1 Report Tile Training & Management Assistance Branch UNITED STATES OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Task Order Competition (TOC) Process

2 “Government likes to begin things - to declare grand new programs and causes. But good beginnings are not the measure of success. What matters in the end is completion. Performance. Results. Not just making promises, but making good on promises.” - George W. Bush Message from the President

3 Objective Provide an overview of the TMA process leading up to and including the elements of a Task Order Competition

4 Key Areas of Discussion Pre-TOC Activities  TMA Project Manager (PM) Preparation  Contractor Preparation The Task Order Competition  Format  Evaluation Criteria  Project Manager Observations Evaluation and Project Award Q&A Session

5 Pre-TOC Activities (TMA PM) Meet with Potential Client  Present TMA Capabilities  Explain TMA Process  Identify Project Requirements Develop Statement of Objectives Establish Interagency Agreement Schedule TOC (5-7 Days)

6 Pre-TOC Activities (TMA Staff) cont’d Select Contractors for TOC  Capabilities Manuals  Client Agency’s Recommendation  Contractor’s Knowledge of the Agency  Contractor’s Related Past Performance  Client Agency’s Budget  Other Relevant Factors Note: Initially, at least one Contractor new to the business line will be invited to participate in each TOC.

7 Pre-TOC Activities (TMA Staff) cont’d Send request to participate Prepare TOC Invitations, including:  Name of Client Agency  TOC Date, Time, and Location  Length of presentation  Transmittal method for various documents, as appropriate  Statement of Objectives (SOO)  Statement of Requirements (SOR)  Additional documents  Unique Evaluation Factors for TOC

8 Pre-TOC Activities (TMA Staff) cont’d  Number of attendees (Client and OPM representatives) (Titles of evaluation panel members if available)  Statement regarding no discussion of SOO/SOR or presentation with client  Statement regarding submission of questions to OPM, with cut-off date. Note that all questions and answers will be shared with all Contractors Forward Invitation and SOO/SOR to Contractors

9 Pre-TOC Activities (Contractors) Research client agency Assemble project team Develop presentation (PowerPoint) Update staff resumes Provide printed copies of materials for clients Provide electronic copy of materials for TMA PM Determine equipment needs

10 TOC Format TMA and Client Meeting  Review Agenda  Review Evaluation Process  Evaluation Factors and Rating Scale  Feedback on Presentations  Consensus Contractor Presentations  Introductions  Ground Rules

11 Mandatory TOC Evaluation Criteria Understanding the Work Requirements Technical Approach to Meeting Client Needs Subject-Matter Knowledge Key Staff Capabilities & Other Corporate Resources Past Performance & Relevant Project Experience Cost Estimate Quality of Presentation

12 Project Manager Observations Understanding the Work Requirements  Research Client Organization  Don’t Just Parrot the SOO/SOR  Validate Assumptions Technical Approach  Keep it Simple  Solutions that Meet SOO/SOR Requirements  Methodology Linked to Past Successes

13 PM Observations (Continued) Subject-Matter Knowledge  Internal Experts or Individuals Who Understand the Discipline  Teaming Partners/SMEs Already Under Contract Key Staff Resources  Key Team Members in Room, Especially Project Manager  Consider Size and Diversity of Team  Not Everyone Required to Present  Include Slide with Proposed Project Team  Team Dynamics are Important  No Bait and Switch

14 PM Observations (Continued) Past Performance  Similar Projects/Products  Quality Samples/Demos with a Connection  Prototype Works Well Cost  Written estimate or range, not firm price  Allows comparison among contractors  Include description, justification and assumptions

15 PM Observations (Continued) Quality of Presentation  Demonstrated genuine interest  Quality of slides and materials  Speakers were articulate and highly engaged with one another and client

16 Project Manager Observations General Observations  No treats or gifts  Slide presentation aesthetics  Focus is on the client/project, not your firm  Flexibility in presenting (moving between formal and informal)  Coordinated presentation  Time management

17 Evaluation and Project Award Achieve consensus Document TOC Evaluation Form Debrief contractors

18 Next Steps Kick-off Meeting Management Plan Management Plan Review

19 Task Order Competition Q & A Session