Program Management and Instructional Support Services

The purpose of amendment 0005 is to identify the response date. The questions and answers remain the same as in previous amendments.



The response date remains May 19, 2010.



Question

Is there a minimum and/or maximum time restriction for the video clips?



Answer

Updated Section L.2.3 Volume I: Technical Proposal. Part 3 Key Personnel to read - The video shall demonstrate the instructor's teaching style and should be between five (5) minutes and ten (10) in length. The five (5) minute minimum and ten (10) maximum apply to each individual instructor's video clip.



Questions and Answers from Amendment 0003



1. Question

How is FAC-C learning being validated now?



Answer

Most CON courses contain a pre- and post-assessment and intern cohorts are provided with a government developed and issued competency assessment at the start and finish of each program year



2. Question

How will the "knowledge transfer" occur between FAC-C contractors and awardee?



Answer

Offerors should propose the methodology for knowledge transfer in their proposals.



3. Question

On page 45, item 1c, it says "… shall include at least one (1) project management course and one (1) leadership course. The duration of the project management course shall be a minimum of one (1) week in length." What is the expected duration of the "leadership course"?



Answer

The current duration of the leadership curriculum is outlined in the table on page 44 (Section J, Attachment 4). Offerors shall propose the design and implementation of a leadership training program in accordance with Attachment J.4, paragraph A1(d).



4. Question

How will the cost to provide a "web based content management system" be covered?



Answer

The offeror's proposal should account for this in their hourly rate.



5. Question

Is there an existing schedule of planned FAC-C training courses per cohort? If so, please provide that data to allow us to illustrate a thorough sequencing diagram.



Answer

There currently is no proposed schedule of FAC-C training that coincides with this requirement. Offerors shall propose their solution for sequencing program components in their proposal. After contract award, all parties will work together to solidify exact dates for all program components.



6. Question

Please describe the technology currently in use to manage student registration, reporting, assessing and cross-functional communications.



Answer:

The intern cohorts are government employees and they are in-resident. All communications between government and contractor are either done through e-mail or in-person.



7. Question

Due to the significant nature of potential responses to the questions submitted, it is requested that the proposal due date be extended to 7 business days past the receipt of the VA's answers.



Answer

The due date for proposals remains at 3:00 local time on May 19, 2010 as stated in the solicitation.



8. Question

Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence refers to "Using the chart in Section C.1 as a baseline and guide, ---". Section C1, does not contain such a chart.



Answer

Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence has been corrected to read …" Using the chart in J.4 Section A, Statement of Work, as a baseline and guide, the contractor shall propose an intern program that is 36 months in length.



9. Question

If all days are added for each component in the chart on page 44, they exceed the maximum work days in a given year. Please clarify?



Answer

The chart was provided just to give offerors' a general snapshot of the current program components. The proposed sequencing is limited to a normal work year.



10. Question

Will on-site facilities and government Furnished property (GFP) be provided to the successful offeror? If so, how much of each?



Answer

No



11. Question

Is there a specified file format for submission of the video clips?



Answer

Quick Time or Windows Media will be used to view the video clips.



12. Question

Is there a minimum and/or maximum time restriction for the video clips?



Answer

Corrected Section L.2.3 Volume I: Technical Proposal. Part 3 Key Personnel - added the following sentence - The video shall be between five (5) minutes and ten (10) minutes in length.



13. Question

Are offerors allowed to hand-carry CD-ROM proposals to CAI Frederick (Page 86, Section L.2.5.1 ELECTRONIC FILE SUBMISSION)



Answer

Yes, offerors are allowed to hand-carry CD-ROM proposal to CAI Frederick. Please make sure the proposal is addressed to Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Acquisition Innovation - Frederick, Attention: James Poe, 7485 New Horizon Way, Frederick, MD 21703.



14. Question

Do resumes count toward the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



15. Question

Do letters of commitment count toward the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



16. Question

On page 44 you reference a chart in Section C.1. There appears to be no such chart in the RFP; could you please clarify this reference?



Answer

Please refer to question number 8.



17. Question

Could hard copy fingerprints be submitted in lieu of electronic fingerprinting? (Page 12 section (ii) Electronic Fingerprint Form)



Answer

Hard copy fingerprints cannot be submitted in lieu of electronic fingerprinting.



18. Question

Does the Times New Roman 10pt. font restriction apply to graphics and tables?



Answer

Yes, the Times New Roman 10pt font restriction applies to graphics and tables.



19. Question

Do the tables of contents, list of figures, and cover page count towards the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



20. Question

Is the incumbent eligible to bid on the contract?



Answer

Yes, the incumbent is eligible to bid on the contract.



21. Question

What current curriculum materials can be made available?



Answer

The solicitation includes all of the materials that will be made available.



22. Question

Is there an intern 'roadmap' or program guide available for those interns already in the program that can be shared by the bidders to review during the proposal process?



Answer

There is not a roadmap that is available for offerors. However, the purpose of the chart on p. 44 (Attachment J.4) is to provide a general snapshot of the required program components. Offerors are required to propose the sequencing that they determine to be the best solution in developing future generations of trusted business advisors in contracting for the VA. The components and their sequencing should provide a comprehensive curricula and holistic approach to ensure that interns learn an array of skills and obtain requisite acquisition certifications.



23. Question

Is there any certification other than FAC-C required in the program?



Answer

No.



24. Question

Are the interns Federal career interns or Federal Presidential Management Fellows?



Answer

Interns are in the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP).



25. Question



Upon completion of the program, at what typical level are the graduates working - Level 7-9 or 9-11 (or their equivalents)?



Answer

The three-year internship program begins at the GS-7 level with full performance to the GS-12 level. .



26. Question

Is the contractor required to maintain records on all interns?



Answer

Refer to Attachment J.4, C. Task Order Deliverables - page 48, items 3, 6, and 7. In order to participate in the In process review and to provide summary of intern grades for all training on a quarterly basis, the contractor will need to maintain certain types of records on all interns in order to meet these requirements.



27. Question

What documentation is required for conversion from intern to FTE?



Answer

This will be handled by the VA.



28. Question

Is new curriculum development required or do existing materials need enhancement?



Answer

The successful contractor will be required to develop materials. Refer to Attachment J.4, A.1 Statement of Work p. 44 and 45 - The contractor will be required to (b) develop and implement the hands-on learning laboratories/skill building; (d) design and implement a leadership training program.



29. Question

Have the criteria for interns' success been determined, e.g., retention, conversion?



Answer

No



30. Question

What is the current intern recruitment process?



Answer

The VA strategically recruits for GS-1102's throughout the country under the FCIP. Candidates for the program must have a Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 24 hours of business credits to be considered. Under this requirement, the contractor will not be responsible for the recruitment of intern classes.



31. Question

Where are the interns recruited from?



Answer

The VA strategically recruits throughout the country.



32. Question

On page 45, item C, "the contractor shall be responsible for providing FAC-C elective requirements, which at a minimum shall include at least (1) one Project Management course and one (1) leadership course …". Are these two elective topics to be offered as a minimum per certification level or across all three certification levels?



Answer

The electives are to be offered as a minimum per certification level.



33. Question

On page 46, item J, "Additional Feedback by instructors in the form of coaching is required." Is this the internship program contractor's or the FAC-C contractor's responsibility?



Answer

This is a requirement of the Program Management and Training contractor under this requirement.



34. Question

Page 46, Item J. What is the response requirement from the FAC-C contractor to meet this timeframe?



Answer

The individual written feedback about intern performance for all training over 24 hours (3 days) is required no later than five (5) business days after course completion. (Refer to Attachment J.4, C. Task Order Deliverables - page 48, item 6.)



35. Question

Page 44, Item 1A. How long is the typical job rotational assignment? How diverse is the geographic scope of these rotations, as it can impact sequencing of events? Are the rotations similar in scope for each of the cohort participants?



Answer

The majority of job rotations will be in the Frederick, Maryland, and Washington, DC - Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area with potential opportunities at various VA facilities across the nation depending on the acquisition support needs of the department. There are VA facilities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Guided by seasoned professionals, interns will complete job assignments that may take place in Frederick, Maryland, or in the field at a VA facility or VA administrative office. As the program progresses, the interns will transition from participating in formal coursework to devoting more time to job rotation assignments. Knowledge is also broadened by visits to VA Medical Centers and meetings with industry representatives.



The length of the job rotation period varies throughout the three year period. During the first year, typically the rotations last between 1 month and 3 ½ months; during the second year, the rotations typically range between 2 months and 2 ½ months; during the third year, rotations encompass the majority of the year. The scope of the work the interns participate in during their rotational periods is dependent upon the type of acquisition work being performed at the various locations.



36. Question

What ate the requirements for a VA-specific system (firewall/web/system)?



Answer

At this time there is no intent on the part of the Government for the contractor to have connection through the firewall when not on VA premises.

The purpose of this amendment 0004 is to correct the answer to the following question.



Question

Is there a minimum and/or maximum time restriction for the video clips?



Answer

Updated Section L.2.3 Volume I: Technical Proposal. Part 3 Key Personnel to read - The video shall demonstrate the instructor's teaching style and should be between five (5) minutes and ten (10) in length. The five (5) minute minimum and ten (10) maximum apply to each individual instructor's video clip.



Questions and Answers from Amendment 0003



1. Question

How is FAC-C learning being validated now?



Answer

Most CON courses contain a pre- and post-assessment and intern cohorts are provided with a government developed and issued competency assessment at the start and finish of each program year



2. Question

How will the "knowledge transfer" occur between FAC-C contractors and awardee?



Answer

Offerors should propose the methodology for knowledge transfer in their proposals.



3. Question

On page 45, item 1c, it says "… shall include at least one (1) project management course and one (1) leadership course. The duration of the project management course shall be a minimum of one (1) week in length." What is the expected duration of the "leadership course"?



Answer

The current duration of the leadership curriculum is outlined in the table on page 44 (Section J, Attachment 4). Offerors shall propose the design and implementation of a leadership training program in accordance with Attachment J.4, paragraph A1(d).



4. Question

How will the cost to provide a "web based content management system" be covered?



Answer

The offeror's proposal should account for this in their hourly rate.



5. Question

Is there an existing schedule of planned FAC-C training courses per cohort? If so, please provide that data to allow us to illustrate a thorough sequencing diagram.



Answer

There currently is no proposed schedule of FAC-C training that coincides with this requirement. Offerors shall propose their solution for sequencing program components in their proposal. After contract award, all parties will work together to solidify exact dates for all program components.



6. Question

Please describe the technology currently in use to manage student registration, reporting, assessing and cross-functional communications.



Answer:

The intern cohorts are government employees and they are in-resident. All communications between government and contractor are either done through e-mail or in-person.



7. Question

Due to the significant nature of potential responses to the questions submitted, it is requested that the proposal due date be extended to 7 business days past the receipt of the VA's answers.



Answer

The due date for proposals remains at 3:00 local time on May 19, 2010 as stated in the solicitation.



8. Question

Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence refers to "Using the chart in Section C.1 as a baseline and guide, ---". Section C1, does not contain such a chart.



Answer

Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence has been corrected to read …" Using the chart in J.4 Section A, Statement of Work, as a baseline and guide, the contractor shall propose an intern program that is 36 months in length.



9. Question

If all days are added for each component in the chart on page 44, they exceed the maximum work days in a given year. Please clarify?



Answer

The chart was provided just to give offerors' a general snapshot of the current program components. The proposed sequencing is limited to a normal work year.



10. Question

Will on-site facilities and government Furnished property (GFP) be provided to the successful offeror? If so, how much of each?



Answer

No



11. Question

Is there a specified file format for submission of the video clips?



Answer

Quick Time or Windows Media will be used to view the video clips.



12. Question

Is there a minimum and/or maximum time restriction for the video clips?



Answer

Corrected Section L.2.3 Volume I: Technical Proposal. Part 3 Key Personnel - added the following sentence - The video shall be between five (5) minutes and ten (10) minutes in length.



13. Question

Are offerors allowed to hand-carry CD-ROM proposals to CAI Frederick (Page 86, Section L.2.5.1 ELECTRONIC FILE SUBMISSION)



Answer

Yes, offerors are allowed to hand-carry CD-ROM proposal to CAI Frederick. Please make sure the proposal is addressed to Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Acquisition Innovation - Frederick, Attention: James Poe, 7485 New Horizon Way, Frederick, MD 21703.



14. Question

Do resumes count toward the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



15. Question

Do letters of commitment count toward the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



16. Question

On page 44 you reference a chart in Section C.1. There appears to be no such chart in the RFP; could you please clarify this reference?



Answer

Please refer to question number 8.



17. Question

Could hard copy fingerprints be submitted in lieu of electronic fingerprinting? (Page 12 section (ii) Electronic Fingerprint Form)



Answer

Hard copy fingerprints cannot be submitted in lieu of electronic fingerprinting.



18. Question

Does the Times New Roman 10pt. font restriction apply to graphics and tables?



Answer

Yes, the Times New Roman 10pt font restriction applies to graphics and tables.



19. Question

Do the tables of contents, list of figures, and cover page count towards the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



20. Question

Is the incumbent eligible to bid on the contract?



Answer

Yes, the incumbent is eligible to bid on the contract.



21. Question

What current curriculum materials can be made available?



Answer

The solicitation includes all of the materials that will be made available.



22. Question

Is there an intern 'roadmap' or program guide available for those interns already in the program that can be shared by the bidders to review during the proposal process?



Answer

There is not a roadmap that is available for offerors. However, the purpose of the chart on p. 44 (Attachment J.4) is to provide a general snapshot of the required program components. Offerors are required to propose the sequencing that they determine to be the best solution in developing future generations of trusted business advisors in contracting for the VA. The components and their sequencing should provide a comprehensive curricula and holistic approach to ensure that interns learn an array of skills and obtain requisite acquisition certifications.



23. Question

Is there any certification other than FAC-C required in the program?



Answer

No.



24. Question

Are the interns Federal career interns or Federal Presidential Management Fellows?



Answer

Interns are in the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP).



25. Question



Upon completion of the program, at what typical level are the graduates working - Level 7-9 or 9-11 (or their equivalents)?



Answer

The three-year internship program begins at the GS-7 level with full performance to the GS-12 level. .



26. Question

Is the contractor required to maintain records on all interns?



Answer

Refer to Attachment J.4, C. Task Order Deliverables - page 48, items 3, 6, and 7. In order to participate in the In process review and to provide summary of intern grades for all training on a quarterly basis, the contractor will need to maintain certain types of records on all interns in order to meet these requirements.



27. Question

What documentation is required for conversion from intern to FTE?



Answer

This will be handled by the VA.



28. Question

Is new curriculum development required or do existing materials need enhancement?



Answer

The successful contractor will be required to develop materials. Refer to Attachment J.4, A.1 Statement of Work p. 44 and 45 - The contractor will be required to (b) develop and implement the hands-on learning laboratories/skill building; (d) design and implement a leadership training program.



29. Question

Have the criteria for interns' success been determined, e.g., retention, conversion?



Answer

No



30. Question

What is the current intern recruitment process?



Answer

The VA strategically recruits for GS-1102's throughout the country under the FCIP. Candidates for the program must have a Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 24 hours of business credits to be considered. Under this requirement, the contractor will not be responsible for the recruitment of intern classes.



31. Question

Where are the interns recruited from?



Answer

The VA strategically recruits throughout the country.



32. Question

On page 45, item C, "the contractor shall be responsible for providing FAC-C elective requirements, which at a minimum shall include at least (1) one Project Management course and one (1) leadership course …". Are these two elective topics to be offered as a minimum per certification level or across all three certification levels?



Answer

The electives are to be offered as a minimum per certification level.



33. Question

On page 46, item J, "Additional Feedback by instructors in the form of coaching is required." Is this the internship program contractor's or the FAC-C contractor's responsibility?



Answer

This is a requirement of the Program Management and Training contractor under this requirement.



34. Question

Page 46, Item J. What is the response requirement from the FAC-C contractor to meet this timeframe?



Answer

The individual written feedback about intern performance for all training over 24 hours (3 days) is required no later than five (5) business days after course completion. (Refer to Attachment J.4, C. Task Order Deliverables - page 48, item 6.)



35. Question

Page 44, Item 1A. How long is the typical job rotational assignment? How diverse is the geographic scope of these rotations, as it can impact sequencing of events? Are the rotations similar in scope for each of the cohort participants?



Answer

The majority of job rotations will be in the Frederick, Maryland, and Washington, DC - Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area with potential opportunities at various VA facilities across the nation depending on the acquisition support needs of the department. There are VA facilities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Guided by seasoned professionals, interns will complete job assignments that may take place in Frederick, Maryland, or in the field at a VA facility or VA administrative office. As the program progresses, the interns will transition from participating in formal coursework to devoting more time to job rotation assignments. Knowledge is also broadened by visits to VA Medical Centers and meetings with industry representatives.



The length of the job rotation period varies throughout the three year period. During the first year, typically the rotations last between 1 month and 3 ½ months; during the second year, the rotations typically range between 2 months and 2 ½ months; during the third year, rotations encompass the majority of the year. The scope of the work the interns participate in during their rotational periods is dependent upon the type of acquisition work being performed at the various locations.



36. Question

What ate the requirements for a VA-specific system (firewall/web/system)?



Answer

At this time there is no intent on the part of the Government for the contractor to have connection through the firewall when not on VA premises.

The purpose of this amendment is to:



1. Correct Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence. It has been changed to read "Using the chart in J.4 Section A, Statement of Work, as a baseline and guide, the contractor shall propose an intern program that is 36 months in length.

2. Correct Section L.2.3 Volume I: Technical Proposal. Part 3 Key Personnel - added the following sentence - The video shall be between five (5) minutes and ten (10) minutes in length.

3. Provide Questions and Answers.



Questions and Answers



1. Question

How is FAC-C learning being validated now?



Answer

Most CON courses contain a pre- and post-assessment and intern cohorts are provided with a government developed and issued competency assessment at the start and finish of each program year



2. Question

How will the "knowledge transfer" occur between FAC-C contractors and awardee?



Answer

Offerors should propose the methodology for knowledge transfer in their proposals.



3. Question

On page 45, item 1c, it says "… shall include at least one (1) project management course and one (1) leadership course. The duration of the project management course shall be a minimum of one (1) week in length." What is the expected duration of the "leadership course"?



Answer

The current duration of the leadership curriculum is outlined in the table on page 44 (Section J, Attachment 4). Offerors shall propose the design and implementation of a leadership training program in accordance with Attachment J.4, paragraph A1(d).



4. Question

How will the cost to provide a "web based content management system" be covered?



Answer

The offeror's proposal should account for this in their hourly rate.



5. Question

Is there an existing schedule of planned FAC-C training courses per cohort? If so, please provide that data to allow us to illustrate a thorough sequencing diagram.



Answer

There currently is no proposed schedule of FAC-C training that coincides with this requirement. Offerors shall propose their solution for sequencing program components in their proposal. After contract award, all parties will work together to solidify exact dates for all program components.



6. Question

Please describe the technology currently in use to manage student registration, reporting, assessing and cross-functional communications.



Answer:

The intern cohorts are government employees and they are in-resident. All communications between government and contractor are either done through e-mail or in-person.



7. Question

Due to the significant nature of potential responses to the questions submitted, it is requested that the proposal due date be extended to 7 business days past the receipt of the VA's answers.



Answer

The due date for proposals remains at 3:00 local time on May 19, 2010 as stated in the solicitation.



8. Question

Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence refers to "Using the chart in Section C.1 as a baseline and guide, ---". Section C1, does not contain such a chart.



Answer

Attachment J.4, paragraph 1a, first sentence has been corrected to read …" Using the chart in J.4 Section A, Statement of Work, as a baseline and guide, the contractor shall propose an intern program that is 36 months in length.



9. Question

If all days are added for each component in the chart on page 44, they exceed the maximum work days in a given year. Please clarify?



Answer

The chart was provided just to give offerors' a general snapshot of the current program components. The proposed sequencing is limited to a normal work year.



10. Question

Will on-site facilities and government Furnished property (GFP) be provided to the successful offeror? If so, how much of each?



Answer

No



11. Question

Is there a specified file format for submission of the video clips?



Answer

Quick Time or Windows Media will be used to view the video clips.



12. Question

Is there a minimum and/or maximum time restriction for the video clips?



Answer

Corrected Section L.2.3 Volume I: Technical Proposal. Part 3 Key Personnel - added the following sentence - The video shall be between five (5) minutes and ten (10) minutes in length.



13. Question

Are offerors allowed to hand-carry CD-ROM proposals to CAI Frederick (Page 86, Section L.2.5.1 ELECTRONIC FILE SUBMISSION)



Answer

Yes, offerors are allowed to hand-carry CD-ROM proposal to CAI Frederick. Please make sure the proposal is addressed to Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Acquisition Innovation - Frederick, Attention: James Poe, 7485 New Horizon Way, Frederick, MD 21703.



14. Question

Do resumes count toward the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



15. Question

Do letters of commitment count toward the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



16. Question

On page 44 you reference a chart in Section C.1. There appears to be no such chart in the RFP; could you please clarify this reference?



Answer

Please refer to question number 8.



17. Question

Could hard copy fingerprints be submitted in lieu of electronic fingerprinting? (Page 12 section (ii) Electronic Fingerprint Form)



Answer

Hard copy fingerprints cannot be submitted in lieu of electronic fingerprinting.



18. Question

Does the Times New Roman 10pt. font restriction apply to graphics and tables?



Answer

Yes, the Times New Roman 10pt font restriction applies to graphics and tables.



19. Question

Do the tables of contents, list of figures, and cover page count towards the 30 page limit in the Technical proposal?



Answer

No



20. Question

Is the incumbent eligible to bid on the contract?



Answer

Yes, the incumbent is eligible to bid on the contract.



21. Question

What current curriculum materials can be made available?



Answer

The solicitation includes all of the materials that will be made available.



22. Question

Is there an intern 'roadmap' or program guide available for those interns already in the program that can be shared by the bidders to review during the proposal process?



Answer

There is not a roadmap that is available for offerors. However, the purpose of the chart on p. 44 (Attachment J.4) is to provide a general snapshot of the required program components. Offerors are required to propose the sequencing that they determine to be the best solution in developing future generations of trusted business advisors in contracting for the VA. The components and their sequencing should provide a comprehensive curricula and holistic approach to ensure that interns learn an array of skills and obtain requisite acquisition certifications.



23. Question

Is there any certification other than FAC-C required in the program?



Answer

No.



24. Question

Are the interns Federal career interns or Federal Presidential Management Fellows?



Answer

Interns are in the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP).



25. Question



Upon completion of the program, at what typical level are the graduates working - Level 7-9 or 9-11 (or their equivalents)?



Answer

The three-year internship program begins at the GS-7 level with full performance to the GS-12 level. .



26. Question

Is the contractor required to maintain records on all interns?



Answer

Refer to Attachment J.4, C. Task Order Deliverables - page 48, items 3, 6, and 7. In order to participate in the In process review and to provide summary of intern grades for all training on a quarterly basis, the contractor will need to maintain certain types of records on all interns in order to meet these requirements.



27. Question

What documentation is required for conversion from intern to FTE?



Answer

This will be handled by the VA.



28. Question

Is new curriculum development required or do existing materials need enhancement?



Answer

The successful contractor will be required to develop materials. Refer to Attachment J.4, A.1 Statement of Work p. 44 and 45 - The contractor will be required to (b) develop and implement the hands-on learning laboratories/skill building; (d) design and implement a leadership training program.



29. Question

Have the criteria for interns' success been determined, e.g., retention, conversion?



Answer

No



30. Question

What is the current intern recruitment process?



Answer

The VA strategically recruits for GS-1102's throughout the country under the FCIP. Candidates for the program must have a Bachelor's Degree or a minimum of 24 hours of business credits to be considered. Under this requirement, the contractor will not be responsible for the recruitment of intern classes.



31. Question

Where are the interns recruited from?



Answer

The VA strategically recruits throughout the country.



32. Question

On page 45, item C, "the contractor shall be responsible for providing FAC-C elective requirements, which at a minimum shall include at least (1) one Project Management course and one (1) leadership course …". Are these two elective topics to be offered as a minimum per certification level or across all three certification levels?



Answer

The electives are to be offered as a minimum per certification level.



33. Question

On page 46, item J, "Additional Feedback by instructors in the form of coaching is required." Is this the internship program contractor's or the FAC-C contractor's responsibility?



Answer

This is a requirement of the Program Management and Training contractor under this requirement.



34. Question

Page 46, Item J. What is the response requirement from the FAC-C contractor to meet this timeframe?



Answer

The individual written feedback about intern performance for all training over 24 hours (3 days) is required no later than five (5) business days after course completion. (Refer to Attachment J.4, C. Task Order Deliverables - page 48, item 6.)



35. Question

Page 44, Item 1A. How long is the typical job rotational assignment? How diverse is the geographic scope of these rotations, as it can impact sequencing of events? Are the rotations similar in scope for each of the cohort participants?



Answer

The majority of job rotations will be in the Frederick, Maryland, and Washington, DC - Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area with potential opportunities at various VA facilities across the nation depending on the acquisition support needs of the department. There are VA facilities in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Guided by seasoned professionals, interns will complete job assignments that may take place in Frederick, Maryland, or in the field at a VA facility or VA administrative office. As the program progresses, the interns will transition from participating in formal coursework to devoting more time to job rotation assignments. Knowledge is also broadened by visits to VA Medical Centers and meetings with industry representatives.



The length of the job rotation period varies throughout the three year period. During the first year, typically the rotations last between 1 month and 3 ½ months; during the second year, the rotations typically range between 2 months and 2 ½ months; during the third year, rotations encompass the majority of the year. The scope of the work the interns participate in during their rotational periods is dependent upon the type of acquisition work being performed at the various locations.



36. Question

What ate the requirements for a VA-specific system (firewall/web/system)?



Answer

At this time there is no intent on the part of the Government for the contractor to have connection through the firewall when not on VA premises.

Department of Veterans AffairCombined Synopsis/Solicitation for Program Management and Instructional Support Services



This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format prescribed in Subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 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 is VA798-10-RP-0096, and it is being issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).



The NAICS code for this requirement is 541611. The Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the NAICS code 541611 is $7M.



The Veteran Center for Acquisition Innovation (CAI) intends to issue a Firm-Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity type contract. The anticipated period of performance is for a term of five (5) years.



VA798-10-RP-0096 and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular Fac 2005-40.



Place of Contract Performance: Performance will be predominantly at the VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) in Frederick, MD.



VA98-10-RP-0096 will be distributed solely through the FedBizOpps website (http://www.fedbizopps.gov). All future information about this acquisition, including solicitation amendments will also be distributed solely through the FedBizOpps. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the FedBizOpps website to assure that they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition.



Attachments: ****SF1449 (Includes all applicable FAR AND VAAR clauses, SOW and Evaluation Factors etc. and separate Attachments (Price Schedule, Mission Support Standard Operating Procedure)****



SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS DEADLINE

Through Monday, May 10, 2010.



CLOSING DATE:

No later than 3:00 pm local time on Wednesday, May 19, 2010.

This solicitation was mistakenly posted as a combined synopsis/solicitation. We will attempt to post this solicitation using a pre-solicitation notice.

Department of Veterans AffairsCombined Synopsis/Solicitation for Program Management and Instructional Support Services



Please refer to RFP: VA798-10-RP-0096 for the SF 1449 and attached documents.



This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format prescribed in Subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 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 is VA798-10-RP-0096, and it is being issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).



The NAICS code for this requirement is 541611. The Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the NAICS code 541611 is $7M.



The Veteran Center for Acquisition Innovation (CAI) intends to issue a Firm-Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity type contract. The anticipated period of performance is for a term of five (5) years.



VA798-10-RP-0096 and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular Fac 2005-40.



Place of Contract Performance: Performance will be predominantly at the VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) in Frederick, MD.



VA98-10-RP-0096 will be distributed solely through the FedBizOpps website (http://www.fedbizopps.gov). All future information about this acquisition, including solicitation amendments will also be distributed solely through the FedBizOpps. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the FedBizOpps website to assure that they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition.



Attachments: ****SF1449 (Includes all applicable FAR AND VAAR clauses, SOW and Evaluation Factors etc. and separate Attachments (Price Schedule, Mission Support Standard Operating Procedure)****



SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS DEADLINE

Through Monday, May 10, 2010.



CLOSING DATE:

No later than 3:00 pm local time on Wednesday, May 19, 2010.