Instructions to Offeror 06252026.docx

SECTION E – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 Instructions to Offerors In addition to information provided by FAR Clause 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, the following instructions apply:

1. All quote intentions, questions, and quotes shall be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer and the Contracting Specialist at: Jacky.jean-jacques@va.gov and Selena.Robinson@va.gov

2. Offeror's intention to provide a quote via email on or before close of business on the date specified on the SF1449, Block 20.

3. All questions from offerors regarding this solicitation shall be submitted on or before the date/time specified on the SF1449, Block 20. Only written questions will be accepted. It is requested that all questions be combined into one Microsoft Word document per offeror.

4. Quotes shall be submitted via email on or before the date/time specified on the SF1449, Block 8. Quotes received after the due date/time will be considered late in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(f). Failure to provide any of the required Volumes will result in immediate elimination of the quote from consideration.

5. Format: The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date, and solicitation number in the header and/or footer.

· Page size: No greater than 8½" x 11"

· Margins: Minimum of one inch on all sides

· Font size: No smaller than 12-point Times New Roman

· Character spacing: No less than normal spacing and 100% scale

· Tables and illustrations may use reduced font size, not less than 8-point, and may be landscape

· Line spacing: No less than single space

· Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line

· Footnotes to text shall not be used

· Hyperlinks in quotes are prohibited

6. File Packaging: Quotes shall be submitted as individual files. Compressed (zipped) files shall not be accepted.

7. Content Requirements: All information shall be confined to the appropriate file. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details, in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each quote.

8. Quote Volumes:

The cover page, table of contents, and/or a glossary of abbreviations or acronyms will not be included in the page count of any Volume. Under no circumstances shall any pricing be included in any non-Price volume.

a. VOLUME I – FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY The offeror shall submit a Technical Capability volume which shall address in detail how the offeror proposes to accomplish each of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) tasks. The offeror shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate its understanding of the requirements. In addition, the Volume 1 must cover:

· Demonstrate understanding of usability and accessibility requirements, including UX/UI design, mobile responsiveness, and audio/visual formats.

· Describe clear methodologies used to increase user engagement and uptake in prior projects.

· Demonstrate ability to create content compliant with VA accessibility and Section 508 standards.

· Demonstrate capability to use current software and development processes for course content.

· Establish appropriate analytics and reporting methods to track engagement, completion, outcomes, and dashboard metrics across courses.

· Illustrate effective use of the ADDIE process in course development and planning.

· Demonstrate a structured program management approach, including monitoring deliverables, tracking timelines, and maintaining a shared workspace.

The proposed personnel staffing résumés must meet the minimum qualifications described in Section 12.2 of the PWS.

b. VOLUME II – FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE Offeror shall submit a narrative detailing up to three (3) contracts (prime contracts, task/delivery orders, and/or major subcontracts) in performance during the past three (3) years from the date of issuance of the final solicitation, which are relevant to the efforts required by the RFP.

The offeror shall complete and submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (See Attachment A of this solicitation). The offeror shall instruct the POC at the referenced entity to return a copy of the completed PPQ directly to the Contracting Officer at Jacky.jean-jacques@va.gov and Contract Specialist Selena.Robinson@va.gov NO LATER THAN THE CLOSING DATE OF THE SOLICITATION.

c. VOLUME III – FACTOR 3: PRICE Offerors shall submit completed Attachment B: Price Schedule in Microsoft Excel (.xls/.xlsx) format. Offerors must propose firm-fixed unit prices for each line item to include quantities listed as "0" in the Price Schedule (each line item for each of the five years of the contract ordering period).

Offerors may submit a narrative, not to exceed one page, to detail any discounts or other relevant pricing information.

Offerors shall include signed SF 1449 and amendment(s) (SF 30s), if any, in the Price volume. An authorized official of the prime contractor shall sign SF 1449, amendment(s), and all certifications requiring signature.

E.2 FAR 52.212-2 – Evaluation—Commercial Items (Oct 2014)

(a) The Government will award a single task order resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

1. Basis for Award Award will be made based on best value, considering the following factors in descending order of importance:

1. Technical Capability

2. Past Performance

3. Price

The non-price factors (Technical Capability and Past Performance), when combined, are significantly more important than Price. Award may be made to other than the lowest priced offeror if the Government determines that a price premium is warranted due to the merits of the non-price factors.

The Government anticipates selecting the best-suited offeror based on the evaluation of initial quotes, without engaging in exchanges with offerors. Offerors are encouraged to submit their best technical and price proposal at original submission.

2. Technical Capability Evaluation Technical Capability will be evaluated based on:

· Understanding of the Work: The quote will be evaluated to determine the extent to which it demonstrates a clear understanding of all features involved in meeting the requirements. A quote that merely restates the requirement without providing supporting rationale is not sufficient.

· Feasibility: The quote will be evaluated to determine whether the Offeror's methods and approach provide the Government with a high level of confidence of successful completion within the required schedule.

· Completeness: The quote will be evaluated to determine whether the Offeror's methods and approach have adequately and completely considered, defined, and satisfied the requirements specified in the solicitation.

· Key Personnel: Résumés will be evaluated to ensure proposed key personnel meet the minimum qualifications as described in the PWS. Exceeding requirements or providing specialized experience, such as DHS 508 Trusted Tester training and certification, may result in a higher rating.

If Technical is rated marginal or unsatisfactory, no other volumes will be evaluated.

3. Past Performance Evaluation Past performance will be evaluated to determine whether each reference is:

· Relevant (based on size, scope, and complexity to this requirement)

· Recent (within the past three years)

· Satisfactory or better in quality of performance No relevant or recent past performance will be considered neutral.

4. Price Evaluation Price will not be evaluated adjectivally or assigned a score. The Government shall evaluate the offeror's proposed price based on the quantities listed in the Price Schedule, to determine whether price is fair and reasonable based on FAR 13.106-3(a).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

(End of Provision)