36C25923Q0708 - Updated Solicitation.docx

36C25923Q0708

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.

UEI:

EFT:

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. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

08-18-2023 Edward Emerson 303-712-5720 09-08-2023 10am

MDT

36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111

X

541613 $19 Million

N/A

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center 1700 North Wheeling Street Aurora, Colorado 80045

36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Service Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page The contractor shall develop and implement a Marketing Campaign for the Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (RM MIRECC).

Period of Performance is:

Base year: 9/20/2023 through 9/19/2024 Option Year 1: 9/20/2024 through 9/19/2025 Option Year 2: 9/20/2025 through 9/19/2026 Option Year 3: 9/20/2026 through 9/19/2027 Option Year 4: 9/20/2027 through 9/19/2028

See CONTINUATION Page

Jennifer Balsiger Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

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

B.1.1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

B.1.1.1. CONTRACTOR: Name:

B.1.1.2. GOVERNMENT: Edward Emerson, Contract Specialist Department of Veterans Affairs Rocky Mountain Network NCO 19 Contracting 6162 S. Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Telephone: 303-712-5720

FAX: 303-712-5850

E-mail: Edward.Emerson@va.gov NCO19Services1@va.gov

B.1.2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

B.1.3. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

c. Other [X] MONTHLY IN ARREARS B.1.4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. For any questions about the e-invoicing program, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

1. Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: (877) 752-0900

1. Tungsten e-Invoice email: USClientServices@ob10.com

1. FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: (877) 353-9791

1. FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

1. The following two codes will be required when creating a vendor profile:

Buyer Number AAA544240062 Promo Code: VAPC7Y18 B.1.5. SAM Unique Identifier: Please provide the Unique Entity ID assigned to your firm in the space provided:

B.1.6. TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: Please provide the tax identification number to be utilized for this contract:

B.1.7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Services required herein shall be for the following time period:

Base Year: September 20, 2023 through September 19, 2024 Option Year 1: September 20, 2024 through September 19, 2025 Option Year 2: September 20, 2025 through September 19, 2026 Option Year 3: September 20, 2026 through September 19, 2027 Option Year 4: September 20, 2027 through September 19, 2028

B.3 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

COST

TOTAL COST

Period of Performance:

09/20/2023 – 09/19/2024

Period of Performance:

09/20/2024 – 09/19/2025

Period of Performance:

09/20/2025 – 09/19/2026

Period of Performance:

09/20/2026 – 09/19/2027

Period of Performance:

09/20/2027 – 09/19/2028

TOTAL COST ALL CLINS,

BASE PLUS OPTION YEARS $

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Contract Title Rocky Mountain MIRECC Website, Promotional, and Technical Support

2. Background The Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention is a leading research, education and clinical center on Veteran suicide prevention. The mission of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC is to study suicide with the goal of reducing suicidal ideation and behaviors in the Veteran population. Towards this end, the work of the Rocky Mountain MIRECC is focused on promising clinical interventions, as well as the cognitive and neurobiological underpinnings of suicidal thoughts and behaviors that may lead to innovative prevention strategies. This contract will support similar requested tasks in four areas to include: (A) clinical core, (B) National Center for Veterans Financial Well-being, (C) education core, and (D) Patient Safety Center of Inquiry (PSCI). The contractor must have experiences working with Veteran issues and in the field of mental health.

2.A Background – Clinical Core Suicide Prevention is Veterans Affairs (VA) top clinical priority. Suicide rates are higher among Veterans than the general public. Research shows that Veterans who receive their health care through VA are at a lower risk of dying by suicide than Veterans who do not receive their health care through VA. VA aims to reach all Veterans including those who receive their health care in the community in order to reduce the overall Veteran suicide rate. Bringing the expertise of VA researchers and clinicians to community providers who work with Veterans will help achieve this goal.

The VA Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) was launched in 2013 for VA providers and has since expanded to offer consultations to community providers who treat Veterans outside VA. SRM was developed and is facilitated by researchers and clinicians at the VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (RM MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention. SRM provides free consultation, support, and resources that promote therapeutic best practices for providers working with Veterans at risk for suicide. Consultation activities range from tailored support on a case-by-case basis to sharing resources and building evidence informed skills relevant to Veteran suicide risk management. SRM also offers consultation and resources regarding postvention (support provided to someone after they have lost someone to suicide).

The Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Patients at Risk for Suicide uses evidence-based information to guide health care providers in suicide prevention screening, evaluation, treatment, and case management. The CPG website helps translate the clinical recommendations into tangible strategies by providing a roadmap and resources for how to apply them to service members and Veterans.

The target audiences for SRM and the CPG website are VA and community providers serving Veterans at risk for suicide. Examples include, VA mental health clinicians, community mental health clinicians, Veteran service organization staff, etc.

Funding has been awarded to RM MIRECC to improve suicide risk assessment and management service delivery for Veterans through the dissemination of evidence-informed suicide prevention strategies. The purpose of this SOW is for RM MIRECC to solicit proposals for contracted services (contractor) from qualified marketing companies to develop and produce SRM and/or CPG products, support the SRM lecture series, maintain SRM and CPG websites and report on SRM and CPG website metrics for a one-year campaign with the goals of:

1. Supporting further dissemination of SRM and its related resources, including the SRM lecture series and updated CPG.

2. Providing regular updates to the field regarding examples of implementation of the CPG and updating the site once the next CPG is released The work related to this SOW would complement and enhance existing efforts of SRM and CPG (e.g., existing webpage, outreach to partners, etc.).

2.B Background – National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being The National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being was established in September 2022 by the VHA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP). The mission of the center is to empower Veterans to take charge of their financial well-being. Our vision is for every Veteran in the United States to earn more money, save more money and protect their money by taking advantage of financial tools and resources. The center aims to provide a directory for Veterans and their families to connect to financial resources and financial tools for: meeting basic needs (home, food, auto, clothes); managing money (budget, savings and discounts, reducing impulse buying); increasing income (work, school, benefits, disability/pension, investing); lowering debt and bills (utility, internet, medical, legal); protecting money (avoiding scams, secure banking, preparing for financial emergencies).

The target audience of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being is Veterans, Military Families, VHA Staff, VBA Staff, DoD Office of Financial Readiness, DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The purpose of this SOW is to help spread the word to Veterans, their families, and those who serve Veterans about the center website, which aims to connect Veterans to financial resources and tools to earn more money, save more money, and protect their money by soliciting proposals for contracted services (contractor) from qualified companies to develop, produce and implement a web development and comprehensive marketing plan with all related content and materials for a one year campaign with the goal of increasing the number of visitors to the center website

The contractor will work directly with the center staff to develop and implement a Marketing Campaign that builds on the current National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being brand identity and marketing efforts while introducing new, innovative and effective ideas that will increase awareness of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being as a hub for Veterans to access financial resources and tools.

The contractor is expected to advise National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being on best practices that ensure that target audiences understand and can readily use the website of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being. The contractor’s scope of work for the Marketing Campaign will include: Web Development (design, navigation; updates); Creative Development of Brand Identity (logo, graphic design and messaging); Promotional Content Development and Production (videos, infographics); Market Analysis and Plan (social media, web, print, email, direct mail and mobile);

The contractor will rely on the expertise of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being team to approve all web development, marketing strategies, plans, designs and promotional materials.

The contractor will implement all aspects of the SOW and be responsible for the production of all content and the management of all promotional accounts budgeting and payment. The contractor will provide a performance appraisal. The contractor will provide the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being with all raw materials (e.g., graphics, social media posts, fonts used, raw video and photos, project files, etc.) associated with the content developed as part of the Marketing Campaign.

2.C Background – Education Core Rocky Mountain MIRECC endeavors to disseminate useful information about suicide prevention in ways that are accessible to Veterans and the community at large, and evaluate strategies to translate research-informed practices into everyday care. The education core disseminates suicide prevention research through various methods including the Rocky Mountain MIRECC website, podcasts, social media, webinars, and community events. The website is the main hub for dissemination and links to a variety of other suicide prevention resources and products.

The Rocky Mountain MIRECC Website has approximately 100 pages. The site is composed of sections for research, education, and clinical programs, and other sections at the top level of navigation that are important for audiences to access. Contractor must be familiar with site structure and content. See high level site map https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/

2.D Background – Patient Safety Center of Inquiry The VA National Center for Patient Safety awarded a VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry (PSCI) to Dr. Bryann B. DeBeer of the Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) to develop community-based Veteran learning collaborative models and interventions to promote community care coordination for Veterans at risk for suicide.

3. Scope 3.A Scope – Clinical Core The contractor will work directly with SRM staff to maintain and update the current SRM and CPG website. The contractor’s scope of work will include: SRM and CPG website maintenance revisions and metrics reporting (page views, downloads, demographics of user). This will include a large update to content once the new VA/DoD CPG is released (likely calendar year 2024). Promotional content development and production (email marketing for SRM lectures, lecture series social media graphics); and SRM and/or CPG product development. The contractor will rely on the expertise of the RM MIRECC team to approve all promotional materials. The contractor will be responsible for the production of all content and the management of all promotional accounts budgeting and payment. The contractor will provide a performance appraisal. The contractor will provide the RM MIRECC with all raw materials (e.g., graphics, social media posts, fonts used, etc.) associated with the content developed.

3.B Scope – National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being The contractor will work directly with the center staff to develop and implement a Marketing Campaign that builds on the current National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being brand identity and marketing efforts while introducing new, innovative and effective ideas that will increase awareness of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being as a hub for Veterans to access financial resources and tools.

The contractor is expected to advise National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being on best practices that ensure that target audiences understand and can readily use the website of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being. The contractor’s scope of work for the Marketing Campaign will include: Web Development (design, navigation; updates); Creative Development of Brand Identity (logo, graphic design and messaging); Promotional Content Development and Production (videos, infographics); Market Analysis and Plan (social media, web, print, email, direct mail and mobile);

The contractor will rely on the expertise of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being team to approve all web development, marketing strategies, plans, designs and promotional materials.

The contractor will implement all aspects of the SOW and be responsible for the production of all content and the management of all promotional accounts budgeting and payment. The contractor will provide a performance appraisal. The contractor will provide the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being with all raw materials (e.g., graphics, social media posts, fonts used, raw video and photos, project files, etc.) associated with the content developed as part of the Marketing Campaign.

3.C Scope – Education Core The Rocky Mountain MIRECC Education Core needs website updates and improvement, as well as technical and design assistance. The contractor will work closely with the Rocky Mountain MIRECC Education team to assist with work related to VA mandated redesigns, implementation of new technology (ex. Responsive Design), updating and editing code for existing materials as well as removal and addition of materials to the site. The contractor will provide consultation, design, coding, and website updates, as well as plans for website maintenance.

3.D Scope – Patient Safety Center of Inquiry We are seeking a contract for personnel services that would provide assistance in updating the PSCI website. The contractor’s scope of work includes updating the PSCI website annually as new PSCI content is developed. The PSCI team will provide raw content for the website and the contractor will provide any needed graphic design or content editing. The contractor will work directly with the team.

4. Specific Tasks

4.A Specific Tasks – Clinical Core 4A.1. SRM and CPG website maintenance and metrics reporting Contractor will update the SRM and CPG website monthly with links to the SRM lectures and any identified revisions to the SRM and CPG website. The contractor will also provide quarterly metric reporting to include page views, downloads, and demographics of users.

4A.2. SRM and CPG Promotional Content Development and Production Contractor will produce high end promotional materials for the SRM lecture series to include two GovDelivery emails (1. Save-the-Date, 2. Register Now) and social media graphic to promote each monthly lecture. All promotional materials must be 508 compliant as per Federal Agency requirements

4A.3. SRM and CPG product development Contractor will develop two SRM and/or CPG products. Examples of this may include but are not limited to, infographics, educational materials, etc.

4.B Specific Tasks – National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being 4B.1. Create graphic design for promotional flyers/products as well as website/SharePoint site in base year. Graphic design shall be developed with guidance from MIRECC staff. Contractor will supply 3 unique designs for approval, with possibility of 3 rounds of designs/reviews.

4B.2. Will include in this contract work to describe the center thru creating a short video. Develop initial concept for conveying information about the mission, vision, and components of the National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being to both Veterans and their families. Provide proposal within 90 days after review of initial concept for short video. Video will be approximately 5-10 minutes long and formatted for website access.

4B.3. In this contract website development, updating, and modification. Review existing website design and redevelop as necessary to enhance usability and organization of material and achieve a consistent, simpler look and design. Any changes in design should be in compliance with VA standards and compatible with future content management systems (e.g., Drupal). Establish a schedule and timeline for identified content and design updates. Create wireframes for updated content and design, review wireframes with MIRECC team and revise as needed (2 rounds of reviews). Determine if any customized tools and code to be used for the site. Implement website changes and updates (includes 3 rounds of reviews with MIRECC team prior to finalizing changes). Create a standardized web-design template and an accompanying guidance document that can be used by MIRECC team to build future webpages.

4B.4. Will also include work to conduct a market analysis in base year. Market analysis will review at least five other financial literacy websites to determine content deficits in current website. Market analysis will also review and identify strategies other financial literacy websites have effectively and not effectively used to drive traffic. A presentation (30-60 minutes) and a formal written report (10-30 pages) will be provided to MIRECC staff at the conclusion of the market analysis.

4.C Specific Tasks – Education Core

4C.1. Review existing website design across all pages and redevelop as necessary to enhance usability and organization of material and achieve a consistent, simpler look and design. This includes determining if any customized tools and code are needed for the site. Any changes in design should be in compliance with VA standards and compatible with future content management systems (e.g., Drupal).

4C.2. Review existing website content for education pages and associated subpages (i.e., Education Home, For Veterans, Trainings & Webinars, Fellowships, Multimedia, Educational Products) and work with MIRECC team to identify updates needed to all pages.

4C.3. Establish a schedule and timeline for identified education pages content and related design updates.

4C.4. Create wireframes for updated website design, review wireframes with MIRECC team and revise as needed. Provide a minimum of 2 design options. Allow MIRECC team 2 rounds of reviews to request revisions to design options prior to finalizing design options.

4C.5. Implement website design and education pages content updates. Contractor shall create, format, and code content updates from Word doc supplied by Education Core. All design and content changes will be presented to MIRECC representative prior to implementation for final approval. This action includes at least 3 rounds of reviews with MIRECC team prior to finalizing changes.

4C.6. Complete browser testing if special design is involved to display correctly in all major browsers and test all links, and troubleshoot browser/display problems

4.D Specific Tasks – Patient Safety Center of Inquiry 4D.1. Update a standardized, existing webpage that will contain the following: information about the project, downloads of Center educational products, recruitment materials, and other relevant project information. This is a minor update that is estimated to take 10-15 hours for a web designer during the first year of the contract.

5. Performance Monitoring

5.A Performance Monitoring – Clinical Core Conference call meetings will be conducted at least bimonthly as indicated to monitor progress of the project, review and discuss production details (e.g., write ups, storyboard, etc.) and other topics as needed. Deliverables shall be free of grammatical and typographical errors 95% of the time.

5.B Performance Monitoring – National Center for Veterans Financial Well-Being Conference call meetings will be conducted bimonthly as indicated to monitor progress of the project, review and discuss progress on website development, video creation, graphic design, and marketing analysis and other topics as needed. Deliverables shall be free of grammatical and typographical errors 95% of the time.

5.C Performance Monitoring – Education Core Conference call meetings will be conducted bimonthly as indicated to monitor progress of the project, review and discuss production details (e.g., write ups, storyboard, etc.) and other topics as needed. Deliverables shall be free of grammatical and typographical errors 95% of the time. Site content must be compliant with VA 6102 regulations and contractor is responsible for keeping up-to-date on the 6102 regulations and other VA

5.D Performance Monitoring – Patient Safety Center of Inquiry Conference calls will be conducted quarterly to observe the progress of the contractor and to meet regarding any questions that arise from website updates. Success for the website will be measured by all website updates complete within the project period. Deliverables shall be free of grammatical and typographical errors 95% of the time.

6. Security Requirements The contractor employees shall not have access to VA sensitive or computer information and will not require routine access to VA Facilities. The contractor employees shall require intermittent access only and will be escorted by VA employees while at VA Facilities. No background investigation is required.

7. Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE)/Government-Furnished Information (GFI).

No government-furnished equipment or government-furnished information required.

8. Other Pertinent Information or Special Considerations.

a. Identification of Possible Follow-on Work.

Later work of additional marketing activities and videos may be needed depending on the successful completion of the initial contract and available funding. This would require a modification to this contract and the RM MIRECC is not obligated to offer later work.

Option Periods:

· Option Period 1- Additional resources to be decided

· Option Period 2- Additional resources to be decided

· Option Period 3- Additional resources to be decided

· Option Period 4- Additional resources to be decided

b. Identification of Potential Conflicts of Interest (COI).

It is a requirement of the contract that the RM MIRECC takes reasonable steps to determine that no organizational conflict of interest exists.

c. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria.

Required rounds of feedback and editing prior to final version of website edits, SRM and CPG products, and SRM and CPG promotional materials. The contractor is responsible for the accuracy of content and for rectifying any mistakes made (e.g., typos), including monetary losses associated with any mistakes.

d. Website Criteria All groups in this contract have requested website designs and/or updates to existing websites. The following is required:

· Contractor must be background approved to have VPN access to the VA Network and to the VA Enterprise content management system, including all necessary training and security requirements and paperwork. VPN account access is terminated if a contractor does not access the system for 90 days or renew their account access yearly. Notifications are only sent via the Contractor employee VA email so access to that account is essential. The contractor will have 30 days to obtain access to these accounts if they do not have them when the contract is awarded.

· Contractor must be well versed in the Rocky Mountain MIRECC’s website structure, design and format, see site at https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/

· Contractor must have experience designing websites and developing promotional content (videos, infographics) related to mental health and suicide prevention

· Site content must be compliant with VA 6102 regulations and contractor is responsible for keeping up-to-date on the 6102 regulations and other VA guidelines regarding use of internet sites and web pages

· Site content must comply with section 508 (accessibility) according to VA interpretation of the law http://www.section508.va.gov/ .

· Must be able to maintain high attention to detail for page formatting, design style as well as CSS style/coding consistency.

· Design of new or revised materials will be conducted with the contractor providing a minimum of two different options to choose between to direct subsequent design.

· Structured and clean code is required, must follow standard formats, file naming conventions, and other web guidelines specified in VA Style Guide which reflect the VA Website regulations. https://design.va.gov/content-style-guide/

· Provide recommendations and guidance around website design such as page design, video display, responsive design, etc.

· Ability to respond to requests within one business day, including provision of emergency contact and assistance in time of disaster or other urgent national need.

e. Skills Needed The Rocky Mountain MIRECC seeks proposals from contractors who have (or their sub-contractors have) expertise and a proven ability in:

· implementation and management

· email marketing

· media buying

· graphic design

· website design

· print production

· creative consulting

· producing creative and informative infographics

· performance monitoring and reporting

· ability to work in variety of different styles, and create material for various target audiences, to specification

· ability to work collaboratively and quickly, often under pressure, to tight deadlines

· professional work ethic, integrity, and initiative

9. Risk Control All VA staff involved in this work will be aware of confidentiality and HIPPA requirements when speaking about patient interactions. This project will not require any interactions with patients, patient cases, or disclosure of any protected health information.

10. Place of Performance Work will be performed at contractor’s work sites or via web or phone communication.

11. Period of Performance October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 As noted above, there will be the possibility to have up to 4 option years, but the Rocky Mountain MIRECC will have the option to continue if desired.

12. Delivery Schedule

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

(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 Federal Acquisition Regulation (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 contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 41 U.S.C. 4712 and 10 U.S.C. 4701 relating to whistleblower protections; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of Clause) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

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

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months.