Amendment_00004_081516_Solicitation_final.docx

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)

United States Small Business Administration

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR/STTR) Program Support Performance Work Statement Task Orders 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004

SBAHQ-16-R-0009

AMENDMENT 00004

June 2016

PART I – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide services necessary for technical assistance, programmatic support, outreach, training and IT development for the Office of Investment and Innovation at SBA as relates to the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

Much of the work tasked below is derived around maintaining and on building out an array of new capabilities that improve oversight, reporting, engagement, and cross-collaborative support for the SBIR/STTR programs.

1. CONTRACT DEFINITION – INDEFINITE DELIVERY – INDEFINITE QUANTITY

This is an Indefinite Delivery - Indefinite Quantity Contract as defined at Subpart 16.504 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), FAR Clause 52.216-22, Indefinite-Quantity. Services provided by the Contractor under this Contract shall be secured by the issuance of Task Orders placed in accordance with the following clauses: FAR 52.216-18, Ordering, and FAR 52.216-19, Ordering Limitations. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services). The successful offeror shall be registered in Sam.gov under this NAICS prior to award. The small business size standard is $15.0 m. This acquisition is set aside for competition among Women-Owned Small Business concerns. Eligible offerors must be an eligible WOSB, EDWOSB, WOSB JV, or EDWOSB JV in accordance with 13 CFR part 127.

2. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM QUANTITIES AND AMOUNTS FOR ORDER

The minimum quantity and/or amount to be ordered under this contract shall not be less than the minimum quantity and/or amount shown in the following table. The maximum quantity and/or amount to be ordered under this contract shall not exceed the maximum quantity and/or amount shown in the table. THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AMOUNT IS FOR THE LIFE OF THE CONTRACT which includes the base year and all options periods exercised.

2. TYPE OF CONTRACT - HYBRID CONTRACT TYPE

The contract type is a hybrid. Task orders issued may contain Firm Fixed Price (FFP) or Firm Fixed Price based on Level of Effort Contract Line Items (CLINS), with a cost-reimbursement line item for travel, or a combination of these types. The orders that contain Firm Fixed Price Level of Effort CLINS or tasks will be priced based on fixed labor rates that are provided with the IDIQ offer and hours will be negotiated prior to the issuance of each task order.

Upon receipt of a request for a proposal, the Contractor shall provide a proposal of costs to be incurred, including direct labor and other direct costs. In doing so, the Contractor agrees that, unless otherwise specified in the request for proposal, reimbursable travel will be paid based upon Federal travel regulations in place at the time the travel takes place and will not have any fee added to it.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE BASE CONTRACT

This contract is one, one-year base period and four, one-year option periods. See the Task Orders for the period of performance for each order. The initial task order work will begin from date of award and be completed no later than 12 months from award. Additional call-orders may be made through-out the 5 year contract corresponding for the 4 main foci initiatives listed below.

The period of performance for this contract is one, one-year base period and four, one-year option periods.

Base period will begin on the date of award and completed twelve months after the date of award.

Option period 1 (1 year) NOTE: DATES WILL BE FILLED IN AT TIME OF AWARD Option period 2 (1 year) Option period 3 (1 year) Option period 4 (1 year)

PART II - IDIQ PRICING SCHEDULE

4. –Tasks

Task 1 Technical Assistance with Reporting, Monitoring, and Analysis of Program Compliance Fixed price - Monthly

Task 2 Development of Training Modules & Web-Based Learning System

Task 3 Continued IT Build out, Enhancements, & Maintenance of SBIR.gov Fixed price - Monthly

Task 4 Outreach & Communications Support

As total compensation for all services performed in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications stated herein, the Contractor will be paid according to the prices listed above per CLIN Structure or per negotiated level of effort per the Labor Rates listed below under paragraph 5 as negotiated as a fixed price on all Task Orders issued.

5. LABOR RATES

All task orders issued against this contract will be firm-fixed price and may have a Not to Exceed amount for travel. Tasks will be based on proposed labor categories and hourly rates agreed upon with the award of the IDIQ contract. The exact hours needed per task order shall be negotiated prior to the task order award and set at firm-fixed price amounts with the task order award.

Offerors must provide their proposed labor categories and hourly pricing in response to the IDIQ RFP by completing the SF 1449 and Attachment 1 for each specific Task Order. If a task order is issued for one of those tasks, the offeror must propose the number of hours and individuals necessary to complete the tasks, based on the agreed upon labor categories and hourly rate pricingThe resulting task order award is a firm-fixed price award.

All the tasks are priced based on labor categories and hourly rates agreed upon in the IDIQ contract. If any of these tasks are included in Task Order 1, Task Order 2, Task Order 3,or Task Order 4, the Offeror must provide its proposed number of hours and individuals to complete those tasks and include that information in its proposal for the task order award. The proposed labor categories, hourly rates, and any increase in price for option year performance of such tasks will be incorporated into the award of the IDIQ contract and the number of hours and individuals will be negotiated and agreed upon prior to the award of any task order for these tasks.

NOTE: All labor rates submitted with the IDIQ task will be incorporated into this section upon award and shall be valid for the base period and option periods of the contract.

Additional lines should be incorporated or a separate chart may be included as part of the offeror’s proposal and will be incorporated at time of award at this section.

Part III – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

6.0 OVERVIEW/PURPOSE OR OBJECTIVE

The Office of Investment and Innovation at the US Small Business Administration (SBA-OII) sets the policy guidance, is responsible for implementing program improvements, and performs programmatic oversight for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. These programs are an annual estimated $2.5 billion dollar small business program for high tech driven small businesses to engage in federal sponsored research and development (R&D). In addition to OII’s role establishing policy for these programs, OII serves in an oversight and compliance role. Our organization is mandated by US Congress to monitor, analyze, and ensure that the participating federal agencies are statutorily adhering to the directives set forth to administer their relevant SBIR and/or STTR programs. The purpose /objective of this contract is to support efforts around the following 4 key task areas:

Task 1) Technical Assistance with Reporting, Monitoring, and Analysis of Program Compliance Task 2) Development of Training Modules & Web-Based Learning System (Business Assistance Webinars, Video Tutorials, Playbook Guides, etc…) Task 3) Continued IT Buildout, Enhancements, & Maintenance of SBIR.gov (Software Development and Support) Task 4) Outreach & Communications Support (Conferences, Marketing Materials, External Engagement, etc…)

Currently SBA-OII has a robust business intelligence platform (www.sbir.gov) that is built on Drupal 7 network architecture and is in the process of being enabled for further API integration and coordination with the 11 participating SBIR/STTR federal agencies’ data systems. The data on the system dates as far back to 1983, and the site has a robust set of front and back-end operational capabilities as well as enhanced UI/UX displays. The efforts around the modernization of the SBIR.gov data system (formerly known as TechNet) dates back to 2011, and as a result has been outfitted with necessary software and hardware upgrades. Managing the hundreds of thousands of records from SBIR and STTR proposals, awards, obligations, and other data is a critical SBA responsibility and is key to monitoring, analyzing and reporting on the program.

In addition to the SBIR.gov modernization efforts and demand for improved reporting, SBA-OII has sought to modernize our efforts of outreach and communications using a combination of in-person and web-based/digital forms of engagement. Examples of our in-person endeavors include our 20+ states-wide SBIR Road Tour (started in 2015) and National/Regional SBIR conference efforts as well as the utilization of a suite of training tutorials, train the trainer program, and social media tools to advance engagement across a diverse array of applicants throughout the country. We also engaged with conference providers, TechConnect, local and state economic development entities (primarily through our FAST network), and most recently with our SBA Growth Accelerator recipients to expand our reach in a cost effective manner.

8.0 ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

8.2.1. Contracting Officer: The SBA Official authorized to execute and administer the contract on behalf of SBA and includes any duly appointed successor or authorized representative.

8.2.2. Contractor: The individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity, which is the party subject to the terms and condition of this contract.

8.2.3. Day: Calendar day unless otherwise stated.

8.2.4. Deliverable Date: If a deliverable date falls on a weekend or federally recognized holiday, the due date shall be the next business day. Unless otherwise specified SBA will review all deliverables and provide comments generally within 30 days after receipt of either a draft or a final deliverable.

8.2.4. Key Personnel: Personnel specifically considered to be essential to the work being performed under this contract are defined at throughout the solicitation.

8.2.5. Quality Assurance: A program for the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of a project, service, or facility to ensure that standards of quality are being met.

8.2.6. Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production and quality of deliverables to ensure that they conform to the contract.

8.2.7. Quarter: A quarter will be defined as the first of January through the end of March, first of April through the end of June, first of July through the end of September, and first of October through the end of December.

8.2.8. SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration. The terms “Small Business Administration,” “SBA” and the “Government” shall be synonymous and may be used interchangeably in this contract.

9. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, materials, travel, facilities that have fully functional offices and meeting space, teleconference capacities, and shall otherwise do all things necessary for, or incidental to, the performance of the tasks set forth in this contract. Any additional specific requirements and any government furnished items or services will be identified in each task order.

The Contractor shall appoint a Project Manager (PM) and an Alternate Project Manager (APM) for managing the Parent IDIQ and for active Task Orders, and serving as the point of contact for SBA. The Alternate Project Manager shall be capable of assuming the role of the Project Manager without delays due to any lack of knowledge/information, which could reduce the level of efficiency necessary to ensure task order performance.

NOTE: The Project Manager and the Alternate Project Manager of Contact SHALL be employees of the Contractor and cannot be employees of a subcontractor. The Project Manager and Alternate Project Manager must have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience (management, analytical, programmatic, and policy experience) related to the SBIR/STTR programs, as well as strong oral, written, communication, and data analytical skills.

The Contractor shall provide key staff as detailed in each task. The remaining staff need not be full-time as long as the Contractor provides sufficient staff to accomplish the tasks outlined in this document.

Personnel or facilities may be changed from time to time during the course of the contract with the consent of the contracting parties. Prior to removing, replacing, or diverting any of the specified individuals or facilities, the Contractor shall notify, in writing, and receive consent from, the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance of the action and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this contract.

Throughout the period of performance of this contract, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to make an assessment of the technical and professional qualifications of any individual proposed as a substitute for any of the individuals in key personnel positions. If the technical and/or professional qualifications of the proposed individual is determined by the Contracting Officer either (1) not to be substantially equivalent to the technical and/or professional qualifications of the key personnel they are to replace, or (2) not sufficient to reasonably ensure successful performance, or if they would otherwise endanger project performance, progression, or completion, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to deny permission for the substitution of the proposed individual.

10. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

SBA will provide the Contractor with seating for three individuals in its office facilities in Washington D.C., including office space, furniture, office equipment and Agency-approved software and hardware in order to perform some of the services detailed in this Performance-Based Statement of Work. Only a Contractor or Sub-Contractor employee who has completed and passed all clearance requirements can work in the SBA office space and have access to SBA IT systems. The Contractor shall be required to attend a post-award conference either in person or via teleconference. The Contracting Officer or designee will notify the Contractor of the date and time of the conference, typically 10 days after award The Government will provide up to 4 computers and workstations for the contractor employees. The government does guarantee cubicles or office but workspace.

11. TASKS

11.1 TASK 1: SBIR/STTR OVERALL PROGRAM SUPPORT: TECHINICAL ASSISTANCE WITH ANALYSIS, MONITORING, & PERFORMANCE REPORTING This task will be negotiated at the Task Order level based on the needs and details.

The contractor shall provide skilled experts that have experience with at least one of the participating agency SBIR programs; be capable of providing technical assistance with the analysis of data; and provide recommendations for how OII could improve management, oversight, and coordination of the SBIR/STTR program. This task shall include, but is not limited to the details below. The roles of the Program Manager and Assistant Program Manager will be part of this Task and both positions shall be working program managers. NOTE: SBA estimates that this task has a combined minimum resource hours of 0.75 to 1.25 man years.

11.1.1 Program Support

The contractor will provide a Program Manager (PM) and Assistant Program Manager (APM) that will be the primary interface between the various tasks, support contractors, the SBIR and STTR agencies, and SBA. To execute this task, the PM and APM will need to have strong relationships with each agency program management team as well as their support contract staff. The PM and APM individuals need to have an extensive knowledge of the SBIR and STTR programs both at the policy and program execution level, they need to understand how the program execution varies across the agencies and have experience working with agencies in executing a program. We are expecting a minimum of 10 years relevant experience with the SBIR program for these two positions and this shall be shown on resume and prior relevant experience.

11.1.2 Assistance with Monitoring and Analysis

SBA needs assistance to help track oversight responsibilities laid out in the SBIR and STTR legislation. Under the SBIR and STTR program, agencies are responsible for submitting a series of reports and data throughout the year. The contractor will support document control for all required reporting activities. They will also develop working relationships with all of the agencies and ensure reporting requirements are transparent and adhered to. The SBA prefers individuals with at least 5 years’ experience working with the program and a detailed knowledge of the reporting activities involved at the agency level.

The contractor will help the SBA analyze the data, look for trends, study other economic or policy impacts, compare agency data as well as other R&D, technology, and economic support programs inside or outside of the Government, all in an effort to help SBA make recommendations for how to improve the SBIR and STTR programs.

11.1.3 Assistance for the Development of Reports (will include but not limited to):

1) Annual program reporting:

SBA is required to report annually to Congress on both the SBIR and STTR programs. 15 C. F. R. 638 outlines the required components of the report. Much of the data is obtained through SBIR.Gov business intelligence platform, but it must be verified and analyzed with other data to help provide an understanding for the health and direction of the program. The most recent edition of the report can be found at www.sbir.gov

2) SBIR/STTR Policy Directives In providing oversight over the SBIR and STTR programs, SBA publishes and updates the SBIR/STTR Policy Directives which implement the mandates of Congress. The Policy Directives are updated to reflect key developments in the programs. Typically, updates are required through legislative direction. The SBIR and STTR Policy Directives can be reviewed at www.sbir.gov and the current proposed version is published for comment, closing 6 July 2016.

3) FAST reporting SBA manages the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. The law governing the program can be found at 15 C. F. R. 657(d). SBA awards approximately 20 grants annually to organizations to help provide outreach regarding SBIR/STTR, as well as in providing technical assistance to aspiring program participants. SBA is required to issue a report outlining activities in the program each fiscal year.

4) Administrative funds reporting SBIR agencies have the ability to utilize up to 3% of their SBIR funds across several areas (e.g., commercialization, reporting, and outreach). SBA works with SBIR agencies to develop a report summarizing the results of the agencies use of the funds. As of 15 June 2016, SBA has not yet submitted an Administrative Funding report to Congress, but SBA will be doing so once per year while the authorization is in place. This report will require obtaining a substantial amount of data from the agencies, which then must be incorporated into a single report which explains how the agencies are using the program and the benefit this program is providing to the small business community.

5) SBIR.gov assessment(s) SBIR.gov is the central focal point for the public and participating agencies to gain access to timely information on the SBIR and STTR programs. The back end of the Government Database is the central repository for all SBIR and STTR data collected from both the firms, such as commercialization data, proposals, and awards from the agencies. It is essential to SBA and the SBIR/STTR programs that the system is continuously evaluated to ensure that data is accurate, the user interfaces are informative, as well as user friendly, and the overall system is optimally designed. New data and features are added continuously. Quarterly assessments/reports will be used to ensure data integrity, user experience, and to define future improvements.

6) Ad Hoc Reports (including science and technology orientated economic analysis) In addition to the several identified reports outlined in this section, the contractor will also be requested by SBA to provide Ad Hoc Reports. These reports will be called out in future task orders.

7) SBA Growth Accelerator reporting in relation to SBIR/STTR program utilization (Ad-Hoc and limited in scope).

SBA oversees the Growth Accelerator program. SBA issues a report on the program each year and requires the program awardees to provide data and information on the utilization of the award. SBA is working to use these accelerators to expand SBIR awareness, commercialize local Phase I and II awardees, and build a better network connecting SBIR firms to existing SBA assets. Studies to identify and assess best practices of the Growth Accelerator program and their impact will be a key part of this task. Details regarding the program can be found at www.sba/accelerators.

11.1.4. Transition Plan:

The Offeror shall provide a Draft Phase-In/Phase-Out Plan which includes options to assist in ensuring a smooth transition, at the beginning of the contract, or to a new contractor or back to SBA when the Contract ends or is terminated. The Plan will include, at a minimum, meeting with SBA personnel to develop and implement a transition timeline for both phase-in and phase-out, and a description of how data developed in the performance of the contract and provided by SBA prior to the beginning of the contract will be transferred back to SBA at phase-out, including the media and format in which the data will be transferred. The offeror will include an estimated ramp-up time, if necessary, following award, in order to begin performance of the first task order. Deliverable shall be submitted at the post award meeting.

Deliverables:

The level of work we are looking for on these efforts includes the ability to quantitatively review the relevant data sets to aid us in assessing and analyzing the efficiency and efficacy of the SBIR/STTR programs. Therefore skilled personnel must have a strong understanding of the SBIR and STTR programs at individual agencies, be knowledgeable of efforts across the US both within and outside of the government geared towards improving the ability for technology firms to flourish, and be able to draw conclusions based on other data sources and how they may impact trends to the SBIR program and our customers. They must craft a variety of narratives and qualitative statements that can be used to describe the data for a variety of audiences including; political leadership, small business community, technologists, entrepreneurs, mainstream media, etc… The Contractor shall assist with the preparation of draft reports that will be delivered quarterly, annually, and as needed, but they will include general introductions, detailed analysis, trends forecasting and back-end analysis, as well areas for improvement. The draft reports will be considered by SBA and SBA may provide feedback, which must be included in subsequent final drafts of the reports. The Contractor shall assist OII with the preparation of the final draft of the reports. Further details on formatting and content of the reports can be found on www.sbir.gov. In particular under the About Section which includes the content for the SBIR/STTR policy directive as well under the awards section of www.sbir.gov via “Annual Reports” which will provide detailed content on the type of award data analyzed and the types of reports showcased and created by SBA for submission to the White House and US Congress. SBA is looking to expand upon the level of detail and analysis that is provided in most of our past reports. All materials shall be developed in conjunction with SBA-OII team and reviewed and approved by SBA-OII before release. Deliverables under this Section will be clarified further at the Task Order Level.

Key Personnel for Task 1:

The PM and APM individuals need to have an extensive knowledge of the SBIR and STTR programs both at the policy and program execution level, they need to understand how the program execution varies across the agencies and have experience working with agencies in executing a program. We are expecting a minimum of 10 years relevant experience for these two positions and this shall be shown on resume and prior relevant experience. The individuals that will support the monitor, analysis and reporting tasks must have strong familiarity (shown on resume and prior relevant project experience) with legislative renderings around the SBIR/STTR program, methods of program execution at individual agencies, assessments rendered by Government Accountability Office and The National Academies regarding the SBIR/STTR program, and a understanding of what impacts the growth of technology based firms. SBA is expecting the key individuals supporting Task 11.1.2 to have a minimum required qualifications (demonstrated on resumes submitted) of 5-10 years of SBIR relevant experience (analytical, programmatic, economic or policy experience) and knowledge of other programs that impact technology based small businesses. They must have strong oral, written, communication, and data analytical skills. It is expected that several of these individuals will work in the SBA office and interface directly with the OII Director of Innovation and the OII SBIR team. The PM and APM will be the main point of contact for OII and the contract support team to include subcontractors. The PM or APM are expected to be onsite most of the time at SBA unless traveling with the SBA Director of Innovation. It is expected that Task 1 will require a minimum of four, but possibly more, man-years of effort in addition to the time of the PM and APM. Offerors are not required to propose 4 individuals or any particular number of individuals to support this task, and this information is only provided as an estimate.

It is also expected that several of the individuals working on Task 1 will sit on site at SBA. SBA will have four spots on site for the contract team, and SBA will provide the needed computers for up to four individuals.

11.2 TASK 2: DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING MODULES & WEB BASED LEARNING SYSTEM

11.2.1 Task 2.1: Train-the-Trainer Initiative

This task will be negotiated at the Task Order level based on the needs and details.

The Train-the Trainer Initiative is an initiative to provide SBIR/STTR focused training and information to SBA partners including FAST recipients, Growth Accelerators, state SBIR leaders, PTACs, economic development cluster hubs, SBDCs, Universities, Business Incubators, and other interested third parties. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide the SBA Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) with a cost effective and efficient means to increase the reach and effectiveness of its SBIR/STTR outreach initiatives by delivering focused training and program information about the SBIR/STTR programs to hundreds of SBA resource partner organizations throughout the nation.

Various briefing and training packages may be developed and webinars conducted for the targeted group of SBA partner organization in order to improve their knowledge of the SBIR/STTR Program and to prepare them to more effectively engage and assist their small business clients with navigating the SBIR/STTR application and award process, including the submission of SBIR/STTR proposals, the business skills needed to manage these contracts and grants, as well as assistance in commercializing the SBIR/STTR work into products and services. Modification and updating of course material is pertinent in order to keep the material fresh and relevant to the times.

Much of the Train the Trainer material is directed to helping the community listed above with what is available under the SBIR.gov web based training modules developed under Task 2.2. Deliverables will include a slide deck and series of webinars that will walk individuals through this deck. The presentation decks to be developed and kept current are – A Guide to Training Potential SBIR Applicants, and Helping Firms that have Received SBIR Funding. The contractor shall also review other advanced methods for delivering content to underrepresented communities and millennials, both audiences are important target communities that SBA wants to increase awareness and engagement of the program, and make recommendations to OII on how the positive exposure of the SBIR program can be made to these communities.

Deliverables: Within (3) months of Task Order award, the contractor shall develop the two Train the Trainer presentation decks and over the following -9 months delivery the material through monthly webinars for both subjects. All materials need to be developed and delivered in draft form 30 days prior to final. The drafts must be created in conjunction with SBA-OII team. OII will review the drafts and may provide feedback which must be incorporated into any subsequent draft. The final draft is another deliverable that shall be reviewed and approved by SBA-OII before release. The current 2 briefings shall be updated quarterly. The contractor will host 24 webinars (2 for each of the curriculum) each year. These webinars will be recorded so that they can be reviewed at any time.

Key Personnel for this Task 2.1:

The skilled expert(s) shall be well versed in E-learning methods as well as having an understanding of the entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems that exist throughout the country and especially those supporting women, minorities and millennials. They must also be familiar (shown on resume and prior relevant project experience) with legislative renderings around the SBIR/STTR program, agency program implementation methods, and detailed knowledge of all systems that a small business would have to work through in moving from topic identification, to proposal submission, and finally contract and grant award and close out. Minimum required qualifications that must be demonstrated on resumes submitted for the key personnel associated with this task: SBA expects lead individuals to have 5-10 years of relevant experience in the areas listed in above. These individual(s) will be the main point of contact between OII and the contractor and subcontractor staff.

11.2.2 Task 2.2: Web-Based Learning Systems

This task will be negotiated at the Task Order level based on the needs and details.

In addition to the continued development and enhancements around the Train-the-Trainer initiative, there will be a build-out of Web-Based learning modules via the SBIR.gov platform housing.

Build out SBA portfolio of web-learning tools around pertinent topics of interest for the SBIR/STTR program in the same vein of our current portfolio but crafted around timely topics of interest and dedicated towards various populations of interest. SBA will provide direction regarding the content of these web-based tools but the contractor is also expected to develop recommendations for content. The webinars should take advantage of the latest methods for content delivery while ensuring 508 compliance. Specific topics and areas of interest will be further defined at the Task Order level and in consultation with SBA-OII and the SBIR/STTR interagency policy committee team, however listed below is an initial sampling of topics that the contractor shall be capable of providing. The contractor will also be expected to continuously investigate, be knowledgeable of, and recommend new ways to perform distance learning. It is also possible that this assistance could expand to include one-on-one assistance – where Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) in areas such as IP law, ITAR, Government Accounting, Market Analysis, Manufacturing Assessment, would provide direct assistance to an individual small business.

The build out of the web-learning tools shall be supported by numerous browser types (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Safari, and Chrome, as a minimum) and operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Google, Firefox OS, and Android, as a minimum) and not require proprietary software loads, adaptors, or multiple plug-ins to operate.

The tutorial system should be able to accommodate a large number of simultaneous on-line users with random spikes reaching 2,000 users without any degradation of service. The average transaction response time between request and server response should be one second or less per page. The load time for page content shall not exceed 10 seconds per page.

This system should also be able to do the following:

a. Conduct surveys and configure feedback. Feedback should be for course content, supporting materials, delivery method, system features, usage and the instructor as a minimum.

b. Capable to store scanned forms, MS Word documents, PowerPoint, PDFs, etc.

c. Support virtual classrooms to deliver learning in real time to widely dispersed audiences.

d. Have the capability for students to ask questions of instructors in real time during “live” events (webinars, virtual classrooms, etc.) and to have both questions and answers stored for future reference.

e. Capability in the virtual learning environment to support testing and assessment.

f. Synchronous shared whiteboard (equivalent to a traditional flipchart or chalkboard) available to support the virtual learning environment and collaboration activities.

g. Session recordings of webinar and classroom events are available for playback at a later time.

h. Support for blended learning activities (e.g., webinar, pre-test, instructor-led course via virtual classroom).

i. Both pre-testing and post-testing capabilities (including reports that compare pre- and post-test performance).

j. Ability to provide for an administrator to perform instructor management tasks if the instructor is unable to do so.

Web-Based Course content to be built upon and refined as well as created over the life of this contract to include the following:

SBIR/STTR

Program Basics – the objectives of this course are to provide a basic understanding of the purposes, structure, operation and statutory/regulatory/policy underpinnings of the SBIR and STTR programs.

Individual Agency Requirements – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the operation, policies, and requirements of the SBIR/STTR programs at the federal participating agencies.

Solicitation Reviews – the objectives of this course are to provide detailed reviews of the formats, provisions, schedules, and requirements, of the various agency solicitations with a focus on both commonalities and unique/new features of each solicitation/agency.

Preparing Proposals – the objectives of this course are to provide a tutorial for firms on how to develop proposals that are both compliant with the solicitation and respond to the specific topics and evaluation criteria specified for award.

Finding Topics – the objectives of this course are to assist firms in not just locating solicitation topics; but also, identifying which topics match their firms’ capabilities, providing a more reasonable chance for success in a highly competitive solicitation.

Finding Partners – the objectives of this course are to assist firms in finding and using available tools to locate potential partners to assist in research and commercialization efforts.

SBA Registration Requirements, SAM, and Other system registration requirements – the objectives of this course are to assist firms in understanding how to register to do business with the government, the importance of maintaining current registry information, and the timing of registration requirements.

Accounting and Finance

Accounting System Requirements – the objectives of this course are to educate the firm on the requirements that must be met in order to have an accounting system approved for the receipt of a cost reimbursement contract or a fixed price contract that involves progress payments.

Allowable and Unallowable Costs – the objectives of this course are to introduce the concept of allowable and unallowable costs; cover common mistakes that firms unfamiliar with government accounting standards make in determining and accounting for allowable/unallowable costs; and how unallowable costs can affect payments and accounting system approvals.

Audits – the objectives of this course are to discuss the most common types of government contract and business system audits/reviews including but not limited to accounting system, billing, indirect cost rate, time keeping, proposal, and close-out.

Indirect Costs – the objectives of this course are to discuss the various types of indirect costs (e.g. fringe benefits, general and administrative, and independent research and development) and generally accepted accounting principle provisions for proper calculation and accounting for costs involved with indirect rates.

Contracts and Grants

Contracts versus Grants – the objectives of this course are to explain the structural, financial, and compliance requirements of both contracts and grants including the differences between the two vehicles and how they can affect firm performance and payment.

Deliverables, IUIDs (Item Unique Identification), and DD-250s – the objectives of this course are to introduce the specific government unique requirements associated with the delivery of products, data, and services under contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD).

Government Property, Purchasing of Equipment, and Retention of Equipment – the objectives of this course are to provide the government unique guidelines for the purchase, handling, accounting for, maintenance, and use of equipment under government contracts.

Roles of the Procuring Contracting Officer and ACO/ Grants Officer and AGO – the objectives of this course are to provide an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the purchasing and administrating agents for government contracts and grants to include which agent is best suited to provide assistance to firms for various matters.

Types of Contracts – the objectives of this course are to provide a thorough understanding of the various types of contracts authorized by FAR and the impact each plays on the contractor’s responsibilities for cost and performance.

Payment Provisions, Invoices, and Time to Receipt of Funds – the objectives of this course are to discuss the various payment methods provided for under government contracts, how these payments are submitted, the basis for calculating the payments, the timing of payments, and the systems and requirements for payments processing.

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) – the objectives of this course are to provide detailed information on what represents fraud, waste, and abuse under government programs and funding agreements; the most common mistakes that lead to problems related to FWA; the penalties associated with FWA; ways to prevent FWA; and how to report FWA.

Security Concerns

Classified Document Generation, Storage, and Control – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the DoD requirements set out in the NSPOM for classified document generation, storage, and control by government contractors; the rules governing derivative classification; the process for disposal of classified documents; and the available sources of information when questions arise concerning classified or potentially classified information/documents.

Personnel and Facility Clearances – the objectives of this course are to provide information on the requirements and processes for obtaining and maintaining personnel and facility security clearances. Information must include but is not limited to the information necessary for processing clearances, the forms to be used, supporting material required, on-site inspection or interview requirements, common mistakes, eligibility requirements, reasons for denial or withdrawal, and processing times.

Review before Publication/Disclosure (Sensitive but Unclassified Material) – the objectives of this course are to provide information on the processes and procedures involved in obtaining approval for public disclosure of information pertaining to matters related to contract performance. Information must include but is not limited to how to determine what information might be sensitive or have limited/restricted disclosure, the proper method of marking documents for distribution, how to obtain permission for public release of information, the rules governing public release of basic research, and the penalties for violating disclosure restrictions.

International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Controls

Applicability – the objectives of this course include but are not limited to providing an overview of the ITAR and Export Control regulations, the applicable statutes/regulations/policies, the governing agencies, how to determine if an item or service is falls under ITAR, the restrictions imposed, and the penalties for violations.

“Deemed” Exports and Personnel Concerns – the objectives of this course include but are not limited to discussing the concept of “deemed exports”, providing information on how uncontrolled access to facilities and work by persons not assigned to a project can cause problems, and discussing issues that can arise when ITAR/export controlled information or technology is observed by non-US citizens.

Export Licenses – the objectives of this course are to provide a comprehensive discussion of the requirements and procedures for obtaining export licenses for technology products, processes, data, and services covered by ITAR and other US export control statutes/regulations. Information discussed must include but is not limited to registration requirements, license applications and processing, usage restrictions, country of destination and transfer restrictions, license renewals, country restrictions, and export control reform initiatives.

Intellectual Property

Patents - Clauses, Filing, Reporting, and Licensing – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the intellectual property covered by and through the patent process. The information provided must include but is not limited to the requirements for having a “patentable” item, the process for filing for patents including the forms required, the supporting information to be included in a patent filing, the FAR and DFARS clauses associated with patents and the requirements they impose on the contractor, the types of licenses recognized under patents as well as those usually associated with government funding, and reporting requirements associated with patents and patentable inventions under government funded contracts.

Data Rights - Clauses, Marking, Asserting Data Rights, and Licensing – the objectives of this course are an overview of the intellectual property associated with technical data developed or delivered under government grants and contracts and specifically SBIR/STTR. The information provided must include but is not limited to the non-commercial software and technical data rights clauses from the FAR and DFARS included in SBIR/STTR contracts, the marking requirements for data delivered to the government or otherwise provided for disclosure, the requirements associated with asserting data rights for previously developed data and for data developed in the performance of the funding agreement, the government’s rights in reviewing and responding to data rights assertions, the protections afforded by the data rights provisions, how SBIR/STTR differs from standard government data rights provisions, how protections can be lost through “public” disclosure, when the government is permitted to release or disclose SBIR/STTR data, and the impact that government license rights have on licensing.

Protection and Non-Disclosure Agreements – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of protection of information during partnering discussions, proposal preparations, and negotiation of subcontracting and consulting agreements as well as the content and effect of non-disclosure agreements on the protection of certain intellectual property and proprietary information that may be shared as part of the negotiation and contract performance processes.

Animal and Human Subject Protections

Applicability – the objectives of this course are to provide a general overview on the various statutes/regulations/policies governing the use of animals and recombinant DNA as well as the protection of human subjects during government sponsored research. The course should include but is not limited to the definitions and parameters that make research subject to applicable statutes/regulations/policies, the agencies involved in oversight, and the restrictions/penalties imposed if proper procedures are not followed.

Pre-Award Requirements – the objectives of this course are to provide detailed processes and procedures required to be followed prior to contract award involving the use of animals, recombinant DNA, or human subject testing. The course should include but is not limited to a detailed discussion of the process for obtaining approvals for acquisition and testing using animals including obtaining approvals from veterinary staff if required; the acquisition, storage and testing of recombinant DNA, and the process for establishing Institutional Review Boards for review and approval of human subject testing protocols.

Quality Assurance

Test Plans and Operational Testing – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the DoD and service/component requirements for testing of hardware and software. The course should include but is not limited to a detailed discussion of the process for developing test plans to validate the quality of products and processes against established acceptance criteria, to the evaluation of prototypes/breadboards/laboratory models against capability requirements, and the design and conduct of tests to determine effectiveness in an operational environment.

Qualified Products List – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the various processes used by government activities to “pre-certify” products for usage. The course should include but is not limited to a detailed discussion of the process for aircraft and ship-board use products, software, and other manufactured components governed by military specifications.

Configuration Control – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the requirements to track and document the content and configuration of complex components and systems. The course should include but is not limited to a detailed discussion of the tracking processes, marking requirements, and common reporting (data) systems employed.

DoD Acquisition

DoD Acquisition Process and Requirements Generation – the objectives of this course are to provide a general overview of the DoD acquisition process and requirements generation. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to the JCIDS process for major systems acquisitions, the program planning and budgeting system which determines how systems are funded, the systems engineering process, the evolutionary acquisition concept, value engineering, and the principle of Total Ownership Cost.

Working with Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Managers (PMs) – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of the organization, roles, and responsibilities of PEOs and PMs especially as it relates to fielding of new technologies and systems.

Working with Prime Contractors/System Integrators – the objectives of this course are to provide an overview of common processes and approaches for working with prime contractors/system integrators and how to integrate technology products and processes into prime contractor systems. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to how to identify appropriate prime contractor/system integrator partners, determining appropriate partnering strategies, and understanding/identifying interface requirements.

Commercialization Readiness Program (CRP) – the objectives of this course are to provide a general overview of…