36C10X21Q0007 0001 (Final).docx

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Q519--MH Web-based Self-Help Courseware Amendment 0002 to include revised Attachment E
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36C10X21Q0007
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ATTACHMENT E - PRICE SCHEDULE A0002.xlsx XLSX spreadsheet
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ATTACHMENT D - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE.docx DOCX document
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ATTACHMENT E - PRICE SCHEDULE.xlsx XLSX spreadsheet
ATTACHMENT C - PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES.pdf PDF
ATTACHMENT A - Level 3 Interactivity.pdf PDF
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ATTACHMENT B - SECURITY REQUIREMENTS.docx DOCX document
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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)

11-19-2020

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

36C10X21Q0007 10-29-2020

X

X X

12-07-2020/10:00AM ET

The purpose of Amendment 0001 is to:

1) Extend the solicitation due date as outlined in Block #11.

2) Provide the Government’s response to offerors’ questions.

3) Update Section B.1, B.2, and E.2.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Please see CONTINUATION PAGE for specific details. Changes are in blue font.

CONTINUATION PAGE

Q#
TOPR Reference
Offeror Question
Government Response
1
General
a. Can companies from Outside USA apply for this (like from India or Canada)?

b. Would we need to come over there for meetings?

c. Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA (like, from India or Canada)?

a. This acquisition is set aside for 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses; see FAR 52.219-27 and VAAR 852.219-10. All definitions of FAR 19 and VAAR 819 relevant to these clauses apply. In accordance with FAR 19.001, “Concern means any business entity organized for profit (even if its ownership is in the hands of a nonprofit entity) with a place of business located in the United States or its outlying areas and that makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy through payment of taxes and/or use of American products, material and/or labor, etc.” Offerors must meet all requirements for the set-aside according to the solicitation’s NAICS code and size standard and must be verified in VIP.

b. See Section B.2 Performance Work Statement, 4.0 Place of Performance.

2
Section B, third paragraph, page 4
Specifically, states "An initial order will be placed at time of contract award for the minimum guaranteed quantities listed in subsection B.1.C.(1) below. "

Can the government confirm that the first task order will be $300,000?

Yes, it’s the government’s intent to issue the first order at or above the minimum at the time of the IDIQ award. The RFQ has been updated to replace “quantities” to read “amount”.

3
PWS
How often will VA initiate Task Orders?
The Government anticipates one order per year, however orders may be placed more frequently based on Government identified needs.
4
Section B.2 (2.0), page 5
How many new courses does the VA estimate for each TO or entire contract?
This varies. The Government anticipates one new course per TO, plus modifications or enhancements to existing courseware. However, additional courses may be ordered based on Government identified needs.
5
Section B.1 (C), page 5
States minimum amount for this contract is $300,000.00. Is this referring to the first Task Order or the entire IDIQ?
Please see Section B.1.C(1) on page 5. The minimum guaranteed amount for this contract is $300,000.00. See response to question #2. Orders beyond the minimum will be determined by the Government’s need. The Government has no obligation to issue orders for services beyond the minimum guaranteed amount.
6
General
Could the government please confirm the maximum IDIQ value?
Please see Section B.1.C(2) on page 5.

(2) The maximum aggregate value of all awards and TOs under this IDIQ is $2,500,000.00. The maximum amount is for the entire five-year ordering period of the contract. The Government does not guarantee, and is not obligated to order, any quantities beyond the minimums identified in subsection B.1.C(1)

7
Section B.1 (C), page 5
States the Task Order is maximum value of $2,500,000,000. Is that supposed to mean $2,500,000.00?
Yes, the amount should read $2,500,000.00 and corrected in the RFQ.
8
PWS
To effectively plan for staffing, what do you expect the average value of TOs to be?
Based on current needs, the Government anticipates the typical value of TOs to be $500,000. However, the Government does not guarantee, and is not obligated to order, any quantities beyond the minimums identified in subsection B.1.C(1)
9
Section B.1C(2), page 5
With a $2.5B ceiling, will you be making this IDIQ available to other agencies?
Please see the response to question #7 for the correction. The IDIQ is only available for VA’s Office of Mental Health & Suicide Prevention (OMHSP).
10
Section B.1 (C), page 5
Can we price this IDIQ per CLIN, as opposed to per Task Order? Not knowing what each Task Orders scope will contain, only allows the vendor to price per CLIN.
Offerors must propose pricing for each line item (CLINs) listed in Attachment E. Orders shall be placed for specific tasks and quantities as required according to the awarded CLIN unit prices.
11
Section B.1.B(4) Page 5
Specifically, states "(4) Prices are determined at the contract level and shall remain firm fixed prices throughout the ordering period."

Can we escalate pricing over the next five years in consideration cost of living and inflation?

Offerors are requested to propose pricing for all five years in response to this RFQ and should propose pricing necessary to perform the requirements. Once contract is awarded, prices are firm fixed priced.

12
Section B.2 (2.0), page 5
Can the VA provide a history of maintenance actions taken to sustain the course?
The Government is unable to provide a detailed history of maintenance actions. However, common actions include updating links or contact information; uploading documents or marketing collateral; modifying Google Analytics tags, correcting typographical errors As the courseware videos reside on YouTube, any adjustments made by YouTube that influence playback would have to be reflected in our coding. All courseware has been stripped of FLASH products and is in HTML 5 format.
13
PWS, 6.0, page 6
Will FFP be paid per month per the expected Task Order CLINs/deliverables? Or will the deliverables be paid as they are approved?
Please see Section B.1.D(2)

All invoices shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (Nov 2018). Invoices shall be submitted monthly in arrears, upon Government final inspection/acceptance by the COR. Specific invoicing instructions will be specified in each order.

14
PWS, 8.1.1, Collaborative Workspace, page 7
May Microsoft Teams be used to fulfill all or part of the collaboration requirements between Contractor and VA considering VA network security and firewall protection issues?
Based on the functionality current available on Microsoft Teams, it may be used to fulfill the collaboration requirements.
15
PWS, 8.1.1, Collaborative Workspace, page 7
States “Consideration of VA firewall issues must be considered” with regards to the Contractor providing a collaborative workspace. Can the VA provide additional guidance or detail regarding known “VA Firewall issues,” or other network specifications to assist the Contractor in considering technical solutions to this requirement?
Employees working on Government Furnished Equipment or on the VA network are restricted from accessing sites that pose security risks. There are national guidelines as well as local policies that vary across VA locations and over time. BOX and Google Drive are always prohibited. Please link to https://vaww.oit.va.gov/ for further information.
16
PWS, 8.1.1 Collaborative Workspace, page 7
Can the Government clarify that they want the contractor to host a Collaborative environment that VA employees can access?

a. If yes, please provide the “firewall configuration” consideration requirements and specifications.

b. What are you currently using as your collaborative environment that meets all of your requirements?

a) See response to question #15

b) Previous solutions include SharePoint and Microsoft Teams,

17
PWS, 8.1.1 Collaborative Workspace, page 7
a. If the contractor is required to have VA network access to support this effort, will the contractor be able to use the VA’s SharePoint for collaboration?

b. Will it be possible for the contactor to have a VA SharePoint site created to support the work under this SOW?

VA’s internal SharePoint will not fulfill the requirements for collaboration. The collaborative space has to be available to all team members both inside and outside the firewall.

18
PWS, 8.1.1 Collaborative Workspace, page 7
Does the government have an existing portal inside the VA firewall that the contractor can leverage?
No.
19
PWS, 8.1.1 Collaborative Workspace, page 7
Is the collaborative workspace to be provided at the Program level (one time) for use by all subsequent TOs?
The same collaborative workspace should be used for all TOs, as long as it continues to fulfill the requirements.
20
PWS, 8.1.1 Collaborative Workspace, page 7
Does each TO need to have a unique collaborative workspace?
The same collaborative workspace should be used for all TOs, as long as it continues to fulfill the requirements.
21
PWS, 8.1.3 Strategic Overview Project Meetings, page 7
Will each TO have a Strategic Overview Projects meeting or will there be one meeting every two weeks to cover all active TOs?
The Government anticipates there will be one TO per fiscal year, with no overlap. Simultaneous TOs would only occur in unusual circumstances. The Strategic Overview meetings are represented by CLIN 8.1.3. Each Task Order will indicate if the meetings are required.
22
PWS, 8.1 Program and Project Management, pages 7-8
Task 1 appears to be for both Program and Project management. As such, some of the deliverables appear to be program related (e.g., provided for the entire program (all active TOs) and project related (e.g., for each TO). Is this assumption correct?
Yes, Task 1 involves both Program and Project management. However, the Government anticipates there will be one TO per fiscal year, with no overlap. Multiple projects would take place under each TO.
23
PWS, 8.1.4, Page 8
Will VA be providing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the course content or is the vendor expected to provide the SMEs?
VA will provide the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) that will provide the high level content for the course and ensure the clinical validity of the content. However, the vendor is expected to provide instructional designers and other design staff that have sufficient experience and knowledge to meet the needs described in the PWS.
24
Section B.2 (8.1.5), page 8
Are all current courses configured for Google Analytics or will this have to be set up?
All current courses are configured for Google Analytics. However, updates and adjustments may need to be made over time. Such as hanging Meta Tags.
25
PWS, 8.1.5, Page 8
“The monthly progress report shall provide a summary of the past month’s user traffic to the websites (i.e. Google analytics), identifying any service interruptions, technical difficulties, and maintenance tasks performed.”
The statement did not provide a question for the government to address.
26
PWS, 8.1.5 Monthly Progress Report, page 8
Will each TO provide Monthly Progress Reports or will there be one monthly report that covers all active TOs?
The Government anticipates there will be one TO per fiscal year, with no overlap. Multiple projects would take place under each TO.
27
PWS, 8.1.5 Monthly Progress Report, page 9
a. Will all TOs come from the same Business and Technical Owners?

b. Will each TO clearly identify the Business and Technical Owners?

All TOs come from the same Business and Technical Owners.

28
PWS, par 8.2, second paragraph, page 9
Will the contractor be allowed to participate in Government Planning Committee (PC) as an observer with the objective of gaining insight into the course outline and help advise PC on ISD considerations?
It is preferred that the contractor participate in the planning meetings in order to a) gain insight into the course goals and objectives and b) advise the planning committee of ISD considerations.
29
Section B.2 (8.2), page 9
In what format will the VA provide the course outline?
The course outline is usually a Word document. However, it could also be a Power Point presentation or a PDF (e.g. workbook). In some cases, an existing course or mobile app may be used as the course outline.
30
PWS, par 8.2, second paragraph, page 9
Specifically states "The Course Outline will include the overall course objectives, the intended audience, the primary topics that will be covered and student performance objectives." Can the government guarantee they will deliver a course outline?
Yes.
31
PWS, 8.2 Analysis and Design, page 9
How are members of the Government Planning Committee selected?
The composition of the Planning Committee varies based on the nature of the specific course. It always includes the core VA Mental Health Web Services project team. The committees tend to also include individuals who are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the specific intervention/course content, as well as SMEs on the needs and challenges of the target audience. There may also be stakeholders or partners who will eventually help disseminate and implement the course. It is preferred that the contractor participate in the planning meetings in order to a) gain insight into the course goals and objectives and b) advise the planning committee of ISD considerations.
32
PWS, 8.2 Analysis and Design, page 9
Will the Government Planning Committee be different for each TO?
See response to #31.
33
PWS, 8.2 Analysis and Design, page 9
Will contractors be members of the Government Planning Committee?
See response to #28.
34
PWS, 8.2 Analysis and Design, page 9
Will contractors have an opportunity to provide feedback to the Government Planning Committee prior to finalizing the course outline?
Yes. See response to #28.
35
PWS, 8.2 Analysis and Design, page 9
“The Government Planning Committee (PC) will have approximately four to six weeks from task order award to review existing training materials, videos, manuals, courseware, etc. on the identified topic and reach consensus on a high-level outline for the course…” Will the contractor have any facilitation or PM support role in this activity?
See response to #28. The contractor has no obligatory role in this activity, but may find it helpful to take notes to document the concerns, priorities, and opinions expressed by SMEs.
36
PWS 8.2 Analysis and Design - HTML 5 Response Design, page 10 [9],
Does this also include capabilities or requirements to have an “App”?
No, a Mobile App is not required and is out of scope of this requirement.
37
PWS, 8.2 Analysis and Design, page 10
“Each course will have an identified number of modules (chapters).” Who identifies the number of modules, the Government or the Contractor?
The Planning Committee may indicate preferences or suggestions about the number of modules in the Course Outline. However, the Contractor will propose the number of modules as part of the 8.2.1 Design Concept Document.
38
PWS, 8.2.2 Storyboards (SB), page 10
The SB process states that Subject Matter Experts will review and provide feedback on storyboards. Are these contractor-determined SMEs or VA SMEs?
They are VA SMEs.
39
PWS, 8.2.2 Storyboards (SB), page 10
Who will mediate and make a final decision on changes to SBs if SMEs have different opinions on how something should be presented?
The VA Business Owner will make final decisions. However, the Contractor is expected to provide instructional design expertise and guidance.
40
PWS, 8.2.2 Storyboards (SB), page 10
Can the government confirm that three is the maximum number of storyboard edits the contractor will make for each module?
No. The typical process is to have 3 rounds of storyboard for each course (Alpha, Beta, Final). However, circumstances may arise that require a change in approach or a significant modification. In that case, additional rounds of storyboards may be ordered using the 8.2.2 CLINS.
41
Section B.2 (8.2.6), page 11
Should the vendor provide pricing for each of the requested lengths of videos? 10 vs. 5 vs. 2min vs. 30seconds?
Yes.
42
Section B.2. 8.2.4, Media library, page 11
States the Contractor will “…provide and maintain a Media Library for the storage and maintenance of media (audio/still images/video) associated with the assigned course.” Will the Media Library be maintained on a Contractor provided network resource, or be hosted on a VA network resource?
The offeror should describe their proposed approach to developing this resource. Previous contracts did not contain this specific Media Library deliverable.
43
PWS, par 8.2.4, page 11
Can the government provide a maximum number of courses and estimate of media articles per course in order to provide a fair and reasonable basis of estimate for the required deliverable or can the offeror provide an assumption of the size and scope in order to provide a reasonable cost estimate?
The offeror may examine the existing courses on www.VeteranTraining.va.gov in order to estimate the media articles per course.
44
PWS, 8.2.3 Graphical User Interface, page 11
What software platform is the GUI mock-up template to be in?
The offeror should propose their approach to executing this deliverable.
45
PWS, 8.2.4 Media Library, page 11
What is the government currently using as a Media Library?
This specific Media Library deliverable did not exist in previous contracts.
46
PWS, 8.2.4 Media Library, page 11
Does the government expect to have 20 additional still images per TO or for the Program?
Each Media Library CLIN should have 20 additional still images in addition to the media that is used in the assigned course.
47
PWS, 8.2.4 Media Library, page 11
Is the Government’s enduring access to the Media Library during the Program? Please define what is meant by enduring access to the Media Library? Does this mean the government wants an unlimited media license to use assets elsewhere and/or to extend beyond the life of the contract?
The Web-Based Self-Help Courses being created are enduring resources that will be publicly available beyond the life of the contract. The media library consists of the images and videos that are used in the course with an additional 20 images that may be used for promotional materials. The government requires access to all of that media beyond the life of the contract.
48
PWS, 8.2.4 Media Library, page 11
“The Contractor will provide and maintain a Media Library for the storage and maintenance of media (audio/still images/video) associated with the assigned course.” Is the contractor responsible for hosting this library on our system?

The offeror should propose their approach to executing this deliverable.

49
PWS, 8.2.4 Media Library, page 11
Does the VA currently have a media platform for videos or images? If so, what is it? Will it be available to the contractor?
Previous contracts did not contain this specific Media Library deliverable.
50
PWS, 8.2.5 Student Interactivities, page 11
Will Level 3 interactions be delivered to the learners separately from the courses? Or are they to be embedded after development/approval?
The Level 3 interactivities will be embedded in the courses. Typically, they are created concurrently with course development.
51
PWS, 8.2.6 Stand-alone Video, page 11
How many videos does the government anticipate that the contractor will produce annually? What would the typical length be?
Videos that are part of the core course development are not included in this deliverable, The offeror may examine existing courses www.VeteranTraining.va.gov to estimate the number and length of videos they contain. The Stand-alone video CLINs indicate the length for each video. The number requested will vary by Task Order.
52
PWS, 8.2.6 Stand-alone Video, page 11
Will the contractor have access to VA studios?
No.
53
PWS 8.3.2, Page 12
Will the Contractor be required to assess only the courses developed by the Contractor OR all courses the VA has?
The initial assessment would include all currently developed courses within the Veteran Training portfolio.
54
PWS, 8.3.2 Updates and Maintenance, page 12
Will the contractor have access to source files and resources for all existing courses and resources currently on VeteranTraining@va.gov?
Yes
55
PWS, 8.3.2a Initial Assessment, page 12
How does this initial assessment differ from that done by the Government as outlined in section 8.2 (page 9, described under Course Outline)? The initial contractor assessment indicates that it is done once and seems to cover the same items as listed in the other assessment described as being done by the Government and from which they will create course outlines from which the Contractor builds out the Design Concept Document (8.2.1) and the Storyboards (8.2.2).
They are completely different and unrelated processes. The Initial Assessment conducted in 8.3.2a requires an assessment of all the existing courseware (the actual software and media assets) in the Veteran Training portfolio related to needed updates or maintenance.

The process described in 8.2 is related to developing the content for new products.

56
PWS, 8.3.2a Initial Assessment, page 12
If performed once per life of contract, is the intent for this to be a Task Order?
Yes, the Initial Assessment will be part of the first task order only.
57
PWS, 8.3.2a Initial Assessment, page 12
How many courses are on veteranTraining@VA.gov?
You may examine existing courses at www.VeteranTraining.va.gov.
58
PWS, 8.3.2a Initial Assessment, page 12
How many courses have additional digital artifacts such as related reading material?
See response to #57.
59
PWS, 8.3.2a Initial Assessment, page 12
‘The Contractor shall perform a detailed assessment of all courses/pages found in VeteranTraining@va.gov including a new course and a Director’s cut.” For purposes of estimating LOE, approximately how many courses/pages are found in VeteranTraining@va.gov?
See response to #57.
60
PWS, par 8.2.6, page 12
PWS states , "VA may request up to 3 “cuts” of the full length video, for example, if a 5-minute full length instructional video is created, VA may also request a 30-second version of it and a 2-minute version." Does the 3 cuts include the full version video or is the requirement for a full version and 3 shorter cuts. The deliverable list suggests a total of up to 4 versions including the full version. Please clarify PWS requirement to ensure maximum number of cuts is consistent with maximum number of cuts in the Deliverables Table.
Each cut is a separate CLIN. In your example, if a 5-minute length video is created (CLIN 8.2.6b.1), the Government may also request a 2 minute cut (8.2.6b.2) and/or a 30 second cut (8.2.6b3). Or, the Government may only order the 5-minute length video with no additional cuts. The number and type of cuts requested will be indicated on the task order. The deliverable list includes all of the types of cuts that could possibly be ordered. The specific Task Order indicates how many are actually being ordered. No more than 3 different cuts will be ordered for any video.
61
Section B.2 (8.3), page 12
What is the estimated number of videos or total video time for each course or should vendors create an estimate based on current courses?
Videos that are part of the core course development are not included in this deliverable, The offeror may examine existing courses www.VeteranTraining.va.gov to estimate the number and length of videos they contain. The number of videos to be created using the Stand-alone video CLINs will be indicated in each Task Order.
62
Section B.2. 8.3.2a, Initial Assessment, page 12
Refers to the Contractor assessing a new course and a Director’s cut. Are these developed products not yet posted on the Veteran Training page?
1.Moving Forward Director’s Cut is a new course that is not yet posted on the Veteran Training page. It augments the regular Moving Forward course with approximately 40 videos, an end of course quiz and downloadable certificate, as well as a separate resources section for clinicians.
2.My Recovery Plan is a new course. The Lite Version is currently posted on the Veteran Training page. There is an additional version that is not yet on the site. It contains functionality that allows the user to save their documents to Local Storage.
63
PWS Section B.2 (8.3.2a), page 12
This section mentions a new course and Director’s Cut, are there links to these courses for vendor review?
We are not able to provide links to the courses.

See response to #62.

64
PWS, par 8.3.2a, page 12
Is there a required time to complete the Initial Assessment? And is there a required time to complete any corrective action?
Best estimates are 40 work hours to review the course and 40 hours to provide a formal written report with corrective measures identified and quotes provided.
65
PWS, par 8.3.2a, page 12
Can the VA provide the number of courses to evaluate? Since the pricing of the deliverable will be based on a single (once per contract) requirement, in order to develop the basis of estimate, it will require the number of courses to evaluate. For example, it will take longer to evaluate and take corrective action on 10 courses vs. 2 courses. What is the number of courses to evaluate for pricing purposes?
The offeror may examine the existing courses on www.VeteranTraining.va.gov . In addition to the existing courses on the site, the vendor would need to evaluate:
1.Moving Forward Director’s Cut is a new course that is not yet posted on the Veteran Training page. It augments the regular Moving Forward course with approximately 40 videos, an end of course quiz and downloadable certificate, as well as a separate resources section for clinicians.
2.My Recovery Plan is a new course. The Lite Version is currently posted on the Veteran Training page. There is an additional version that is not yet on the site. It contains functionality that allows the user to save their documents to Local Storage.
66
PWS 8.2.6, page 11 and par 8.4.1, page 13,
The creation of a teaser video is referenced in 8.2.6 Stand-alone video and 8.4.1 Course Landing page. Can the government clarify under which deliverable a "teaser video" will be billed?
A “teaser video” is a short video similar to a movie “trailer” to be used as an advertisement for the course. Any teaser video would be created and billed as a stand-alone video under the 8.2.6 CLIN. The completed video would be among the content used to populate the Landing Page.
67
PWS, 8.3.2b Maintenance, page 13
Will courses have to go back through the VA 508 office once adjustments are made?
Yes, depending on the nature and scope of the adjustments.
68
PWS, 8.3.2b Maintenance, page 13
“Based on the initial assessment and current issues, the Contractor shall make minor adjustments or repairs to courseware on an as-needed basis.” Is this for all courses in the library or just for the ones we supported development and delivery?
All Courses related and associated to the Veteran Training site. Please see updated PWS.
69
Section B.2 (8.3.2b), page 13
What is the VA’s definition of “minor” or should the vendor use ISO, ITIL, or other standard definition?
Please see updated PWS
70
PWS, par 8.3.2b, page 13
Can the government further define the scope for the annual maintenance. In order to establish a basis of estimate for diagnosis and corrective action that is fair and reasonable, the offeror must know the scope and level of effort of maintenance.

Can the government provide further scope, or will the government allow the offeror to propose a level of effort based on offeror stated assumptions?

Also, since this is an annual deliverable and maintenance may be performed throughout the year, can the offeror propose assumed scope on a monthly basis?

Please see updated PWS.

71
PWS
a. What is the current software used by the Government to author web-based courses?

b. Does the government have a preference for ISD authoring tools?

c. What is the final file type required to deploy on VA’s LMS?

a. We do not use off the shelf products such as Captivate, Camtasia etc. due to the amount of detailed branching and complexity found in our courses. These approaches have been tried in the past but fell short of our needs. All courses are custom built.

b. The government does not have a preference for ISD authoring tools. However, SMEs and other team members must be able to review the storyboards without obtaining specialty software.

c. SCORM 1.2 conformant courses have previously been run in Moodle, Rustici Cloud and JKO LMS

72
PWS, 8.4.1 Course Landing Page, page 13
Is the VA Enterprise Content Management System the same system as the Talent Management System (TMS)?
No. The Enterprise Content Management System is responsible for all content on VA websites. The Talent Management System is the Learning Management System for VA employees.
73
PWS, 8.5 Coordinate/Post/Produce Courses, page 13
Will the contract include an ODC budget line for production of the 100 courseware copies to be produced?
No. Offeror should include the costs to produce the CDs within their pricing for the CLIN.
74
PWS, 8.5 Coordinate/Post/Produce Courses, page 13
Is the contractor responsible for shipping of the 100 copies of the DVDs?
The contractor is responsible for shipping or delivering the 100 copies to the Government.
75
PWS, 8.5 Coordinate/Post/Produce Courses, page 13
Who determines what formats of the course are posted?
The Government will indicate which formats are requested within the Task Order.
76
PWS 8.5.2, page 14
Specifically states, "This deliverable covers all of the work needed to modify the complete, standard course into this format." However, the Government has a quantity of 30 each year. Do they plan to convert 30 "complete" courses to work with a LMS/Database?
The quantity of 30 is an error. It should say 3.

However, each task order may have a different quantity of items requested. The quantities provided represent an estimate for future orders but are being used for evaluation purposes only.

77
PWS 8.5.2, page 14
Will the government provide an LMS if required or will the contractor be responsible to provide the LMS? And if so which CLIN will it be identified under?
The contractor is not responsible for providing the LMS.
78
PWS 8.5.2, page 14
If the course is to be used with a database, is the contractor expected to build the administration and student tracking system in conjunction? And if so, which CLIN will it be identified under?
The contractor is not expected to build the database.
79
PWS 8.5.2, page 14
Will the government provide an LMS if required or will the contractor be responsible to provide the LMS? And if so which CLIN will it be identified under?
See response to #77.
80
Section B.2 (8.5.3), page 14
Does the VA intend on continuing to produce CD/DVD versions for future course versions/new courses created?
CLIN 8.5.3 was written because the Government anticipates needing to create CD/DVD version of courseware.
81
PWS, 8.5.4 Courseware Downloadable Version, page 14
How does this differ from 8.5.3 with artwork and disks?
This is an error. CLIN 8.5.4 is corrected to read: Courseware Downloadable Version. The Contractor shall deliver the course in a user downloadable version.
82
PWS Deliverables, page 14
What is the expected timeline for each Task Areas?
Deliverables will be specific with each order placed against the IDIQ.
83
PWS
Can staff begin work on Task Orders while completing the VA’s onboarding process?
Yes.
84
PWS, par 17.1, first paragraph, page 19
PWS states, "The contractor shall provide the revised version of each deliverable to the VA PM. The VA PM will review the deliverable and advise the COR of its acceptability. The COR will determine the final acceptance by the Government and inform the Contractor of the decision." How long will the government have to provide the contractor with final decision after contractor provides revised version of each deliverable?
This is an error. It corrected to read: The Government will have ten business days to review each deliverable and provide feedback/comments or approval.
85
PWS, 17.2 Key Personnel, page 19
Does a master's degree count toward years of experience or be substituted for ‘relevant’ certifications?
No.
86
PWS, 17.2 Key Personnel, page 19
Will VA accept a master's degree in (if coursework is similar) in lieu of a learning certification for the Instructional System Specialist role?
No.
87
17.2.3 c, page 19
Specifically states, "Relevant certifications, such as the ASDT Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or equivalent” The Association of Talent Development (ATD) has replaced the CPLP certification with the CPTD Certification (Certified Professional in Talent Development). Will the government consider the new certification since CPLP certification is outdated as of this year?
It is revised to state “Relevant certifications such as the ASDT Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), or equivalent
88
PWS, par 17.2.3 c, page 19,
What does the VA consider equivalent certifications to the ASDT CPLP certification? And will the nominee with this equivalent certification be rated the same by the VA or considered to be less qualified? Will ASDT (CPLP (now ATD CPTD) candidates receive a higher rating then the "Equivalent"?
See response to #87. Any nominee with an equivalent certification will be considered equivalently qualified as one with CPLP or CPTD.
89
PWS, par 17.3 and 17.4, page 20
Since the actual work on the contract will be defined via Task Order as stated on page 6 of the PWS, will the specific Task Order be issued prior to the Kick-off meeting and prior to deadline for staff roster to ensure appropriate personnel are identified to meet Task Order requirements?
Yes.
90
PWS, 17.3, page 20
Where does VA intend on meeting for Kick-Off meeting? If COVID-19 travel restrictions prevent in-person, will a virtual Kick-Off meeting suffice?
At this time, all meetings are virtual.
91
PWS, 17.4 ContractoStaff Roster, page 20
Section 17.4 of the PWS indicates that within five business days after award the contractor provides an initial roster of staff to begin background investigations—does that mean IDIQ contract award or Task Order award?
IDIQ contract award. Also, the Government intends is issue the first task order at the time of IDIQ award.
92
PWS, page 22
States: “The PRICE SCHEDULE for this solicitation is provided as Attachment E. Any contract resulting from this solicitation will include a final PRICE SCHEDULE with the CLIN number, description, and unit price in this section. Quantities and extended price per CLIN will not be listed in the IDIQ PRICE SCHEDULE.”

Could the government please clarify what is meant by this statement? Are we to use the quantities, Column C, listed in the price schedule?

See Section E.1. 3 Volume III – Factor 3: Price and Section E.2(a)4 Price Evaluation. Offerors are to propose pricing using Attachment E and must propose prices for each line item according to the quantities listed. These quantities represent an estimate for future orders but are being used for evaluation purposes only.

The IDIQ contract award will not include quantities in the PRICE SCHEDULE since the Government will issue orders for specific tasks and quantities required, within the minimum guaranteed amount and maximum value listed in Section B.1.C. The IDIQ PRICE SCHEDULE will only list the CLIN number, description, and fixed unit prices per CLIN.

93
B.3, page 22 and Section E Volume III, page 45
Please clarify. B.3 on page 22 states “Quantities and extended price per CLIN will not be listed in the IDIQ PRICE SCHEDULE.”

The opposite is stated in Section E for Volume III which states, “The Price Schedule includes quantities for each line item for purposes of evaluation; these quantities will be removed from any resulting award and will not change the minimum guarantee value or maximum value of the contract established in Section B.1. Offerors must then multiply each unit price by the quantity specified for that line item to establish a total price for each line item. Offerors must add up the total price of every line item in the Price Schedule to establish a total price for each contract year, and the grand total price proposed for the contract. The Government will use this total price to evaluate price.”

Please see the response to question #92.

94
Section C, C.1, (a), page 23
Section C, C.1, (a) references nonconforming supplies or re-performance of nonconforming services. What are some of examples of those as it relates to this specific PWS?
Nonconforming services would be any deliverables that do not meet the requirements outlined in the specific task/deliverable outlined in Sections 8.0 and 9.0 of the PWS, the delivery/performance schedule determined on an individual task order (see Section 10.0 of the PWS) and/or the performance standards listed in Section 12.0 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).
95
General
Does the VA have course titles and/or subject matter already determined?
VA has a list of potential topics including: support for student veterans, cognitive behavioral therapy for suicide prevention, couples’ therapy. However, topics are subject to change based on clinical needs, SME availability, and program priorities.
96
General
How many new courses does VA expect the Contractor to develop each year?
The number of courses requested will be indicated on the Task Order.
97
General
What is the average course length?
You may examine the existing courses on www.VeteranTraining.va.gov in order to estimate their length.
98
General
Is there a requirement to evaluate the courses? e.g. a pre/post test or any other evaluation process?
There is no standard requirement for evaluation. Offeror should propose their approach for ensuring learning success.
99
General
Does the VA expect the Vendor to host and manage VeteranTraining.va.gov website? Or does VA expect the Vendor to leverage the existing website and only update/create a new landing page along with uploading new course content to it?
The VeteranTraining.va.gov website is (and will be) hosted on a VA server. The vendor will be expected to create/update landing pages and course content.
100
General
Does eLearning technology/platform need to meet FedRamp requirements, If so, what are the security requirements?
No, we are not Cloud based.
101
General
When is the first deliverable training expected to go-live?
The go-live date will be determined by the contractor’s project plan.
102
C.7 (c) (1), page 37
[X] (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67). Is this intended to be a Service Contract Labor Standard, (SCA contract rates), contract? Is there a wage determination to be attached to this contract?
Since the place of performance is the contractor’s facility the Wage Determination will be included at the time of award in the event the offeror uses a labor category that is covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards statute; the offeror is responsible for indicating any such labor categories in their quote and certify compliance to the Wage Determination for the locality of their facility.

E.1 Instructions to Offers, page 44

a. Can the Government clarify that resumes are not included in the 15-page limitation and that you want them in a separate sub-volume (with a separate file name)?

b. Would to Government consider allowing up to 20 pages to appropriately address all of the tasks and requirements in the solicitation?

a. Correct, the 15 page limitation is for the [Offeror Name] Tech.doc/pdf and the 2 page limitation is for [Offeror Name] Resume.doc/pdf

b. No.

104
Section E, Table page 44
For the 2 pages per resume for each contractor proposed key personnel, is this in addition to the 15 page limit on Volume I Technical Capability or not part of the 15 page limit?
Please see response to question #103
105
E.1.8.a. Volume I, Page 44
"The offeror shall submit a Technical Capability Volume which shall address in detail how the offeror proposes to accomplish each of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) tasks and provide an appropriate work breakdown structure." Does the government have a specified format or criteria for the WBS? Will the WBS be included in the Vol I 15 page page-count?
The offeror can submit an appropriate WBS format of their choice and is included in the 15 page limitation.
106
Section E.1 Volume II Factor 2: Past Performance, page 45
Could the government please elaborate on the following statement and when its applicable “Data concerning the prime contractor shall be provided first, followed by each proposed major subcontractor, in alphabetical order.“
Of the maximum of the three references, the prime contractor’s references shall be listed as the first reference. If there is a proposed subcontractor, then those will be referenced thereafter.
107
Section E.1.8. b. Volume II – Factor 2: Past Performance, page 45
Will the government accept individual task orders under the same contract as separate past performances if they are standalone task orders to meet RFP requirements?
Yes, they may be accepted as a separate reference.
108
Section E.1.8. b. Volume II – Factor 2: Past Performance, page 45
Specifically states "Offerors may also submit past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the acquisition." Since there are no evaluation criteria for the type of past performance, will the government be weighting the past performance differently based on offeror serving as a prime or as a predecessor company?
As stated in Section E.2(a)3, “Past performance will be evaluated to determine whether each reference is relevant (based on size, scope, and complexity to this requirement), recent (within the past three years), and reflects performance which is satisfactory or better. A reference that is not relevant or recent will not be considered further on the quality of performance (satisfactory or better). The offeror will be evaluated to determine the extent to which their performance demonstrates the likelihood of successful performance in providing requirements similar in size, scope, and complexity to this solicitation.

No relevant or recent past performance, as indicated on Attachment C or based on the determination of relevance by the Government, will be considered neutral.”

109
Volume III Factor 3: Price, page 46
How does the government expect to receive Firm Fixed Pricing for future Task Orders, if the pricing proposed was based on quantities that will be removed? This appears to cancel out any efficiencies associated with pricing that takes into account economies of scale.
Please see the response to question #92.
110
Section E.2
Does the government not intend to evaluate contractors with either a sample Task Order, or Initial Task Order?
Please see the response to question #92.
111
Price Schedule, Attachment E
Does the government want us to compute the extended price and list it in the Price Schedule?
Yes, a completed Attachment E must be submitted. Please see the response to question #92.
112
Price Schedule, Attachment E
What is the intended difference between Quantity and Unit?
Unit should be listed as “EA”. The correction is made to Attachment E.
113
Price Schedule, Attachment E
Are the quantities in Column C the expected number of each CLIN that will be undertaken each year?
See response to question #92.
114
Price Schedule, Attachment E
These are not in the PWS:

8.2.5a, b, c, 8.2.6a.1, 2, 3, 4, 8.2.6b.1, 2, 3, 8.2.6.c.1, 2, 8.2.6d, 8.4.1a, b, c These have been updated within each section of the PWS to match Section 9.0 Deliverables and the Price Schedule for clarity.

115
Price Schedule, Attachment E and PWS 8.3.1, page 12
8.3.1 Qty is 4, should this be 3 to match 8.2.1?
The quantity should be 3. Attachment E is updated.
116
Price Schedule, Attachment E and PWS 8.5.2, page 14
Qty is 30, is this for up to 10 versions per course?
This is an error. The quantity should be 3. Attachment E is updated.
117
Price Schedule, Attachment E and PWS 8.5.4, page 14
Qty is 1, should this be 3?
No. One is the correct quantity.
118
Section E.2 (a), page 47
"(a) The Government will award a single task order resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factor(s) considered. Did the government mean to state "...will award a single contract resulting..." rather than "will award a single task order..."?
Yes, the RFQ has been revised.
119
Section E-2, par 1, page 47
The basis of award identifies that it will be a Best Value Award. It also states what is required for a successful evaluation. Since there are no criteria for levels of success, does this mean that Vol I and Vol II will be pass fail (satisfactory or un-satisfactory) since there are no specific criteria that would define a numerical score, a "color" score or other level of success such as "satisfactory", "good", "excellent", etc. Please clarify.
The evaluation will be conducted according to the criteria listed for each factor. The technical factor is not a pass/fail factor; see Section E.2 (a) 2. Technical Capability Evaluation for details.

It is noted that Section E.2 (a) 1. states, “This procurement is being conducted using simplified procedures for certain commercial items under FAR subpart 13.5. The evaluation and source selection procedures of FAR subpart 15.3 are not mandatory in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(1) and will not apply to this request for quotations.”

120
General
What metrics will the VA use to measure the impact of the courses?
The offeror may describe their proposed method for measuring the impact of the courses.
121
General
a. Is this a re-compete of an existing contract? If so, please provide the current contractor’s name and contract number.

b. If there is an incumbent, what does the VA think they are doing well? What would the VA like to see improved?

a. Yes, this is a re-compete. Incumbent is Blueridge Information Technology Solutions Inc. Contract number VA119-15-D-0021.

b. The Government is not able to provide a response to the incumbent’s performance

122
General
Does VA expect the Contractor to make updates to existing courses?
Yes.
For the Project Manager position/requirement. Will the VA accept a certified Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) vs. PMP?
No. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is not an acceptable substitute.

Changes are in blue font.

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

A. Contract Administration:

All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

(1) CONTRACTOR: TBD

(2) GOVERNMENT:

The Contracting Officer (CO) for this contract (hereafter “the CO”) is as follows:

Contracting Officer 36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

a. The CO is responsible for providing overall scope oversight, maintaining communication between Contractor and VA, ensuring contract compliance, and administering the contract and any modifications. The CO is also responsible for ensuring that task orders issued under the contract (hereafter referred to as “orders”) are within the scope of the contract, issuing and administering all orders, overseeing payment or rejection…

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