36C10X24Q0293 - 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, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE 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

36C10X24Q0293 08-20-2024

Tanya Sims-Williams 202-257-7231 09-06-2024

12:00 PM EDT

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

X 100

X

611430

$15 Million

N/A

X

Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)

7485 New Horizon Way Frederick MD 21703

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

To all Offerors/Bidders

VAFSC

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

(see Section B.1 invoicing/payment) Austin TX 78714-8917

1-(877)-489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page

Single Award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for Program Management School (PMS), Government off-the-shelf (GOTS)Course Delivery

Questions due: August 26, 2024, 10:00 AM ET Quotes due: See Block 8 above.

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

X 1

Lindi Sylvester Contracting Officer

36C10X24Q0293

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 BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 INTRODUCTION

C.2 NOTICE OF HYBRID CONTRACT

C.3 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

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

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

C.6 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 PWS ATTACHMENT 1: COURSE LIST

D.2 PWS ATTACHMENT 2: COURSE ATTENDANCE REPORT (CAR) SAMPLE

D.3 RFQ ATTACHMENT A: PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCES

D.4 RFQ ATTACHMENT B: PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE (PPQ)

D.5 RFQ ATTACHMENT C: PRICE SCHEDULE

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 FAR 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY (SEP 2023)

E.2 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

(FEB 1998)

E.4 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.5. QUOTE SUBMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS:

E.6 FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERICAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.7 FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT ADMINISTRATION DATA

A. BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA) ADMINISTRATION: All BPA administration matters will be handled by the individuals identified in the BPA Point of Contact List (provided with the final award).

(1) This BPA and any orders will use electronic commerce to the maximum extent possible

(IAW FAR 4.502(a)). All correspondence regarding BPA administration matters between the Government team (Contracting Officer (CO), Contract Specialist (CS) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)) and the Contractor will be handled via email using the email addresses listed in the BPA Point of Contact List, inclusive of any updates provided by the responsible Contracting Officer. Email will be the primary method for providing copies of BPA/order documents to the Contractor or other parties. This applies to BPA/order 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 BPA Terms and Conditions or other Clauses.

B. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management.

C. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted monthly in arrears based upon delivery and acceptance; review and approval of the hours completed by the COR. In accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (g) only proper invoices that contain documentation of services performed will be accepted.

D. CHANGES: Any changes to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and associated orders shall only be authorized and approved through written modifications executed by the Contracting Officer (CO). Costs incurred by the Contractor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the Contractor.

E. CONTRACT TYPE: See PWS Section 3.0.

F. 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.

G. FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION: Contractors are required to submit payment requests in electronic form in accordance with the submission instructions below.

TUNGSTEN ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION

FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU 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 BPA number and order number on all invoices.

• Invoices must use the same line-item format as listed in the Order 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.

• 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:

http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

• 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

H. AUTHORIZED USERS

The CO identified in paragraph A.1 above will be the primary authorized user of this BPA, responsible for placing orders. Other warranted COs within the VA Strategic Acquisition Center

– Frederick may place orders under this BPA when necessary, at the written approval of the CO identified in paragraph A.1. The customer of this BPA is the VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA).

The BPA holder shall not accept orders received from non-authorized users without the approval of the CO.

The CO is responsible for providing overall scope oversight, maintaining communication between contractors and VA, ensuring BPA/order compliance, and administering the blanket purchase agreement (BPA) and modifications. The CO is also responsible for ensuring that orders issued under the BPA are within the scope of the BPA, issuing and administering all orders, overseeing payment or rejection of invoices, and ensuring that annual performance evaluations are completed either at the BPA or order level.

The CO is the only person with authority to obligate the Government under the BPA or any order, authorize changes to the terms and conditions of the BPA or any order, or otherwise bind the Government under the BPA or any order. Only the CO is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that will affect price, quantity, or quality of performance of this BPA or any order in conjunction with the inspection and changes clauses in FAR 52.212-4(a) & (c). If the contractor makes any change without the CO’s explicit authority and cooperation, the contractor will do so at its own economic risk and peril without recourse to requests for equitable adjustments or claims to adjust the BPA/order price. The CO is the only official person authorized to modify and/or terminate this BPA or any resultant call order.

http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ http://www.x12.org/ mailto:VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com mailto:vafsccshd@va.gov https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fsc.va.gov%2Feinvoice.asp&data=05%7C01%7C%7C8839a404c94e4722921a08dabda3f536%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638030809127175663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sttA3Pya3lpPzoP%2Bee2LKAgNi%2Bh%2FZ94cRUH7ypupdo4%3D&reserved=0

I. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE:

The CO shall appoint a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to assist in monitoring the work at the BPA and/or individual order level. The COR is responsible for the technical administration of the BPA/order and technical liaison with the contractor. The COR IS NOT authorized to change the scope of work or specifications as stated in the BPA/order, to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government, or authorize any changes which affect the BPA/order price, delivery schedule, period of performance, or other terms or conditions. The CO will issue a designation letter to the COR and the contractor to ensure that all parties understand the limited authority of the COR.

The COR will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The COR and the Contractor's Representative shall work together to ensure that all contractual requirements are being met. The COR will interpret specifications or technical portions of the work. The COR is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any order, BPA/order modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this BPA;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any BPA/order matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government. Only a warranted CO is authorized to obligate funds on this or any other BPA/order action.

The Contractor shall immediately notify the CO in writing if the COR has taken an action (or fails to take action) or issues directions (written or oral) that the contractor considers exceed the above limitations. The Contractor shall provide the CO copies of any correspondence with the COR when requested.

J. EXTENT OF OBLIGATION

This BPA does not obligate any funds. The Government is obligated only to the extent of authorized orders issued against this BPA by the CO, based on program’s bona fide needs and availability of funds.

K. BPA ORDERING PERIOD

The period of performance shall be a five (5) year ordering period starting October 1, 2024. The last day to place a new order is the last day of the BPA period of performance which is September 30, 2029.

L. PURCHASE LIMITATIONS

The estimated BPA value will be determined at award. Individual orders will not exceed $7.5M (in accordance with FAR 13.500(a)).

M. BPA ORDERING PROCEDURES

The Contractor under this BPA shall provide services as requirements are identified throughout the ordering period. Requirements may span the tasks listed within the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Resulting orders shall be FFP, T&M and/or LH. Each order will specify details as they relate to deliverables, performance, and other technical items.

Prior to placement of the order, the CO shall ensure that the regulatory and statutory requirements of the requiring agency have been applied.

1) Orders will be placed against this BPA via e-mail, all orders shall be placed in writing using a Standard Form 1449 and additional documentation to outline the specific tasks and quantities/hours required and price schedule. All orders placed are subject to the terms and conditions of the BPA and the awarded price list.

2) Orders may only be modified by written modification, executed by a warranted CO. The Contractor shall not perform or provide services that are not expressly stated in the BPA or order. The COR does not have the authority or means to obligate the Government or change the terms and conditions of the BPA or order.

3) Closeout Procedures: To facilitate closeout of individual orders placed under this BPA, within thirty (30) days of completion of any individual order, the BPA holder shall present a final invoice to the CO that contains a complete accounting of hours expended by category, the prices associated with those hours, any cost reimbursable expenses, and a proposed final price. If the Government concurs with the invoice and the proposed final price is within the ceiling price of the order, the Government will issue an order modification converting the order to a firm fixed price order at the proposed final price.

N. REVIEW PROCEDURES

In accordance with FAR 13.303-6(a), the CO placing orders under the BPA, or COR shall review a sufficient random sample of the BPA files at least annually to ensure that authorized procedures are being followed. In accordance with FAR 13.303.6(b), (1) the CO that entered into the BPA shall ensure the BPA is reviewed at least annually and, if necessary, updated at that time; and (2) maintain awareness of changes in market conditions, sources of supply, and other pertinent factors that may warrant making new arrangements with different suppliers or modifying existing arrangements.

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA)

Program Management School (PMS), Government off-the-shelf (GOTS) Course Delivery

1.0 Background

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) created the VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) to address the growing acquisition workforce challenges facing the VA and the Federal Government overall. With the downsizing from the last decade and the loss of institutional knowledge resulting from retirements, the acquisition workforce has been strained to keep pace with the increased amount of and complexities associated with outsourced work in support of the VA mission. In addition, oversight of the acquisition function across the entire Federal Government has grown dramatically in recent years. All of this, combined with mandates by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) to meet required certification standards for the acquisition workforce, prompted the VA to take action to build the VAAA.

VAAA is committed to not only meeting OFPP certification and continuous learning mandates, but also to ensure that its training curriculum takes a holistic and synergistic approach to:

• Create a workforce that is regarded as “best in class,” where acquisition professionals are referred to as “trusted business advisors” who are sought out by their peers and customers for their expertise in crafting the most effective and efficient acquisition strategies to meet mission needs.

• Incorporate electives that address the entire suite of competencies needed for success:

innovation, leadership, team building, communication, interpersonal skills, cost estimating, project/program scheduling, requirements management, lifecycle project management, and others.

• Align course content to achieve greater consistency and standardization in performing the acquisition function that is grounded by the Federal Acquisition Regulation’s Guiding Principles for exercising sound business judgment. 1.102 Statement of guiding principles for the Federal Acquisition System. Acquisition.GOV (gsa.gov)

• Leverage institutional knowledge and wisdom of the VA’s existing acquisition workforce by creating knowledge sharing activities and opportunities for all employees coming through our programs.

• Bridge the gap that often exists between program and contracting offices to create “acquisition teams” that are committed to collectively achieving results.

• Support VA efforts to exit the Government Accountability Office (GAO) High Risk List

(GAO-23-106203).

• Support VA Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OALC) to implement the Acquisition Lifecyle Framework (ALF) throughout the VA enterprise (GAO-22-105195).

The VAAA is seeking a Contractor to provide the delivery of government off-the-shelf (GOTS) program/project management and acquisition training courses to include but not limited to FAC- P/PM Program/Project Management (FAC-P/PM), PM Fellows, Contracting Officers Representative (FAC -COR), Facilities Engineering and Construction (FE/C) and other VAAA GOTS certification and continuous learning courses.

2.0 Scope

The Contractor under this Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) shall provide delivery services for government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) acquisition training courses as identified in corresponding orders.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/office-federal-procurement-policy/ http://www.fai.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/1.102 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/1.102

3.0 Type of Contract

This is a hybrid single award Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). VAAA can place orders with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) line item(s) for course delivery; Labor Hour (LH) line item(s) for Train the Trainer/Technologist and “After Action” feedback; Time and Materials (T&M) line item(s) for Other Direct Costs (ODCs) and for travel to be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).

Orders will be placed as the Government need is identified and funding is available.

4.0 Period of Performance

The period of performance for this BPA is a 5-year ordering period starting at the date the agreement is signed.

Order performance periods will be detailed in the individual orders written under this agreement and will typically be 12 months in duration. No single order shall exceed 24 months in duration.

The last day to place a new order is the last day of the BPA Period of Performance.

5.0 Place of Performance

The place of performance will be specified in individual orders. Classes may be held virtually or in person at designated locations outlined in the order. The majority of “in person” courses will be held at VAAA located at 7485 New Horizon Way, Frederick, MD 21703. Classes may also be held at other facilities throughout the continental US or outside the continental US, or at international locations where Veterans Affairs has facilities and as specified in the order. There will be no reimbursement for local travel within a 50-mile radius of the Contractor’s Instructor’s duty station (as defined by Contractor; Contractor must provide evidence of each instructor’s duty station with any travel requests). Contractors will not be paid hourly for their time in travel.

Travel will be reimbursed in accordance with paragraph 9.2.

6.0 Description of Work – Course Delivery

6.1 The Contractor shall provide GOTS course delivery as specified at the order level, in accordance with the class schedule coordinated with the Government. The Contractor shall provide the GOTS delivery for courses at firm-fixed prices (FFP) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the BPA and order. Attachment 1 provides a list of courses (GOTS).

The Contractor shall provide GOTS training courses to include course delivery with qualified instructors (see paragraphs 6.7-6.9, respectively). Delivery shall include technologist support for virtual classes and classes set up in the VAAA Learning Management System (LMS) system which is currently Blackboard to include break-out rooms if specified in the order.

GOTS courses include FAC-P/PM, PM Fellows, FAC-COR, FE/C, and other VAAA business unit courses including electives, and continuous learning (CL) courses. The majority of these courses are expected to be scheduled as virtual instructor-led courses; however, face-to-face courses may be scheduled when requested on a case-by-case basis. Delivery method will be identified at the order level.

6.2. The target audience for the courses required under this BPA is the Federal Government’s civilian professional acquisition workforce (AWF), including managerial, non-managerial, and entry-level candidates. Students attending the training will be primarily Department of Veterans

Affairs employees but may also be from other Government agencies who have elected to coordinate their training needs with the VAAA.

6.3. Training will not be scheduled during the following holiday periods as listed by OPM at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/Federal-holidays/#url=Overview

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 - 4th 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 President of the United States of America as a national holiday (e.g., June 17, 2021).

6.4. VAAA generally will not cancel training classes except as follows, or if applicable, as specified within the order:

• Fewer than the minimum required students have registered (50 percent) 21 calendar days prior to the start date of a course unless otherwise specified in the order.

• During severe emergencies, weather conditions, or critical national events if training is in-person.

• During Federal-wide or agency shut down periods or Continuous Resolutions (CRs).

• Classes may also be cancelled due to an occasional need to change the dates and locations of training.

VAAA will notify the Contractor when a class is cancelled due to any of these circumstances.

6.4.1. When the Contractor is given a minimum of 21 calendar days’ notice prior to the scheduled class start date (or as stated in the order), the Government may cancel with no penalty or cost to the Government, and/or substitute, relocate, or reschedule classes without penalty and at no additional cost to the Government.

6.4.2. When less than 21 calendar days’ notice is given in the event of an emergency or Government shut down (as stated above), classes may be substituted, relocated, or rescheduled by mutual agreement of the Government and Contractor, within the order period of performance, at no additional cost to the Government.

6.4.3. When the Government provides less than 21 calendar days’ notice, and the Government cancels the course in the event of low enrollment or other circumstances, the Contractor may bill the firm fixed price of the class unless other mutually agreed upon arrangements have been made.

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/Federal-holidays/#url=Overview http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/Federal-holidays/#url=Overview

6.5. All on-site training will begin at 8:00 a.m. local time at the training location on days of training, unless otherwise modified by the specific order. Instructors are expected to arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. local time at the training location to ensure that they are prepared to start the course on time. Courses shall finish no later than 5:00 p.m. local time at the training location. Courses shall not be dismissed early unless approved by the VAAA COR. On-site offerings will generally have a maximum of 30 students. No on-site course shall exceed 356 students.

6.6. The schedule for virtual training will be specified in the orders. The start times generally range from 8:00-11:00 a.m. local time at the training location. Virtual courses will generally have a maximum of 30 to 40 students.

6.7. Task 1: Course Delivery. (See Section 7 for a summary list of all deliverables required under this BPA.)

6.7.1. GOTS Face-to-Face and Virtual Course Delivery.

6.7.1.1. VAAA will manage registration of the courses and provide a Course Attendance Report (CAR) (Attachment 2) to include names of registered students and student email addresses, instructor name, start and end dates and times to the Contractor upon course registration close date (generally 5 to 10 calendar days prior to course start date). The Contractor will be provided a sign-in class roster on the first day of class. For face-to-face classes, this roster shall serve as the official student attendance record; the instructor must have students sign in each morning and afternoon of class. The Contractor must notify the Government on the first day of class by Noon local time of the training location if any students are absent or added.

In the case where a class is held virtually the Contractor shall be responsible for keeping daily attendance. However, after the first day of class, the Contractor shall e-mail an updated copy of the first-day roster, showing absent or added students, to the PMS Deliverables mailbox (PMEngagement@va.gov) by end of the day.

6.7.1.2. For face-to-face classes, the VAAA will provide classrooms, a guest laptop for the instructor with guest Wi-Fi to utilize for loading course materials, classroom instruction, wall mounted monitors, video capability and/or other similar in-classroom technology and break-out rooms when specified in the order. VAAA will also provide accommodations for students with special needs (sign language interpreters, transcriptionists, etc.). Instructors must follow VAAA visitor check-in policy upon arrival.

6.7.1.3. Platform and Virtual Links: For virtual classes, The Contractor is responsible for preparing and monitoring the classroom daily in the VA approved learning platform (currently Blackboard).

Break out rooms must be created by the Contractor supplied facilitator/technologist the morning of the class. Contractor technologist will facilitate and coordinate course assessments. The contract facilitator/technologist must load additional course materials if applicable. The Government creates the class set up/ session links and sends to the Contractor POC quarterly. VAAA (Office of the Registrar) OOR will include the class links in the student Welcome Letter. OOR is also responsible for enrolling the initial roster of students into Blackboard prior to course start date. Class initial roster is available 5 to 10 calendar days before class start.

Blackboard Course Master

- VAAA/PMS builds master courses in Blackboard.

- VAAA/PMS uploads GOTS course materials into the course master in

Blackboard from the curriculum drive.

Blackboard Class Session shells and links

- VAAA/OOR creates the class session shells in Blackboard for each class by copying the master for the course. Class sessions for FCR 201 and FCR 102 are created quarterly; other class sessions are created after course registration close date (normally 5 to 10 days prior to start).

- VAAA/OOR batch enrolls registered students into the class from CSOD at course registration close date (normally 5 to 10 days prior to start).

Welcome Letters – containing links.

- VAAA/OOR sends Welcome Letter to students at class registration close date to include class session Blackboard links for virtual classes.

- VAAA/OOR adds any walk-in students into Blackboard after class close date if applicable. Contractor technologist assists with course access and assessment.

Class Survey Links

- VAAA/Learning Standards Office (LSO) creates class survey links prior to class start date and sends the links to PMS and other identified POCs for virtual classes.

- Contractor Technologist provides the class survey links to the students for virtual classes on the last day of class.

- VAAA/LSO provides survey links to students for face-to-face offerings via email at the end of the class.

If the VAAA PMS requires another delivery platform/LMS, details will be specified in the order upon mutual agreement.

In addition, the Contractor will actively remediate any student issues such as logging in, audio, technical problems, accessing exams, and other questions that may arise during the course offering. The Contractor shall monitor the frequency of technical difficulties, identify trends or reoccurring issues, and implement a timely solution. The Contractor will upload group and student chat transcripts if available at end of class. Contractor will provide end of day summary of technology issues and suggested solutions to the COR if needed and applicable.

6.7.1.4. Contractor shall conduct all courses in accordance with VAAA classroom procedures. Any applicable procedures will be provided to the Contractor and instructors within one week of the start of any course to include student reasonable accommodations for audio/visual requirements.

6.7.1.5. Classes may be observed by VAAA staff (Government or Contractor) to monitor quality of course delivery (sometimes with little or no advance notification). Any VAAA contract staff assigned to observe courses will provide subject matter expert input to Government staff but will not be responsible for inspection and acceptance of deliverables, which is solely a Government (COR) responsibility. The COR will notify the Contractor of any Government concerns about course delivery quality for Contractor resolution. All Contractor personnel will abide by VA ICARE values (I CARE (va.gov)).

https://www.va.gov/icare/

6.7.1.6. The Contractor shall encourage students to complete individual course evaluations after course completion using the VAAA’s student evaluation system. Survey links will be provided to the Contractor for dissemination to the students in virtual classes. The final assessment will be available electronically for VAAA courses. VAAA will provide the Contractor a copy of the automated assessment analysis within ten business days from the survey end date.

6.7.1.7. Students who do not pass a certification/elective course final assessment, generally will be offered a period, not to exceed 5 business days, for self/instructor-remediation and be given a second attempt. Students may retake final assessment once. If a student does not pass an exam, by the second attempt, the student will not receive credit for passing/completing the course or receive a course completion certificate. The Contractor shall notify the VAAA when a student does not pass a course, immediately, or at least within 3 business days of course completion. VAAA will be responsible for notifying the student, along with their supervisor. The Contractor shall provide a summary of an individual student’s graded assignments, completed evaluation rubrics and/or exams to VAAA. The VAAA shall be provided copies, of any tests and/or graded assignments, with answers, per student, for audit purposes to ensure grading accuracy. In addition, if requested, the Contractor shall provide additional information, such as written feedback, about an individual student’s performance. Contractors shall retain information related to student performance for a minimum of 60 days past the contract period of performance.

6.7.1.8. After course completion, the Contractor shall e-mail the CAR (Attachment 2) to the PMS Deliverables mailbox (PMEngagement@va.gov), within 3 business days.

Contractor may be asked for after action course reviews which will be specified at the order level. reviews Invoices may be submitted with these deliverables or at a subsequent date (see BPA Section B.1 for specific invoicing instructions).

6.7.1.9. Student course completion certificates will be available in Cornerstone on Demand (CSOD) after completions have been recorded by VAAA/OOR.

6.8. Task 2: GOTS Course Materials

6.8.1.VAAA will provide the GOTS course materials, to include a course design document and instructor guide to the Contractor for course delivery. GOTS courses will include VA-specific case studies and will be designed for Section 508 compliance.

GOTS course materials are considered proprietary to the Government and shall not be discussed or distributed or downloaded outside the VAAA requirement. Contractors must ensure instructors keep GOTS course material secure.

6.8.2. All course materials supplied to the student shall be section 508 compliant or have a compliant alternative available upon student request.

6.8.3. For face-to-face courses, Government shall print, and Contract instructor shall provide printed course materials to the students if specified in the order. Students may request a hard copy of any additional, supplemental course materials on an occasional basis due to reasonable accommodations.

6.8.4. Government shall distribute materials for virtual classes via Blackboard or other approved VA platform/LMS. Students may request a hard copy of course materials on an occasional basis due to reasonable accommodations.

6.9. Qualified Instructors and Instructor Management Plan:

mailto:cpsdeliverables@va.gov

6.9.1. Contractors shall provide qualified instructors for course delivery. Contractors shall have an instructor certification process in place to provide qualified, competent, and proficient instructors. Contractor must have established procedures for certifying their instructors, continual evaluation of instructor performance, and maintaining instructor certification, including remediation if required. Contractors shall also have a detailed training plan evidencing how instructors are kept up to date and conversant with federal acquisition regulations, VA policies, acquisition and program/project management best practices, and recent developments in the acquisition and program/project management sphere or other related information as specified in the order.

6.9.2. The Contractor shall develop and submit to the VAAA and CO an Instructor Management Plan (IMP), to include the items listed below (6.9.2.1-6.9.2.4). The IMP will be delivered no later than 14 days after award and the VAAA COR and CO will review this plan. The Contractor shall manage their instructor cadre IAW the approved IMP.

6.9.2.1 Hiring Process and Requirements

6.9.2.2 Certification, Training Plan and Continual Evaluation (see 6.9.1)

6.9.2.3 Retention, Remediation, and Termination

6.9.2.4 Contingency Operations (e.g., when an instructor is sick, doesn’t show up, quits, or is removed).

The Contractor shall notify the VAAA COR in advance of proposed instructors per course (typically with the order quote). Instructors must meet experience requirements outlined below and in the approved IMP. For more complex VA case study specific courses completion of VAAA Train the Trainer checklist may be required as requested and specified in the order. For replacements, the Contractor shall submit a résumé of qualifications for instructors to the VAAA COR at least two weeks prior to a course, unless previously approved for that course within the last year.

6.9.3. Contractors shall have established procedures for rapid instructor replacement for instances when required. Instructors shall first instruct on-site or virtually at VAAA without any adverse observations before instructing a course at an off-site location, unless approved in advance by the COR.

6.9.4. The instructor experience requirements for all courses/functional area (GOTS FAC-P/PM, PM Fellows, FAC-COR Certification, Elective, Continuous Learning Courses or other VAAA business unit courses) are as follows.

Each instructor shall have:

• At least an undergraduate college degree and a minimum of 24 semester hours of business-related, or topic-relevant, education.

• For COR classes: An active professional contracting certification, unless waived by VAAA. Acceptable professional certifications include one of the following: Legacy Level III FAC-C or DAWIA certification in contracting, FAC-C Professional (P) with at least 4 years of working in the field of Contracting, or other equivalent professional contracting certification (i.e., NCMA ICCM-D, ICCM-F, CFCM and CPCM). Any request for a waiver needs to include the reason for the waiver. Requests for a waiver will be submitted by the Contractor with the instructor’s résumé at time of proposal submission.

• For FAC-P/PM classes: An active professional Program Management Certification, Construction Management certifications, Master Scheduler certification or other related certification as specified in the order unless waived by VAAA.

• Relevant and current (within the past two years) experience instructing adult learners in the course or course subject matter in a virtual or face-to-face classroom setting. Each instructor must provide evidence of at least two years of teaching or instructing in an adult education program, secondary school, college, military installation, government, commercial or industrial establishment in the course or course subject matter, and two years of teaching or instructing in a virtual or face-to-face classroom setting.

• Instructor must have 10+ years subject matter expertise (VA experience preferred) unless waived by the VAAA COR. With approval of the VAAA COR a train-the-trainer approach to meet the instructional knowledge requirement to be completed within six months of hire or assignment date.

7.0 Delivery Schedule

The following table provides the schedule of deliverables required under all orders and specified in this PWS. All deliverables and documentation shall be submitted in electronic format, unless otherwise instructed. The submitted electronic formats shall be compatible with approved Government computer software (such as .pdf, .doc, .xls, .ppt and other file types). Additional deliverables may be specified in the orders.

Paragraph Number

Deliverable Number

Deliverable Name Recipient Due Date

6.7.1 1 All courses: Course delivery per the schedule

Students As scheduled

6.7.1.1 2 All courses: Updated first-day class roster

VAAA

COR/OOR

First day of class

6.7.1.6 3 All courses: Student course evaluations.

Instructor/technologist to provide students with the class survey virtual link at end of virtual classes

Students At the end of each course

6.7.1.7-8 4 All courses: Attendance and Incomplete/failure notification on the CAR.

After action course feedback as required.

VAAA

COR/OOR

No later than 3 business days after course completion for the CAR.

6.7.1.7 5 All courses: Summary of graded assignments uploaded into Blackboard or other repository

VAAA COR Upon request

6.7.1.7 6 All courses: Copies and or uploads of tests and graded assignments

VAAA COR Upon request

6.7.1.7 7 All courses: Additional information about student performance

VAAA COR Upon request

6.8.7 8 GOTS face-to-face courses only: Hard-copy class materials for students as specified in the order.

Students First Day of class

Instructor to distribute.

6.9 9 All courses: Qualified Instructors and Instructor Management Plan including completion of VAAA provided TNT checklist as requested by

VAAA

VAAA COR As scheduled, within 14 calendar days after award

6.1, 6.7.1.3 10 All courses: Qualified Technologists and Technologist Management Plan

VAAA COR As scheduled, within 14 calendar days after award

6.7.1.3 11 Upload group and student chat transcript if available at end of class. Provide end of day summary of technology issues and suggested solutions.

VAAA COR End of Class

B.1 12 Invoices Tungsten Invoice system

Submit invoices per section B.1 by the 10th of the month to include CLIN burndown and monthly status report, receipts, B.1 13 Monthly Status Report to include monthly burn down.

VAAA COR 10th of the month if specified at order level

8.0 Performance Standards

Following are the performance standards the Government will consider under this BPA and subsequent orders. The Contractor’s attainment of these standards will be considered in mandatory past performance reporting and under the past performance evaluation for future BPA order awards.

Performance Goal Standard Method of Observation Quality Course Delivery Quarterly, at least

80% of classes receive an average summary rating of at least 4.25 on a 5-point scale for Instructor Delivery (This is measured by each class not the overall average score for classes delivered.)

VAAA online evaluation system

Quality Instructors No more than one replacement request per fiscal year based on negative instructor performance regarding ICARE Values, Hatch Act and Instructor kickoff guidelines, instructions, and classroom management (FAQ).

VAAA evaluation system, VAAA classroom audit, and/or student feedback

Kickoff meeting

Invoices Submitted timely and accurately

Submitted into Tungsten by the 10th of the month to include burndown and receipts

Technologists All student issues regarding virtual access including but not limited to password resets, software/ application access, audio visual, file uploads and access if necessary are addressed at time of request. Upload group and student chat transcript if available at end of class. Provide end of day summary of technology issues and suggested solutions.

VAAA evaluation system, VAAA classroom audit, and/or student feedback

ICARE values No more than 1 violation of ICARE elements as indicated on end of course survey or other course communication.

eCFR: 38 CFR Part 0 -- Values, Standards of Ethical Conduct, and Related Responsibilities

9.0 Special Requirements

9.1. Kick-Off Meetings

9.1.1. BPA Kick-off meeting. The Contractor shall attend a kick-off meeting at VAAA or by teleconference with the VAAA within 14 calendar days after BPA establishment.

9.1.2. Order Kick-off meetings. The Contractor shall not commence performance on the orders issued under this BPA until the Contracting Officer (CO), or designated representative, has conducted a kick-off meeting, or has advised the Contractor that a https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-0 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-0 kick-off meeting is waived. After each order award, the Contractor shall attend a Government-hosted kick-off meeting by teleconference to refine the master course schedule which includes dates, times, and locations of classes.

9.2. Travel

9.2.1. Instructor travel is anticipated. Classes may be held at facilities throughout the continental United States (US), possibly outside the continental US, or internationally at or near VA locations (very limited but possible) as specified in the order. There will be no reimbursement for local travel within a 50-mile radius of the Contractor’s Instructor’s duty station (as defined by Contractor; Contractor must provide evidence of each instructor’s duty station with any travel requests). Contractors will not be paid hourly for their time in travel.

Travel reimbursement will be invoiced under a separate line item in an order only for courses held outside of the local travel radius (50 miles from instructor duty station); this line item will state a not-to-exceed amount at the order level. Reimbursement for instructor travel will occur in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations. All travel must be pre-approved by the COR in writing (via e-mail) at least 21 days calendar prior to travel, or upon mutual agreement among Government and vendor (for example, a short turn-around class request or swapping instructors to accommodate an illness, medical appointment, etc.). Travel performed for personal convenience and daily travel to and from work at the Contractor’s facility will not be reimbursed.

General and Administrative (G&A) charges against travel will not be reimbursed. The Contractor Instructor will not be paid hourly during travel.

9.2.2. VAAA is responsible for all student travel, authorizations, per diem expenses, and travel vouchers.

9.3. Contractor Experience Requirements - Key Personnel

9.3.1. Project Manager: The Contractor shall provide a representative available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. This Contractor representative shall have decision-making authority and serve as the Government’s single point of contact for all items related to the BPA and subsequent orders, such as schedule coordination, instructor replacement, and evaluation distribution.

9.3.2. For the orders, the proposed instructors will typically be considered key personnel.

Individual orders may identify any specific key personnel requirements in addition to those defined in paragraph 6.9.4. For key personnel, the following provisions apply:

9.3.2.1. The Contractor shall submit a résumé of qualifications for all key personnel proposed for the project. All Contractor key personnel will be approved by the COR prior to bringing on duty. Contractor must submit all résumés at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, unless previously approved within the year, or unless waived by the VAAA COR. Key personnel proposed for the orders shall be current employees of the Contractor, have signed letters of commitment for employment with the Contractor, or have signed subcontracting agreements with the Contractor.

9.3.2.2. Substitution of Key Personnel: The Contractor agrees that the key personnel at the BPA and order level shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without approval of the COR. Should substitution become necessary, the Contractor shall provide the Government 10 business days’ notice when possible. Any personnel the Contractor offers as substitutes must be approved by the VAAA COR and shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel that will be replaced.

9.4 Nonpersonal Service

Tasks performed shall be of a non-personal nature. VA organizations will not provide supervision of Contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall at no time allow an employer-employee relationship to develop with VA organizations or their staff. VA organizations will refrain from any activities that create the appearance of such a relationship.

Contractors shall not perform inherently governmental functions including decision-making, supervision of Government employees, supervision of other Contractors on other contracts, and activities that create the appearance of performing such functions.

9.5 Other Direct Costs

9.5.1 ODC: May be anticipated at the order level for such items as printing and shipping of student materials to training locations, course delivery equipment purchase due to emergency situations (projector, extension cord, microphone, etc.).

9.6 Labor Hour

Labor hour support may be anticipated at the order level. Orders will include a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk (FAR 12.207).

9.6.1 Train the Trainer/Technologist: The Contractor shall notify the VAAA COR in advance of proposed instructors per course (typically with the order quote). Instructors must meet experience requirements outlined below in the PWS and in the approved IMP.