HT003826SC001_Notice_of_Availability_InnovationSolutions_Final.pdf

1. Agency Name

Defense Health Agency (DHA)

2. Issuing Acquisition Office

Defense Health Agency, Defense Healthcare Management Systems - Contracting Division (DHMS-CD) in support of the Program Executive Office (PEO) – Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS).

3. CSO Title

Innovation Solutions

4. Announcement Type

Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

This announcement establishes the general competitive procedures the Government will utilize to award FAR-based contracts to deliver innovative commercial solutions pertaining to the General Scope and Areas of Interest defined below.

5. CSO Number

HT003826SC001

6. Response Dates

The Government will issue individual program requirement notices with specified proposal submission deadlines. While responses to this CSO will be accepted for one year following the date of publication, the Government will not review submissions other than in response to an individual program requirement notice. Late submissions will not be reviewed.

7. Overview

This Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) supports Program Executive Office Defense Health Management Systems (PEO DHMS), its subordinate program offices, and other DHA program offices. Recent optimization efforts have created opportunities to integrate new and innovative solutions that can enhance mission performance. However, these organizational changes have also highlighted critical capability gaps where new technologies, processes, or methods are required, particularly in functions such as acquisition, technology modernization, data analytics, and strategic planning. These challenges are intensified by the need to bridge the gap left by experienced personnel with novel solutions rather than direct replacement.

While PEO DHMS remains focused on internal strategic workforce planning, this effort alone is not sufficient to address the need for fundamentally new ways of operating.

Therefore, the purpose of this CSO is to acquire innovative commercial solutions on a project-basis. These solutions must introduce new technologies, processes, or methods to close capability gaps in areas such as strategic planning, operational efficiency, governance, or technology/program management. Proposals must present a complete, cost-effective solution structured for full adoption and sustainment by Government personnel, ensuring the long-term integration of the new capability and its associated benefits.

This CSO is authorized under 10 U.S.C. § 3458 as implemented through DFARS Subpart 212.70 to facilitate the acquisition of innovative commercial items, technologies, or services through a general solicitation process. "Innovative" is defined in DFARS

22.7001 as:

1. Any technology, process, or method, including research and development, that is new as of the date of submission of a proposal; or

2. Any application that is new as of the date of submission of a proposal of a technology, process, or method existing as of such date.

8. General Scope

The primary purpose of this CSO is to solicit proposals for innovative commercial solutions that introduce new processes, methods, or technologies to address complex operational and strategic challenges. This CSO seeks to acquire and implement novel applications of or technological advancements on a project basis to close defined capability gaps. Proposed solutions must represent a new or significantly improved way of performing a function and include all components necessary for Government personnel to successfully adopt and sustain the new capability.

9. Areas of Interest (AOIs)

Proposed innovative solutions must contribute to the mission of PEO DHMS or its subordinate program offices in one or more of the following areas:

1. Operations: Introducing novel processes or implementing new technologies designed to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Strategy: Applying new analytical methods or data-driven frameworks to improve long-term planning and strategic decision-making.

3. Governance: Deploying new systems or processes to strengthen governance structures, automate reporting, and enhance organizational accountability.

10. Goals

This CSO seeks innovative solutions that achieve one or more of the following goals, which align with the mission of PEO DHMS:

1. Introduce Operational Excellence:

• Implement novel processes, methodologies, or automated workflows that reduce inefficiencies and measurably improve productivity.

• Deploy innovative systems or tools that provide advanced analytics for decision-making and resource management.

2. Enable Strategic Alignment:

• Provide new data-driven models or analytical frameworks that enhance long-term strategic planning in alignment with Department of War priorities.

• Introduce technology-based systems for identifying and mitigating risks associated with strategic transitions.

3. Modernize Governance and Accountability:

• Deploy modern systems or automated processes that strengthen governance, improve oversight, and ensure transparency across programs.

• Implement innovative reporting platforms that provide timely and accurate performance data to all stakeholders.

4. Ensure Capability Adoption and Sustainment:

• Deliver solutions that are designed for usability and include the tools, documentation, and processes necessary for Government personnel to operate and maintain them independently.

• Provide a comprehensive transition plan that ensures the continuity of operations and the long-term sustainment of the new capability within the organization.

Additional Goals may be added from time to time via modification to the CSO.

11. Evaluation Process and Methodology

This is not a Request for Information (RFI). Submissions responding to this CSO will be evaluated in accordance with the competitive procedures established herein.

The Government will utilize an interactive, multi-phase evaluation process to seek, assess, and award contracts for innovative solutions. This CSO process is conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 3458 as implemented through DFARS Subpart

212.70 and will leverage the flexible, simplified procedures appropriate for acquiring commercial products and services. Communication is encouraged throughout the process.

Unless otherwise set forth in an Individual Program Requirement Notice, there are no restrictions on who may submit a response. One, multiple, or no awards may result from each Individual Program Requirement Notice.

Evaluation Factors for Award

As a threshold requirement, the proposal must demonstrate that the proposal is “innovative” as defined in DFARS 212.7001. A proposal that fails to demonstrate it is innovative will not receive further consideration.

Second, for any proposal that demonstrates it is innovative, the Government will evaluate the following technical factors, which are of equal importance:

Factor 1: Advancement: The proposed solution must be creative and forward-thinking. The Government desires more than the status quo; solutions that do not represent a meaningful improvement will be ineligible for award.

Factor 2: Solution Efficacy and Outcomes: The proposed solution delineates specific, measurable outcomes that define success. The proposal clearly links these outcomes to the proposed pricing structure.

Factor 3: Technical Approach and Adaptability: The credibility of the proposed technical approach for achieving the stated outcomes. The solution must include a clear mechanism for adjusting to unfavorable circumstances in real time without requiring additional Government funding, demonstrating an understanding that continuous adjustment is a necessary part of performance.

The Government will evaluate proposals against the evaluation criteria above and not against any other proposal under the same AOI. The Government will aim to complete evaluation of proposals within 30 calendar days of the submission due date.

Third, where the Government requests a price proposal, the Government will, at a minimum, evaluate the proposed price to determine whether the awarded price is fair and reasonable. After completing the evaluation of the proposal, the Government will notify the offeror of their status, that is, an invitation to the next phase, notice that the Government is not interested in the solution, or notice that the proposal is of continued interest to the Government but it is not currently eligible to proceed to the next phase due to the lack of Government resources and/or funding. If the Government is unable to identify funding or resources within 120 days after the submission of the price proposal the Government will provide a notice of non-eligibility.

Fourth, the Government will decide whether the collaborative deep dive phase described below results in a proposal that successfully aligns with the Government's objectives.

12. Submission and Evaluation Phases

Our process is a rapid, competitive funnel designed to accelerate a path to award. We anticipate many initial submissions but will only invite a select few offerors to subsequent phases.

a. Phase 1a: Technical Proposal

The entry point is a concise written proposal. The written proposal should not exceed fifteen (15) slides using 11-point font at a minimum. Offerors should consider that in order to review slides the Government may print them on standard 8 ½ x 11 pages and text that is difficult to read in that format may not be reviewed. The Government will not review content beyond these page limitations and will not review submissions in smaller font sizes.

Content shall include the following:

1. Cover Page (does not count against page limit)

Company Name, System for Award Management (SAM) Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) number, Title, Date, Point of Contact Name, E-Mail Address, Phone, and Address. Specifically identify the Individual Program Requirement Notice for which the proposal is submitted.

2. Executive Summary (one page)

Provide an executive summary of the solution, including the AOI(s) and goal(s) addressed.

3. Solution Concept

Describe the solution, including but not limited to, how the solution addresses the goal (or goals, as applicable) of introducing operational excellence, enabling strategic alignment, modernizing governance and accountability or ensuring capability adoption and sustainment.

Demonstrate how the proposed solution satisfies the definition of “innovative” in DFARS 212.7001.

Explain how the proposed solution is creative, forward-thinking, and will be a meaningful improvement over the status quo.

Describe the proposed solution’s specific, measurable outcomes that define success. Identify what tangible results, and recommended deliverables, will be delivered and how the outcomes will be linked to the pricing structure (although note that a pricing proposal is not requested at this stage).

Explain how the solution will continually adjust to unfavorable circumstances in real time.

Note: The Government anticipates acquiring the technical data customarily provided with a commercial product, service or process except for data described in DFARS 227.7102.

4. Attachment: Terms and Conditions (does not count against page limit)

To the extent the solution will be subject to terms and conditions, include those as an attachment. These may include, for example, software licenses (e.g., end user license agreements) or commercial services agreements.

5. Attachment: Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan (does not count against page limit)

To the extent your organization or any organization you contemplate as a subcontractor in your proposal has an actual or apparent OCI, attach the description of the OCI and the OCI mitigation plan.

b. Phase 1b: Pricing Proposal

If the Government is interested in the proposed solution, the Government may select any number of offerors and request a price proposal. Details on the content and format will be provided as part of the request. Note that the Government is only authorized to make fixed-priced type contracts; no level of effort or labor hour contract awards will be made.

Phase 1a and 1b selections are made under broad agency discretion.

c. Phase 2: Solution Pitch (Optional)

The Government may invite offerors to present their proposed solution and pricing to a Government evaluation panel. In such case, offerors will have a specific amount of time to provide an in-person or virtual presentation. The Government will comply with FAR

15.102 governing oral presentations. When an oral presentation includes information that the parties intend to include in the contract as material terms or conditions, the information shall be put in writing. Incorporation by reference of oral statements is not permitted.

The Government may forgo the solution pitch phase and proceed directly to Phase 3.

d. Phase 3: Collaborative Deep Dive

The Government will invite apparently successful offerors to a working session with its leadership team. This is not a formal presentation, but a pre-award collaborative phase to refine project specifics, metrics, outcomes, pricing, terms and conditions, and contract structure. This phase serves as mutual due diligence to de-risk the project.

e. Phase 4: Award

Offerors whose proposals successfully align with the Government's objectives during the Deep Dive phase may be selected for a contract award. For those not selected, the Government will provide feedback where possible. Awards will be fixed-priced type contracts based on the delivery of tangible results, not levels of effort or labor hours.

Contracting Officers (COs) shall treat items, technologies, and services acquired using this CSO as commercial items.

13. Overarching Terms and Conditions

1. FAR/DFARS requirements pertaining to Organizational Conflicts of Interest will apply to awards issued under this CSO. Activities under this CSO are expected to give rise to significant biased ground rules, impaired objectivity, and unequal access to information Organizational Conflicts of Interest. Offerors are directed to FAR 9.5 for information pertaining to Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

Successful offerors shall be ineligible to perform, whether as a contractor, subcontractor, or team member, under any Prime Mission Product Support contract that is in any way related to solutions provided under any contract awarded, i.e., products managed by a PEO DHMS partner or subordinate organization.

2. Successful offerors under this CSO will be required to cooperate as part of the larger DHMS team, including with a diverse array of other contractors.

3. Contractors under this CSO will be required to submit the appropriate cost data reporting and performance monitoring data as delineated in any award document. This will likely require disclosure of sensitive data to other support contractors. These support contractors have strict non-disclosure and non-compete clauses with the Government and are required to execute the same with CSO awardees at their request.

4. Contractors under this CSO are likely to require privileged IT and security clearance access.

5. Contractors under this CSO are likely to be subject to “no foreign nationals” restrictions in certain roles.

6. Personally Identifiable Information and Protected Health Information are likely to be encountered, and the appropriate HIPAA compliance, training, and Business Associate Agreements will be required as applicable.

7. As is standard commercial practice for competitive opportunities, all costs associated with proposal preparation and submission are the sole responsibility of the offeror.

14. Potential Awards

Under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 3458 as implemented through DFARS Subpart

212.70 contracts awarded under this authority are considered competitive awards because this CSO’s procedures are the general competitive procedures required under 10 U.S.C. § 3458(b).

15. Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards may be issued resulting from this solicitation.

16. Contracting Points of Contact: The CO is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Offerors shall address any questions or concerns they may have to the CO.

Written requests for clarification may be sent to the CO and Contract Specialist at the e-mail addresses listed below:

Contracting Officer: Sonya Edom (sonya.m.edom.civ@health.mil)

Contracting Specialist: Gabriela Hurte (gabriela.y.hurte.civ@health.mil) mailto:sonya.m.edom.civ@health.mil mailto:gabriela.y.hurte.civ@health.mil