Questions and Answers Solicitation 36C26123Q1156 Yoga Las Vegas.pdf

Questions

RFQ: 36C26123Q1156 Location: VASNHCS Las Vegas

Reference

Question

1.

PWS

“Virtual Instruction: VA Video Connect (VVC)/telehealth and some on-site. Contractor shall furnish their own equipment required to conduct VVC.”

Are we required to furnish the computer and cameras?

Answer

The Contractor will be required to provide computer equipment/cameras for any

Video Connect (VVC) Telehealth yoga sessions.

2.

The PWS states, "The Yoga Instructor/Provider must meet all the minimum qualifications and must have already been part of the CSP #2009: Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER) study staff."

Does this mean all vendors (including us) are disqualified from responding to this solicitation if we have not participated in the SCEPTER program previously?

Language was removed from revised PWS. See amendment attachment.

3.

The PWS states, "The Yoga Instructor/Provider must meet all the minimum qualifications and must have already been part of the CSP #2009: Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER) study staff."

Is there any opportunity to participate as part of the SCEPTER study staff prior to this award?

See Performance Work Statement (PWS) under performance standards. Awarded contractor has 60 days after award to take SCEPTER and required VA Trainings. There will be no opportunity prior.

4.

The PWS states, "The Yoga Instructor/Provider must meet all the minimum qualifications and must have already been part of the CSP #2009: Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER) study staff."

When did notification go out to participate in the SCEPTER study?

SPECTER training is not required prior to submission of the Request for Quote (RFQ). See revised PWS performance standards.

5.

The PWS states, "The Yoga Instructor/Provider must have been trained and show proof of attendance to any of the numerous trainings and meetings on the CSP #2009: Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER) study protocol prior to this contract award.

What training and meetings? Where are these made available?

Trainings/Meetings are not needed prior to solicitation. Please reference revised performance standards in amendment PWS.

6.

Solicitation

I see this is a small business set aside, was there consideration for a SDVOSB set aside?

Sources sought notice posting and market research conducted was the basis for the small-business set-aside. Consideration was given.

7.

Is there an incumbent or one that has provided services previously?

No previous incumbent, this is a brand-new research request.

8.

Has a budget been approved for this work?

Funds have been allocated/appropriated for this contract request for services.

9.

The PWS is soliciting for traditional yoga instruction (RYT200, RYT500) as a treatment option for veterans with cLBP. Has the program considered soliciting more specifically for a yoga therapist who (in our experience) is trained with more of a focus to treat patients with chronic pain?

VA will not consider restructure of the request for services from instructor to yoga therapist. However, if the contractor has a yoga therapist who meets the minimum qualifications they can bid/quote using the yoga therapist if they qualify under the PWS specifications.

10. PSW Question

The scope of the work states, "The Yoga Instructor/Provider must meet all the minimum qualifications and must have already been part of the CSP

#2009: Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness

Response (SCEPTER) study staff" Considering the specificity of the SCEPTER study involvement, could you elaborate on whether a contractor without SCEPTER experience may still be qualified, caught up to speed and given all the necessary information & training?

Restive language was removed from revised PWS. See amendment attachment.

11. PWS Question

In the Performance Standard, it says: "The Yoga Instructor/Provider must have been trained and show proof of attendance to any of the numerous trainings and meetings on the CSP #2009: Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER) study protocol prior to this contract award. " Could you clarify the relationship between the immediate SCEPTER familiarity requirements and the training provisions? Would the training satisfy the above requirement?

Restive language was removed from revised PWS. See amendment attachment. SPECTER training requirements are outlined in revised performance standards.

12. Question

Under the furnished materials section it states "SCEPTER study protocol, forms, and documentation will be provided to the contractor once all Research-required training courses are completed" - Will there be a designated point of contact from a member on the SCEPTER to communicate with?

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) assigned to the contract will be the contractor’s main point of contact. Secondary contact would be the Contracting Officer.

See Ordering Activity section in the PWS.

13. PWS Question

For the required training specifically mentioned under the performance standards, will the VA be providing these training sessions, or will the contractor be expected to find and complete these on their own? Additionally, are there any associated costs for these training sessions?"

All trainings are virtual/computer module trainings. There are no costs associated with the training sessions.

13. Question

Beyond the tasks and standards listed in the RFQ, are there any specific performance metrics or outcomes the VA is expecting from the Yoga Instructor/Provider?

Understanding these would help ensure we meet and exceed expectations.

Performance metrics will be provided in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlined under Performance Standards Section d.

14. Question

Can you provide more details about the expected interactions with Veterans? For instance, will there be one-on-one sessions, group classes, or both? Knowing this will help us tailor our approach.

This will be addressed during the SPECTER Training to be completed by the contractor. The program will address Veteran interactions and the expectations.

15. Question

What are the expectations regarding communication frequency and reporting to VA stakeholders? Are there specific timelines, recurring status update meetings, or templates to follow?

This information will be provided with both the SPECTER training and addressed in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) provided to the contractor. A kickoff meeting can also be requested by the selected contractor to address transitional expectations.

16. PWS Question

In the event that the primary Yoga Instructor/Provider is unavailable due to illness or emergencies, does the VA have provisions or preferences for backup instructors or contingency plans? Or will this contingency fall within the responsibility of the contractor?

VA does not take any responsibility for providing back up yoga instruction or a contingency plan. All onus is on the prime contractor. See PWS section Performance Standards section c.