U008-- CLiMB Program

This is a Pre-Solicitation Notice of intent to award sole source. This is not a solicitation; no quotations will be accepted. The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to negotiate a requirement of CLiMB-Learning Services for the New Haven VAMC, CT. The applicable NAICS code is 611710. The PSC/FSC is U009. The authority for this action is FAR 13.106-1(b): Soliciting from a single source.

Intended source:

Catalyst Learning Company
310 W. liberty Street
Suite 403
Louisville, KY 40202

Interested parties may contract Contracting Officer Jeffrey S. Fleming at Jeffrey.Fleming@va.gov regarding his requirement. The determination to conduct a competitive procurement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Statement of work:

Purpose
The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the implementation and delivery of the CLiMB program, which is designed to support VA employees in advancing their careers. The CLiMB program provides targeted interventions, resources, and comprehensive support to address the critical needs of VA employees, ultimately enhancing employability, personal development, and overall well-being.
Background/Justification/
The Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System (VACT) is committed to supporting employee career growth and professional development through access to high-quality workforce development programs. Historically, the School at Work (SAW) program has played a key role in helping VA employees advance their careers through structured learning and career guidance. Catalyst has sunset the SAW program and developed the CLiMB program to meet the educational needs of front line healthcare workers. In response to evolving employee needs and in pursuit of enhanced program effectiveness, VACT is now implementing the CLiMB program from Catalyst Learning as a direct replacement for SAW.
The CLiMB program builds upon the strong foundation established by SAW, introducing evidence-based methodologies, expanded services, and a holistic approach designed to address both the career and personal development goals of VA employees. By replacing SAW with CLiMB, VACT aims to deliver even greater value, equipping employees with targeted resources and interventions that result in measurable improvements in job placement, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
Project Scope
The CLiMB program will be implemented for eligible VA employees and will focus on the following core areas:
Skill Development: Delivering targeted training and workshops to enhance job skills and employability.
Job Placement Assistance: Supporting participants in securing employment opportunities within and beyond the VA.
Holistic Support Services: Providing mentoring, counseling, and individualized guidance designed to address participants unique needs.
The scope of the project encompasses:
Outreach and recruitment of eligible participants
Conducting needs assessments and individualized service planning
Providing specialized services and interventions
Measuring outcomes and program effectiveness

Deliverables:
The CLiMB program empowers VA employees to overcome career barriers, supporting successful workforce integration and contributing to improved job satisfaction, increased self-sufficiency, and a higher quality of life. These improvements also positively affect the broader veteran community by fostering stronger, more resilient employees.
Timeline
Phase 1: Outreach and Assessment (Weeks 1-4)
Phase 2: Service Delivery (Weeks 5-24)
Phase 3: Evaluation and Reporting (Weeks 25-28)

Responsibilities
Catalyst Learning Company: Program management, service delivery, data collection, and reporting
VA Program Administrator(s): Oversight, participant referral, and coordination with the vendor Catalyst Learning, Inc.