HT0011-24-RFI-0195_TST_QuestionsAndAnswers_2024.04.02.pdf

HT0011-24-RFI-0195

Ques�ons and Answers

1 April 2024

The DHA is providing answers to the ques�ons received in response to HT0011-24-RFI-0195 which seeks feedback from industry as it is an�cipated a solicita�on will be issued for a compe��vely awarded contract to an SBA 8(a) Program par�cipant. Like-kind ques�ons were grouped together and/or merged to provide a response which hopefully answers all ques�ons. Future ques�ons will not be addressed so please provide your capability statement based on the answers to the following ques�ons.

1) Q: Is this a new requirement? Is there an incumbent company currently performing the work iden�fied in this contract?

A: No, this is not a new requirement. The current contract number is HT0011-22-C-0010 and contractor is A1FedImpact, LLC.

2) Q: What is the acquisi�on �meline for this requirement??

A: Contract start date is targeted for 1 January 2025 with Transi�on-in period to allow for 45 calendar days of overlap with the current contract; full performance to begin 15 February 2025.

3) Q: Is past performance informa�on required or desired in response to this RFI? To ensure we are providing corporate experience that is the same or similar in scale, size, and complexity as services outlined in the requirement areas, can the Government provide addi�onal details about the current number of FTEs and the volume of work suppor�ng the Training Support Team? This addi�onal detail will ensure we can provide the appropriate past performance to match scale, size, and complexity.

A: Your en�re RFI submission of capabili�es should not exceed 15 pages and should provide informa�on on your company's ability to perform the listed tasks to meet the stated objec�ves in compliance with contract performance requirements. Examples of qualifying content: brief descrip�ons of similar recent past or current projects; and special qualifica�ons, cer�fica�ons, creden�als, designa�ons, awards, etc. possessed by your company or staff. Informa�on concerning the current contractor’s labor-hour mix is proprietary; however, reference #4 below for the es�mated workload.

4) Q: At RFP release, does the Government an�cipate providing Labor Categories and the es�mated number of historical labor hours to complete these tasks? How many people does the current Contractor have suppor�ng this effort? Is there a historical level of effort that has been used in terms of hours or Full Time Equivalent (FTE) personnel?

A: The Government will provide an Es�mated Workload in Part 7 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for the Offeror to understand the general scope of the effort and/or ascertain an approximate or es�mated level of effort from the Government’s perspec�ve. This is not either mandatory or necessarily the best staffing approach for your organiza�on. The dra� PWS, which is subject to change, es�mates ten (10) FTEs comprised of Labor Categories including Program Manager/Instruc�onal Systems Designer Lead, Instruc�onal Systems Designers, LMS Administrator, and eLearning Developers.

5) Q: "The RFI states ""The work performed by the eLearning support and LMS Administra�ve support Personnel may be accomplished via remote or telework means. The majority of the work performed by the Training Support personnel shall be performed at 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, Virginia 22042."" Would the Government iden�fy the personnel who are required to work onsite?"

A: The PWS will be revised to read as follows: "The majority of the work performed by the Training Support personnel shall be performed at 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, Virginia 22042."

The en�re training support team contract can telework and would only need to be in-office to handle GFE support or high level in-person mee�ngs and only if it is feasible for them to travel to a DHA loca�on. Rapids office visits are the only other reason for travel.

6) Q: What is the current Learning Management System environment? What LMS does DHA currently use?

A: SCORM based - SCORM 2004, 2nd or 3rd Edi�on; Joint Knowledge Online (primary) and Relias (secondary).

7) Q: Reference Sec�on 5.1 - The requirement to "Develop courseware using development authoring tools such as...Avatar…" Please confirm if this is referring to a specific so�ware/tool branded as Avatar, or if the Government will generally accept a range of development tools that can be used to create avatars for use in training products?

A: The Government will generally accept a range of development tools that can be used to create avatars for use in training products.

8) Q: Reference Sec�on 5.1 - The requirement to "Develop courseware at Level III and IV IMI that includes: …Intelligent Tutors…" Please specify the type of Intelligent Tutors (examples: Chatbot, Self-help tour guides) A: The Government has not matured to the point to require or develop to this level. The Government will generally accept a range of development tools that can be used to create avatars for use in training products.

9) Q: The RFI men�ons compliance with DoDI 1322.26 Distributed Learning for courseware development. Would the Government iden�fy other references for the standard processes used by this agency to design, develop, test, distribute, and maintain the courseware?

A: MIL-HDBK-29612 series for ISD models (PADDIE/ADDIE) and customized PADDIE Guide documenta�on.

10) Q: Reference 5.1 - Is the Contractor expected to convert or transi�on exis�ng course material that may not be mobile responsive into mobile responsive material, or simply ensure that all new content added to the pla�orm is mobile responsive?

A: Primarily to ensure all new development projects meet the current standards. However, based on learner and/or helpdesk feedback, we may be required to convert exis�ng content to the new standards. The Government will set priority of the projects in the pipeline.

11) Q: Reference 5.2 - Is the Contractor expected to convert or transi�on exis�ng course material that may not be Sec�on 508-compliant, into Sec�on 508-compliant material, or simply ensure that all new content added to the pla�orm is 508-compliant?

A: Primarily to ensure all new development projects meet the current standards. However, based on learner and/or helpdesk feedback, we may be required to convert exis�ng content to the new standards. The Government will set priority of the projects in the pipeline.

12) Q: The atachment references ensuring 508 Compliance on courseware and other training materials.

Will the Government require Third-Party Cer�fica�on of the 508 Compliance?

A: Currently there is no third-party cer�fica�on of our projects. The team must understand the laws and ensure every effort is made to embed the controls into the development processes. We currently have course templates that assist in achieving maximum compliance of the developed content within the LMS.

13) Q: What type of training programs will be a part of this system?

A: As we are a healthcare en�ty, most developments are directed at healthcare providers and those that support military healthcare. Topics could be immuniza�on, IM/IT system tutorials, safety, etc.

14) Q: Is Microso� the preferred backdrop?

A: Clarifica�on on “backdrop” is required; however, Microso� Office is one of the iden�fied tools used to design and build storyboards with the subject mater experts. Development should be Ar�culate Storyline and Adobe Cap�vate.

15) Q: Will the Government clarify what is meant by the phrase "instant" requirement?

A: A response is not available as reference to “instant” was not found in the RFI or atachment.

16) Q: Is there a current �cke�ng system available for the exis�ng LMS to process ini�al helpdesk claims for support?

A: Yes. However, this team generally handles support outside of this �cke�ng system. We will work the more difficult issues from the helpdesk and reply back when completed for them to annotate in the �cke�ng system. We primarily work from a central LMS mailbox to resolve issues and make system adjustments.

17) Q: What are the expecta�ons on service level support for the LMS support? Time-bound expecta�ons of return contact (a�er �cket is submited or call made for support)?

A: Typically 72 hours to make contact with Customer.

18) Q: What is the typical call and or �cket volume for the LMS support aspect of the agreement. Level I and II support.

A: Level I would receive and resolve the majority of requests (>50/week). These requests are typically standard/known issues and are not communicated to the LMS administrators of this team.

This team may receive no more than 10 per week.

19) Q: What is the es�mated number of users (Helpdesk Support)?

A: Approximately 280,000 overall.

20) Q: What is the an�cipated expecta�on on number of training projects per year? Are there current staff number requirements to support the produc�on of the training material?

A: Approximately 60 seat hour projects per year (new and major updates).

21) Q: What is the total number of people to support for training?

A: Training may be targeted at a few users or an enterprise solu�on which could target approximately 170,000 users.

22) Q: In addi�on to self-paced learning, will the training resources need to produce ILT or VILT training or programs?

A: This team does not support ILT or VILT content for content owners. We provide the access to the LMS for learner enrollment, gradua�on, tracking, and repor�ng purposes.

23) Q: Will there be a need to deliver training via a live delivery?

A: Yes, as part of the LMS Administra�on cell, VILT is required to new managers and training coordinators on how to use the LMS for learner management and repor�ng. Typically occurs 2-3 �mes a week for 1-2 hours each with 1-10 par�cipants.

24) Q: Is it possible to see current examples of output of training produc�on?

A: Unfortunately, non-government personnel cannot be granted access to the LMSs we employ. You will be informed if an alternate export, which may not have func�onality, can be produced for viewing purposes.

25) Q: Is there an opportunity to introduce addi�onal graphics and course produc�on so�ware as projects progress?

A: Yes. However, a return on investment must be processed for each item. ISDs will typically work these items into the storyboards to ensure compliance with the subject mater expert(s).