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RFQ 36C10X26Q0124-ATTACHMENT E- QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TEMPLATE
QUOTER TO INPUT QUESTIONS, REFERENCING SOLICITATION REFERENCES AS APPLICABLE TO ENSURE RESPONSE IS PROVIDED ACCORDINGLY. SUBMIT BY DEADLINE ON RFQ.
| # |
| Solicitation Reference |
| Question |
| Government Response |
| 1 |
| N/A |
| Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing this requirement? If so, could the Government please identify the incumbent and, if available, provide the contract number? |
| Blueridge Information Technology Solutions, Inc |
Contract # 36C10X21D0011
| 2 |
| N/A |
| Would the Government consider an extension to the proposal due date, given the potentially short timeframe between Government Q&A responses and the deadline? |
| Yes |
| 3 |
| Attachment B, Price Cost Schedule |
| Is there a government budget estimate or not-to-exceed value associated with this requirement? |
| The Government has set the contract year limit Not To Exceed $525,000 |
| 4 |
| PWS 7.2.7 |
| Can the Government clarify the distinction between the full-version and reduced-version videos? Specifically, is the reduced-version video derived from the full-version video through editing and content reductions, or is it a separately produced video developed independently of the full version? |
| Reduced version video is derived from the Full version video. It is not a separately produced video. |
| 5 |
| PWS 7.2.6 |
| Can the Government clarify what is expected at Level 3 course development under this agreement—specifically, interactive activities such as games, tests, scenarios? |
| The Government has attached definitions of Level 3 to the PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Attachment E Interactivity Level |
Also please visit the Veterans Training Site.
https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/
| PWS 7.2.6 |
| Is it possible to provide examples of previously developed courses that reflect the typical length, complexity, and instructional approach expected? |
| The Government suggests going to visit the Veterans Training site. https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/ |
| 7 |
| PWS 1.0 and 2.0 |
| In addition to mental health assistance, can the Government provide guidance on whether other areas of self-help content may be sought for courses under this agreement—e.g. physical health, financial, education, employment, transition/reintegration? |
| This site is primarily for Mental Health at this time though those topics may be addressed within the Mental Health courses. |
| 8 |
| PWS 7.5.2 |
| Can the Government provide details regarding the Learning Management System in use for the VETERANTRAINING website? E.g. Is it SCORM compliant? |
| The Government does not have plans to do an LMS with this contract. The wording has been removed. |
| 9 |
| PWS Section 7.2 |
| What authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Adobe Premiere) are currently being used on this program? Will source files created in those tools be accepted as deliverables, or must all courseware be built in raw HTML5? |
| With Government pre-approval, the contractor can use COTS products for development, but not any proprietary software. All source files must be fully editable without the need for a specific COTS development tool, and they must be fully functional and VA 508 compliant – we will not accept products developed in these tools as a final product that are not functional and compliant once on our production server. The contractor is responsible for remediating all issues prior to delivery of a deliverable to the government. |
PWS Section 7.2.1 / 7.2.3 How many courses and/or task orders are anticipated in the Base Year? What is the expected average number per option year?
What is the Government's expected average length (in hours of seat time, number of screens, or number of modules) for a "standard" full-length course versus a microlearning course, so offerors can price the deliverable CLINs appropriately?
The Government doesn’t keep track of anything like “seat time” or # of screens usually. The way the course is developed can make a significant difference in screen count. For example, one screen can have 5 layers (=1 screen) or that same screen can be built where each layer is a separate screen (=5-6 screens). The length of the final course(s) is dependent on the subject matter. The course will be long enough to meet the objective (for a micro learning) or objectives (for a course).
| 11 |
| PWS Section 7.3.2 |
| Are there existing courses in production that the incoming contractor will be expected to maintain from Day 1? If so, how many courses will complete source files be provided? |
| Yes. All of them. |
| 12 |
| PWS Section 3.0 |
| When courses are deployed on a Learning Management System (LMS) rather than veterantraining.va.gov, which LMS platform is used? |
| The Government does not plan to use an LMS. Veteran Training will be used. |
| 13 |
| PWS Section 11.0 |
| If contractor staff have already completed a Tier 1 (NACI) or higher background investigation through prior VA work, will that clearance be accepted without requiring a new investigation, and can those staff begin work immediately upon contract award? |
| The Government will follow the VHA Security Policy which does allow for individuals to be “grandfather“ in (2 year limit from the last investigation/review?). It will all depend on the individual and their circumstances. COR will follow the policy and get those staff working asap. |
| 14 |
| Section E.1 / Past Performance |
| Will the Government accept CPARS evaluations in lieu of or in addition to completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs)? |
| The Government requires the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ). |
| 15 |
| Attachment B / PWS Section |
| CLIN 37 (Regular Maintenance, 10 hrs/month) is listed with a quantity of 1. Does one unit represent the full year of monthly maintenance (12 months x 10 hours = 120 hours total), or a single month of maintenance? |
| Please see revised Price List |
| 16 |
| Attachment B / PWS Section |
| CLIN 38 (Additional Maintenance) is described as "in multiples of 40 hrs." Does one unit equal one 40-hour block, and is the quantity of 3 in the Base Year the maximum number of 40-hour blocks the Government may order in that period? |
| The Government has now listed the unit as job. |
One job is 40 hours. The Government can order as many as it thinks it needs in a contract year.
The other “job” is now set up as just 1 hour and the Government can order as many as it thinks it need.
| 17 |
| Attachment B |
| The "Unit" column appears unpopulated for most CLINs in the Price Schedule. Should offerors define the unit type (e.g., Each, Lot, Month) for each CLIN as part of their price submission? |
| Please see revised Price Schedule. |
| 18 |
| PWS Section 7.2.6 |
| Student Interactivities are required to function at a minimum Level 3 of interactivity. Is there a specific interactivity taxonomy or rubric the Government uses to define Level 3 (e.g., Allen's levels, Bloom's taxonomy-based)? Will the Government provide examples of previously accepted Level 3 interactivities? |
| The Government has attached definitions of Level 3 to the PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT, Attachment E |
Also please visit the Veterans Training Site.
https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/
| 19 |
| PWS 7.2.7 |
| For Stand-alone Video production, is the contractor responsible for providing on-screen talent/actors, or will VA supply them? |
| The Government also provide SMEs and/or Veterans for videos. The Contractor may use video clips from other commercial sources in production. It is their responsibility to ensure they are complying with right of use requirements. |
| 20 |
| PWS 4.0 / B.3 |
| The PWS acknowledges travel may be required for video shoots and other project requirements. However, there is no travel CLIN in Attachment B. How should travel costs be accounted for — included in applicable deliverable CLINs, submitted as actuals, or handled another way? |
| The Government has deleted all the travel references. |
| 21 |
| Attachment B CLINs 0039, 0040, 0041 [Price Cost Schedule] |
| Course Landing Page (Alpha, Beta, Final) in the Base Year have no quantities listed. What quantities should offerors use for pricing these CLINs? |
| Please see the revised Price Listing. Offerors must provide a price for every CLIN on the list except for the ones with NSP in the cells. |
| 22 |
| PWS Section 7.2.5 |
| The Media Library must include all media used in the course plus “at least 20 additional still images.” Is the 20-image requirement per course, per task order, or per contract? Are custom photography, stock licensing, or VA-provided images expected? |
| The Government requests the extra images to be added for promotional materials that may be needed for each course. The VA has limited access to some copywriter material that the contractor may use but the contractor is not limited to those sources provided all media is provided in accordance with federal usage requirements. |
| 23 |
| RFQ Section E.2.2 |
| Can the government please clarify what would constitute “specialized experience” for key personnel that could result in a higher rating? |
| The Government is emphasizing that staff members should highlight their relevant experience and transferable skills on their resume, rather than simply listing previous jobs in chronological order. Instead of a chronological list of previous positions, ensure the resume highlights your experiences and skills that are directly related to the desired role. Emphasize prior work in similar roles or transferable skills from other positions and clearly describe how these experiences make you a strong candidate. |
| 24 |
| PWS Section 12.2 |
| Given the low number of professionals with ATD CPTD or ATD Master Instructional Designer certifications, would the government consider allowing a relevant Master’s degree (instructional design) or years of experience substitution for these certification requirements? |
| The Government would agree to a Master’s degree or an additional 5 yrs of experience |
| 25 |
| Section B.1.C, Minimum Guaranteed Amount and Maximum Value, Page 5 |
| The solicitation establishes a minimum guarantee of $525,000 and a maximum IDIQ value of $2,700,000. Can the Government provide historical annual obligations, task order counts, and total expenditures under the predecessor contract(s) for the last five years to assist offerors in developing realistic pricing assumptions? |
| The Government has used one Task Order per Contract Year and has obligated Not to Exceed $525,000 each Task Order. |
Historically, the Government has used most of the budgeted amount.
| 26 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 2.0 Objectives and 3.0 Scope, Pages 6-7 |
| Can the Government provide the current inventory of active courses maintained under VeteranTraining.va.gov, including the approximate number of courses currently requiring maintenance and the anticipated volume of new course development annually? |
| There are 10 active courses on the site now. The menu to the courses is on the left. There is still one more course that needs to be completed and posted. |
| 27 |
| Section B.2, Paragraphs 7.2 and 7.3, Pages 10-14 |
| Will all existing source files, storyboards, media assets, graphic files, source code, and development documentation from current and prior courseware be provided to the successful contractor at transition? |
| Yes. |
| 28 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 7.2, Page 10 |
| Can the Government identify the current authoring tools, web development framework, content management systems, and analytics platforms currently used to support VeteranTraining.va.gov course development and deployment? |
| Previous contractor for this contract used HTML5. They also used Google Analytics and SiteImprove to provide data regarding the courses. |
| 29 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 12.2 Key Personnel, Pages 17-18 |
| Beyond the required Program Manager and Instructional Systems Specialist positions, are offerors permitted to propose additional key personnel whose qualifications may be considered as part of the Technical Capability evaluation? |
| The Government requires only these two individuals to be designated as key personnel for this contract. Offerors retain discretion regarding the selection and deployment of additional staff necessary to fulfill contract requirements. Offerors should detail their proposed staffing approach, including the roles and qualifications of supplementary personnel, as part of their submission. |
| Can the Government identify the incumbent contractor(s) currently performing this requirement and provide the predecessor contract number(s)? |
| Blueridge Information Technology Solutions, Inc |
Contract # 36C10X21D0011
| 31 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 3.0 Scope, Page 6 |
| On what platform is the learning management system at veterantraining.va.gov built? |
| The Government does not have a learning management system for this contract. Veteran Training |
| 32 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 3.0 Scope, Page 6 |
| What are the publishing standards that the learning management system will accept (e.g., SCORM, xAPI)? |
| The Government is not using an LMS for this contract. |
| 33 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 7.0 Definition, Page 7 |
| “All deliverables intended for public consumption, including courseware, flyers, and workbooks, shall be 508 certified as part of the final deliverable prior to implementation.” Is the contractor required to provide Section 508 certification, or is certification provided by VA? |
| The Government must have a contractor that will ensure all final deliverables are all VA 508 compliant. The contractor will submit all deliverables to the VA 508 Accessibility Office for testing and approval. If the 508 Office finds accessibility issues, the contractor will be required to fix them as a condition of acceptance and resubmit the deliverables again to be reviewed. Having a DHS Tester will help immensely since that Tester will be trained in the same way as VA 508 Office is. |
| 34 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 7.1.4 Production Meetings, Page 9 |
| Is the contractor required to provide Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)? Or will they be provided by VA? |
| The Government will provide the Experts (SMEs). |
| 35 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 7.5 Task 5: Coordinate/Post/Produce Courses, Page 15 |
| What file formats will the VA OI&T Enterprise Web Infrastructure Services (EWIS) accept? |
| Please consult this website for web policies https://digital.va.gov/web-governance/enterprise-content-management-systems/ |
| 36 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 7.5.2 Implement Course, Page 15 |
| What file formats will the database (e.g., for a research study) accept? |
| The Government will not be dealing with research databases for this contract so what format they use is unknown. |
| 37 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 12.2 Key Personnel, Page 18 |
| Can a degree in Instructional Design or similar be substituted for the relevant certifications? |
| Yes but not immediately after graduation and without experience in leading groups/working with SMEs |
| 38 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 12.2 Key Personnel, Page 18 |
| Can additional years of experience in Instructional Design be substituted for the relevant certifications? |
| Yes. The Government is allowing an additional 5 years of work experience to substitute for Relevant certifications (iii). |
| 39 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 12.2 Key Personnel, Page 18 |
| Can the certified DHS Trusted Tester be a different individual than the Instructional System Specialist? |
If so, will a resume for the DHS Trusted Tester be required?
The Governments definition of a "Tester" can be any individual, regardless of their job title or background, as long as they have been certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Section 508 Trusted Tester program. A copy of the certificate will be required.
| 40 |
| Section E.1 Instructions to Offerors, Page 36 |
| Are resumes included in the 15-page limit for the Technical Volume? |
| The Technical Volume will include 15 pages including resumes. |
| 41 |
| Section E.1 Instructions to Offerors, Page 36 |
| Can the offeror submit subcontractor past performance? |
| Yes, subcontractor past performance can be accepted as part of your submission. However, please note that in our evaluation process, the prime contractor’s past performance will be given greater weight. |
| 42 |
| Section E.1 Instructions to Offerors, Page 36 |
| Can the contractor leverage the existing learning management system to “track engagement, completion, outcomes, and dashboard metrics across courses”? |
The Government does not have a learning management system.
| 43 |
| Section E.2 FAR 52.212-2 – Evaluation—Commercial Items (Oct 2014), Page 37 |
| “The Government will award a single task order resulting from this solicitation…” |
Please confirm whether the award will be a single Task Order or an IDIQ.
The Government Contract is an IDIQ, with single Task Order set up for every contract year.
| 44 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 3.0 Scope, Page 6 |
| What is the average seat time of existing complete (full length) courses? |
| Micro 1-2 Objective/concept/module) 5-15 min. |
Small 2-4 modules 15-30 min.
Medium 4-6 modules 60-90 min.
Large 6-10 modules 90-180 minutes
| 45 |
| Section B.2, Paragraph 3.0 Scope, Page 6 |
| What is the average seat time of existing micro learning courses? |
| The Government has not produced any micro learning courses as yet but they are to be expected to be: |
Micro 1-2 Objective/concept/module) 5-15 min.
| 46 |
| Attachment B – Price |
| Quantities listed in the base year seem to indicate the development of 4 micro learning courses and 3 full length courses. Is this understanding, correct? |
| For the Government base year, the current plan anticipates the completion of three full-length courses and the three micro-courses. Additionally, up to two additional courses may be initiated during this period, contingent upon ramp-up speed, and any potential adjustments in pricing. Total of the deliverables will have to remain within the budgetary limit of not-to-exceed (NTE) $525,000. |
| Pricing in the option periods for tasks 2 and 3 seems to indicate the development of 1 micro learning course and 1 full length course. Why do quantities in tasks 4 and 5 only appear to represent one course? |
| The Price Schedule has been revised. |
| 48 |
| Section E.1, Page 36 |
| Volume II references "[Offeror Name] Attachment C Perf.pdf"; however, Attachment C is identified as Security Requirements in Section D. Please confirm the intended file naming convention and attachment reference for the Past Performance volume. |
| The Government will correct PWS to read: Past Performance Narrative: 6 pages (2 pages per reference); Attachment A (PPQs): None, maximum three. |
7.3.2.a Regular Maintenance – 10 hours of maintenance per month.
7.3.2.b Additional Maintenance – An additional 40 hours of maintenance
| Would the government clarify that 10 hours and 40 hours of maintenance are 10 labor hours and 40 labor hours? |
| Please see revised PWS. They are labor hours. |
| 50 |
| PWS 7.1.1 / General |
| How many courses/pages are currently in the veterantraining.va.gov portfolio, including any courses developed but not yet publicly posted? Please provide a count of fully deployed vs. in progress courses. |
| There are 10 Full courses deployed with one course that has several smaller courses under it. There is one course that will be deployed soon. Please check the menu on the left side for list of courses. |
| 51 |
| PWS 7.2.7 / General |
| Are the videos embedded in existing veterantraining.va.gov courses currently hosted on YouTube or on a VA-controlled server? What platform will be required for new standalone video deliverables under this contract? |
| Currently on YouTube. |
VA Web Governance Video Audia and Multimedia
| 52 |
| PWS 7.3 / General |
| Can the Government confirm whether courses must be built in HTML5/JavaScript, or whether courseware authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Rise, Lectora, Adobe Captivate) are permitted? |
| The use of authoring tools must be pre-approved prior to use. All courses are built in HTML5. |
| 53 |
| PWS 10.0 / 11.0 / 12.4 Security and Access |
| Which contractor roles are expected to require VA network access, and may work begin for staff who do not require VA system access while background investigations are pending for technical staff? |
| The Government allows the contractor to set up their own staff to handle the work that needs to be done. For this contract, the ISS will probably need access at a minimum. Discussions can be held with COR & VA ISS as to who may need access after contract is signed. All staff may begin work right away depending on their duties. |
| 54 |
| PWS 7.2 / General |
| Can the Government confirm that VA will provide all clinical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for course content development? |
| Yes. |
7.2.1.b Moderate – Analysis appropriate for a normal length course with several learning objectives
| Can the government clarify the “normal length course” in duration (or number of screens)? |
| The Government suggests seeing courses on Veteran Training |
Micro 1-2 Objective/concept/module) 5-15 min.
Small 2-4 modules 15-30 min.
Medium 4-6 modules 60-90 min.
Large 6-10 modules 90-180 minutes
7.2.2.b Micro Design Concept Document – Detailed document for Micro Learning courses
Can the government provide an estimated duration (or number of screens) for micro learning courses?
The Government has not completed any micro learning courses yet but expects the courses to run between 5 to 15 minutes.
| 57 |
| 7.2.5 Media Library |
| Will VA or the contractor provide the images? Will the images from any incumbent contractor be provided to the awardee during the transition? |
| For this contract, the Government has limited access to some copywriter material that the contractor may use. The contractor should have access to sources provided by all media in accordance with federal usage requirements. Prior images have been stored in BOX for future use. |
| 59 |
| PWS 7.2.3 / Attachment B |
| Can the Government confirm the anticipated scope (approximate number of modules and screens) for new courses developed under this contract, to assist offerors in developing accurate unit pricing? |
| Please see the revised Price Schedule. |
| 60 |
| PWS 7.2.7 (Stand-alone Video) |
| For stand-alone video deliverables, how many rounds of script and concept review should the contractor anticipate? Are script revisions priced within the video CLIN, or are they separate billable deliverables? |
| The contract should anticipate 3-5 rounds of the reviews, concepts and scripts. Yes, all are priced within the Video CLIN. They are not separate billable deliverables. All deliverables are expected to be checked for quality prior to being submitted for Government review. |
| 61 |
| PWS 12.1 Formal Acceptance or Rejection of Deliverables |
| Does the 5-business-day revision period apply only to corrections within the original approved scope, or also to new Government direction, changed content, or revised requirements? |
| Yes, 5 business day revision period applies to incorporating feedback/comments and making appropriate revisions. Significant changes in direction or content such as new objective or modules and/or revised requirements would be handled with a modification, if necessary. |
| 62 |
| PWS 8.0 Tasks All deliverables intended for public consumption including courseware, flyers, and workbooks, shall be 508 certified as part of the final deliverable prior to implementation. |
| Can the government clarify which deliverables the flyers and workbooks are associated with for pricing purposes? |
| Workbooks and flyers, if included, are considered part of the courseware deliverable package and are not priced separately. |
| 63 |
| PWS 7.2 / 7.3 |
| PWS requires courseware developed in an "HTML5 Responsive Design format." Can the Government clarify whether this requirement speaks to the output format of the courseware — i.e., that the delivered product must be HTML5-compliant and responsive — or whether it prescribes the development method, specifically requiring custom-written HTML5/JavaScript code rather than HTML5 output produced by commercial authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline or Rise? |
| The deliverable product must be HTML5 compliant. In the process of development, the contractor may need to create custom written HTML5 and/or JavaScript code |
The Government requires prior approval for any authoring tools first and to verify that the conversion to HTML5 works correctly on the VA system and complies with VA rules and IT regulations.
| 64 |
| PWS 7.2 / 7.3 |
| If authoring tools that produce HTML5-compliant output are acceptable for course development, are there specific technical constraints — such as branching complexity, interactivity level, or VA EWIS deployment requirements — that would limit which tools are viable? |
| Yes, the Government has requirements such as VA EWIS Digital VA |
and VA Section 508 requirements that limits use of certain tools and development strategies. These requirements should be considered and once the contractors are on board, they should contact the cognizant VA department for specific questions.
| 65 |
| b. VOLUME II – FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE |
| Will subcontractor past performance be accepted? |
| Yes, subcontractor past performance can be accepted as part of your submission. However, please note that in our evaluation process, the prime contractor’s past performance will be given greater weight. |
| 66 |
| b. VOLUME II – FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE The offeror shall complete and submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (See Attachment A of this solicitation). |
| Can the government clarify that only the “referenced entity” is responsible for submitting the PPQ to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist? (and the Offeror is not responsible for submitting the completed PPQ with the proposal) |
| Noted, the offeror will not be responsible for completion. However, they should forward so the referenced entity can complete. |
| 67 |
| Attachment B – Price Cost Schedule |
| For CLIN 0037, the Government has specified 10 hrs/month. Is a quantity of 1 referring to 1 month or 1 year (12 months)? |
| See revised Price Schedule and revised PWS. |
| 68 |
| PWS 7.2.1; PWS 7.2.3 |
| Please define the parameters that distinguish the Analysis tiers in PWS 7.2.1 (Brief, Moderate, Extensive) and the expected size of a “normal length course” versus a microlearning course (e.g., approximate seat time, number of modules, screens, or learning objectives). |
| The Government has estimated the parameters as follows: |
Brief – Micro or Small – Modules 1-4, 5-30 minutes.
Moderate – Normal or Medium/Large – Modules 4-10, 30-180 mins Extensive – Suite of courses or a longer set of learning objectives.
| 69 |
| PWS 7.2.6 |
| PWS 7.2.6 requires student interactivities that “function at a minimum of a Level 3 of interactivity.” Please confirm the standard or definition the Government is using (e.g., DoD Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) Levels 1–4) for Level 3 interactivity. |
| The Government has attached definitions of Level 3 to the PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT - Attachment E Interactivity Levels |
| 70 |
| PWS 7.1.5 |
| PWS 7.1.5 requires a monthly Google Analytics data report. Please confirm the contractor will be granted access to VA’s Google Analytics account(s) as Government-furnished access, and whether the reporting requirement covers all courses hosted on veterantraining.va.gov or only courses developed under this contract. |
| Access will be provided and the reporting involves all active courses on the Veteran Training site. |
| 71 |
| PWS 7.2.5 |
| PWS 7.2.5 states the media library “should not contain any image that is copyrighted, since the VA should own or be granted enduring access.” Please confirm whether commercially licensed stock media with perpetual, enterprise-wide Government usage rights is acceptable, and whether the requirement for “at least 20 additional still images” applies per course or per media library deliverable. |
| Yes, the Government requires that the Contractor must follow federal copyright law, specific license terms of the image source, and VA’s general ethics/branding/privacy rules. Commercially licensed stock media with perpetual, enterprise-wide Government usage rights is acceptable |
Save the license info with your project files and, if required, include attribution credits according to the license.
This section of Digital VA may be helpful:
Stock Photos
The 20 additional still images apply to “per course”.
| 72 |
| PWS 7.2.7 / General |
| For new video productions under this contract, will VA identify and coordinate with on-screen participants (Veteran Mentors, clinicians, or other talent), or is the contractor responsible for recruiting and scheduling, on-screen talent? If the contractor is responsible, are participants typically compensated, and should that cost be included in the CLIN unit price? |
| Yes, the Government will coordinate participants for in-person video. |
| 73 |
| PWS 7.2.7 / 4.0 Place of Performance |
| The PWS notes travel may be required for video shoots. Can the Government clarify: (a) where filming typically takes place — contractor facility, VA facility, or other location; (b) whether travel costs for video shoots are expected to be included within the video CLIN unit price or covered under the Travel NTE CLIN? |
| The Government has removed the language regarding travel from the PWS. |
| 74 |
| PWS 7.2.7 |
| The PWS distinguishes between videos produced as part of core course development and stand-alone video deliverables. Can the Government clarify: (a) approximately how many videos are typically embedded within a standard new course (and priced as part of the web development CLIN rather than separately); and (b) how the contractor should price the embedded course video production work within the web development CLINs? |
| The number of videos will vary based on the objectives, content, and design of the course. The contractor can view online courses to get a broad idea of how videos have been used in the past. |
This cost is included in Storyboard deliverables.
There is not a separate price for embedded course videos, audio, animations, etc.
Veteran Training
| 75 |
| PWS 7.2.7 / Section 508 |
| Is the contractor responsible for producing closed captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions for all video deliverables as part of the video CLIN, or does VA handle 508 remediation for video content separately? |
| The Government confirms that the Contractor is responsible for VA 508 compliance for all areas of video production as listed. There is no separate CLIN listed for 508 remediation. |
| 76 |
| PWS 7.2.7 |
| Will the incoming contractor have access to existing video source files, raw footage, and media assets from previously developed courses? |
| The Government confirms that the Contractor will have access to all the existing prior files when the contract is awarded. The Government may not have all the source files for all the courses. |
| 77 |
| PWS 7.2.7 / 7.2.5 (Media Library) |
| The PWS requires the contractor to maintain a Media Library including all audio, still images, and video used in the course. For video assets, is the contractor expected to host and store the original high-resolution source files, or only the compressed web-delivery versions? What is the Government's expectation for file size and storage capacity given that video source files typically exceed several gigabytes per project? |
| The contractor is expected to host and store the original high-resolution source files. The Government does not have a |
expectation for file size. The contractor will be using the Box software for file storage, etc.
| 78 |
| Section E.1 / SF 1449 Block 8 |
| Given that the Government's responses to offeror questions may not be published until close to the proposal deadline, offerors may have insufficient time to meaningfully incorporate those responses into their technical approach and pricing. Will the Government consider extending the proposal due date to allow offerors adequate time to review and incorporate the Q&A responses prior to submission? |
| The Government will consider extending the proposal due date. |
See 1449 Block 8
| 79 |
| B.1.C / Minimum Guaranteed Amount |
| Does the $525,000 minimum guarantee correspond to a planned initial task order or specific initial set of deliverables? If yes, please identify the anticipated deliverables or task areas. |
| Base Year Task Order will have $525,000. Please see Attachment B Price Schedule for the list of deliverables and number needed. |
| 80 |
| PWS 7.1.1 Collaborative Workspace |
| Does VA have an approved list of collaborative workspace platforms the contractor may use, or may the contractor propose its own solution if it meets VA access, security, and file-transfer requirements? |
| No. Previous Contractors have used SharePoints since it is easy to set up access controls by company, name and protect privacy also. The VA also uses SharePoint, so the employees are well versed in its usage. |
Yes, the contractor may propose its own solution if it meets VA access, security, and file-transfer requirements.
PWS 7.1.2 Program Management Plan
| Does VA have a required PMP template, or may the contractor use its own PMP format if it includes schedule, milestones, risks, resource allocations, roles, and responsibilities? |
| The Government does not provide a specific template for the Project Management Plan (PMP). Contractors may utilize their own PMP template, provided it contains all required elements and is organized in a manner that is easy for VA staff to view and follow on video. Additionally, the PMP must be suitable for inclusion as a printed attachment to the Monthly Report and/or Weekly Production Minutes. |
| 82 |
| PWS 7.1.3 / 7.1.4 Meetings |
| If multiple task orders are active at the same time, may Strategic Meetings and Production Meetings be consolidated across related workstreams, or is a separate meeting cadence required for each task order? |
| Yes, the Government utilizes a single Task Order per contract year. Meetings are consolidated. |
PWS 7.2.2 Design Concept Document
| Does VA require a specific educational psychology framework or set of instructional design references to support the rationale for instructional strategies and media selection? |
| No. The Government does not mandate one specific educational psychology framework or a fixed list of instructional design references. It does, however, expect that instructional strategies and media selections are grounded in recognized instructional design principles and learning theories, and that offerors clearly explain and justify why you chose those teaching methods and media (e.g., video, job aid, simulation). |
| 84 |
| PWS 7.2.3 Storyboards |
| What readability tool or method will VA use to verify that instructional materials are written at no higher than an 8th grade reading level? |
| For this contract, the Government requires all content to be set at an 8th grade or lower reading level, and the contractor can use whatever tool they would like to ensure this is correct. VA will spot check using a variety of industry approved reading level tester tools. |
| 85 |
| PWS 7.5.1 / 7.5.2 Courseware Production Server Files / Implement Course |
| Will the contractor have direct access to upload or post courseware to VA systems, or will the contractor provide production-ready files to VA/EWIS for posting? |
| The contractor must provide production-ready files. Contractor will have direct access to the development server for testing. Completed files will go to VA/EWIS for posting. |
| 86 |
| PWS 8.0 Tasks / Final Two Weeks |
| The PWS states that the final two weeks of the final task order and contract will be dedicated to closeout activities. Does this closeout period apply only to the final task order under the IDIQ, or to each individual task order? |
| This is for the final task order under the IDIQ to make sure that everything is closed out and all the files have been received and stored in BOX. |
| 87 |
| PWS 9.0 QASP |
| How will VA define and measure the “Value Added” performance standard listed in the QASP? |
| The “Value-Added” definitions and measurements: |
1. Feedback has been resolved within 5 days
2. All deliverables were approved within the agreed timeline
| 88 |
| SF1449 Block 20; Section E.1; Attachment B Price Schedule |
| Please confirm that Attachment B Price Schedule is the controlling pricing worksheet for evaluation, including all CLINs, units of measure, ordering years, and quantities shown. If any evaluation quantities differ from the quantities shown in Attachment B, please provide the evaluation quantities to be used for price reasonableness. |
| Yes, the Price Schedule is the controlling pricing worksheet. Price Schedule has been revised to have data for all 5 years for price reasonableness. |
| 89 |
| B.1.B(4); B.3; Attachment B Price Schedule |
| The solicitation states prices will remain firm fixed prices throughout the ordering period. Please confirm whether offerors must provide unit prices for every CLIN in every ordering year, including CLINs with quantities listed as 0 or NSP. |
| Please see revised Price List. The offerors must provide unit prices for every CLIN in every ordering year, EXCEPT for the NSPs. |
| 90 |
| Attachment B Price Schedule |
| Several CLINs show quantities of 0 in the Base Year and/or other ordering years. Are offerors required to price those CLINs, and will those prices be binding if VA later orders those CLINs? |
| Please see revised Price Listing. Yes, Offerors are required to price every CLIN in every ordering year, EXCEPT for the NSPs. All prices will be binding. Sometimes Modifications are needed for different CLINs mid-year, so all CLINS need to be priced. |
| 91 |
| Attachment B Price Schedule; CLINs listed as NSP |
| For CLINs labeled NSP, should offerors leave Unit Price and Total Price blank/NSP, or should costs be included in the associated parent or full-version CLIN? |
| Please do not list any prices where the NSP is in the cell. Include prices for all other CLINS. |
| 92 |
| B.2 Section 3.0; 7.2.3; 7.3.1 |
| For estimating purposes, please define the expected size/range of a standard course, including approximate number of modules, screens/pages, estimated seat time, number of learning objectives, expected number of interactions, and expected number and length of audio/video/media. |
It may be easier to have three tiers for projects and a flat rate for each. Determined by seat time and level of engagement. That has worked effectively in past experiences.
The Government uses the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) to scope and build each course, so the exact number of modules, screens, and media elements is based on specific goals and objectives and is course specific.
That said, a moderate course is estimated 4-10 modules and 30-180 minutes, 3-6 learning objectives per module with a mix of scenario‑based interactions, short videos and knowledge checks but the number can vary. Please see Design Concept Document (7.2.2)
| 93 |
| 7.2.2; 7.2.3; 7.3.1 |
| For estimating purposes, please define the expected size/range of a microlearning course, including approximate number of screens/pages, seat time, number of objectives, and media/interactivity expectations. |
| The Government expects the learner to be able to complete a microlearning lesson in 3-5 minutes, covering 1-2 learning objectives per module. During the Design and Development phases the Vendor will recommend content organization (modules, screens) and instructional strategies (interactivities, audio/video, images and so on) |
| 94 |
| 7.2.1.a-c |
| Please provide measurable definitions for Brief, Moderate, and Extensive Analysis, including expected number of stakeholder interviews, surveys/focus groups, source documents reviewed, data-collection activities, report length, and number of recommendations/objectives. |
| The Government is looking at the Analysis CLINs as below: |
Brief analysis would be used for microlearning and moderate analysis used for regular length courses. Extensive analysis would be reserved for a suite of courses or some other type of in-depth project.
Brief analysis: Approximately 3-4 meetings with appropriate parties (SMEs, veterantraining.va.gov Program Management, etc), some extant data review of materials provided, Appropriate data collection, which may include interviews, observations, focus groups, written findings and recommendations, and presentation;
Moderate= Brief (above) plus approximately 2-4 meetings, data collection and research which may include internal and external sources
Extensive= Moderate (above), additional meetings and more extensive data collection which may include interviews, observations, site visits, data mining.
Presentations to veterantraining.va.gov team and to stakeholders. Use exiting courses on veterantraining.va.gov for an idea of course scopes.
| 95 |
| 7.2.3; 7.2.4; 7.2.6; 7.3.1; 7.4.1 |
| For deliverables listed as Alpha, Beta, and Final, should offerors price each version as a separate deliverable/CLIN, or should the price for the Final deliverable include all prior alpha/beta review cycles? |
| The Government has listed them separately so that they are to be priced separately. Approval must be given at each level. |
| 96 |
| 12.1 Formal Acceptance or Rejection of Deliverables |
| Please clarify the maximum number of Government review/revision cycles included for each deliverable before additional revisions are considered out of scope or require a task order modification. |
| If a deliverable has quality control issues, ie typos, functionality problems, etc. , it will be returned until fixed. Unless there are significant changes to the content or structure, revisions will be considered in scope. |
This contract follows the established Alpha, Beta, and Final review process for most deliverables to allow stakeholders to have opportunities to assess the flow and cohesion of course materials at key stages, and to provide input for adjustments as needed throughout development.
| 97 |
| 7.2.6 Student Interactivities |
| Please define Level 3 interactivity for this contract and provide examples of interactions that qualify as separately priced Student Interactivities versus interactions considered part of core course development. |
| The Government has attached definitions of Level 3 to the PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT, Attachment E Interactivities Levels |
Also please visit the Veterans Training Site.
https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/
| 98 |
| 7.2.6; Attachment B CLINs 24-26 and yearly equivalents |
| For estimating purposes, how many Student Interactivities should offerors assume for a micro course, standard course, and extensive/suite-level course? |
| Number of Level 3 Interactivities for courses, etc. depends on learning objectives and course content. There is an estimate of 8-12 per TO. |
https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/
| 99 |
| 7.3 Task 3 Development Stage |
| Please clarify what media production is included in core course development. Should custom photography, animation, voiceover, video editing, music licensing, captioning, transcripts, and audio description be included in the base web development price or ordered separately? |
| Yes. The following is included in the core course development: custom photography, animation, voiceover, video editing, music licensing, captioning, transcripts, and audio description and any other tasks related to course media development. |
| 100 |
| 7.2.7 Stand-alone Video |
| For stand-alone video CLINs, please clarify whether pricing should include contractor-provided scripting, storyboarding, filming, voiceover/talent, animation, stock assets, captioning, transcript, audio description, editing, and up to three full cuts. |
| Yes, The following is included in the stand-alone video CLINs: scripting, storyboarding, filming, voiceover/talent, animation, stock assets, captioning, transcript, audio description, editing, and up to three full cuts and any other tasks related to the stand-alone CLIN. |
| 101 |
| 4.0 Place of Performance; 7.2.7 Stand-alone Video |
| If travel is required for filming, stakeholder meetings, testing, or other project requirements, should travel and location costs be included in fixed unit prices, proposed separately, or reimbursed under task orders? |
| Travel references have been deleted from revised PWS. |
| 102 |
| 7.2; 7.3.1 |
| Please identify acceptable development tools and source-file expectations for HTML5 responsive courseware. Are commercial authoring tools acceptable if source files are provided, or is custom HTML/CSS/JavaScript expected? |
| COTS products are acceptable for development if approved by the Government. Proprietary software shall not be used for development. All source files must be fully editable without the need for a specific COTS development tool, and they must be fully functional, and VA 508 compliant - files developed with these tools as a final product that are not functional and compliant will not be accepted. |
| 103 |
| 7.2; 7.3; Source file requirements |
| Please clarify what source files must be delivered for each course, GUI, storyboard, media library, video, landing page, and web development deliverable, and in what format VA expects to receive them. |
| The Government expects all source files including but not limiting to images, audio, videos, files from the authoring tool, if used. The Government expects to receive the files in a usable/editable format organized and named according to standard, approved naming conventions to be transferred to the Box software. |
| 104 |
| 7.5; 7.5.1 Courseware VA Production Server Files |
| Please provide the EWIS technical packaging, coding, security, browser, file structure, SEO, and deployment requirements that contractors must meet for VA server deployment. |
| Technical requirements may change during the course of the contract. To get an idea of requirements, please check the technical information on Digital VA |
| 105 |
| 7.5.1 Courseware VA Production Server Files |
| The PWS states this deliverable includes modifications discovered after approval of the RWD Final to meet EWIS compliance. Please clarify whether EWIS-driven changes discovered after RWD Final approval are included in the fixed price or handled through a task order modification if they exceed approved requirements. |
| The Government requires the contractor to meet the EWIS requirements as part of completing the Courseware VA Production Server Files, 7.5.1. If the approved deliverable does not work as a result of a change made by the VA after the date of approval and delivery, any corrections needed may be made using maintenance. |
| 106 |
| 7.0 Mandatory Tasks; 8.0 Tasks; 12.2 Key Personnel |
| Please clarify whether the contractor is responsible for formal 508 certification or only contractor pre-testing/remediation before VA final review. What specific 508 documentation must be submitted for each course, document, video, workbook, and landing page? |
| The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the deliverables and the course pass the final VA 508 review. VA 508 Compliance will inform the process of submitting paperwork. |
| 107 |
| 7.3.2 Maintenance; Attachment B Maintenance CLINs |
| Should Regular Maintenance be priced as a fixed monthly 10-hour block, and should Additional Maintenance be priced as a 40-hour block, hourly rate, or fixed unit? Are unused hours carried forward, forfeited, or available across courses/task orders? |
| Please see revised Price Schedule. |
Regular Main. – Fixed price of 1 hr.
Additional Main – Fixed price for 40 hrs.
These hrs cannot be carried over across TOs. They can be used through a contract year, available across courses. They will be tracked by the VA.
| 108 |
| 7.1.5 Monthly Progress Report |
| Will VA provide existing Google Analytics access, dashboard templates, and reporting definitions, or should contractors include setup, configuration, dashboard development, data QA, and monthly analytics interpretation in pricing? |
| The Government will provide access existing Google Analytics. |
Contractors will set up data reporting and configure and develop dashboards. All deliverables, including the Monthly Progress Report, should be thoroughly QA’d prior to delivery, this includes verifying accuracy of data. The contractor shall identify and provide useful data and interpretation as part of the report (trends, what is working well, potential areas for improvements)
| 109 |
| 7.1.3; 7.1.4; 7.1.5 |
| For pricing purposes, how many active projects/task orders should the contractor assume at one time, and should project management pricing include weekly production meetings, monthly strategic meetings, meeting minutes, monthly reports, and ongoing PMP updates for each active task order? |
| The Government utilizes a single Task Order per contract year, not to exceed $525,000. |
The Meetings and Reports are priced separately at the top of the Price Lists for each year.
| 110 |
| 7.1.1 Collaborative Workspace |
| Should the contractor price the collaborative workspace as contractor-provided software/storage, or will VA provide an approved platform? Please clarify security requirements, user count, storage volume, file size expectations, support expectations, and whether license costs are allowable within fixed pricing |
| Yes, Contractor must provide collaborative workspace. The VA will not provide an approved platform due to firewall issue. |
Please refer to PWS, 7.1.1 for clarification on Security requirements.
Storage Volume, File size expectation, Support Expectation, User Count – yet to be determined.
In previous contracts, the license costs were not applicable.
| 111 |
| 7.1.5 Monthly Progress Report; E.1 Volume I Technical Capability |
| The solicitation requires analytics and reporting methods to track engagement, completion, outcomes, and dashboard metrics across courses. Please define the required outcome measures, dashboard format, reporting cadence, data sources, data ownership, and whether VA has an established measurement framework for course effectiveness. |
| The Government uses Google analytics - monthly reporting & VA analytics. |
Outcome measures and dashboard format will be agreed upon when the contract is awarded. VA data is confidential and VA has sole ownership of all data.
| 112 |
| 7.1.5 Monthly Progress Report; 7.5 Implementation |
| Please clarify whether analytics implementation requires tagging plans, event tracking, conversion funnels, completion tracking, downloadable-resource tracking, video engagement tracking, or xAPI/SCORM data capture, and whether the contractor will have access to configure analytics tags or must submit requests through the VA/EWIS. |
| Analytics implementation will be agreed upon when the contract is awarded. The contractor will have access to course materials for any necessary course changes. Changes to live courses may require placing requests through the VA EWIS. |
| 113 |
| 7.2.1; 7.2.2; 7.2.3 |
| For each course type, what source materials will VA provide at task order start, and what level of SME availability should contractors assume for interviews, content review, technical validation, and approval meetings? |
| The amount of source material will vary by course. The offerors may request material in the development. |
SMEs will be available to help in developing objectives and providing approved sources for content development, for content review, attending regular meetings, and VA business owners will be available for technical validation and for all other review processes.
| 114 |
| 7.2.1 Analysis; 7.2.2 Design; 7.2.3 Storyboards |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
