36C24E18Q9491-003.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. DUNS: DUNS+4:

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. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 57

101-18-3-324-0012

36C24E18Q9491 08-13-2018

Elaine DiBucci 4128223432 08-24-2018 1600 est

00240E US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Service Area Office (SAO) East 323 North Shore Drive, Suite 500 Pittsburgh PA 15212-5319

541990

$15 Million

X

N/A

X

Department of Veterans Affair Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D)

1100 1st Street, NE Washington DC 20238

00240E

US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Service Area Office (SAO) East 323 North Shore Drive, Suite 500 Pittsburgh PA 15212-5319

00240E

US Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (FSC)

P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971 x

See CONTINUATION Page

The general scope of this solicitation is to provide administrative, research and organizational contract services to assist HSR&D in carrying out tasks described in the attached SOW.

All questions pertaining to this solicitation must be submit to the Contracting Officer, Elaine DiBucci, via email @ elaine.dibucci@va.gov by 4:00 PM ET Wednesday, August 16, 2018 See instructions to Offerors on page 30 This procurement will utilize Tiered Evaluations as well as the comparative evaluation approach

The terms Offeror/Bidder and Proposal/Quote are used interchangeably in this notice.

See CONTINUATION Page

X x 1

Elaine DiBucci Contracting Officer mailto:elaine.dibucci@va.gov

36C24E18Q9491

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-- MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

B.3 SUBCONTRACTING COMMITMENTS--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

STATEMENT OF WORK

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.5 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.4 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.5 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.6 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (DEC 2009)

C.7 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2012)

C.8 VAAR 852.237-70 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES (APR 1984)

C.9 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR

EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2018)

C.10 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

Instructions to Offerors

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

E.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.4 VAAR 852.215-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS (JUL 2016)(DEVIATION)

E.5 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (JAN 2008)

E.6 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (JAN 1998)

E.7 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.9 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV

2017)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C24E Elaine DiBucci

US Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Service Area Office (SAO) East 323 North Shore Drive, Suite 500 Pittsburgh PA 15212-5319

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or [] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [x] Monthly in arrears

4. 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.

US Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (FSC) P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-- MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN

2011)

This solicitation includes FAR 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HubZone Small Business Concerns. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include this clause. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause.

To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to contractor's offices where the contractor's business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs.

Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

B.3 SUBCONTRACTING COMMITMENTS--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes VAAR 852.215-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, and VAAR 852.215-71, Evaluation Factor Commitments. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include these clauses. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing contractor compliance with the subcontracting commitments incorporated into the contract. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding contract compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor compliance with the subcontracting commitments.

STATEMENT OF WORK

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Title of Project: Professional Services to Achieve the Objectives of Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) and the VA Quality Enhancement research Initiative (QUERI)

2. Background: Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) including VA Quality Enhancement research Initiative (QUERI), within the Office of Research and Development, VHA, seeks a prime contractor to advance and support the mission of HSR&D/QUERI in pursuing research and translational activities that underscores all aspects of VA healthcare: patient care, care delivery, health outcomes, cost, and quality. Within VA HSR&D/QUERI, VA researchers focus on identifying and evaluating innovative strategies that lead to accessible, high quality, high value care for Veterans and the nation. The VA HSRD and QUERI offices located in Washington DC, are responsible for: setting the strategic direction of the research and implementation program; identifying new research priorities and developing new initiatives; making decisions about funding priorities;

communicating research progress and contributions to a broad array of stakeholders; developing new partnerships with internal and external partners, including VA clinical offices and external research funders; and monitoring and improving our internal processes to make our research more efficient, effective and impactful.

3. Scope of Work: The general scope of this solicitation is to provide administrative, research and organizational contract services to assist HSR&D and QUERI in carrying out tasks related to 4 major categories of work: 1) Program and Policy Analyses,

2) HSR&D Strategic and Implementation Plan, 3) Administrative Project Management, and 4) Meeting Planning Support.

Additional details of each task are described below under Section C. SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED

DELIVERABLES.

4. Period of Performance: The Period of Performance is 12 months from the date of the award for a base period plus 4 option years.

Base period (anticipated award date) 9/01/2018 – 08/31/2019 Option period 1 9/01/2019 – 08/31/2020 Option period 2 9/01/2020– 08/31/2021 Option period 3 9/01/2021– 08/31/2022 Option period 4 9/01/2022– 08/31/2023

5. Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price

6. Place of Performance: The contractor shall support this effort at the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1100 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, or at approved contractor facilities as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and mutually agreed to by the Contractor. If the work is performed at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the COR will provide adequate on-site workspace and automated data processing (ADP) equipment for Contractor personnel. Work at the government site shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO).

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The contractor shall have expertise with health services research and/or experience working with HSR&D, and shall be familiar with VHA Office of Research and Development (https://www.research.va.gov/) strategic plan, priorities and initiatives.

This experience shall be clearly documented in the technical and management Quote submitted by the contractor.

2. The contractor shall possess the capabilities and staffing required to analyze and examine high visibility and/or service level projects, programs and initiatives in terms of their impact on the quality of care for Veterans across the nation.

3. In order to effectively implement the four tasks required of this solicitation, the identified contractor shall work closely and collaboratively with the HSR&D/QUERI leadership and staff. It is especially critical that the vendor is knowledgeable of HSR&D/QUERI, ORD and VHA priority areas, emerging programs and vulnerable Veteran populations in conducting program and project analyses, and the development of the strategic plan related to health care and funding policies and processes..

C. SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES

Task 1—Program and Policy Analyses

• Provide administrative and technical support to HSR&D/QUERI staff on various research project analyses by:

Conducting expedited mini literature reviews (up to 6 reviews/year), focused on summarizing existing systematic reviews in high priority areas (for example, the effectiveness of peer support programs to promote control of risk factors including elevated blood pressure, diabetes control, and elevated blood lipids) to identify research questions where evidence base is strong (and thus low priority for new research), those where evidence is weak, conflicting, or limited in a VA population; and new, emerging areas of clinical and research interests, and immediate HSR&D/QUERI program needs and gaps.

Support and analyze impact of specific research portfolios, pilot studies, and special initiatives focused on national priority areas such as suicide prevention, innovation initiatives, improving access to care, care coordination/community care, and implementation of research findings into practice; HSR&D anticipates up to 6 analyses assignments per year. Examples of impact analyses include: analyses of the overall impact of HSR&D and QUERI projects on improving the quality of care for veterans through impact metrics (e.g. diffusion/implementation/adoption and maintenance of evidence based interventions; changes in clinical guidelines/practices, dissemination and utilization of tools); number of providers trained in evidence-based practices; number of Veterans receiving evidence-based practices derived from VA research, improvements in clinical outcomes (e.g. infection rates, suicide rates) or national metrics/benchmarks (such as the VA’s Strategic Analytics for improvement and Learning (SAIL) measurements. Anticipated size of portfolio reviews would be to summarize 20-25 VA projects funded over a period of 5-6 years.

These analyses would examine VA databases to determine whether funded projects successfully completed their stated aims; whether primary results were published and the timing and impact factor of publications; whether projects produced actionable results that could have been incorporated into guidelines, VA policy, or clinical delivery. Reviews may involve selected telephone surveys of principle investigators to determine whether clinical interventions that were proven to be effective were maintained at the study sites or spread to any new VA sites as a result of the research, and if not, the reasons why (for example, lack of resources, other barriers to implementation, etc.) .

• Research and assist in drafting white papers (up to 2 per year) on a range of topics including a summary of the impact of HSR&D research in translating research into practice; next steps and recommendations from care coordination SOTA; white paper development for practice diffusion efforts and larger business development.

• Deliverables:

With inputs from HSR&D, the contractor will deliver the following products:

• Up to 6 mini literature reviews based on the needs of HSR&D/QUERI leadership

• Up to 6 project and/or portfolio reviews and analyses per year

• Up to 2 White Papers on priority topics identified by HSR&D/QUERI leadership

• HSR&D anticipates that a maximum of 2 FTEs with the appropriate background and experience are required for analyses described under Task 1.

Task 2—HSR&D and QUERI Strategic and Implementation Plans

• Assist HSR&D and QUERI in the development of a Strategic Plans that shall guide the funding of research that shall have real time impact on the quality of care for Veterans. For QUERI the strategic plan should include ORD-wide implementation of recommendations of the Research-to-Real World (R2R) Workgroup on enhancing substantial real-world impact of research

• Conduct portfolio analyses including gap analyses and summarize findings for strategic planning

• Conduct interviews with HSR&D/QUERI leadership and staff (approximately 15 interviews) in identifying key areas of focus and strategies to address gaps;

• With inputs and guidance from HSR&D leadership, draft the HSR&D 5 year Strategic Plan as well as an actionable implementation plan that will achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan

• Deliverables:

A HSR&D strategic plan and implementation roadmap, and an updated QUERI strategic plan for 2020-2024 and implementation roadmap

A handbook of recommendations for ORD to more rapidly translate research into practice to make a substantial real-world impact

• HSR&D anticipates that many of the products developed by the vendor for Task 1 provides the background and the groundwork for the development of the strategic plans for HSR&D/QUERI.

Task 3 --Administrative Project Management

• Provide administrative support on projects related to high priority areas within HSR&D/QUERI including:

Assisting SPMs in collecting, organizing and monitoring monthly and/or quarterly metrics and annual reports related to recruitment goals.

Developing SharePoint sites (up to 5 per year) related to recruitment metrics for HSR&D IIRs, and for awards that require a special system of documenting reviews and post award information (e.g. intent to submit for screening CDA application; ad hoc supplemental RFAs; QUERI programs/centers/partnered evaluations, maintaining information related to COIN activities (e.g. reviewer list, renewal scores, review documents, site visits,) etc.

Assist in developing professional power point presentations for HSR&D/QUERI leadership and staff for external and internal presentations (up to 10 power points/year) based on content provided by HSRD or QUERI staff. Develop additional graphics, insert appropriate statistics, and ensure appropriate formatting.

Develop spreadsheets/data bases for summarizing information and progress for various projects and initiatives, as needed.

Deliverables: With inputs from HSR&D/QUERI leadership, the contractor shall deliver the following products Monthly and quarterly metrics and annual reports to assess recruitment progress and goals Development of up to 5 share point sites related to HSR&D/QUERI priority areas (e.g. recruitment metrics, reviewer list, site visits, renewal scores etc.

Develop up to 10 power point presentations Organize electronic project related files currently stored on shared HSR&D drive (>300 files)

Task 4 –Meeting Planning Support

• Provide administrative, organizational and technical support for expert meetings to inform research areas, build research partnerships, and inform strategic planning; HSR&D/QUERI anticipates up to 5 small to moderate meetings (up to 25 participates per meeting) per year, including an Office of Research and Development (ORD)-wide meeting focused on the third priority research goal of enhancing substantial real-world impact Locate and develop contracts for meeting space, audio visual and sleeping rooms Serve as primary point-of-contact for meeting preparations.

Work with ORD staff to develop meeting agenda, prepare and distribute meeting materials and (as needed) facilitate meeting discussion.

Assist in travel planning and reimbursement for non-VA travelers.

Take meeting minutes and prepare draft meeting summary.

Prepare materials for dissemination or Web posting and ensure 508 compliance

• Deliverables:

Provide administrative, organizational and technical support for up to 5 small to moderate sized meetings

(up to 25 participants per meeting)/year Implementation of a strategic planning meeting and related meetings focused on implementation of research in real-world settings as part of the ORD-wide Substantial Real-world Impact workgroup; QUERI anticipates monthly meetings and one annual meeting.

D. PERFORMANCE MONITORING

The Government intends to utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to monitor the quality of the contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the task order and in the QASP will help to ensure that service levels reach and maintain the required levels throughout the contract term. Further, the QASP provides the COR with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance, and provides verifiable input for the required Past Performance Information Assessments. The QASP will be developed by the Government in conjunction with the performance work statement. It will be finalized upon award and a copy provided to the contractor after award. The QASP is a living document and may be updated by the Government as necessary.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Required Services/Tasks Performance Standards Method of Surveillance (Quality Assurance)

Standard to be Met/ Allowable Deviation

Customer Satisfaction

Contractor complies with SOW specifications. Contractor adheres to guidance provided by

COR.

COR feedback Fewer than 2 written complaints from COR during the period of performance.

Overall Contract Management, Including Timeliness

Contractor maintains high level of quality assurance. Contractor informs COR timely of issues or problems.

Contractor meets time frames agreed upon.

COR and Contracting Officer monitoring and review of activities and deliverables.

COR makes no more than 2 valid written complaints during the period of performance. No more than a two business-day delay in agreed upon schedule.

Written Products Contractor provides high-quality written materials.

COR and other federal staff reviews of draft and final products.

Minimal rewriting or editing required;

product utilized (e.g., disseminated) as planned.

E. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Final inspection and acceptance of all work performed, reports and deliverables will occur at the place of delivery designated by the COR. Final approval and acceptance of documentation required herein shall be by letter of approval and acceptance by

COR. The contractor shall not construe any letter of acknowledgment of receipt of material as a waiver of review, or as an acknowledgment that the material is in conformance with this SOW.

F. CHANGES TO STATEMENT OF WORK

Any changes to this SOW shall be authorized and approved only through written correspondence from the CO. A copy of each change will be kept in a project folder along with all other products of the project. Costs incurred by the contractor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the contractor.

G. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE)/GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED

INFORMATION (GFI)

HSR&D will provide the contractor with the following information:

• Updated agency priorities and strategic plan, and any changes implemented during the contract Period of

Performance

• Contact information for all HSR&D/QUERI personnel essential to contract-related tasks

• Budget information as needed for performing contract-related tasks

H. KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall be responsible for managing and overseeing the activities of all contractor personnel, as well as subcontractor efforts used in performance of this effort. The Contractor's management responsibilities shall include all activities necessary to ensure the accomplishment of timely and effective support, performed in accordance with the requirements contained in the statement of work.

The Contracting Officer may notify the Contractor and request immediate removal of any personnel assigned to the task order by the Contractor that are deemed to have a conflict of interest with the government or if the performance is deemed to be unsatisfactory. The reason for removal will be documented and replacement personnel shall be identified within three business days of the notification. Employment and staffing difficulties shall not be justification for failure to meet established schedules.

1. Key Personnel: Certain skilled experienced professional and/or technical personnel are essential for accomplishing the work to be performed. These individuals are defined as "Key Personnel" and are those persons whose resumes are submitted and marked by the vendor as "Key Personnel". Substitutions shall only be accepted if in compliance with “Substitution of Key Personnel" provision identified below.

The successful Contractor shall have key personnel with a proven track record of:

• Extensive knowledge of HSR&D, QUERI, and implementation science including familiarity with the VA, VHA, and VHA

Office of Research and Development;

• Knowledge of agency and Office strategic plan and priorities;

• Specific knowledge of and previous history working with HSR&D (including QUERI and COINs);

• Experience with developing strategic action plans, performing literature reviews, analyzing project portfolios, and organizing and planning professional meetings;

• Mastery of Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other software related to tasks outlined in this SOW; and

• Expertise as needed for all tasks outlined in this SOW.

Key personnel should include at least one program analyst, and someone knowledgeable regarding stakeholder program evaluation research. Personnel working on this contract should have experience in areas including research involving survey sampling design; data collection and management; techniques for maximizing response rates; programming; statistical analysis;

thematic data analysis; and report writing.

2. Substitution of Key Personnel: All Contractor requests for approval of substitutions hereunder shall be submitted in writing to the COR and the CO at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the effective date, whenever possible, and shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution, a complete resume for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested by the CO necessary to approve or disapprove the proposed substitution. New personnel shall not commence work until all necessary security requirements, as defined in Section J, have been fulfilled and resumes provided and accepted. The COR and the CO will evaluate such requests and promptly notify the contractor of approval or disapproval in writing.

I. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS:

a. The Contractor shall document that the qualifications of the professional, technical and administrative staff proposed are adequate for full performance of tasks. Curriculum Vitae (CVs) or resumes are provided for each proposed staff member.

b. The Contractor shall identify the key roles and specific responsibilities for each key role of the professional, technical and administrative staff proposed.

c. The Contractor shall demonstrate the appropriate mix and balance of education, academic excellence, training and experience of all proposed team members.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor will be required to comply with physical security guidelines by obtaining a VA Contractor PIV card in accordance with VAPHS Policy. The PIV card will service as a VA ID badge and must be worn at all times.

Applicable Appendix C Data:

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A contractor/subcontrator shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data - General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

d. The contractor/subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies in this contract.

e. The contractor/subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on contractor/subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the contractor/subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed.

f. If VA determines that the contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality, privacy, and security provisions of the contract, it shall be sufficient grounds for VA to withhold payment to the contractor or third party or terminate the contract for default or terminate for cause under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) with VA’s prior written approval. The contractor/subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA contracting officer for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor/subcontractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C.

5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus. If the contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above mentioned information, that contractor/subcontractor shall immediately refer such court orders or other requests to the VA contracting officer for response.

6. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

a. The term “security incident” means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the COTR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/subcontractor has access.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/subcontractor’s notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

7. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR DATA BREACH

a. Consistent with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. §5725, a contract may require access to sensitive personal information. If so, the contractor is liable to VA for liquidated damages in the event of a data breach or privacy incident involving any SPI the contractor/subcontractor processes or maintains under this contract.

b. The contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a “security incident” as set forth in the Security Incident Investigation section above. Upon such notification, VA must secure from a non-Department entity or the VA Office of Inspector General an independent risk analysis of the data breach to determine the level of risk associated with the data breach for the potential misuse of any sensitive personal information involved in the data breach. The term 'data breach' means the loss, theft, or other unauthorized access, or any access other than that incidental to the scope of employment, to data containing sensitive personal information, in electronic or printed form, that results in the potential compromise of the confidentiality or integrity of the data. Contractor shall fully cooperate with the entity performing the risk analysis. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

c. Each risk analysis shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following:

(1) Nature of the event (loss, theft, unauthorized access);

(2) Description of the event, including:

(a) date of occurrence;

(b) data elements involved, including any PII, such as full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, account number, disability code; (3) Number of individuals affected or potentially affected;

(4) Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected;

(5) Ease of logical data access to the lost, stolen or improperly accessed data in light of the degree of protection for the data, e.g., unencrypted, plain text;

(6) Amount of time the data has been out of VA control;

(7) The likelihood that the sensitive personal information will or has been compromised (made accessible to and usable by unauthorized persons);

(8) Known misuses of data containing sensitive personal information, if any;

(9) Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals;

(10) Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of Security and Privacy Incidents, as appropriate; and

(11) Whether credit protection services may assist record subjects in avoiding or mitigating the results of identity theft based on the sensitive personal information that may have been compromised.

d. Based on the determinations of the independent risk analysis, the contractor shall be responsible for paying to the VA liquidated damages in the amount of $37.50 per affected individual to cover the cost of providing credit protection services to affected individuals consisting of the following:

(1) Notification;

(2) One year of credit monitoring services consisting of automatic daily monitoring of at least 3 relevant credit bureau reports;

(3) Data breach analysis;

(4) Fraud resolution services, including writing dispute letters, initiating fraud alerts and credit freezes, to assist affected individuals to bring matters to resolution;

(5) One year of identity theft insurance with $20,000.00 coverage at $0 deductible; and

(6) Necessary legal expenses the subjects may incur to repair falsified or damaged credit records, histories, or financial affairs.

9. TRAINING

a. All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(1) Sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Contractor Rules of Behavior, Appendix E relating to access to VA information and information systems;

(2) Successfully complete the VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training and annually complete required security training;

(3) Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training and annually complete required privacy training; and

(4) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

Offeror must submit a Cost Quote as a separate document and provide sufficient information for the Government to determine fair and reasonable pricing, including a detailed price chart which details positions and associated costs.

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Base Year: Professional Services to Achieve the Objectives of Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) and the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI). Period of Performance 9/1/18 -9/1/19

1.00 YR

1001 Option 1: Period of Performance is 9/1/19 - 8/30/20

1.00 YR

2001 Option 2: Period of Performance is 9/1/20 - 8/30/21

1.00 YR

3001 Option 3: Period of Performance is 9/1/21 - 8/30/22

1.00 YR

4001 Option 4: Period of Performance is 9/1/22 - 8/30/23

1.00 YR

GRAND TOTAL __________________

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. This includes options under FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, which applies to this solicitation. Evaluation of options under FAR 52.217-8 will be accomplished by using the prices offered for the last option period to determine the price for a 6-month option period, which will be added to the base and other option years to arrive at the total price. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

B.5 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM NUMBER QUANTITY DELIVERY DATE

0001 1.00 9/1/18-8/31/19

1001 1.00 9/1/19-8/31/20

2001 1.00 9/1/20-8/31/21

3001 1.00 9/1/21-8/31/22

4001 1.00 9/1/22-8/31/23

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by

EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this…