R499 - Data Analytics for Training SBIR Phase III - Intent to Award Notice

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Intent to Award Notice" for the "SBIR - Data Analytics for Training" opportunity (VA-26-00057056). It indicates the Department of Veterans Affairs intends to award the effort to LMI Consulting LLC on a sole source basis through SBIR Phase III. This notice is pending final contract negotiations and does not constitute a contract.

Other interested parties are invited to respond no later than May 1, 2026, 2:00 PM EST. Responses should be directed to Crystal Lomonaco (crystal.lomonaco@va.gov) and Kendra Casebolt (kendra.casebolt@va.gov). A DRAFT Performance Work Statement is attached to this notice for review. The solicitation number is 36C10B26Q0359, and the NAICS code is 518210.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide data scientist and data analyst support to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD) Strategy and Learning Services (SLS) Informatics section. The goal is to analyze and evaluate quantitative and qualitative data, build and maintain data models, conduct analyses, and produce visualizations to address organizational data questions, improve training effectiveness, and reduce employee burnout.

• Human Performance Assessment: Conduct assessments using the HPA framework developed under SBIR N092-150 to inform roadmap, product, and program requirements.

• Data Science and Data Analysis: Provide advanced analytics solutions, advise on automation, analyze diverse data sources, evaluate program effectiveness, develop reporting systems and data models, apply computational techniques to large datasets, and utilize emerging technologies including AI/ML and LLMs.

• Data Visualization and Management: Create clear visual representations of data, prepare and clean data, build dashboards and reports using tools like Power BI and Python, and ensure visualizations follow best practices for clarity and usability.

• Project Management: Include reporting requirements, specifically Monthly Progress Reports detailing work completed, planned work, issues, and capacity tracking.

• Performance will be assessed based on Technical/Quality of Product or Service, Project Milestones and Schedule, Cost & Staffing, and Management.

• A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be utilized.

• Period of Performance: 12 months from award, with four 12-month option periods (totaling up to 60 months).

• Place of Performance: Contractor facilities.

• IT Framework Compliance: Adherence to VA Technical Reference Model (TRM), Zero Trust principles, FICAM, IPv6, TIC, Standard Computer Configuration, VIP, PLM, PAL, and Authoritative Data Sources.

• Security & Privacy: Compliance with extensive VA security directives, including personnel vetting, PIV card requirements, data protection, and reporting of security incidents. Specific requirements for AI/LLM development and operation, including adherence to Unbiased AI Principles and Truth-Seeking, are detailed.

• Deliverables: Annual Report on Use of SBIR N092-150, Monthly Progress Reports, Contractor Staff Roster, Statement of Attestation for AI, AI System/LLM Development and Operation Documentation Package, Compliance Monitoring and Reporting Plan, Corrective Action Plan, AI Model/LLM Change Disclosure.

• Personnel: Contractor personnel require background investigations (Tier 1/Low Risk for most tasks). A Contractor Staff Roster must be submitted within 3 business days of award.