36C10X23Q0138 (final).pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-3, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C10X23Q0138 05-18-2023

Paul Reyes; robertpaul.reyes@va.gov Email only 06-05-2023

10:00 AM EDT

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

X 100

X

611430

$13 Million

N/A

X

Acquisition Internship School (AIS) VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) Department of Veterans Affairs 7485 New Horizon Way Frederick MD 21703

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

VAFSC

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

(see Section B.3 invoicing/payment) Austin TX 78714-8917

1-(877)-489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page

Acquisition Internship School (AIS) Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Modernization Professional Training Delivery and Support

Base Period: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Option Period 1: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 Option Period 2: July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Questions due: May 24, 2023, 10:00AM EDT Quote Intentions due: May 26, 2023, 10:00AM EDT Quotes due: See block 8.

See Section E for full quote instructions.

See CONTINUATION Page

TBA

X X

X 1

Lindi Sylvester Contracting Officer

36C10X23Q0138

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 NOTICE OF HYBRID CONTRACT

C.2 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

C.3 FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR

2000)

C.4 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.4 FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 ATTACHMENT A - PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES

D.2 ATTACHMENT B - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

D.3 ATTACHMENT C - PRICE SCHEDULE

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

E.2 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.3 FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

E.4 QUOTE SUBMISSIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS

E.5 FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2021)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: This contract will use electronic commerce to the maximum extent possible (IAW FAR 4.502(a)). All correspondence regarding contract administration matters between the Government team (Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer’s Representative) and the Contractor will be handled via email using the email addresses listed in the Contract Point of Contact List, inclusive of any updates provided by the responsible Contracting Officer. Email will be the primary method for providing copies of contract documents to the Contractor or other parties. This applies to contract modifications, acceptance of supplies/services, invoice items addressed outside of the electronic invoicing system (currently Tungsten), contractor performance assessments addressed outside CPARS, terminations and any other actions covered by the Contract Terms and Conditions or other Clauses.

2. CHANGES: Changes to this award (including quantities or delivery details) shall only be authorized and approved through written correspondence from the Contracting Officer (CO). A copy of each change will be kept in the contract folder along with all other products of the project. Costs incurred by the Contractor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the Contractor.

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

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

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

4. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly [ ]

b. Semi-Annually [ ]

c. Other [X] Monthly, upon completion of training courses and/or hours worked in accordance with the tasks outlined

In accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (g) only proper invoices that contain documentation of services performed will be accepted. Invoices shall include documentation to substantiate the work that was completed during that period for any labor hour line items and shall be in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (i) Alternate I.

5. 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.

TUNGSTEN (OB10) ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION

FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THROUGH AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Contractors must do the following when submitting invoices in Tungsten. Failure to do so may cause the system to not properly receive or transmit your invoice for COR approval.

Complete all fields in Tungsten’s invoice submission.

Contractor must include in the Contract No. listed in Block 2 of SF1449 on all invoices.

Invoices must use the same line item format as listed in the Contract Price Schedule.

Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

Fax, email and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted data transmissions below.

1. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The Financial Services Center (FSC) in Austin, TX uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

2. A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site is http://www.x12.org.

Vendor e-Invoice Set-up Information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, TX for payment processing. If you have questions about the payment status of a properly submitted invoice, the e-invoicing program, or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

Tungsten e-Invoice setup information: 1-877-489-6135 Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com VA TUNGSTEN Number: AAA544240062 FSC e-Invoice contact information: 1-877-353-9791 FSC e-Invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov FSC Internet: http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Acquisition Internship School (AIS) Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Modernization Professional Training Delivery and Support

1.0 Background

The mission of the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA) Acquisition Internship Schools (AIS) Acquisition Intern Program (AIP) is to train and develop future acquisition professionals to meet VA's mission and address the challenges associated with recruiting, developing, and retaining sufficient acquisition workforce personnel. The AIP is designed to develop entry-level acquisition professionals for the VA and other Government agencies (OGAs).

1.1 The AIP has transition from an 18-22-month to an 11–12-month career development program.

1.2 Considering the time, skills, and experiences necessary to develop the required Federal

Acquisition Institute (FAI) competencies, the AIP holistic design is critical to the success of the participants. The AIP integrates acquisition-relevant learning objectives in all components to build confidence and competency in students as they progress through each program year.

1.3 The AIP supplements formal contracting courses with an integrated curriculum of technical, leadership development, and other course components. This program teaches each student how to use newly acquired technical skills while using the community of practice and learning from their peers. Satisfying these goals and objectives, allows the AIS to produce fully functioning contract specialists who will support the VA mission as well as the missions of other participating Government agencies. The specific components of the AIP are as follows:

A. Contracting Courses (CON) B. Professional Development Courses (FLD) C. Skill Building Courses (FCN, FQN, FCL-VA) D. Mini Missions E. On-the-Job Training (OJT) F. VA Contract Writing System Training G. Mission Service and Industry Experience

1.4 For more information on the VA Acquisition Academy and the AIS programs, see http://www.acquisitionacademy.va.gov/schools/studentship/index.asp

2.0 Contract Type

The contract type is a single-award with firm-fixed-price and labor hour line items.

3.0 Objective

The contractor shall provide instructional services as defined in section 4.3.11 to include course delivery of Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Back-to-Basics (CON 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400) equivalency courses for FAC-C Professional Modernization certification preparation, instructional design, and subject matter expertise support for the AIS’ participants.

The contractor shall provide experienced instructor(s) with demonstrated classroom management skills. The instructor(s) shall be an expert with creating a positive and productive learning experience, a knowledgeable acquisition professional, able to review, mark up and provide individual feedback on each exercise for each course.

4.0 Task Order Requirements

4.1 Place of Performance: Training courses will take place virtually or in person at the VA

Acquisition Academy, 7485 New Horizon Way, Frederick, MD 21703. The VAAA will follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines (CDC):

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/community/office-buildings.html?referringSource=articleShare.

A course schedule listing each course modality will be provided after award.

4.2 Period of Performance:

Base Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Option Period 1: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Option Period 2: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

4.3 Class Information:

4.3.1 Class Times: All courses shall be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (EDT/EST). Courses shall not be dismissed early unless approved by the VAAA AIS Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Program Manager (PM). Contractor shall have additional exercises to cover in the event course materials are covered more quickly than anticipated.

4.3.2 Weather and other Emergency Contingencies: When the Frederick area experiences inclement weather or other emergency situations, the Contractor shall have a plan developed in advance to ensure the training schedule is not impacted. The COR will notify contractor when the plan should be executed.

4.3.3 Holidays: Training will not be scheduled during the following holiday periods as listed by OPM at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url%3DOverview

New Year's Day 1 January Martin Luther King's Birthday Third Monday in January President's Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth 19 June Independence Day 4 July Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans Day 11 November Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day 25 December

If a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as the legal holiday.

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a legal holiday by U.S. Government agencies. Also included would be any day specifically declared by an Executive Order from the President of the United States of America as a national holiday (e.g., December 26, 2014).

4.3.4 Class Size and Demographic: Class size includes up to 30-students per cohort and is comprised of VA and other Government agency employees. This requirement will have one mandatory cohort for each period of performance and two optional cohorts, exercised at the Government’s discretion.

4.3.5 Course Cancellation or Reschedule: The VA reserves the right, with a minimum 30 days’ notice, to cancel or reschedule any courses with no penalty.

4.3.6 Course Materials and Supplement/Tailored Materials: The CON courses are

Commercial-Off the Shelf (COTS) courses, the Professional Development courses, Skill Building courses, and Mini Missions are Government-Off the Shelf (GOTS) courses. All courses conducted, delivered, or otherwise coordinated by the contractor shall meet current FAI requirements, be 508 compliant, and, if applicable, shall be certified as equivalent to DAU courses. Accordingly, all Contractor’s courses shall be listed on DAU’s website list of equivalent course providers, which is currently maintained at:

Defense Acquisition University Equivalency Program (dau.edu) (click on “Commercial Vendors” icon). All course materials to include a syllabus for each CON course will be provided electronically; no hard copy materials.

The Contractor shall tailor all CON (1100 – 1400) courses to civilian agency needs, the courses shall be delivered virtually or in person instruction over an 8-day period. There shall be no pre-work or post-work. The CON courses shall not contain self-paced pre-requisite eLearning courses (the interns will complete the self-paced eLearning courses prior to the start of the CON course(s)). The Contractor shall provide a detailed description of what is needed to pass the CON Courses, number of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs), and seat time. DFARS references and DOD examples, cases, and exercises shall be replaced with VA (preferred) or other civilian agency equivalents, particularly centering on commercial item purchases. A minimum of 20% of examples, cases, and exercises shall be VA-specific and address VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Government Accounting Office (GAO) findings. The Contractor must evaluate course materials to ensure entry-level topics are discussed in a manner that will provide foundational knowledge.

The Contractor shall be responsible for demonstrating to the Government how the course meets the 20% requirement by highlighting these instances in a copy of the course material provided to the Course Manager for review; submitted as a Supplement/Tailoring Summary. The Contractor shall provide a description of the changes made to satisfy the 20% requirement. The materials shall incorporate and/or supplement training activities that will ensure knowledge transfer and support training objectives. Subject matter shall be current and applicable to the student population.

4.3.7 Curriculum Management of COTs Courses: The Contractor shall demonstrate a curriculum management process and be responsible for ensuring materials are current prior to course delivery. The Contractor shall demonstrate a process by which there is continuity and familiarity with the materials presented in the full curriculum, avoiding unnecessary repetition of information curriculum conflicts. Quality assurance and instructor collaboration communication should exist among contractor instructor staff.

When there are updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR), or related VA Procurement Policy Memorandums during the period of performance, the Contractor shall update and adapt their courses and materials within

30 days of the published update. Contractors shall provide the most up-to-date COTS materials to include the Office of Federal Procurement Policy’s (OFPP’s) requirements, and Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) curriculum changes as they are made available.

4.3.8 Learning Content Management System (LCMS): All GOTS and COTS student coursework submissions shall occur through the VAAA’s AIS Learning Management System (LMS). This includes class assignments and assessment.

4.3.9 Point of Contact and Biweekly meetings: The Contractor’s main point of contact

(POC) will provide an interface between the AIS COR and contractor personnel and instructors throughout the duration of the contract. The contractor shall identify this individual upon award. The POC and other contractor staff, as needed (non-instructor staff) shall participate in biweekly meetings to go over any curriculum issues, concerns, and positive outcomes between the Contractor/PMs/Curriculum team and COR.

4.3.10 Instructor Management Plan: The contractor shall develop and submit an Instructor

Management Plan (IMP), to include the items listed below:

Instructor matrix (that includes Instructor’s name and course title) Hiring Process and Requirements Certification, Training Plan and Continual Evaluation Retention, Remediation, and Termination Contingency Operations

The Contractor shall provide qualified instructors for course delivery IAW section 9.0.

The Contractor shall have an instructor certification process with established procedures for certifying their instructors, continual evaluation of instructor performance, and maintaining instructor certification. The Contractor shall also have a detailed training plan evidencing how instructors are kept up to date and conversant with federal acquisition regulations on a continuous basis.

A draft IMP will be delivered with the quote and the final IMP will be delivered after award. The contractor shall manage their instructor cadre IAW the approved IMP.

4.3.11 Instructor Schedule: The Contractor shall provide an Instructor Schedule that includes the instructor’s name, email address and telephone number, course title, date and time, cohort name, and instructor’s availability (date and time using eastern standard time) for Pre-course Huddle in accordance with 4.3.14. (The Government will provide a Course Schedule at least 90 days prior to the start of each block). The Instructor Schedule shall match the Course Schedule and be provided to the Government 60 days prior to the start of each block. If an instructor change needs to occur after the instructor schedule is approved, the Contractor shall submit the proposed substitution to the COR 30 calendar days before course start date.

4.3.12 Instructional Support Services/ Classroom Management: The Contractor shall provide instructors who will demonstrate an understanding of adult learning, knowledge transfer and course preparation. The Contractor shall manage the flow of curriculum, effective delivery, and classroom management from one course to the next among the qualified instructors. Instructor(s) shall follow the Government provided Instructor Guide for all GOTS courses. GOTS materials can be accessed through LMS by Contractor 30 calendar days prior to course delivery. Instructors that do not demonstrate effective classroom management skills and/or subject matter expertise; fail to follow the Instructor

Guide (IG); lack facilitation skills, and/or professional presentations skills; are subject to dismissal and replacement. The Government reserves the right to require instructor replacement based upon feedback received in End-of-Course surveys and VAAA audit results. Such replacements will be from the pool of previously approved instructors and shall be confirmed by the Contractor within 5 days of a Government request.

The Government will assess the instructor’s performance through observation of the following:

Subject Matter Expertise- Convey professional and technical knowledge and skill

Displays up-to-date knowledge and current best practices.

Provides timely reference to the FAR, FAR supplements, strategies, goals, and other policies/regulations.

Materials presented, discussions, examples, or relevant experience relate to course objectives and are at an appropriate level.

Encourages learners to think about how they might apply their skills and knowledge in the workplace.

Training Preparation- Prepare for instruction

Arrive 30 minutes before class starts.

Room organization and equipment is ready to support instruction, learning, and activities.

Plans breaks and/or takes unplanned breaks to manage participant engagement.

Organizes groups as needed.

Presents up-to-date materials that are available to all learners and does not assign blame for problems with materials.

Exhibits familiarity with course materials.

Presentation Skills – Demonstrates effective presentation skills

Follows the Instructor Guide and/or slides but avoids reading from them like a script.

Uses multi-media tools effectively.

Speaks confidently about the subject matter and uses voice to create and hold interest through good pronunciation, speed, tone, volume.

Demonstrates appropriate non-verbal communication.

Facilitation Skills – Demonstrates effective facilitation skills

Communicates learning objectives, clear directions, activity purpose, and/or performance standards.

Asks relevant questions that challenge assumptions, spur creative thinking and discussion, while reinforcing learning.

Manages time effectively and maintains an appropriate instructional pace for the audience.

Demonstrates best practices for the instructional method(s) employed.

Executes all activities spelled out in the Instructor Guide.

Training Evaluation – Assess learning and performance

Assesses (formally or informally) learner engagement, task achievement and level of understanding to ensure learning objectives are met.

Gives accurate and useful feedback to learners on their performance.

Conducts Level 2 Kirkpatrick assessment(s) of each participant.

Provide score for the end of course assessment for CON, Skill Building, and Professional Development courses.

Use AIS provided scoring rubric(s) for Government Off the Shelf courses.

Instructor feedback must be consistent with all grades received in the course.

4.3.13 Instructor Orientation: All instructors shall participate in an asynchronous training session, provided by the Government. This training shall be completed at least 30 calendar days prior to teaching their first course at AIS VAAA, or within 30 calendar days after award, whichever date comes later, and then yearly thereafter. In cases where an instructor substitution is necessary, the Government will review those instances on a case-by-case basis.

4.3.14 Instructor Pre-Course Huddle: All instructors shall participate in the pre-course huddle(s), in person or via webinar. Pre-course huddles are a short discussion to prepare the instructor to successfully deliver the course as prescribed in the instructor guide, and typically occur 2 weeks before course offering. The Contractor shall provide schedule of availability of instructors to attend pre-course huddles. The Contractor will maintain updates or changes to dates and times and notify the AIS COR.

4.3.15 Instructor Course Debriefing with Program Manager: All instructors shall participate in a debriefing session with the AIS PM on the last day of each course.

4.3.16 Course Quality Feedback: Instructors shall complete the VAAA End-of-Course Instructor Survey within 6 business days after each course. Feedback shall be meaningful, constructive, and unique to the course. Surveys will be available in the LMS.

4.3.17 Instructors Evaluation of Student’s Performance: Electronic submission of Level 2

Kirkpatrick assessment(s) is required for each participant for all courses and shall be submitted using the VAAA AIS LMS within six (6) business days after each course.

Feedback shall be candid and constructive, as it is an important data point for student development. If an instructor experience concerns with a student’s progress or classroom conduct, the instructor shall notify the cohort’s Government Program Manager (PM) on the same business day that the issue is identified. Student Feedback consists of comments regarding the student’s performance in contribution, critical thinking, analysis, preparation, and an overall course grade (i.e., test, quiz, graded assignment).

Comments shall be meaningful and describe actions, demonstrate learning is taking place and should be unique to each intern.

In instances where 10% or more of course participants demonstrate weakness and score below 80% in a CON, Professional Development, or Skill Building course, assignment, and/or assessment (i.e., test or quiz), the contractor shall conduct an analysis of that weakness.

4.3.18 Participant Performance Improvement: The Contractor shall partner with AIS by exploring opportunities that decrease the knowledge gap and make recommendations that improve the performance of the participants.

4.3.19 Student Attendance Tracker and Class Attendance Record: The Contractor shall maintain a daily record of participant attendance to verify each participant was in class the required time to receive credit for the course. The Contractor shall provide the Student Attendance Tracker within six (6) business days of course completion.

The Contractor shall also provide a Class Attendance Record within six (6) business days of course completion to include whether each participant met the attendance requirement and a pass or fail rating. Course certificates are awarded to participants who passed the course.

4.3.20 Student Course Feedback: Instructors shall allow a maximum of 10 minutes at the end of each course for participants to complete the required VAAA end-of-course survey which is accessed through the VAAA’s LMS.

4.3.21 Virtual Instruction: The Contractor may be asked to deliver in-person courses virtually at the discretion and guidance of the VAAA, as approved by the COR. The Contractor shall be prepared to provide instructors capable of providing training. Acceptable technologies include Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Blackboard, Skype, Zoom, Adobe Connect, and any other educational technologies. When using this approach, all work shall be done in the VAAA AIS LMS platform, which lends itself to a seamless learning platform. The virtual solution should allow for classroom like experience. Learners shall be able to login to one site and participate in all functions of the course and engage with one another easily. The Contractor shall have a built-in contingency plan that will support or replace any delays resulting from connectivity issues.

4.3.22 Labor Hour Support (Mandatory in Base Period; Optional in Option Periods):

The following requirements are labor hour support tasks to provide Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) and Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) services as detailed below. This support will be mandatory in the Base Period but will be optional tasks in each Option Period.

Optional tasks may be exercised at the discretion of the Government based on the need and availability of funds. No work shall begin on any of these tasks unless the Contractor is notified by the Contracting Officer and a modification is executed with funds obligated by the Contracting Officer. The Government is not obligated to exercise any options.

A. Instructional Systems Designer (ISD) (Hourly). If exercised, the Contractor shall assist the project lead and functional SME with the analysis of course development;

design courses, goal statements, objectives, instructor strategies, evaluation methods, and training materials. Lead the development of course materials that may include course outline, background material, training aids, etc. Engage in the sequential revision of training courses. Update course materials to ensure relevancy.

Course design and development experience with ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) model and evaluation experience using Kirkpatrick evaluation model.

B. Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) (Hourly). If exercised, the Contractor shall provide subject matter expertise to include research to support courseware development on acquisition topics. Provide acquisition subject matter expertise to instructional design teams which includes up-to-date knowledge and current best practices, timely reference to the FAR, FAR supplements, strategies, goals, and other policies/regulations, produce acquisition documents to support training scenarios.

5.0 Course Deliverables

All course content shall be suited for all types of learning modalities offered to AIS program participants.

5.1 Professional Development Courses: The Contractor shall provide qualified Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) certified instructors who are prepared to instruct, review, mark up and provide individual feedback on exercises for each course. The instructor(s) are expected to assist participants with exercise completion and guidance, facilitate discussions that process the exercises, and assess student deliverables. Provide an instructor assessment of the participants proficiency regarding exercises completed and submitted by participants. Qualifications must meet the standards specified below.

Methods of instruction include Interactive lecture, group activities, discussion, and reflective practice.

Course FLD134: Leadership Principles for Contract Specialists Course Length

1 day

Course Description

Lead yourself, influence others, and make an impact. Leadership Principles for Contract Specialists is an opportunity to explore everyday leadership behaviors and principles, examine your leadership style, and develop a personal leadership brand. After exploring what good looks like for a contract specialist, you will use your MBTI Personal Impact Report to answer the questions: “Where am I now?”

and “What do I need to do to get there?”

Leadership development is a lifelong learning process, so this course offers something to everyone, regardless of leadership experience. As a contract specialist, you can make a powerful impact on others and influence workplace culture by leveraging your leadership assets and style.

Get ready to be inspired and immediately apply everyday leadership skills gained through meaningful discussions, case studies, and role-playing using real-life scenarios experienced as a contract specialist. As a capstone activity, you will develop a personal leadership brand to give you focus and identify what you want to be known for as you lead yourself, influence others, and make an impact.

Course FLD135: Exploration of MBTI for Contract Specialists

Length

1 day

Course Description

How self-aware are you? Exploration of MBTI for Contract Specialists examines how personality type influences the way you perceive, communicate, and interact. This course is designed to help you make use of your Myers-Briggs® personality type so that you can better understand yourself and others and improve the interactions you have as a contract specialist.

Soft skills are entirely dependent on your level of self-awareness. Given this, you will revisit your Myers-Briggs® personality type throughout the Professional Development curriculum where you will be challenged to answer the following questions for each course topic: “Where am I now?”, “What does good look like for a contract specialist?”, and “What do I need to do to get there?”

Greater self-awareness for better self-management is a lifelong learning process, so this course offers something for everyone, regardless of previous experience with the MBTI. Get ready to deepen your self-awareness, understand others, and build the foundation for your professional development though enlightening activities and discussion—and have fun in the process!

Course FLD136: Customer Service in an Acquisition Environment

Course Length

2 days

Course Description

Are you ready to take the pledge of excellence in customer service? Customer Service in an Acquisition Environment provides an opportunity to explore and practice the soft skills you need to deliver consistent positive customer service.

After exploring what good looks like for a contract specialist, you will use your MBTI Personal Impact Report to answer the questions: “Where am I now?” and “What do I need to do to get there?”

Customer service is a priority of Veterans Affairs, and we are all responsible for fostering a climate of customer service for those we serve, and to those we serve alongside. In addition to your technical and administrative hats, a contract specialist wears a customer service hat—you are needed to help the VA be the best customer service team in the Government.

Through meaningful discussions, case studies, and role-playing using real-life scenarios experienced as a contract specialist, you will develop strategies to effectively communicate and resolve conflict situations. As a capstone activity, you will develop a personal action for leveraging and developing your soft skills for excellence in customer service.

Course FLD137: Communicating Information as a Contract Specialist

Length

2 days

Course Description

Like it or not, communication and presentation skills are an important part of being a contract specialist. Communicating Information Skills as a Contract Specialist provides you with an opportunity to enhance and practice the skills you need to make clear and convincing presentations, whether formal or informal.

The ability to engage and communicate is vital for individual growth as well as the success of an organization.

Oral communication is a FAC-C professional competency needed to be an effective contract specialist, as are flexibility and resilience. The three of those competencies together encompass what it means to be an effective communicator. During this course, you will be challenged to answer the following questions: “Where am I now?”, “What does good look like?” and “What will I do to get there?”.

After exploring the elements of effective formal and informal presentations, you will practice and deliver presentations and receive constructive feedback to take your skills to the next level.

Course FLD138: Teaming and Partnering in an Acquisition Environment

Course Length

2 days

Course Description

Teamwork makes the dream work. It is easy to say this popular phrase, but harder to make happen. Teaming and Partnering in an Acquisition Environment explores the roles and responsibilities of the acquisition team members and the soft skills needed to work as a team and get things done. After exploring what good looks like for a contract specialist, you will use your MBTI Personal Impact Report to answer the questions: “Where am I now?” and “What do I need to do to get there?”

No contract specialist is an island. You need to effectively work with all participants of the VA acquisition team to procure services and supplies for our Nation’s Veterans. Through achieving a greater understanding of the factors of effective teamwork and how you tend to work on a team, you can have an impact on the quality of the acquisition process.

Get ready to be energized to apply teaming and partnering skills gained through meaningful discussions, case studies, and role-playing using real-life scenarios experienced as a contract specialist. You will identify your strengths as a team member and potential challenges. As a capstone activity, you will demonstrate teamwork skills to develop a cohort Team Stand.

Course FLD156: Effective Problem Solving and Decision making

Length

1 day

Course Description

Elevate your game as a trusted business partner. Effective Problem Solving and Decision Making explores the application of critical thinking skills and your decision-making style to your role as a contract specialist. During this course, you are challenged to answer the questions, “Where am I now?”, What does good look like for a contract specialist?”, and “What do I need to do get there?”

As a contract specialist, you will make infinite decisions with increasing complexity and deal with change. Critical thinking skills are essential to making the best decision for the Veteran, customers, stakeholders, and taxpayers.

Learning about and appreciating your decision-making style helps you to identify strategies to make your decision-making more successful.

Put on your thinking cap as you practice problem solving and decision making through case studies and activities using real-life scenarios experience as a contract specialist.

5.2 Skill building Courses: The Contractor shall provide a qualified instructor(s) prepared to instruct, mark up and provide individual feedback on exercises for each course. The instructor(s) are expected to assist participants with exercise completion and guidance, facilitate discussions that process the exercises, and assess student deliverables.

Provide participant’s instructor assessment of the participants proficiency regarding exercises completed and submitted by participants. Qualifications must meet the standards specified below. Methods of instruction include Group collaboration, peer to peer, demonstration, discussion, interactive lecture, and practical exercise.

Course FCL-VA I100 Contract Planning

Length

2 days

Course Description

As a new contract specialist, how do I start processing a purchase request? Why am I doing what I’m doing? How do I know what I am purchasing? How can I purchase it?

You will begin with a look at the laws that regulate federal spending, a review of the procedures for receiving and processing a purchase request, and an understanding of the required components of a procurement package.

Next, you will begin market research with hands-on, on-line activities that determine the appropriate NAICS code and size standard for a procurement; and a search for available and awardable potential sources (contractors) to fulfill the customer’s need.

At the end of this one-day course, you will be able to answer all four questions above!

Course FCL-VA I101 GSA Schedules

Length

1.5 days

Course Description

In this course, participants will become familiar with GSA eTools used by contract specialists to conduct market research. This scenario-based course provides an overview of the functions and features of GSA eLibrary and GSA Advantage.

Further, participants will practice using the GSA eTools to search for and gather essential information to make smart acquisition decisions.

Course FCL-VA I102: Modifications and Closeouts

Length

1 day

Course Description

In this workshop, participants will become familiar with the purpose of modifications and factors that determine the appropriate modification for the situation. Participants will complete an SF30 to modify an existing award.

Course Number TBD: FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Requirement Development & Market Research

Course Length

2 days

Course Description

This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants work contract actions for two requirements using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring commercial items through an SDVOSB set-aside and a FAR Part 8 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the VA.

The course focuses on receiving a procurement package through market research. Topics include receipt of a procurement package (i.e., PR, product description & salient characteristics, IGCE), digitally organizing your desktop, interacting with the customer to learn about the requirement, conducting market research, drafting a market research report, and determining the acquisition strategy.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time constructive feedback regarding the quality of their business writing and technical accuracy of acquisition documents.

Course Course Number TBD: FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Solicitation

Length

3 days

Course Description

This course builds on the course “FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Requirement Development & Market Research”. This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants continue to work the same contract actions for two requirements using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring commercial items through an SDVOSB set-aside and a FAR Part 8 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the VA.

This course focuses on developing the solicitation. Topics include digitally organizing your eCMS desktop, finalizing a market research report and acquisition strategy, preparing to develop the solicitation, developing the solicitation, publishing the solicitation, and amending the solicitation in response to a change from customer.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time constructive feedback regarding the quality of their business writing, technical accuracy of published acquisition documents, and level of eCMS proficiency.

Course Course Number TBD: FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Award

3 days

Course Description

This course builds on two courses “FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Requirement Development & Market Research” and “FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Solicitation”. This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants continue to work the same contract actions for two requirements, from planning to closeout, using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring commercial items through an SDVOSB set-aside and a FAR Part 8 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the VA.

This course focuses on conducting the evaluation and developing the award.

Topics include receiving quotes, evaluating the quotes, developing the award determination documentation, developing the award, reporting the award to FPDS, and publishing the notice of award.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time

Course Course Number TBD: FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Post Award

Length

2 days

Course Description

This course builds on three courses “FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Requirement Development & Market Research”, “FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Solicitation”, and “FAR Part 8 Contract Exercise, Award”. This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants continue to work the same contract actions for two requirements, from planning to closeout, using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring commercial items through an SDVOSB set-aside and a FAR Part 8 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the

VA.

This course focuses on post award functions and closing out the contract. Topics include modifying a contract and closing out a contract, with and without outstanding balances.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time

Course Course Number TBD: FAR Part 13 Contract Exercise, Solicitation

3 days

Course Description

This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants continue to work contract actions for two requirements using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring services through a set-aside and a FAR Part 12/13 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the VA.

The course focuses on developing a solicitation, given a complete procurement package and market research. Topics include digitally organizing your desktop & eCMS desktop, drafting the Presolicitation notice & posting to the GPE, developing the RFQ with format of commercial contract and the identification of clauses/provisions (evaluation criteria, instructions to offerors, D&F to exercise an option will be provided), and posting the RFQ to the GPE.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time

Course Course Number TBD: FAR Part 13 Contract Exercise, Award

Length

3 days

Course Description

This course builds on the course “FAR Part 13 Contract Exercise, Solicitation”.

This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants continue to work the same contract actions for two requirements using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring services through a set-aside and a FAR Part 12/13 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the VA.

This course focuses on conducting the evaluation and developing the award.

Topics include receiving quotes, evaluating the quotes, developing the award determination documentation, developing the award, reporting the award to FPDS, and publishing the notice of award.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time

Course Course Number TBD: FAR Part 13 Contract Exercise, Post Award

2 days

Course Description

This course builds on two courses “FAR Part 13 Contract Exercise, Solicitation” and “FAR Part 13 Contract Exercise, Award”. This course provides participants with a hands-on, practical application of federal contracting theory. Participants continue to work the same contract actions for two requirements using the current VA electronic contract management-system (eCMS). The two requirements focus on acquiring services through a set-aside and a FAR Part 12/13 acquisition strategy. Both requirements are VA-centric illustrating examples of commodity items routinely procured by the VA.

This course focuses on post award functions and closing out the contract.

Topics include post award orientation, modifying a contract, exercising an option, quality assurance surveillance, cost monitoring and payment, performance monitoring and evaluation, and closing out a contract, with and without outstanding balances.

Participants practice essential contract specialist skills and receive real-time

Course FCN 165: Protests, Disputes and Terminations

Length

2 days

Course Description

This interactive course is designed to introduce participants to the role of oversight organizations and the services they provide. The goal is to understand how organizations evaluate programs and activities to promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations. Participants analyze in-depth information on protests, claims and disputes, and contract terminations through case studies.

Course FCN 432: Contract Administration

Length

2 days

Course Description

During this hands-on course, participants will practice the technical and critical thinking skills needed to complete post-award functions typically assigned to new contract specialists. An acquisition-based scenario provides the context for participants to analyze a given contract, recommend solutions to resolve issues, prepare for a formal postaward conference, evaluate performance, and process a modification. Participants will practice the skills through small group and independent activities. After completing this course, participants will be ready to support their acquisition teams with completing actions during the post-award phase.

Course Course Number TBD: Write the Market Research Report

1 day

Course Description

In this scenario-based course, you will experience using sound business writing techniques within the context of acquisition…