QUESTIONS.KB.docx

1. Is there a previous contract/Incumbent of the same scope of work as this requirement. If so, please provide us with previous contract number, vendor name and the price it was awarded for.

This is a new requirement there is no additional information that can be provided.

2. The amendment has 2,080 HRS listed – should this be 1,912 due to federal holidays, etc?

This contract was listed as calendar days, which is why the 2,080 HRS were included.

3. In the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice, Page 4 of 18 paragraph 5 Period of Performance “The Period of performance is one 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods.” Amendment 0002 of the solicitation modifies the price schedule located on pages nine (9) and ten (10) of the combined synopsis. The modified price schedule reflects one 12-month base period and three 12-month option periods. Question: Can the government clarify the period of performance option years as stated in paragraph 5 of the combined synopsis with the updated price schedule published in Amendment 0002? Will this effort have three (3) or four (4) option period?

Under section five (5) Period of Performance of the Performance Work Statement the verbiage has been modified to reflect: The period of performance is one 12-month base period and three 12-month option periods.

4. In the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice, page 5 of 18, paragraph 7, Travel to the WRIISC or affiliated sites for meeting support including photography or other collateral as needed.” Question: The Combined Synopsis Statement of Work does not address any tasks associated with photography requirements. Does the government have photography requirements/deliverables in the performance of the SOW? If so, what are they?

This is an error, there is not any need for photography or travel. There are regular meetings and ad hoc meetings.

5. The Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice on page 5 of 18, paragraph 8, Other Direct Costs (ODCs) states “ODCs are miscellaneous items such as suitable stock photography or printing as needed.” Question: The Combined Synopsis Statement of Work does not address any tasks associated with stock photography and/or printing requirements. Does the government have photography and printing requirements/deliverables in the performance of the SOW? If so, what are they?

This is an error. There may be a cost for journal articles behind a pay wall that the contractor can be reimbursed for this was added to the Solicitation Notice/SOW.

6. In the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice, page 12 of 18, Evaluation Factors, paragraph (2), Key Personnel states “Provide offeror staffing plan involving communications specialists and web support specialists to include resumes of assigned personnel.” The Combined Synopsis Statement of Work on page 7 of 18 identifies only 1 Key Personnel, a Data Scientist. The Combined Synopsis Statement of Work does not identify a requirement to provide communication specialists or web support specialists. Question: Can the government clarify the key personnel requirements for this solicitation?

This is an error. Changed under viii to Key Personnel: Provide offeror staffing plan involving Data Scientist to include resumes of Data Scientist personnel.

7. Within the evaluation factors, the government is requesting the following for key personnel, "Provide offeror staffing plan involving communications specialists and web support specialists to include resumes of assigned personnel." Is this accurate given the requirement and pricing is for a data scientist?

This is an error. Changed under viii to Key Personnel: Provide offeror staffing plan involving Data Scientist to include resumes of Data Scientist personnel.

8. Is there a page limit on Pricing narrative?

There was a pricing schedule provided in the solicitation. However, if you provide your own pricing schedule, please include base plus three option years.

9. Within the instructions to offers, does the Government have requirements regarding specified font type, font size, margins, etc.?

Please give offers in Arial 11pt. font and 1-inch margins.

10. The Government included a wage determination form within this solicitation. Does the government intend for the contract to fall under SCA? If so, which occupation code?

After performing a thorough search with in the Wage Determination a decision was made to proceed forward with 30240 Mathematical Technician.

11. Within the personnel requirements for Data Scientist, does the proposed data scientist have to have experience in all statistical software listed? (i.e. Stata, SaS, ArcGIS)

Please refer to Section A: Data Scientist. Changed to High level of proficiency in R, SAS, and/or STATA. Added experience with ArcGIS. Also added that all software is provided by the government.

12. In the Price Schedule what are the expectations for Graphic Design in Option Year 3?

This is an error. The expectations for Graphic Design were removed.

13. Will the Equipment and Credentials be provided under the contract, or will they need to be provided by the contractor?

The contractor can use their equipment but must use the VA VPN to access the secure data environment.

14. File format: Is there any page limit for the submitted document and the size limit of the document?

Please refer to Evaluation Factors (1), which states 10 pages. Technical capability - Contractor shall provide a maximum 10-page capability statement demonstrating their ability to meet all of the requirements of the SOW.

15. Can the Contractor use their own facility to process some of the work?

The contractor can use their own facility but must use the VA VPN to access the secure data environment and follow all security measures required by VA.

16. Data Privacy and Security: Could you elaborate on the specific data privacy and security standards that the contractor will be expected to adhere to when working with VA data?

Please refer to Number 13, Information Security: The Contractor will require access to VA Information and VA Information Systems to interact with subject matter experts and to perform data analysis. This is all done in accordance with VA regulations and procedures.

17. Data Sources: What are the primary data sources the contractor will have access to for analysis, besides the VA's electronic health record in the Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW)?

There are no other data sources required.

18. Data Cleaning and Linking: what would be the scope of work regarding data cleaning and linking? Will there be any specific guidelines or protocols to follow?

While some data cleaning will be required, data linkages will be within the CDW and not with outside data sources. This is all done in accordance with VA regulations and procedures and should be done in consultation with EXPRT/WRIISC staff.

19. Regulatory Documents: What types of regulatory documents will the contractor be responsible for compiling and completing?

The Contractor will need to comply with VA evaluation procedures which includes providing the CDW with data elements needed and protocols for ensuring data security (e.g., all data will be analysed in the secure VA environment, no data will be downloaded outside the secure VA environment). The Contractor will also need to provide proof of information security and privacy training.

20. Virtual Meetings: How often are virtual meetings with the VA team expected, and what is their typical duration?

There are at least two meetings per week lasting one hour.

21. Travel Requirements: Although local travel within a 50-mile radius is considered the cost of doing business, are there any instances where travel outside this radius might be required?

No.