Questions and Answers for 36C77623R0049 6.13.2023 MA.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 706 KB Posted Jun 15, 2023

Attached to: R701--VHA Recruitment Marketing & Advertising Campaign (VA-23-00012944)
Solicitation number: 36C77623R0049
Issued by: Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center Austin

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI · Dec 27, 2023

This document contains questions and answers regarding a forthcoming solicitation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for recruitment marketing and advertising services. The single-award, firm-fixed-price contract will replace incumbent contracts and involve similar annual spending of $35-40 million. Key requirements include developing and implementing a media plan using various owned, earned, and paid channels to promote VA careers and increase qualified applicants. Offerors must propose a Salesforce recruiting CRM solution and integrate with USAJobs and USA Staffing applicant tracking systems. Submissions are due by late 2023 and the one-year base period of performance will begin in early 2024, with four one-year options.

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Other files

File	Type	Posted
Marketing and Advertising Amendment Final responses from VA for Contractor questions.pdf	PDF	Jul 6, 2023
36C77623R0049 A00003.docx	DOCX document	Jul 6, 2023
36C77623R0049 A00002.docx	DOCX document	Jun 29, 2023
P09 - Final PWS VHA Recruitment Marketing _ Advertising Campaign 6.14 .pdf	PDF	Jun 15, 2023
36C77623R0049 A00001.docx	DOCX document	Jun 15, 2023
S02 - ATTACHMENT A - Past Performance Questionnaire.docx	DOCX document	May 24, 2023
S02 - ATTACHMENT E - QASP Recruitment Marketing _ Advertising Campaign.pdf	PDF	May 24, 2023
S02 - ATTACHMENT D - Contractor Staff Roster.doc	DOC document	May 24, 2023
36C77623R0049_1.docx	DOCX document	May 24, 2023
S02 - ATTACHMENT C - VAAR 852.219-75.docx	DOCX document	May 24, 2023
S02 - ATTACHMENT B - PWS VHA Recruitment Marketing _ Advertising Campaign.pdf	PDF	May 24, 2023

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Q&A

Questions and answers for Solicitation 36C77623R0049.
Question Number	Document Referenced	Page/Section	Question	Answer
1	General	N/A	Is this contract intended to replace the IDIQ contracts awarded to Aptive Resources and the DCG group in September 2018?	Yes.
2	General	N/A	If yes to the previous question, could the Government please explain the change in acquisition strategy from an IDIQ to a single fixed price award?	Placing task orders are no longer needed and the requirement can be met by a stand-alone contract with a single vendor.
3	General	N/A	Does the Government anticipate the spending on this contract will be equivalent to the spending on those prior IDIQs?	No.
4	General	N/A	What has been the historical media spend on this program?	$35-40M (total contract value)
5	General	N/A	Does the Government anticipate spending more or less during this contract than that historical spend?	The same.
6	General	N/A	Apart from lead conversion to hire, what KPIs or other metrics is the Government currently using to assess the success of this program?	Value, quality, creativity, industry standards, awards, Lead Source analysis.
7	General	N/A	Does the Government have goals associated with those KPIs, and are they being met?	Yes, yes.
8	General	N/A	Will VHA identify key personnel titles, labor categories, etc., or do you want bidders to do that? We did not see any specified in the Instructions to Offerors or the PWS, or any clear reference to required LCATs. However, page 58 of the Instructions to Offerors seems to imply that specifying key personnel is required by the Government, and key personnel are also listed as an evaluation factor on pg 67 of the Instructions.	The government would like the contractor to identify titles, labor categories, etc…
9	PWS	Page 2 and 12	Page 2 of the PWS states that VA is not currently able to place pixels on USA Jobs or USA Staffing. Page 12 of the PWS states that the contractor is required to place pixels on USA Jobs and USA Staffing. Can the Government clarify whether the issue with not being able to place pixels is a VA technical or policy difficulty, or a technical/policy difficulty on the part of the aforementioned websites?	Policy difficulty.
10	Solicitation	Page 57	Please confirm the request for a “commercial off-the-shelf” recruiting system on page 57 of the Instructions document is a typographical error. If it is not, could the Government provide some brand examples of such systems?	Salesforce is an example of a CRM. We do not want to become vendor dependent. Specific brand name is not required and contractors are able to propose accordingly.
11	General	N/A	Would the Government consider waiving the requirement for PPQs if CPARS exist for Past Performance contracts?	No.
12	General	N/A	The Government is specifying the contractor provide the Salesforce Cloud. How should contractors provide pricing to the Government for this and other ODCs, since there is no ODC line in the pricing schedule?	Separate line item pricing
13	General	N/A	Do all past performances have to focus on healthcare specifically, or can they cover other recruitment efforts as long as they are of similar size and complexity? Many highly qualified recruitment firms can offer proven successful approaches to VA requirements that will translate to the healthcare space with ease and increase chances of hitting VHA’s targets.	No.
14	Solicitation	Page 58	Regarding the “representative media plan” requested on page 58 of the Instructions: The final media plan must be priced in the pricing schedule (page 15 and following), and must be delivered 15 calendar days after award. The plan is to be based on market research, as outlined on page 8 of the PWS. Is the “representative media plan” a draft of the final media plan to be delivered after award, based on research the contractor completed before award in order to respond to the RFP?	Offerors expereinced in healthcare recruitment marketing of a national healthcare organization will have relevant expereince and knowledge. Final revisons will be addressed during kick-off meeting and before delivery of final strategy and plan.
15	PWS	Page 4	Page 4 of the PWS refers to delivery orders. Could the Government please confirm this is an FFP contract and not an IDIQ?	This is a FFP contract. The PWS has been corrected.
16	PWS	Page 9	Page 9 of the PWS states: “The last resort to measure success will be by comparing the FY 17 Recruitment Marketing Funnel YTD results to the results from the vendor’s results over the period of performance.” Should this be FY 22? Could the Government make those FY22 results available?	Yes, FY 22. Data listed is for FY 22.
17	PWS	Page 9	Should there be a number in the table block for “Selections” on page 9 of the PWS? Is the Government currently achieving the ten percent of selections described here?	No, Yes.
18	PWS	Page 9	Page 9 of the PWS states: “If 10% of selections are not achieved, then success will be measured by comparing similar preceding time period results, i.e. Impressions, cost per click, applications, page views, etc.” Could the Government provide the most recent numbers so that bidders understand the standard for success, if this metric is used?	Exact achievenments will be shared with the winning offeror. Offeror may also recommend metrics and standard for success to be considered.
19	PWS	Page 2	The intro on page 2 of the PWS talks only about college, universities, and HBCUs. Please confirm contractor’s recruiting efforts are not to be limited to such institutions.	Confirm.
20	PWS	Page 6	Can the Government confirm that the winning contractor is now required to bear the costs of background investigations and reciprocity, as indicated on page 6 of the PWS? Can the Government confirm that contractor staff currently or recently cleared by VA for VA contract employment do not incur such charges?	Contractors are responsible for background investigations costs.There is a fee for current contractors albeit less than new contractor staff onboarding.
21	Solicitation	Page 58	Page 50 requests offerors to provide resumes for “key personnel proposed for labor categories provided in the PWS. The Offeror shall address qualifications, education, availability, and specific experiences for the key personnel proposed.” However, the PWS does not list any specific Key Personnel positions.

Can the government please clarify whether they have specific Key Personnel roles which are required or if the government wants offerors to provide their own suggested roles?				Provide your own.
	22	Solicitation	Page 60	Page 60 states “For each instance of past performance provided, the Offeror shall request that Attachment A - Past Performance Questionnaire be completed and returned by the evaluator as instructed in the attachment.”

Will the government allow for the submission of CPARS in lieu of PPQs? If so, do offerors need to provide as an attachment or will the government access these reviews independently?				No.
	23	PWS	Page 3	Will it be VA or contractor’s responsibility to obtain the data required to target specific groups?	Contractor's responsiblity.
	24	PWS	Page 10	What is the full list of current platforms that VA does buying on, and are there platforms they want to add through this procurement? For example, are they just buying on social media platforms, or are they also buying on Google display, and/or streaming services, etc.?	All of the above. We do not share our current strageies or plans until award. We are not seeking what we already do, but what offeror recommends. Many platforms are expected to be what we already use, plus some. We also expect that some will be changed or dropped based upon offerors expertise and proposal.
	25	PWS	Page 10	Will previous media performance data be provided to build on successful strategies and will pixels utilized in those efforts be made available to build on previous conversion and optimization data?	Yes, As possible.
	26	PWS	Page 16-18	Can the government clarify how the requirement in Task 5.12 interfaces with the potential requirements outlined in the recently issued Talent Acquisition SaaS Request for Information (RFI)?

https://sam.gov/opp/02e0e0357d8440a2ae051a125514a830/view				N/A.
	27	General	N/A	Can the government please clarify if there is an incumbent for this work and what the name of the company is?	Yes, Aptive Resources, LLC.
	28	General	N/A	Given the $16.5 million size standard for this NAICS code is the incumbent eligible to bid on this new contract requirement?

Will the government require all awardees to certify at time of award that they are still within size standard?				Yes, yes. There is only one (1) awardee. Further, 52.212-3 is included in the solicitation.
	29	General	N/A	How many FTE contract staff have previously worked on this VHA recruiting effort?	Varies.
	30	General	N/A	Can the government identify the total awarded contract value (including modifications)	No, the government estimate is considered procurement sensitive.
	31	PWS	Page 9-10	The government notes that the contractor shall provide full disclosure of all fees for media placement during the performance of the TO. Does the government have a defined limit or acceptable level of the fee/costs associated with media placement?	No, this is up to the contractor.
	32	PWS	Page 10	Will the government authorize payment of media buy placement expenses upfront with an invoice prior to full execution of ad buy campaigns? Are contractors required to carry the cost of media buying expenses until formal ad execution?	No, Yes.
	33	PWS	Page 10	What is the annual ad buy budget the government has previously implemented for recruiting efforts? Will the budget grow or decrease under this new requirement?	Please s
	34	PWS	Page 13	Can the government please clarify if there is a minimum or maximum number of PR story placements and/or other type of activities required with this contract?	Minimum 150.
	35	PWS	Page 14	Can the government clarify the quantities and frequency of existing and emerging social media and marketing tools (FB, Twitter, Blogs etc.) Is this required on a weekly or monthly basis?	Please review www.vacareers.va.gov for current platforms and tools.
	36	PWS	Page 14	Can the government specify more clearly the activities and deliverables associated with “Talk about it Tuesday” events and how many will be occurring annually?	Training of guests, management of topics, technoogy and follow-ups. View LinkedIn page episodes to learn more. We produce in-house.
	37	PWS	Page 14	Can the government clarify the number of LinkedIn Live events will be occurring on a monthly/annual basis?	Currently one (1) weekly.
	38	PWS	Page 14	Can the government clarify what it means by “promote VA career blogs” and provide editorial reviews and updates? And what quantity on a monthly/annual basis is required?	Estimated 150 annually.
	39	PWS	Page 14-15	Will the contractor be using existing (already created) marketing and outreach collateral for all recruiting outreach efforts except for the creation of one additional campaign theme to be integrated through all creative content/channels as specified in 5.8.f?

Can the government clarify any additional required new creative campaigns beyond this one that are require the development of all new creative content e.g., for the creation of PACT act outreach, new rural outreach efforts etc.				Existing, at least one annually. We currently use one campaign style following VA Styles guide with customization for special initiatives.
	40	PWS	Page 15	Will the required video testimonials be filmed in person or remotely and, if they are in person, what locations will the contractor be required to film from?	Preferred in person. We have used remotely when necessary. Locations are TBD based upon need.
	41	PWS	Page 15	The government specifies that the contractor will provide quarterly messages on a series of topics but does not specify the actual quantity of items deliverables within the quarterly bundles. For each bullet listed, can the government clarify the quantity of each item (e.g., number of communications promoting NEI, how many human interest recruitment stories and testimonials, how many blogs, how many social media channels/posts and graphics, how many blogs supporting the marketing strategy)?	No, The governement desires recommendations based upon offerors proposal to meet contract objectives and requirements.
	42	PWS	Page 16	Can the government clarify the quantity and frequency of communication messages, scripts, and audit operations at the Virtual Recruiting Center (VRC) outlined in a-e.?	Currently we receive results from the Contact center monthly and report quarterly.
	43	General	N/A	Please clarify the intended applicant data flow between the Salesforce Recruiting Candidate Relationship Management (CRM) and OPM’s USA Jobs and USA Staffing systems. This information will help ensure that offerors better understand the technical integration (current and future) and applicant data requirements.	This is a top of funnel tool to manage candidates outside of USAJobs. Applications would still take place on USAJobs. CRM is designed to track and set a candidate on a journey to increase desire to apply.
	44	PWS	Page 18	The PWS specifically notes that “no current API exists to integrate data from USA Staffing, so a semi-automated import process may be required in the short to medium term”. Please expand on the intent of the semi-automated import process and what support will be provided by OPM/USA Staffing to support required applicant data export/import. If possible, please also provide information on planned future integrations with OPM’s USA Jobs and USA Staffing. This information will be critical to meeting PWS applicant tracking requirements and the goals of VA Management Objectives 4.2 and 4.4 and Business Objective 4.2.2.	To manage candidate information thru the recruitment funnel.
	45	General	N/A	Will integrations between the Salesforce Recruiting CRM and other potentially enhancing technologies, such as Programmatic Job Advertising and Media Advertising technologies be supported and funded under this contract if deemed to enhance the recruiting lead generation and applicant sourcing processes.	If proposed in the offereors budget.
	46	PWS	Page 13	The PSA Distribution Report deliverable states that it is due within 30 calendar days following each quarter. However in 5.3 TASK 3.0 Quarterly Report, it states that the quarterly report is due within 45 days and includes the PSA Distribution Report. Can the government please clarify which timeline is accurate?	45 days.
	47	Solicitation	Page 56	To ensure offerors are able to provide a comprehensive media plan, can the page count for the plan be submitted outside of the 25 page technical approach?	No.
	48	Solicitation	Page 15	The B.3 Price/Cost Schedule does not include a CLIN for Task 12: Candidate Relationship Manager. Can the government please update the B.3 Schedule to reflect this CLIN?	A CLIN has been added for Task 12.
	49	Solicitation	Page 15	The B.3 Price/Cost Schedule does not include a CLIN for Other Direct Costs (ODCs) or travel. Can the government please confirm how offerors should propose these needed costs within their price proposals (e.g., media placements, PSA distribution costs, CRM	CLIN for ODCs have been added to section B.3. Travel must be priced separately as direct, cost reimbursable.
	50	Solicitation	Page 15	CLINs x008, x009 and x010 all indicate a quantity of 0 for the base period and all option years, which would result in a total price of $0 for the these required tasks. Please provide a revised price schedule to correct this error.	Quantity of 1 has been added to CLINs 0008, 0009, and 0010.
	51	Solicitation	Page 56	The instructions indicate that all pages of each volume should include the complete company name. Is a logo sufficient to meet this requirement or should the name also be provided in Arial or Times New Roman font?	Need name.
	52	PWS	Page 5	This section refers to Key Personnel, but there is no clear listing of which particular positions the government desires as Key Personnel specifically. Would the government please clarify which positions are considered Key Personnel?	Primary personnel that will be responsible and qualified to meet PWS requirements. This may vary.
	53	PWS	Page 16	This section refers to "Deliverable: “Choose VA” Report (See paragraph 5.3)". However, Choose VA is not included in paragraph 5.3 in the list of Quarterly Report Deliverable Sections, although it is included as a deliverable in Appendix A: Table of Deliverables (p 21). Can the government please clarify if the deliverable listed in Task 11 is a deliverable within the Quarterly Report?	Quarterly Report.
	54	Solicitation	Page 58	May offerors include details of the proposed media plan spend in a separate Microsoft Excel spreadsheet attachment?	No.
	55	Solicitation	Page 57-58	May offerors include as an appendix outside of page count a portfolio highlighting relevant recruitment marketing and advertising work samples to demonstrate the quality of work that their technical approach enables?	No.
	56	Solicitation	Page 58-59	Will the government allow offerors to submit copies of completed CPARS outside of page count in lieu of Past Performance Questionnaires?	No.
	57	Solicitation	Page 59	Can the government confirm that offerors may provide a single past performance reference that highlights multiple orders under a highly relevant Blanket Purchase Agreement?	Offerors shall submit at least three (3) references. No more than five (5).
	58	Solicitation	Page 61	The RFP includes information about VA's subcontracting goals. Can the government confirm that this information is for awareness and that the offeror does not need to address these goals in their response, given the contract set-aside classification?	Confirming that this information is for awareness.
	59	Solicitation	Page 68	"The RFP notes that the Offeror's price proposal for each task identified in the attached pricing schedule will be evaluated with respect to the proposed price for each line item to determine ability to fully meet the solicitation’s requirements."

Since an attached pricing schedule was not attached with the solicitation, can the government confirm they are referencing the B.3 Price/Cost Schedule or clarify if the offeror needs to submit a supplemental pricing submission?				Confirming that section B.3 is being referenced.
	60	Solicitation	Page 68	Please confirm if the offeror needs to submit pricing for an additional 6-month option period in the event an extension is issued under FAR 52.217-8? If so, how should that be submitted?		The Offeror’s total proposed price for all option periods and the additional 6-month option period price will then be added together to arrive at the Offeror’s Total Evaluated Price. The Total Evaluated Price will be that sum.
	61	Solicitation	Page 68	Please confirm if offeror's must complete paragraph (B) of the Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Products and Commercial Services (DEC 2022) as part of their submission?		Confirming that section B must be completed.
	62	Solicitation	Page 58	Can the government provide a sample budget to build out the media plan?		$9,999,999.99
	63	PWS	Page 2	Does WMC currently facilitate ongoing relationships with universities and HBCU’s beyond recruitment fairs? If so, which universities does it partner with for recruitment?		Yes, VA desires to partner with all HBCU's and MSI's.
	64	PWS	Page 2	What precludes VA from placing advertising side tracking on platforms like USAJobs or USA Staffing websites?		OPM Legal and Privacy offices. Sites have not allowed "tracking pixel".
	65	PWS	Page 9	Does WMC’s current applicant tracking system (ATS) integrate with USAJobs / USA Staffing? If so, is this through a custom API?		No.
	66	PWS	Page 9	Does this information integration carry through to VA Careers (e.g., do job posts connect between USA Jobs, USA Staffing, and VA Careers to facilitate tracking applicant through the complete recruitment funnel)?		Currently, we pull advertiser reports, measure using contractor tools, # applications thru hires via several programs. Not all systems connect to each other.
	67	PWS	Page 9	The government mentioned comparing results of the Recruitment Marketing Funnel YTD. Can the government share this information with potential bidders?		Change FY 17 to FY 22. Applications and Hires are listed in PWS.
	68	PWS	Page 9	Can the government provide a rough order of magnitude regarding the expected or potential budget for the purchase and placement of the media buys?		$9,999,999.99 (Inclusive).
	69	PWS	Page 10	How many value-add PSA runs did WMC achieve in 2022?		Donated value of over $34,000,000.
	70	PWS	Page 13	What certificate is being referred to here? Could the government please clarify what “made the Certificate” means in this context?		Applicants placed on a "Cert" are considered qualified or Referred.
	71	PWS	Page 13	The deliverables for Public Relations and Community Outreach focuses primarily on social media marketing versus Public Relations and Outreach; does the government intend PR and Outreach to only be covered by social media?		No.
	72	PWS	Page 14	Does the government currently have or utilize search engine optimization tools or recommendations in toolkits or resources?		Yes, recent re-design to career site suded best practices in SEO.
	73	PWS	Page 16	Can the government provide an example of prospect management support for recruitment conferences?		Currently, we use GovDelivery to manage event leads and prospects. We are seeking an improved method with the updates to Saleforce having authority to operate.
	74	PWS	Page 16	Does the government anticipate the vendor to deliver custom marketing materials or event booth materials for individual recruiting conferences, or does it expect to generate general materials for use across conferences or both?		Both designs for custom and general, provide printed flyers when needed to national events
	75	PWS	Page 16	How many recruitment conferences does the government anticipate needing support for annually? Does the government expect or anticipate onsite contractor support at conferences?		25-50 face-to-face and virtual. No on-site support needed. VA would like to have professional set up and management, if possible.
	76	PWS	Page 17	The government states that the contract shall provide Salesforce Recruiting CRM. However, later in this section it appears that WMC will obtain an instance of Salesforce through VA’s enterprise license. Would the government please clarify who is responsible for providing the CRM license?		VA has the user licsenses. We need development of the customized CRM system design.
	77	PWS	Page 17	Does VA intend to leverage other elements of the Salesforce Cloud to support recruiting and outreach, including the Salesforce Marketing Cloud?		Open to contractor recommendations.
	78	PWS	Page 17	Will the government work with Salesforce to implement and customize the CRM, or should offerors be prepared to support these efforts?		Offer will be prepared to support with COR. Initial discussions have been made, but development and implementation has not been made.
	79	PWS	Page 18	Since the government uses MuleSoft for semi-integration into Salesforce, how functional is its deduplication process?		We expect the offeror to be the SME on this.
	80	Solicitation	Page 57	The government requests a sample Annual Representative Media Buy Plan be included with the Technical Volume. Will this Annual Plan count against the 25-page limit for this volume?		Yes.
	81	Solicitation	Page 57	Would the government please provide an example of the existing media buy plan or a format to ensure that all offerors present this information in a similar, comparable fashion?		Most use an excel sheet.
	82	Solicitation	Page 57	What will be the runtime(s) of the commercials/PSAs (e.g., :15, :30, :60 seconds)?		Based upon offeror recommendations to accomadate all venues and oppurtunities to maximize reach and frequency.
	83	Solicitation	Page 57	Would the government please share any specific audiences and markets with which is seeks to improve outreach and engagement?		See chart at the bottom of this page.
	84	Solicitation	Page 57	Would the government consider unique, custom technology that help identify target audiences and regional insights to aid with developing a responsive media mix?		Governement prefers industry available tools to ensure we are not committed to a single vendor.
	85	Solicitation	Page 57	The government requests identification of Key Personnel in Section 5, however, the PWS does not list any labor categories to which offerors should map Key Personnel. Would the government please provide Key Personnel Labor Categories or shall the bidders identify their own Key Personnel and associated LCATs?		The offerors identify their own Key Personnel and associated LCATs.
	86	General	N/A	What languages, in addition to Spanish, should the vendor be prepared to translate into?		Spanish is minimum, we are open to new technology that makes multiple a reasonable option.
	87	General	N/A	What accounting should be made for native language marketing, such as advertisements for Spanish or Tagalog speakers?		Spanish is required to earn airings on Spanish PSA. Rest is added value and improved user experience.
	88	General	N/A	Does the government anticipate any potential organizational conflict of interest with upcoming VHA solicitations, including the Integrated Clinical Staffing opportunity?		No.
	89	Solicitation	Page 58	The RFP does not identify any key personnel. Can the government please confirm that offerors are responsible for proposing whatever Key Personnel positions they choose?		Confirm.
	90	Solicitation	Page 56	Does the formatting direction that Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. apply to multi-paragraph text in tables as well?		Yes.
	91	PWS	Page 2	Page 12 directs offerors to implement tracking pixels on the USAJobs and USA Staffing websites, whereas Page 2 states VA currently is not able to place a tracking pixel or cookies on either the USAJobs or USA Staffing websites. Please confirm whether tracking pixels or cookies are to be implemented.		Hope to, have not received ability/ approval as of yet.
	92	PWS	Page 2	Will offerors be permitted by USAJobs and USA Staffing websites to place pixels at the time of the award or after the start of period of performance?		Does not currently exist, but desires to become able to.
	93	PWS	Page 16	How does the government differentiate between Prospects (referenced on page 16 under the Task 10 Deliverable), Candidates (Referenced on page 14 regarding expanding the qualified candidate pool), and Leads (Referenced on page 16 discussing the lead collection and management of recruitment conferences in terms of KPI reporting milestone?		Prospects are attendees. Leads include contact info. Candidates have taken an action.
	94	PWS	Page 8	Will VA's contract with the current Applicant Tracking System continue through this contract period of performance?		Yes.
	95	PWS	Page 16	What does the government mean by "Use when space permits" on page 16 of the PWS under 5.11 TASK 11.0 Use “Choose VA” to Elevate VA Brand Awareness and Recruiting?		Logo and Call to action are always used. IF space permits on creative messaging, Choose VA logo should be included.
	96	PWS	Page 13	Page 12 directs the PSA Distribution Report to be delivered within 45 days following the quarter, whereas it is directed to be delivered within 30 days following the quarter on page 13. Can the government please clarify if it is 45 or 30 days following the quarter.		45 days.
	97	PWS	Page 13	What does VA consider to be current industry standard for post frequency on owned sites?		We rely on the expertise of the contractors with Healthcare recruitment marketing experience.
	98	PWS	Page 14	What is the Ad Creator? Is this hosted on VA's intranet or by the awardee?		It is an ad customization tool, currently provided by a sub-contractor called Morevang.
	99	PWS	Page 14	What is the Ad customization tool? Is this hosted on VA's intranet or by the awardee?		Currently sub-contracted to a vendor site. Offerors can negotiate with existing tool or recommend a new one.
	100	PWS	Page 14	What platform does VA Careers use to host its website?		wp VIP.
	101	PWS	Page 14	What web development tools does VA Careers currently employ?		wp VIP.
	102	PWS	Page 14	What is the endpoint for applications to be automated to?		VA Recruiters.
	103	PWS	Page 14	What electronic posting of vacancy source(s) should be automated into the VA Careers website?		Applications from partner sites, such as job boards. Currently, all call to action goes to USAJobs, we prefer CTA to go to VA Careers/ VA Recruiters.
	104	PWS	Page 15	Will the awardee manage social media content for VHA Public Affairs in addition to VA Careers social media channels?		No.
	105	PWS	Page 12	5.11 TASK 11.0 Use “Choose VA” to Elevate VA Brand Awareness and Recruiting on Page 16 directs offerors to "See Paragraph 5.3" regarding the "Choose VA" Report Deliverable. The Quarterly Report (Paragraph 5.3 on Page 12) does not reference the Choose VA Report. Can the government please detail what is to be included in the Choose VA Report?		At offeror discretion.
	106	PWS	Page 17	Is Salesforce Recruiting already being used by VA Careers or its internal stakeholders?		Within VA, but not within VA Careers or recruiters.
	107	PWS	Page 17	Is Salesforce Government Cloud currently used by VA Careers?		No.
	108	PWS	Page 17	Is Lightning Service Cloud currently used by VA Careers?		This is not known.
	109	PWS	Page 17	Is Tableau currently used by VA Careers?		This is not known.
	110	PWS	Page 17	Does VA Careers currently possess licenses for Salesforce Government Cloud, specifically Lightning Service Cloud Unlimited, and potentially Tableau CRM Unlimited? If so, which ones and when do the licenses expire?		No, VA has a License agreement. VA Careers needs CRM Development.
	111	PWS	Page 17	What CRM technologies does VA Careers currently employ?		None, ATS is KontactIntelligence. We also use GovDelivery.
	112	PWS	Page 17	Will the CRM require PII data storage?		Yes.
	113	PWS	Page 17	What technology does VA Careers use currently to upload candidate resumes and where are resumes stored?		ATS KontactIntelligence. Separate contract
	114	PWS	Page 17	What technology and tools does VA Careers currently employ to communicate to candidates? Are any of these tools required to continue using and, if yes, which tools?		We do not share our strategy at this point, but will to award winner. We are not beholden to any certain venues or channel, but do use many industry job boards, etc.
	115	PWS	Page 18	Does VA Careers currently employ UTM [Urchin tracking module] codes? If yes, how are they employed and on which task areas listed in the RFP?		This is not known.
	116	PWS	Page 18	Is MuleSoft currently used by VA Careers?		This is not known.
	117	PWS	Page 18	Does an API exist to integrate Data from USA Jobs? Does VA Careers employ this currently?		Yes, VA Careers pulls all jobs from USAJobs.
	118	PPQ	N/A	Please confirm that completed PPQs can be submitted by the offeror OR submitted Government to Government		PPQs can be submitted Government to Government. Please review the instructions on the PPQ.
					The chart referenced in the answer to question 83 is below.

Sheet1 image1.png

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Jun 15, 2023.