U006--Cornell Contract (VA-20-00022833)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLICIT FROM A SINGLE SOURCE VA VISN 2 s intends to negotiate with a single source in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) for an agricultural training program delivered to eligible VA VISN 2 Veterans. CORNELL UNIVERSITY, INC (non-profit organization) has been identified as being uniquely qualified, centrally located within VISN 2, and has a currently established program that has been specifically created for and delivered to Veterans in the past. All responsible sources who believe they can furnish the service described in this notice may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency by emailing [email protected] with details regarding your firm s capability no later than 4:00PM EST on January 31, 2020. Responses must detail an existing training program capable of satisfying the requirements described below which can be delivered on or near the start date below. Additionally, responses must indicate the location of facilities, farms, etc. that are used to deliver the training. The training must take place within a reasonable driving distance of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center in Canandaigua, New York. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from approximately February 14, 2021 to February 15, 2021 IDENTIFIED SOURCE: CORNELL UNIVERSITY, INC (non-profit organization) DUNS: 872612445 373 PINE TREE RD ITHACA, NY, 14850 DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT: GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS Provide all facilities, staffing and expertise for an agricultural training program delivered to eligible Veterans. The goal of this program is to train Veterans and develop a network of Veterans starting careers in agriculture. The contractor will instruct participants to complete surveys, which the contractor shall create in coordination with the VA, and provide the VA with the results. Up to two 1-week (5-day) training intensives (Armed to Farm) and up to twelve 1-day workshops may be requested by the VA and delivered under this contract. Training events will include a mix of educational classes covering topics such as risk management, business planning and marketing as they relate to starting a career in agriculture. It also includes hands-on activities with successful livestock, crop and agritourism operations. Final training topics, agendas and dates are subject to prior VA approval. Only participants selected and approved by the VA may receive training under this contract. The contractor will match Veterans with local resources and address the individual needs of their enterprise or learning interests. Introduce both general and enterprise-specific resources based on each individual participant s interests in agriculture and their current knowledge level and learning preferences (combining written text, video, audio, online interactive, in-person, etc.) into a customized learning plan. Support a peer network of Veterans and their families who are starting careers in sustainable agriculture and connect technical assistance resources to participants and their partners as they start and improve their farming operations. Document and report all results. DELIVERABLES 5-DAY ARMED TO FARM TRAININGS Provide eligible Veterans with the opportunity to participate in one of two separate 5-day workshops as part of a small cadre of up to 30 veterans and their partners (up to 60 participants total). The program includes classroom activities facilitated by state-wide and nationally known educators, combined with farm tours at successful small farms in the region. Training topics will address the specific needs of Veterans and complement existing, established VAMC partnerships and resources. Meals and accommodations will be provided by the contractor for the 5-day workshops. The specifics of which are subject to prior VA approval. The contractor shall collaborate with the VA s authorized representative to finalize the training topics, agenda and dates for training. The contractor shall track each participants participation in the program and report individual and class progress to the VA on a quarterly basis. 1-DAY FOCUSED TRAINING INTENSIVES Provide eligible Veterans with in-person training, supplemented with online educational training materials, ranging in topics from enterprise specific crop, livestock, and urban farming general subjects related to risk management, agritourism, value-added processing, farm business and marketing. These courses work towards the goal of encouraging a deeper understanding of options leasing to success as either an entrepreneurial farmer, or employee in an agricultural-based businesses. The contractor will host up to 12 in-person events (targeting 3 per quarter) coordinated with the VA s authorized representative to ensure maximum attendance and appropriate content for participants interests and skill level. Topic Examples: Indoor Mushroom Growing Vegetable Intensive Maple Syrup Production Intensive Pasteurized Poultry Pasture management and grazing Launching a farm beverage enterprise Soil health and reduced tillage Land Leasing Farm Enterprise Planning and Business REQUIRED REPORTS Introduce both general and enterprise-specific resources based on each individual participant s interests in agriculture and their current knowledge level and learning preferences (combining written text, video, audio, online interactive, in-person, etc.) into a customized learning plan. The contractor will support a peer network of Veterans and their families who are starting careers in sustainable agriculture and connect technical assistance resources to participants and their partners as they start and improve their farming operations. Contractor will track each participants participation in the program and report individual and class progress to partners on a quarterly basis. No personal information will be recorded beyond names and basic contact information. Participants will be surveyed and results will be reported to the VA