptoms and overall functioning.

The procedural overview for Study 2 is as follows: Participants will be recruited from among users of the Vets Prevail website. Those who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria based on a short online screen will be sent an information sheet regarding the study procedures and the study evaluator will call those users to collect a verbal informed consent over the phone and complete a baseline assessment. Individuals accepted into the study will provide the user with access to either BPS webSTAIR or Vets Prevail chat room, depending on their treatment condition assignment. Participants in Brief webSTAIR will complete a posttreatment assessment and two-month follow-up. Participants in EWL will completed a second assessment at 10th week and be offered BPS webSTAIR.

In the BPS webSTAIR condition, participants will work at their own pace to complete the six modules over a period of 10 weeks. Every time the Veteran logs on they will have the opportunity to engage with a Veteran peer for support through the web program. Contacts can last for up to an hour. Veterans will receive a series of automated reminders and engagement emails that the Vets Prevail program sends at various points in the program. In the EWL condition, Veterans will receive a series of automated reminders and engagement emails over a 10-week period following completion of baseline assessments that Vets Prevail program sends at various points in the program.

The participants will be 200 men and women Veterans (100 per condition) who have experienced a traumatic event, have at least minimal PTSD or depression symptoms, and are not currently engaged in trauma focused therapy. To meet the enrollment goal of 200, at least 300 potential participants will need to be recruited from online advertisements to the existing study website at VetsPrevail.org.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

This section intentionally left blank.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide web-based clinical research recruitment and engagement in order to recruit online and manage enrollment for two studies. The Contractor shall provide targeted outreach ad campaigns used to reach the target population using social media and/or search engine advertising platforms. For Study 1 only, the contractor shall develop a user-friendly, interactive study-specific participant recruitment and engagement platform (i.e., a study landing page) that is linked to the advertisements where potential participants can read more about the study, share with others, save the link for future reference, or take the next step towards study participation by signing up online or being redirected to download the study application.

4.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

4.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The PoP shall be shall be 12 months from date of award.

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 shall be performed at Contractor facilities. The Contractor shall identify the Contractor’s place of performance in their proposal submission.

4.3 TRAVEL

The Government anticipates no travel is required to perform the tasks associated with this effort.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall perform the following:

5.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT

5.1.1 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide the COR with Monthly Progress Reports in electronic form in Microsoft Word and Project formats. The report shall include detailed instructions/explanations for each required data element, to ensure that data is accurate and consistent. These reports shall reflect data as of the last day of the preceding Month.

The Monthly Progress Reports shall cover all work completed during the reporting period and work planned for the subsequent reporting period. The report shall also identify any problems that arose and a description of how the problems were resolved. If problems have not been completely resolved, the Contractor shall provide an explanation including their plan and timeframe for resolving the issue. The report shall also include an itemized list of all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) deliverables and their current Section 508 conformance status. The Contractor shall monitor performance against the CPMP and report any deviations. It is expected that the Contractor will keep in communication with VA accordingly so that issues that arise are transparent to both parties to prevent escalation of outstanding issues.

Deliverable:

A. Monthly Progress Report

5.1.2 TECHNICAL INTERCHANGE MEETINGS (TIMS)

The Contractor shall conduct and administratively support TIMs Virtually. During TIMs, the Contractor must prepare, present and discuss with VA specific technical issues covering both Study efforts, including but not limited to: the results of the effort to date, conclusions reached, problems areas impacting progress, projected schedule and the Contractor’s recommendations for recovering from any schedule slippage, as well as discussing/reviewing project content in depth. and other relevant concerns. All above information shall be compiled and placed in an addendum to the Monthly report. The Government anticipate TIMs will normally be conducted weekly until participant enrollment goals are met and less frequently after that as scheduled by the VA

5.2 TARGETED STUDY RECRUITMENT SUPPORT

The Contractor shall develop a targeted recruitment campaign solution for Study 1 and Study 2 that will meet the goals identified in Section 1.1 above. For both studies, the Contractor shall provide relevant technical information and copies of advertisements to facilitate the National Center for PTSD’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission. For both studies, the Contractor will submit up to three iterations of mockups of advertisements to the NCPTSD for approval. For Study 1, the Contractor will also submit up to three iterations of the recruitment and engagement platform to the NCPTSD for approval. Mockups for both the advertisements and the Study 1 landing page will be based on review of available study materials from NCPTSD (protocol, informed consent, ct.gov listing, etc.) to distill most relevant information and shall be developed using 8th grade language.

To accomplish the targeted recruitment campaigns described below, the Contractor shall develop and execute two separate targeted outreach ad campaigns to attain the target population using social media and/or search engine advertising platforms including but not limited to social media sites, such as Facebook, to target advertising. The contractor shall provide advanced analytics on the recruitment campaign performance with views and clicks (Study 1 and Study 2) and surveys and signups (Study 1). These analytics shall be compiled and added as an addendum to the monthly report.

5.2.1 STUDY 1 TARGETED RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

For Study 1, the Contractor shall be responsible for executing a targeted recruitment campaign enrolling 90 participants that meet the study inclusion/exclusion criteria as follows:

Adult men and women who have experienced a traumatic event more than 1 month ago, have significant PTSD symptoms (as determined by a PCL-5 score ≥ 31), who are fluent in English, and who own an Android mobile device. Participants must reside in the continental US and not be engaged in treatment for PTSD during the study period. Veteran status in neither an inclusion nor an exclusion criterion for this study

5.2.2 STUDY 2 TARGETED RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

For Study 2, the Contractor shall be responsible for recruiting (i.e., driving online traffic to the study website; not enrolling) 300 potential participants. The advertisement campaign should be design so as to maximize the proportion of those recruited who meet the following criteria:

Adult men and women Veterans who have experienced a traumatic event and have at least minimal PTSD or depression symptoms, and are not currently engaged in trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Deliverables for 5.2:

A. Provide technical information for IRB application B. Mockups of advertisements for both studies

5.3 STUDY 1 LANDING PAGE

The Contractor shall develop a study landing page specific to Study 1 that will be linked to the online advertisements (i.e., clicking on the ads will take users to the landing page) and integrated with Study 1 participant screening measures so that potential participants may enroll in the study if eligible. The Contractor shall submit up to three iterations of mockups of the study landing page for approval by NCPTSD. The content of this site will be based on review of available study materials from the National Center for PTSD (protocol, informed consent, ct.gov listing, etc.) to distill most relevant information and developed using 8th grade language. The Contractor shall provide a back-end study dashboard or portal, fully operational within 120 Days after contract award that shall be accessible to NCPTSD research staff for the purpose of tracking participant enrollment and flow through the study. This portal shall be accessible to National Center for PTSD study staff to monitor participants through all stages of study participation, including data collection and participant compensation.

Deliverables:

A. Mockups of the study landing page for approval by NCPTSD.

6.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 SECURITY AND PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS

6.1.1 POSITION/TASK RISK DESIGNATION LEVEL(S)

In accordance with VA Handbook 0710, Personnel Security and Suitability Program, the position sensitivity and the level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access for the following tasks within the PWS are:

Position Sensitivity and Background Investigation Requirements by Task

The Tasks identified above and the resulting Position Sensitivity and Background Investigation requirements identify, in effect, the Background Investigation requirements for Contractor individuals, based upon the tasks the particular Contractor individual will be working. The submitted Contractor Staff Roster must indicate the required Background Investigation Level for each Contractor individual based upon the tasks the Contractor individual will be working, in accordance with their submitted proposal.

6.1.2 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Contractor Responsibilities:

1. The Contractor shall prescreen all personnel requiring access to the computer systems to ensure they maintain the appropriate Background Investigation, and are able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

Within 3 business days after award, the Contractor shall provide a roster of Contractor and Subcontractor employees to the COR to begin their background investigations in accordance with the PAL template artifact. The Contractor Staff Roster shall contain the Contractor’s Full Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, individual background investigation level requirement (based upon Section 6.2 Tasks), etc. The Contractor shall submit full Social Security Numbers either within the Contractor Staff Roster or under separate cover to the COR. The Contractor Staff Roster shall be updated and provided to VA within 1 day of any changes in employee status, training certification completion status, Background Investigation level status, additions/removal of employees, etc. throughout the Period of Performance. The Contractor Staff Roster shall remain a historical document indicating all past information and the Contractor shall indicate in the Comment field, employees no longer supporting this contract. The preferred method to send the Contractor Staff Roster or Social Security Number is by encrypted e-mail. If unable to send encrypted e-mail, other methods which comply with FIPS 140-2 are to encrypt the file, use a secure fax, or use a traceable mail service.

1. The Contractor should coordinate with the location of the nearest VA fingerprinting office through the COR. Only electronic fingerprints are authorized. The Contractor shall bring their completed Security and Investigations Center (SIC) Fingerprint request form with them (see paragraph d.4. below) when getting fingerprints taken.

b. The Contractor shall ensure the following required forms are submitted to the COR within 5 days after contract award:

1) Optional Form 306

2) Self-Certification of Continuous Service

3) VA Form 0710

4) Completed SIC Fingerprint Request Form The Contractor personnel shall submit all required information related to their background investigations (completion of the investigation documents (SF85, SF85P, or SF 86) utilizing the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) after receiving an email notification from the Security and Investigation Center (SIC).

The Contractor employee shall certify and release the e-QIP document, print and sign the signature pages, and send them encrypted to the COR for electronic submission to the SIC. These documents shall be submitted to the COR within 3 business days of receipt of the e-QIP notification email. (Note: OPM is moving towards a “click to sign” process. If click to sign is used, the Contractor employee should notify the COR within 3 business days that documents were signed via e-QIP).

1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of all personnel provided to work for VA under this contract. In the event that damages arise from work performed by Contractor provided personnel, under the auspices of this contract, the Contractor shall be responsible for all resources necessary to remedy the incident.

1. A Contractor may be granted unescorted access to VA facilities and/or access to VA Information Technology resources (network and/or protected data) with a favorably adjudicated Special Agreement Check (SAC), completed training delineated in VA Handbook 6500.6 (Appendix C, Section 9), signed “Contractor Rules of Behavior”, and with a valid, operational PIV credential for PIV-only logical access to VA’s network. A PIV card credential can be issued once your SAC has been favorably adjudicated and your background investigation has been scheduled by OPM. However, the Contractor will be responsible for the actions of the Contractor personnel they provide to perform work for VA. The investigative history for Contractor personnel working under this contract must be maintained in the database of OPM.

1. The Contractor, when notified of an unfavorably adjudicated background investigation on a Contractor employee as determined by the Government, shall withdraw the employee from consideration in working under the contract.

Failure to comply with the Contractor personnel security investigative requirements may result in loss of physical and/or logical access to VA facilities and systems by Contractor and Subcontractor employees and/or termination of the contract for default.

Identity Credential Holders must follow all HSPD-12 policies and procedures as well as use and protect their assigned identity credentials in accordance with VA policies and procedures, displaying their badges at all times, and returning the identity credentials upon termination of their relationship with VA.

Deliverable:

A. Contractor Staff Roster

6.2 METHOD AND DISTRIBUTION OF DELIVERABLES

The Contractor shall deliver documentation in electronic format, unless otherwise directed in Section B of the solicitation/contract. Acceptable electronic media include: MS Word 2000/2003/2007/2010, MS Excel 2000/2003/2007/2010, MS PowerPoint 2000/2003/2007/2010, MS Project 2000/2003/2007/2010, MS Access 2000/2003/2007/2010, MS Visio 2000/2002/2003/2007/2010, AutoCAD 2002/2004/2007/2010, and Adobe Postscript Data Format (PDF).

6.3 PERFORMANCE METRICS

The table below defines the Performance Standards and Acceptable Levels of Performance associated with this effort.

2. Efficient and effective in meeting requirements

3. Meets technical needs and mission requirements

4. Provides quality services/products Satisfactory or higher

2. Products completed, reviewed, delivered in accordance with the established schedule

3. Notifies customer in advance of potential problems Satisfactory or higher

2. Personnel possess necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform tasks Satisfactory or higher

The COR will utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) throughout the life of the contract to ensure that the Contractor is performing the services required by this PWS in an acceptable level of performance. The Government reserves the right to alter or change the surveillance methods in the QASP at its own discretion. A Performance Based Service Assessment will be used by the COR in accordance with the QASP to assess Contractor performance.

6.4 FACILITY/RESOURCE PROVISIONS

The Contractor shall request other Government documentation deemed pertinent to the work accomplishment directly from the Government officials with whom the Contractor has contact. The Contractor shall consider the COR as the final source for needed Government documentation when the Contractor fails to secure the documents by other means. The Contractor is expected to use common knowledge and resourcefulness in securing all other reference materials, standard industry publications, and related materials that are pertinent to the work.

6.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

Not Applicable

ADDENDUM A – ADDITIONAL VA REQUIREMENTS, CONSOLIDATED

A1.0 Cyber and Information Security Requirements for VA IT Services The Contractor shall ensure adequate LAN/Internet, data, information, and system security in accordance with VA standard operating procedures and standard PWS language, conditions, laws, and regulations. The Contractor’s firewall and web server shall meet or exceed VA minimum requirements for security. All VA data shall be protected behind an approved firewall. Any security violations or attempted violations shall be reported to the VA Program Manager and VA Information Security Officer as soon as possible. The Contractor shall follow all applicable VA policies and procedures governing information security, especially those that pertain to certification and accreditation.

Contractor supplied equipment, PCs of all types, equipment with hard drives, etc. for contract services must meet all security requirements that apply to Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and Government Owned Equipment (GOE). Security Requirements include: a) VA Approved Encryption Software must be installed on all laptops or mobile devices before placed into operation, b) Bluetooth equipped devices are prohibited within VA; Bluetooth must be permanently disabled or removed from the device, unless the connection uses FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) validated encryption, c) VA approved anti-virus and firewall software, d) Equipment must meet all VA sanitization requirements and procedures before disposal. The COR, CO, the PM, and the Information Security Officer (ISO) must be notified and verify all security requirements have been adhered to.

Each documented initiative under this contract incorporates VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security,” March 12, 2010 by reference as though fully set forth therein. The VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security” shall also be included in every related agreement, contract or order. The VA Handbook 6500.6, Appendix C, is included in this document as Addendum B.

Training requirements: The Contractor shall complete all mandatory training courses on the current VA training site, the VA Talent Management System (TMS) 2.0, and will be tracked therein. The TMS 2.0 may be accessed at https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/ . If you do not have a TMS 2.0 profile, go to https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/ and click on the “Create New User” link on the TMS 2.0 to gain access.

Contractor employees shall complete a VA Systems Access Agreement if they are provided access privileges as an authorized user of the computer system of VA.

A2.0 VA Enterprise Architecture Compliance The applications, supplies, and services furnished under this contract must comply with VA Enterprise Architecture (EA), available at http://www.ea.oit.va.gov/index.asp in force at the time of issuance of this contract, including the Program Management Plan and VA's rules, standards, and guidelines in the Technical Reference Model/Standards Profile (TRMSP). VA reserves the right to assess contract deliverables for EA compliance prior to acceptance.

A2.1. VA Internet and Intranet Standards

The Contractor shall adhere to and comply with VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102, Internet/Intranet Services, including applicable amendments and changes, if the Contractor’s work includes managing, maintaining, establishing and presenting information on VA’s Internet/Intranet Service Sites. This pertains, but is not limited to: creating announcements; collecting information; databases to be accessed, graphics and links to external sites.

Internet/Intranet Services Directive 6102 is posted at (copy and paste the following URL to browser): https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=409&FType=2

Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 is posted at (copy and paste following URL to browser): https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=410&FType=2

A3.0 Notice of the Federal Accessibility Law Affecting All Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Procurements (Section 508)

On January 18, 2017, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) revised and updated, in a single rulemaking, standards for electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by Federal agencies covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as our guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment covered by Section 255 of the Communications Act of 1934. The revisions and updates to the Section 508-based standards and Section 255-based guidelines are intended to ensure that information and communication technology (ICT) covered by the respective statutes is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

A3.1. Section 508 – Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards

The Section 508 standards established by the Access Board are incorporated into, and made part of all VA orders, solicitations and purchase orders developed to procure ICT. These standards are found in their entirety at: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines. A printed copy of the standards will be supplied upon request.

Federal agencies must comply with the updated Section 508 Standards beginning on January 18, 2018. The Final Rule as published in the Federal Register is available from the Access Board: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule.

The Contractor shall comply with “508 Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements” for all electronic ICT and content delivered under this contract. Specifically, as appropriate for the technology and its functionality, the Contractor shall comply with the technical standards marked here:

A3.2. Compatibility with Assistive Technology

The standards do not require installation of specific accessibility-related software or attachment of an assistive technology device. Section 508 requires that ICT be compatible with such software and devices so that ICT can be accessible to and usable by individuals using assistive technology, including but not limited to screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech recognition software.

A3.3. Acceptance and Acceptance Testing

Deliverables resulting from this solicitation will be accepted based in part on satisfaction of the Section 508 Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements standards identified above.

The Government reserves the right to test for Section 508 Compliance before delivery. The Contractor shall be able to demonstrate Section 508 Compliance upon delivery.

A4.0 Physical Security & Safety Requirements:

The Contractor and their personnel shall follow all VA policies, standard operating procedures, applicable laws and regulations while on VA property. Violations of VA regulations and policies may result in citation and disciplinary measures for persons violating the law.

1. The Contractor and their personnel shall wear visible identification at all times while they are on the premises.

2. VA does not provide parking spaces at the work site; the Contractor must obtain parking at the work site if needed. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. VA will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions.

3. Smoking is prohibited inside/outside any building other than the designated smoking areas.

4. Possession of weapons is prohibited.

5. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work, with the exception of software licenses that need to be procured from a Contractor or vendor in accordance with the requirements document. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract.

A5.0 Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure The Contractor shall follow all VA rules and regulations regarding information security to prevent disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized individuals or organizations.

The Contractor may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) and Electronic Protected Health Information (EPHI) that is subject to protection under the regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA); 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and E, the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (“Privacy Rule”); and 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and C, the Security Standard (“Security Rule”). Pursuant to the Privacy and Security Rules, the Contractor must agree in writing to certain mandatory provisions regarding the use and disclosure of PHI and EPHI.

1. The Contractor will have access to some privileged and confidential materials of VA. These printed and electronic documents are for internal use only, are not to be copied or released without permission, and remain the sole property of VA. Some of these materials are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (revised by PL 93-5791) and Title 38. Unauthorized disclosure of Privacy Act or Title 38 covered materials is a criminal offense.

2. The VA CO will be the sole authorized official to release in writing, any data, draft deliverables, final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this contract. The Contractor shall release no information. Any request for information relating to this contract presented to the Contractor shall be submitted to the VA CO for response.

3. Contractor personnel recognize that in the performance of this effort, Contractor personnel may receive or have access to sensitive information, including information provided on a proprietary basis by carriers, equipment manufacturers and other private or public entities. Contractor personnel agree to safeguard such information and use the information exclusively in the performance of this contract. Contractor shall follow all VA rules and regulations regarding information security to prevent disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized individuals or organizations as enumerated in this section and elsewhere in this Contract and its subparts and appendices.

4. Contractor shall limit access to the minimum number of personnel necessary for contract performance for all information considered sensitive or proprietary in nature. If the Contractor is uncertain of the sensitivity of any information obtained during the performance this contract, the Contractor has a responsibility to ask the VA CO.

5. Contractor shall train all of their employees involved in the performance of this contract on their roles and responsibilities for proper handling and nondisclosure of sensitive VA or proprietary information. Contractor personnel shall not engage in any other action, venture or employment wherein sensitive information shall be used for the profit of any party other than those furnishing the information. The sensitive information transferred, generated, transmitted, or stored herein is for VA benefit and ownership alone.

6. Contractor shall maintain physical security at all facilities housing the activities performed under this contract, including any Contractor facilities according to VA-approved guidelines and directives. The Contractor shall ensure that security procedures are defined and enforced to ensure all personnel who are provided access to patient data must comply with published procedures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of such information as required by VA.

7. Contractor must adhere to the following:

a. The use of “thumb drives” or any other medium for transport of information is expressly prohibited.

b. Controlled access to system and security software and documentation.

c. Recording, monitoring, and control of passwords and privileges.

d. All terminated personnel are denied physical and electronic access to all data, program listings, data processing equipment and systems.

e. VA, as well as any Contractor (or Subcontractor) systems used to support development, provide the capability to cancel immediately all access privileges and authorizations upon employee termination.

f. Contractor PM and VA PM are informed within twenty-four (24) hours of any employee termination.

g. Acquisition sensitive information shall be marked "Acquisition Sensitive" and shall be handled as "For Official Use Only (FOUO)".

h. Contractor does not require access to classified data.

8. Regulatory standard of conduct governs all personnel directly and indirectly involved in procurements. All personnel engaged in procurement and related activities shall conduct business in a manner above reproach and, except as authorized by statute or regulation, with complete impartiality and with preferential treatment for none. The general rule is to strictly avoid any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in VA/Contractor relationships.

9. VA Form 0752 shall be completed by all Contractor employees working on this contract, and shall be provided to the CO before any work is performed. In the case that Contractor personnel are replaced in the future, their replacements shall complete VA Form 0752 prior to beginning work.

A6.0 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY USING ENERGY-EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

N/A

A7.0 OEM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

N/A

ADDENDUM B – VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE

APPLICABLE PARAGRAPHS TAILORED FROM: THE VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY LANGUAGE, VA HANDBOOK 6500.6, APPENDIX C, MARCH 12, 2010

GENERAL

Contractors, Contractor personnel, Subcontractors, and Subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

POINTS OF CONTACT

VA Program Manager:

Name: Carmen McLean Address: 795 Willow Rd, Bldg. 334, C-135 Menlo Park, CA 94025

Contracting Officer’s Representative:

Name: Farrel Quadra Address:795 Willow Rd, Bldg. 334, C-135 Menlo Park, CA 94025

Contracting Officer:

Name: Den-el Opuszynski Address:23 Christopher Way Eatontown, NJ 07724

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.