RFP 36C10X24R0060.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C10X24R0060 06-12-2024

LaShawn Knight | lashawn.knight@va.gov 443-317-7180 06-21-2024

15:00 EDT

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

X 100

X

541611

$24.5 Million

N/A

X

See Schedule

36C10X

Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

VAFSC

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

(see Section B.3 invoicing/payment) Austin TX 78714-8917

1-(877)-489-6135

Request for Proposal (RFP) for ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (EPM) Support Services

Proposal intentions due 14 JUNE 2024 NLT 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Questions are due 17 JUNE 2024 by 1:00 PM Eastern Time Proposal Submissions are due 21 JUNE 2024 by 15:00PM Eastern

Time.

Intent, Questions, and Proposal Submissions shall be to the Contract Specialist @ lashawn.knight@va.gov

X X

X 1

Jacky Jean-Jacques Contracting Officer

36C10X24R0060

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.2 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.3 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.4 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...40

C.5 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.6 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.7 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.8 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.9 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (FEB 2024)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 ATTACHMENT A-PRICE SCHEDULE………………………………………………….56

D.2 ATTACHMENT B- PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONAIRE……………………….56

D.3 ATTACHMENT C- BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION REQUEST WORKSHEET...56

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

E.2 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR………………………………………..61

E.3 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.4 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (FEB 2024)

E.5 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.6 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.7 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT

ORDERS—REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES (DEC 2023)

E.8 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.9 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.10 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.11 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020)

E.12 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.13 VAAR 852.273-70 LATE OFFERS (NOV 2021)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

TBD:

DUN:

CAGE:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award

Management, or

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted [X] Monthly in arrears, upon delivery and acceptance by the Government

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

5. INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS:

TUNGSTEN (fka OB10) ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FSC e-INVOICE PROGRAM THRU AUSTIN PORTAL

FSC MANDATORY ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION FOR AUSTIN PAYMENTS

Contracting POC: LaShawn Knight | lashawn.knigt@va.gov | 443-317-7180

COR:

Contract/Task Order Number:

Purchase Order Number: *** The IFCAP Purchase Order number: MUST be included on all invoices for Base Period Services purchased at time of award. Invoices for subsequent Options CLINs shall reference IFCAP Purchase Orders as follows:

CLIN/Services Period of Performance Purchase Order Number mailto:lashawn.knigt@va.gov

Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods:

Fax, email and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted data transmissions below.

• VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The Financial Services Center (FSC) in Austin, TX uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website:

http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

• A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site is http://www.x12.org.

Vendor e-invoice Set-up information:

Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center in Austin, TX for payment processing. If you have questions about the payment status of a properly submitted invoice, the e-invoicing program, or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below.

• Tungsten e-Invoice setup information: 1-877-489-6135

• Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com

• VA TUNGSTEN Number: AAA544240062

• FSC e-Invoice contact information: 1-877-353-9791

• FSC e-Invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

• http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

COMMUNICATIONS:

• https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/va-acquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests

• http://fcw.com/articles/2012/11/27/va-epayments.aspx?s=fcwdaily

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ http://www.x12.org/ mailto:VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com mailto:vafsccshd@va.gov http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/va-acquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/27/2012-28612/va-acquisition-regulation-electronic-submission-of-payment-requests http://fcw.com/articles/2012/11/27/va-epayments.aspx?s=fcwdaily

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)

ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (EPM)

Support Services

1.0 INTRODUCTION

VA’s mission to support our nation’s veterans is supported by hundreds of programs and projects resulting in annual expenditure in the billions of dollars. These programs have historically faced systemic challenges resulting in cost overruns, inordinate time delays leading to increasing inquiries from oversight bodies.

In response to the increased scrutiny by GAO, OIG, Congress and other oversight bodies for persistent, systemic challenges related to managing acquisition programs, SAMI was established to modernize, advance and mature VA’s programmatic capabilities by implementing forward-leaning, strategic initiatives while maturing and enabling existing practices. To fulfill this responsibility, SAMI establishes, manages, and continually improves a robust portfolio of actions designed to improve the development, management and delivery of initiatives to meet the VA mission. Located in the Office of Acquisition and Logistics (SAMI), SAMI provides foundational support and guidance to approximately 23,000 certified acquisition workforce personnel and countless non-acquisition staff that provide inputs to VA’s initiatives. SAMI defines and advances strategic priorities for VA program and acquisition management. The current priorities are (1) Business Transformation; (2) Enterprise Alignment (3) Cross-Functional Integration and (4) Workforce Empowerment. Excellence in these areas help ensure that VA’s programs, projects and supporting procurements meet VA’s strategic objectives, provide value to the American taxpayer and fosters legislative confidence in VA’s ability to manage its responsibilities.

SAMI consists of three Directorates, that together form a cohesive whole to explore all elements of programmatic and acquisition management functions:

1. Acquisition Lifecycle Framework (ALF) Directorate: Focused on acquisition modernization and lifecycle processes and principles.

2. Functional Acquisition Manager - Program and Project Management (FAM-P/PM):

Focused on improving organizational and practitioner PM capabilities.

3. Functional Acquisition Manager - Contracting Management (FAM-C/COR) Focused on improving Contracting/COR capabilities.

2.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to acquire professional and administrative services to support the implementation of Enterprise Program Management capabilities and the Acquisition Lifecycle Management processes by enhancing the skills and abilities of VA’s acquisition community (acquisition, non-acquisition, staff, leadership).

Services to be performed include but are not limited to the professional, technical and administrative programmatic support, relative to skill enhancement modules design, development and delivery, and maintenance. These skill building modules will supplement and integrate with existing formal ‘certification-based’ training offered by the VA Acquisition Academy.

Professional and administrative support of the tasks identified below requires an experienced and cohesive team of professionals with a combination of skills. These skills include but are not limited to, applied learning development and delivery capabilities, comprehensive and cohesive subject matter expertise regarding strategy and management, program/project management and contracting combined with an understanding of the VA operational and regulatory environments.

The targeted stakeholders include, but are not limited to VA Senior Leadership, i.e.., Mission Owners/Program Executives, Review Board Members, Program Personnel, Integrated Program Teams, Contracting Professionals, Contracting Officer Representatives, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to efficiently and effectively execute all acquisition lifecycle activities. The Contractor shall provide all materials, personnel required to design, develop, and deliver the skill building content.

3.0 SCOPE

The skill building modules will include mechanisms that facilitate direct application of program/project management and acquisition lifecycle management concepts and skills (e.g., Simulations), active and collaborative learning, reflective practices and critical thinking.

The Contractor shall possess expert acquisition, program/project management, contracting and lifecycle management expertise, and be capable of leveraging VA institutional knowledge and training along with Industry best practices. The Contractor shall provide all materials, personnel required to design, develop, and deliver the skill building content.

It is anticipated the work will require applied learning classified in the following capability areas:

Common Across All Areas

Lifecycle Management

Program/Project Management

Contracting/COR

• Integrated, Cross Functional Skill Building Strategy

• Applied Learning Development

• Module Delivery;

varied modalities

• Federal Policy Alignment

• ALF Navigator Alignment

• Module Library Maintenance

• Lifecycle Phases

• Documentation

• Decision Points

• Governance

• Initiation

• Business, Operational Requirements Development and Management

• Scoping

• Planning

• Controls

• P/P Evaluation

• Communication

Management

• Stakeholder

Management

• P/P Toolkit

• COR process refresh

• Navigator for Contracting - Refresh

4.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

Contractor personnel will provide all administrative, professional and technical support for the tasks outlined below.

4.1 Task 1: Task Order Program Management

4.1.1 Post Award Kick-Off Meeting

The contracting officer shall conduct post award orientations in accordance with FAR 42.503 and VAAM M842.503 within the first 15 calendar days of the contract award date. The Contractor shall attend and support the meeting by capturing minutes and action items.

4.1.2 Contractor Project Management Plan (CPMP)

The Contractor will provide a plan, the “Contractor Project Management Plan (CPMP)”, as to how tasks will be successfully completed. The CPMP shall include a narrative and graphic format displaying schedule, specifically defined milestones, risks, communications, and resource support. The CPMP shall explain how the Contractor will coordinate and execute planned, routine, and ad hoc requirements as identified in the PWS. A list of staff assignments supporting each task shall be included once they are determined. The CPMP will be submitted within 30 calendar days of contract award. Upon acceptance, the initial CPMP will be considered baseline and shall be updated as needed.

a. The CPMP shall include a narrative and graphic format displaying schedule, specifically defined milestones, risk, and resource support. The CPMP shall explain how the Contractor will coordinate and execute requirements as identified in the PWS. A list of staff assignments supporting each task shall be included once they are determined.

b. The CPMP will be submitted within 30 calendar days of contract award.

c. Upon acceptance, the initial CPMP will be considered baseline and shall be updated as needed.

Deliverables:

1 Kickoff Meeting 2 Contractor Project Management Plan

4.2 Task 2: Program Management Support

The Contractor shall provide project management expertise to manage the scope of the skill building effort.

4.2.1 Project Management Support

The Contractor shall provide disciplined, flexible program and project management processes, including monitoring of associated metrics and risks. This includes the following:

a. Program and integrated planning related to the various skill building initiatives.

b. Facilitation of project team meetings.

c. Meeting management and logistics: agenda development, meeting facilitation, meeting minutes, tracking action items, producing notes.

d. Support of intra-organizational collaborations by identifying cross functional opportunities, areas of synergy and overlaps, gap analysis and recommendations

e. Develop a living source of best practices and lessons learned

4.2.2 Semi-Annual Strategic Review

The Contractor shall facilitate a semi-annual strategic review to assess contract effectiveness.

4.2.3 Lessons Learned

The contractor shall keep an on-going documentation log to record lessons learned throughout the contract. The contractor will provide a lessons-learned report quarterly.

3 Project Management support, to include a-e above 4 Semi-Annual Strategic Review 5 Lessons Learned

4.3 Task 3: Program Status, Design Sessions and Ad-hoc Meeting Support The Contractor shall provide pre-meeting, meeting, and post-meeting support for bi-weekly status/design sessions, the semi-annual review, and ad-hoc meetings. The Contractor shall provide meeting facilitation, as necessary.

4.3.1 Bi-Weekly Status Meetings/Design Sessions

The Contractor shall provide project updates at bi-weekly status meetings which may also be used as design sessions. The contractor shall prepare meeting notes and action items and assist with publishing notes to team site as necessary. Copies of these minutes shall be provided to the COR. Specific design artifacts should include, as appropriate:

a. Process maps

b. Gap analysis and recommendations

c. Schedules

d. Skill Building Module Integration Plans

4.3.2 Ad-Hoc Meeting Support

The Contractor shall also support ad-hoc meetings as necessary. The contractor shall prepare meeting notes and action items and assist with publishing notes to team site as necessary. Copies of these minutes shall be provided to the COR.

Deliverables:

6 Bi-Weekly Status Meetings/Design Sessions 7 Ad-hoc Meeting Support

4.4 Task 4: Skill Building Needs Analysis and Design

4.4.1 Needs Analysis & Design Sessions

The Contractor shall conduct Needs Analysis and Design sessions to understand specific functional skill-building requirements and to develop a design strategy to support the needs. Will include an assessment of current and proposed EPM skill building initiatives.

4.4.2 Training/Skill Enhancement Content Synchronization Plan

The Contractor will provide a plan for synchronization of VA Academy formal training content and skill building content. The Plan will include skill building strategic analysis to identify areas of synergy and overlap, gaps analysis and recommendations.

4.4.3 Skill Building Design

The Contractor shall design EPM/ALF skill building curriculum and modules to meet the learning needs of the VA Acquisition and non-acquisition workforce including structure, content, delivery, and assessments. The design shall consider organizational SAMIs and instructional best practices to create effective, engaging skill enhancement that boosts skills and knowledge. The contractor shall produce a prototype for SAMI concurrence Design plan deliverables should include:

a. Integrated, cross-functional skill building strategy

b. Process maps (as appropriate)

c. Gap analysis and recommendations

d. Skill Building design curriculum and proposed modules

8 Needs Analysis Report 9 Training/Skill Enhancement Synchronization Plan 10 Skill Building Prototype

4.5 Task 5: Skill Building Module Development

The Contractor shall provide skill building modules, using an applied learning approach, at firm-fixed prices. The modules will include how to execute the processes within each phase of a program/project lifecycle. All modules shall align with Federal mandates as well as leverage Federal and Industry leading practices in end-to-end acquisition/project management. Module development will include required research, module design and development that includes domain-specific case studies, pilot delivery, module materials (module design documents, instructor manual, student materials). Module content shall be tailorable to accommodate VA specific domains. The same core ALF and PM concepts will apply to all content; however, activities should be easily tailored to VHA, NCA, VBA, OIT, CFM and others as necessary.

4.5.1 Initial Analysis Report

Modules will be developed using a standardized development model such as ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) model. The contractor must complete an initial analysis report for the modules within 30 days of contract award, which should propose learning objectives for the target audiences.

4.5.2 Skill Building Modules

The Contractor shall build the modules, including content, graphics, and materials according to the Design Plan and approved prototype.

4.5.3 Skill Building Materials

The Contractor shall provide module complimentary materials to include (Module design documents, instructor manual, delivery content, student materials, and testing devices) to enhance course development, delivery and participant learning.

4.6 Task 6: Skill Building Module Delivery

4.6.1 Modality-Appropriate Delivery Mechanisms

The Contractor shall provide modality-appropriate delivery mechanisms that enhance/augment skill building modules. The modalities will include, but not be limited to e-learning, face-to-face, virtual instructor led – that aligns with the degree of technical content. The Contractor will provide instructor-led talking points and Virtual Instructor- Led Script, Subscripts as appropriate. The Contractor developed delivery modalities will include interactive opportunities for participants to gain clarity, conduct discussions expand their acquisition management knowledge. The Government encourages the Contractor to propose creative ideas and capabilities to enhance engagement such as micro-quizzes, quick case studies and/or competitive activities. The delivery mechanisms shall be compatible with various web conference applications, such as MS Teams, Webex, etc.

4.6.2 Skill Building Module Delivery/Facilitation

The Contractor shall deliver selected skill building modules to the target audiences as requested by the Government. Delivery shall include participant evaluations to assess the course effectiveness, including materials. Based on the stated tasks, the Contractor will fulfill all requirements associated with the successful delivery, distribution, and management of the ALF interactive modules to the VA workforce

Deliverables:

15 Content Appropriate Modalities/Mechanisms, i.e., VILT, F2F, delivery mechanisms 16 Skill Building Module Delivery/Facilitation

4.7 Task 7: SharePoint (Acquisition Knowledge Portal) User Interface Development The Contractor shall develop the Acquisition Knowledge Portal (AKP) Interface based on technical web development.

4.7.1 Acquisition Knowledge Portal (SharePoint) Interface Design and Access The Contractor shall provide subject matter expertise in designing and developing the user interface. The Contractor will implement the approved AKP User Interface and ensure user access. An AKP User Interface report will confirm activation and useability of the AKP skill building content.

17 User Interface Report

11 Initial Analysis Report 12 Skill Building Module Development 13 Skill Building Materials, i.e., Instructor’s Guide, Participant Handou 14 Module Pilot Delivery

4.8 Task 8: Network, Hosting Support, Module Maintenance

The Contractor shall provide overarching integrated technical support, testing and system design expertise in the areas of skill building module development, hosting support, user interface design, 508 compliance SME, data management and active tech support.

4.8.1 Network and Hosting Support

For e-modules or videos, the Contractor shall provide active and ongoing system design and development on the current and new skill building curriculums, courses and modules. The Contractor shall monitor the EPM/ALF Skill Building SharePoint site monthly to ensure resources are organized appropriately.

4.8.2 Host Environment Testing

The Contractor shall manage the testing and evaluation of VA’s current hosting environment to host several source file sizes effectively for availability to the acquisition workforce.

4.8.2.1 The Contractor will conduct testing and evaluation to determine the effective capacity for each source file to ensure effective hosting bandwidth & transform the source file for SharePoint compatibility.

4.8.2.2 Once uploaded into SharePoint, the Contractor must confirm the ALF course modules are working effectively with all interactive features and 508 compliance measures active. Course modules may require multiple re-uploads of the same source files if VA requests edits.

4.8.2.3 Prior to official deployment to VA workforce, the Contractor will develop and implement a Pilot to assess effectiveness and useability. The timeline for development and implementation will be based on the ALF course module approval and SAMI coordination. A Verification and Validation report will confirm the source file integration and useability.

18 Skill Building Maintenance Summary 19 Verification and Validation Report

4.8.3 Skill Building Module Updates

The Contractor shall update modules as necessary, including delivery system design, testing and evaluating the current hosting environment for distribution capacity of module source files, management of source file integration, design user interface to deliver segmented modules, implement data management processes, 508 compliance SME, and active tech support. At a minimum, the Contractor shall update modules when new modules are developed and remove outdated material.

20 Skill Building Module Updates

4.9 Task 9: Data Collection and Management

4.9.1 Data Collection

Through VA’s SharePoint hosting environment, the Contractor shall determine how to track users and conduct surveys to understand the skill building effectiveness. In support of this task, the Contractor shall develop and implement a data management process to collect usage and completion data. A Data Management Process Report will detail how SharePoint can extract data from AKP users, how it will be translated into a report and delivered to the SAMI team.

21 Data Management Process Report

4.10 Task 10: 508 Compliance and Management

The Contractor shall create a 508 Checklist Report for each Skill Building module to ensure that all deliverables meet VA 508 compliance guidelines. The Contractor shall provide Certification of the 508 Checklist Report for each ALF Course module prior to implementation. The Contractor will be required to manage the communication, evaluation, and approval for 508 compliance of all digital components of this contract. The Contractor shall develop a 508 Checklist for the AKP User Interface to ensure each aspect is 508 compliant. The Contractor shall provide Certification of the 508 Checklist Report for the AKP User Interface.

22 508 Checklist Report 23 508 Module Certification 24 508 User Interface Certification

4.11 Task 11: Continuous Improvement

The Contractor shall develop a continuous improvement strategy that articulates the function, usage data, participant feedback, program functionality, and lessons learned for process improvement. The QCP shall cover internal quality methods and control parameters that include, but are not limited to the following areas:

● Quality control measures for auditing ALF interactive training modules

● Quality control measures for auditing hosting services and training user interface management

● Feedback for ALF interactive training modules based on user feedback and ALF team guidance

25 Continuous Improvement Plan

5.0 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

5.1 The Contractor shall submit all deliverables in editable format compatible with Microsoft formats to be determined by COR, such as WORD, Excel, PowerPoint.

5.2 The Contractor shall deliver documentation in electronic format, unless otherwise directed. Acceptable electronic media include MS Word 2007/2010 or higher, MS Excel 2007/2010 or higher, MS PowerPoint 2007/2010 or higher, MS Project 2007/2010 or higher, MS Access 2007/2010 or higher, MS Visio 2007/2010 or higher, and Adobe Postscript Data Format (PDF).

5.3 The Contractor shall submit all deliverables to the Government Program Manager and Government Task Lead and Contracting Officer Representative. The Government Program Manager and Government Task Lead will approve the content of deliverables in writing; then the Contracting Officer Representative will accept deliverables for invoicing in writing.

5.4 The table below reflects required deliverables

CLIN= Contract Line Item SLIN=SubCLIN

Delivery Schedule (Complete the Table below based on deliverables defined above.

CLIN/

SLIN

PWS

Task/ Section(s

Deliv erabl e No.

Description Qty Format Delive r To

Delivery Timeframe

0001/

4.1 Task 1 – 4.1 Program Management

AA 4.1.1 1 Post Award Kickoff Meeting

1 (Base) Virtual/ Teleconference

PM,

COR,

CO, or

CS

15 days post-award

AB 4.1.2 2 Contractor Program Management Plan

(CPMP)

1, update as needed (base and option)

Word /PDF/ Excel/PowerPoint

PM &

COR

Within 30 calendar days of contract award

0002/

4.2 Task 2 – Program Management Support

AA 4.2.1 3 Project Management Support (a thru e)

12 (Base and

Option)

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Ongoing

AB 4.2.2 4 Semi Annual Contract Review

1 Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

6 months post award

AC 4.2.3 5 Lessons Learned 2 Word /PDF/ Excel/PowerPoint

PM &

COR

Every six months starting from contract award date

0003/

4.3 Task 3 - Program Status, Design Sessions and Ad-hoc Meeting Support

AA 4.3.1 6 Bi-Weekly Status Meetings/ Design Sessions

26 Word /PDF/ Excel/PowerPoint

PM &

COR

Ongoing Support

AB 4.3.2 7 Ad-Hoc Meeting Support

On-going Word /PDF/ Excel/PowerPoint

PM &

COR

As needed

0004/

4.4 Task 4 – Skill Building Needs Analysis and Design

AA 4.4.1 8 Needs Analysis & Design Sessions

1 Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Within 72 hours after meeting;

Update as needed

AB 4.4.2 9 Training / Skill Enhancement Content Synchronization Plan

1 Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Within 5 days after meeting

AC 4.4.3 10 Skill Building Design

3, NTE 6 Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Within 14 days after the meeting

0005/

4.5 Task 5 – Skill Building Module Development

AA 4.5.1 11 Initial Analysis Report

1 Word /PDF/ Excel/PowerPoint

PM &

COR

Within 5 days after meeting;

Update as needed

AB 4.5.2 12 Skill Building Modules

5 Phase modules;

sub modules per CPMP

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As per CPMP

AC 4.5.3 13 Skill Building Materials

As necessary to support 5 phases

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As per CPMP

AD 4.5 14 Module Pilot delivery

3, NTE 6 Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As per CPMP

0006/

4.6 Task 6 Skill Building Module Delivery

AA 4.6.1 15 Content Appropriate Modalities/Mechan isms, i.e., VILT, F2F, delivery mechanisms

As needed to support content

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As per CPMP

AB 4.6.2 16 Skill Building Module Delivery/Facilitatio n

1 per month, NTE 3 per month

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As directed by

COR

0007/

4.7 Task 7 SharePoint (Acquisition Knowledge Portal) User Interface Development

AA 4.7.1 17 User Interface Report

12 Monthly Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As Needed

0008/

4.8 Task 8 Network, Hosting Support, Module Maintenance

AA 4.8-

4.8.2.3

18 Skill building Maintenance Summary

12 Monthly Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As Needed

AB 4.8-

4.8.2.3

19 Site Verification and Validation Report

1 (Base and Option)

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Update as Needed

AC 4.8.3 20 Skill Building Module Updates

As needed to support content

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As directed by

COR

0009/

Task 9 Data Collection and Management

AA 4.9 21 Data Collection and Management Report

1 (Base and Option)

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Update as Needed

/1010

Task 10 508 Compliance and Management

AA 4.10 22 508 Checklist Report

1 (Base and Option)

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Update as Needed

AB 4.10 23 508 Module Certification

Per Module

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As per CPMP

AC 4.10 24 508 Interface Certification

Per Interface

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

As per CPMP

0011/

Task 11 Continuous Improvement

AA 4.11 25 Continuous Improvement Plan

1 (Base and Option)

Submit with Proposal

PM &

COR

Update as needed

6.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance is one (1) year with one (1) option periods. The Base Period is twelve (12) months from the date of award.

Option Period 1: If the option is exercised, the period of performance is 12 months from the expiration of the Base Period.

7.0 TYPE OF CONTRACT

This is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract.

8.0 REQUIREMENTS CLASSIFICATION

NAICS – 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

9.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work shall primarily be performed virtually and shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO) or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Federal holidays are defined below in section 11.

10.0 TRAVEL

It is anticipated that limited travel to local SAMI locations may be required of some Contractors.

No more than 1 travel occurrence per month is expected. Contractor must be able to accommodate dynamic and changing requirements that may entail travel to select VA locations.

Travel must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer (CO) and COR and conducted in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR). Each Contractor invoice must include copies of all receipts that support the travel costs claimed in the invoice. Travel will be reimbursed at cost per the FTR and shall not include any indirect costs. Local travel within a SO-mile radius from the Contractor's facility or assigned government provided facility is considered the cost of doing business and will not be reimbursed. This includes travel, subsistence, and associated labor charges for travel time. Travel performed for personal convenience and daily travel to and from work at the Contractor's facility or government assigned facility will not be reimbursed.

11.0 OBSERVANCE OF GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS

There are 11 Federal holidays set by law (USC Title 5 Section 6103). Under current definitions, five are set by date:

New Year's Day January 1 Juneteenth June 19 Independence Day July 4 Veterans Day November 11 Christmas Day December 25

If any of the above falls on a Saturday, then Friday shall be observed as a holiday. Similarly, if one falls on a Sunday, then Monday shall be observed as a holiday. The other six holidays are set by a day of the week and month:

Martin Luther King's Birthday Third Monday in January Washington's Birthday Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in November

12.0 MATERIAL OTHER DIRECT COSTS

The Government does not anticipate that ODCs will be required for this task order. Should an ODC be required for project success, the projected ODC shall be reviewed by COR and authorized by the CO in advance. ODCs will not be approved unless funded on an ODC CLIN.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

The need for GFE is anticipated. If required for task completion, GFE will be available with specific justification by the COR for pick up at 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420.

ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A Contractor/Subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, Subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

All Contractors, Subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for Contractors must be in accordance with the latest version of the VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program.

The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the Contractor/Subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

The Contractor or Subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately via email when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the Contractor or Subcontractor's employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the Contractor or Subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

13.0 KEY PERSONNEL

Contractor staff shall be fully qualified and have the level of experience necessary to accomplish the requirements of this PWS. In addition, contractor personnel shall be acceptable to the Government in terms of personal and professional conduct, and in technical knowledge.

Furthermore, contractor personnel shall be proficient using office automation equipment and software and have sufficient written and verbal communication skills to support SAMI. Should any contractor personnel be determined to be unacceptable in terms of technical competency or found to have demonstrated unacceptable personal conduct while on-site or while working on contract activities, the contractor shall immediately remove and replace the unacceptable on-site personnel at no additional cost to the Government. Should any contractor personnel be determined to be unacceptable in terms of technical competency or found to have demonstrated unacceptable personal conduct while on-site or while working on contract activities, the contractor shall immediately remove and replace the unacceptable on-site personnel at no additional cost to the Government. Additionally, any replacement of Contractor personnel, whether due to performance, changes in personnel, or any other reason, shall be subject to the knowledge and approval of the COR and the CO. No changes to Key Personnel shall be made without the explicit knowledge and approval of the COR and the CO. This task order is for non-personal services only. The Contractor is responsible to direct the activities of contractor personnel to meet contract requirements. Contractor personnel are to serve in a support role; final decisions regarding VA business will always be made by Government personnel. Certain skilled, experienced professional, and/or technical personnel are essential for accomplishing the work to be performed.

The Key Personnel for this effort include Project Manager, Subject Matter Expert –

Project Manager

The Contractor shall designate Project Manager who is the single contractor point of contact with/for the SAMI requests for SME support and any matter related to the contractor performance. The Project Manager is defined as a person with a BA/BS degree and experience relevant to the task order requirement of successfully managing a large-scale program, encompassing multiple projects, with a total lifecycle budget and complexity comparable to the task order at hand. Such experience shall include planning, initiating, managing, executing and closing out programs in support of an agency's mission.

BA/BS degree and/or PMP

4 years

Subject Matter Expert – Acquisition Management

The Contractor shall have adequate education, training and experience with demonstrated ability to facilitate the convergence of all elements of acquisition and lifecycle management (Business strategy, Federal Budgeting, program/project management, federal contracting), to facilitate better coordination and overall processes to improve outcomes.

Note: ALF Skill Enhancement Module Specialized Knowledge and Skills: ALF Skill Enhancement module developer shall have relevant and current (no less than 5 years) experience developing training courses and modules for adult learners. The Contractor shall have no less than 5 years acquisition management experience and shall be knowledgeable of Program/Project processes, principles, concepts; lifecycle management concepts; VA acquisition management processes, Federal and agency mandates.

Master's Degree (may be substituted with additional experience}, PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

10 years

14.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The Government will use the methods outlined in the QASP below to perform surveillance of the Contractor performance:

Deliverable or Requirement

Performance Standard

Surveillance Method

Outcome

Delivery of Services

Services shall be provided in accordance with the Project Management Schedule 90% of the time

100% inspection.

Services shall be rendered on-going throughout the period of performance.

The services shall meet the requirements as outlined in the Project/Task Statement. The Government Project Manager will review each Deliverable for quality/timeliness according to criteria established in this TO.

The TO COR will record start date and completion dates and provide agreement for each conforming service by electronic mail.

Poor performance may result in issuance of a Contractor Discrepancy Report (CDR}, as outlined in Section 7.2 of the IDIQ contract. The Contractor's performance on this TO will be reported to the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS} on an annual basis. The CO and COR will make use of information from CDRs, as well as any additional knowledge and information available to them with respect to the contractor's performance, to complete the CPARS.

The Government will not pay for services that do not conform or do not meet performance standards or have not been properly rendered.

The Contractor will be given an opportunity to correct non-conforming services at no cost to the Government if the services are non-conforming or the contract.

requirement is unacceptable.

Quality of Deliverables

Deliverables shall be free of grammatical and typographical errors 95% of the time and will be in accordance

100% inspection.

The Government Project Manager will review each Deliverable for quality/timeliness according to criteria established in this TO.

The Government will not pay for services that do not conform or do not meet performance standards or have not been properly rendered.

The contractor will be given an opportunity to correct non-conforming services at no cost to the Government if the services are non-conforming or the contract requirement is unacceptable.

with Program Office/VA Style Guide standards 100% of the time.

All deliverables will be reviewed and approved by PM for each project.

Poor performance may result in issuance of a Contractor Discrepancy Report (CDR). The Contractor’s performance on this TO will be reported to the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) on an annual basis. The CO and COR will make use of information from CDRs, as well as any additional knowledge and information available to them with respect to the Contractor’s performance, to complete the CPARS. The Government will not pay for services that do not conform or do not meet performance standards or have not been properly rendered.

The Contractor will be given an opportunity to correct non-conforming services at no cost to the Government if the services are non-conforming or the contract requirement is unacceptable.

Documenting Performance

• Acceptable Performance: The Government will document acceptable performance in accordance with the chart above. Any report may become a part of the supporting documentation for any contractual action.

• Unacceptable Performance: When unacceptable performance occurs, the COR will inform the CO. This will always be in writing although when circumstances necessitate immediate oral communication, that communication will be followed in writing. The COR will document the discussion and place it in the COR’s file. When the CO determines formal written communication is required, the COR will prepare a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) and present it to the Contractor's program manager. The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR in writing to the CO. The CDR will state how long after receipt the Contractor must take corrective action. The CDR will also specify if the Contractor is required to prepare a corrective action plan to document how the Contractor shall correct the unacceptable performance and avoid a recurrence. The CO will review the Contractor's corrective action plan to determine acceptability. Any CDRs may become a part of the supporting documentation for any contractual action deemed necessary by the

CO.

15.0 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY

1. GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor's employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data - General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

b. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the contractors/subcontractor's information systems or media storage systems in order to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the contractor must ensure that VA's information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA's sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct on site inspections of contractor and subcontractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with VA directive requirements.

c. Prior to termination or completion of this contract,…