36C10X25Q0032 VA TAP QA.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 28 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- Not on record
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) spreadsheet for a VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP) contract opportunity. The procurement is expected to use the OASIS+ contract vehicle under NAICS code 541612 for Human Resources Consulting Services, with an anticipated RFP release in mid-May. Key details include requirements for contractors to develop and maintain TAP curriculum, support pre-separation counseling, and provide Benefits Advisors across military installations, with an emphasis on in-person instructor-led training.
The contract will involve developing curriculum aligned with VA TAP Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure, maintaining minimum staffing levels for Benefits Advisors, and supporting strategic planning for transition assistance programs. Significant constraints include an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) preventing contractors from supporting a potential future OTED Strategic Support contract. The government will provide detailed attachments in the solicitation, including location data, staffing requirements, and curriculum guidelines. The procurement aims to continue supporting service members' transition from military to civilian life through comprehensive counseling and educational services.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| VA TAP Industry Day_04.14.25.pptx | PPTX presentation |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Questions Form
| # | Pre-Solicitation Reference | Draft PWS Page | Draft PWS Section | Question | Final Answer/Comments | Topic | |
| 1 | General Information | Can VA identify the anticipated contract vehicle that is expected to be used for the final solicitation? | An OASIS+ is the expected contract vehicle for this requirement. | Operations | |||
| 2 | General Information | Would it be appropriate to issue the solicitation under NAICS 541611, given the varied nature of the professional services support needed, including Program Management, On-site Support, Training, Strategic Planning, and Data Analysis? | North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541612 – Human Resources Consulting Services is most appropriate for this requirement. This NAICS code includes providing advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations in one or more of the following areas: (1) human resource and personnel policies, practices, and procedures; (2) employee benefits planning, communication, and administration; (3) compensation systems planning; and (4) wage and salary administration. While support work may fall under a variety of other NAICS codes per FAR 19.102 (b)(1) "The contracting officer shall determine the appropriate NAICS code by classifying the product or service being acquired in the one industry that best describes the principal purpose of the supply or service being acquired." | ||||
| 3 | General Information | Can VA provide insight into the anticipated acquisition strategy for this effort? | Order off of OASIS+ | Operations | |||
| 4 | General Information | Can VA provide an estimated timeframe for solicitation release? | The intention is to release the RFP in mid-May. This is subject to change. | ||||
| 5 | Draft PWS | 6 | 7.1-7.5 | Could the VA clarify which tasks, sub-tasks and/or deliverables are priced on a hybrid labor-hour basis and which are firm fixed price? | Pricing guidance will be provided in the solicitation | ||
| 6 | Draft PWS | 5, 7, 10, 11, 15, 23 | 5.0-10.3 | Would it be beneficial to share Attachment F, which contain historical frequency and event data, with industry in a pre-solicitation notice? | Attachment F will be provided in the solicitation. This attachment contains each military installation name, the hub location, branch of service, state, frequency of Benefits and Services courses, minimum recommended staffing level, FY24 Benefits and Services events, FY24 VA Benefits and Services attendance numbers, FY24 pre-separation counseling and installation engagement support, FY24 Capstone Event support, FY24 Reserve National Guard events, and FY24 MLC events. Overall FY24 TAP data can be found in the Annual Benefits Report: https://www.benefits.va.gov/REPORTS/abr/docs/2024-abr.pdf# | ||
| 7 | Draft PWS | 17 | 7.4 | Would it be helpful to share Attachment Z, which contains the VA Transition Assistance Program Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), with industry in a pre-solicitation notice? | Attachment Z, TAP Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure, will be provided in the solicitation. An overview of current TAP curriculum, as well as acces to the the web-based trainings can be found in the VA TAP course catalog located here: https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/transition-assistance-program/ | ||
| 8 | Draft PWS | 4 | 2 | Would it strengthen the pre-solicitation to include measurable objectives and desired outcomes for each task, given that the current scope broadly defines the contractor’s role but lacks clear objectives and success criteria? | Objectives and desired outcomes are included in under 7.2 (Task 2), 7.3 (Task 3), 7.4 (Task 4), 7.5 (Task 5), and 9.3 (AQL). | Operations | |
| 9 | Draft PWS | 9 | 7.2.A | Could VA provide additional details on the current Hub and Spoke model, specifically regarding its structure and locations? Additionally, could you clarify which locations house the resource experts tied to this model, such as Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Counselors, DOL VETS Staff and Instructors, TAP managers, Military Service Coordinators (MSC), Overseas MSC, Outreach and Economic Development staff, VHA homelessness program staff, health care liaisons, mental health and suicide prevention teams, warrior transition staff, Vet Centers, and VA Medical Center and Regional Office staff? | Overview of TAP regional structure is included on slide 10 ("VA Transition Assistance Program Execution") of the Industry Day slide. Co-location with resource experts (i.e VR&E, DOL VETs, etc.) varies by installation. | Operations | |
| 10 | Draft PWS | 18 | 7.4 | Could VA provide more detailed information on the construct of the pilot program? Specifically, we are seeking clarification on the timeframe for government-prescribed dates and assessment methods. | Attachment Z, TAP Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure, will be provided in the solicitation. An overview of current TAP curriculum, as well as acces to the the web-based trainings can be found in the VA TAP course catalog located here: https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/transition-assistance-program/ | Curriculum | |
| 11 | Draft PWS | 20 | 7.5.A | Could VA provide additional details on the scope of this task? Specifically, we are interested in understanding the key challenges and barriers to success encountered to date; when do the current short- and long-range strategic plans extend through, and do you anticipate updating them as part of this task? | Please see updated 7.5.A. in the solicitation. | Curriculum | |
| 12 | Draft PWS | 24 | 10.6 | Would it promote broader competition and attract top-tier talent to offer more flexible descriptions for key personnel roles and make PMP certifications optional—allowing for equivalent experience, such as five years of management experience or demonstrated success in deploying similar programs across the public and private sectors—so as not to exclude qualified bidders due to overly restrictive criteria? | The solicitation will contain the minimum qualifications required. | Curriculum | |
| 13 | General Question | Will there be a draft RFP released for this procurement? | While that is not the Governent's intention at this time the Government reserves the right to issue a draft RFP. | ||||
| 14 | Draft PWS | 24 | 10.5 | Will the government provide all equipment and books for use by transitioning service members? If the government is not providing the equipment for transitioning service members (in classroom), then please provide the volume of computers and other equipment (e.g., books) required by use by transitioning service members. | Transitioning service member equipment and printed material will be provided IAW DOD policy; TAP contractor is not responsible for providing service member equipment or printing service member materials. | Curriculum | |
| 15 | Draft PWS | 24 | 10.6 | Please confirm that the government anticipates using the same job roles and qualification profiles for key personnel. | The PWS specifies key personnel requirements for the contractor employees. | Strategic Action Planning, Coordination and Implementation | |
| 16 | Draft PWS | 5 | 5 | Please provide locations for current Benefits Advisors staff members and historical utilization volumes. | Benefits Advisors locations and utilization will be provided in Attachment F when the solicitation is published. This attachment contains each military installation name, the hub location, branch of service, state, frequency of Benefits and Services courses, minimum recommended staffing level, FY24 Benefits and Services events, FY24 VA Benefits and Services attendance numbers, FY24 pre-separation counseling and installation engagement support, FY24 Capstone Event support, FY24 Reserve National Guard events, and FY24 MLC events. | ||
| 17 | Draft PWS | 5 | 5 | Please indicate the timeline by which the contractor will be notified when new TAP locations are added. What is the timeline for releasing this information? | Attachment F will include TAP locations. If the government directs TAP location changes after the contract is awarded, the schedule/timeline will be negotiated between the government and contractor. | ||
| 18 | Draft PWS | 3 | 2 | Please confirm that the contractor will be able to utilize the existing TAP facilities to deliver services under the new contract, and will not be expected to procure new facilities. | The interagency TAP Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be provided as Attachment E when the solicitation is published. Per the TAP Interagency MOU, VA will continue to partner with DOD to ensure classroom/briefing room facilities for all TAP events on DoD installations that enable an appropriate learning environment. | ||
| 19 | General Question | The information provided through TAP plays an important role as the Service Member transitions to civilian life and there are many different ways to share this information to accommodate different learning styles. Will contractors have the ability to propose alternative approaches while ensuring government content is included? | The contractor will be required to develop curriculum IAW the requirements of the TAP Curriculum SOP (Attachment Z) which will be provided with the solicitation. The Contractor will work closely with the government regarding any proposed revisions or updates. The government will have final approval. | ||||
| 20 | General Question | How have the recently reported cuts to VA personnel and contracts impacted the VA TAP solicitation? | No information is available at this time. | ||||
| 21 | General Question | When does the Gov intend to release the RFP? | The intention is to release the RFP in mid-May. This is subject to change. | ||||
| 22 | General Question | Does the Gov intend to make significant changes to the draft PWS released in January for RFP release? | The government may modify the draft PWS based on market research and industry day feedback. | ||||
| 23 | General Question | Request the Gov issue a full draft of the RFP and all attachments for industry review and comment. If not, can the Gov provide a draft or describe the requirements of RFP Sections L and M? | Attachments will be provided in the solicitation. Please note, the soliciatation will be released using the standard form 1449; therefore, there wll be no L and M but a section D containing all required attachments. | ||||
| 24 | Draft PWS | 9 | 7.2.A | States, “the contractor shall maintain the minimum BA staffing requirements specified in Attachment F.” Can the Gov provide a copy of Attachment F? If not, can the Gov describe any changes in staffing from the previous Attachment F provided with the May 2020 RFP? | Benefits Advisors locations and utilization will be provided in Attachment F when the solicitation is published. This attachment contains each military installation name, the hub location, branch of service, state, frequency of Benefits and Services courses, minimum recommended staffing level, FY24 Benefits and Services events, FY24 VA Benefits and Services attendance numbers, FY24 pre-separation counseling and installation engagement support, FY24 Capstone Event support, FY24 Reserve National Guard events, and FY24 MLC events. | Operations | |
| 25 | Draft PWS | 17 | 7.4 | States, “All TAP curriculum development shall meet the standards outlined in the VA Transition Assistance Program Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) (Attachment Z).” Can the Gov provide a copy of Attachment Z? If not, can the Gov describe the highlights of this SOP? | Attachment Z, TAP Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure, will be provided in the solicitation. An overview of current TAP curriculum, as well as acces to the the web-based trainings can be found in the VA TAP course catalog located here: https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/transition-assistance-program/ | ||
| 26 | Draft PWS | 21 | 9 | Previous VA TAP RFI did not provide Attachment G Performance Requirements Summary. Can the Gov provide a copy of Attachment G? If not, can the Gov describe the performance standards and whether financial penalties may be assessed? | Attachment G will be provided in the solicitation; Performance standards are included in PWS Section 9. | ||
| 27 | General Question | ||||||
| Given the recent DOGE activities in VA with respect to eliminating contracts and reducing government and contract staffing levels, is there any indication that this contract will be affected, and if so, how? | No information is available at this time. | ||||||
| 28 | General Question | ||||||
| Given the recent indication from the Sec Def that the Army may be reduced by 90K troops, do you anticipate that the TAP program will be impacted and if so, will the contract scope, level of effort or technical requirements be affected in anyway? | VBA TAP is an interagency program that supports the needs of DOD transitioning service members; the impact of future changes to DOD force structure is unknown at this time; if required, changes to contract scope will be negotiated bilaterally. | ||||||
| 29 | Draft PWS | 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 | 7.3-7.5 | ||||
| Will the Government provide evaluation criteria to be used in the various evaluation requirements? | The government will provide evaluation criteria guidance to the contractor. | ||||||
| 30 | Draft PWS | 4, 6 | 4, 7.1.A | Will the government provide a separate period of performance and CLIN for the transition period? | Yes. | Curriculum | |
| 31 | General Question | ||||||
| Will the Government consider sharing all attachments prior to releasing the final RFP for bid? | Attachments will be provided in the solicitation. | ||||||
| 32 | Draft PWS | 17 | 7.4 | Is there historical level of effort data for curriculum development/revision the Government can provide? | Attachment Z, TAP Curriculum Development and Revision Standard Operating Procedure, will be provided in the solicitation. An overview of current TAP curriculum, as well as acces to the the web-based trainings can be found in the VA TAP course catalog located here: https://discover.va.gov/transition-programs/transition-assistance-program/ | ||
| 33 | Draft PWS | 17 | 7.4 | Does the government have an existing working group and process that the contractor is expected to coordinate and participate in for new and revised curricula. | The contractor will support the government's established TAP Curriculum program team. | ||
| 34 | Draft PWS | 26 | 11.2 | ||||
| Will a change in contractor require new fingerprinting of all incumbent staff who may choose to rebadge, to effectively change sponsorship? | All contractors will be sponsored IAW agency policy; The government may request reciprocity for a subject who |
has a previous eligibility or investigation, as long as it meets or exceeds the suitability requirements of the new position.
| 35 | Draft PWS | 26 | 11.2 | |||
| Will the VA consider PSIP access for the contractor FSO in addition to the Contractor PM to submit background investigation for contract employees? | Yes, the government will consider granting contractor FSO's access to PSIP. | |||||
| 36 | Draft PWS | 6 | 6 | "The award of this contract will impose a potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) with the award of the OTED Strategic Support contract. The OTED Strategic Support contract is anticipated to be an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Any Contractor awarded, as a prime or subcontractor on this Contract, is precluded from supporting the OTED Strategic Support IDIQ contract in any way, including but not limited to, advising, subcontracting, or consulting, as noted by FAR 9.505-3." 1. Is it still anticipated that the OTED Strategic Support contract, or something similar that would impose a potential OCI, will be released? 2. If yes, is it still anticipated to be an IDIQ? 3. Is there an anticipated release date? 4. If not, is it expected that the contractor for VA TAP will develop and maintain the curriculum? 5. If not, will the VA TAP contractor be accountable for evaluation of Benefits Advisorss and courses? | 1. The government has not determined if or when a follow-on OTED Strategic Support solicitation will be released. |
2. See response #1.
3. See response #1.
4. The VA TAP contract will develop and maintain TAP curriculum.
5. See response #4.
| 37 | General Question | Considering that Benefits Advisorss are currently located at most military installations, is it expected that VA Benefits and Services counseling and courses and the Military Life Cycle courses will continue to be delivered in person? | Yes. In-person instructor led training is the preferred curriculum delivery modality. | |||
| 38 | General Question | Will the roles of Benefits Advisors, Senior Benefits Advisor, and Master Trainer continue to involve the same tasks as they do currently? | Yes. | Curriculum | ||
| 39 | General Question | Are the numbers of Benefits Advisorss, Senior Benefits Advisors, and Master Trainers expected to decrease, increase, or remain the same in the future? | Attachment F will be provided in the solicitation. This attachment will include the minimum staffing level requiremts. | Operations | ||
| 40 | Draft PWS | 7 | 7.1.A.i | Can you confirm that incumbent contractor has the same transition requirements as listed in the 7.1.A.i Transition Plan, and whether they will share that during the competition period for bidders to take into account? | A transition period will be provided similar to that of the current contract. | Operations/Staffing |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .