Questions for 36C10X22Q0051 (1).docx

Questions for 36C10X22Q0051 - Pest Management Membership and Training

1. Would the government please advise if the scope of work / performance work statement has changed/increased from contract 36C10X18P0003 (Solicitation VA119A-17-Q-0370)? Yes the changes to the new solicitation includes the app which was not originally part of the Contract in question.

1. Would the government please advise if a required number of seminars and live training exist? The Government anticipate to have two recorded trainings done for app usage.

1. Would the government please advise what the average online course length should be? (30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) The anticipated length for online courses is 1 hour

Ref 5.1.1.1.11:

Question 1: What are the core training requirements for VHA Managers with pest management responsibilities?

Introduction to Pest Management Bed Bug Basics and Beyond Pest Management in a Healthcare Environment Question 2: Are VHA Managers with pest management responsibilities and pest management professionals two separate groups that require different core training requirements?

They are two separate groups however, different core training will not be required for this Contract Question 3: If the answer to Question 2 is yes, what are the core training requirements for pest management professionals? N/A

Ref 5.1.1.1.14:

Question 1: Is the “Associate Member, VA Central Office” a requirement to provide a full-time contractor employee to work at the VA Central Office? No Question 2: Is “an administrative position on the Technical Affairs Committee” a requirement to provide a full-time contractor employee to work at the VA Central Office? No Question 3: If the answer to Question 1 and/or Question 2 is Yes, we request that the VHA provide a job description or an explanation of duties for each of these positions. N/A

Ref 5.1.1.1.15:

Question 1: What type of devices are the “3000-devices” that require access to an electronic Field Guide application? The Government need the app to be both android and IOS compatible for up to 3,000 devices Question 2: Are there any cybersecurity compliance requirements and information assurance policies that the contractor should understand and follow?

Question 3: Are there any Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) requirements?

“VA Utilizes DISA STIGS. As stated in VA Handbook 6500: IT products will be configured in accordance with applicable STIGs. STIGs are product-specific and document applicable federal policies and security requirements, as well as best practices and configuration guidelines. STIGs are associated with security controls through CCIs, which are decompositions of NIST SP 800-53 security controls into single, actionable, measurable items. Security Requirements Guides are developed by Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide general security compliance guidelines and serve as source guidance documents for STIGs. When a STIG is not available for a product, the DISA Requirements Guide and other NIST approved checklists published on the NIST checklist repository may be used.”

Ref 6.2:

Question 1: What type of pest control training does the VHA require? Live online? Previously recorded and placed online? Instructor-led in a classroom setting? Other?

The Government anticipates having to live online training sessions recorded for future use Ref 6.2.9:

Question 1: Please identify the pest control training topics that the VHA expects the contractor to provide live and record.

Please clarify if this question is related to the app training or the online training.

Ref 6.2.10:

Question 1: How does the VHA measure and identify “significant updates”?

Significant updates would be any new changes that occurs from the start of app usage as a result of an update

Ref 6.3:

Question 1: How many users will the Help Desk support?

There is not a set number of users as the Government just need the app to be downloaded on up to 3,000 devices.

Ref 7.9 Will the VHA provide the contractor with the Government IT equipment required for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract? GFE will issued as part of this Contract

1. Would the government please provide the total number of VAMCs and clinics subject to servicing? The services requested is an online training service with an app. No in person training or pest control management is needed.

2. Would the government please provide the total amount of daily/annual call volumes during operational hours? The Government anticipates conducting minimal over the phone communication with Contractor.

3. Would the government please provide the total number of annual/monthly workload hours? The initial training hours would be two one-hour sessions. The Government cannot provide exact number of hours for customer support.

4. Would the government please advise if this is a new requirement or a follow-on?

This is a new requirement

5. Would the government please advise as to who is the incumbent contractor, if applicable?

This is a new requirement. However, on a previous Contract the awarding Contractor was National Pest Management Association. This information can be found on SAM.GOV.

6. Would the government please advise the total (base + options) amount of the current contract’s value? The Government cannot provide the anticipated value for this requirement. However, the Government anticipate establishing a base Contract plus four additional option periods.

7. Does the government have a preference regarding training softwares? For example, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex or Zoom? The ideal training platform would be Microsoft Teams.

8. Does the government have a tentative POP start date subsequent award? The anticipate start date will be one week from the quote submission due date

9. Are all applicable time zones subject to the duty hours of 8a-4p? Or can operational hours be based on awardees main office location?

Besides online training and app training the Government does not anticipate in person support. However, normal duty hours are from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm EST.

1. The previous contract with similarity to this solicitation appears to be awarded to NPMA for membership to their platform and Field Guide App. Can the government provide clarification that with this new solicitation the government is not looking for NPMA access and app but rather new custom branded development program? This is a new solicitation the Government is looking to obtain competitive options.

2. Can the government clarify that as outlined under Scope of Work, Section 4 Operational Coverage 4.1 (Page 5 of 38) that the contractor will provide and schedule appropriate staffing to ensure continuous coverage during business hours, and is defined as providing support between 8am-430pm in all time zones? Does the government require program customer service for this requirement or do they expect a Subject Matter Pest Expert to also be available? The Government anticipate tour of duty to be 8:00 am – 4:30 pm EST. The Government anticipate having access to both customer service support as well subject matter pest expert

3. Can the government provide additional information on Scope of Work, Section 5 Performance Requirements (Page 6 of 38) 5.1.1.1.4 that states Discounts purchases from the professional organization's online catalog. Does the government want a section that allows links to products distributors or does the government desire a contractor to include purchasing relationships for direct purchasing? Not sure we understand what is being asked here.

4. Can the government provide additional information on Scope of Work, Section 5 Performance Requirements (Page 6 of 38) 5.1.1.1.5 states VHA access to Contractor website (thecontractorpestworld.org) Is this reference to NPMA PestWorld website? Additionally can the government indicate if single sign on availability will be required? Please disregard the mentioned website on the SOW. The Contractor is to provide VHA to their personal website for reference and training purposes

5. Can the government provide additional information on Scope of Work, Section 5 Performance Requirements (Page 7 of 38) 5.1.1.1.11 states developed core training for VHA Managers with pest management responsibilities and pest management professionals. Will the government provide the required topics and total number of courses required?

Introduction to Pest Management Bed Bug Basics and Beyond Pest Management in a Healthcare Environment