RFQ 1145PC23Q0131- PWS for Amend 002-SMARC.pdf

Amend 002

2.0 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

2.1 BACKGROUND:

The Peace Corps is an independent executive agency of the federal government established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote world peace and friendship through the service of American volunteers abroad. The volunteers’ service fulfills the three primary goals established in the founding legislation:

• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.

• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and

• To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

For information about where Peace Corps serves, please visit the Countries page on our website:

https://www.peacecorps.gov/countries/. For more information on the Peace Corps mandate and mission, see the Peace Corps website: https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/history/. The mission of Peace Corps’ Office of Health Services (OHS) is to provide quality medical and mental health services and support to Peace Corps Invitees, Peace Corps Trainees/Volunteers (PCT/PCVs) and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). Peace Corps has an internal team of on-site doctors and other medical professionals at approximately 58 Peace Corps posts located worldwide.

Medical Officers located at overseas Posts (PCMOs) provide and coordinate needed health care services for PCVs. Volunteers are typically placed in rural environments, often at a considerable distance from the Peace Corps main office and medical unit in-country. In both the major cities and in rural areas, Volunteers often face varying and limiting bandwidths, connectivity, and electricity. The Agency does not issue a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet to Volunteers. Typically, Volunteers bring a device (i.e., mobile phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) from the U.S. or purchase a device in-country. Technological limitations occur variably for each Volunteer at any given time. For example, each region, country, and PCV site may experience intermittent electricity, limited or nonexistent internet access, and/or lack of standardized mobile devices (or no device at all)

The Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 (Kate Puzey Act, or KPA) was passed into law on November 21, 2011. This Act mandated that “at a volunteer’s discretion, provision of a sexual assault forensic exam in accordance with applicable host country law.”

http://www.peacecorps.gov/countries/ http://www.peacecorps.gov/about/history/

RFQ #: 1145PC23Q0131

The Office of Health Services wants to ensure that PCMOs provide a competent, trauma informed forensic-medical history and forensic exam by supplementing their training with TeleSANE services.

TeleSANE services -sometimes referred to as TeleSAFE- are an emerging branch of telemedicine that utilizes remote forensic nurse experts to communicate and collaborate with point of care clinicians to provide expert live guidance in evidence collection, intervention and quality control, using digital and telecommunication technology.

The 2011 Sexual Assault Advisory Committee also recommended that the Peace Corps work with an organization to provide TeleSANE services. They noted that “PCMOs do not provide medical forensic services on a daily basis so it is not expected for all of that knowledge to be at the forefront of their mind”.

Given the historically low numbers of SAFE exams conducted by the PCMOs, TeleSANE services will be used to build on the PCMOs skills by providing real-time technical assistance and guidance for the underutilized, yet critical evidence collection skill set needed to support Peace Corps Volunteers/Trainees who request a sexual assault forensic examination- in accordance with applicable host country law.

2.2 SCOPE:

The Peace Corps seeks a contractor to provide Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Compliant Tele-SANE services to support PCMOs in conducting Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) for PCV/Ts. TeleSANE services include live virtual assistance and consultation with the SAFE exam and other related services. Tele-SANE services shall be available and adequately staffed 24 hours a day on a year- round basis (24/7/365).

2.3 OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this contract is to improve the experience of PCVs who need a SAFE exam and to promote integrity and accuracy of the evidentiary forensic collection for cases that PCMOs can legally conduct or consult on. This objective includes providing a 24-hour Tele-SANE service to assist Peace Corp Medical Officers (PCMOs) during a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE), answer consult questions, assist and review forensic documentation, assist with evidence packaging and to provide fact and/or expert testimony.

3.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

3.1 General Requirements

• The Contractor shall provide trained sexual assault nurse examiners as follows:

o 24/7/365 to provide live virtual assistance with a SAFE exam. See Section 6.0 – Key Personnel for minimum qualifications for sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs).

• The Contractor shall be available to provide live virtual services within 59 minutes of notification.

• 24/7 TeleSANE support line dedicated to the Peace Corps

HIPAA compliant method to transmit encrypted documentation to Peace Corps . The Contractor shall provide all live virtual services via two-way visual HIPAA compliant Zoom.gov platform. The contractor shall comply with Peace Corps’ Zoom.gov settings.

• In the event there are technology/connectivity challenges with the Zoom platform, the

Contractor shall provide services via telephone.

• The Contractor shall discuss the case with the PCMO before engaging with the

PCV/T.

• The Contractor shall provide a completed Quality Assurance (QA)document to the PCMO after each exam via secure encrypted email (or other secure solution).

3.2 Engagement with PCV/T

• The Contractor shall confirm written consent from the PCV/T for the SANE to be present during the exam.

• The Contractor shall obtain an additional verbal consent directly from the PCV/T.

• The Contractor shall obtain an additional verbal consent to be present virtually during the ano-genital exam.

• The Contractor shall explain to PCV/T their purpose and expertise to be present during the exam.

• The Contractor shall answer any questions the PCV/T has during the exam and in the presence of the PCMO or chaperone.

3.3 Live Virtual Services Outlined

The Contractor shall provide live virtual assistance to the PCMO with a sexual assault forensic exam including but not limited to:

• History taking,

• Swabbing,

• Collection of trace evidence,

• Photography of injuries and non-injuries,

• Alternate light source and

• Ano-genital exam

• Documentation of the forensic examination paperwork

• Plan of care

• Follow-up care and patient education

3.4 Debriefs

The Contractor shall provide a debrief session upon conclusion of an exam within two (2) business days using a competency/QA tool-agreed upon by both parties- and general feedback.

The Contractor shall provide live virtual assistance with packaging forensic specimens and clothing as instructed in Technical Guideline 542, which will be provided at time of award, and Peace Corps Manual Section 243, contained in Attachment 1 of this PWS.

The Contractor shall provide a debrief session upon conclusion of a real exam within three (2) two business days using a competency/QA tool-agreed upon by both parties- and general feedback.

3.5 Other Services

The Contractor shall be available to provide fact and/or expert testimony for cases adjudicated in the United States upon subpoena.

3.6 Training

The Contractor shall participate in an unannounced quarterly simulation to assess response time, technology and proficiency of procedures.

The Contractor shall provide scheduled mock exam trainings of the TeleSANE services to assess the equipment/supplies, technology and competencies of the health unit and PCMO(s) to 30 of the Peace Corps posts; with an estimated increase of five (5) exams per year due to forecasted reopening of posts.

The Contractor shall provide a debrief session upon conclusion of a mock exam within two (2) business days using a competency/QA tool-agreed upon by both parties- and general feedback.

3.6.1 The Contractor shall provide a minimum of three continuing education credit hours of content, supplies and presenters-related to sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence- to the annual continuing medical education conference. This will be in person or virtual dependent upon the format of the conference (estimated two Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions per year).

CME Conferences typically occur overseas and require international travel.

For the Base year the CME conference will be taking place in Marrakech, Morocco. The session dates are May 2nd and May 11th.

Arrival date is May 1st and Departure Day is May 12th.

For the following 4 option years the dates and location will be provided to the contractor by the COR when it is confirmed.

3.6.2 The Contractor shall provide three 60 to 90 minute webinar per year-on sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence- to the Peace Corps Medical Officers/SARL/OVA

3.6.3 The Contractor shall provide three 60 to 90 minute training for designated staff and the

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team.

4.0 DELIVERABLES:

Item No.

Deliverable Description Frequency PWS Reference

Deliver to Format Due

1 Live virtual assistance with a SAFE exam

24/7/365 2.2 Peace Corps Clinicians

2 Testimony for cases adjudicated in the United States upon subpoena.

As Needed 2.3.2 COR Testimony By provided due date This will be an optional CLIN to be exercised when needed.

3 Unannounced quarterly simulation

To assess Contractor’s response time, technology and proficiency of procedures.

Quarterly 2.4.1 COR/ PCMOs/ MOs

Virtual Meeting

By provided Due Date

4 Mock exam trainings of the TeleSANE services

To assess the equipment/supplies, technology and competencies of the health unit and PCMO(s) to 30 of the Peace Corps posts; with an estimated increase in five (5) exams per year.

Annually 2.4.2 COR/ PCMOs/ MOs

Virtual training

TBD

5 Continuing education credit hours to the annual continuing medical education conference

Supplies and presenters-related to sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence- to the annual continuing medical education conference (estimated two CME sessions per year)

Annually 2.4.3 COR/ PCMOs/ MOs

In Person or Virtual present-ation

TBD

6 Webinar The Contractor shall provide three 60 to 90 minute webinars per year-on sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence- to the Peace Corps Medical Officers.

Annually 2.4.4 COR/ PCMOs/ MOs

Webinar TBD

7 Live Training Live Training for Designated Staff and SAPR Team

Annually 2.4.5 COR/

SAPR

Team/ Designated Staff

Live Training

TBD

8 Conduct a debrief session for every mock and/or real exam.

A 30 to 60 minute debrief session with Peace Corps competency/QA tool to discuss achievements and any opportunities for improvement.

As needed 2.2.1 &2.4.2.1 Peace Corps Clinicians, Forensic Nurse Specialist

Virtual Meeting

Within two business days of exam.

9 Template for TeleSANE QA Record

Peace Corps and Vendor will collaborate to create the Quality Assurance (QA) document/tool for the TeleSANE

Once 2.3 COR/ Forensic Nurse Specialist

Document Within 60 days of award

10 Written Report/ TeleSANE QA Record

Record provided after each exam utilizing the agreed upon TeleSANE Quality Assurance (QA) document/tool.

After each exam

3.1 PCMO Document

11 Monthly Meeting Contractor will provide meeting agenda.

Monthly 7.0 COR Word document

24 hours before monthly meeting

5.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Service Output Performance Objective

Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Method of Surveillance

24/7/365 Virtual TeleSANE Service

All required service performed within the specified time requirements.

Contractor meets the specified time requirement 95% of the time

Periodic surveillance by the COR or government designee

Engagement with

PCV/T

All required service performed within the specified time requirements.

Contractor meets the specified time requirement 95% of the time

Periodic surveillance by the COR or government designee

Other Services All required service performed within the specified time requirements.

Contractor meets the specified time requirement 95% of the time

Periodic surveillance by the COR or government designee

Training All required service performed within the specified time requirements.

Contractor meets the specified time requirement 95% of the time

Periodic surveillance by the COR or government designee

6.0 Key Personnel

The Contractor shall identify Key Personnel labor categories and tasks to be completed by the designated Key Personnel. The proposed Key Personnel shall have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field they are being proposed.

Program Manager: The program manager must be a registered nurse with nursing management experience. Must have reporting experience. Experience with managing telehealth or TeleSANE services.

Experience with budgeting and resource allocation. Cultural sensitivity is a must. The Program Manager shall be 50% dedicated to this contract.

Sexual assault nurse examiners. The sexual assault nurse examiners must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a sexual assault nurse, must be certified as a SANE-A or obtain certification within nine months of hire, and must have recent -within last 12 months-training in diversity, equity and inclusion or within three months of hire. In addition, a certificate of completion of training in trauma-informed care-or training that encompasses the topic- is required within three months of hire.

The Contractor shall identify staff for positions designated as “Key Personnel.” The Government deems these positions as critical to the performance of work under this contract. Any proposed substitutes for individuals occupying these positions shall possess qualifications equal to or superior to those of the key personnel being replaced. The inability of the Contractor to provide personnel with equal to or superior qualifications of the key personnel may result in termination of the contract. The CO may at his/her discretion add to or subtract from this list.

All key personnel are subject to the following requirements:

• Replacement is subject to the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer (CO)

• Requests for replacement shall include a detailed y pe containing a description of position duties and qualifications, as well as information about the qualifications of the individual(s) proposed and any security clearance(s) held.

• Contractor proposals to replace the Program Manager off the contract shall be submitted in writing at least thirty (30) days in advance of proposed move, and are subject to the approval of the CO, including approval of proposed replacement.

7.0 Meetings

The Contractor shall be available for monthly meetings with the COR to review reports, discuss general program operation and address any issues or concerns. Meetings may be held via teleconference or video conference. The Contractor is responsible for the meeting agenda. The date and time and method of meetings will be mutually agreed between the Contractor and Government. The Contractor shall be available to communicate on a regular basis via telephone or email, to address any problems that arise in the administration of this contract. The Contractor shall participate in a post-award (contract kick-off) meeting within 10 days after contract award. The post-award meeting will be held at the Contractor’s facility or via teleconference or video conference.

8.0 Travel

Travel will be approved in advance and in writing by the COR. All travel will be reimbursed at cost in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation. The Contractor must follow the established per diem rates and provide evidence of actual cost with their invoice. Any requirements for travel shall be approved in advance by the COR. Reimbursement for actual (approved) travel costs incurred during the performance of support services shall be in accordance with Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and the

Federal Travel Regulations (FTR). Travel requirements under this contract shall be met using the most economical form of transportation available. If economy class transportation is not available, the Contractor must submit to the COR a request for advance approval to utilize higher class travel. All travel should be scheduled sufficiently in advance to be able to take advantage of offered discount rates.

Individual 'travel authorization letters' may be provided to the contractor (for all contractor personnel who are required to travel) which may allow contractor personnel to receive government rates when on long distance travel. The FTR and per diem rates can be accessed at: www.gsa.gov and type "FTR" in the search box. No travel reimbursement will be authorized unless the Contractor provides sufficient written evidence of actual travel costs incurred to include, but not limited to, receipts, ticket stubs, registers, and/or other documentation, as required by the Government.

• International Travel

For international travel needs to support Section 2.4.3, travel shall include airfare for Contractor staff members, international per diems, visas/entry requirements and vaccinations, customs and baggage fees, and ground transportation/car rental for transportation in country. International per diem rates are based on the U.S. State Department, Offices of Allowances “Foreign Per Diem Rates by Location” which can be accessed at: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp.

Peace Corps will require two nurses to attend. For planning purposes, plan for travel to Morocco for Fiscal Year 2023. In the event nurses are unable to travel to the Morocco CME conference, Peace Corps will devise a solution with the Contractor to either remotely participate in the 2023 CME or participate in an alternative training opportunity.. For subsequent option years, locations, and dates to be determined.

9.0 Accessibility under Section 508

Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) as amended by P.L. 105-220 under Title IV (Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998) all Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintained and/or used under this contract shall be in compliance with the “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards” set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the “Access Board”) in 36 CFR Part 1194.

All deliverables will be Section 508 compliant and will be reviewed for complianceby the government which reserves the right to reject the deliverable(s) until remediation of deficiencies has been successfully completed by the Contractor. The complete text of Section 508 Standards can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/ or at http://www.section508.gov.

Where appropriate, the Contractor(s) shall indicate whether each product or service is compliant or noncompliant with the accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194. Further, the quotemust indicate where full details of compliance can be found (e. g., vendor’s website or other exact location).

The following Section 508 Accessibility Standard(s) are applicable to all Information Communication Technology (ICT) products and services.

ICT Includes but is not limited to:

☒ Telecommunications equipment ☒ Websites ☒ Electronic documents

Functional Performance Criteria is the minimally acceptable standards to ensure Section 508 compliance.

This block should also be checked to ensure that the minimally acceptable electronic and information technology (EIT) is proposed.

http://www.gsa.gov/ http://www.access-board.gov/ http://www.section508.gov/

Functional Performance Criteria ☒ Functional Performance Criteria