36C10X20Q0195 0002.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 9

0002 09-03-2020

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C10X20Q0195

08-27-2020

X

X X

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. To provide Answers to Questions,

2. Revise Section 6.5 Implementation Support by omitting paragraph "e"

3. The response due date and time remains September 9, 2020 at 12:00 PM ET per amendment 36C10XQ0195 0001

See CONTINUATION pages for revision to section 6.5 Implementation Support and Answers to Questions

Note* All Changes are noted in RED.

36C10X20Q0195 0002

CONTINUATION PAGE

Section 6.5 Implementation Support has been revised as follows:

FROM:

6.5 Implementation Support

The contractor shall provide implementation support to work with the VHA client to:

a. Serve as Lead Administrator for the web-based architecture of the course catalog.

b. Identify clear, measurable success criteria at all levels of engagement.

c. Develop a learner and Designated Learning Officer (DLO) playbook for deployment of the solution, which is a guide describing the interaction and expectations between vendor and VHA DLO’s or Designated learning leaders.

d. Outreach to all facilities and divisions across the enterprise to ensure engagement and usage of this resource and content within the first 60 days of implementation.

e. Diagnose circumstances and determine the right combinations of content.

f. Map competencies specific to outcomes in alignment with VA’s strategic plan and priorities.

g. Provide templates and support for implementation to include learning journeys aligned to career path. For example, nurse managers, clinicians, voluntary service managers, etc.

h. Help orient facilitators to the platform and virtual certification.

i. Support completion of aforementioned monthly reporting outlining usage and value.

j. Lead quarterly and annual business reviews to review components of the monthly report, ensure alignment to strategy, highlight success and coordinate response to emerging issues and needs.

k. Build a business case to share with executives at the VISN and enterprise levels.

At a minimum the business shall include:

• Quarterly level 1-4 evaluation of user groups

• Quarterly customer satisfaction metrics

TO:

6.5 Implementation Support

The contractor shall provide implementation support to work with the VHA client to:

a. Serve as Lead Administrator for the web-based architecture of the course catalog.

b. Identify clear, measurable success criteria at all levels of engagement.

c. Develop a learner and Designated Learning Officer (DLO) playbook for deployment of the solution, which is a guide describing the interaction and expectations between vendor and VHA DLO’s or Designated learning leaders.

d. Outreach to all facilities and divisions across the enterprise to ensure engagement and usage of this resource and content within the first 60 days of implementation.

e. Diagnose circumstances and determine the right combinations of content.

e. Map competencies specific to outcomes in alignment with VA’s strategic plan and priorities.

f. Provide templates and support for implementation to include learning journeys aligned to career path. For example, nurse managers, clinicians, voluntary service managers, etc.

g. Help orient facilitators to the platform and virtual certification.

h. Support completion of aforementioned monthly reporting outlining usage and value.

i. Lead quarterly and annual business reviews to review components of the monthly report, ensure alignment to strategy, highlight success and coordinate response to emerging issues and needs.

j. Build a business case to share with executives at the VISN and enterprise levels.

At a minimum the business shall include:

a. Quarterly level 1-4 evaluation of user groups

b. Quarterly customer satisfaction metrics

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS RFQ36C10X20Q0195 All Access Leadership Development Training

1. The solicitation requires that VHA facilitators have access to print all materials. However, pricing is based on providing 10,000 student kits. How will VHA ensure facilitators do not use materials above the quantities specified in the license?

Answer: Facilitator kits need to be offered in printed version and virtually.

Each virtual kit shall be assigned an access code or something similar.

Each site will be provided a finite number of access codes to use per their discretion. The Government will abide by intellectual property laws. Please put your expectations in the proposal.

2. The RFQ requires a 12 month all access license with the ability for VHA facilitators to print all required materials. This would allow VHA facilitators to create copies that would be available to them after the expiration of the license agreement. What steps will VHA take to protect the intellectual property of the vendor after the 12-month license has ended?

Answer: The Government will abide by intellectual property laws. Please put your expectations in the proposal.

3. Section 6.1, to fulfill the requirement for 1,000 facilitator kits and 10,000 participant kits, can the Government clarify when the Contractor will be notified which courses the facilitator kits and participant kits should be aligned to?

Answer: The Government is asking for all materials within a certain timeframe after award. VHA will then use an implementation plan to equitably distribute content to customers.

4. Would the Government consider adjusting the B.3 Price/Cost schedule to reflect that these deliverables are due 10 days after the Government’s selection of the courses that these kits should align to?

Answer: The Government is requesting the content upfront. The customers need access within 10 days of award to the full course catalog and facilitator and participant kits.

5. Section 6.2.b, “Be able to offer each enrolled student all the course content at one basic per student fee.” Is the Contractor responsible for charging individual students (or VHA organizations) a per student fee?

Answer: No, the Government would like unlimited access that provides access to an entire course catalog.

6. Section 6.2.c, “…as Instructor-led course will be taught by VA staff.” Can the Government clarify if the Contractor will be responsible for the registration of these courses? If so, is the Contractor also coordinating directly with VHA instructors to coordinate their schedule/availability/teaching assignment?

Answer: No, the contractor is not responsible. VHA employees will register for courses through their local TMS administrators but will be supported by the vendor with clear guidelines on registration process and access to courses.

7. Section 6.2.h, “Ensure courses are sorted by the competencies…” and Section 6.2.i, “…for students to learn a specific competency.” Can the Government provide a list of the targeted competencies?

Answer: The vendor will identify targeted competencies that are aligned with the VHA Leadership and Development Framework and competencies.

Leadership Competencies

• Leading Change

• Leading People

• Results Driven

• Business Acumen

• Building Coalitions

Employee/Fundamental Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills

• Oral Communication

• Integrity/Honesty

• Written Communication

• Continual Learning

• Public Service Motivation

8. Section E, tiered evaluation, Can the Government confirm that if only one qualified, VetBiz-verified SDVOSB submits a proposal, that organization’s proposal may also be considered as part of any subsequent Tiers (including VOSB, SB, and large business concerns)?

Answer: Yes

9. Page 33, Volume Table, Will the Government remove the reference to “provide enough detail to determine price reasonableness” or confirm that the Volume III:

Price requirements outlined on page 34 are sufficient to determine price reasonableness.

Answer: Please provide a complete B3. Price/Cost Schedule and provide enough detail to determine price reasonableness. For example, provide a breakdown of how you arrived at each price.

10. Section 1.0, can the Government clarify their need/intent regarding “each student be assigned a ‘slot’”?

Answer: In the case of F2F and virtual course delivery, VHA wants to ensure each student has an assigned seat in the classroom.

11. Section 3.0, period of performance – can the Government confirm that employees can only take a course that runs during the POP and that VHA instructors will only instruct courses during the POP (unless mutually agreed to between the Government and the contractor)?

Answer: As long as a VHA employee registers for a course within the specified period of performance (PoP), the VHA employee shall be able to complete the course at no additional cost to the Government even if the course runs past the PoP.

12. Section 6.1, “consultant service,” Can the Government clarify how many VA instructors/facilitators will be included in each 1, 2, or 3 day session?

Answer: The Government is unable to determine the number of employees who will register for these classes beforehand. The Government will work with the vendor to comply with max and minimum registrants.

13. Section 6.2.j, “…support for problems that may arise for administrators…” Can the Government clarify the role of the administrators for this program?

Answer: Local TMS administrators are responsible for registration, verifying course completions, and working with the vendor to resolve course access issues.

14. Section 6.3.2, for Virtual Instructor led courses, will the Government provide online classroom support/troubleshooting to students or will this be the Contractor’s responsibility?

Answer: Vendors will provide online classroom support and troubleshooting.

15. Section 6.3.3, Can the Government confirm that there is a requirement to provide “chat rooms” for Instructor-led, In-person classes?

Answer: Chat rooms are not required for In-person Courses.

16. Section 6.5, Can the Government clarify the requirement to “Diagnose circumstances”? Is this a one-time activity associated with creating the business case that is the deliverable from task 6.5 or will this be performed throughout the implementation period?

Answer: The 6.5, Implementation Support requirement is for the duration of the contract. The Government will omit 6.5.e.

17. Section 6.5.k, Can the Government clarify the requirement associated with “Quarterly level 1-4 evaluation of user groups”?

Answer: In terms of Instruction Design principles, Level 1-4 evaluations refers to Kirkpatrick Evaluation levels. Vendor will need to provide reports that demonstrate that course objectives are aligned with the appropriate evaluation levels and that course content is meeting the goals of those evaluation levels.

18. Section 6.5 – The deliverable for this task indicates it is due once, within 30 days of contract expiration. However, the task requirements indicate that multiple submissions will be required to contain the quarterly evaluation and usage statistics. Can the Government revise the deliverables list and Schedule B to include the appropriate delivery quantities for this requirement?

Answer: 6.5. k. Business Case only needs to be delivered once within 30 days of contract expiration. How the Business Case is updated is left to vendor discretion.

19. Section 6.3.3 a – Will the government clarify the requirement for the contractor to provide white boards for instructor-led in person courses?

Answer: If white boards are required for instructional purposes, vendor will provide.

20. Section 6.3.5 a – Can the government clarify the requirement for assessments to assess “how well they are applying course concepts”? Is VHA looking for performance-based exams that evaluate actual application in job relevant contexts? Or, is the requirement to provide pre/post course tests of knowledge and skills covered in the course content rather than evidence of application?

Answer: Where applicable, the vendor will use assessments such as Pre and Posttests, Knowledge Checks, to measure content efficacy and participant retention.

21. Will the Government consider adding Optional CLINs to support additional requirements?

Answer: Currently travel is the only optional CLIN

22. What specific federal competency framework(s) must the solution align with?

Answer: This contract must align with the VHA Leadership and Development framework.

23. What specific VHA competencies must the solution align with? Please provide a copy of these competencies.

Answer: See VA competencies below:

Leadership Competencies

• Leading Change

• Leading People

• Results Driven

• Oral Communication

• Integrity/Honesty

• Written Communication

24. Would VHA extend the proposal due date to 10 business days after questions are answered to allow offerors to incorporate the information provided into their proposal?

Answer: Yes, the new date is September 9, 2020 at 12 PM ET

25. As written, there is insufficient detail to allow for content selection and alignment with key competencies. Please clarify the specific content and competences to be addressed.

Answer: Based on competencies below, vendor must provide specific content.

Leadership Competencies

• Leading Change

• Leading People

• Results Driven

• Oral Communication

• Integrity/Honesty

• Written Communication

26. Please identify whether there is an incumbent and identify the incumbent contract number.

Answer: There is no current incumbent. This requirement is currently not on contract.

27. Will content require integration with the VA LMS?

Answer: Yes.

28. Is FedRAMP conformance required for cloud-based platforms used to deploy requested content?

Answer: No

29. What is the expectation regarding the number of leadership courses employees should have access to?

Answer: Unlimited course catalog access.

30. What type of certificate is expected for each employee once they complete a course?

Answer: Course Completion Certificate

31. Should the contractor be prepared to teach each course in-person or a select number of courses in-person? Or are all courses to be taught virtually only?

Answer: The contractor shall be prepared to accommodate VHA requests for In-person and virtual modalities

32. 6.3.4 - Can you elaborate on the following requirement?

b. Online certification should include video examples of instructors teaching the course.

Answer: Vendor should provide examples of course content facilitated by the vendor experts as examples of how a course should be facilitated by future certified trainers. Video examples allow future trainers to mirror correct facilitation techniques.

a. Prior to certifying an instructor in a course, is it your expectation that the contractor watch (with video examples) each of the 40 instructors teaching each course in which they want to be certified?

Answer: No

33. 6.5 Implementation support – What type of templates and/ support is expected to meet this task? See the requirement statement below:

g. Provide templates and support for implementation to include learning journeys aligned in the career path. For example, nurse manager, clinicians, voluntary service managers, etc.

Answer: Vendor will determine templates and support aides to meet this requirement. The gist of this task is to create documentation that charts, and describe tangible learning activities that support leadership and professional development in a specific job series: nurse manager, clinicians, voluntary service managers, etc.

34. Can you please give us an example of 5-10 classes or subjects you are interested in?

Answer: The Government is requesting unlimited access to a course catalog that addresses the VHA Leadership and Development framework.