U099--National Diversity Internship Program (NDIP)
ID: 36C10X25R0003Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFVETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFSTRATEGIC ACQUISITION CENTER FREDERICKSBURG (36C10G)FREDERICKSBURG, VA, 22408, USA

NAICS

Office Administrative Services (561110)

PSC

EDUCATION/TRAINING- OTHER (U099)

Set Aside

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) (SDVOSBC)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking contractors to support the National Diversity Internship Program (NDIP), which aims to provide internship opportunities for diverse undergraduate and graduate students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and recent graduates. The selected contractor will be responsible for recruiting qualified candidates, managing applications, and providing logistical support, including travel and housing arrangements, while ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria and health mandates. This initiative is crucial for fostering an inclusive workforce within the VA and aligns with federal commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion in public service careers. Interested parties should contact Contracting Specialist Nicole Egan at Nicole.Egan2@va.gov or (202) 361-1925, with proposals due by January 30, 2025, under a contract valued between $5,000 and $3,000,000.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Nicole EganContracting Specialist
    (202) 361-1925
    Nicole.Egan2@va.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The National Diversity Internship Program (NDIP), overseen by the Department of Veterans Affairs, aims to create internship opportunities for diverse students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). Targeting undergraduates and recent graduates, the program seeks to recruit participants through contractors who will manage aspects such as application evaluation and provide housing or travel logistics. The contract specifies requirements for a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) arrangement with a minimum order of $5,000 and a cap of $3,000,000. Internships span various fields, are designed to be full-time or part-time, and involve significant mentoring. Key objectives include fostering an inclusive workforce, offering valuable experiences to students, and supporting the VA's mission. The NDIP aligns with various executive orders focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in federal employment. The contracting specialist, Nicole Egan, will oversee responses by January 30, 2025. Overall, the NDIP is a strategic initiative that reflects the federal commitment to diversity by providing pathways into public service careers while ensuring compliance with health and safety mandates.
    The National Diversity Internship Program (NDIP) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to provide internship opportunities to diverse students from accredited Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and recent graduates. The program covers three sessions: Spring (January-May), Summer (June-August), and Fall (September-December), with internships requiring 40 hours/week (full-time) or 20 hours/week (part-time) at VA locations. The Contractor's responsibilities include recruiting qualified students, managing applications, ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria, and providing logistical support such as travel and housing procurement. Additionally, they must facilitate training and professional development opportunities, maintain documentation, and produce monthly and risk summary reports. The Contractor also plays a critical role in supporting applicants with disabilities, ensuring compliance with vaccination requirements for Health Care Personnel. Upon selection, interns receive a tailored Welcome Package detailing program specifics and integration support. The entire NDIP framework emphasizes fostering diversity, enhancing understanding of VA operations, and encouraging students to consider careers in public service. The program is set to yield meaningful contributions while promoting inclusivity within the Federal workforce.
    The document is an attachment related to past performance references required for federal RFP submissions. It seeks detailed information from offerors regarding their previous contract work, including the relationship to the offered work, contract specifics, total costs, and the contracting officer's contact information. Each performance reference section requires a concise description of the work performed, its relevance to the current solicitation, and an assessment of any performance issues encountered, along with corrective measures taken. The structure follows a uniform format for up to three past performance references, emphasizing the need for each offeror to demonstrate their relevant experience and the successful resolution of prior issues through a CPARS/PPIRS report, if necessary. This attachment is crucial in assessing the capability and reliability of offerors, aiding the government in selecting qualified vendors for federally funded projects while ensuring accountability and quality in past performance outcomes.
    The Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' effort to evaluate contractors for a competitive service contract. This document, provided to references by the contractor, seeks insights into their past performance on a specific contract. Evaluators are asked to grade the contractor in areas such as overall quality, delivery performance, service satisfaction, problem resolution, and personnel quality, using a scale from 1 (poor performance) to 5 (excellent performance). Additionally, the questionnaire inquires about any performance issues, contract terminations, and the contractor's capability to address past problems. It aims to consolidate pertinent information, including contract value, period, and services rendered, to support a comprehensive evaluation of the contractor’s reliability. Overall, the PPQ serves as a critical tool for assessing past contractor performance to inform future federal contract awards.
    This document outlines a Request for Proposals (RFP) for various full-time and part-time intern positions with differing requirements regarding travel and housing provisions. It details multiple items, each categorized by contract periods labeled as "Base" and "Options" 1 through 4. There are internships designated with travel and housing included, and others specifically stating "No Travel and No Housing." The document raises a clarification issue regarding potential ambiguity in the travel stipulations meant for relocation versus travel for vendor purposes, while also asking whether part-time positions could include travel and housing benefits. Overall, it serves as a structured guide to the intern positions available under this RFP, emphasizing the importance of clearly defined conditions and expectations regarding travel and housing arrangements for potential candidates.
    The Central Office Human Resources Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs has issued guidance stating that employees at VACO must wear business attire year-round to maintain a professional image. Appropriate attire includes collared shirts and dress slacks for men, and blouses or dresses with suitable bottoms for women, while certain clothing items such as jeans, shorts, and athletic wear are deemed inappropriate. Supervisors are tasked with monitoring attire, and employees are encouraged to consult them if unsure about dress code standards.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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