36C10B21Q0439.pdf

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 Neces sary)

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 82

36C10B21Q0439 07-26-2021

Sharon A. Benjamin 848-337-5081 08-05-2021

10:00 EST

Department of Veterans Affairs

Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way

Eatontown NJ 07724

X 100

X

541519

N/A

X

See Delivery Schedule

23 Christopher Way

TBD

Financial Services Center

PO Box 149971

Austin TX 78714-8971

Title: Special Hosting Service

Point of Contact:

Contract Specialist: Sharon A. Benjamin,848-377--5081

Sharon.benjamin@va.gov

Contracting Officer: David J. Sette

David.Sette@va.gov

Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price

X X

36C10B21Q0439

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION…………………………………………….. …4

B.2 GOVERNING LAW………………………………………………………………..5

B.3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.4 SOFTWARE LICENSE, MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

B.5 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.6 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) 42

C.2 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (Jul 2021)……………….. 42

C.3 52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANITY-SEPERATLY PRICED

LINE ITEM (MAR 1989)……………………………………………………………..50

C.4 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR

2000)

C.5 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020) 50

C.6 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND

COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018) (DEVIATION…………………………………………………. 52

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS……….. 53

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998) ………………………………………………………………………………………………54

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT

2020) …………………………………………………….………………………………………………54

E.3 52.204-26 26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR

SERVICES—REPRESENTATION (DEC 2019)

. E.4 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS ((FEB 2021)

E.5 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018)……………76

E.6 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)………………………………………… 78

E7 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)………………………………………78.

E.8 VIP VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT FOR SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN

OWNED BUSINESSES(SDVOSBs)………………………………………………………..79

E.9 BASIS FOR AWARD………………………………………………………………………. 79

E.10 QUOTES SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS……………………………………………..80

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCK

B.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 solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) Request for Quotation (RFQ) 36C10B21Q0439

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-05.

(iv) Notice of total Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) set-aside

(v) See Section B below for the Price Schedule.

(vi) See Section B below for the Performance Work Statement.

(vii) The period performance shall be five years. Freight-On-Board (FOB) is

Destination.

(viii) The provision at 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial,” applies to this acquisition.

(ix) The provision at 52.212-2, “Evaluation -- Commercial Items,” does not apply to this acquisition. See Section E below for the Evaluation procedures and Basis for Award.

(x) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, “Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items,” with its offer. See Section E below for addenda.

(xi) The clause at 52.212-4, “Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items,” applies to this acquisition.

(xii) The clause at 52.212-5, “Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items,” applies to this acquisition.

(xiii) See Section B below regarding requirements for Software License, Maintenance, and Technical Support.

(xv) Proposals are due by 10:00PM ET on August 5, 2021. Please see revised submission instructions in Section E.7.

(xvi) Please contact Contract Specialist Sharon Benjamin, Sharon.Benjamin@va.gov, (848) 377-5108, or Contracting Officer David Sette, David.Sette@va.gov, (848) 377-5041 for information regarding the solicitation.

B.2 GOVERNING LAW

Federal law and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), shall govern this Order. Commercial license agreements may be made a part of this Order but only if both parties expressly make them an addendum hereto, as permitted by FAR 12.212. 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 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 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 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 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 Order or the commercial license agreement or elsewhere, the terms of this clause shall prevail. The Contractor shall deliver to the Government all data first produced under this Order with unlimited rights as defined by FAR 52.227-14. Claims of patent or copyright infringement brought against the Government as a party shall be defended by the U.S.

Department of Justice (DOJ) in accordance with 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 Order must be made by modification (Standard Form 30) and shall only be made by a warranted Contracting Officer. Nothing in this Order or any commercial license agreement shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity.

B.3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10BF1 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:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award

Management, or [] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X Upon receipt of deliverables/services in accordance with Section B.4, Price Schedule]

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contactor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. - https://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

https://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp

B.4 SOFTWARE LICENSE, MAINTENANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

(1). Definitions.

a) Licensee. The term “licensee” shall mean the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) and is synonymous with “Government.”

b) Licensor. The term “licensor” shall mean the Contractor having the necessary license or ownership rights to deliver license, software maintenance and support of the computer software being acquired. The term “Contractor” is the party identif ied in Block 17a on the SF1449. If the Contractor is a reseller and not the Licensor, the Contractor remains responsible for performance under this Contract/Order.

c) Software. The term “software” shall mean the licensed computer software product(s) cited in the Schedule of Supplies/Services.

d) Maintenance. The term “maintenance” is the process of enhancing and optimizing software, as well as remedying defects. It shall include all new fixes, patches, releases, updates, versions and upgrades, as further defined below.

e) Technical Support. The term “technical support” refers to the range of services providing assistance for the software via the telephone, email, a website or otherwise.

f) Release or Update. The term “release” or “update” are terms that ref er to a revision of software that contains defect corrections, minor enhancements or improvements of the software’s functionality. This is usually designated by a change in the number to the right of the decimal point (e.g., from Version 5.3 to 5.4). An example of an update is the addition of new hardware.

g) Version or Upgrade. The term “version” or “upgrade” are terms that refer to a revision of software that contains new or improved functionality. This is usually designated by a change in the number to the left of the decimal point (e.g., from Version 5.4 to 6).

(2). Software License.

a) Unless otherwise stated in the Schedule of Supplies/Services, the Performance Work Statement or Product Description, the software license provided to the Government is a perpetual, nonexclusive license to use the software.

b) The Government may use the sof tware in a networked environment.

c) Any dispute regarding the license grant or usage limitations shall be resolved in accordance with the Disputes Clause incorporated in FAR 52.212-4(d).

d) All limitations of software usage are expressly stated in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and the Performance Work Statement/Product Description.

(3). Software Maintenance and Technical Support.

a) If the Government desires to continue software maintenance and support beyond the period of performance identified in this Contract/Order, the Government will issue a separate contract or order for maintenance and support. Conversely, if a contract or order for continuing software maintenance and technical support is not received, the Contractor is neither authorized nor permitted to renew any of the previously furnished services.

b) The Contractor shall provide software support services, which includes periodic updates, enhancements and corrections to the software, and reasonable technical support, all of which are customarily provided by the Contractor to its commercial customers so as to cause the software to perform according to its specifications, documentation or demonstrated claims.

c) Any telephone support provided by Contractor shall be at no additional cost.

d) The Contractor shall provide all maintenance services in a timely manner in accordance with the Contractor’s customary practice or as defined in the Performance Work Statement or Product Description. However, prolonged delay (exceeding 2 business days) in resolving software problems will be noted in the Government’s various past performance records on the Contractor (e.g., www.cpars.gov).

e) If the Government allows the maintenance and support to lapse and subsequently wishes to reinstate it, any reinstatement fee charged shall not exceed the amounts that would have been charged if the Government had not allowed the subscription to lapse.

(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/Order at no cost.

http://www.cpars.gov/

B.5 PRICE SCHEDULE

NOTE: Vendors are instructed to complete Section B.5 and submit with their quote.

Vendors are cautioned that alterations to the line items as specified below may render quotes unacceptable. All questions shall be directed to the Contract Specialist, Sharon Benjamin, Sharon.Benjamin@va.gov, (848) 377-5081, and Contracting Officer, David Sette, David.Sette@va.gov, (848) 377-5041, prior to the closing date and time specified in the Request for Quote (RFQ).

Inspection: Destination

Acceptance: Destination

Electronic submission to: Veterans Affairs Program Manager (VA PM), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contracting Officer (CO), and Contract Specialist (CS)

Base Period Period of Performance (PoP) shall be 12 months

CLIN Description Quantity

Unit of Measure

Unit Price Total Price

Education System Software as a

Service in accordance with

Product Description Sections

1.3 through 1.9.

This Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD sections

1.3 through 1.9.

The PoP for this CLIN shall be 12 months after award.

The price of CLIN 0001 shall be included in and allocated to all priced CLINs/Sub-Contract Line

Numbers (SLINs) under the

Base Period.

12 MO

Not Separately Priced

(NSP) NSP

0001AA

Weekly Progress Report IAW PD

Section 1.5.

1 LO NSP NSP

mailto:Sharon.Benjamin@va.gov mailto:David.Sette@va.gov

Due seven (7) days ARO and updated weekly until System

Acceptance.

0001AB

Monthly Progress Report IAW PD

Section 1.5.

Due 30 days ARO and updated monthly thereafter.

1 LO NSP NSP

0001AC

FedRAMP System Security Plan

(SSP) and supporting documentation IAW PD Section

1.6.

Due five (5) days ARO.

*Not to exceed 10% of the total base period value.

1 EA $* $*

0001AD

3PAO Security Assessment Plan

(SAP) IAW PD Section 1.6.

Due five (5) days ARO.

*Not to exceed 10% of the total base period value.

1 EA $* $*

0001AE

3PAO Security Assessment

Report (SAR) IAW PD Section 1.6.

Due five (5) days ARO.

*Not to exceed 10% of the total base period value.

1 EA $* $*

0001AF

Test Methodology IAW PD Section

1.7.

Due five (5) days before User

Acceptance Test.

1 EA NSP NSP

0001AG

Test Results IAW PD Section 1.7.

Due five (5) days after User

Acceptance Test.

1 EA NSP NSP

0001AH

Certif ication of Full Operation IAW

PD Section 1.7.

Due one (1) day after VA

Acceptance.

1 EA NSP NSP

0001AJ

Education System SAAS and Maintenance and Operation

Up to

12 MO $ $

Support in accordance with Product Description Sections 1.3, 1.4 and 1.8.

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Sections 1.3, 1.4 and 1.8.

Period of Performance: Up to 12 months, but shall co-terminate with the Base Period.

0001AK

Monthly SAAS Subscription Report IAW PD Section 1.9.

Due 45 days ARO, and updated monthly thereafter 12 EA NSP NSP

Base Period Total: $

Option Period 1 Period of Performance (PoP) shall be 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 immediately after expiration of the Base

Period.

Unit Price

Total Price

Education System SAAS and Maintenance and Operation

Support in accordance with Product Description Sections 1.3,

1.4 and 1.8.

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Sections 1.3,

1.4 and 1.8.

Period of Performance shall be

12 months.

12 MO $ $

Monthly SAAS Subscription Report

IAW PD Section 1.9.

Due monthly. 12 MO NSP NSP

Option Period 1 Total: $

Option Period 2

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 immediately after expiration of the Option

Period 1.

Unit Price

Total Price

Education System SAAS and

Maintenance and Operation Support in accordance with Product Description Sections 1.3, This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the

12 MO $ $

Monthly SAAS Subscription Report

IAW PD Section 1.9.

Due monthly. 12 MO NSP NSP

Option Period 2 Total: $

Option Period 3

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 immediately after expiration of the Option

Period 2.

Unit Price

Total Price

Education System SAAS and

Maintenance and Operation Support in accordance with deliverables required for the successful completion of the

12 MO $ $

Monthly SAAS Subscription Report

IAW PD Section 1.9.

Due monthly.

12 MO NSP NSP

Option Period 3 Total: $

Option Period 4

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 immediately after expiration of the Option Period 3.

Unit Price

Total Price

4001 Education System SAAS and

Maintenance and Operation Support in accordance with deliverables required for the successful completion of the 12 MO $ $

Period of Performance shall be 12 months.

4002 Monthly SAAS Subscription Report IAW

PD Section 1.9.

Due monthly.

12 MO NSP NSP

Option Period 4 Total: $

Grand Total: Base plus all options and optional tasks $

OPTIONAL TASK ONE

This optional task may be exercised IAW FAR 52.217-7, Option for Increased Quantity- Separately Priced Line Item (MAR 1989), at the Government’s discretion at any time and from time-to-time, up to 50 times total, during the base or option periods.

5001 Additional SAAS Storage IAW PD Task 1.10 – 1 Terabyte (TB).

deliverables required for 1TB IAW PD Section 1.10.

Due two (2) days after option exercise. 50 EA $ $

OPTIONAL TASK TWO

Separately Priced Line Item (MAR 1989), at the Government’s discretion at any time, up to 50 times, during the base or option periods.

6001 Additional Data Sources in accordance with Product Description Section 1.11.

deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Sections 1.11.

50 EA $ $

Due 30 days after optional task exercise.

6001AA Test Methodology IAW PD Section 1.11.

Due 5 days before User Acceptance

Test.

1 3 NSP NSP

6001AB Test Results IAW PD Section 1.11.

Due five (5) days after User Acceptance

Test.

1 EA NSP NSP

6001AC Certif ication of Full Operation IAW PD

Section 1.11.

Due one (1) day after VA acceptance.

1 EA NSP NSP

OPTIONAL TASK THREE

Separately Priced Line Item (MAR 1989), at the Government’s discretion, at any time, from time-to-time during the base or option periods.

7001 Additional Subscriptions in accordance with Product Description Section 1.12 – Base Period.

deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Section 1.12.

Subscriptions shall be exercised in blocks of 1,000, up to 10,000 per period of performance.

Period of Performance shall be up to 12 months.

*10,000 users X 12 months

**Unit price equals one month of subscription for one user. 120,000

* MO** $ $

7002 Additional Subscriptions in accordance with Product

Description Section 1.12 – Option Period One.

120,000

* MO** $ $

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Section 1.12.

Subscriptions shall be exercised in

*10,000 users X 12 months

**Unit price equals one month of subscription for one user.

7003 Additional Subscriptions in accordance with Product Description Section 1.12 – Option Period Two.

deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Section 1.12.

Subscriptions shall be exercised in

*10,000 users X 12 months

**Unit price equals one month of subscription for one user.

120,000

* MO** $ $

7004 Additional Subscriptions in accordance with Product Description Section 1.12 – Option Period Three.

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Section 1.12.

120,000

* MO** $ $

Subscriptions shall be exercised in

*10,000 users X 12 months

**Unit price equals one month of subscription for one user.

7005 Additional Subscriptions in accordance with Product Description Section 1.12 – Option

Period Four.

This FFP CLIN includes all labor, materials, project management and deliverables required for the successful completion of the services detailed in PD Section 1.12.

Subscriptions shall be exercised in

*10,000 users X 12 months

**Unit price equals one month of subscription for one user.

120,000

* MO** $ $

GRAND TOTAL – Base Plus all Options and Optional Tasks

B.6 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (PD)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Health Administration

Employee Education System

Special Hosting Service

Date: 07/13/ 2021

VA-21-000446670

PD VERSION NUMBER: 4.0

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) existing Talent Management System (TMS), while powerful in many ways, is limited in others. It cannot collect custom parameters or display usage and interaction data based on those parameters. It also relies on a limited static content server rather than a true content management system, meaning that VA Employee Education

System (EES) cannot dynamically manage any of its learning content that is deployed on TMS.

These limitations do not affect a large percentage of EES’s work, for which the VA TMS is appropriate.

However, as learning technology evolves and VA becomes more invested in delivering highly targeted, personalized learning, the ability to collect custom data and adjust the learning content in a way that best benefits the individual learner is becoming crucial for a small number of programs. Currently, each of these items of learning content are being deployed on separate vendor servers, each of which have different specifications and have to be individually put through VA Office of Information and Technology’s (OIT) software as a service (SaaS) process, which includes the need to be FedRAMP compliant. This causes a heavy (and sometimes impossible in the case of FedRAMP) burden to both the vendor and EES.

This proposed EES SaaS system will enable VA to have a single vehicle for all learning content that has custom data collection and content requirements which are not available within the current standard TMS delivery parameters. This EES SaaS system will provide VA with the following benefits over standard VA TMS content deployment:

1. Real-time data collection using Experience Application Programming Interface (xAPI)

2. Customizable analytics linked to learner objectives

3. Customizable dashboards for stakeholders

4. Easily accessible, open source, interchangeable data

The SaaS offering must be hosted within the United States and data stored / processed / transmitted within the offering must remain within the United States.

The Federal Chief Information Officer (CIO) has confirmed that for SaaS, agencies have the option of: (1) leveraging a Provisional Authority to Operate (ATO) completed by the Joint

Authorization Board; (2) leveraging an ATO completed by another agency, or (3) conducting their own ATO. However, if either the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) or another agency has already gone through the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process with the cloud service provider then we encourage the agency to leverage the work already done. This is less burdensome for both the agencies and the service providers. Regardless of the approach, VA will be using the FedRAMP baselines as a starting point, since they are specifically tailored for cloud services.

1.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance (PoP) is a 12-month base period with four (4) 12-month option periods and three (3) Optional Tasks. The total task order period of performance shall not exceed 60 months.

1.3 PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide VA an Education System as a SaaS managed service solution, hosted on a FedRAMP certif ied cloud platform, with the ability to accept/export standardized data with VA’s System of Record (SOR) for training. The Education System shall be accessible and operational within 30 days after task order award.

The Contractor shall provide access to the Education System to include a Moodle learning management system, utilization of the xAPI specification, the incorporation of Learning Record Store (LRS), a reporting system for activity in Moodle and the LRS, and hosted by a FedRAMP-low compliant content server.

Table 1- The following table contains a combination of both brand name and open source products/configurations that VA knows would meet the below salient characteristics (See Section 1.4). Should the Offeror propose “or equivalent” products/solution, the Offeror shall demonstrate that the proposed product(s) meet the salient characteristics in Section 1.4 below:

Item

Number

Name and Description Base Period

Quantities

Option

Periods

Quantities

1 Moodle Learning Management Solution (LMS) as a Vendor Hosted SaaS solution

1. FedRAMP low certif ied

2. Supports four (4) data sources (input sources) initially. (VA anticipates 10 hours technical FTE support per data source)

3. 5,000 subscriptions (non-concurrent)

(approximately 2,000 concurrent)

4. 1 Terabyte of Data Storage

5. Training for users and admins on a quarterly basis

1 1

Item

Number

Name and Description Base Period

Quantities

Option

Periods

Quantities

2 Learning Record Store (LRS)

1. xAPI supporting native Moodle xAPI plugin

2. SCORM 2004/xAPI delivery platform

(supports modular configured content for test-out options)

a. Supports HTML5, Java Scrip, and

JSON. reads and writes xAPI statements

3. Supports Natural Language processing with xAPI

1 1

3 Maintenance and Operation Support (see Section

1.8)

From initial implementation through the end of the Base

Period

12 months

1.4 SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS

1.4.1 Learning Record Store

1. Learning record store/learning analytics combination

2. xAPI support, including unlimited statements and activities

3. Customizable Dashboards

4. Analytics linked to learner objectives

5. Learning program analysis

6. Custom report builder

7. Dynamic report sharing

8. Unlimited data export

9. Report embedding

10. Data download to .csv file

11. Online training available for users as well as admins (The Contractor shall provide quarterly virtual training)

1.4.2 Learning Management System and Hosting

1. Open-source LMS that is widely used

2. Course-based learning platform that is modular:

a. Includes collaboration tools like forums, wikis, chats, file sharing, ePortfolios, and blogs

b. Includes thousands of plug-in modules for expansion, like podcasting, quiz games, etc.

3. Highly customizable

4. Scalable to any size user group

5. Ability to accept/export data using standard formats from VA’s SOR for training

6. Large and strong community and extensive documentation for support

7. Support for certification, gamification, and badges

8. Support for SCORM and xAPI

9. Support for inclusion of all standard web content types, such as HTML, JavaScript, video, audio, images.

10. Mobile-friendly

11. Online training available for users as well as admins (The Contractor shall provide quarterly virtual training)

1.4.3 Systems and Security

1. FedRAMP Low certif ied

2. Availability of 99.9% uptime

3. Maintenance and Operations Support, see Section 1.8

1.5 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide Weekly Progress Reports in electronic form in Microsoft Word and Project formats until EES System Acceptance. The report shall include detailed instructions/explanations for each required data element, to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

The Weekly 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. These reports shall reflect data as of the last day of the preceding week. The report shall also include an itemized list of all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) deliverables and their current Section 508 conformance status. 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.

After EES System Acceptance, the Contractor shall provide only Monthly Progress Reports in electronic form in Microsoft Word and Project formats throughout the Period of Performance. The report shall include detailed instructions/explanations for each required data element, to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

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. These reports shall reflect data as of the last day of the preceding month. The report shall also include an itemized list of all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) deliverables and their current Section 508 conformance status. 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.

Deliverables:

A. Weekly Progress Report

B. Monthly Progress Report

1.6 ASSESSMENT, AUTHORIZATION, and CONTINUOUS MONITORING

1. The information system solution selected by the Contractor shall comply with the Federal

Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

2. The Contractor shall comply with FedRAMP requirements as mandated by Federal laws and policies, including making available any documentation, physical access, and logical access needed to support this requirement.

3. Following guidance from the Federal CIO, VA will utilize existing JAB ATO or agency

ATO issued by another agency as a starting point for FedRAMP requirements. If neither of those exist, VA will sponsor FedRAMP ATO. VA will be using the FedRAMP baselines as a starting point, since they are specifically tailored for cloud services.

4. The Contractor shall, where applicable, assist with the VA ATO Process to help achieve agency authorization of the cloud service or migrated application.

5. The Contractor shall complete a FedRAMP System Security Plan (SSP) and supporting documentation within 30 days after contract award.

6. The Contractor shall complete a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) Security

Assessment Plan (SAP) within 75 days after contract award.

7. The Contractor shall complete a 3PAO Security Assessment Report (SAR) within 90 days after contract award.

8. The Contractor shall afford VA access to the Contractor’s and Cloud Service Provider’s

(CSP) facilities, installations, technical capabilities, operations, documentation, records, and databases.

9. If new or unanticipated threats or hazards are discovered by either VA or the Contractor, or if existing safeguards have ceased to function, the discoverer shall immediately bring the situation to the attention of the other party in accordance with the security requirements in Addendum B.

10. The Contractor shall not release any data without the consent of VA in writing. All requests for release must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR)/Contracting Officer (CO).

11. In order for live VA data to be used in this system, a FedRAMP Authorization and

Agency ATO will be required.

Deliverables:

A. FedRAMP System Security Plan (SSP) and supporting documentation

B. 3PAO Security Assessment Plan (SAP)

C. 3PAO Security Assessment Report (SAR)

1.7 USER ACCEPTANCE

The Contractor, in conjunction with VA Support teams as appropriate, shall verify through testing, that all EES System functions and interfaces are operational and all data is t ransferred to and from the appropriate system according to the business requirement. The Contractor shall also ensure that it complies with all VA security protocols. The Contractor shall provide VA with a copy of the Test Methodology and final Test Results. VA will provide the Test Data to include

SCORM 2004 and xAPI learning content, Moodle LMS data, and data from the Virtual Medical

Center (VMC) https://www.fedramp.gov/agency-authorization/

During the testing, the Contractor shall verify that the EES System is fully operational and meets all the performance requirements. The Contractor shall test and verify that all system functions and requirements are met and operational.

The Contractor shall submit the Test Results and Certif ication of Full Operation to the VA PM and COR for acceptance.

Deliverables:

A. Test Methodology

B. Test Results

C. Certif ication of Full Operation

1.8 MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION SUPPORT

The Contractor shall provide hosting to include operations and maintenance and support that provides, at a minimum:

1. Toll-Free telephone or online support to contact technical expert to resolve technical issues and online submission of support requests with ability to view and update support request over the web.

2. The following response times on incidents (During the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m

Eastern Standard Time):

a. CRITICAL (Priority 1) — Response Time: 1 Hour - the problem results in extremely serious interruptions to a production system. It has affected, or could affect, the entire user community. Tasks that should be executed immediately cannot be executed because of a complete crash of the system or interruptions in main functions of the production system. Data integrity is compromised, and the service request requires immediate processing as the issue can result in financial losses. In a desktop application, whether part of, or independent of a solution, the issue is at risk of creating imminent financial losses due to missing critical project deadlines or deliverables. The customer shall call the vendor’s support line for all critical priority 1 issues.

b. URGENT (Priority 2) — Response Time: 2 Hours - the problem results in serious interruptions to normal operations, will negatively impact an enterprise-wide installation, urgent deadlines or at risk. In a production system, important tasks cannot be performed, but the error does not impair essential operations. Processing can still continue in a restricted manner, and data integrity may be at risk. In a pre-production environment, the problem hinders deployment of an enterprise installation. In a desktop application, meeting urgent project deadlines that have a financial impact are at risk. The service request requires timely processing, because the malfunction could cause serious interruptions to cri tical processes or negatively impact business.

c. IMPORTANT (Priority 3) — Response Time: 4 Hours - the problem causes interruptions in normal operations. It does not prevent operation of a production system, or there could be minor degradation in performance. The error is attributed to malfunctioning or incorrect behavior of the program. The issue will affect a pilot or proof-of-concept deadline in a development environment. In a desktop application, meeting important project deadlines may be at risk.

d. MINOR (Priority 4) — Response Time: 1 Business Day - the problem results in minimal or no interruptions to normal operations (no business impact). The issue consists of "how to" questions including issues related to APIs and integration, installation and conf iguration inquiries, enhancement requests, or documentation questions.

3. User Management capability (system administration for user admin rights and the ability to add/edit users at the system level)

4. Software maintenance to include product updates or upgrades and maintenance releases

5. A service availability of 99.9% uptime with ongoing backup and redundancy as part of the platform

1.9 SUBSCRIPTION MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall provide a monthly SAAS Subscription report identifying current subscriptions and user activities (access, logins, activity by data source).

A. Monthly SAAS Subscription Report

1.10 ADDITIONAL SAAS STORAGE (OPTIONAL TASK 1)

If this Optional Task is exercised by VA, the Contractor shall provide an additional 1TB of

Storage Space for additional content. This optional task may be exercised in the Base or any

Option Period, in increments of 1TB, not exceeding 10TB per contract year.

1.11 ADDITIONAL DATA SOURCES (OPTIONAL TASK 2)

If this Optional Task is exercised by VA, the Contractor shall provide additional data sources for additional content. The optional task would be to bring in additional data sources. The VA anticipates 10 hours of technical FTE support per data source.

The Contractor shall perform all tasks, and provide all associated deliverables in Section 1.7, User Acceptance Test, for each data source.

This optional task may be exercised in the Base or any Option Period in increments of one data source at a time, not exceeding 10 per contract year.

A. Test Methodology

B. Test Results

C. Certif ication of Full Operation

1.12 ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS (OPTIONAL TASK 3)

If this Optional Task is exercised by VA, the Contractor shall provide an additional 1,000 active software subscriptions for the SaaS Hosted Education System. This Optional Task may be exercised in the Base or any Option Period in increments of 1,000 active subscriptions, not to exceed 10,000 active subscriptions per contract year.

Deliverable:

A. Additional Subscriptions

2.0 OPTION PERIODS

If any Option Period is exercised by VA, the Contractor shall continue to provide the subscriptions and support of the SaaS vendor hosted Education System and shall continue to perform all tasks and their subsections, including all associated deliverables (with the exception of Section 1.4 Salient Characteristics).

3.0 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.

3.1 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.

https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule 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:

E205 Electronic Content – (Accessibility Standard -WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA

Guidelines, or current WCAG version)

E204 Functional Performance Criteria

E206 Hardware Requirements

E207 Software Requirements

E208 Support Documentation and Services Requirements

3.2 COMPATABILITY 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.

3.3 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 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.

4.0 INFORMATION SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

All VA sensitive information shall be protected at all times in accordance with local security field office System Security Plans (SSP’s) and Authority to Operate (ATO)’s for all systems/LAN’s accessed while performing the tasks detailed in this Product Description.

5.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 VA TECHNICAL REFERENCE MODEL

The Contractor shall support the VA enterprise management framework. In association with the framework, the Contractor shall comply with OI&T Technical Reference Model (VA TRM). The

VA TRM is one component within the overall Enterprise Architecture (EA) that establishes a common vocabulary and structure for describing the information technology used to develop, operate, and maintain enterprise applications. Moreover, the VA TRM, which includes the

Standards Profile and Product List, serves as a technology roadmap and tool for supporting

OI&T. Architecture & Engineering Services (AES) has overall responsibility for the VA TRM.

5.2 TRUSTED INTERNET CONNECTION (TIC)

The Contractor solution shall meet the requirements outlined in Office of Management and

Budget Memorandum M08-05 mandating Trusted Internet Connections (TIC)

(https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/f y2008/m08-05.pdf), M08-23 mandating Domain Name System Security (NSSEC)

(https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/f y2008/m08-23.pdf), and shall comply with the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Reference

Architecture Document, Version 2.0.

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2008/m08-05.pdf https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2008/m08-05.pdf https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2008/m08-23.pdf https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/memoranda/fy2008/m08-23.pdf

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

1. 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.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A Contractor/Subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, Subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All Contractors, Subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with

VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for Contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and

Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security…