Inactive

Request for Information This is a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research to determine the various software applications available, aside from QI Macros from KnowWare, that can meet t... Request for Information This is a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research to determine the various software applications available, aside from QI Macros from KnowWare, that can meet the requirement listed below. This RFI does not guarantee the issuance of an RFQ. However, if an RFQ is issued, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will follow the Contracting Order of Priority in accordance with Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Part 819.7004. If your company does provide a software that provides all of the capabilities required by VA, and listed below, please email your response to Richard Melton (richard.melton2@va.gov) with documentation that sufficiently demonstrates the software s capability to meet these specifications. Responses are due 5pm EST, June 4, 2020. Requirement VA currently used QI Macros by KnowWare as a Microsoft Excel add-on for data mining and quality improvement. This software is used in several ways across the organization, and the result is that the entirety of its functionality is used and necessary. VA is unaware of any other software add-on for Excel, or a standalone software that is as cost-effective as this Excel add-on, that can meet VA s needs. VA s primary use of the required software is to make de-identified patient safety data and quality data accessible and actionable in support of Just Culture, continuous process improvement, and HRO implementation. Text and data mining tools for pharmacy interventions Affinity diagramming Control charts for assessing medication error patterns over time Pareto/pivot table and chart wizards for prioritizing project portfolio LEAN/Improvement tools with diagramming and cost of poor-quality calculators QFD House of quality Stat wizard and capability charts The current software removed the steep learning curve required with other quality improvement software packages VA has experienced and provided for fast access to tools represented in the its toolbox. A new software product to meet VA s needs would need to be user-friendly requiring little-to-no training for VA to make full use of its tool set. This software is used for VA s high reliability organizing/organizations (HRO) implementation, an overarching VA initiative, wherein the Planning & PM tools are used for action item tracking and trending. This software will also be used for MbM strategic planning, and it has numerous tools such as mind-map, swim-lane/flowchart, fishbone diagram, and perform forcefield analyses that will facilitate meeting planning so the most significant projects rise to the surface and benefit the organization as a synthesized whole. SPECIFICATION: VA requires a statistical process control (SPC) software package plugin for Microsoft Excel that enables the user to create the charts and graphs needed for Lean Six Sigma and SPC. The program should integrate directly into the Excel interface, and VA requires the following added functionality: Statistical Analysis Applications; Data Transformation; Data Mining Wizard; Stat Wizard; Gage R&R Template; Text Analysis; Capability, Control, and Improvement Charts; and Lean Six Sigma templates. This software is used to measure and control quality in the automated prescription filling process "assembly line." The software should be a plug-in for Microsoft Excel, or an equally cost-effective software, that allows for the creation of charts and graphs that are essential for Six Sigma and Statistical Process Control (SPC) and can conduct a variety of different analyses. Disclaimer This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute an RFQ or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. VA is not, at this time, seeking quotes and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested vendor's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.