Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF AUGUST 04, 2016 FBO #5368
DOCUMENT

B -- Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Longitudinal Study - Attachment

Notice Date

8/2/2016
 

Notice Type

Attachment
 

NAICS

541611 — Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
 

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs;Veterans Benefits Administration;Office of Acquisition;1800 G. Street N.W.;Washington DC 20006
 

ZIP Code

20006
 

Solicitation Number

VA101V16N0361
 

Response Due

8/9/2016
 

Archive Date

9/8/2016
 

Point of Contact

Contract Specialist Ross Byrne
 

E-Mail Address

ross.byrne@va.gov
(Ross.Byrne@va.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) INTRODUCTION THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing this Request for Information. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation; therefore, do not submit a quote. The information provided may be used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) in developing its acquisition strategy. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, restricted or competition sensitive information contained in their response. Only electronic responses to this RFI will be accepted. The Government will not pay for any time expended or information submitted in response to this RFI. Eligibility in participating in a future acquisition does not depend upon a response to this notice. TITLE: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Longitudinal Study NAICS 541611 QUESTIONS AND CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INTERESTED CONTRACTORS Responses are solely treated as information for the Government to consider. Direct or Indirect costs incurred in response to this RFI are at the expense of the vendor, not the Government. In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Any contract that may be awarded will not be based on information received or derived from this RFI, but rather on the outcome of a subsequent competitive process. It is requested that all vendors interested in participating in this effort note their interest by responding to the areas identified in the "Company Details", "Capabilities Statement". COMPANY DETAILS The page limit for responses to this section is 1 page. 1.Provide company point(s) of contact information (name, email address, address, telephone, and fax numbers). 2.Identify if your company are any of the following business concern statuses (include all that apply): Small Business (SB); Certified Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) firm; Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB); Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB); Economically Disadvantage Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB); Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB); Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HubZone) Small Business; Large Business 3.Provide contracting vehicles your company holds, such as GSA schedules. CAPABILITIES STATEMENT The page limit for responses to this section is 2 pages. Provide an overview of your business capabilities to fulfill the requirements of the SOW, to include organizational and staff capability and experience. RESPONSE SUBMISSION Please submit responses via email to ross.byrne@va.gov by 10:00 AM Eastern Time, 9 Aug 2016. VA reserves the right to not reply to any emails, responses, and/or materials submitted. **DRAFT STATEMENT OF WORK** A.GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Title of Project: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Longitudinal Study (PL 110-389 Sec. 334) 2. Scope of Work: The Contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in the statement of work (SOW), except as may otherwise be specified. The Contractor shall collect data each fiscal year on a statistically valid sample of Veterans participating in the Department of Veteran Affairs' Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Chapter 31 program and prepare written annual reports on the short and long-term outcomes of Veterans in this program. The annual reports shall include analysis on the 16 data elements as described in PL 110-389, Section 334. Additional data elements may be added to the reports as necessary to provide a comprehensive analysis of the VR&E program. The Contractor shall review the survey distributed to VR&E Longitudinal Study participants. The Contractor shall ensure that the survey meets the requirements as outlined by the Office of Management and Business (OMB). The Contractor shall review and make edits to the survey as needed to provide data for the annual reports. It was previously determined that a final survey sample of 1,190 Veterans in each cohort that are still participating in the study at the end of the 20 years will yield a statistically valid sample to conduct substantial and significant analyses among subpopulations of interest. To ensure a statistically valid survey sample at the end of the 20-year period, the survey design required that a minimum of 3,500 participants in each cohort complete the survey during the first year of administration. Survey response rates have decreased over the last year. For example, response rates decreased from 63.7% in 2014 to 57.2% in 2015 for the 2010 Cohort and by 3.8% for the 2012 Cohort. It is expected that survey response rates will continue to decrease as the study continues. The Contractor shall review the current survey and sampling design for feasibility to determine if the current design will yield a statistically valid sample and provide a meaningful analysis at the end of the 20-year period. Upon review and analysis, the Contractor shall provide a detailed plan outlining recommendations on how to improve upon or replace the current survey and sampling design. The detailed plan shall address, but is not limited to the following: "Statistically valid survey and sampling design including survey methodology and weighting procedures "Response Rates - What is the number of responses required to have a valid response for analysis? Plans to achieve response levels including following up with participants and sending out surveys multiple times through different communication methods "Survey Fatigue - How to keep participants active and engaged throughout the 20 years? "Feasibility of sending out surveys to the entire cohort population (nearly 50,000 participants) "Non-Response Bias "Method for tracking response "Survey risks Once the design has been approved by the VA, the Contractor shall utilize the new design and recommendations on future reports. The Contractor shall take into account possibly having to send surveys multiple times to the same participants and to the entire cohort population (47,269 participants) to get the appropriate number of responses as described in the approved design. The Contractor shall compare the cohort findings from previous years to provide analysis on trends and long-term effects of Veterans participating in the VR&E program. The data collection will be from a combination of other agency sources (through data sharing agreements), existing VBA data sets, and surveys to complete the annual report. The Contractor shall utilize the Program Management Plan (PMP) previously developed as a guide to gathering the data necessary to complete the Annual Reports. The PMP does not restrict the Contractor from employing more effective methods to complete this contract. Other factors may be added as the agency sees fit. 3. Background: This project originated with the passage of Public Law 110-389, Section 334. The longitudinal effort will center on individuals who began participation in a vocational rehabilitation program under Chapter 31, for fiscal years 2010, 2012, and 2014. Each cohort will be followed for 20 years. The scope of this contract is to collect the data on nearly 50,000 Veteran participants and provide analysis that will provide useful demographics and trends relating to the targeted veteran customer within VR&E's Chapter 31 program. 4. Performance Period: The period of performance is one year from the date of award followed by four (4) consecutive option years, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. 5. Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price 6. Place of Performance: Performance will be at the Contractor's place of work, except when a review of VA sources and/or documentation is required, and operational research must be accomplished concerning VA databases, data-collection process and available official sources of information. Work at the Government site, located at 1800 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20420, shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed by the Contracting Officer (CO). B. CONTRACT AWARD MEETING 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. C. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1. For every task, the Contractor shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by task, together with associated submilestone dates. The Contractor's subtask structure shall be reflected in the offer and detailed project management plan (PMP). 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 VBA will complete their review of the draft deliverable within 14 calendar days from date of receipt. The Contractor shall have 10 calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the Government's comments. D. SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: The Contractor shall provide the specific deliverables described below within the performance period stated in Section A.4 of this SOW. D.1 VR&E Chapter 31 PMP and Briefing Task 1A: The Contractor shall provide a detailed PMP and briefing for the project team, which presents the Contractor's plan for completing VR&E's base year and available option years and optional tasks of this contract. The Contractor's plan shall be responsive to this SOW and describe, in further detail, the approach to be used for each aspect of the task order as defined in the proposal. It shall include a proposed format for VR&E's Annual Reports based on previous annual reports. It shall include steps to ensure the survey and sampling design are reviewed and recommendations provided by the end of Fiscal Year 2017. The Contractor shall keep the PMP up to date throughout the period of performance. Deliverable 1A: A detailed PMP and briefing. This deliverable is a functional project management plan addressing the requirements needed for the base year, plus four option years. D.2 VR&E Chapter 31 Mock Up Reports Task 2A: Contractor shall provide a mock-up on a VR&E Annual Report showing how the data gathered will be analyzed and how the data elements of the public law will be explained. The Contractor shall develop a briefing of these reports. Deliverable 2A: A written mock-up of reports with detailed explanation of how data will be analyzed. The Contractor shall provide a briefing of these reports at the Government site. D3: VR&E Chapter 31 Monthly Progress Reports Task 3A: The Contractor shall provide written progress reports throughout the year. Deliverable 3A1: Written progress reports for 2017 Annual Report Deliverable 3A2 - Option Year One: Written progress reports for 2018 Annual Report Deliverable 3A3 - Option Year Two: Written progress reports for 2019 Annual Report Deliverable 3A4 - Option Year Three: Written progress reports for 2020 Annual Report Deliverable 3A5 - Option Year Four: Written progress reports for 2021 Annual Report. D4: Survey Distribution and Analysis Task 4A: The Contractor shall distribute approved survey and consent forms to Veterans participating in the VR&E Longitudinal Study through the form of mail, online, and telephone. The Contractor shall review completed responses and provide analysis for annual reports. Deliverable 4A1: Survey Collection and Analysis for 2017 Annual Report Deliverable 4A2 - Option Year One: Survey Collection and Analysis for 2018 Annual Report Deliverable 4A3 - Option Year Two: Survey Collection and Analysis for 2019 Annual Report Deliverable 4A4 - Option Year Three: Survey Collection and Analysis for 2020 Annual Report Deliverable 4A5 - Option Year Four: Survey Collection and Analysis for 2021 Annual Report Task4B: The Contractor shall review the current survey and sampling design for feasibility to determine if the current design will yield a statistically valid sample and provide a meaningful analysis at the end of the 20-year period. Upon review and analysis, the Contractor shall provide a detailed plan outlining recommendations to improve upon or replace the current survey and sampling design. Once the design has been approved by the VA, the Contractor shall utilize the new design and recommendations on future reports. The detailed plan shall address, but is not limited to the following: "Statistically valid survey and sampling design including survey methodology and weighting procedures "Response Rates - What is the number of responses required to have a valid response for analysis? Plans to achieve response levels including following up with participants and sending out surveys multiple times through different communication methods "Survey Fatigue - How to keep participants active and engaged throughout the 20 years? "Non-Response Bias "Method for tracking response "Survey risks Deliverable 4B: Written survey and sampling design with recommendations. D5. VR&E Chapter 31 Annual Report Task 5A: The Contractor shall commence analyzing data and will prepare the annual report for submission to Congress, summarizing the short and long-term outcomes on the available data reporting elements. The report will include analysis on all three VR&E cohorts (2010, 2012, and 2014). The report shall include an integration of current trends of vocational rehabilitation compared with results from available reporting data and previous reports. The Contractor shall also review the survey and provide any necessary edits. The Contractor shall also monitor the approval process of the VR&E consent form and survey with OMB. The Contractor shall work with OMB to coordinate forms for approval required. Deliverable 5A1: VR&E Longitudinal Study Annual Report 2017 for FY 2016 Deliverable 5A2 - Option Year One: VR&E Longitudinal Study Annual Report 2018 for FY 2017 Deliverable 5A3 - Option Year Two: VR&E Longitudinal Study Annual Report 2019 for FY 2018 Deliverable 5A4 - Option Year Three: VR&E Longitudinal Study Annual Report 2020 for FY 2019 Deliverable 5A5 - Option Year Four: VR&E Longitudinal Study Annual Report 2021 for FY 2020 E. EVALUATED OPTIONAL TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES N/A F. SCHEDULE FOR DELIVERABLES 1. The Contractor shall complete the Delivery Date column in Attachment A for each deliverable specified. 2. Unless otherwise specified, the number of draft copies and the number of final copies shall be the same. 3. 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. G. CHANGES TO STATEMENT OF WORK Any changes to this SOW 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. H. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS 1. The Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) with monthly written progress reports (original plus 3 copies). These are due to the COR by the second workday following the end of each calendar month throughout the project's duration. 2. The progress report shall cover all work completed during the preceding month and will present the work to be accomplished during the subsequent month. This report will also identify any problems that arose and a statement explaining how the problem was resolved. This report will also identify any problems that have arisen but have not been completely resolved with an explanation. I. TRAVEL Travel is not anticipated at this time. J. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The Government will provide reference materials, data, and program documentation. K. 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 options. These are defined as key personnel and are those persons whose resumes were submitted. The contractor agrees that the key personnel shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without approval of the CO and COR. Key personnel shall be able to demonstrate their skills and experience in conducting research studies of this magnitude. The Contractor shall have a minimum of three years' experience in writing annual reports for studies of similar content. Educational accomplishments or work experience shall be clearly relevant to the scope of work required under this contract. If capable, the Contractor shall provide at least one key personnel with VA VR&E subject matter expertise (SME). The SME shall provide VR&E knowledge of policy, procedures, and data elements that is critical to accurately analyzing trends and long-term outcomes of VR&E participants. Educational accomplishments or work experience shall be clearly relevant to the scope of work required under this contract. Any personnel the Contractor offers as substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel being replaced. Requests to substitute personnel shall be approved by the COR and the CO. All requests for approval of substitutions in personnel shall be submitted to the COR 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. ? Attachment A Schedule of Deliverables Deliverable No.ItemQuantityDelivery Date 1AA detailed PMP and briefing 1 original and 3 copies Within 90 calendar days after award of base year 2AMock-up of VR&E Annual Reports 1 original and 3 copiesWithin 120 calendar days after award of base year 3A1Gather and analyze data on VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 2014 and provide monthly progress reports12 reportsMonthly progress reports due 2 working days after the end of the month 3A2Gather and analyze data on VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 2014 and provide monthly progress reports12 reportsUpon effective date of award of Option Year 1 Monthly progress reports due 2 working days after the end of the month 3A3Gather and analyze data on VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 2014 and provide monthly progress reports12 reportsUpon effective date of award of Option Year 2 Monthly progress reports due 2 working days after the end of the month 3A4Gather and analyze data on VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 2014 and provide monthly progress reports12 reportsUpon effective date of award of Option Year 3 Monthly progress reports due 2 working days after the end of the month 3A5Gather and analyze data on VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 2014 and provide monthly progress reports12 reportsUpon effective date of award of Option Year 4 Monthly progress reports due 2 working days after the end of the month 4A1Survey collection and analysis - VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 201447,300Survey collection shall commence within 30 days upon effective date of award of base year 4A2Survey collection and analysis - VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 201447,300Survey collection shall commence within 30 days upon effective date of award of option year one 4A3Survey collection and analysis - VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 201447,300Survey collection shall commence within 30 days upon effective date of award of option year two 4A4Survey collection and analysis - VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 201447,300Survey collection shall commence within 30 days upon effective date of award of option year three 4A5Survey collection and analysis - VR&E Cohorts 2010, 2012, and 201447,300Survey collection shall commence within 30 days upon effective date of award of option year four 4BSurvey and sampling design review and analysis1 original and 3 copiesWithin 180 calendar days after award 5A1Prepare a detailed VR&E Annual Report 2017 for FY 2016 of the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in the VR&E Program1 original and 3 copiesReport due March 1st of Calendar Year 2017 5A2Prepare a detailed VR&E Annual Report 2018 for FY 2017 of the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in the VR&E Program1 original and 3 copiesReport due March 1st of Calendar Year 2018 5A3Prepare a detailed VR&E Annual Report 2019 for FY 2018 of the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in the VR&E Program1 original and 3 copiesReport due March 1st of Calendar Year 2019 5A4Prepare a detailed VR&E Annual Report 2020 for FY 2019 of the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in the VR&E Program1 original and 3 copiesReport due March 1st of Calendar Year 2020 5A5Prepare a detailed VR&E Annual Report 2021 for FY 2020 of the long-term outcomes of Veterans participating in the VR&E Program1 original and 3 copiesReport due March 1st of Calendar Year 2021
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/WDCVARO372/WDCVARO372/VA101V16N0361/listing.html)
 

Document(s)

Attachment
 

File Name: VA101V-16-N-0361 VA101V-16-N-0361.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=2917868&FileName=VA101V-16-N-0361-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=2917868&FileName=VA101V-16-N-0361-000.docx

 

Note: If links are broken, refer to Point of Contact above or contact the FBO Help Desk at 877-472-3779.
 

Record

SN04204635-W 20160804/160802234756-52272b7bc990c02e67d588f0e2566fbf (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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