36C25621Q1612 0001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 5

564-21-2-135-0016

36C256

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Network Contracting Office 16 2575 N. Keystone Crossing Fayetteville AR 72703

36C256

Same as Block 6

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25621Q1612

08-09-2021

X

X

THE SOLICITATION IDENTIFIED IN BLOCK 9A ABOVE IS HEREBY AMENDED TO PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION. BY:

a. Including the list of questions, with answers as indicated on pages 2 through 5 of this amendment. And,

b. Deleting the Statement of Work (Attachment 1) dated 8/2/2021 and replacing it with the Statement of Work, Revision 1, dated 8/16/2021.

***** This amendment consists of 10 pages, including this page and all attachments. *****

James Hunt Contracting Officer

NCO1615L2-4938

36C25621Q1612 0001 Questions & Answers

No. Question Answer 1 If we submit a proposed schedule, will we have flexibility to adjust the schedule post award?

The purpose of the proposed schedule is to provide an indication of capabilities and expertise. After award, actual schedules will need to be created/adjusted based on demand/usage.

2 The Performance Work Statement reads "The VAMCs (Veteran Affairs Medical Centers) in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16 are Fayetteville, Biloxi, Jackson, Houston, Little Rock, Alexandria, Shreveport, and New Orleans, to include all associated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)."

We are inquiring if you can provide the number of Community Based Outpatient Clinics and associated states that the Contractor will provide online wellness services?

The list of CBOC’s is extensive. Due to ongoing construction efforts, numbers and locations are constantly changing.

As a web-based service, this information is irrelevant. The total number of authorized, active users shall not exceed 80,000, per the price schedule (Section B.1).

3 The Performance Work Statement reads "Wellness services include yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness with all the support and personal interaction without the physical contact. These services will be offered daily with a variety of times." We are inquiring if the online wellness services are offered 5 days a week (Monday - Friday) or 7 days a week?

Services are to be available 7 days a week and with an extended time frame each day.

4 We are inquiring if the Period of Performance for the online wellness services contract will start this Fiscal Year?

Yes, it is anticipated award will be made and performance will begin in this fiscal year (FY 2021). Please note, “performance” may be defined by any substantial effort on the part of the contractor such, as participant registration, development of schedules, Etc. It does not mean classes/training must begin within the fiscal year.

5 We are inquiring if Federal Holidays will be observed in which the Contractor will not provide online wellness services?

Services shall be available on all Federal holidays.

6 In SOW, section B.2.e “shall be capable of being executed remotely via VPN)” however, SOW Section E.3a notes access via laptops, tablets, smartphones and other personal devices. Can you please clarify the need to connect via VPN?

The Statement of Work has been revised to remove the any requirement for a VPN.

7 SOW C3 - 'Contractor shall provide access to all necessary services, modalities, and equipment to maintain full operation with no disruptions'. Can you clarify what equipment is needed?

This contract will not require any equipment be provided to the Government or the users of these services. The SOW has been revised to remove this requirement.

8 B.1 Price Schedule: Is it VISN 16s intent to only pay for active users?

It is our intention to pay for access for up to 80,000 active users per month.

This will be a set monthly fee and will not fluctuate with the number of actual active users. The term “active” will be further defined via discussions between the Government and the awardee.

9 B.1 Price Schedule: Can you clarify what defines an ‘active’ user?

The term “active” will be further defined via discussions between the Government and the awardee.

10 B.1 Does VISN 16 have a forecast or estimate of how many users they anticipate will be classified as 'active user'?

As stated in the line item descriptions, up to 80,000 active users per month.

11 In SOW B.2.B It states participants can easily log into digital classroom of choice with established username and password.

Will VA provide a list of authorized users and associated email addresses?

No, VA will promote this service to Veterans and staff to register with the service directly. Furthermore, registration and/or usage shall not require the submission of any personally identifiable information (PII), only a valid email address.

12 How does the VA plan to keep the authorized list of users updated?

The VA does not/will not maintain a list of authorized users. However, the contractor will be required to provide the number of active, registered users, by class offering, each month.

13 Is integration with the VA user directory a possibility?

No.

14 SOW B.2.C states you require Veteran trauma-focused trained professional instructors offering variety of wellness services will teach interactive digital classes of choice.

What professional certificates do you require to fulfill this requirement?

See Section D of the Revision 1 to the Statement of Work for Credentials & Core competencies required.

15 Do you require the yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness instructors to have this veteran trauma-focused certification?

No. Trauma-focused certification is not required for all classes. The number of offerings to include this certification will be determined after award and may change based on actual usage/demand.

16 How does the VA intend to solicit users to join the platform?

The vendor will provide the Government with the links to register for and access the training opportunities. The Government will be responsible for disseminating this information to patients/employees.

17 What are the evaluation factors used for this solicitation to win?

Evaluation factors are identified in clause E.6, FAR 52.212-2, on page 19 of the solicitation.

18 Is the $12m award for the 2 years in total or will it be for $6m for 1st year and $6m for the 2nd year as the option period?

Nowhere in the solicitation is a specific award amount identified. Award amount will be based on the successful quote.

If this inquiry is referring to the $12 Million “Size Standard” identified in block 10 of the Standard Form 1449, this is the size standard applicable to the NAICS code (611699) for determining what is considered a small business. It is, in no way, reflective of the anticipated value of this contract.

36C25621Q1612 0001 Attachment 1 Revision 1

STATEMENT OF WORK

Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16

Online Wellness Services (8/16/2021)

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

(1) Background: Since the current COVID-19 pandemic, VISN 16 Veterans

Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) have an essential need for an interactive and digital platform aimed at wellness services. This platform would fill an unmet need by improving access without the need for individuals to gather in groups or come on site at any VAMC in VISN 16. It will reduce Veterans seeking Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) care in the community. It will lessen the need of afterhours virtual CIH clinics. For VAMC employees, it may impact the burnout rates, productivity, and turnover. Consistent yoga and/or mediation practice can have an impact on perception of pain, and therefore reduce prescription costs or unnecessary appointments at VAMCs.

It has become necessary to explore virtual platforms to ensure provisions of required care for Veterans. At this moment in time, these live wellness services cannot be conducted in person safely. These wellness services will build resilience and encourage health among VISN 16 employees and Veterans. The purpose of this contract is to provide a subscription, which covers all Veterans and employees of VISN 16. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, VA Healthcare-VISN 16 has expanded the use of virtual care.

Thus, making it easier for our Veterans to see and communicate with their VA health care providers and teams.

(2) Scope of Work: Contractor shall provide all access to the necessary resources to accomplish two-way, interactive, digital, and virtual platforms that offer live yoga, live tai chi, live meditation/mindfulness, and other live modalities described in this Statement of Work (SOW). The VAMCs (Veteran Affairs Medical Centers) in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 16 are Fayetteville, Biloxi, Jackson, Houston, Little Rock, Alexandria, Shreveport, and New Orleans, to include all associated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). These wellness services are considered a virtual care offering. These virtual care offerings are live, interactive, two-way videos within a digital platform that offer access to an assortment of wellness services. Wellness services include yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness with all the support and personal interaction without the physical contact. These services will be offered daily with a variety of times. No transportation will be required. These services offer the accountability of taking a class without having to be inside the class and around groups of people, thus helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These wellness services will lessen the need of afterhours virtual CIH clinics. This wellness program aligns with VISN 16’s intent to encourage self-care among its employees and Veterans (these mandates are outlined in VHA Directive 1137).

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(1) Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, tools, materials, services, modalities, and other necessary items for professional, live, interactive, virtual, online wellness services as required by the contract and all attachments thereto.

(2) Contractor shall provide a minimum of these requested classes/groups:

a. Yoga for pregnant women

b. Both Tai Chi and Qigong (in separate classes)

c. Yoga for back pain

d. Yoga for neck pain

e. Yoga for shoulder pain

f. Adaptive yoga classes (chair)

g. Yin Yoga (targets fascia and is slower)

h. Power Yoga (improves muscle strength)

i. Vinyasa Yoga (yoga flow)

j. Ashtanga Yoga (pose yoga)

k. Guided Meditation

l. Guided Imagery

(3) Service and Operational Requirements:

a. Participants may choose an assortment of digital classes (i.e. yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness).

b. Participants can easily log into digital classroom of choice with established username and password. Participants may set up personal space for digital classes of choice.

c. Veteran-trauma focused trained, professional instructors offering variety of wellness services will teach interactive digital classes of choice.

d. Training will accommodate realtime, live feedback while interacting and exercising in digital classes of choice.

e. Services offered will expand virtual wellness offerings by providing two-way video streaming that staff/Veterans can access with or without VA network from personal devices (i.e. smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.)

f. Appropriate level of encryption to ensure security of user information.

i. User information involves self-reported data such as name, email, and password.

ii. No PHI (protected health information) or PII (Personally

Identifiable Information) is transferred to or shared with any 3rd party vendors or customers.

g. Ability to track and monitor deidentified user information.

i. Only transferable data is anonymized usage reports.

ii. System automatically de-identifies and anonymizes user personal information when propagating usage metrics.

iii. Metrics that are tracked include number of signups, total classes taken, and popular classes.

C. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

(1) Contractor shall provide qualified and professional personnel for live, two-way interaction, virtual wellness services to Veterans and VAMC employees.

(2) Contractor provide access to specific services tailored for Veterans. Wellness services shall be Veteran-focused and trauma-focused training.

(3) Contractor shall provide access to all necessary services and modalities to maintain full operation with no disruptions within two weeks of date of contract award.

(4) Contractor shall establish Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

a. Contingency and safety procedures for addressing physical safety concerns of participants during live classes.

b. Operational procedures and website management structure.

c. Procedures for gaining acceptance/access into website.

d. Quality assurance and quality control procedures.

e. Contractor and project management procedures.

(5) Contractor shall indicate how to identify authorized users. Shall determine the required registration information, how it will be used and how it will be protected.

(6) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will user information be provided to anyone outside the government. The CO and COR are the only individuals authorized to request user information.

D. INSTRUCTOR CREDENTIALS & CORE COMPETENCIES:

(1) Yoga

a. Certification through a Yoga Alliance e-RYT200 (experienced registered yoga teacher) or equivalent program (200 contact hour training plus 1000+ documented teaching hours), RYT 500, or C- IAYT (certified yoga therapist).

b. Completion of trauma informed yoga training (Trauma Informed or Trauma Sensitive certification offered through an accredited, national organization such as Yoga Alliance, Veterans Yoga Project, or other similarly accredited organizations.)

(2) Tai Chi & Qigong

a. American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (TCQGA) certified Tai

Chi instructor Level I or equivalent (150 hours documented formal Tia Chi training); Level I Qi Gong Instructor certified by the National Qi Gong Association, or equivalent. Appropriate trainings include (but are not limited to):

i. Tai Chi Fundamentals® Programs through Tai Chi for Health

ii. Tai Chi for Arthritis Programs through Tai Chi for Health

iii. Taijiquan: Moving for Better Balance

iv. Evidenced Based Qigong through Center for Taiji Studies

v. Evidenced Based Taiji through Center for Taiji Studies

vi. Tree of Life Tai Chi Teacher Training

vii. Tai Chi Easy® through Integral Institute of Qigong and Tai

Chi

viii. Tai Chi Instructor training through Integral Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi

ix. Qigong/Tai Chi teacher trainings through Energy Arts

x. Taijiquan/Qigong trainings through International Yang Family

Tai Chi Association

xi. Other trainings recognized by ATCQGA or Center for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as acceptable to qualify for documented formal Tia Chi/Qigong training.

* This list does not represent any program endorsement

(3) Meditation Meditation requires completion of IRest Training Levels I and II

(4) Other wellness-based services to not require certification but require documentation of experiential hours spent offering that approach as vetted b contracted vendor.

E. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

(1) Government shall provide Veterans and VAMC employees all necessary information for access to Contractor’s digital platform.

(2) All VISN 16 VAMCs will allow for coverage and access for all its employees and Veterans.

F. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

(1) Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The Contracting Officer

Representative shall be the technical point of contact for all service-related requirements. The COR does not have authorization to change, alter, or remove any requirements stated in the Statement of Work.

(2) Contracting Officer (CO): The Contracting Officer has the authority to enter, administer, and terminate contracts. The CO can make related determinations and findings on behalf of the Government. The CO is the only individual legally authorized to bind the Government and modify the contract.

(3) Place of Performance: Contractor’s website

a. VISN 16 VAMC employees and Veterans can access services anywhere with electronic devices (i.e. laptops, tablets, smartphones) with internet capability and a suitable connection.

b. Can access with or without VA network from personal electronic devices (i.e. smartphones, tablets, laptops).

c. Digital, online platform, two-way video.

i. Personal interaction.

ii. No physical contact.

iii. No transportation required.

(4) Work Hours: Various Hours (flexible)

a. Daily variety of time schedules for access to live wellness services.

b. Participants would be able to access these live wellness services at their convenience.

c. Online access to an assortment of wellness services tailored to

Veterans with various time schedules daily.