36C25919Q0390-000.docx

36C25919Q0390

FedBizOpps Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

CLASSIFICATION CODE

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CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

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SOLICITATION NUMBER

RESPONSE DATE (MM-DD-YYYY)

ARCHIVE

DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

SET-ASIDE

NAICS CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

ADDRESS

POINT OF CONTACT

(POC Information Automatically Filled from User Profile Unless Entered)

DESCRIPTION

See Attachment

AGENCY'S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT'S EMAIL

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EMAIL DESCRIPTION

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COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

* = Required Field FedBizOpps Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Rev. March 2010 D Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment 80111 36C25919Q03 06-12-2019 by N 511210 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 19 Rocky Mountain Acquisition Center 6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111 Charlie Gritzmacher charles.gritzmacher@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Community Care 3773 Cherry Creek Drive North Suite 655 Denver, CO 80209 Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Blackboard™ Virtual Learning Environment for the Office of Community Care

1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items and services prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

2. Solicitation number 36C25919Q0390 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ).

3. This acquisition is Unrestricted. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 511210 – Software Publishers.

4. FAR Clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-2, 52.212-4 and 52.212-5 apply to this procurement. For the exact text and wording of clauses and provisions please see http://farsite.hill.af.mil. The Government contemplates an award of a Firm Fixed Priced Unrestricted Contract resulting from this solicitation. See attached RFQ document for a list of all contract clauses and provisions.

5. Description of services: In accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW) and price schedule, the Contractor shall price web-based classroom system known as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) e.g. Blackboard®, training solution to support employee development efforts, and to provide a dynamic means of knowledge transfer and interactivity for an ever-growing employee base, geographically located across the United States for the Office of Community Care located in Denver, CO.

6. Period of Performance (POP): The POP shall be from the date of award for a one (1) six (6) month base period, four (4) twelve (12) month option periods.

7. Offers are due June 13, 2019 @ 4:00 PM EST. All questions/inquiries must be submitted to the contract officer via electronic mail (e-mail) not later than June 9, 2019 @ 4:00 PM EST. Inquiries submitted via telephone calls will be re-directed to an e-mail submission.

8. Submit offers or any questions to the attention of Charlie Gritzmacher via email to: charles.gritzmacher@va.gov

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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

741-19-3-9075-0044 36C25919Q03 06-06-2019 Charlie Gritzmacher

(303) 712-5780 06-12-2019

4 PM EST

36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 19 Rocky Mountain Acquisition Center 6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111 X Y 511210 $32.5 Million N/A x Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran's Health Administration 3773 Cherry Creek Drive North Suite 450 Denver CO 80209 36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 19 Rocky Mountain Acquisition Center 6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111

Electronic Payment Requests Submit Invoice at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

See CONTINUATION Page Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment Period of Performance:

Base: 06-21-2019 to 12-20-2019 Option 1: 12-21-2019 to 12-20-2020 Option 2: 12-21-2020 to 12-20-2021 Option 3: 12-21-2021 to 12-20-2022 Option 4: 12-21-2022 to 12-20-2023 See CONTINUATION Page

LOA#: 741-3690152-9075-866400-2580 SPW0LP3A1

2237#: 741-19-3-9075-0044 x x x one Erica A Blake

VA-VHA-SAOW-2019-B0D0EABF

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C259 Erica A. Blake / erica.blake@va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 19 Rocky Mountain Acquisition Center 6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted 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.

Electronic Payment Requests

Submit Invoice at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

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

36C25919Q0390

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B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment

General Objectives and Requirements:

1. Title of Project: Virtual Learning Environment for VHA OCC

2. Authority for the Project: VA VHA Office of Community Care (VHA OCC) requires a web-based classroom system known as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) e.g. Blackboard®, training solution to support employee development efforts, and to provide a dynamic means of knowledge transfer and interactivity for an ever-growing employee base, geographically located across the United States. A VLE solution will provide a more cost effective and efficient way to train. VLE solutions have helped VA educators to become more effective with the offering of various online training solutions. This web-based training solution will keep everyone informed, involved, collaborating together, and meeting the high expectations of today’s learners.

In addition, VHA OCC currently has integration between Blackboard® Learn and the VA-wide Training Management System (TMS). VHA OCC has training support from Blackboard® Consulting Services to as needed. The Blackboard® components to be included in the solution include:

· Data Integration and Customization Maintenance (ICM)

· Auto-Sign-On Single Sign-on (SSO) Solution

· Integration Framework Online Course

· Results Extract Solution

VHA OCC has requested, and Blackboard® has provided consultants to perform certain services related to the integration.

3. Purpose of the Project: VHA OCC employee’s access VLE modules through VA Talent Management System (TMS) which provides much of the core training, administration, and knowledge management. However, TMS does not offer the facilitated, interactive learning experiences needed to efficiently train VHA OCC employees. The intent of this contract is to continue a web-based training solution, a hosted classroom platform, to provide 24/7 access to knowledge and information, and provide innovative ways to foster learning anywhere at any time. The software application is used to virtually train VHA OCC employees. Employees will use their Government computers or home computers to log into web-based classrooms which are virtual, interactive learning environments that offer online training.

Because programs are delivered via the virtual learning environment, program participants have 24/7 Internet access to communicate with training staff, to engage in curriculum content in a self-paced manner, to collaborate with peers and to call up just-in-time job aids when executing project assignments. Use of the virtual environment enables VHA OCC to maximize the use of one VLE with different content areas (i.e. Non-VA Care Training, Packaging of coordinated curriculums for virtual and local staff to work independently, Collaborative Learning Community, New Employee Onboarding, etc.) which decreases the cost of travel and time away from the dedicated work site to engage in strategic learning opportunities, and to take full advantage of technology that promotes facilitated collaboration and coaching on work situated projects and assignments. As demonstrated in the literature, the VLE is constructed to be interactive; learners are more likely to transfer learning into usable behavioral skill sets. In a VLE, the instructional designer can tap a wide array of subject matter experts who can moderate discussion boards and offer modular learning content. Without the VLE, the subject matter experts would more than likely not be available to offer learning events in real time. The VLE allows the instructional designers to offer varied learning styles, offer participants self-paced chunks of information, promoting a high degree of learner activity that fosters the development of the VA Core Competencies for employees and leadership. The VLE also offers technology that enables the VLE coordinator to manage or administer various aspects of learning: delivery of learning materials, learner tracking, assessment, and learner communication and outside-hosted technical support. The other virtual learning environment features that are mandatory are: the vendor hosts the software and provides learners with an adequate level of technical support. Blackboard® has no impact on VA OIT staff, programs or systems. It is a stand-alone system similar to TMS, accessed direct through a web browser.

4. Background: It is critical that the VA supports a culture where application of new skills acquired from a training event is transferred to the worksite. Linking learning to worksite performance requires a high degree of learner interactivity during the learning process. Web-based classrooms offer an environment where interactivity among participants, facilitators and content experts is available. Through this platform, training is enhanced through encouraging participants’ active reflection on content and problem solving via facilitated discussion, action learning projects, coaching and mentoring and continuous peer interactions.

Also, as the VA puts forth efforts for retaining and recruiting the next generation of VA employees who possess a high degree of technical competence, supporting and offering web-based classroom training and e-Learning will be critical to meet the learning needs and styles of current and future employees. Currently there are six (6) other VA contracts that use a VLE, e.g. Blackboard®. This proposal to continue VHA OCC’s e-Learning VLE contract will support our local learning efforts as well as our newly broadened employee base, located across the United States.

Web-based virtual classrooms or VLEs provide an integrated mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities in combination with dynamic opportunities for collaboration with experts and peers. Asynchronous participation in a virtual course means that the learning process is not conducted in real time. This allows participants to collaborate in online discussions, access learning resources and study curriculum materials or review project assignments anytime during the workday, twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week. Participation in scheduled synchronous learning opportunities is also available where learners can collaborate together at the same time in a virtual classroom over the Internet. The ability to be able to leverage existing courses developed in a virtual learning environment to be exported and used across the system will be essential to ensure cost effective strategies and sharing of resources. This is possible from VA entity to VA entity, working collaboratively on learning goals.

The VHA OCC utilizes the Scalable Content Object Resource Model (SCORM) 1.2. On rare occasions the VHA OCC is required to develop SCORM 2004 (1st through 4th Edition (conditional to capabilities of the VA Plateau (Talent Management System) Version 6.3.3), and Active Server Pages (.asp) courseware for posting to the VA TMS. Learning Products developed for promotion from the Talent Management System (TMS) require compliance with VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102.

In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. Inaccessible technology interferes with an ability to obtain and use information quickly and easily. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, open new opportunities for people with disabilities, and encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508 (29 U.S.C. 794d), agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to access available to others. Section 508, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220), August 7, 1998. (original source in uscode.house.gov) Chapter16-Vocational Rehabilitation and Other Rehabilitation Services, Subchapter V-Rights and Advocacy. http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/29C16.txt. All Learning Products developed for promotion electronically require compliance with and formal certification by the Office of Health Informatics, Section 508 utilizing VHA Section 508 Compliance Checklists.

VHA OCC requires the latest, industry-leading VLE software platform that promotes learner interactivity, instruction, communication, and assessment, this is Blackboard®. The software platform is managed and hosted by Blackboard® and supports a virtual, distance learning environment. This learning platform allows VHA OCC employees secure access to online classes, ability to manage courses, author content, create assignments, and foster collaboration. Blackboard® supports integration with TMS and provides users with single sign-on functionality into TMS and course access in Blackboard®, through use of duplicating usernames in TMS that can be applied to course materials in Blackboard®. VHA OCC employees will be able to register for courses in TMS, with the course material in the VLE, course material completed in the VLE should report to TMS as complete.

5. Scope and Methodology: Blackboard® provides a system that is already built and has a proven record of success. This includes; housing and maintaining the software on their server, maintaining enough bandwidth capacity to allow for uninterrupted work flow, providing full software maintenance, and the ability to respond to trouble calls. Customer support that allows VA employees to submit software related trouble calls and track trouble calls and must respond to non-urgent trouble calls within 24 hours. Notify the VHA OCC Point of Contact (POC) of any concerns or issues with trouble calls. There is a customer notification system in place that notifies VHA OCC POC of any pending software outages or other issues that may cause an interruption to training.

In addition, Blackboard® provides all the following:

a) Identify stakeholders and their needs as it relates to implementation; identify and mitigate implementation risks.

b) Establish course migration requirements, including conversion needs and priorities (if applies).

c) Establish a comprehensive understanding of system implications, integration, features, and functions.

d) Develop a detailed project plan that incorporates the specific tasks and dependencies comprising the work streams and phases of the VLE implementation; define governance and change management rules of managing VLE system.

e) Users can launch sessions using standard browsers, similar to TMS.

f) Audio conference integration enables users to conduct audio communications with VoIP only, tele call only, or a mix.

g) Users on the audio conference are fully integrated into the live session where they can communicate with users not connected via teleconference (the traditional microphone and speaker users utilizing VOIP).

h) Users on the audio conference are fully integrated into the live session where they can use all features in the session.

i) Visual indicator in session of users on the audio conference; visual indicator in session when a user on the audio conference speaks.

j) Moderators are able to mute and unmute those on the teleconference; visual mute indicator in session of audio conference users.

k) Audio conference participants and the telephone conference bridge can be moved to their own break-out room and they will not hear the VOIP audio from other participants in other breakout rooms.

l) All audio, regardless of VoIP or audio conference is captured in session recordings; audio conference numbers can be configured in the session.

m) Available on a hosted service so customers do not require any additional hardware.

n) Automatic reconnection if Internet outage occurs - no content is lost and there is no disruption of services.

o) Delivery of application share is always in sync with the instructors’ audio in large sessions.

p) Delivery of multimedia video files is always in sync and viewed simultaneously by all in large session.

q) Whiteboard content delivery is always in sync with the instructor’s audio in large sessions.

r) User passwords are never sent between client & server to prevent password snooping.

s) Mobile Web Conferencing Sessions accessible via LMS join link, email link, or calendar invite.

t) Supports participation using iPad and iPhone.

u) Allows viewing of shared content (whiteboard, annotations and shared applications).

v) Participation via mobile device allows communication via multi-way audio and text chat.

w) Allows viewing participant list and status, setting away status (stepped away).

Supports SSL Encryption:

a) Automatic proxy detection.

b) Password configurations are customizable.

c) Meeting rooms can be locked, preventing others from joining.

d) Moderators can remove participants from session.

e) User passwords are never sent between client and server to prevent password snooping.

f) All content (voice, chat messages, whiteboard data) are encoded between client and server machines.

HTTP tunneling support built in:

a) Whiteboard content can be marked as proprietary to prevent saving or printing by participants.

b) Server software is hosted securely behind the Blackboard® firewall.

c) Centralized authentication methods (LDAP, etc.).

d) Allows for "guests" (non-account holders) to enter sessions.

e) HTTPS support.

f) Vendor provides API Toolkit to enable integration into other applications (LMS, Portals, home-grown applications, etc.).

Project Management:

a) Facilitates communication within Blackboard® and with VHA OCC related to this engagement, and coordinates Blackboard’s® activities for this engagement.

b) Project objectives and milestones are met in a timely and cost-effective manner. Blackboard® will appoint a Project Manager who will be responsible for the overall engagement delivery, documentation, status reporting, and resource management.

Data Integration and Customization Maintenance (ICM):

a) To support VHA OCC efforts to provide data integration from the VA-wide Training Management System (TMS) to Blackboard® Learn, Blackboard® Consulting will provide support of integration components that handle the data transfer.

b) The objective of the automated integration is to simplify current data management processes by reducing manual administration and improving data quality.

c) TMS will provide Blackboard® Learn with the appropriate data in the appropriate format for processing.

d) Blackboard® will provide configuration support of the integration that accepts the TMS-generated file(s) and provide ongoing ICM support of the integration.

e) The Snapshot Controller is a Blackboard® Consulting system extension that provides the tools to automate the integration process including:

· Configurable (S) FTP location for retrieval of the integration data.

· Integration scheduler to determine the time(s) of day the process will run.

· Notification services to alert process status/completion.

f) Blackboard® Consulting will provide installation support for the Snapshot Controller and provide ongoing ICM support.

Artifacts:

· Snapshot Controller installed on VLE.

VHA OCC Requirements/Assumptions:

· User data file format will be based on existing Blackboard® - TMS integration as defined per the integration between TMS and VHA OCC Blackboard® instance.

· TMS will generate data files for integration.

All work will be completed remotely.

Auto-Sign-On Single-Sign-On (SSO) Solution:

a) The Auto-Sign-On Building Block allows VHA OCC to implement an inbound single sign-on (SSO) solution to the Blackboard® Learn Platform.

b) Once authenticated by a trusted source; TMS for example, a request can be made to the Auto-Sign-On Building Block to automatically log the user into the Blackboard® Learn Platform without having to enter their username and password.

c) When VHA OCC has downloaded the Auto-Sign-On Building Block, Blackboard® Consulting will install and configure the building block.

d) Blackboard® Consulting will provide services to configure the Auto-Sign-On Building Block for use with VHA OCC’s portal environment.

e) VHA OCC will be responsible for configuration of the “shared secret” within the portal environment.

Artifacts:

· Auto-Sign-On SSO Admin Guide

VHA OCC Requirements/Assumptions:

· Auto-Sign-On Building Block for 9.1 is available to VHA OCC.

· Vendor will provide access to the environment for installation/configuration.

· This estimate does not include a Technical Knowledge Transfer of the Auto-Sign-On Building Block itself. VHA OCC will be responsible for the configuration of the “shared secret” in the external portal environment.

· The shared secret is a configurable passphrase that exists on both Blackboard® and the external system to facilitate trusted communication between both systems. On the Blackboard® side, this value is configured via the user interface. On the external system side, this value is configured via administrator for that system (namely, TMS).

· Auto-Sign-On Building Block will be leveraged as is - no changes to the standard functionality will be provided as a part of this service.

Integration Framework Online Course:

a) The objective of the Integrations Framework Online Course is to provide Blackboard® Learn™ Release 9.1 Service Pack 8 and VHA OCC with the knowledge necessary to successfully implement the SIS Integration Framework tool.

b) This service will provide VHA OCC with an understanding of best practices around planning, auditing, guidance, scripting technique overview, troubleshooting and general overview and implementation of the data integration process.

Course Modules:

· Overview of the Integrations Framework

· Business Policies Review

· File Format Types Review

· Data Extract Methodologies

· How to Create a Sample Data File

· Integration Framework Configuration Walkthrough

· Data Mapping Configuration

· Integration Automation

· Integration Framework Testing and Troubleshooting

· Custom Scripting Techniques and Best Practices

· Data Lifecycle Timeline

· Data Maintenance Best Practices

Who Should Attend:

Blackboard® administrators that use Blackboard® Learn™ 9.1 SP8 and above who meet the following requirements:

· Administrator level access to a Blackboard® Development environment.

· Intermediate or above understanding of Blackboard®.

Duration:

· Participants should expect to spend approximately 20 hours to complete the course activities.

· Course is available for 30 days after enrollment is processed. Participants are asked to budget their time accordingly.

Location:

· Fully online/asynchronous (Instructor provides leadership, feedback, and support, but participants do not have to be online at a time of day).

Pre-Requisites:

· Administrator level access to a Blackboard® Learn™ environment.

· Internet Explorer 8 or 9, Firefox 3.6, Safari 5.0, or Chrome (Stable Channel).

Results Extract Solution:

a) The objective of the Results Extract Solution is to simplify and automate current grading processes and position clients for future growth by minimizing potential points of error and removing the need for additional manual entry of grades/results into other systems.

b) More specifically, this engagement is designed to:

· Implement a grades/results extract that sends grade-related information via extract file to a configurable (FTP/SFTP) location.

· Define and configure scheduled delivery of the extract file.

· Define extract file (delimited file format, like CSV) fields which, at a minimum, will contain the following data elements:

· User identifier (ex: username or user Id)

· Course identifier (ex: course Id)

· Grade/result (numeric value)

· Grade/result (symbolic value)

· Status of attempt (in-progress, needs grading, completed, etc.)

· Date of attempt (if quiz, assessment, or assignment)

· Can be configured to include additional information from the Blackboard® Results Center or fields available in the user, course, and membership profile.

c) This Solution is delivered as an installable component to the client along with installation and administration instructions. Post installation a Q&A session will be held to answer any questions VHA OCC may have and assist with the configuration as needed.

Artifacts:

· Results Extract Application

· Installation and configuration manual

Customer Requirements/Assumptions:

· All work to be performed remotely

Maintenance Services:

a) The Integration Customization & Maintenance (ICM) service provides customers with Blackboard®, consulting assistance to ensure customizations and integrations are compatible with upgrades.

b) This service will be provided for the following named consulting projects:

· Data Integration

· Auto-Sign-On Single-Sign-On (SSO) Solution

· Results Extract Solution

c) More specifically, ICM services will provide the following:

· Facilitated Blackboard® Consulting support and development assistance with the application/installation of Updates, Upgrades, Service Packs and “hot fixes” of Blackboard® Academic Suite™ and Blackboard® Learn™.

· Data Integration – maintain the Blackboard® Java-based snapshot controller technology, support existing integration tools and provide troubleshooting in the event of unexpected behavior.

· Downloadable Solution(s) – maintain the Blackboard® developed Downloadable Solution(s) within the scope of the original solution.

· Customization – maintain an existing Blackboard® certified customization within the scope of the original solution.

· Continued operation in the event of a hardware failover or in conjunction with Managed Hosting upgrades and underlying infrastructure changes, excluding Oracle RAC configurations (Managed Hosting clients only).

Resource Requirements:

· To complete this project, Blackboard® proposes the following projected staffing model:

Role Activities and Responsibilities

Customer Responsibilities:

a) Blackboard’s ® Consulting model assumes active participation from the VHA OCC team. VHA OCC is responsible for staffing resources on the project that have the necessary functional and technical knowledge to successfully execute required tasks.

b) VHA OCC will staff the resources set forth below. This includes a VHA OCC representative to be the primary point of contact for the Blackboard® Project Manager. This representative shall have full authority to make all decisions regarding project scope, overall timeline, and related project costs, as well as ensuring the necessary VHA OCC project personnel, resources, etc. are available to successfully complete the project(s).

Role/Skills Needed During which phase/service Level of involvement

6. Period of Performance: The POP shall be from the date of award for a one (1) six (6) month base period, four (4) twelve (12) month option periods.

7. Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Priced

8. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

Elizabeth Harless Technical Program Manager/COR VHA Office of Community Care 101 Madison Ave Portland, ND 58274

9. Place of Performance: Planning and Implementation services are conducted online via email or on the phone.

10. Government Recognized Holidays: Unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, no services will be provided, and no charges will be incurred and/or billed to any order on this contract on any of the Federal Holidays listed below.

11. Contract Award Meeting: Not required under $1 Million but can be requested by the Contractor if desired.

Tasks and Associated Deliverables:

1. Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: The contractor shall provide the specific services and a virtual education environment system with the capabilities described below within the performance period stated in this SOW. If for any reason, any deliverable cannot be provided on time according to the below schedule, the contractor shall provide a written explanation to the COR five (5) working days prior to deliverable due date. This written transmittal shall include a firm commitment of when the work shall be completed. This transmittal to the COR shall cite the reasons for the delay, and the impact on the overall project. The impact of the delay shall be recorded in the Project Management Plan.

a) The Contractor shall provide services from a hosted VLE that includes technical support services for administrators daily from 6 AM to 8 PM, Mountain Standard Time (MST).

b) Hosted virtual learning system that supports 2,000 active users.

c) Synchronous system administration training and system use instructor training for up to 18 VA personnel.

d) The Contractor shall provide the following core features with the VLE:

1) A mechanism for delivery of a variety of educational materials: Microsoft Office (Doc, PPT. XLS, etc), Adobe Acrobat PDF, HTML, digital images, digital audio files, digital video files and interactive multimedia assets such as Flash.

2) Hosting environment needs to be a Web-based encrypted site (HTTPS);

3) Capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 active users in both synchronous and asynchronous online environments at any point in time;

4) Access control that is password based.

5) 24/7/365 user availability except for scheduled maintenance downtime. Vendor must have a customer notification system in place that notifies VHA OCC POC of any pending software outages or other issues that may cause an interruption to training.

6) Administration: learner tracking, collation of grades and records of progress (grade book). Schedule and automate release and recall of content for specific times and dates.

7) Assessment: Online surveys and testing options.

8) Communication: one-to-one, one-to-many, synchronous and asynchronous with sophisticated levels of threaded discussion capabilities by learner, by lecture topic and by date.

9) Course management that includes the following responsibilities: creating and editing courses; setting default course properties to use as a basis for new courses; enrolling and removing users from courses; creating the course catalog; managing course files; backing up, archiving, and restoring courses; announcements; syllabus/schedule; lectures; test/quizzes; discussion boards; student grades; performance dashboard; grade center; messages; virtual asynchronous classroom; survey creation and administration.

10) Managed Hosting Services - Infrastructure, deployment, and day-to-day maintenance of the physical hardware and other supporting IT components;

11) User access must be role based (Instructor, Student, Teaching Assistant, Administrator, Guest, etc.);

12) Timetabling facilities: some explicit means of pacing materials.

13) Blackboard® maintains responsibility for: supporting application administrators; managing application and infrastructure security; redundant data backup; system application upgrades and maintenance; application tuning; and all other aspects of a complete enterprise management solution. Coordinating interoperability between VLE and TMS.

14) Customizable instructional design features: Create sequential learning modules that establish paths through content and assessments; create folder structures to organize content; and announcement capabilities.

15) Training and Support Requirements: virtual training workshops for both instructors and administrators; support functions; online administrator and student user guides. Continual access to some form of an “on demand learning center” by all product users and Administrators. Technical support for administrator, 24/7/365. Advanced system reporting: student activity; course activity; active enrollment by month; system storage usage by month.

16) A resource base: a section for frequently asked questions, or a database accessed by keyword search.

17) Online Course delivery includes the following responsibilities: creating and editing course materials; allow multi-media presentations that include: file sharing, share desk top, application sharing, annotate documents, raise hand/change status, polling questions, live chat during meetings, record meetings, support multi-line audio conference calls for at least 2,000 people during a single training event. Post files online so that they can be accessed by any user in the system; record training presentations and allow the recordings to be viewed online through the VLE; create registrations and monitor attendance for live and recorded training sessions.

18) Support facilities: for instance, online help about the environment.

19) User-friendly design: Offers learners ease of navigation and pop-up site maps.

20) The vendor shall provide the COR with written directions for use of the VLE along with written documentation for developing and managing training within the VLE.

21) Content SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 (2nd through 4th Edition) conformant.

22) Synchronous online collaboration tools that include the capability to allow instructors and participants to hold audio and video conferences to share documents, applications, and presentations.

e) Delivery Schedule: The vendor shall provide the services as described in Approval and Delivery Schedule in the performance standards. The COR will approve or reject all deliverables and documentation. The vendor shall submit all deliverables within the time limits specified in the performance standards. The COR will notify the vendor of approval, conditional approval, or disapproval. The vendor shall submit all deliverables by a method that provides a receipt for deliverables. The COR will notify the vendor of approval or disapproval of submittal. The vendor shall submit any required corrections within 10 days unless otherwise specified in writing by the COR.

f) Administrator Function Support: Vendor will provide training and support on the skills necessary to successfully set up and manage the Blackboard® hosted system for course delivery and administration in the graphical user interface (GUI). Through readings, recordings, activities, discussions, and tests, the course will prepare client participants to manage users, courses, settings, and system tools. This support will provide specific guidance on how to run system reports and locate helpful administrative support information. The course will provide opportunities to discuss best practices for managing the vendor hosted system. Administrator Function Support will include the following:

g) Navigate the Course Delivery GUI Interface; Differentiate between System, Institution, and Course Roles; Create, Manage, and Remove User Accounts; Create, Manage, and Remove Courses; Enroll, Remove, and Manage Users in Courses; Activate/Deactivate System wide Tools and Utilities; Establish a Default Institution Brand; Perform Timely User and Course Maintenance; Access and Interpret System Reports; Establish Default Course Tools and Settings; Navigate the vendor hosted system to Issue support tickets and locate support resources.

h) Implementation Support: Vendor will provide a partnered implementation approach to the client project team for implementation of the vendor system. This service will provide training, tools and best practice guidance for the configuration and initial implementation of the Blackboard® system. The service will provide clients with remote assistance with planning, configuration guidance, and suggested practices and instructions on some of the tools/features for use of the vendor hosted system.

i) Instructor Function Support: Vendor will provide training courses and materials designed to support instructors in the following areas: Building courses, uploading materials, conducting training through the vendor hosted system. Communicating courses and course related information before, during, and after training. Designing, developing, collecting, and reporting metrics from training courses.

j) Support for Delivery of Synchronous Online Instruction: Vendor will provide training to trainers and instructors that will enable them to successfully deliver live, interactive web conferencing sessions. Participants will learn how to effectively manage the session communication tools, display PowerPoint content and record sessions for later playback. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to: Understand the user interface – layouts and customization; Identify different methods of communication – audio, chat, video, and polling; Manage classroom interaction from the Participants Panel - participant permissions and understanding activity and status indicators; Manage Whiteboard content; Generate a session recording.

k) Resources: Vendor shall provide access to software platform for up to 2,000 active user VA staff for a period of one year. In addition, there will be four (4) option years, all the same price with no price increase, based on the five (5) year quote provided. Blackboard® shall provide managed hosting server capacity to house and access software platform separate from and outside of the VA firewall. The Blackboard® server shall be maintained with security at a minimum that is equivalent to the VA internet and cyber security systems. The software must allow the ability to create groups and organizational roles allowing for targeted delivery of content and information. The software must facilitate the separation of multiple organizations, departments, and groups, allowing for the ability to manage appropriate look and feel, including different colors, logos, tabs, modules, and channels. Blackboard® will provide software updates, patches, etc. during the period of the contract.

l) Security Requirements: Vendor shall protect personal information that is loaded within the site such as student name, training records and TMS User ID and will protect all information that is loaded according to common standards of information security for hosted web-based learning environments. In addition, Blackboard® meets all the government policy guidelines including standards for 508 compliance and internet security as outlined in VA Directive 6210 and 6102, and NIST Standard 800 Series specifically NIST Standard 800-37.

m) Performance Standards:

Quality Level Means of Measurement

Compliance with 508 standards and VA Directives 6210 and 6102 and NIST Standards 800 Series specifically NIST Standard 800-37.

The vendor shall provide VLE learners with electronic access to the most current VLE Student User Manual, 24/7/365 within two weeks of signing contract.

The vendor shall provide VLE learners with electronic access to the most current VLE Student User Manual, 24/7/365 within two weeks of signing contract.