Unrestricted_DRFP.pdf

HUMAN CAPITAL AND TRAINING SOLUTIONS

(HCaTS)

DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (DRFP)

ISSUED BY:

Bjorn Miller

Contracting Officer

General Services Administration

Federal Acquisition Service

26 Federal Plaza, Room 21-100

New York, NY 10278

ISSUED FOR:

Office of Personnel Management

Training and Management Assistance Program

1900 E St. NW, Suite 1453

Washington, DC 20415

PART I: THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A: SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

A.1 NOTICES TO OFFERORS

This is a draft solicitation. This is the solicitation for the unrestricted contract vehicle known as

Human Capital and Training Solutions (HCaTS). Offerors shall follow the instructions set forth in Section L of this solicitation to be considered for award.

Any amendment(s) to this solicitation will be posted to http://www.fbo.gov.

A.2 GSAR 552.219-71 NOTICE TO OFFERORS OF SUBCONTRACTING

PLAN REQUIREMENTS (MAR 2012)

The General Services Administration (GSA) is committed to assuring that maximum practicable opportunity is provided to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns to participate in the performance of this contract consistent with its efficient performance. GSA expects any subcontracting plan submitted pursuant to FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, to reflect this commitment. Consequently, an offeror, other than a small business concern, before being awarded a contract exceeding $650,000 ($1,500,000 for construction), must demonstrate that its subcontracting plan represents a creative and innovative program for involving small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns as subcontractors in the performance of this contract.

(End of provision)

(END OF SECTION A)

http://www.fbo.gov/ https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_217_221.html#wp1136032

SECTION B: SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 BACKGROUND

B.1.1 OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (OPM)

OPM provides human resources, leadership, and support to Federal agencies and the Federal workforce as they serve the American people. OPM has four primary areas of focus: policy and oversight, healthcare and insurance, retirement services, and services for agencies.

The Government Performance and Results (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA), in part, mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) collaborate with agencies to develop a Federal Government Performance Plan for each agency. As part of this mandate, agencies are required to integrate human capital strategies into their agency strategic plans in order to assure full alignment of talent with agency mission and strategy. GPRAMA requires that an agency’s performance plan include a description of how performance goals are to be achieved, including operation processes, training, skills and technology, and the human, capital, information, and other resources and strategies required to meet those performance goals.

OPM’s Human Resources Solutions (HRS) enterprise is a reimbursable entity for which OPM receives no funding from Congress. HRS provides HR products and services that assist the

Federal Government in implementing their performance goals. These products and services thus function to develop leaders, attract and build a high quality public sector workforce, and transform agencies into high performing organizations.

In turn, HRS’ Training and Management Assistance Program (TMAP) ensures the development and delivery of customized human resources, human capital and training products and services to

Federal agencies by managing private sector contractors in the design, development, and implementation of solutions in the areas of training and human capital in order to improve agency performance against performance metrics at the employee, unit, and enterprise levels.

OPM is authorized to make these services available via use of these contracts to all Federal agencies under the auspices of 5 U.S.C. 1304 (e)(1). Learning management systems, while a subset of training and HC management, will not be addressed in this solicitation.

Many human resources, human capital and training products and services are offered in the commercial market. However, TMA offers customized solutions that involve modifications to commercial products and services that are sufficiently significant as to alter the characteristics or purpose of the products or services. The products and services delivered under the TMA program focus on federal government requirements and are exclusively provided to federal government customer agencies. In all cases, the project deliverables are customized or designed to meet unique agency specific requirements that cannot be adequately met through the use of off-the-shelf solutions.

B.1.2 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA)

GSA was established in 1949 by President Harry Truman as the Federal agency tasked with http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/performance/gprm-act http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A5%2520section%3A1304%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title5-section1304)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEgFwLQQq6oRbUoO664jsFkyGRssA administering supplies and providing workplaces for Federal employees. Today, GSA makes

Federal agencies more effective at what they do by providing expertise, management and smart acquisition solutions.

Through the Public Buildings Service (PBS), the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS), and other staff offices, GSA provides workspace to more than one million Federal civilian workers, oversees the preservation of more than 480 historic buildings, and facilitates the Federal government's purchase of high-quality, low-cost goods and services from quality commercial vendors.

GSA’s acquisition solutions supply federal purchasers with cost-effective high-quality products and services from commercial vendors. FAS operates as America’s buyer, leveraging the buying power and acquisition expertise of the federal government to deliver new and existing services and high-quality products to taxpayers and federal customers. Since its establishment, FAS has demonstrated unrivaled capability to deliver these across Federal government at the best value possible.

In 2014, GSA embarked on a three-year vision to make FAS into the Government Acquisition

Marketplace, transforming the organization into a transparent, solution-neutral home for acquisition and subject matter expertise. According to FAS Commissioner Thomas Sharpe, Jr, the goal is “to provide agencies across government with the tools and knowledge they need to make the right buying decisions, reduce the proliferation of duplicative contract vehicles, and deliver the best value possible to our customers and the American people.”

To meet this goal, GSA reorganized FAS around the concept of category management, an acquisition strategy used by the most successful Fortune 500 companies. Category management looks at products and services categories and customizes purchase channels to better meet customer needs, leading to smarter purchasing decisions, better purchasing options, and saved dollars. Through their partnership, GSA and OPM can align the Human Capital and Training

Solutions (HCaTS) with these strategic goals.

B.1.3 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)

On April 28th, 2014, GSA and OPM signed an MOU forming a partnership to address the need of providing the Federal government with human resource training and development and human capital management services more efficiently and effectively using Industry best practices.

Under this agreement, GSA’s acquisition capabilities, tools and strategic sourcing experience are merged with OPM’s expertise in human capital and training to form a more powerful

Government solution.

This partnership acknowledges the changing Federal landscape. It recognizes GSA’s and OPM’s strategic goals, the current budgetary realities across Federal government and the need to better support the mission of the Federal agencies that GSA and OPM serve.

The services to be provided under HCaTS are intended to meet the human resources, human capital and training requirements of all Federal agencies.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opm.gov%2Fblogs%2FDirector%2Fgsa-opm-mou%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9Tzm1iewpmGe014QJ3VYaDKBmCA http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.opm.gov%2Fblogs%2FDirector%2Fgsa-opm-mou%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9Tzm1iewpmGe014QJ3VYaDKBmCA

The scope of services under HCaTS is defined in Section C.

B.1.4 AUTHORITY

The Administrator of GSA is specifically authorized to purchase supplies and nonpersonal services on behalf of other agencies under 40 U.S.C. 501.

The Director of OPM is specifically authorized to perform training and personnel management services on behalf of other agencies under 5 U.S.C. 1304.

The authority for the award and administration of the HCaTS contracts and the delegation of authority for the award and administration of task orders under the HCaTS contracts are defined in Section G.

Hereafter, the HCaTS Contracting Officer will be referred to as the HCaTS CO and the Ordering

Contracting Officer at the task order level will be referred to as the OCO.

B.1.5 ECONOMY ACT

In accordance with FAR Paragraph 17.502-2(b), the Economy Act does not apply to task orders awarded under the HCaTS contracts under the authorities of 5 U.S.C. 1304 and 40 U.S.C. 501.

B.1.6 CONTRACT TYPE

HCaTS is a Government-Wide, Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (MA-

IDIQ) task order contract vehicle for customized training and development services, human capital strategy services, and organizational performance improvement services, which is available for use by all Federal agencies and other entities as listed in the current GSA Order

ADM 4800.2H, Eligibility to Use GSA Sources of Supply and Services, as amended.

HCaTS allows for all contract types at the task order level (i.e., Fixed-Price (all types), Cost-

Reimbursement (all types), Time-and-Materials, and Labor-Hour). Task orders may also combine more than one contract type (e.g., FFP/Cost, FFP/Labor-Hour, etc.). Additionally, task orders may include Share-in-Savings (SIS) arrangements, incentives, performance based measures, multi-year or option periods, and commercial or non-commercial items.

B.1.7 MINIMUM GUARANTEE AND MAXIMUM CEILING

The minimum guarantee is $2,500.00 for each Contractor that does not obtain a task order award for the ordering period of their HCaTS contract, including all options, if exercised.

The minimum dollar amount for an individual task order must exceed the micro-purchase threshold as defined in FAR Section 2.101, as amended. The maximum dollar amount for each individual task order placed under an HCaTS contract is TBD. An unlimited number of task orders may be placed under an HCaTS contract throughout the ordering period, including options, if exercised.

The maximum dollar amount for HCaTS, including all options, if exercised, is TBD.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A40%2520section%3A501%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title40-section501)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmeYhqF26SJUNW_xiboD5_kPa60A http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A5%2520section%3A1304%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title5-section1304)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEgFwLQQq6oRbUoO664jsFkyGRssA https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2FSubpart%252017_5.html%23wp1077555&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEH6-rXSRjBLfYiJhw0bXblAnvpNA http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A5%2520section%3A1304%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title5-section1304)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEgFwLQQq6oRbUoO664jsFkyGRssA http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fuscode.house.gov%2Fview.xhtml%3Freq%3D(title%3A40%2520section%3A501%2520edition%3Aprelim)%2520OR%2520(granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title40-section501)%26f%3Dtreesort%26edition%3Dprelim%26num%3D0%26jumpTo%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmeYhqF26SJUNW_xiboD5_kPa60A http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gsa.gov%2Fportal%2Fcontent%2F104212&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGrSjrYlzfaFGvMBMxMvMVkGW5yFw https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%202_1.html#wp1145508

B.1.8 CONTRACT ACCESS FEE (CAF)

GSA and OPM operating costs associated with the management and administration of HCaTS are recovered through a CAF. The CAF is a percentage of the total task order amount invoiced and the CAF percentage is set at the discretion of the HCaTS PMO. The HCaTS PMO maintains the unilateral right to change the percentage at any time. See Section G.3.1 (Contract Access

Fee) for more details regarding the CAF.

B.2 TASK ORDER PRICING

HCaTS provides all Federal agencies the flexibility to determine fair and reasonable pricing tailored to the ordering agency’s requirement dependent upon level of competition, risk(s), uncertainty(ies), complexity, urgency and contract type(s). The OCO has the authority and responsibility to determine price, and if applicable, cost reasonableness for their agency’s task order requirements. Adequate price competition at the task order level, in response to an individual requirement, establishes the most accurate, fair, and reasonable pricing for that requirement.

The OCO shall identify the applicable contract type for all Contract Line Items (CLINs) in each task order.

B.2.1 LABOR CATEGORIES AND STANDARD OCCUPATIONAL

CLASSIFICATIONS

HCaTS provides standardized labor categories that correspond to the Office of Management and

Budget’s (OMB) Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system for which the Bureau of

Labor Statistics (BLS) maintains compensation data.

In accordance with Section J.1 (Standardized Labor Categories), all of the HCaTS labor categories are either an individual labor category that is mapped to a single SOC and functional description or a labor category group that is mapped to multiple SOC Numbers and functional descriptions. The HCaTS labor category groups were established based upon BLS published data regarding similar direct labor compensation within a grouping of multiple SOC numbers and functional descriptions.

The Contractor shall become proficient in the use of the BLS SOC system in preparation for submitting proposals under task order solicitations. OCOs will be trained by GSA and OPM in the use of the SOC direct labor pricing estimates for their task order requirements, which incorporates pricing considerations for over 640 metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in the

CONUS and US territories.

For each SOC, the BLS provides a National 50th Percentile estimate, a National 75th Percentile estimate, and a National 90th Percentile estimate. Also identified are the states where each occupation is paid the highest. While not identified on the BLS website, the BLS provides a

50th Percentile estimate, a 75th Percentile estimate, and a 90th Percentile estimate for each SOC in each state, metropolitan, and non-metropolitan area in the United States. This information will be incorporated into a labor estimating tool to be provided to OCOs and Contractors on the official HCaTS webpage at <TBD>.

Except for ancillary labor as defined under Section B.3 (Ancillary Support), when responding to task order solicitations, regardless of contract type, the Contractor shall identify both Prime and

Subcontractor labor using the HCaTS labor categories and corresponding SOC Number that applies. The Contractor may deviate from the Junior, Journeyman, Senior, and Subject Matter

Expert (SME)/Level I, II, III, and IV definitions in Section J.1 (Standardized Labor Categories), as long as the Contractor clearly identifies the deviation in their proposals. Additionally, the following qualification substitution chart applies:

Degree Experience Substitution Experience and Degree

Substitution

Bachelor’s Degree Six years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate’s Degree plus four years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree 12 years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a

Master’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree plus eight years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree

Doctorate Degree 20 years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a

Doctorate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree plus 16 years or a Master’s Degree plus 12 years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a Doctorate’s Degree

B.2.2 FIXED-PRICE TASK ORDERS

Fixed-Price contracts are defined under FAR Subpart 16.2 and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements.

B.2.3 COST REIMBURSEMENT TASK ORDERS

Cost Reimbursement contracts are defined under FAR Subpart 16.3 and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements. FAR Parts 30 and 31 may apply to cost-reimbursement task orders.

The Contractor shall have and maintain an acceptable accounting system that will permit timely development of all necessary cost data in the form required by the proposed contract type.

The Contractor may be required to submit a cost proposal with supporting information for each cost element, including, but not limited to, direct labor, fringe benefits, overhead, general and administrative (G&A) expenses, facilities capital cost of money, other direct costs, and fee consistent with their cost accounting system, provisional billing rates, forward pricing rate agreements, and/or CAS.

Cost Reimbursement task orders shall only be used for the acquisition of non-commercial items.

B.2.4 INCENTIVE TASK ORDERS

https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2016_2.html#wp1091104 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2016_3.html https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/FARTOCP30.html#wp223482 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/FARTOCP31.html#wp253693

Incentives are defined under FAR Subpart 16.4 and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements.

B.2.5 TIME-AND-MATERIALS (T&M) AND LABOR-HOUR (L-H) TASK

ORDERS

T&M and L-H contracts are defined under FAR Sections 16.601 and 16.602, respectively, and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements.

The Contractor may provide separate and/or blended loaded hourly labor rates for Prime

Contractor labor, each Subcontractor, and/or each Division, Subsidiary, or Affiliate in accordance with the provisions set forth in FAR 52.216-29, 52.216-30 and/or 52.216-31. The

OCO shall identify which provision(s) is applicable in the task order solicitation and the

Contractor shall comply with the provision(s).

T&M and L-H task orders require the HCaTS standardized labor categories and their associated rates to be identified in the task order award document.

Ancillary labor categories shall be paid in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (Alternate I) (for commercial task order Contract Line Item Numbers) and/or FAR 52.232-7 (for non-commercial task order Contract Line Item Numbers).

B.2.5.1 CEILING RATES FOR TIME-AND-MATERIALS (T&M) AND LABOR-

HOUR (L-H)

When preparing solicitations for T&M and/or L-H task order CLINs, the OCO must select from the following provisions in the task order solicitation.

1. FAR 52.216-29 Time-and-Materials/Labor-Hour Proposal Requirements—Non-

Commercial Item Acquisition With Adequate Price Competition (Feb 2007)

2. FAR 52.216-30 Time-and-Materials/Labor-Hour Proposal Requirements—Non-

Commercial Item Acquisition Without Adequate Price Competition (Feb 2007)

3. FAR 52.216-31 Time-and-Materials/Labor-Hour Proposal Requirements—Commercial

Item Acquisition (Feb 2007)

For organizations within DoD, when selecting FAR 52.216-29 the OCO shall also select DFAR

252.216-7002, Alternate A.

When FAR 52.216-30 is selected or FAR 52.216-31 is selected and there is an exception to fair opportunity, HCaTS establishes maximum allowable labor rates in the form of fully burdened ceiling rates for all professional, non-ancillary, CONUS, T&M/L-H labor for both Government and Contractor Sites. Based on the specific task order requirements, the OCO is authorized to exceed the HCaTS ceiling rates for those labor categories that include Secret/Top Secret/SCI labor and/or OCONUS locations, if necessary.

The ceiling rates do not apply when FAR 52.216-29 is selected, or FAR 52.216-29 with DFAR https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2016_4.html#wp1078212 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2FSubpart%252016_6.html%23wp1082507&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFP4jqP9P3R1yX09c5VXih94mHQVw https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2FSubpart%252016_6.html%23wp1080969&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz3Cix_DasO4X07nKv39yG5jhG6w https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117321 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117346&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHWjxwoyCnnEhAk7Se7rfHJvY-bPA https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117371&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE2qQFYTUkisHgOop4FcwS4geFCpg https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_212_213.html%23wp1179465&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzGJgDOP75ufwLlZLwvQlaL_mOqg https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_212_213.html%23wp1179465&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzGJgDOP75ufwLlZLwvQlaL_mOqg https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_212_213.html%23wp1179465&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzGJgDOP75ufwLlZLwvQlaL_mOqg https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_232.html#wp1152552 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117321 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117321 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117346 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117346 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117371 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_216.html#wp1117371 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117321&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtudzTBhrUDXY2Xlem10XUajXnpA http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/252216.htm#252.216-7002 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117346&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHWjxwoyCnnEhAk7Se7rfHJvY-bPA https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117371&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE2qQFYTUkisHgOop4FcwS4geFCpg https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117321&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtudzTBhrUDXY2Xlem10XUajXnpA https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117321&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtudzTBhrUDXY2Xlem10XUajXnpA

252.216-7002, Alternate A is selected, or FAR 52.216-31 is selected and there is not an exception to fair opportunity.

The fully burdened ceiling rates awarded at initial contract award shall serve as the basis for all future year pricing for those ceiling rates. In order to determine future year ceiling rate pricing, the originally awarded rates will have an escalation factor applied. This escalation factor will be the average annual Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Cost Index (ECI) for the previous three years. In Year X of HCaTS, if the average annual ECI for the previous three years is higher than at time of HCaTS award, the ceiling rates for Years X through X will be adjusted by the difference of percentage increase. For example, if the BLS ECI index was 2.23% at time of proposal submission and the BLS ECI index is 3.16% in Year X of HCaTS, the ceiling rates for Years X through X will be adjusted by 0.93% per year on a cumulative basis. If the

BLS ECI index in Year X of HCaTS is equal to or below the BLS ECI index at time of award, the ceiling rates will remain unchanged. In Year X of HCaTS, if the previous three year average annual BLS ECI index for the previous three years is higher than Year X of HCaTS, the ceiling rates for Years X through X will be adjusted by the difference of percentage increase in accordance with the example above. If the average index in Year X is equal to or below the average index in Year X, the ceiling rates will remain unchanged.

The HCaTS ceiling rates that are in effect at the time a task order is awarded shall remain with the task order award during the entire term of the task order, including task orders with option periods.

See Section F.4 (Contract Ordering Period) for HCaTS contracts and task orders awarded under

HCaTS contracts.

B.3 ANCILLARY SUPPORT

Other ancillary support, integral and necessary as part of a total integrated solution within the scope of HCaTS for which there is not a labor category specified in HCaTS or includes other direct costs such as travel, materials, equipment and/or Subcontractors, to obtain a total solution, are allowable costs and may be included within an individual task order under an HCaTS contract. The Contractor shall propose and identify each ancillary support service or other direct costs separately and the OCO shall identify each ancillary support service or other direct costs by a separate CLIN on the task order award.

The Contractor shall report in the HCaTS Management Module (HMM) all ancillary labor in accordance with Section G.3.2 (HCaTS Management Module).

B.3.1 SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LABOR

Specialized professional services labor is defined as bona fide executive, administrative, or professional skills for which the expertise required or duties performed are within the scope of

HCaTS but, are so specialized that they are not explicitly defined in any labor category description in Section J.1 (Standardized Labor Categories). The Contractor may propose specialized professional services labor when proposing ancillary support; however, the OCO will determine whether circumstances merit the use of specialized professional skills. Whenever http://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfars/html/current/252216.htm#252.216-7002 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_212_213.html#wp1179465 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2F52_216.html%23wp1117371&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE2qQFYTUkisHgOop4FcwS4geFCpg possible, this specialized professional labor shall be mapped to the BLS SOC.

If the use of specialized professional services labor becomes frequent, additional labor categories and their associated ceiling rates may be added by bilateral modification to an HCaTS contract.

B.3.2 LABOR SUBJECT TO THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT (SCA)

HCaTS labor categories, identified in Section J.1 (Standardized Labor Categories), are considered bona fide executive, administrative, and professional labor that are exempt from the

SCA, except for the following labor categories:

1. Graphic Designers

2. Human Resources Assistants

3. Instructional Coordinators

4. Technical Writers

5. Training and Development Specialists

To the extent that any of the above-mentioned labor categories and/or ancillary labor for services are within the scope of HCaTS and subject to the SCA in accordance with FAR Subpart 22.10 and other applicable agency specific regulatory supplements, the OCO shall identify such work in the task order solicitation and make a determination as to whether SCA wage determinations are to be applied or not.

HCaTS contracts include the following provisions and clauses applicable to any SCA work that is part of a total solution within the scope of HCaTS:

1. 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards (May 2014)

2. 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014)

3. 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price

Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (May 2014)

The OCO shall incorporate the appropriate provisions and clauses in each task order solicitation and subsequent award when the SCA applies.

B.3.3 LABOR OUTSIDE THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES (OCONUS)

“OCONUS” is defined as other than the 48 contiguous states plus the District of Columbia. It is anticipated that there may be task orders for work OCONUS.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Administration, Office of Allowances, publishes quarterly report indexes of living costs abroad, per-diem rate maximums, quarter’s allowances, hardship differentials, and danger pay allowances.

The Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) is the controlling regulations for allowances and benefits available to all U.S. Government civilians assigned to foreign areas. For task orders issued under HCaTS contracts, Contractor personnel assigned to foreign areas may https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2022_10.html#wp1112481 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html#wp1160021 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html#wp1148260 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html#wp1148260 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html#wp1148260 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_222.html#wp1148260 http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=231&menu_id=78 receive the allowances and benefits in the DSSR, but shall not receive allowance and benefits in excess of those identified in the DSSR.

For OCONUS task orders where costs are not specifically addressed in the DSSR, the

Government will reimburse the Contractor for all reasonable, allowable, and allocable costs in accordance with FAR Part 31 and other applicable agency specific regulatory supplements.

B.3.4 TRAVEL

Travel costs may be firm-fixed price or reimbursed at actual cost in accordance with the limitations set forth in FAR Subsection 31.205-46 and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements. Unless otherwise directed by task order terms and conditions, the

Contractor may apply indirect costs to travel consistent with the Contractor’s usual accounting practices.

B.3.5 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Material means property that may be consumed or expended during performance, component parts of a higher assembly, or items that lose their individual identity through incorporation into an end item.

Equipment means a tangible item that is functionally complete for its intended purpose, durable, nonexpendable, and needed for performance.

Materials and equipment shall be priced in accordance with the terms of the task order award, contract type, and applicable FAR and agency-specific regulatory supplements. Unless otherwise directed by task order terms and conditions, the Contractor may apply indirect costs to materials and equipment consistent with the Contractor’s usual accounting practices.

B.3.6 SUBCONTRACTING

For non-commercial items, subcontracting shall follow the procedures set forth in FAR Part 44 and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements.

For commercial items, subcontracting shall follow the procedures set forth in FAR Part 12 and

FAR Subpart 44.4, and other applicable agency-specific regulatory supplements.

(END OF SECTION B)

https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/FARTOCP31.html#wp253693 https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Facquisition.gov%2Ffar%2Fcurrent%2Fhtml%2FSubpart%252031_2.html%23wp1096230&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHm1rm3f7OGExe0LIL3FozJ3V6HTA https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/FARTOCP44.html#wp226845 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/FARTOCP12.html#wp1033864 https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2044_4.html#wp1074639

SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 SCOPE

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA) formed a new partnership to jointly award and administer a new strategically sourced contract vehicle providing customized training and development services, human capital strategy services, and organizational performance improvement services to all Federal agencies. The goals of this partnership are grounded in law, in OPM’s mission, and in Governmentwide principles of human capital management. OPM will continue to offer high quality products while taking advantage of GSA’s ability to provide government-wide cost savings and efficiencies through its federal strategic sourcing expertise.

Through this partnership, GSA will be principally responsible for contract administration, while

OPM will be responsible for policy oversight.

Human Capital and Training Solutions (HCaTS), through delegated procurement authority and

OPM assisted acquisition services, will provide Federal agencies with both direct access and assisted acquisition access to customized training and development services, human capital strategy services, and organizational performance improvement services

HCaTS will also address:

1. the goals of strategic sourcing, which include reducing contract duplication and administrative costs, improving the quality of solutions while managing demand, increasing transparency, and ensuring the Government obtains the best value at the best overall price

2. the requirements of 5 CFR 250, which provides authority for personnel actions in Subpart

A and authority for strategic human capital management in Subpart B

In accordance with the requirements prescribed in 5 CFR 250, HCaTS is also designed to assist

Federal agencies in carrying out their roles in managing human capital according to the following principles:

1. A Federal agency's human capital management strategies, plans, and practices should:

a. Integrate strategic plans, annual performance plans and goals, and other relevant budget, finance, and acquisition plans

b. Contain measurable and observable performance targets

c. Communicate in an open and transparent manner to facilitate cross-agency collaboration to achieve mission objectives

2. A Federal agency's talent management system should enable a Federal agency to:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/5/part-250

a. Plan for and manage current and future workforce needs

b. Design, develop, and implement proven strategies and techniques and practices to attract, hire, develop, and retain talent

c. Make meaningful progress toward closing knowledge, skill, and competency gaps in all occupations within the Federal agency

3. A Federal agency's approach to performance management should include:

a. Strategies and processes to foster a culture of engagement and collaboration

b. A diverse, results-oriented, high-performing workforce

c. A performance management system that differentiates levels of performance of staff, provides regular feedback, and links individual performance to organizational goals

4. A Federal agency's use of evaluation should contribute to agency performance by monitoring and evaluating outcomes of its human capital management strategies, policies, programs, and activities, checking both for merit system compliance and for success in identifying, implementing, and monitoring process improvements.

These four principles are consistent with the information prescribed within 5 CFR 250 and in

OPM's current Human Capital Assessment and Accountability Framework (HCAAF), as referenced in 5 CFR 250. The HCAAF is a living approach to human capital management that is expected to evolve over time as a guide for defining scope at the task order level.

HCaTS seeks to acquire multiple qualified Contractors to provide customized training and development services, human capital strategy services, and organizational performance improvement services to meet the Federal government’s workforce needs while conforming to the above stated principles, Federal agency-specific and OPM policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and other governing doctrines. At the same time, Federal agencies will continue looking for ways to achieve their goals in as cost-efficient a manner as possible. HCaTS has been designed to meet such challenges.

C.1.1 KEY SERVICE AREAS (KSA)

OPM’s experience is that customers have requirements that require solutions drawing from many different disciplines of study and areas of expertise. As a result, HCaTS consists of three KSAs:

1) Customized Training and Development Services, 2) Customized Human Capital Strategy

Services, and 3) Organizational Performance Improvement. Through the development and deployment of customized solutions defined in the KSAs below, HCaTS will be able to assist

Federal agencies in accomplishing the following six objectives:

1. Improving the management of human capital in accordance with the HCAAF and OPM governing doctrines and accomplishing their assigned critical missions

2. Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of critical business processes

3. Providing optimal professional development opportunities to the Federal workforce

4. Undertaking effective change management initiatives

5. Developing effective metrics to assess progress in carrying out human capital strategies

6. Maximizing the return on investment in training and development, human capital, and organizational performance improvements

These three KSAs will enable HCaTS to provide Federal agencies with a full range of solutions to training and development, human capital strategy, and organizational performance improvement requirements across the Federal government.

C.2 AUTHORITIES

The following list of authorities may be applicable at the task order level:

● Chief Human Capital Officers Act of 2002

● Executive Order 13111, Using Technology to Improve Training Opportunities for

Federal Government Employees

● Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

● Department of Defense Shareable Courseware Object Reference Model (SCORM)

● 5 CFR 250

● Government Performance and Results (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA)

● Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-10-27

● Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-11, Section 220

C.3 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

The objective of HCaTS is to provide Federal agencies with a total integrated and customized solution for training and development services, human capital strategy services, and organizational performance improvement services at all levels (e.g., enterprise, unit, individual).

Ultimately, solutions at the task order level should align with the principles of sound human capital management. Federal agencies have the flexibility to award task orders that encompass any and all KSAs for any portion of their workforce at any organizational level. The KSAs identify general lifecycles and specific disciplines, however, these are not meant to be all inclusive and OCOs have the authority to define requirements and award task orders that meet their specific needs so long as the scope falls under the definition of one or more KSA(s).

C.3.1 KEY SERVICE AREAS (KSA)

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/1103 http://archive.opm.gov/pressrel/1999/eo.htm http://archive.opm.gov/pressrel/1999/eo.htm http://www.section508.gov/Section-508-Of-The-Rehabilitation-Act http://www.adlnet.gov/scorm/ https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/5/part-250 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/performance/gprm-act http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/memoranda_2010/m10-27.pdf http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/a11_current_year/s220.pdf

C.3.1.1 KSA 1 (CUSTOMIZED TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES)

This KSA covers any type of training and development requirements and their respective lifecycles, which can be performed at any level (e.g., enterprise, unit, individual). Exclusions to this coverage will be made on a case by case basis by the HCaTS CO.

The scope of KSA 1 falls into two domains:

1. Customized Training Services: Includes, but is not limited to, training that is developed and/or delivered to any Federal employee to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities related to a specific title, series and/or function on any subject matter, or general knowledge, skills and abilities. Customized training services may also include, as part of training management support, such support services as course or instructional program administration.

2. Customized Employee Development Services: Includes, but is not limited to, services provided to any Federal employee to develop and/or enhance their general, mission-specific, management and/or leadership knowledge, skills and abilities. A service that is provided to any Federal employee to coach them throughout their transition(s) in the

Federal government.

Training and development services can be provided at any level for any discipline and subject matter in any format and mode. As a part of an integrated and total solution, temporary services as defined by FAR Section 37.112 and information technology products and services are allowable provided they are ancillary and incidental to the in-scope work to be performed.

The below model illustrates the overall scope of KSA 1:

https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2037_1.html#wp1082964

C.3.1.2 KSA 2 (CUSTOMIZED HUMAN CAPITAL STRATEGY SERVICES)

This KSA covers any type of human capital services and their respective lifecycles, which can be performed at any level (e.g., enterprise, unit, individual). Exclusions to this coverage will be made on a case by case basis by the HCaTS CO.

The scope of KSA 2 is inclusive of, but not limited to, a broad range of human capital and human resources services. These services shall include, as a part of talent management and human capital management, the following:

● HR strategy

● Organizational and position management

● Staff acquisition

● Performance management

● Compensation management (excluding payroll)

● HR Development

● Employee relations

● Labor relations

● Separation management.

The scope of KSA 2 excludes payroll processing, benefits management, and personnel action processing, which are provided through Public and Private Shared Service Centers (SSCs).

Human capital strategy services can be provided at any level for any discipline and subject matter in any format and mode. As a part of an integrated and total solution, temporary services as defined by FAR Section 37.112 and information technology products and services are allowable provided they are ancillary and incidental to the in-scope work to be performed.

The below model illustrates the overall scope of KSA 2:

C.3.1.3 KSA 3 (ORGANIZATION PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT)

This KSA covers any type of organizational performance improvement requirements and their respective lifecycles, which can be performed at any level (e.g., enterprise, unit, individual).

Exclusions to this coverage will be made on a case by case basis by the HCaTS CO.

The scope of KSA 3 is inclusive of, but not limited to, improved performance requiring changes in how people are organized around business processes, changes to the processes themselves and the tools created to support those processes, as well as changes in management practices.

Organizational performance improvement services can be provided at any level for any discipline and subject matter in any format and mode. As a part of an integrated and total solution, temporary services as defined by FAR Section 37.112 and information technology products and services are allowable provided they are ancillary and incidental to the in-scope work to be performed.

The below model illustrates the overall scope of KSA 3:

C.3.2 ANCILLARY SUPPORT SERVICES AND SUPPLIES

Ancillary services and supplies are for task orders that complete work or a project that is solely associated with the services procured under HCaTS. These services are integral and necessary to complete a total integrated solution under a training and development, human capital, and/or organizational performance improvement requirement within the scope of HCaTS.

Ancillary supplies and/or services may include, but are not limited to other professional and/or non-professional services; commercial and/or non-commercial items; IT services and/or components, administrative support; data entry; and, subject matter expertise.

The OCO may allow and the Contractor may propose a labor category or labor categories at the task order level not identified in Section J.1 (Standardized Labor Categories), provided that the

Contractor complies with all applicable contract clauses and labor laws, including the Service

Contract Act or the Davis Bacon Act, if applicable.

The OCO shall ensure that the aggregate dollar amount of all ancillary support services and supplies, including IT and non-IT products and services, is less than 50% of the task order’s awarded amount or estimated cost. OCOs may establish further restrictions to this threshold;

however, are prohibited from exceeding it at any time.

C.3.3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) AND NON-INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Information Technology (IT), by legal definition, means any equipment, or interconnected system(s) or subsystem(s) of equipment that is used for the automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information by a Federal agency. For purposes of this definition, equipment is used by a Federal agency if the equipment is used by the Federal agency directly or is used by a Contractor under a task order with the Federal agency that require its use; or to a significant extent, its use in the performance of a service or the furnishing of a product.

IT is considered an ancillary support service or product on task orders and may be performed and/or provided only when the service or product is integral and necessary to complete a total integrated solution under a professional service based requirement within the scope of HCaTS.

When providing ancillary IT services and/or products, the Contractor shall promote IT initiatives and best practices that support Federal Government operational requirements for standardized technology and application service components. This shall facilitate integration requirements for broad Federal IT and E-Gov initiatives, as well as promote the sharing, consolidation, and re-use of business processes and systems across the Federal Government. The Contractor shall promote the use of open source solutions and open technology development where practicable to enable this re-use.

“Non-IT” includes any service or equipment that is acquired by a Contractor incidental to a task order or contains imbedded IT that is used as an integral part of the service or product, but the principal function of which is not the acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information.

Non-IT also includes any equipment or services related to any human capital/human resource systems. This means any information systems operated by the Federal Government, the function, operation or use of which involves direct relation to the area of human capital or human resources. For example, a requirement to recommend strategic uses or enhancements to an existing IT system which tracks Government personnel engagement would be considered “Non-

IT.” In this example, a Federal agency awards a task order for a Contractor to provide it with a recommendation on what to do with an existing IT system used by Government personnel to track Government personnel engagement. The task order implementing this requirement may permit the Contractor to analyze and/or test the existing IT system and any systems it interfaces with. While this work may entail primary usage of IT labor categories, it is considered “Non-IT” for the purposes of HCaTS as the end result is a recommendation and not the actual modifying of an existing or building a new IT system.

C.3.4 TEMPORARY SUPPORT SERVICES

Federal agencies may award task orders which include the brief or intermittent use of temporary labor provided that such use is ancillary and incidental to the work to be performed. Services furnished by temporary help firms shall not be regarded or treated as personal services. These services shall not be used in lieu of regular recruitment under civil service laws or to displace a

Federal employee. Acquisition of these services shall comply with the authority, criteria, and conditions of 5 CFR Part 300, Subpart E, Use of Private Sector Temporaries, and Federal agency procedures.

If the temporary services fall under the Service Contract Act, OCOs shall include the appropriate clauses as prescribed in FAR Subpart 22.10.

C.3.5 SERVICES NOT IN SCOPE

At no time shall an OCO award a task order and a Contractor perform inherently governmental functions in accordance with FAR Subpart 7.5 and Office of Federal Procurement Policy

(OFPP) Policy Letter 11-01.

At no time shall an OCO award a task order and a Contractor perform personal services in accordance with FAR Section 37.104.

At no time shall an OCO award a task order and a Contractor perform architect & engineering

(A&E) services as defined in FAR Section 2.101 and subject to the Brooks Architect-

Engineers Act (40 U.S.C. 1102).

At no time shall an OCO award a task order and a Contractor perform a requirement that primarily uses employees not employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity as defined in 29 CFR Part 541 and/or employees primarily employed as labor or mechanics as defined in FAR Section 22.401.

At no time shall a task order include as its primary purpose ancillary services as…