Sources Sought Notice – R– PowerStart Implementation This is a request for Information Only Responses are due by 2:00 p.m EST April 3, 2017
Notice Type: Sources Sought Notice
Posted Date:
Office Address:
Subject: R-- PowerStart Implementation This is a request for Information Only Responses are due by 2:00 p.m EST
Classification Code: R - Professional, administrative, and management support services
Solicitation Number: VA77717N0050
Contact: John Schiffhauer314-894-6656 EX 65111 [email protected] mailto:[email protected]
Description:
DISCLAIMERThis Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this
Offeror s Submittal of Interest:
Interested and capable firms are requested to provide the following data/information to the attention of the Contracting Officer identified herein.
a) Company s name:
b) Company s address:
c) Company s point of contact name:
d) Company s phone, fax, and email address:
e) Company s Tax ID Number:
f) Company s DUNS number and Cage Code:
g) Type of business, e.g. Small Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, SBA Certified 8(a) Firm, SBA Certified HUBZone Firm, Women Owned Small Business, SBA Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, or Other than Small Business, relative to NAICS code 541511
h) Federal Supply Schedule number (if applicable):
i) Statement of Capability that demonstrates the offeror's capability and past performance in providing and meeting the type of service requirement; to include the data and information stated herein.
e-Mail submissions will be acceptable at [email protected]. Submissions should be submitted no later than
NO FAX/ FACSIMILE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Questions: Requests for clarification and/or information regarding this
Notice to Potential Offerors: All Offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government MUST be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) website, located on at www.sam.gov.
It is desirable that Offerors complete their business Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA).
Additionally, all Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses or Veteran Owned Small Businesses who respond to a solicitation must be registered with the
Disclaimer: The purpose of this
NOTE: No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response to this Sources Sought Announcement. The Government reserves the right to use any information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate, including using technical information provided by respondents in any resultant solicitation. Also, please be advised that
At this time no solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the Solicitation. After a review of the responses received, a Pre-Solicitation Notice and Solicitation may be published on Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website or GSA E-buy.
It is the potential Offeror's responsibility to monitor FedBizOpps and E-buy for release of any future solicitation that may result from this Sources Sought Announcement.
However, responses to this Sources Sought Announcement will not be considered adequate responses to any resultant solicitation.
Comments/Concerns: Please provide the Contracting Officer, under company/firm s letterhead, any comments and/or concerns you may have regarding this Sources Sought Announcement.
Contract Specialist
Program Contract Activity Central
(PCAC) -
314-894-6656 x 65111
STATEMENT OF WORK
GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS
Scope
The contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in the Statement of Work (SOW), except as may otherwise be specified.
Modification of a hosted project management propriety software program, GS-35F-0265X .
Contractor will provide a developer support package(s) that provides assistance
in the build-out of Power Steering reporting capabilities.
Platform modifications will be compatible with current
Platform will continue to provide sufficient security of data entered into the hosted platform repository. Data will be related to process improvement projects and not contain any protected PHI/PII.
Expected Outputs: 2 packages of 10 day (80 hours) subject matter expert support in modifying the proprietary PowerSteering tool to allow assigned
Background and Program Overview
CPAC (Consolidated Patient Account Center) is a--congressionally mandated program--that will consolidate traditional VHA business office functions into-'seven regional centers over the next few years. This initiative will transform VHA billing and collections activities, and more closely align VHA with industry practices through the implementation of standardized improvement projects management.--
Contract Type
Firm-Fixed-Price
Purpose
This proposed solicitation will improve the alignment with current CPAC strategic guidance to incorporate business process improvement strategies and technological improvements into business operations programs which allows for greater efficiency that provides a more effective and less costly service to veterans.
Successful implementation of the elements in this solicitation will allow for significant improvements in key business metrics such as cycle time, return on investment, individual productivity, efficiency, and employee satisfaction over the next ten years while reducing waste and overall costs within the CPAC organization.
Objectives
This is planned as a one-time contract that includes 20 days of build-out support that provides assistance with the building out of reporting capabilities; efforts will include building on the enhancement features of a standardized project management platform (PowerSteering) accessible to key CPAC staff nationwide.
General Requirements
1. For every task, the contractor shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by tasks together with associated sub-milestone dates. The contractor's subtask structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal and detailed project management plan (PMP) if required.
2. All written deliverables will be phrased in layperson language. Statistical and other technical terminology will not be used without providing a glossary of terms.
3. Where a written milestone deliverable is required in draft form, the CPAC PMO will complete their review of the draft deliverable within _10_ calendar days from date of receipt. The contractor shall have _5_ calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the government s comments.
Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables:
The contractor shall provide the specific deliverables described below within the performance period stated in Section 14 of this SOW.
Task 1:
Contractor will provide developer support package(s) that provides assistance in the build out Power Steering software reporting capabilities. Each package will consist of a specific number of consulting days, based on an 8 hour workday, and will provide advice, consulting, and training on the use and configuration of administrative and reporting applications/widgets contained within the proprietary project management platform, Powersteering.
Deliverable 1: There will be two periods of performance provided by the contractor, Period 1 will begin NLT
Period 2 will run will begin NLT
Deliverables:
Enhanced reporting capabilities emphasizing Return on Investment through program costs and expected benefits through monthly, quarterly, and FY intervals by CPAC and RO as a program.
Build-out of graphic dashboards for executive leaders to access real time reporting data on program status.
Schedule for Deliverables
Task
Start no later than
Complete no later than
Deliverable 1
Deliverable 2
1. Unless otherwise specified, the number of draft copies and the number of final copies shall be the same.
2. If for any reason the scheduled time for a deliverable cannot be met, the contractor is required to explain why (include the original deliverable due date) in writing to the CO, including a firm commitment of when the work shall be completed. This notice to the CO shall cite the reasons for the delay, and the impact on the overall project. The CO will then review the facts and issue a response in accordance with applicable regulations.
Changes to Statement of Work
Any changes to this contract shall be authorized and approved only through written correspondence from the CO. A copy of each change will be kept in a project folder along with all other products of the project. Costs incurred by the contractor through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the contractor.
9.0 Reporting Requirements
1. The contractor shall provide the COTR with monthly reports on utilization of support hours until all hours are utilized or the conclusion of the period of performance, whichever comes first. This report will document the starting number of hours, hours used, date used, and purpose of utilized hours.
10.0 Contract Kick-off
The contractor shall not commence performance on the tasks in this SOW until the CO has conducted a kick off meeting or has advised the contractor that a kick off meeting is waived.
11.0 Period of Performance (POP)
Period of Performance would be
12.0 Place of Performance
Services being requested by this statement of work are virtual in nature, will not be located at a government facility, and are provided through secure internet platforms across the World Wide Web. The contractor is responsible for providing working stations, access, and all necessary support of contractor assigned personnel.
13.0 Travel
Travel is not required by this SOW.
14.0 Government Responsibilities
Government will provide access to facility rooms needed to prepare staff if needed in accordance with overall project schedule. There will not be any direct connection to
15.0 Contractor Experience Requirements Key Personnel
These skilled experienced professional and/or technical personnel are essential for successful contractor accomplishment of the work to be performed under this contract and subsequent task orders and option. The contractor agrees that the key personnel shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without approval of the CO and TOPM.
Any personnel the contractor offers as substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel being replaced, specifically, subject matter expertise in the design and administration of the PowerSteering project management platform.. Requests to substitute personnel shall be approved by the TOPM and the CO. All requests for approval of substitutions in personnel shall be submitted to the TOPM and the CO within 30 calendar days prior to making any change in key personnel. The request shall be written and provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution. The contractor shall submit a complete resume for the proposed substitute, any changes to the rate specified in the order (as applicable) and any other information requested by the CO needed to approve or disapprove the proposed substitution. The CO will evaluate such requests and promptly notify the contractor of approval or disapproval thereof in writing.
16.0
After award of Contract, all inquiries and correspondence relative to the administration of the Contract shall be addressed to the attention of the Contracting Officer.
Contracting Officer:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
Email:
Contracting Officer s Representative (COTR):
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
Email:
INVOICING REQUIREMENTS AND ACCEPTANCE:
The contractor shall submit an original copy of all invoices to the
Regular Mail:
VAFSC FOS Region 1 Team
P. O. Box 149971
Phone # 512-460-5544
Email: www.fsc.va.gov
FAX: 512-460-5540
All invoices submitted must contain the following information:
Contract Number
Dates of Service
Names of Employees
Tour of duties worked.
The C&A requirements do not apply and a Security Accreditation Package is not required as per VA HB 6500.6 appendix A. Protected health information will not be disclosed or accessed as part of this contract solicitation.
VA ACQUISITION REGULATION SOLICITATION PROVISION AND CONTRACT CLAUSE
NOTE: This clause will undergo official rule making by the
Security Clauses by Reference:
- SUBPART 839.2 INFORMATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
- 852.273-75 - SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (INTERIM-
SECURITY PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS
General - All contractors and contractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and
Access to VA Information and VA Information Systems
A contractor shall request logical (technical) and/or physical access to
All contractors and subcontractors working with VA Sensitive Information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of regular
Contract personnel not accessing
Contract personnel with limited and intermittent access to equipment connected to facility networks on which no
Contract personnel with limited and intermittent access to equipment connected to facility networks on which limited
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
VA Information Custodial Requirements
Information made available to the contractor by
Information generated by a Contractor as a part of the contractor s normal business operations, such as medical records created in the course of providing treatment, is subject to a review by the
Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor will not destroy information received from
The contractor will receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of
Contractors collecting, storing, or disseminating personal identifiable information (PII) or protected health information (PHI) data must conform to all pertinent regulations, laws, and
The contractor shall not make copies of
If
If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated business associate agreement (BAA) will also be terminated and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01
Contractor will store, transport, or transmit
The contractor s firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed
Except for uses and disclosures of
Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor shall not release medical quality assurance records protected by 38 U.S.C. 5705 or records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus protected under 38 U.S.C. 7332 under any circumstances, including in response to a court order, and shall immediately refer such court orders or other inquiries to the
The contractor will not use technologies banned in
Information System Design and Development
Information systems that are designed or developed for or on behalf of
The security controls must be designed, developed, approved by
The contractor will be required to design, develop, or operate a System of Records on individuals to accomplish an agency function subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (as amended), Public Law 93-579,
The contractor agrees to -
Comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (the Act) and the agency rules and regulations issued under the Act in the design, development, or operation of any system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function when the contract specifically identifies --
The systems of records; and
The design, development, or operation work that the contractor is to perform;
Include the Privacy Act notification contained in this contract in every solicitation and resulting subcontract and in every subcontract awarded without a solicitation, when the work statement in the proposed subcontract requires the redesign, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals that is subject to the Act; and,
Include this Privacy Act clause, including this subparagraph (3), in all subcontracts awarded under this contract which requires the design, development, or operation of such a system of records.
In the event of violations of the Act, a civil action may be brought against the agency involved when the violation concerns the design, development, or operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function, and criminal penalties may be imposed upon the officers or employees of the agency when the violation concerns the operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function. For purposes of the Act, when the contract is for the operation of a system of records on individuals to accomplish an agency function, the contractor is considered to be an employee of the agency.
Operation of a system of records means performance of any of the activities associated with maintaining the system of records, including the collection, use, and dissemination of records.
Record means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by an agency, including, but not limited to, education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and contains the person s name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a fingerprint or voiceprint, or a photograph.
System of records on individuals means a group of any records under the control of any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual.
Information System Hosting, Operation, Maintenance or Use
For information systems that are hosted, operated, maintained, or used on behalf of
Adequate security controls for collecting, processing, transmitting, and storing of personally identifiable information, as determined by the VA Privacy Service, must be in place, tested, and approved by
Outsourcing (contractor facility/contractor equipment/contractor staff) of systems or network operations, telecommunications services, or other managed services requires certification and accreditation (C&A) of the contractor s systems in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-37 and VA Handbook 6500 and a privacy impact assessment of the contractor s systems prior to operation of the systems. Government-owned (government facility/government equipment) contractor-operated systems, third party or business partner networks require a system interconnection agreement and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which detail what data types will be shared, who will have access, and the appropriate level of security controls for all systems connected to
The contractor must adhere to all FISMA, FIPS, and NIST standards related to the annual FISMA security controls assessment and review and update the PIA. Any deficiencies noted during this assessment must be provided to the
All electronic storage media used on non-
Information System Security
The contractor shall ensure adequate LAN/
Security Incident Investigation
The term security incident means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to
To the extent known by the contractor, the contractor s notice to
The contractor will simultaneously report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (is) of jurisdiction, including the VA Offices of the Inspector General and Security and Law Enforcement, in instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees will cooperate with
To the extent practicable, the contractor shall mitigate any harmful effects on individuals whose
Security Controls Compliance Testing
On a periodic basis,
Security Training
All Contractor employees and Sub-Contractor employees requiring access to
Sign and acknowledge understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the attached National Rules of Behavior relating to access to
Successfully complete VA Cyber Security Awareness training and annual refresher training as required;
Successfully complete
Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for
The Contractor shall provide to the contracting officer a copy of the training certificates for each applicable employee within 1 week of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required. These online courses are located at the following web site: https://www.ees-learning.net/.
Failure to complete this mandatory training within the timeframe required will be grounds for suspension or termination of all physical and/or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training is completed.
Contractor Personnel Security
All Contractor employees who require access to the
The investigative history for Contractor personnel working under this contract must be maintained in the databases of either the
Contractor Responsibilities
The Contractor shall bear the expense of obtaining background investigations. If the investigation is conducted by the
Background investigations from investigating agencies other than OPM are permitted if the agencies possess an
The Contractor shall prescreen all personnel requiring access to the computer systems to ensure they maintain a
After contract award and prior to contract performance, the Contractor shall provide the information, in Attachment C, to the CO.
The Contractor, when notified of an unfavorable determination by the Government, shall withdraw the employee from consideration from working under the contract.
Failure to comply with the Contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the contract for default.
Further, the Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of all individuals provided to work for the
Government Responsibilities
The VA Security and Investigations Center (07C) shall provide the necessary forms to the Contractor or to the Contractor's employees after receiving a list of names and addresses.
Upon receipt, the VA Security and Investigations Center (07C) shall review the completed forms for accuracy and forward the forms to OPM to conduct the background investigation. The
The VA Security and Investigations Center (07C) shall notify the contracting officer and Contractor after adjudicating the results of the background investigations received from OPM.
The COTR will ensure that the Contractor provides evidence that investigations have been completed or are in the process of being requested.
ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS
The Contractor shall comply with
VA Directive 6102 sets forth policies and responsibilities for the planning, design, maintenance support, and any other functions related to the administration of a VA Internet/Intranet Service Site or related service (hereinafter referred to as
VA Handbook 6102 establishes Department-wide procedures for managing, maintaining, establishing, and presenting VA Internet/Intranet Service Sites or related services (hereafter referred to as
VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102 are available at:
http://www.va.gov/pubs/directives/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6102d.doc
http://www.va.gov/pubs/handbooks/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6102h.doc
http://www.va.gov/pubs/handbooks/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/61021h.doc
In addition, any technologies that enable a Network Delivered Application (NDA) to access or modify resources of the local machine that are outside of the browser's-- "sand box" are strictly prohibited. Specifically, this prohibition includes signed-applets or any
JavaScript is the preferred language standard for developing relatively simple interactions (i.e., forms validation, interactive menus, etc.) and Applets (J2SE APIs and Java Language) for complex network delivered applications.
SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE
The Contractor shall comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. '' 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220),
In
Section 508 text is available at:
http://www.opm.gov/HTML/508-textOfLaw.htm
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm FuseAction=Content&ID=14
CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE
The preliminary and final deliverables and all associated working papers, application source code, and other material deemed relevant by the
The CO will be the sole authorized official to release verbally or in writing, any data, the draft deliverables, the final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this task order. No information shall be released by the contractor. Any request for information relating to this task order presented to the contractor shall be submitted to the CO for response.
Press releases, marketing material or any other printed or electronic documentation related to this project, shall not be publicized without the written approval of the CO.
Link/URL: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/VAAAC/VAAAC/VA77717N0050/listing.html



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