Sol_140D0420R0017.pdf

140D0420R0017

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

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C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

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M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

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SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) DESCRIPTION SEC. (X)

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

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15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

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16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

03/10/2020 X

D12

Interior Business Center, AQD Division 1 /Branch 2 381 Elden St Suite 4000 Herndon VA 20170

Offers shall be submitted via E-Mail. See Section L.2 for submission information

1500 ET 04/24/2020

Gabriella Jones 703 gabriella_jones@ibc.doi.g ov964-8831

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Gabriella Jones

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

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12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____120_________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

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CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

140D0420R0017

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

Section A - Solicitation / Contract Form

This solicitation is for Training and Technical

Assistance (TTA) Network services for the

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS). Offerors shall complete items 12 through 18 of this SF33. Item

12 shall reflect a minimum of 120 days. Item 14 shall be left blank until a solicitation amendment is issued.

Contract Type:

The Government anticipates the award of 12 individual Time and Materials (T&M) contracts for each of the 12 Administration for Children and

Families (ACF) Regions identified in this solicitation.

Severable Services:

The services acquired under this contract are severable services. Funds are only available for use for the line item to which they are obligated. Unused funds from one period (line item) may not rollover for use in subsequent periods.

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

Section B – Supplies or Service and Prices

B.1 Background

Head Start is a nationwide comprehensive child development program serving pregnant women and eligible children from birth to five years old and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through the Office of Head Start (OHS), provides grants to local public and private non-profit and for-profit agencies to provide Head Start and Early Head Start services to economically disadvantaged children and families. Section 640(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Head Start Act, as amended December 12, 2007, requires that for each fiscal year, not less than 2.5 percent or more than 3 percent of the total Head Start allocation be reserved for Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) activities, designed to improve the quality of services delivered by Head Start programs. Of the total TTA allocation, 25 percent is used to fund TTA contracts that provide services to Head Start grantees. There are approximately 1,700 Head Start grantees nationwide, (herein also referred to as agencies) ranging from small agencies with little organizational capacity and serving less than 100 children, to large agencies with complex staffing, serving tens of thousands of children. A number of grantees award grants to delegate agencies, which provide all or part of the required comprehensive Head Start services.

This acquisition is being performed by the Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC), Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) on behalf of HHS, ACF, OHS, as a part of an Interagency Agreement for acquisition services. AQD is a Federal Shared Services Provider providing acquisition services for the federal government.

B.2 Description of Services

This requirement is for TTA Network services associated with the deployment of the Head Start grant program. It is the Government’s intent to award twelve (12) contracts, each are covering a distinct US geographical area, using full and open contracting procedures, as prescribed in FAR Part 15. While the Government anticipates ample competition, it reserves the right to award one or more contracts to a single contractor.

Each contract will provide grantees within a designated region with high-quality, sustained, and intensive training and technical assistance that, to the maximum extent practicable, improves the capacity of local programs to deliver services that, at a minimum, meet or exceed the priority areas described in section 641(A)(a)(1): “correction of findings identified through the federal monitoring system; school readiness;

and, training/professional development needs of staff.”

This requirement is a reoccurring need for OHS and is currently being performed under twelve (12) contracts awarded and administered by HHS Program Support Center (PSC).

The primary place of performance for these services is at the Contractor site; some labor categories will be required to perform at HHS/ACF field offices within the specific geographic region. The proposed contract type for each resultant contract is Time and Materials (T&M). The period of performance of each resultant contract is for 59 months, including a base period of 11 months and four (4) option periods of 12 months each.

Section C – Statement of Work

C.1 Purpose

Head Start is a nationwide comprehensive child development program serving pregnant women and eligible children from birth to five and their families. Section 640(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Head Start Act, as amended December 12, 2007, requires that for each fiscal year, not less than 2.5 percent or more than 3 percent of the total Head Start allocation be reserved for training and technical assistance (TTA) activities designed to improve the quality of services delivered by Head Start programs. Of the total TTA allocation, 25 percent is used to fund TTA contracts that provide services to grantees. The purpose of this announcement is to procure 12 Regional TTA contracts that will provide local grantees with high-quality, sustained, and intensive training and technical assistance that, “to the maximum extent practicable,” improves the capacity of local programs to deliver services that, at a minimum, meet or exceed the priority areas described in section 641 (A)(a)(1): “correction of findings identified through the federal monitoring system;

school readiness; and, training/professional development needs of staff.”

For additional Region-specific demographic information on the Head Start program please visit https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/data-ongoing-monitoring/article/program-information-report-pir .

In addition, Head Start monitoring review reports may be viewed and downloaded at https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/federal-monitoring/article/monitoring-review-reports .

The Office of Head Start (OHS) is seeking the procurement of 12 Regional TTA contracts for the following entities:

• Region 1 – includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont

• Region 2 – includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands

• Region 3 – includes Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West

Virginia

• Region 4 – includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South

Carolina, and Tennessee

• Region 5 – includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin

• Region 6 – includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

• Region 7 – includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

• Region 8 – includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

• Region 9 – includes Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii/Outer Pacific (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau)

• Region 10 – includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

• Region 11 – includes American Indian/Alaska Native grantees in 26 states across the country

• Region 12 – includes Migrant and Seasonal grantees in 38 states across the country

C.2 Background

The Regional TTA Network described under this requirement is part of a larger, comprehensive National Head Start TTA System that consists of three components:

• National Centers. The National Centers showcase evidence based practices that ensure grantees have access to high quality TTA in order to produce the best possible outcomes for children.

These National Centers are the cornerstone of Head Start’s National TTA System because they provide OHS with the ability to develop and disseminate a clear consistent message across https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/data-ongoing-monitoring/article/program-information-report-pir https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/federal-monitoring/article/monitoring-review-reports regions, states, and grantees about topics and initiatives important to the national office. The training and technical assistance, information and materials provided via these National Centers and initiatives are informed by current evidence and research and designed to support grantees in the delivery of high quality services.

• Regional Training and Technical Assistance Network. The Regional TTA Network continues and extends the work of the OHS by targeting the work of the National Centers and OHS priorities and initiatives to grantees. Each of the 12 Regional TTA contracts employs four categories of specialists: Early Childhood (EC) Specialists including infant, toddler and preschool specialists, Grantee Specialists (GS), Health Specialists, and a Family Engagement Specialist.

Some contracts also include a Systems Specialist. In support of the Regional Office, these specialists work on-site with individual grantees, small clusters of grantees, or conduct formal training sessions, either in-person or virtually. The Scope section of this RFP describes the work of each category of specialist and the individuals who support them.

• Direct funding to grantees. At least 50 percent of all TTA dollars allocated are given directly to grantees. Grantees have the discretion to use this money to establish agreements with community experts, institutions of higher education, or private consultants in order to make continuous program improvements identified by the grantee. As described in section 648(d), these direct funded TTA dollars may be used to expand staff qualifications; improve the skills teachers need in order to promote language and emergent literacy skills; improve management systems and learning environments; enhance the ability of staff to meet the needs of special populations of children, including those who are homeless or who experience abuse; develop the proficiency of staff to work with children who are dual language learners; design and implement programs that help parents enhance the language and literacy skills of their own children at home; as well as for other uses identified by and specific to each individual grantee.

These three components of the TTA system work together to provide Head Start and Early Head Start grantees with the support they require to provide high quality services to children and families.

C. 3 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, materials, services, facilities, and otherwise do all things necessary to execute the scope of work for this project. In performance of this contract, the Contractor shall complete the tasks set out below.

C.3.1 TASK 1 – PROVIDE TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

C.3.1.1 Subtask 1 – Regional Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator

The Regional Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Coordinator shall:

a. Support the Regional Office (RO) in developing short, intermediate, and long-term TTA planning that addresses OHS priorities and initiatives. The monthly TTA Training and Activity Report is due no later than the 10th calendar day of each month or as coordinated between COR and Contractor.

b. Manage and coordinate regional TTA services to ensure high quality, responsive, and coordinated TTA services and contract deliverables, as well as timely communication and resolution of quality concerns and issues.

c. Develop and implement quality assurance processes.

d. Implement and oversee a system of ongoing supervision and coaching for all TTA staff that supports ongoing professional development and performance improvement.

e. Ensure the completion of at least two formal observations of each TTA specialist in each performance period to assess quality of TTA provided and determine professional development needs.

f. Develop professional development frameworks for Grantee Specialists to increase their expertise and ability to support program capacity and strengthen program systems (applies only to Regions who do not have a Grantee Specialist Manager)

g. Ensure the timely and accurate completion of OHS required reports, including but not limited to, the Annual Regional PD plan, monthly and quarterly aggregated TTA plans, and grantee-specific TTA plans and activity reports. The grantee TTA Activity Report is due no later than the 5th working day of each month following completion of activity.

h. Implement data analysis and reporting processes that inform and improve the quality, responsiveness, and effectiveness of TTA services.

Participate in national and regional work groups and meetings as directed by the OHS

C.3.1.2 Subtask 2 – Regional Early Childhood Manager

The Regional Early Childhood Manager shall:

a. Implement a comprehensive system of quality assurance for TTA to grantees and contract deliverables related to the work of Early Childhood Specialists.

b. Provide effective and timely ongoing oversight and coaching to Early Childhood Specialists.

c. Develop and implement professional development for EC Specialists to increase their capability to support grantees in key performance areas including coaching, curriculum implementation and fidelity, teacher-child interactions, family engagement, child and family outcomes, assessment, and data aggregation and analysis.

d. Implement TTA data aggregation, analysis, and reporting processes that inform and improve the quality and responsiveness of Early Childhood Specialist services and improves coordination with state, regional, and national priorities and other early childhood TTA systems, as directed by the region.

e. Conduct at least two field observations of the Early Childhood Specialists in each performance period to assess quality of TTA provided and determine professional development needs.

f. Communicate with Regional Office staff to ensure coordinated support, messaging, and prioritization of technical assistance to grantees.

g. Participate in national and regional work groups and meetings as directed by the OHS.

h. Provide direct TTA to grantees, as requested by the Regional Office.

i. Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

C.3.1.3 Subtask 3 – Grantee Specialist Manager (Not Required in Every Region. See Section C.4.2)

The Grantee Specialist Manager shall:

a. Implement a comprehensive system of quality assurance for TTA to grantees and contract deliverables related to the work of Grantee Specialists.

b. Provide effective and timely ongoing oversight and coaching to Grantee Specialists.

c. Develop and implement professional development for Grantee Specialists to increase their capability to deliver TA that increases program capacity, supports grantees in developing strong management systems, and strengthens grantee corrective action efforts.

d. Communicate with Regional Office staff to ensure coordinated support, messaging, and prioritization of technical assistance to grantees with monitoring findings, management systems concerns, under-enrollment, and other risk factors identified by the Regional Office.

e. Conduct at least two field observations of the Grantee Specialists in each performance period to assess quality of TTA provided and determine professional development needs.

f. Implement TTA data aggregation, analysis, and reporting processes that inform and improve the quality and responsiveness of Grantee Specialist TTA services and improves coordination with state, regional and national priorities.

g. Participate in national and regional briefings as well as other regional office meetings as requested by OHS.

h. Provide direct TTA to grantees, as requested by the Regional Office.

C.3.1.4 Subtask 4 – Grantee Specialist

The Grantee Specialist shall:

a. Provide on-site, group, and virtual T/TA to grantees related to governance, program management, and fiscal operations, including supporting grantees in the following areas:

1. Correction of areas of noncompliance and deficiencies identified through the federal monitoring process.

This may require on-site work for periods of time ranging from one day to several weeks.

2. Development and implementation of a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that addresses root causes of the areas of noncompliance and deficiencies for grantees, as directed by the regional office.

3. Improvement of program oversight and management in areas of concern identified through the Regional Office oversight processes.

b. Maintain regular and timely communication with the appropriate Regional Office staff on delivery of TTA and progress toward corrective actions or quality improvement.

c. Coordinate TTA with Early Childhood, Family Engagement, Health, and System Specialists to ensure effective integration of management systems TTA that supports improvements to education, family services, and health services, as directed by the Regional Office.

d. Develop and provide effective presentations and training in areas related to program management and fiscal operations.

e. Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

C.3.1.5 Subtask 5 – Early Childhood Specialist

The Early Childhood Specialist shall:

a. Provide on-site, group, and virtual TTA to grantees related to school readiness, family engagement, and professional development.

b. Provide TTA related to the selection and implementation of ongoing child assessment, curriculum, and teaching that is age, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate across the birth to five spectrum.

c. Assist grantees to improve teacher/child interactions as described by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) for center-based preschool programs and other measures suitable for programs serving children from birth-to-five or children in home based and family child care settings.

d. Assist grantees to develop the procedures and skills to aggregate, analyze, and use data obtained through multiple sources.

e. Assist grantees to implement a research-based coaching model.

f. Assist grantees to develop and implement family engagement practices that support family progress as described in the Parent Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, including coaching of family engagement staff and selection and implementation of a parenting curriculum.

g. Assist grantees to strengthen birth-to-five transition practices, including building relationships with local preschools, elementary schools, and other partners.

h. Assist grantees to improve their collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), state agencies, and other partners.

i. Coordinate TTA with Grantee, Family Engagement, Health, and System Specialists to ensure effective integration of TTA across service areas, as directed by the Regional Office.

j. Maintain regular and timely communication with Regional Office staff on delivery of TTA and progress toward corrective actions or quality improvement.

k. Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

C.3.1.6 Subtask 6 –Family Engagement Specialist

The Family Engagement Specialist shall:

a. Serve as a liaison between the OHS and the National Center responsible for parent, family and community engagement.

b. Provide subject matter expertise, strategies, and resources to Regional Office and TTA staff on comprehensive parent, family, and community engagement, including strategies for engaging families.

c. Serve as a member of a national peer group of Family Engagement Specialists from each of the twelve regions.

d. Develop and implement strategies for connecting with grantee PFCE managers and/or coordinators in the Region.

e. Aggregate, analyze, and disseminate regional and grantee data from existing government systems to identify emerging trends impacting Head Start grantees.

f. Develop and provide presentations and training on topics related to family engagement.

g. Provide training to groups of grantees at regional and state events, as directed by the Regional Office.

h. Provide direct service to individual grantees, at the direction of the Regional Office.

C.3.1.7 Subtask 7 – Health Specialist

The Health Specialist shall:

a. Serve as a liaison between the OHS, the National Center responsible for health and wellness, and other relevant agencies.

b. Provide subject matter expertise, strategies, and resources to Regional Office and TTA staff on comprehensive health services, such as mental health and environmental health and safety, as well as strategies for engaging staff and families around issues on health.

c. Serve as a member of a national peer group of Health Specialists from each of the twelve regions.

d. Develop and implement strategies for connecting with grantee health managers and/or coordinators in the Region.

e. Aggregate, analyze, and disseminate regional and grantee health data from existing government systems to identify emerging trends impacting Head Start grantees.

f. Develop and provide presentations and training on topics related to early childhood health, mental health, safety, and other related topics.

g. Provide direct service to individual grantees, at the direction of the Regional Office.

h. Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

C.3.1.8 Subtask 8 – Systems Specialist (Not Required in Every Region. See Section C.4.2)

The Systems Specialist shall:

a. Provide subject matter expertise, consultation, and resources to Regional Office and TTA staff to improve coordination opportunities across state and federal early childhood care and education systems that impact Head Start service delivery.

b. Coordinate with partners such as Head Start associations, Head Start State Collaboration Offices, and Departments of Education to improve state and local coordination efforts, promote collaboration with local education agencies, and address cross-cutting challenges affecting Head Start children and families.

c. Aggregate and analyze regional data related to Head Start collaboration with state and federal early childhood development and education systems, local education agencies, and other local, state, and regional partners to identify cross-system coordination and collaboration issues.

d. Participate in regional-level meetings with Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSSCO) Directors, state Child Care administrators and other state-level early childhood systems partners, as directed by the Regional Office.

e. Provide direct TTA to Head Start/Early Head Start grantees at the direction of the Regional Office.

f. Support emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

C.3.1.9 Subtask 9 – Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Assistant shall:

a. Provide general administrative support for TTA contract activities and deliverables as directed by the Regional TTA Coordinator and the Regional Office.

b. Conduct event planning for regional TTA meetings and events, including provision of virtual TTA.

c. Perform general clerical duties such as data entry and recordkeeping.

d. Aggregate and prepare data from existing government systems to inform and report on TTA activities.

e. Support Regional TTA Coordinator in preparing and submitting accurate and timely monthly and quarterly reports and travel plans. Ensure that Head Start Enterprise System and other records are up-to-date.

f. Support the TTA Coordinator in completing the annual regional OHS Professional Development Plan process.

g. Incorporate other tasks specific to the support of the TTA Coordinator’s work or as requested by the COR.

C.3.2 TASK 2– PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall provide program management support under this contract. This includes project management, oversight, direction, administration, quality assurance, and leadership to satisfy the requirements identified in this Statement of Work (SOW).

C.3.2.1 Subtask 1 – Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Meetings

At the request of OHS, the Contractor shall ensure that regional TTA staff, either separately or collectively, shall participate in two National TTA Meetings per year in Washington D.C. and up to four Regional Office Meetings per year for all TTA staff.

C.3.2.2 Subtask 2 – Using Data to Inform TTA

At the request of the Regional Office, the Contractor shall complete an initial Needs Assessment in order to determine regional TTA priorities. The need for such an assessment will be determined at the project kick off meeting.

On an ongoing basis, the Contractor shall use available data, such as Program Information Report (PIR), monitoring, other Regional Office data, and pre- and post-event surveys to inform individual and group TTA.

C.3.2.3 Subtask 3 – Professional Development Plan

The Contractor shall submit an annual Professional Development Plan projecting TTA to be provided in the upcoming year, including TTA events for multiple grantees. The plan shall be developed in consultation with Regional Office staff, including the COR, and will be informed by available data, grantee input, and National Center resources. The plan shall be submitted to the OHS Central Office and will require approval from the responsible OHS Division Director.

In addition, the Contractor shall submit Efficient Spending requests to the OHS central office for training events and/or conferences that require prior ACF approval per ACF/HHS guidance.

C.3.2.4 Subtask 4 – TTA Steering Committee

At the direction of the OHS, the Contractor shall participate on a National TTA Steering Committee that will include representatives from the National Centers, Regional TTA network, and federal staff from the OHS’s central and regional offices. The purpose of this committee will be to maximize quality, minimize duplication, and improve communication about the content and delivery of TTA.

The Contractor shall participate on a Regional TTA Subcommittee that will include representatives from Regional TTA network, the Regional Office, and grantees. This subcommittee will support coordination between the National Centers and Regional TTA and provide a direct link to grantees, creating a feedback loop driven by the needs of stakeholders.

C.3.2.5 Subtask 5 – Monthly Travel Plans

Projected Monthly Travel Plan – The Contractor shall submit a Projected Monthly Travel Plan (PMTP) for all long distance and local travel for approval at least five work days prior to the upcoming month of travel, or as negotiated and agreed upon between the Contractor and COR. All travel and related costs such as lodging, car rental and per diem must be approved by the COR prior to the date of travel, or as negotiated between Contractor and COR.

Final Monthly Travel Report – The Contractor shall submit a Final Monthly Travel Report (FMTR) including reconciled actual travel expenses and percentage of time each specialist spent providing direct TTA services to grantees. The FMTR shall be due no later than the 20th of the month immediately following the month of travel, or as negotiated between Contractor and COR.

C.3.2.6 Subtask 6 – Other Direct Cost (ODC) Prior Approval Request

The Contractor shall obtain written approval of the COR at least 15 work days in advance of incurring any ODC not captured on the monthly PMTP. Any ODC over $10,000 requires OHS Central Office concurrence. Prior approval requests for all consultants shall be submitted on the OHS Consultant and ODC template (Attachment A) to the COR with copy to the OHS Central Office at least 15 work days prior to cost being incurred. Consultant costs are subject to the Advance Understanding ceiling.

C.3.2.7 Subtask 7 – Monthly Budget and Burn Rate Report

The Contractor shall be responsible for submitting a monthly Budget and Burn Rate Report to the COR and the OHS Central Office. The report shall include a comparison of budgeted costs versus actual costs, current burn rate and projected costs, and is due no later than the 30th calendar day of each month for the prior month. If the 30th calendar day falls on the weekend or a holiday, the report shall be due the first business day following the 30th calendar day of the month. The Contractor shall abide by a template supplied by the government after award. The details and format required for this report may be adjusted at any time by the COR.

The Contractor shall conduct a Burn Rate Call no later than September 30, December 30 and March 30 and more frequently, as determined by the COR.

C.3.2.8 Subtask 8 – Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall provide a plan for providing ongoing oversight, observation, coaching and professional development in order to ensure TTA staff possesses the skills, knowledge, and effectiveness to deliver training and technical assistance. The plan will include a description of how the Contractor plans to assess TTA staff readiness to consult as well as to evaluate TTA staff ongoing performance in meeting OHS priorities, SOW tasks, and contract deliverables.

The Contractor shall describe internal policies that will enable timely and effective response to concerns about TTA staff resulting from either client or customer complaints or TTA staff performance evaluations/assessments.

The Contractor shall describe a plan for implementing quality assurance systems to ensure the delivery of work products and contract deliverables that meet both regional office and grantee needs and that require minimal revision or corrections by the client. The plan will describe the ongoing processes and strategies that will be used to assess the readiness of staff to consult and provide training and technical assistance to grantees as well as the quality of the training and technical assistance being provided. The plan will also describe the ongoing processes and strategies utilized to ensure that client deliverables (i.e. monthly travel plans, invoices, TTA Activity Reports, and other technical assistance reports) are complete, accurate, and require minimal corrections by the client. The Contractor will describe its plan and frequency for analyzing TTA data and trends, as well as the impact and outcomes of its TTA service provision for use in regional TTA planning, and develop recommendations based on their analysis.

Quality performance status discussions between COR and corporate representatives shall be scheduled quarterly.

The Contractor shall describe how its proposed management systems and structure will enable it to have the capacity to effectively plan and execute the requirements of the statement of work, including systems to effectively: 1) aggregate and analyze data and implement reporting processes related to regional and grantee needs that inform and improve the quality, responsiveness and effectiveness of the provision of TTA; 2) coordinate the development of comprehensive, data-driven professional development plans for the provision of TTA at the regional, state and grantee level; and 3) manage and coordinate the provision of TTA that meets the identified needs of grantees and the Regional Office. The quality control plan will also include a description of how the management system and structure will ensure TTA staff will integrate OHS priorities and coordinate with National Centers, OHS, and other relevant entities in the TTA service delivery.

The Quality Control Plan shall be updated within 60 calendar days of contract award, and once a year thereafter, or as negotiated and agreed upon between the COR and Contractor.

C.3.2.9 Subtask 9 – Participation in Quality Assurance Meetings

The TTA Coordinator and Manager(s) shall participate in quality assurance meetings with the COR and OHS management as negotiated between the Contractor and COR. These meetings will include discussions of topics such as workloads, TTA events, quality of TTA delivered, and contract staff professional development needs.

C.3.2.10 Subtask 10 – Problem Notification Reports

No later than 5 work days after verbal notification, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer (CO) with copy to the COR that a scheduled delivery or service will be late. The Contractor shall utilize the government’s Problem Notification Report (PNR) template (see Attachment B). The Contractor shall include in the PNR the nature and source(s) of the problem, the problem’s impact on delivery schedule or services, corrective action(s) that will be implemented to resolve the problem and when corrective action(s) will be completed. The CO will review the PNR and provide guidance to the Contractor. Such notification in no way limits any government contractual rights or remedies including, but not limited to, termination.

Should the problem not be resolved within 30 calendar days, a second PNR shall be submitted, and every 30 calendar days thereafter, until the problem is resolved.

C.3.2.11 Subtask 11 – Development and Implementation of Transition In/Out Plans

The Contractor shall provide the Government with a final Transition-In Plan which shall be due five work days after the Kick-Off Meeting. The Transition-in Plan shall ensure minimum disruption to vital Government business and staffing shall be completed within 30 calendar days after contract award. Upon completion of the transition-in period the Contractor shall be fully staffed and prepared to begin full performance. The Contractor shall ensure that there will be no service degradation during transition. Strategies to ensure a smooth transition will be discussed at the Project Kick-Off Meeting. The Project Kick-off Meeting shall occur no later than 5 working days from Contract Award.

At the request of the Government, the Contractor shall provide the Government a Transition-Out Plan which shall be due 90 calendar days before the contract end date. The plan shall facilitate the accomplishment of a seamless transition from the incumbent to an incoming Contractor /government personnel at the expiration of the contract.

The plan shall identify how the Contractor will coordinate with the incoming Contractor and/or Government personnel to transfer knowledge regarding the following:

1. Project management processes;

2. Points of contact;

3. Location of technical and project management documentation;

4. Status of ongoing technical initiatives;

5. Appropriate Contractor to Contractor coordination to ensure a seamless transition;

6. Transition of Key Personnel;

7. Identify schedules and milestones;

8. Identify actions required of the Government; and

9. Establish and maintain effective communication with the incoming Contractor/Government personnel for the period of the transition via status meetings.

After Government acceptance of the Transition-Out Plan, the Contractor shall begin implementation of the plan.

C.4 Constraints

C.4.1 Constraints Surrounding Staff Requirements

In order to ensure the TTA staff is qualified to provide training and technical assistance services, all TTA staff shall meet the following qualifications:

NOTE: Additional regional specific qualifications can be found in the Staffing Charts under C.4.2 Constraints Surrounding Staff by Region.

The Regional Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS Degree in management, human resources, education leadership or administration or related field from an accredited college or university.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience .

• A minimum of seven years’ experience, with ten years preferred, that includes at least three years with the provision of training and technical assistance; three to five years of progressive supervisory/management experience, and staff development, with a preference for managing remote-located staff.

• Expertise in budget oversight, management and project quality control.

• Experience developing, implementing and managing/improving complex, multi-faceted projects.

• Experience working in close collaboration/coordination with multiple entities.

• Experience analyzing, aggregating, and presenting data.

• Experience communicating, both orally and in writing, to various audiences.

The Regional Early Childhood Manager shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS Degree in early childhood education/development, education leadership, or related field from an accredited university or college.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience.

• A minimum of seven years’ experience that includes at least three years with the provision of technical assistance to Head Start or other early childhood programs related to school readiness.

• A minimum of three to five years of progressive supervision/management and staff development with experience managing remote-located staff preferred.

• Experience coaching staff.

• Experience developing, implementing and managing/improving projects, including implementing quality assurance systems.

• Experience analyzing, aggregating, and presenting data.

The Grantee Specialist Manager (Not Required in Every Region. See Section C.4.2) shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS Degree from an accredited university or college.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience.

• A minimum of seven years’ experience that includes at least three years with the provision of technical assistance to HS/EHS programs related to management and fiscal systems.

• Experience coaching staff.

• A minimum of three-five years of progressive supervision/management and staff development with experience managing remote-located staff preferred.

• Experience developing, implementing and managing quality assurance systems.

• Experience analyzing, aggregating, and presenting data gathered from multiple sources.

The Grantee Specialist shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS Degree from an accredited university or college.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience.

• A minimum of five years’ experience related to program and/or organizational management and/or fiscal operations with HS/EHS programs and the development and implementation of comprehensive management systems.

• Experience supporting grantees to improve the effectiveness and quality of program operations and management systems.

• Experience providing technical assistance that includes working with governing bodies, management teams and program staff.

• Experience assisting organizations to address compliance issues.

NOTE: At least one Grantee Specialist proposed for each region must the following qualifications:

o Fiscal expertise in areas such as budgeting, multiple funding sources, applicable uniform guidance regulations, Head Start specific audits, and the fiscal role of the governing body.

o Experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to a range of audiences.

o Experience analyzing data and assisting programs to make data driven decisions

In accordance with the Regional Staffing Charts for Regional Specific Requirements (Section 3.4.2 of this SOW), Regions may require that more than one Grantee Specialist have the above qualifications.

The Early Childhood Specialist shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS Degree from an accredited university or college. The degrees for at least 75% of the EC Specialists must include Early Childhood Education/Development or related field. At least some EC Specialists must have coursework specific to infants and toddlers.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should specify courses, conferences, seminars attended or work experience that ensure the proposed candidate remains current in the field of early childhood development.

• A minimum of five years’ experience in programs for young children ranging from birth to five years in age.

The experience should include the provision of technical assistance to teachers, home visitors, family child care providers, coaches, and/or management team members.

o Individuals proposed as birth to five specialists must have experience across the birth to five spectrum.

o Individuals proposed as infant toddler specialists must have experience with children of that age.

• Experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences.

• Experience analyzing data and assisting programs to make data driven decisions.

• Experience providing training and/or technical assistance to programs in developing and/or implementing school readiness goals or plans.

NOTE: In accordance with the Regional Staffing Charts for Regional Specific Requirements (Section C.4.2 of this SOW), at least one Early Childhood Specialist proposed for each region must possess the following qualifications:

o Unique populations of children, e.g., children with disabilities, children who are dual language learners, and/or children who are homeless.

o Different learning environments, e.g., center-based, home-based, and family child care options.

o Early elementary school systems.

o CLASS TOT certification.

o Mental health and/or social emotional development.

In accordance with the Regional Staffing Charts for Regional Specific Requirements (Section 3.4.2 of this SOW), Regions may require more than one Grantee Specialist has the above qualifications.

The Health Specialist shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or a BS from an accredited university or college in public health, health education, maternal and child health, health administration or related degree.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience.

• A minimum of three years’ experience related to health services in early childhood programs such as Head Start/Early Head Start, maternal and child health, school health or community health programs specific to the development and implementation of comprehensive health services for young children and families.

• Experience analyzing health related data and helping programs make data driven decisions.

• Experience providing training and technical assistance related to health services for children birth to five, including work with management teams and program staff.

• Experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences.

• Experience with programs serving children from diverse backgrounds such as children with special health care needs, children with disabilities, children who are dual language learners, children in family childcare settings, and/or children who are homeless.

The Family Engagement Specialist shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or BS from an accredited university or college in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field.

• If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended or relevant work experience.

• A minimum of three years’ experience providing training and technical assistance to management teams and program staff related to parent, family and community engagement.

• Experience working within programs and services for families with children birth to five.

• Experience analyzing data and helping programs make data driven decisions related to providing services to families with young children.

• Experience in facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences.

• Experience working with diverse children, families, staff and communities and training and facilitating groups of learners.

The Systems Specialist (Not Required in Every Region. See Section C.4.2) shall have:

• A minimum of a BA or a BS from an accredited university or college in management, communication, education leadership or administration, early childhood education, child development or related field. If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended, or work experience.

• A minimum of five years of experience with at least three years’ experience with the provision of technical assistance and consultation to Head Start and/or state and federal early childhood development, education or human services systems.

• Knowledge of and experience facilitating successful collaborations within state and federal early childhood development, education or human services systems.

• Experience providing technical assistance that includes working with management teams and program staff.

• Experience analyzing data and helping programs make data driven decisions.

• Experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences.

• Experience communicating, both orally and in writing to various audiences.

The Administrative Assistant shall have:

• A minimum of a two-year college degree from accredited college or university preferred.

• Experience aggregating data and producing reports based on multiple data sources.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar applications.

• Experience communicating, both orally and in writing, to various audiences.

• Experience organizing and performing multiple tasks at the same time.

• Experience providing administrative support to project and/or contract management team and staff who work remotely.

• Experience with event coordination and planning, preferred.

C.4.2 Constraints Surrounding Staff by Region

Staffing requirements in this section are specific to the region for which they are listed and are in addition to the requirements described in Section C.4.1 above. Unless otherwise specifically noted in this staffing chart, all specialists are expected to work offsite from a remote location such as a home office. All positions, with the exception of the Administrative Assistant, will be deployed to work with grantees in accordance with the SOW and at the direction of the Regional Office (RO).

Region I Office: JFK Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury, Room 2000, Boston, MA 02203-0002

Labor categories - Total 19 FTE Maximum Requirements

• Regional T/TA Coordinator: 1 • Stationed at RO

• Regional EC Manager(s): 1-2

Offerors must propose number of individuals for this labor category and provide justification for number proposed.

• Regional GS Manager(s): 0-2

Offerors must propose number of individuals for

• Administrative Assistant: 1

• EC Specialists: 6-9

Offerors must propose number of individuals for this labor category and provide justification for number…