Loren Data's SAM Daily™

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

U -- Mentoring & Assessment Tools - 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

VA101V16N0359
 

Response Due

8/8/2016
 

Archive Date

9/7/2016
 

Point of Contact

ross.byrne@va.gov
 

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. BACKGROUND The VBA has a requirement for Mentoring and Assessment Tools for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Office of Employee Development and Training (EDT). 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", and "General Questions" sections below. 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 1 page. 1.Provide an overview of your business capabilities to fulfill the requirements of the SOW, to include organizational and staff capability and experience. 2.Provide a brief narrative summary of your technical approach to meet VA's high-level requirements in the attached draft SOW (mentor training delivery, mentor assessments, DISC, 360 Assessments, and Vendor Portal). RESPONSE SUBMISSION Please submit responses via email to ross.byrne@va.gov by 10:00 AM Eastern Time, 8 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: Mentoring and Assessment Tools for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Office of Employee Development and Training (EDT). 2.Scope of Work: The Contractor shall provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described within this Statement of Work (SOW), except as may be otherwise specified. The scope of work includes facilitation of a virtual mentoring portal and the coordination of mentor relationship training and materials designed to provide mentors and mentees with the information, expectations, and assessment tools used to build strong mentoring partnerships and enhance their professional development. 3.Background: This project is a critical element of the annual VBA national leadership programs; it provides participants the training and support needed to be effective in their mentoring relationships and provides assessment tools that enable program participants to evaluate their leadership strengths and developmental needs. Also, this contract is vital to the execution of a VBA virtual mentoring program to enhance employee engagement. 4.Period of Performance: The period of performance is a base year from date of award plus four (4) one-year option periods. Work at the Government site shall not take place on Federal holidays or weekends unless directed in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO). 5.Type of Contract: Fixed Price. 6.Place of Performance: The Contractor shall have the capability to provide services both in-residence and virtually. In-resident session locations are To Be Determined (TBD); subject to travel authorization as defined in Section: "I. Travel." 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) and associated costs by task with associated sub-milestone dates. The Contractor's sub-task structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal and detailed Project Management Plan (PMP). 2.All written deliverables shall be phrased in layperson language. Statistical and other technical terminology shall not be used without providing a glossary of terms; this includes the use of "in-house" terminology that does not reflect the task language specified in this SOW. 3.Unless otherwise specified in the PMP, where a written milestone deliverable is required in the draft form, the VBA will complete their review of the draft deliverable within three (3) calendar days from date of receipt. The Contractor shall have three (3) calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the government's comments. 4.All deliverables, except where specified otherwise, shall be reviewed and evaluated by the VBA COR or designee. All deliverables, as appropriate, shall be delivered via software compatible (type and version) with that used by the VBA. 5.The Contractor shall provide, via e-mail, minutes of all Government-contractor meetings, within three (3) calendar days after conclusion of the meeting. 6.Except for proprietary financial information, the Contractor shall not deliver to the VBA any proprietary products or information of any type in completing the requirements of this task order. The contractor's existing internal development tools (that is, those development tools not developed for the VBA work and which will not be required by the VBA to install, use, or revise the deliverables) are exempted from this requirement. If the Contractor believes an exception to this requirement is necessary for effective or efficient execution of this task order, the contractor shall request a specific exception, in writing, to the CO, and shall not provide the proprietary tools or information until approval is received from the CO. 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. Task One: The Contractor shall design, deliver, and have the capability to conduct Mentoring Best Practices training either in-residence or virtually. The Contractor shall provide each mentor and mentee with DISC assessment results as well as a guide that has the ability to be customized for Leadership and Organizational Development Programs, but includes at a minimum: "lessons learned" on the roles, responsibilities, and "best practices" of mentoring, as well as guidance on mentoring action plans. The training is designed to orient participants to the dynamics involved in mentoring and to help establish a strong foundation for their mentoring partnerships through the exploration and application of four critical success factors: "A clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the mentor and mentee "Open communication based on a respect for the differences and strengths each bring to the mentoring relationship as reflected in their DISC assessments "The development of "ground rules" and action steps for the success of the mentoring partnership "The development of an effective Mentoring Action Plan (MAP) that provides clear goals and objectives for mentee learning and development Deliverable One: Six (6) one-day Mentoring Best Practices training sessions and training materials (guides for both the mentor and mentee, as described above, along with anything else deemed pertinent to accomplish the training). Task Two: The Contractor shall design, deliver, and have the capability to conduct Mentoring Mid-Point training either in-residence or virtually. The training will help mentors and mentees identify and share strategies for making the most of their mentoring relationship. The training will reinforce concepts and methodologies presented during the initial Mentoring Best Practices training. In addition, the training will offer participants the opportunity to enhance their leadership effectiveness by: "Exploring the components of Emotional Intelligence "Understanding the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and effective leadership "Identifying strategies for enhancing Emotional Intelligence Deliverable Two: Six (6) four-hour Mentoring Mid-Point training sessions and training materials (anything deemed pertinent to accomplish the training). Task Three: The Contractor shall provide program participants with the opportunity to receive feedback from a straightforward, effective 360-degree feedback assessment tool that assesses leadership strengths and developmental needs. This 360-degree feedback assessment should allow participants to get practical feedback from peers, direct reports, superiors, and other senior leaders/officials; it should be available online for ease of use and the results should be documented in an easy-to-read format accompanied by a practical development guide. A one-on-one session, available in various delivery mediums, will be provided to ensure participants gain a clear understanding of their results. The assessment process should be administered as follows: "Program Manager sends the Contractor a list of program participant names and e-mail addresses "Contractor shall provide virtual link and instructions to program participants on how to complete the assessment "Contractor shall provide updates to Program Manager throughout the process to ensure timely completion by program participants "Upon completion of assessment, Contractor will provide each participant with results in an easy-to-read format. The Contractor will also provide a practical development guide, and conduct a one-on-one feedback session either face-to-face, virtually, or telephonically Deliverable Three: One hundred twenty (120) 360-degree feedback assessments, materials, and one-on-one sessions. Task Four: The Contractor shall design a final evaluation survey to assess the status and/or outcomes of the mentoring relationship and overall program effectiveness within three national-level leadership programs. The Contractor shall provide evaluation reports for each survey conducted that summarize the data collected and focus on continuous improvement. The reports will be delivered in an easily understood, actionable, and electronic format. Deliverable Four: Six (6) final written evaluation reports on the outcomes of the mentoring relationship and the overall effectiveness of the program. Task Five: The Contractor shall design, deliver, and make accessible a Mentoring Connection Portal to assist in the facilitation of a virtual mentoring program. The Portal shall be made to accommodate a range of approximately fifty (50) to one hundred (100) pairings, enable virtual applications of mentors and mentees, and offer resources and tools to facilitate the mentoring relationship. The Contractor shall maintain the virtual portal, provide administrative and technical support, and communicate with the COR at a minimum: coordination of user access, when the portal has reached pairing limit, any down periods for maintenance or other technical issues, and any other essential communication as identified by the Contractor or the COR. Deliverable Five: One (1) virtual Mentoring Connection Portal that accommodates approximately fifty (50) to one hundred (100) pairings, as described above. E. EVALUATED OPTIONAL TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES Not applicable. 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's Representative (COR) with monthly written progress report in softcopy, or electronic, format. These are due to the COR on the second Tuesday of each month throughout the project's duration. 2.The progress reports will 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 yet to be resolved, along with a statement explaining what steps have been taken to attempt to resolve the problem and next steps to attempt to achieve resolution. I. TRAVEL 1.Travel is required as part of this task order. Travel allocation is not to exceed budgeted costs during each period of performance. Travel and per diem shall be reimbursed in accordance with VA/Federal Travel Regulations. Each Contractor invoice must include copies of all receipts that support the travel costs claimed in the invoice. Travel must be pre-approved by the VBA COR. Travel must be priced separately in the price schedule. 2.Local travel within a 50-mile radius from the contractor's facility is considered the cost of doing business and will not be reimbursed. This includes travel, subsistence, and associated labor charges for travel time. Travel performed for personal convenience and daily travel to and from work at the contractor's facility will not be reimbursed. Travel, subsistence, and associated labor charges for travel time for travel beyond a 50-mile radius of the contractor's facility are authorized on a case-by-case basis and must be pre-approved by the COR. J. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The Government will provide space for instruction at any location training and/or services were requested to be conducted in-resident. K. CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS - KEY PERSONNEL 1.Skilled, experienced professional and/or technical personnel are essential for successful contractor accomplishment of the work to be performed under this task order and option. 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. 2.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 thirty (30) calendar days prior to making the proposed change. 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 One"Mentoring Best Practices" Training Session6 30-35 calendar days from client notification to schedule session Two"Mentoring Mid-Point" Training Session6 30-35 calendar days from client notification to schedule session Three360-degree Feedback Assessments120 Within 45 calendar days after Assessments are distributed to the participants FourFinal Written Evaluation Report6 Within 45 calendar days after end of program FiveMentoring Connection Portal1 Within 60 calendar days from contract award
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/WDCVARO372/WDCVARO372/VA101V16N0359/listing.html)
 

Document(s)

Attachment
 

File Name: VA101V-16-N-0359 VA101V-16-N-0359.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=2916639&FileName=VA101V-16-N-0359-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=2916639&FileName=VA101V-16-N-0359-000.docx

 

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

Record

SN04205426-W 20160804/160802235539-7da1b897728f41e24320b216b7fd6658 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

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

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