National Caregiver's Training Amendment 0004 Questions and Responses

The purpose of this amendment is to provide the questions and responses.



Question 34: Would the VA be able to make SMEs available for 14 days (9 days for content preparation on a mutually agreed upon site in DC area and 5 days of photo/video shooting on location (again, DC area).

Response 34: SMEs will be available for consultation but cannot be detailed to the project full-time for 14 days.



Question 35: Would it be possible to incorporate any VA photography or video assets in the materials? If so, how would we access? Would permissions already be secured?

Response 35: The VA will provide pictures; they will be made available by the Program Manager.

Question 36: How involved does the VA want to be in selecting veterans to appear in photos and videos?

Response 36: The VA requests prior notice and approval of Veterans pictures to be used

Question 37: What is the VA approval process? How long does the VA need to review manuscripts, video scripts, storyboards?

Response 37: The VA will respond to the curriculum submitted on April 11 within 7 business days



Question 38: How complete do materials need to be in the step marked “submit curriculum, April 11?â€

Response 38: The materials must be in final form by April 11, 2011.



Question 39: Will the train the trainer materials provide detailed lesson plans?

Response 39: Yes.



Question 40: Would you want a celebrity introduction to print and video? (many of your other programs have such an introduction) If yes, do you have someone in mind? Would Michelle Obama be a possibility?

Response 40: Celebrity introduction is not required.



Question 41: Would you be open to a staggered release where classroom support materials come out first and e-learning courses come later in the summer? It generally takes 5-6 months to deploy an online course.

Response 41: A classroom and self-instruction method must be available for implementation on May 1, 2011.



Question 42: If you are targeting 2000 enrollees for both programs, how many print copies of each book does the VA want for year 1?

Response 42: 2,000 copies of the Comprehensive Curriculum and 500 copies of the general curriculum.



Question 43: Does the VA have stakeholders that must be part of the process or will the Contractor have authority to select?

Response 43: The VA will identify the stakeholders after award.



Question 44: Are the implementation dates within the contract flexible? (Section B, Sub Section VI-D, Deliverable 10)

Response 44: Implementation dates are not flexible.

Question 45: Must all 3 modes of course delivery be implemented at the same time? (Section B, Sub Section VI - D, Deliverable 10)

Response 45: The RFP requires all 3 modes to be delivered at the same time.

Question 46: Requesting further clarification on the requirement to schedule face to face courses within 10 days of request, is this outside of the required 84 courses provided within the VISNs?  (Section B, Sub Section VI- D, Deliverable 10)

Response 46: The 84 courses is a minimum number of classes - more may be needed based on demand.



Question 47: What is the required content to be included in the ‘draft curriculum’?  (Section B, Sub Section VI, Curriculum Content)

Response 47: The deliverables and desired content are outlined in the solicitaiton. Offerors are responsible for drafting their curriculum.



Question 48: How is eligibility documented and how is it shared with the contractor? (Section B, Sub Section IV and throughout)

Response 48: The Caregiver Support Coordinator will identify eligible caregivers prior to referral to the Contractor.



Question 49: Is the training expected to include the use of bed, blood pressure cuffs, dummies, etc. in the course of the training or return demonstration of skills?

Response 49: These materials are not required to be provided in the training. (Section B, Sub Section VI -C)

Question 50: Are subtitles in Spanish sufficient or must the video be translated?

Response 50: The RFP calls for Spanish language in print curriculum only. (Section B, Sub Section VI - C)



Question 51: Who administers the general caregiver support services program and who is the intended audience for this course? Deliverable 6 indicates that VHA is audience but other sections indicate caretaker audience. (Section B, Sub Section VI, Deliverable 6)

Response 51: The audience for the curriculum are family caregivers only. The train-the trainer curriculum is for VHA staff.



Question 52: Will the organization that develops the content own the copyright?  (Section B, Sub Section VI)

Response 52: Work performed under a government contract is in the public domain and cannot be copyrighted .



Question 53: Can the content be repurposed in to other programs? (Section B, Sub Section VI) Response 53: No



Question 54: Can the program be sold to recipients other than those deemed eligible as recipients? (Section B, Sub Section VI)

Response 54: The curriculm may not be sold.



Question 55: How would the contractor be anticipated to receive EPHI as a part of the services to be provided and how is HIPAA relevant to the contract at hand?

Response 55: HIPAA training will be required of the contractor and staff, the transfer of ePHI in accordance with VA Privacy requirements can be addressed in a number of ways to be mutually agreed upon by both parties.



Question 56: VA indicates a SME will be available for consultation during the curriculum development period.  Please define "make available" – will SMEs be available on a daily basis to participate in the content development or only to respond to questions? (Section B, Sub Section VI – C)Response 56: SMEs will be available to respond to questions and review materials

Question 57: Is this new work? 

Response 57: Yes.



Question 58: Does the Government have a preference on the number of trainers required to complete the project?    

Response 58: No.



Question 59: Can the Government please verify the anticipated award date?

Response 59: Award is anticipated to be 17 March 2011.

Question 60: How many past performance citations does the Government require?

Response 60: 3 to 5 references are requested.



Question 61: If teaming, will the Government accept past performance from the subcontractor(s)?

Response 61: All past performance may be considered.

Question 62: Can the Government please specify the time period for presenting relevant past performance?  (3 years or 5 years)

Response 62: 3 Years



Question 63: What state-specific certifications and licensure are required of the instructors?Response 63: The trainer must be a licensed health professional in the state in which the training is held.



Question 64: Which entity (VA or contractor) will maintain content control of the curriculum?Response 64: Content developed under this contract is the property of the VA

Question 65: Does the ‘VA Office for Caregivers’ currently have the numbers and locations of family caregivers by place of residence? Is this information also available by the type of disability of the Veteran? If this is available, can bidders have access to this information, if not how quickly will this information be shared with the successful contractor?

Response 65: VA estimates that 1000 family caregivers are eligible to participate in the Program of Comprehensive Support. The caregivers are distributed across the country. VA will provide contact information for caregivers only after their eligibility is determined.



Question 66: What is the number of and position types of the VA personnel who will be required to take the Train-the-Trainer Program?  Is this program to also follow the same modalities or is this to be classroom instruction in one central location or in regional VISNs?  When must the Train-the-Trainer curriculum be delivered to the VA for review.

Response 66: An estimated 300 VHA staff will be trained in the first year.

Question 67: The SOW identifies a minimum number of hours for the training (15). Is there a maximum number of hours the VA will authorize per training type?

Response 67: The comprehensive program has no maximum number of hours. The curriculum for general caregivers is limited to 12 hours.



Question 68: Given the short turnaround time for development of the Comprehensive Caregiver curricula, does VA have a commercially available curricula in mind for this project?

Response 68: No



Question 69:   The RFP shows as “unrestricted,†but also states a NAICS of 611710, small business size standard $7mil.  Is this project limited to contractors in the $7mil size standard?Response 69: All responsible offerors are eligible for award.

Question 70: What does the VA envision in terms of the content, focus, length of training, and delivery approaches for these two different training programs?

Response 70: Guidance is provided throughout the solicitation documents.

Question 71: For the above two training programs, does the VA have content outlines, in any form, that suggest the topics that should be addressed in each of these training programs.

Response 71: No



Question 72: In general, how does the VA envision the training should be divided in terms of training approaches? That is, approximately what proportion of the training might be classroom-based, what proportion self-study (workbook, DVD), and what proportion web-based?

Response 72: Additional demand estimates for each approach are not available.

Question 73: Given that classroom-based training will be delivered nationwide, it is assumed that the contractor instructors for this training could be geographically located across the country. Is this a correct assumption?

Response 73: Classroom training will need to take place at sites dispersed across the county, it is up to the Contractor as to how trainers are deployed with the caveat that the trainer must be licensed in the state in which they are providing the training.



Question 74: What is the estimated length of each course in the program?

Response 74: Program descriptions and deliverables are detailed in the solicitation.

Question 75: Is there an option to develop blended learning for the classroom-based delivery training?

Response 75: Yes



Question 76: What is the timeline for delivery? When will the program first be delivered?Response 76: Training must be available to begin May 1

Question 77: Is it acceptable to submit a response to only one of the programs?

Response 77: No



One additional set of six (6) questions and responses will be posted as soon as practicable.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide the questions and responses.





Question 5: Has VA developed set standards and benchmarks for the caregiver training? 

Response 5: Page 13 of the Statement of Work describes standards for timeliness in the provision of the training curriculum. Page 15 of the Statement of work describes how the VA will assess quality of the work performed.



Question 6: What will constitute training success and the ability of caregivers to apply for financial assistance?

Response 6: Caregiver knowledge and skill will be assessed by a VA clinician during a home visit following the caregiver training. Successful completion of the caregiver training is only one component of the assessment of eligibility to be certified as the primary family caregiver. The contractor is not responsible for the ability of the caregivers to apply for financial assistance, only for the provision of caregiver training.



Question 7:  Is any kind of assessment for certification included as part of the training?

Response 7: The training should include a measure of knowledge gained by the caregiver whether the training took place in a classroom, or through self-instruction. The contractor will be responsible for assessing the caregiver knowledge during the training. The care manager will assess the caregiver’s knowledge and skill and determine if the caregiver has been adequately trained. (Reference Program Development and Requirements, Page 10).



Question 8: What differences, if any, are there between the training content for caregivers under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and those under the Program of General Caregiver Education?

Response 8: The length of training and scope of training content are significantly different between the two programs – This information is clearly stated in the RFP. Page 10 and Page 11 of the Statement of Work specifically identifies the content differences.



Question 9: Is there an existing advisory group whose expertise will be coordinated by the VA or is the contractor expected to develop such a group?

Response 9: The VA will provide access to VA SMEs and caregivers who will provide input and feedback.



Question 10: Will the curriculum be piloted before full-scale implementation?

Response 10: Due to the speed with which the curriculum must be implemented there will be no formal pilot phase



Question 11: Is evaluation of the training included within the scope of work?

Response 11: Yes, reference deliverable 10 on page 13.



Question 12: Will train-the-trainer trainings be included or just development of the print curriculum?   Should refresher courses in option years be included?

Response 12: Reference Deliverable 6 of the Statement of Work. The contractor is expected to deliver Train-the-Trainer sessions as well as develop the print curriculum. Two trainings are planned in the option years - all curriculum materials are to be up-dated within 30 days of the new option year. We do not anticipate implementing Train-the Trainer refresher courses.



Question 13: If trainers are VAMC staff, how will quality control and/or oversight be provided?  Response 13: There will be four VA regional training coordinators who will provide oversight for quality of all caregiver training in their region.



Question 14: Who will host the web-based course?

Response 14: The Contractor is to host the web-based course.



Question 15: We’re trying to identify the funding availability. Clarification: We are looking for a budgetary estimate.

Response 15: This program is funded. We do not have a budgetary estimate to provide.



Question 16: Who will house and deliver the DVD/self-study materials?

Response 16: The Contractor will house and deliver the DVD/self study materials.



Question 17: Will the contractor need to cover all production costs for printed materials and DVDs?

Response 17: Yes



Question 18: Approximately how many caregivers per year will attend in-class training?

Response 18: In the Comprehensive Program the number of caregivers attending in-class training are anticipated to range from  84-850. In the General Caregiver Support Program the number of caregivers attending in-class training is anticipated to range from 500-2000.



Question 19: The solicitation states quarterly training and a class size of 25 maximum: Will there be a minimum enrollment for each class?

Response 19: In the Comprehensive Program there is no minimum class size. In the General Caregiver Support Program there is a minimum of six.



Question 20: Will the quarterly training be held in each of the 21 VISNs (so, 21 classes, 4 times each year)?

Response R20: Yes – however the total number of classes may shift among VISNs depending upon the need.  For example one VISN may need classes 6 times a year while another may require two. 



Question 21: Across the country, how many concurrent sessions are running?  Can the sessions be staggered?

Response 21: Sessions can be staggered – however anticipate a surge in requests for training as soon as it becomes available.  



Question 22: The solicitation states that the training should occur between 8am and 8pm.   How many days will each classroom training last? How long should each training day be?  6 hours?  12 hours?

Response 22: We have not specified the number of classroom days to be delivered. However, page 9 under Program Development and Requirement of the Statement of Work states clearly that the length of training for the Comprehensive Program is to be no more than 6 hours per day.



Question 23: Will the contractor need to provide staff to conduct the in-class caregiver training or will all caregiver training be done solely by VAMC staff (who have gone through train-the-trainer training)?

Response 23: The contractor is expected to deliver all of the training.   



Question 24: Will the contractor need to reserve and set up all training spaces at VAMCs or will the reservation and set-up be done internally at the VAMC?

Response 24: The contractor is expected to have its own training locations. Space at VAMCs will be available only at the mutual agreement of both parties. Reference page 8, para 1 of the Statement of Work.



Question 25: Since contractors cannot be expected to have facilities in each of the 21 VISNs, is provision of training at a nearby hotel an acceptable alternative?

Response 25: Yes, however our market research demonstrates that most offerors should be able to find adequate facilities either in-house or at no additional cost. Should a facilities be required that would need additional funding support, i.e., hotel, that must be coordinated with the Program Manager at least 15 days prior to the training.



Question 26: If the contractor needs to reserve VAMC space for training, what support will the contractor have to accomplish this?

Response R26: The Caregiver Support Coordinator at the local VAMC will provide assistance with reserving VAMC space. 



Question 27: Will the contractor need to handle VAMC staff training assignments for the in-class training?

Response 27: No 



Question 28: Is the contractor expected to handle the registrations for caregivers? 

Response 28: Yes.



Question 29: Does the contractor need to set up a registration website?

Response 29: The contractor will need to establish a secure mechanism for Caregiver Support Coordinators to identify for the contractor the  caregivers who are eligible for the Comprehensive Program  training.



Question 30: The solicitation states that: â€Any modifications or request for alternate training location will require advance concurrence by the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) or VA Program Manager (PM). “Could you elaborate on this statement?  Who would be making a modification or request for alternate training location?  A caregiver?  A VAMC staff member?  What implications would a modification have for the contractor?

Response 30: We anticipate that this kind of request will be rare, it would most likely come from the caregiver and the Caregiver Support Coordinator. Some examples of possible costs to the contractor might be staff travel or room rental fees. We will add a not to exceed CLIN to the pricing schedule for this effort.



Question 31: Is this a fixed-price contract?  If not, what is the contracting method?

Response 31: Yes. This is a FFP contract.



Question 32: One point that would be useful to have clarification on is the funding expectations of the VA for this overall solicitation. We understand that the VA wants the funding broken out over the cost schedule. But, we do not have a clear sense of the VA’s expected budget scope.

Response 32: Because this is the first training of this type, budget details are not currently available. We are counting on your experience and expertise to develop a prudent method to deliver this product to the VA.



Question 33: Does the contractor need to maintain any records that would need to be integrated with other VA systems (e.g., maintenance of online course completions)?

Response 33: Yes – VA requests that the Contractor provide the caregiver with a print certificate of completion of caregiver training and send a copy electronically to the referring Caregiver Support Coordinator.

Solicitation Number: VA-777-11-RP-0170, Amendment 0001



The purpose of this amendment is to provide questions and responses as well as provide additional synopsis/solicitation data.



This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number for this Request for Proposal (RFP) is VA-777-11-RP-0170.



Type of Contract: The resulting contract will be a firm fixed price contract. It is anticipated that the contract award resulting from this combined synopsis/solicitation will be made on 17 March 2011.



PRICE/COST SCHEDULE



CLIN 0001, 12.00 MO, Program of Comprehensive Caregiver Support, classroom, training of up to

850 individual caregivers per contract year.



CLIN 0002, 12.00 MO Comprehensive Caregiver Support, on-line



CLIN 0003, 12.00 MO Program of Comprehensive Caregiver Support, workbook/DVD self-instruction

training, Training of up to 300 individual caregivers per contract year.



CLIN 0004, 12.00 MO Program of General Caregiver Support, classroom training of up to 500 individual

caregivers in the base year and up to 2000 individual caregivers for each option year.



CLIN 0005, 12.00 MO Program of General Caregiver Support, On-line



CLIN 0006, 12.00 MO Program of General Caregiver Support, workbook/DVD self instruction

training of up to 500 individual caregivers in the base year and up to 2000 individual caregivers in

each option year.



CLIN 0007, 0.00 Lot Train the Trainer curriculum and instruction for VHA personnel

4 times in the base year and two times per year in each option year.



CLIN 0008, 0.00 EA Program of Comprehensive Caregiver Support, classroom, individual

caregiver training in excess of 850 individuals during each contract year



CLIN 0009, 12.00 EA Program of Comprehensive Caregiver Support, workbook/DVD self-instruction

training, Base Year Individual caregiver training in excess of 300 caregivers per contract year



CLIN 0010, 12.00 EA Program of General Caregiver Support, classroom, Base Year

Individual caregiver training in excess of 500 caregivers in the base year and up to 2000 individual

caregivers in each option year.



CLIN 0011, 12.00 EA Program of General Caregiver Support, workbook/DVD self instruction,

Base Year Individual caregiver training in excess of 500 caregivers in the base year and up to 2000 individual caregivers per option year.



The selected Offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and conditions. FAR 2.212-1, Instructions to Offerors- Commercial applies to this acquisition. The selected Offeror must submit a copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items. FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.



52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2011)



(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:



(1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (FEB 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)). Alternate I

(AUG 2007) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. 7104 (g)).

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78)



(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:



[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402).



[X] (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUL 2010) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).



[X] (6) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (DEC 2010) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). (Applies to contracts over $30,000).



[X] (8) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (JAN 2011) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).



[X] (12) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (JAN 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).



[X] (iii) Alternate II (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.



[X] (17) 52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program--Disadvantaged Status and Reporting (APR 2008) (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323).



[X] (18) 52.219-26, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program--Incentive Subcontracting (Oct 2000) (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323).



[X] (20) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (APR 2009) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).



[X] (21) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).



[X] (23) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999).



[X] (24) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246).



[X] (25) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (SEP 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212).



[X] (26) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793).



[X] (27) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (SEP 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212).



[X] (28) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).



[X] (29) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Jan 2009). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)



[X] (33) 52.223-18, Contractor Policy to Ban Text Messaging while Driving (SEP 2010) (E.O. 13513).



[X] (36) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (AUG 2009) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).



[X] (37) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).



[X] (40) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 255(f), 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).



[X] (43) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer--Other than Central Contractor Registration (May 1999) (31 U.S.C. 3332).



(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:



[X] (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).



[X] (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 1989) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).



Employee Class Monetary Wage-Fringe Benefits



[X] (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act--Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Sep 2009) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).





Questions and Responses



Question 1) Does the applicant need to be larger (or smaller) in revenues than the small business size standard of $7,000,000?

Response: All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered.



Question 2) Will the contact information for caregivers be readily available to the Contractor?

Response: Caregiver contact information will be provided to the Contractor by the Caregiver Support Coordinator. This will be provided in a manner that will meet HIPAA requirements for privacy protection of the caregiver and Veteran.



Question 3) Based on the pricing schedule, it appears that the VA does not include in this contract the development of a training delivery model that can be enhanced through ongoing stakeholder feedback. Is this correct?

Response: The Contractor will collect evaluations of the curriculum materials/classes from participants as well as measures of caregiver and Veteran satisfaction with the curriculum. This information will be used to make adjustments to content and curriculum delivery.



Question 4) How many VA staff are expected to be trained through Train-the Trainer?

Response: In the first year, 500 VA staff are expected to be trained.

BACKGROUND

The mission of the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. VA will continue to be the benchmark of excellence and value in health care and benefits by providing exemplary services that are both patient centered and evidence based.



In accordance with the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, (Pub. L. No. 111-163), VA is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive National Caregiver Training Program for caregivers that are caring for disabled Veterans. The VA is committed to providing a high quality and easily accessible training program for caregivers to learn how to care for injured Veterans, as well as gain a better understanding of home safety principles, wellness and prevention, legal and financial issues, and caregiver self care. Health care services provided by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are organized and delivered through 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and 153 Medical Centers.



SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide the resources necessary to accomplish the tasks as described in this PWS. The Contractor shall based on a proven curriculum foundation, develop, implement and deliver a comprehensive National Caregiver Education and Training Program for family caregivers who have been approved as a provider of personal care services for eligible Veterans as defined under Title I, § 1720G(a)(B)(2) of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The Contractor shall also develop, implement and deliver a Program of General Caregiver Education for caregivers of covered Veterans as defined under Title I, § 1720G(b)(2) Program of General Caregiver Support Services.



Both programs must support multi-modal methods of delivery (classroom and self-study via workbook/DVD and Web). Training must be capable of reaching caregivers of Veterans residing in both urban and rural areas. All personnel, materials and services to provide caregiver training will be provided by the Contractor. All aforementioned efforts shall include Contractor participation in stakeholder workgroups and interaction with various customers to help collect requirements and program implementation issues.



PERFORMANCE DETAILS

The Client anticipates a period of performance of one (1) twelve month base period with four (4) twelve month option periods.



When delivering the caregiver education programs in a face-to-face formal classroom setting, the training shall be performed between the hours of 8:00 am - 8:00 pm location specific time, Monday through Friday. When developing the caregiver curriculum, the Contractor shall perform and be available for collaboration between the hours of 8:00 am - 8:00 pm ET. Any work at Government facilities shall not take place on Federal holidays (see 5 U.S.C. § 6103) unless authorized by the CO.



Tasks associated with the development phase of the National Caregiver Training Program shall be performed at the Contractor's facilities or as otherwise agreed upon by both parties.



The Contractor shall develop and deliver two distinct national caregiver training programs. The first will serve caregivers of Veterans eligible for the program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers; the second will serve caregivers of Veterans covered by the program of general caregiver support services. Education for both groups is to be accessible by caregivers residing in both urban and rural areas. This task shall be accomplished by providing three (3) delivery methods for the provision of caregiver training: 1) classroom; 2) self-study (via workbook/DVD); and 3) web-based training. For the program of general caregiver support a Train-the-Trainer print curriculum is to be developed. This product will be used for instructing VAMC staff in the content and manner of presentation of the curriculum to caregivers in the program of general caregiver support. Classroom-based training will take place onsite at the Contractor's facility or local VAMC if mutually agreed by both parties. Classroom training shall be held a minimum of quarterly at rotating sites within each VISN; class size shall be a maximum of 25 caregivers. Any modifications or request for alternate training location will require advance concurrence by the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) or VA Program Manager (PM).



GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS



(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code, 611710, and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is $7,000,000.00.



Pre-quote discussions: The Pre-quote period is the period of time between issuance of the solicitation and due date for offers. This time period allows for an exchange of information between the VA and all potential offeror's. All requests to obtain a copy of the RFP and/or submit questions regarding this solicitation shall be sent in writing directly to the Contracting Officer by E-mail to adam.hemken@va.gov and Bradley.king3@va.gov. The last day to submit questions shall be 2 March 2011.



All questions should reference the specific reference to the particular section/subsection number of the RFQ they are requesting be clarified. Questions must be received before the date specified for receipt of questions. Questions or requests for extension submitted after the cut-off date will not be considered



Answers to questions and clarifications will be posted to FEDBIZOPPS. Any changes to this combined solicitation synopsis will be issued by amendment.





(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers electronically as follows:



E-Mail to: Adam Hemken@VA.Gov and Bradley.King3@VA.Gov



Date for Submission: 9 March 2011



Time for Submission: Not Later Than 4:00 P.M. Central Time



Your entire quote must be received prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation in order to be considered for award. Late or partial proposals will not be considered.



The Government shall be evaluating quotations on the basis of the written material presented. The vendor's quotation should be written in plain language (VA prohibits the use of elaborate technical quotation) and be formatted in Times New Roman 12 Pt Font.



Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to conduct an on-site inspection of offered facilities. All responsible sources that are able to demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements and provide items as listed above may respond to this solicitation.



The Contractor is not responsible for caregiver travel, meals or incidentals when attending classroom training. The cost of beverages and snacks in the training if desired is the responsibility of the contractor.



The Contractor is not responsible to arrange or pay for child care or respite care for the caregiver to attend training The Contractor is responsible for providing audio-visual equipment for all classroom trainings unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.



The Contractor is expected to deliver the classroom training in their own space unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties



Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449 or letterhead stationery.



As a minimum, offers must show --



(1) The solicitation number;



(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;



(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;



(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;



(5) Terms of any express warranty;



(6) Price and any discount terms;



(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;



(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);



(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;



(10) Past performance information to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and



(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.



(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.



(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.



Offerors shall submit a detailed outline which illustrates the content, tone and approach to be taken in the presentation of the following in print/classroom, workbook/DVD and web-based formats: o Skin Assessment and Intervention o Maintaining and Building Family Strengths



(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions or commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.



(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.



(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.



(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--



(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or



(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or



(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.



(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.



(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.



(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.



(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.



(g) Contract award. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.



(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.



(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.



(1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to--



GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20407



Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978.



(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.



(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:



(i) ASSIST (http://assist.daps.dla.mil).



(ii) Quick Search (http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch).



(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).



(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by?



(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (http://assist.daps.dla.mil/wizard);



(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or



(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.



(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.



(j) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,000, and offers of $3,000 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "DUNS" or "DUNS +4" followed by the DUNS or DUNS +4 number that identifies the offeror's name and address. The DUNS +4 is the DUNS number plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned at the discretion of the offeror to establish additional CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32.11) for the same concern. If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun and Bradstreet directly to obtain one. An offeror within the United States may contact Dun and Bradstreet by calling 1-866-705-5711 or via the internet at http://www.fedgov.dnb.com/webform. An offeror located outside the United States must contact the local Dun and Bradstreet office for a DUNS number. The offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the local Dun and Bradstreet office.



(k) Central Contractor Registration. Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the CCR database prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the Offeror does not become registered in the CCR database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror. Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the Internet at http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757.



(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:



(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.



(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.



(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.



(4) A summary of the rationale for award;



(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.



(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.



(End of Provision)



ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS



Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.