Sources Sought.pdf

NOTICE TYPE: Sources Sought

CENTER OFFICE: Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)

REQUIREMENT: DMDC Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Training Contract

1. The Defense Human Resources Activity is issuing this Sources Sought Notice as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in, and the resources for, providing technical trainings for DMDC employees.

The Government is specifically performing market research to identify vendors who can provide any or all of the listed trainings. The anticipated period of performance will be one year, beginning FY25. The Government is hoping to determine if all required trainings can be poured under one (1) contractual action awarded to a single vendor, or if multiple contractual actions will be necessary.

Table 1 – Training List

COURSE TITLE # OF SEATS

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Business Process Improvement (BPI) 7 Business Relationship Management (BRM) Training: Aligning IT & the Business 6

Business Writing Essentials 4 PgM/Acquisitions/Contract Training 5 Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Bootcamp 2

Portfolio Management Professional 7 Project Management Professional 5

CYBER

CompTIA CertMaster CE for Security+ 6 CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-003) Exam Prep e- Learning Bundle 3

CompTia Security+ (SYO-701) Exam Prep Bundle 9

Data Insights & Visualization Professional Certificate Program 3

Data Quality Masterclass - The Complete Course 6

Data Visualization Fundamentals Learning Plan (Dataversity DVZF0 or equivalent) 4

ITILv4 Foundations 17 Microsoft PowerBI Data Analyst 4

HR DEVELOPMENT

Leadership and Management Skills for Non- Managers 9

INNOVATION

Artificial Intelligence in the Contact Center 6

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS

AZ-800T00: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure 3

This requirement is not currently being performed by any company.

2. This notice shall not be construed as a formal solicitation or an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. In addition, it does not guarantee that a subsequent solicitation will be issued. Submission of any information in response to this Sources Sought notice is voluntary and will assist in selecting the appropriate solicitation type/method. Costs associated with any submission shall not be reimbursed by the Government. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT SEEKING PROPOSALS AND WILL NOT

ACCEPT UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS.

3. The proposed NAICS for this effort is 611420, Computer Training (size standard $16M).

Comments on this NAICS and suggestions for alternative codes must include supporting rationale.

4. Interested parties must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). A business must be a current participant and certified by SBA if responding as an 8(a) firm and HUBZONE small businesses must be certified by SBA by the time of proposal. A Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) must represent to the contracting officer that is it certified as such at the time of offer submission. Women-owned small business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB) should indicate if their certification is a self-certification or if they are formally certified by SBA (or will be by time of any proposal).

5. Interested parties are requested to submit an unclassified capability statement, limited to 20 pages, that includes:

a) Company name, mailing address, e-mail address, telephone numbers, website address

(if available), and the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives. Include Unique Entity Identifier from the System for Award Management (UEI (SAM)), CAGE Code and company structure (Corporation, LLC, partnership, joint venture, etc.).

b) Type of business, including small business socio-economic category if applicable (e.g.

Other than Small, 8(a) s, HUBZone, Non Profit)

c) Small businesses shall specify if any kind of teaming arrangement will be involved and “other than small” businesses shall address subcontracting opportunities that exist.

d) If applicable, GSA contract number, schedule, Multiple Award IDIQ contract number (e.g. OASIS, NITAAC) or any other strategic contract vehicle(s).

e) Indicate if you are interested as a Prime contractor or subcontractor.

f) Indicate if you are an authorized vendor or authorized training partner, if applicable.

g) Describe your organization's breadth of expertise/competency to respond to the draft list of training requirements. The table below lists the brief descriptions for each required course.

Table 2 – Training Course Descriptions

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Course Title Course Description

Business Process Improvement

(BPI)

This course teaches students to leverage current business strategy to drive improvement, develop tools, identify problem areas, measure performance, validate Change, and create current and future process models. Students gain the skills needed to employ a step-by-step BPI framework in their organization to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Business Relationship Management (BRM) Training:

Aligning IT & the Business

This course teaches students to learn to overcome communication barriers between IT and the business, leverage innovative best practices, and solve business problems in an IT environment.

Business Writing Essentials

This course teaches the tools and techniques to write clearly and concisely,define and streamline writing process using the path to understanding model to set the stage for audience analysis, identify one’s audience and determine their needs in order to adapt one’s style and tailor powerful messages that are appropriate in format and tone, structure the content to support objectives, create powerful openings and conclusions, and construct compelling sentences and paragraphs to retain attention, recognize and correct common grammar mistakes during review and edit using the 6 Cs method, and from business announcements to executive summaries, learn to refine the business writing style.

PgM/Acquisitions/Contract Training

This course teaches how to manage all aspects of project procurement effectively. Students will discover the logic behind contracting principles and practices, and students will learn the terms, techniques, and tools of converting project needs into outsourced goods and services. Students will learn to ensure successful procurements by gaining an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the internal and external stakeholders involved in the procurement chain.

PProject Management Professional (MP) Certification Bootcamp

PMP exam Bootcamp courses are taught by expert instructors and fulfill the PMI-required 35 contact hours of project management training. In addition to the PMP training course, exam voucher, and Exam Pass Guarantee, students receive access to various online resources (varies by vendor), e.g.

practice exam questions, practice exams, supplemental video instruction, exam study guides.

Portfolio Management Professional

This course introduces the principles and practices of effective portfolio management. Aimed at professionals seeking to enhance their skills in managing large and complex portfolios, it aligns with the globally recognized Project Management Institute (PMI) standards. The training provides delegates with comprehensive insights into portfolio management.

Participants will learn to effectively balance competing demands, prioritize projects, and allocate resources in alignment with strategic goals. This intensive session is designed to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve portfolio performance and contribute to the bottom line.

Project Management Professional Course offers project management knowledge, experience, and skills to bring projects to successful completion. This prep course advances one’s project management skills and prepares him/her for the PMP exam.

CYBER

CompTIA CertMaster CE for Security+

CompTIA CertMaster CE Security+ is a self-paced e-learning course designed for renewing the Security+ CE certification1.

CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-003) Exam Prep e-Learning Bundle

The CompTIA Cloud+ certification is a vendor-neutral, performance-based certification that covers cloud architecture, design, security, and resource provisioning. It is compliant with ISO 17024 and meets DoD 8570.01-M training requirements. Certified professionals have the knowledge and expertise to configure, deploy, maintain, and optimize cloud infrastructure services. The comprehensive exam includes multiple-choice questions and performance tests related to cloud operations, administration, and automation.

CompTia Security+ (SYO-701) Exam Prep Bundle

This is the official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide that teaches the essential skills and information required for the CompTIA certification exam

(SY0-701).

Data Insights & Visualization Professional Certificate Program

This certificate program equips leaders with the necessary skills to develop powerful business insights quickly and effectively. The program teaches participants how to analyze and present data visually, appealingly and informatively, bridging the gap between complex information and clear communication.

Data Quality Masterclass - The Complete Course

This course provides a deep understanding of the Data Quality Management discipline by using hands-on, contextual examples designed to showcase why Data Quality is important and how to use Data Quality principles to manage the data in an organization.

Data Visualization Fundamentals Learning Plan (Dataversity DVZF0or equivalent)

The Data Visualization Fundamentals Learning Plan explores how to graphically represent data as a means to effectively communicate complex information for diverse audiences. Throughout the four courses students will learn the history, definitions, and uses of data visualization, the essential principles of graphic design and user experience, and will be equipped with the skills to transform raw data into visually compelling stories to convey valuable insights

ITILv4 Foundations

The training provides practical strategies for improving operational efficiency, solving problems, and maximizing value delivery. With IT service management (ITSM) methodologies, project leaders can streamline processes, minimize delays, and foster collaboration across internal and external teams. This training equips Project Leaders with the skills to address challenges swiftly, ensuring that projects meet stakeholder expectations. Ultimately, ITSM empowers leaders with the tools to deliver consistent, high-quality results and improve overall service outcomes.

Microsoft PowerBI Data Analyst

The PowerBI Data Analytics course is designed for professionals in a variety of job roles who are currently using desktop or web-based data-management tools such as Microsoft Excel or SQL Server reporting services to perform numerical or general data analysis. With the help of Power BI, individuals can get data from a wide range of systems in the cloud and create dashboards that will track the metrics they care the most. Course topics include:

Analyze data with self-service BI, Connect to data sources, Perform advanced data modeling and shaping, Visualize data with Power BI, Enhance data analysis, Model data with calculations, Create interactive visualizations, Perform advanced analysis, Publish and share reports and dashboards, Extend access to Power BI. This course is not in itself a certification.

HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Leadership and Management Skills for Non-Managers

The training will help students develop skills in communication, emotional intelligence, and accountability to complete their tasks and support the goals of DMDC. They will also learn the qualities and behaviors of effective leaders, such as collaboration, influence, and adaptability in changing circumstances. The curriculum includes real-world examples that will help the student enhance their leadership capabilities and identify opportunities for growth within DMDC.

INNOVATION

Artificial Intelligence in the Contact Center

Course enables students to learn about the core concepts of AI and automation, how to align it with your customer experience strategy and service level commitments, how to build a case for funding, how to design the right architecture, and how to deliver measurable results that transform the organization. The course should provide the following:

• Assessing your current data structure & AI maturity

• Implementing an AI strategy framework

• Leveraging the right use cases, technologies & critical thinking skills to improve performance

• Understanding the importance of governance, change management

& hiring for an AI future

• Best practices to avoid the common pitfalls of an AI transformation in the contact center

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS

AZ-800T00: Administering Windows Server Hybrid Core Infrastructure

This course teaches IT Professionals how to manage core Windows Server workloads and services using on-premises, hybrid, and cloud technologies.

The course teaches IT Professionals how to implement and manage on-premises and hybrid solutions such as identity, management, compute, networking, and storage in a Windows Server hybrid environment. It is intended for Windows Server Hybrid Administrators who have experience working with Windows Server and want to extend the capabilities of their on-premises environments by combining on-premises and hybrid technologies.

h) Interested vendors are requested to complete the attached “Course Offerings Table” to indicate the courses they can offer and the platform(s) in which they can be facilitated.

i) Industry feedback is requested to determine if a fixed quantity of vouchers can be procured for a given training to be used within a given timeframe (i.e. six months or one year) vice contracting for a given seat at a fixed date/time.

j) Industry feedback is requested on the list of requirements. Please list any challenges or potential performance roadblocks related to fulfilling the requirements and any recommendations.

k) Provide the following information on two (2) similar projects in an environment of similar scale completed within the last five (5) years for which the responder was a prime or Sub-Contractor.

1. The name and value of each project;

2. The name, address, telephone and email address for point of contact;

3. A description of each project, including challenges and successes; and

4. Your company's role and services provided for each project.

6. All interested and capable contractors are encouraged to respond. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the sources sought evaluation. The results of this sources sought notice will assist the Contracting Officer in determining whether an 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Certified HUBZone Small Business, Woman- Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), Small Business set-aside, or full and open competition is an acceptable strategy for this procurement. Responses to this synopsis may be used to aid in establishing realistic, achievable small business participation goals.

7. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this Sources Sought; all costs associated with responding will be solely at the interested party’s expense. All information received in response to this submission that is clearly marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly.

Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made and submissions to this Sources Sought will not be returned.

8. The information provided in this Sources Sought is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.

9. The Government requests that all responses be returned by the date listed in SAM. All responses shall be submitted electronically to the DHRA Acquisition Management Division point of contacts listed in SAM.

10. Interested vendors may additionally contact the DHRA, office of Small Business Programs, Point of Contact: Ms. Tammy Proffitt, tammy.j.proffitt2.civ@mail.mil mailto:tammy.j.proffitt2.civ@mail.mil