36C10B24R0008.docx

SUBJECT*

Request for Proposal: 36C10B24R0008 Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services

GENERAL INFORMATION

Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Terricia Lloyd Terricia.Lloyd@va.gov 512-981-4453

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

ADDRESS

POSTAL CODE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

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

1. Solicitation 36C10B24R0008 is issued as a Request for Proposal.

2. Solicitation Issue Date: December 1, 2023.

3. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-01, effective November 14, 2023.

4. The solicitation is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Set-Aside under North American Industry Classification System Code 541519, Other Computer Related Services, and the associated small business size standard is $34M.

5. The following are the Terms and Conditions for Request for Proposal (RFP) 36C10B24R0008. Any resultant award will be issued on a Standard Form (SF) 1449 and will include Sections B, C, and D; Section E will be removed at time of award.

6. See the solicitation for the following information:

a. List of contract line items.

b. Description of requirement.

c. Performance Periods.

d. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, and addenda.

e. FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items.

f. FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, and addenda.

g. FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items.

h. Other terms and conditions.

7. Proposal Due Date: Submissions are due no later than 10:00 am on December 8, 2023. Late submissions will not be accepted for evaluation. To avoid submission of late proposals, we recommend the transmission of your proposals file 24 hours prior to the required proposal due date and time. Please be advised that timeliness is determined by the date and time an Offeror’s proposal is received by the Government and not when an Offeror attempted transmission.

Proposal Submission: The Offeror’s proposal shall be submitted electronically by the date and time indicated in the solicitation via electronic mail to Terricia Lloyd, Terricia.Lloyd@va.gov. Offeror’s responses shall conform to the solicitation.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

RFP 36C10B24R0008

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: To Be Determined

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10B, To Be Provided Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center 23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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

See website at: http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

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

B.2 GOVERNING LAW

Federal law and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), shall govern this Contract/Order. Commercial license agreements may be made a part of this Contract/Order but only if both parties expressly make them an addendum hereto, 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 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 (shrink-wrap), 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. The Contractor shall deliver to the Government all data first produced under this Contract/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 Contract/Order must be made by contract/order modification (Standard Form 30) and shall only be made 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.3 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 identified 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 refer 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 software 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.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall provide Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services.

The Contractor shall provide Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services in accordance with the Performance Work Statement. All work to be accomplished shall meet the specifications outlined in the PWS.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination.

Product Service Code (PSC): DA01

Integrated Purchase Request (IPR): To Be Provided at Award (TBP).

IPR LINE Number: TBP ARM No.: TBP

Transition-In Period: December 22, 2023, through December 31, 2023

Performance Period: January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024

Deliver To Point of Contact: TBP at Award

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver web content support for NCA digital services IAW Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.7 and associated subparagraphs of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after contract award.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the kickoff meeting presentation IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 of this herein

(LT)

Performance: Due 10 days after contract award and updated monthly thereafter.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a contractor project management plan IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

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

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a monthly progress report IAW section 5.1.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 14 days after completion of the Analysis.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a digital media products analysis reports IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein

Performance: Due 30 days after contract award and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the digital service document IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due seven (7) business days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the monthly NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 of this herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated annually.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the annual NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due three (3) days after award and updated throughout the PoP.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the contractor staff roster IAW section 6.2.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due ten (10) days after award.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the contractor staff roster IAW section 51.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Base Period Total

$TBP

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 period shall commence immediately after expiration of the previous period of performance.

Option Period 1:

Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services.

Performance Period: January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025 (if exercised).

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination.

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Deliver To Point of Contact: TBP

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver web content support for NCA digital services IAW Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and associated subparagraphs of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the kickoff meeting presentation IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 10 days after commencement of option and updated monthly thereafter.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a contractor project management plan IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

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

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a monthly progress report IAW section 5.1.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 14 days after completion of the Analysis.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a digital media products analysis reports IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the digital service document IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due seven (7) business days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the monthly NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the annual NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due three (3) days after commencement of option and updated throughout the PoP.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the contractor staff roster IAW section 6.2.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Option Period 1 Total

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 period shall commence immediately after expiration of the previous period of performance.

Option Period 2:

Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination.

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Performance Period: January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026 (if exercised).

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver web content support for NCA digital services IAW Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and associated subparagraphs of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the kickoff meeting presentation IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 10 days after commencement of option and updated monthly thereafter.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a contractor project management plan IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

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

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a monthly progress report IAW section 5.1.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 14 days after completion of the Analysis.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a digital media products analysis reports IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the digital service document IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due seven (7) business days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the monthly NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated annually.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the annual NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due three (3) days after commencement of option and updated throughout the PoP.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the contractor staff roster IAW section 6.2.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Option Period 2 Total

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 period shall commence immediately after expiration of the previous period of performance.

Option Period 3: Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination.

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Performance Period: January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027 (if exercised).

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver web content support for NCA digital services IAW Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and associated subparagraphs of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the kickoff meeting presentation IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 10 days after commencement of option and updated monthly thereafter.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a contractor project management plan IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

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

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a monthly progress report IAW section 5.1.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 14 days after completion of the Analysis.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a digital media products analysis reports IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the digital service document IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due seven (7) business days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the monthly NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated annually.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the annual NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due three (3) days after commencement of option and updated throughout the PoP.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the contractor staff roster IAW section 6.2.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Option Period 3 Total

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 period shall commence immediately after expiration of the previous period of performance.

Option Period 4: Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination.

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Performance Period: January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2028 (if exercised).

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver web content support for NCA digital services IAW Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and associated subparagraphs of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the kickoff meeting presentation IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 o herein.

Performance: Due 10 days after commencement of option and updated monthly thereafter.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a contractor project management plan IAW section 5.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

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

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a monthly progress report IAW section 5.1.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 14 days after completion of the Analysis.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a digital media products analysis reports IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after commencement of option and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the digital service document IAW section 5.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due seven (7) business days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated monthly.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the monthly NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Databook Excel file and updated annually.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the annual NCA Intranet XML file IAW section 5.2.1 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due three (3) days after commencement of option and updated throughout the PoP.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the contractor staff roster IAW section 6.2.2 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Option Period 4 Total

Content Support Services Option Task(s) 1

IAW FAR 52.217-7 Option to Increase Quantities– Separately Priced Line Items The Government may unilaterally exercise at its discretion and in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, the following optional task(s). The contractor shall perform only if the Government issues a modification to the contract exercising the option. This optional task may be exercised up to four times. Each CLIN represent 1 instance. Option CLINs must be exercised within 48-months of award.

Delivery Details: TBD when exercised

Content Support Services

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 1.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.4 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Content Support Services

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 1.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.4 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Content Support Services

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 1.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.4 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Content Support Services

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 1.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.4 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Content Support Services Optional Task Total

GA4 Recommendations Option Task(s) 2

The Government may unilaterally exercise at its discretion and in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, the following optional task(s). The contractor shall perform only if the Government issues a modification to the contract exercising the option. Option CLINs must be exercised within 48-months of award.

Delivery Details: TBD when exercised

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 2

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.5 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Excel file

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the GA4 analysis reports IAW section 5.5 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Excel file

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver training materials IAW section 5.5 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due 30 days after receipt of the Excel file

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the instructor led recorded training IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Optional Task 6001 Total

NCA Internet Dashboards Optional Task 3

The Government may unilaterally exercise at its discretion and in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, the following optional task(s). The contractor shall perform only if the Government issues a modification to the order exercising the option. This optional task may be exercised up to three times. Each CLIN and associated SLINs represent 1 instance. Optional CLIN(s) must be exercised within 48-months of award.

Delivery Details: TBD when exercised

NCA Internet Dashboards

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 3.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Draft due 45 days after commencement of optional task 3 and final due 15 days after receipt Government comments.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the NCA internet dashboards design document IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the dashboards IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Deliverable: NCA Internet Dashboards

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 3.

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Draft due 45 days after commencement of optional task 3 and final due 15 days after receipt Government comments.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the NCA internet dashboards design document IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the dashboards IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Deliverable: NCA Internet Dashboards

Performance: 12-months after commencement of optional task 3

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a 12-month effort for services IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Draft due 45 days after commencement of optional task 3 and final due 15 days after receipt Government comments.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the NCA internet dashboards design document IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver the dashboards IAW section 5.6 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

NCA Internet Dashboards Optional Task Total

Transition Support Option Task

The Government may unilaterally exercise at its discretion and in accordance with FAR 52.217-7, the following optional task. The contractor shall perform only if the Government issues a modification to the order exercising the option. This optional task may be exercised one time and the 90-day period of performance of the Optional Task shall not exceed the overall contract period of performance of 60 months.

Delivery Details: TBD when exercised

Performance: 90 days after commencement of optional task

Inspection/Acceptance/FOB: Destination

PSC: DA01

IPR Number: TBD IPR LINE Number: TBD ARM No.: TBD

Descriptive Data: This is a three (3) month effort for services IAW section 5.8 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: 30 days after the optional task is exercised.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver Transition Support and Plan IAW section 5.8 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

Performance: Due at contract close out.

Descriptive Data: The contractor shall deliver a certificate of transition completion IAW section 5.8 of the PWS set forth in Section B.5 herein.

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

National Cemetery Administration Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovations

Website Content Management Support for National Cemetery Administration Digital Services

Date: November 27, 2023

VA-23-00082626

PWS Version Number: 1.0

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Office of Engagement and Memorial Innovations, Digital Services uses internet and intranet sites to educate the public about memorial products and services designed to honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s Veterans. NCA provides access to online applications, tools, and services that assist Veterans, families, Next of Kin, survivors, and other stakeholders, such as funeral homes. The NCA internet also serves as a tool to drive traffic to the Veteran Legacy Memorial website, an interactive online memorialization website with profile pages for nearly 10 million Veterans.

The NCA internet website houses historical materials and presents an opportunity for researchers, amateurs, students, and other professionals to learn more about our nation's heroes, as well as find and use educational information about Veterans and national cemeteries. In addition, the NCA website provides access to grant applications and information through the Veteran Legacy Grant Program and the Veteran Cemetery Grant Program for State, Tribal and Territory cemeteries.

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

In the performance of the tasks associated with this Performance Work Statement, the Contractor shall comply with the following:

1. 44 U.S.C. § 3541-3549, “Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002”

2. “Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014”

3. Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 140-2, “Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules”

4. FIPS Pub 199. “Standards for Security Categorization of Federal Information and Information Systems,” February 2004

5. FIPS Pub 200, “Minimum Security Requirements for Federal Information and Information Systems,” March 2006

6. FIPS Pub 201-2, “Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors,” August 2013

7. 10 U.S.C. § 2224, "Defense Information Assurance Program"

8. 5 U.S.C. § 552a, as amended, “The Privacy Act of 1974.”

9. Public Law 109-461, Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006, Title IX, Information Security Matters

10. 42 U.S.C. § 2000d “Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”

11. VA Directive 0710, “Personnel Security and Suitability Program,” June 4, 2010, https://www.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm

12. VA Handbook 0710, “Personnel Security and Suitability Program,” May 2, 2016, https://www.va.gov/vapubs/index.cfm

13. VA Directive and Handbook 6102, “Internet/Intranet Services,” August 5, 2019

14. 36 C.F.R. Part 1194 “Information and Communication Technology Standards and Guidelines,” January 18, 2017

15. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130, “Managing Federal Information as a Strategic Resource,” July 28, 2016

16. 32 C.F.R. Part 199, “Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS)”

17. NIST SP 800-66 Rev. 1, “An Introductory Resource Guide for Implementing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule,” October 2008

18. Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d), as amended, January 18, 2017

19. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (12) (HSPD-12), August 27, 2004

20. VA Directive 6500, “VA Cybersecurity Program,” February 24, 2021

21. VA Handbook 6500, “Risk Management Framework for VA Information Systems VA Information Security Program,” February 24, 2021

22. VA Handbook 6500.2, “Management of Breaches Involving Sensitive Personal Information (SPI),” March 12, 2019

23. VA Handbook 6500.5, “Incorporating Security and Privacy into the System Development Lifecycle,” March 22, 2010

24. VA Handbook 6500.6, “Contract Security,” March 12, 2010

25. VA Handbook 6500.8, “Information System Contingency Planning,” April 6, 2011

26. VA Handbook 6500.10, “Mobile Device Security Policy,” February 15, 2018

27. VA Handbook 6500.11, “VA Firewall Configuration,” August 22, 2017

28. OIT Process Asset Library (PAL), https://www.va.gov/process/ . Reference Process Maps at https://www.va.gov/process/maps.asp and Artifact templates at https://www.va.gov/process/artifacts.asp

29. One-VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) (reference at https://www.va.gov/trm/TRMHomePage.aspx)

30. VA Directive 6508, “Implementation of Privacy Threshold Analysis and Privacy Impact Assessment,” October 15, 2014

31. VA Handbook 6508.1, “Procedures for Privacy Threshold Analysis and Privacy Impact Assessment,” July 30, 2015

32. VA Handbook 6510, “VA Identity and Access Management,” January 15, 2016

33. VA Directive and Handbook 6513, “Secure External Connections,” October 12, 2017

34. VA Directive 6300, “Records and Information Management,” September 21, 2018

35. VA Handbook, 6300.1, “Records Management Procedures, “March 24, 2010

36. NIST SP 800-37 Rev 2, “Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations: A System Life Cycle Approach for Security and Privacy,” December 2018

37. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, “Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations,” September 23, 2020 (includes updates as of 12/10/2020)

38. VA Directive 0735, “Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Program,” October 26, 2015

39. VA Handbook 0735, “Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) Program,” March 24, 2014

40. OMB Memorandum 05-24, “Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 – Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors,” August 5, 2005

41. OMB Memorandum M-19-17, “Enabling Mission Delivery Through Improved Identity, Credential, and Access Management,” May 21, 2019

42. OMB Memorandum, “Guidance for Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 12 Implementation,” May 23, 2008

43. Federal Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) Roadmap and Implementation Guidance, December 2, 2011, (NOTE: Part A of the FICAM Roadmap and Implementation Guidance, v2.0, was replaced in 2015 with an updated Architecture (https://arch.idmanagement.gov/#what-is-the-ficam-architecture)

44. NIST SP 800-116 Rev 1, “Guidelines for the Use of Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credentials in Facility Access, “June 2018

45. NIST SP 800-63-3, 800-63A, 800-63B, 800-63C, “Digital Identity Guidelines,” updated March 02, 2020

46. NIST SP 800-157, “Guidelines for Derived PIV Credentials,” December 2014

47. NIST SP 800-164, “Guidelines on Hardware-Rooted Security in Mobile Devices (Draft),” October 2012

48. Draft National Institute of Standards and Technology Interagency Report (NISTIR) 7981, “Mobile, PIV, and Authentication,” March 2014

49. VA Memorandum, VAIQ #7100147, “Continued Implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12),” April 29, 2011 (reference https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514)

50. IAM Identity Management Business Requirements Guidance document, May 2013, (reference Enterprise Architecture Section, PIV/IAM (reference https://www.voa.va.gov/documentlistpublic.aspx?NodeID=514)

51. VA Memorandum “Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Logical Access Policy Clarification,” July 17, 2019, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4896

52. Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) 3.0 Core Guidance Documents, https://www.cisa.gov/publication/tic-30-core-guidance-documents

53. OMB Memorandum M-19-26, “Update to the Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) Initiative,” September 12, 2019

54. OMB Memorandum M-08-23, “Securing the Federal Government’s Domain Name System Infrastructure,” August 22, 2008

55. Sections 524 and 525 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, (Public Law 110–140), December 19, 2007

56. Section 104 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, (Public Law 109–58), August 8, 2005

57. Executive Order 13834, “Efficient Federal Operations,” dated May 17, 2018

58. Executive Order 13221, “Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices,” August 2, 2001

59. VA Directive 0058, “VA Green Purchasing Program,” July 19, 2013

60. VA Handbook 0058, “VA Green Purchasing Program,” July 19, 2013

61. Office of Information Security (OIS) VAIQ #7424808 Memorandum, “Remote Access,” January 15, 2014, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28

62. Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, 40 U.S.C. §11101 and §11103

63. “Veteran Focused Integration Process (VIP) Guide 4.0,” January 2021, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4371

64. VA Memorandum “Proper Use of Email and Other Messaging Services,” January 2, 2018, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentListPublic.aspx?NodeId=28

65. “DevSecOps Product Line Management Playbook” version 2.0, May 2021, https://www.voa.va.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DocumentID=4946

66. NIST SP 500-267B Revision 1, “USGv6 Profile,” November 2020

67. OMB Memorandum M-21-07, “Completing the Transition to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6),” November 19, 2020

68. Social Security Number (SSN) Fraud Prevention Act of 2017

69. Section 240 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2018, March 23, 2018

70. VA UX Style Guide, https://www.va.gov/web/standards/styles.cfm

71. A Digital Services Handbook Research and Discovery Checklist https://department-of-veterans-affairs.github.io/va-digital-service-handbook/delivery/research-and-discovery/checklist

72. The Digital Analytics Program, https://digital.gov/dap/

73. VA Design System, https://design.va.gov/

74. United States Web Design System, https://designsystem.digital.gov

75. VA Tier 1 graphic standards guide, https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=695&FType=2

76. VA Web Governance Directive 6102, https://digital.va.gov/web-governance/

77. Web Governance - Style Guide, https://digital.va.gov/web-governance/standards-and-policies/style-guide/

78. OIT Design Guide -Policies (va.gov)

79. Office of Management and Budget (OMB)Memorandum M-99-18 – Privacy Policies on Federal Websites.

80. OMB Memorandum M-17-06 – Policies for Federal Agency Public Websites and Digital Services.

81. Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations Part 2635 – Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.

82. Title 5 United States Code Section 301 – Departmental Regulations.

83. Memorandum For The Heads Of Executive Departments and Agencies (whitehouse.gov)

84. Checklist of Requirements for Federal Websites and Digital Services

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall develop, enhance, integrate, promote content to staging and production, perform testing, and maintain NCA internet and intranet presence. The Contractor shall provide website content management and functionality support, using programming language code in Content Management Systems (CMS) for responsive internet and intranet websites to work as intended on mobile devices, tablets, laptop, and desktop. The Contractor shall provide professional technical and consulting services to include content management design and lessons learned.

4.0 PERFORMANCE DETAILS

4.1 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The base Period of Performance (PoP) includes Transition-In services December 22, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Immediately following the Transition-In, the base period shall be January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025, with four 12-month Option Periods and five Optional Tasks that may be exercised anytime during performance.

The optional tasks have the following performance periods:

Optional Task 1: PWS 5.4, Content Support has a 12-month PoP and may be exercised up to four times.

Optional Task 2: PWS 5.5, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Recommendations, has a 12-month PoP.

Optional Task 3: PWS 5.6, NCA Internet Dashboards, has a 12-month PoP and may be exercised up to three times.

Optional Task 4: PWS 5.8, Transition-Out Support and Plan, has a three-month PoP.

The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options, shall not exceed 60-months.

There are 11 Federal holidays set by law (USC Title 5 Section 6103) that VA follows:

Under current definitions, five 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 remotely. The Contractor shall identify the Contractor’s place of performance in their proposal submission. The Contractor shall notify the COR if a Contractor’s place of performance changes and provide the new address. No work will be accomplished at a NCA facilities, and all meetings will be held virtually.

4.3 TRAVEL

The Government does not anticipate travel to perform the tasks associated with the effort throughout the POP.

5.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES (BASE AND OPTION PERIODS)

The Contractor shall provide coverage Monday through Friday, during regular working hours (8am ET to 5pm ET). In addition, the Contractor shall update website requests within four hours for emergency incidents that are rare.