SOW Walker_Special Notice.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Contract Title: Expanding the impact, breadth and security of the VA High performance computing (HPC) infrastructure Background: HPC is a critical infrastructure component providing the necessary parallel computing and large-scale storage needed for MRI and fMRI analyses. HPC is a core component of the TRACTS/NeRVe infrastructure and critical to these projects meeting their objectives.

The TRACTS and NeRVe Centers have expanded their capabilities and equipment to include a custom designed HPC cluster along with support servers and a multi-PB solid state parallel storage system. These systems have been deployed under a different contract. This new infrastructure is used throughout the TRACTS and NeRVe Centers with usage growing to support VA Boston Research more widely. As part of a prior contract, significant improvements were made to the usability of the HPC system.

As part of this requirement, the contractor will make further improvements to the HPC System through expansion of the HPC OnDemand infrastructure, provide continued support and training to staff, and automate data ingestion to enable automated analysis and rapid machine learning model building.

The contractor will access our data management system which has PHI/PII stored on it and the contractor should obtain a Personal Identification Verification Card.

Scope:

The Contractor will provide HPC/AI Services to Veterans Association Healthcare System Boston with respect to education and training, workload optimization, automation, security, manageability, usability and scalability as detailed below.

Task 1: Personnel Certifications The contractor will require a Personal Identification Verification Card to access the data management system. This requirement was achieved in the prior contract and the contractor will update certificates and trainings necessary to retain certification.

Deliverable 1 – Completed certificates for essential personnel for VA Privacy and “Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior” 30 days after award and prior to their arrival on Station and for remote access to NeRVe Systems throughout the period of performance of the contract.

Task 2: Workload optimization and workflow automation The contractor in close coordination with VA Boston staff, will optimize workflows and automate data set updates and processing to take maximum advantage of the HPC infrastructure.

1. Analyze and optimize workloads for parallel HPC execution

a. Conduct monthly one on one meetings with up to 12 researchers to review their current workloads, workflows, scripts. Any travel costs incurred are not subject to separate invoicing and are included in the cost of this requirement.

b. Convert and optimize workloads addressed in a. to permit parallel execution on the cluster.

2. Automate processing of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) data on the HPC cluster

a. Fully automate clinical PACS data pulls so that new data arriving in the clinical PACS system automatically triggers incremental update to old data sets including automated anonymization.

b. Script processing of PACS data through Freesurfer, AFNI, SAS, and other workflow items as needed on the HPC cluster.

c. Train VA support staff, existing and new, in day-to-day operation of HPC infrastructure. This training can be done virtually. Minimum of one training session per individual support staff, up to 10 staff members over the course of the contract. Trainigns take place quarterly, at a minimum. More sessions can be required as needed.

3. Training in AI/ML and advanced simulation and analysis techniques.

a. Work with TRACTS staff to develop an AI/ML implementation and deployment plan.

i. Identify TRACTS research areas that could benefit from AI/ML - e.g. image analysis of fMRI data.

ii. Determine data requirements and availability - prioritize based on data availability and feasibility.

iii. Conduct a three separate three-day long visit to the VA Boston, Jamaica Plain campus to meet in person with TRACTS staff to develop and train models based on currently funded research areas and upcoming research proposals.

4. Deliverable 2 – Analyze and optimize workloads for parallel HPC execution. Analysis and optimization completed monthly.

5. Deliverable 3 – Automate Processing of PACS data on the HPC cluster. Deliverable completion before end of contract period.

6. Deliverable 4 – Conduct a total of three visits of three days duration each, to the VA Boston Jamaica Plain campus.

SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES

Task 3: Quality Assurance The contractor will develop a quality control plan that covers all aspects of the work to be performed under this contract. The quality control plan will include the following:

· The contractor will have a management system that identifies potential problems early, ensures high-quality support that results in the development, integration, and training of the HPC OnDemand System. The contractor will additionally control project costs, and maintain close communication with the VA. Project operations will include periodic VA presence during the scope of work, frequent conversations concerning progress and challenges, discussions and resolution of problems, and VA inspection throughout the period of performance.

Deliverable 4 – Develop a quality control plan before the contract ends.

Qualifications:

The contractor shall possess a unique combination of academic credentials, professional expertise, and direct system-specific knowledge that makes him singularly qualified to perform this requirement. This expertise includes at a minimum: GPU and parallel computing, HPC system architecture, workflow automation, and the application of artificial intelligence and simulation to scientific research. The contractor should at minimum have had knowledge and experience in developing and maintaining the custom designed HPC cluster along with support servers and a multi-PB solid state parallel storage system associated with this work.

Payment

The Contractor shall submit an original invoice address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoiceonly if required elsewhere in this contract.(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

Period of Performance: Base year only, no option years Place of Performance: The Contractor will support this effort through remote access, Toll Free telephone support, and onsite service. The contractor will provide onsite service for up to 1 visit at the department of Veterans Affairs, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, 02130. Work at the government site shall not take place on Federal Holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). Travel costs shall be included in the cost of services and not billed separately.

Research specific: Contractor will not be requiring patent rights, Invention Disclosure Process and is not involved in related Publications. Contractor will have access to a data management system containing PHI/PII. Given this, a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) will be required.

CONTRACT TYPE: The proposed contract type will firm fixed price

SECURITY: Security clauses/language is included in the body of the contract

The contractor will be supporting this effort through remote access to VA systems. As such, the following applies:

The contractor, their personnel, and their subcontractors shall be subject to the Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks regarding information and information system security as delineated in this contract.

VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY:

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

ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

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

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

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

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S.

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

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

TRAINING

a. All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(1) Sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Contractor Rules of Behavior, Appendix E relating to access to VA information and information systems;

(2) Successfully complete the VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training and annually complete required security training;

(3) Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training and annually complete required privacy training; and

(4) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access [to be defined by the VA program official and provided to the contracting officer for inclusion in the solicitation document – e.g., any role-based information security training required in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-16, Information Technology Security Training Requirements.]

b. The contractor shall provide to the contracting officer and/or the COTR a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Contractor Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within 1 week of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

c. Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and sign the Rules of Behavior annually, within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training and documents are complete.

8.8.1 Government furnished: Laptop computer with VA approved software (such as MS Office 365) pre-installed and PIV card shall be provided by the Government for use in providing the contracted services (use of this government-furnished laptop for all work for SMART contract services is mandatory).

8.8.1.1 Maximum number of laptops to be furnished: 1

8.8.1.2 Laptop acquisition cost is estimated to be (per laptop): $3,500.00

8.8.1.3 Property is to be furnished as-is.

8.8.1.4 The contractor is responsible for all costs related to making the property available for use, such as payment of all transportation, installation or rehabilitation costs.

8.8.1.5 Rental of the GFP IAW FAR 45.3 is not authorized under this contract.

8.8.2 Contractor furnished: The contractor shall provide all equipment and supplies necessary to perform the contract requirements as set forth in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The contractor’s reporting requirements will necessitate literacy in Microsoft Office Programs, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, as well as Internet capability to send and receive faxes, electronically transmit documents, access email and correspondence, ability to communicate during travel and securely access, store and destroy sensitive documents.

8.8.3 Computer access must be maintained following VA regulations. The contractor shall maintain VA Computer access and ensure computer and program functionality prior to monitoring visit