DFAS IBM Cognos Training Services

This draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines requirements for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to procure commercial, instructor-led Cognos training. To standardize business analytics and replace unsupported reporting software, DFAS requires training for its employees on IBM Cognos Analytics versions 11.2.x and 12.x, covering Author Reports (Fundamentals and Advanced), Dashboards, and Data Modules. The selected vendor must deliver live, synchronous training in virtual, in-person on-site, or in-person off-site formats, utilizing a secure virtual lab environment accessible via DFAS workstations without local software installation. Class sizes are capped at 12 participants. Instructors must be subject matter experts with at least three years of teaching experience and three years of professional experience as an IBM Certified Cognos developer. Additionally, courses must align with National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) standards to award Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Deliverables include certificates of completion within two weeks of course end, monthly status reports, and completed class rosters. The contract features a one-year base period with three one-year option periods. Personnel security requirements mandate that all contractor employees undergo background investigations (Tier 1/Non-Sensitive), obtain a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC), and adhere to strict incident reporting guidelines. Contractors must also meet Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 requirements to safeguard Federal Contract Information.

This Sources Sought Notice/Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to identify qualified vendors capable of providing comprehensive, instructor-led IBM Cognos training services. The objective is to equip DFAS personnel with essential skills in data analysis, reporting, and operational support. The anticipated contract features a one-year base period followed by three one-year option periods. To qualify, prospective contractors must demonstrate the capability to deliver certified training, provide updated course materials, and issue completion certificates with Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Additionally, vendors must secure a training facility with free student parking, comply with Department of Defense background and security regulations, and assume full accountability for any approved subcontractors. Interested parties, particularly those operating under NAICS code 611420 (Computer Training), must submit a Capability Statement. Submissions must include company profile details, relevant GSA Schedule data, business socio-economic status, technical capabilities regarding Cognos training and CPE issuance, and confirmation of facility logistics. Responses must be emailed to Contracting Officer Terri L. Davis by July 31, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.

This document is a Contractor Capability Survey issued by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to conduct market research for IBM Cognos Training Services. The survey gathers business information, including socioeconomic status and System for Award Management (SAM) registration, to assess potential vendors' capabilities. The survey is divided into two primary sections: * **Corporate Experience & Capability:** Vendors must demonstrate their ability to deliver identical or equivalent Cognos training courses, support up to two simultaneous sessions, provide qualified instructors, and detail past performance on similar federal contracts. Additionally, they must address pricing structures across various delivery methods and confirm their ability to meet short-notice training timelines globally. * **Technical Approach:** Vendors must detail their virtual training platforms (requiring HTTPS/port 443 compatibility and no local software installations) and continuous virtual lab availability. They must also confirm their NASBA CPE sponsor status, detail Section 508-compliant course material development, verify instructor qualifications, and explain their ability to provide local training facilities with free parking near DFAS locations in Columbus, OH, Cleveland, OH, and Indianapolis, IN. Lastly, vendors must confirm compliance with federal security requirements, including Tier 1 background investigations and Common Access Card (CAC) eligibility. The document concludes by offering vendors an opportunity to provide feedback on the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and submit additional relevant market research information.