Inactive

This is a Sources Sought Announcement Only. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a sol... This is a Sources Sought Announcement Only. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this Sources Sought must be in writing. The purpose of this Sources Sought announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, and other Small Businesses interested and capable of providing the services described below. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition. Responses to this notice shall include the following: (a) company name (b) address (c) point of contact (d) phone, and email (e) DUNS number (f) Cage Code (g) Tax ID Number (h) Type of small business (e.g. Services Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran-owned small business, etc.). Vendor must provide a capability statement that addresses the company s qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below. The San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) located at San Francisco, CA is seeking a qualified contractor that can provide Advanced Dialectical Behavior Skills Training. All professionals providing services under the terms of this contract must be appropriately certified and possess the skills and experience to perform the services as required. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 611430 ($12M). All offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. All offerors should submit their information by email to Jocelyn.layson-castillo@va.gov. Submissions should be received no later than Tuesday, April 7, 2020 by 3:00pm HST. (See draft Statement of Work). B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK SFVA Health Care System Advanced Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training SCOPE OF WORK The purpose of this contract is to provide Advanced Dialectical Behavior Skills Training education and materials in order to implement a network supported initiative in FY20-21 to further train SFVAHCS mental health staff evidence-based treatment for individuals at high chronic risk for suicide or self-harm, frequent presentations to the emergency or inpatient psychiatric care, and ongoing severe emotional dysregulation, behavioral dyscontrol, and/or interpersonal difficulties. The contractor shall independently provide: 2 successive 5-Day Intensive DBT workshop, 6-Month access to DBT Skills Training Course/Online Training, and On-going consultation (consultation will be by phone, video-conferencing or onsite) for 1 hour per month for participating clinicians. The initial 5-Day Intensive DBT workshop will be attended by identified existing DBT providers in VISN21. After completion of the workshop approximately 34 staff and at least 5 participating DBT teams throughout the VISN will implement evidence-based comprehensive DBT services. The contractor must be able to directly provide instructors that have been trained by Behavioral Tech, LLC. It is preferred that instructors have DBT certification from the Linehan Board of Certification (LBC) or in the process of DBT- LBC certification. Behavioral Tech, LLC, established by Marsha Linehan (founder of the DBT) is the premier organization for DBT training as they have worked to develop and apply the most effective and efficient methods of training and are able to provide a range of opportunities to learn and implement state of the art treatment to the most competent level. BACKGROUND SFVAHCS mental health provider survey conducted in 2016 (N=52) found that: 50% of respondents had 1-3 patients on their caseload who would benefit from DBT; 25% had 4-8 DBT-appropriate patients; and 25% had 9 or more DBT-appropriate patients. 29% of respondents had some DBT experience: Of these, 79% reported that DBT increased their self-efficacy as providers, 50% said it decreased their burnout, and 86% said providing DBT improved their therapy skills. VISN Suspense completed July 1, 2019, surveying provider interest in an advanced DBT training for existing DBT teams produced 34 providers from 5 VAs requesting this advanced training. National Program Evaluation in VHA of DBT providers (Landes et al., 2017) identified providers of DBT endorsed the following benefits of DBT: Benefits to clients include reduced number of psychiatric hospitalization/inpatient stays, reduced use of emergency services in clients, improvement in symptoms and functioning, and increased hope for clients. Benefits to clinic/systems include ability to offer EBP for clients with self-injury & suicidal behaviors, better efficiency/productivity for EBPs for PTSD, and able to supplement efforts of Suicide Prevention Team Results of training needs assessment reveal that VHA providers (that currently provide some form of DBT) would like additional DBT training, specifically training at higher intensity levels such as DBT Intensive Training (Landes et al., 2016). DBT Intensive Training, gold standard of DBT training, has been shown to be correlated with improvement in therapists attitudes towards patients with BPD, greater confidence in DBT s effectiveness, and increased self-reported use (Herschell, Lindhiem, Kogan, et al., 2014) Fitting DBT into the System vs. Fitting the System into DBT: Most systems implementing DBT have rigid policies that don t match up with DBT program structures. TIC conducted a DBT implementation study following their training in 3 counties in PA: One year after initiating training, 8 of 11 teams had all 4 components of DBT established and functioning within their agency; During first year of DBT implementation, estimated $341,000 saved in one county due to reduced inpatient visits. GENERAL INFORMATION/OBJECTIVES SFVAHCS Intensive DBT Skills Training: The contractor shall provide classroom education and coaching for the attendees who will support the implementation of intense DBT services in VISN21. The contractor will provide training (onsite, online, phone or video conferencing) for 4-6 teams for a total of 34 participants in intensive DBT Skills training. 20 hours of phone consultation during 6-month self-study period. 34 treatment manuals. The contractor shall provide attendees with the skills necessary to: Learn and implement the basic and advanced principles of DBT; Learn how to apply and teach the DBT Skills of Core Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, and Emotion Regulation in an interactive online learning environment; Learn how to set up a consultation team for comprehensive DBT; Learn how to structure individual treatment; Learn how to structure and engage clients in pre-treatment; Apply behavioral assessment and use behavioral principles; Implement meaningful behavioral strategies in individual and group treatment in a way that promotes active engagement with different client populations and settings. DELIVERABLES The contractor shall provide: All programs presentation and support documents; Participant reading materials; Access to DBT Skills Training Course Online Training; Instructor s own travel and hotel arrangements. Administrative review of training progress approximately every 3 months Review of invoices Review of satisfaction surveys Review of timeline Progress made toward goal of training completion - competent DBT teams able to implement intensive DBT Skills competency of staff at 6 months and 12 months PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Work shall be performed during the months from April 2020 through October 2020 PLACE OF EVENTS Menlo Park VA, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Final dates shall be coordinated and are subject to Government approval with written approval of the Contracting Officer s Representative required. Timeline of Events: Timeline Description Target Audience Location Day 1-5 Intensive DBT clinical Training Part 1 VISN 21 DBT Teams Menlo Park VA 6-Month Access DBT® Skills Training Course Online Training VISN 21 DBT Teams Self-Study 6-Month Access Phone Consultation 20 hours for 6 months for participating teams VISN 21 DBT Teams Phone, Video conferencing, or onsite at BCVAMC Day 6-10 Intensive DBT clinical Training Part 2 VISN 21 DBT Teams Menlo Park VA GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1. For every task, the contractor shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by task, together with associated sub-milestone dates. The contractor's subtask structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal 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 COR will complete their review of the draft deliverable within 14 calendar days from date of receipt. The contractor shall have 14 calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the government s comments. 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. The Training General. The Training is comprised of the Content and the face-to-face, online, phone and video-conferencing instruction of the Content. Content. The Content consists of the curricula and related coursework and assessments. Provision of the Training General. The contractor shall provide services in connection with the set-up, configuration, hosting, and delivery of the training. Set Up of the Training. In connection with implementation of the Training for SFVAHCS, the contractor shall provide the necessary assistance. Configuration of the Training. The contractor shall perform reasonable and ordinary ongoing assessment of the parameters of the Training to Client s requirements in a manner that does not require custom modification of the Content. Continuing Education Units. The Training is provided by the contractor. E. EVALUATED OPTIONAL TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES [If applicable] Optional Task One: Not applicable Optional Deliverable One: 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. TRAVEL A flat rate for travel, lodging and food to be included in the cost of training. I. 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. These are defined as key personnel and are those persons whose resumes were submitted. The contractor must be able to directly provide trainers that have been trained by Behavioral Tech, LLC. It is preferred that instructors have DBT certification from the Linehan Board of Certification (LBC) or in the process of DBT- LBC certification. The contractor agrees that the key personnel shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without approval of the CO and COR. Any personnel the contractor offers as substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel 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, 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. J. SECURITY Information System Security The C & A requirements do not apply, a Security Accreditation Package is not required. The contractor will NOT have access to VA systems or information equipment. K. ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS INTERNET/INTRANET The contractor shall comply with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102 (Internet/Intranet Services). 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 Internet). This directive applies to all organizational elements in the Department. This policy applies to all individuals designing and/or maintaining VA Internet Service Sites; including but not limited to full time and part time employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers. This policy applies to all VA Internet/Intranet domains and servers that utilize VA resources. This includes but is not limited to va.gov and other extensions such as, .com, .edu, .mil, .net, .org, and personal Internet service pages managed from individual workstations.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 Internet ). The handbook implements the policies contained in VA Directive 6102, Internet/Intranet Services. This includes, but is not limited to, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Web pages, Active Server Pages (ASP), e-mail forums, and list servers. VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102 are available at: Internet/Intranet Services Directive 6102 http://www.va.gov/pubs/directives/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6102d.doc Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 http://www.va.gov/pubs/handbooks/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6102h.doc Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 Change 1 updates VA's cookie use policy, Section 508 guidelines, guidance on posting of Hot Topics, approved warning notices, and minor editorial errors. 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 ActiveX controls delivered through a browser's session. ActiveX is expressly forbidden within the VA while .NET is allowed only when granted a waiver by the VA CIO *PRIOR* to use. 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 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), August 7, 1998. In December 2000, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), pursuant to Section 508(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, established Information Technology accessibility standards for the Federal Government. Section 508(a)(1) requires that when Federal departments or agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), they shall ensure that the EIT allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by other Federal employees. The Section 508 requirement also applies to members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal department or agency. Section 508 text is available at: http://www.opm.gov/HTML/508-textOfLaw.htm http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=14

Inactive

This is a Sources Sought Announcement Only. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a sol... This is a Sources Sought Announcement Only. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this Sources Sought must be in writing. The purpose of this Sources Sought announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, and other Small Businesses interested and capable of providing the services described below. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition. Responses to this notice shall include the following: (a) company name (b) address (c) point of contact (d) phone, and email (e) DUNS number (f) Cage Code (g) Tax ID Number (h) Type of small business (e.g. Services Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran-owned small business, etc.). Vendor must provide a capability statement that addresses the company s qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below. The San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) located at San Francisco, CA is seeking a qualified contractor that can provide Advanced Dialectical Behavior Skills Training. All professionals providing services under the terms of this contract must be appropriately certified and possess the skills and experience to perform the services as required. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 611430 ($12M). All offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov. All offerors should submit their information by email to Jocelyn.layson-castillo@va.gov. Submissions should be received no later than Tuesday, April 7, 2020 by 3:00pm HST. (See draft Statement of Work). B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK SFVA Health Care System Advanced Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training SCOPE OF WORK The purpose of this contract is to provide Advanced Dialectical Behavior Skills Training education and materials in order to implement a network supported initiative in FY20-21 to further train SFVAHCS mental health staff evidence-based treatment for individuals at high chronic risk for suicide or self-harm, frequent presentations to the emergency or inpatient psychiatric care, and ongoing severe emotional dysregulation, behavioral dyscontrol, and/or interpersonal difficulties. The contractor shall independently provide: 2 successive 5-Day Intensive DBT workshop, 6-Month access to DBT Skills Training Course/Online Training, and On-going consultation (consultation will be by phone, video-conferencing or onsite) for 1 hour per month for participating clinicians. The initial 5-Day Intensive DBT workshop will be attended by identified existing DBT providers in VISN21. After completion of the workshop approximately 34 staff and at least 5 participating DBT teams throughout the VISN will implement evidence-based comprehensive DBT services. The contractor must be able to directly provide instructors that have been trained by Behavioral Tech, LLC. It is preferred that instructors have DBT certification from the Linehan Board of Certification (LBC) or in the process of DBT- LBC certification. Behavioral Tech, LLC, established by Marsha Linehan (founder of the DBT) is the premier organization for DBT training as they have worked to develop and apply the most effective and efficient methods of training and are able to provide a range of opportunities to learn and implement state of the art treatment to the most competent level. BACKGROUND SFVAHCS mental health provider survey conducted in 2016 (N=52) found that: 50% of respondents had 1-3 patients on their caseload who would benefit from DBT; 25% had 4-8 DBT-appropriate patients; and 25% had 9 or more DBT-appropriate patients. 29% of respondents had some DBT experience: Of these, 79% reported that DBT increased their self-efficacy as providers, 50% said it decreased their burnout, and 86% said providing DBT improved their therapy skills. VISN Suspense completed July 1, 2019, surveying provider interest in an advanced DBT training for existing DBT teams produced 34 providers from 5 VAs requesting this advanced training. National Program Evaluation in VHA of DBT providers (Landes et al., 2017) identified providers of DBT endorsed the following benefits of DBT: Benefits to clients include reduced number of psychiatric hospitalization/inpatient stays, reduced use of emergency services in clients, improvement in symptoms and functioning, and increased hope for clients. Benefits to clinic/systems include ability to offer EBP for clients with self-injury & suicidal behaviors, better efficiency/productivity for EBPs for PTSD, and able to supplement efforts of Suicide Prevention Team Results of training needs assessment reveal that VHA providers (that currently provide some form of DBT) would like additional DBT training, specifically training at higher intensity levels such as DBT Intensive Training (Landes et al., 2016). DBT Intensive Training, gold standard of DBT training, has been shown to be correlated with improvement in therapists attitudes towards patients with BPD, greater confidence in DBT s effectiveness, and increased self-reported use (Herschell, Lindhiem, Kogan, et al., 2014) Fitting DBT into the System vs. Fitting the System into DBT: Most systems implementing DBT have rigid policies that don t match up with DBT program structures. TIC conducted a DBT implementation study following their training in 3 counties in PA: One year after initiating training, 8 of 11 teams had all 4 components of DBT established and functioning within their agency; During first year of DBT implementation, estimated $341,000 saved in one county due to reduced inpatient visits. GENERAL INFORMATION/OBJECTIVES SFVAHCS Intensive DBT Skills Training: The contractor shall provide classroom education and coaching for the attendees who will support the implementation of intense DBT services in VISN21. The contractor will provide training (onsite, online, phone or video conferencing) for 4-6 teams for a total of 34 participants in intensive DBT Skills training. 20 hours of phone consultation during 6-month self-study period. 34 treatment manuals. The contractor shall provide attendees with the skills necessary to: Learn and implement the basic and advanced principles of DBT; Learn how to apply and teach the DBT Skills of Core Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Distress Tolerance, and Emotion Regulation in an interactive online learning environment; Learn how to set up a consultation team for comprehensive DBT; Learn how to structure individual treatment; Learn how to structure and engage clients in pre-treatment; Apply behavioral assessment and use behavioral principles; Implement meaningful behavioral strategies in individual and group treatment in a way that promotes active engagement with different client populations and settings. DELIVERABLES The contractor shall provide: All programs presentation and support documents; Participant reading materials; Access to DBT Skills Training Course Online Training; Instructor s own travel and hotel arrangements. Administrative review of training progress approximately every 3 months Review of invoices Review of satisfaction surveys Review of timeline Progress made toward goal of training completion - competent DBT teams able to implement intensive DBT Skills competency of staff at 6 months and 12 months PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE Work shall be performed during the months from April 2020 through October 2020 PLACE OF EVENTS Menlo Park VA, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Final dates shall be coordinated and are subject to Government approval with written approval of the Contracting Officer s Representative required. Timeline of Events: Timeline Description Target Audience Location Day 1-5 Intensive DBT clinical Training Part 1 VISN 21 DBT Teams Menlo Park VA 6-Month Access DBT® Skills Training Course Online Training VISN 21 DBT Teams Self-Study 6-Month Access Phone Consultation 20 hours for 6 months for participating teams VISN 21 DBT Teams Phone, Video conferencing, or onsite at BCVAMC Day 6-10 Intensive DBT clinical Training Part 2 VISN 21 DBT Teams Menlo Park VA GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1. For every task, the contractor shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by task, together with associated sub-milestone dates. The contractor's subtask structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal 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 COR will complete their review of the draft deliverable within 14 calendar days from date of receipt. The contractor shall have 14 calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the government s comments. 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. The Training General. The Training is comprised of the Content and the face-to-face, online, phone and video-conferencing instruction of the Content. Content. The Content consists of the curricula and related coursework and assessments. Provision of the Training General. The contractor shall provide services in connection with the set-up, configuration, hosting, and delivery of the training. Set Up of the Training. In connection with implementation of the Training for SFVAHCS, the contractor shall provide the necessary assistance. Configuration of the Training. The contractor shall perform reasonable and ordinary ongoing assessment of the parameters of the Training to Client s requirements in a manner that does not require custom modification of the Content. Continuing Education Units. The Training is provided by the contractor. E. EVALUATED OPTIONAL TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES [If applicable] Optional Task One: Not applicable Optional Deliverable One: 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. TRAVEL A flat rate for travel, lodging and food to be included in the cost of training. I. 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. These are defined as key personnel and are those persons whose resumes were submitted. The contractor must be able to directly provide trainers that have been trained by Behavioral Tech, LLC. It is preferred that instructors have DBT certification from the Linehan Board of Certification (LBC) or in the process of DBT- LBC certification. The contractor agrees that the key personnel shall not be removed, diverted, or replaced from work without approval of the CO and COR. Any personnel the contractor offers as substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications equal to or better than the key personnel 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, 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. J. SECURITY Information System Security The C & A requirements do not apply, a Security Accreditation Package is not required. The contractor will NOT have access to VA systems or information equipment. K. ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS INTERNET/INTRANET The contractor shall comply with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102 (Internet/Intranet Services). 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 Internet). This directive applies to all organizational elements in the Department. This policy applies to all individuals designing and/or maintaining VA Internet Service Sites; including but not limited to full time and part time employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers. This policy applies to all VA Internet/Intranet domains and servers that utilize VA resources. This includes but is not limited to va.gov and other extensions such as, .com, .edu, .mil, .net, .org, and personal Internet service pages managed from individual workstations.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 Internet ). The handbook implements the policies contained in VA Directive 6102, Internet/Intranet Services. This includes, but is not limited to, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Web pages, Active Server Pages (ASP), e-mail forums, and list servers. VA Directive 6102 and VA Handbook 6102 are available at: Internet/Intranet Services Directive 6102 http://www.va.gov/pubs/directives/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6102d.doc Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 http://www.va.gov/pubs/handbooks/Information-Resources-Management-(IRM)/6102h.doc Internet/Intranet Services Handbook 6102 Change 1 updates VA's cookie use policy, Section 508 guidelines, guidance on posting of Hot Topics, approved warning notices, and minor editorial errors. 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 ActiveX controls delivered through a browser's session. ActiveX is expressly forbidden within the VA while .NET is allowed only when granted a waiver by the VA CIO *PRIOR* to use. 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 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), August 7, 1998. In December 2000, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), pursuant to Section 508(2)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998, established Information Technology accessibility standards for the Federal Government. Section 508(a)(1) requires that when Federal departments or agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), they shall ensure that the EIT allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by other Federal employees. The Section 508 requirement also applies to members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal department or agency. Section 508 text is available at: http://www.opm.gov/HTML/508-textOfLaw.htm http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=14