This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is being issued as a Request for Proposal. The provisions and clauses incorporated herein are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-23, effective December 26, 2007. This solicitation is unrestricted the NAICS code is 711190 and the small business size standard is $6.0 million. The Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Education System requires a musical leadership experience for senior executives attending the 2008 Veterans Health Administration Senior Management Conference (SMC). Approximately 1100 executive level participants who possess a diverse level of leadership and management experience will be attending this conference. The musical leadership experience will take place on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at the Washington Hilton, Washington, DC. The musical leadership experience is one segment in the 2008 Senior Management Conference. Contractor shall provide services at the conference site including orchestra placement, conducting the orchestra performance, exercise activities and the question an answer session between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00am EST to include one 15-30 minute break. a. Contractor shall provide the following: 1. In depth planning meeting with VHA Undersecretary for Health to identify his key messages related to his four leadership goals 2. No less than five activities utilizing the designated professional orchestra that reinforce the above strategic goals and themes 3. Selection of symphony music for the orchestra that will form the foundation of the activities 4. Two practice sessions with designated professional orchestra 5. A 2.5 hour session with the VHA participants sitting amongst the orchestra that incorporates the activities above as well as a one-hour debrief. All materials (learning objectives, agenda, sample exercises) shall be provided to the Contracting Officers Technical Representative (COTR) for review and/or evaluation no later than March 1, 2008. The COTR will review and respond to contractor within ten (10) business days of receipt of all materials. b. The contractor shall utilize the musical services of the United States Marine Corp (USMC) Chamber Orchestra based in Quantico, Virginia. The point of contact for the Marine Corp Orchestra will be provided by the government. If, for any reason, the USMC Chamber Orchestra is unavailable the contractor shall provide proof of non-availability to the COTR and shall contract with a cadre of musicians that will sit amongst the participants of the SMC , representative of all sections of the orchestra , from a local professional orchestra. The contractor shall provide status of the orchestra selection to the COTR no later than April 1, 2008. c. The contractor shall provide a conductor, with professional experience, who will conduct the orchestra during the musical experience as well as lead the participants through a series of illustrative exercises and conduct a follow up question and answer session with the conference participants. The contractor shall provide curriculum vitae (CV) for the conductor who will be used for the practice and actual performance. The conductor shall hold at least one (1) hour practice session with the orchestra prior to the actual performance. The CV shall show the conductorýýýs experience with professional orchestras. The practice session will result in a professional quality performance ready for viewing by the conference participants. d. The contractor shall attend a post award meeting with core members of the SMC planning committee and the Under Secretary of Health for VHA or his designee. This meeting shall take place at a date and time to be determined but not later than April 15, 2008. The meeting will be used to outline the key strategic messages to be illustrated during this musical experience as well as the question and answer period following the orchestra performance. The meeting will review the agreed upon key strategic messages that will be used during the musical leadership experience and the activities that will be experienced to reinforce those messages. The meeting will also produce a list of mutually agreed upon sample questions that may be used during the question and answer session. The conference participants will enthusiastically engage and actively participate during the musical leadership experience. The participants will have the opportunity to ask questions following the orchestra performance and illustrative exercises. The conference participants will be able to easily identify the key strategic topics presented during the musical leadership experience. The musical leadership experience will leave a lasting impression on the conference participants. The musical leadership experience will receive a rating of 3.0 or better on the daily Scantron evaluation form. The government will furnish all audio visual equipment with the exception of lap top. Period & Place of Performance: The musical leadership experience will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at the Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington DC 20009. The following provisions and clauses shall apply to this solicitation: 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es): http://www.arnet.gov/far (FAR) and http://www.va.govoa&mm/vaar/ (VAAR); 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items; 52.212-2 Evaluation Commercial Items (factors listed in descending order of importance: 1. Past Performance; 2. Price. 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certification-Commercial Items. Offerors must include a completed copy of the FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certification along with his/her proposal; FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items; 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes on Executive Orders Commercial Items and in accordance with FAR 12.603(c) (2)(xii) the following provisions under the clause apply (b)(11)-(b)(15), (b)(19)(i), (b)(21), (b)(25) (b)(26) applies if Government Purchase Card is used, (c)(1), (c)(2), and VAAR 852.270-4 Commercial Advertising; 852.237-70 Contractor Responsibilities; and 852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers. Proposals shall include all information required in FAR 52.212-1, Schedule of Prices Offered, and a completed copy of provision FAR 52-212-3. Submit all price, descriptive literature, and technical proposals to: Rita Bonner, Contracting Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Education Center 10000 Brecksville Road Brecksville, OH 44141. Phone (440) 838-6039, Fax (440) 546.2751, or email
[email protected]. Faxed proposals will be accepted. Closing date for receipt of proposals is Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.