36C10D25Q0106.pdf

PAGE 1 OF1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

VA

3265-000025

36C10D25Q0106 06-12-2025

Thomas Landers 802-698-2746 06-30-2025

11:00 EDT

00101 Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration Acquisition Directorate 1800 G Street NW Washington DC 20006

X 100

X

624310

$15 Million

N/A

X

00326

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration Indianapolis Regional Office 575 N Pennsylvania St Indianapolis IN 46204

00101

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration Acquisition Directorate 1800 G Street NW Washington DC 20006

Invoices shall be submitted via email.

Address provided on award.

See CONTINUATION Page

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services, Independent Living Assessments and Life Skills Coaching in accordance with the Statement of Work.

This requirement is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

All questions pertaining to this solicitation shall be submitted via email to thomas.landers@va.gov no later than 06-16-2025 at 10:00AM EST. Answers will be provided via amendment.

See Page 42 for Instructions to Vendors

All quotes shall be submitted to Thomas.Landers@va.gov no later than 06/30/2025 at 11:00AM EST

See CONTINUATION Page

X x 1

Thomas Landers

VA-VBA-2024-0001

36C10D25Q0106

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

A.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.2 Performance Work Statement

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...24

C.4 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.5 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.6 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.7 VAAR 852.237-74 NON-DISCRIMINATION IN SERVICE DELIVERY (OCT 2019)

C.8 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.9 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.10 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

C.11 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.12 VAAR 852.222-71 COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 13899

(DEVIATION)(APR 2025)

C.13 VAAR 852.271-72 TIME SPENT BY COUNSELEE IN COUNSELING PROCESS

(NOV 2021)

C.14 VAAR 852.271-73 USE AND PUBLICATION OF COUNSELING RESULTS (NOV

2021)

C.15 VAAR 852.271-74 INSPECTION OF INSTRUCTION, COUNSELING OR

TESTING OPERATIONS (NOV 2021)

C.16 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Products and Commercial Services (JAN 2025)

[(DEVIATION FEB 2025)]

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

E.2 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY (SEP 2023)

E.3 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.4 52.204-29 FEDERAL ACQUISITION SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ACT

ORDERS—REPRESENTATION AND DISCLOSURES (DEC 2023)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(OCT 2018)

E.7 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.8 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.10 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024) (DEVIATION

FEB 2025)

A.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C10D

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Benefits Administration

Acquisition Directorate

1800 G Street NW

Washington DC 20006

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 400.00 HR __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Life Skills Coaching per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 07-30-2025 POP End: 07-29-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

0002 15.00 REF __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Independent Living Assessments per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 07-30-2025 POP End: 07-29-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

1001 400.00 HR __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Life Skills Coaching per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 07-30-2026 POP End: 07-29-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

1002 15.00 REF __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Independent Living Assessments per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 07-30-2026 POP End: 07-29-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training -

Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

2001 400.00 HR __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Life Skills Coaching per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 07-30-2027 POP End: 07-29-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

2002 15.00 REF __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Independent Living Assessments per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 07-30-2027 POP End: 07-29-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

3001 400.00 HR __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Life Skills Coaching per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 07-30-2028 POP End: 07-29-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

3002 15.00 REF __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Independent Living Assessments per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 07-30-2028 POP End: 07-29-2029 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

4001 400.00 HR __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Life Skills Coaching per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 07-30-2029 POP End: 07-29-2030 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

4002 15.00 REF __________________ __________________

Contractor shall provide Discrete Services; Independent Living Assessments per the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 07-30-2029 POP End: 07-29-2030 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 624310 - Vocational Rehabilitation Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: U006 - Education/Training - Vocational/Technical Estimated Quantity

GRAND TOTAL __________________

Any quantities that are stated as estimated quantities are not-to-exceed line items. The contractor shall only be paid for actual quantities/services rendered. No adjustment to quantities, estimated or otherwise, shall be made without an official contract modification. The schedule represents the quantities estimated to be ordered over the delivery period. Quotes will be evaluated based on the estimated quantities. If the actual quantity of the unit-priced item varies more than 15 percent above or below the estimated quantity, the Contracting Officer (CO) will consider an adjustment in the contract price, which may be executed with a bilateral modification.

At the end of the period of performance (e.g., Base Period, Option Year 1, etc.) and after the contractor submits the final invoice for that period, the CO will issue a unilateral modification that specifies actual quantities and de-obligates any excess funding.

B.2 Performance Work Statement

SECTION I - INTRODUCTION and BACKGROUND

A. INTRODUCTION

1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authority, pursuant to Title 38 USC Chapters 31 and M28C.V.B.3.03, to provide all services and assistance necessary to enable eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities to obtain and maintain suitable employment and, if not employable, achieve independence in daily living to the maximum extent feasible. In the discharge of this responsibility, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Division (VR&E) within each VBA Regional Office’s (RO) jurisdiction undertakes an initial evaluation of the Veteran to determine his or her entitlement for these services and assistance and develops, in cooperation with the Veteran, an Individualized Written Plan of Services. Rehabilitation plans include:

Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plans (IWRP) that outline training and job placement services needed to achieve employment goals; employment placement under an Individualized Employment Assistance Plan (IEAP);

Individualized Extended Evaluation Plan (IEEP) to determine feasibility for employment; or if employment is not possible, services to enhance the Veteran’s independence in daily living under an Individualized Independent Living Plan

(IILP).

2. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is charged with providing assistance to Veterans with service-connected disabilities through Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services.

In order to assure services in close geographic proximity to Veterans and to provide timely services when staff turnover occurs, Contractor assistance may be required to supplement VR&E services. Specialized services may also be required to complement services typically provided by VA Staff.

3. In order to provide these services, VR&E requires Contractor assistance in discrete services to provide for the specialized needs of Veterans.

4. The objective of the contract is to assist Veterans to obtain and maintain suitable employment and to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities.

B. BACKGROUND

1. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), is procuring local services for Veterans through VA’s jurisdiction Under the terms of any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation, an authorized VR&E official will be responsible for: (1) Approval of rehabilitation plans and; (2) Approval or authorization of any specific expenditure or benefit to, or on behalf of, the Veteran whose case is referred to the Contractor. It is understood that no obligation will be incurred under the contract by the Government for any services or benefit to, or on behalf of, a Veteran without prior authorization issued by the designated VR&E official.

SECTION II – SCOPE and APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

A. SCOPE

1. The VA has a requirement for Contractors to provide services for Discrete Services

2. Services to be performed under the terms and conditions of the Contract are restricted to the major rehabilitation track for those Veterans whose primary rehabilitative objectives include: (1) achievement of independence in daily living.

3. Rehabilitation Objectives:

a. The rehabilitation objective for a Veteran for whom the achievement of a vocational goal has been determined to be infeasible is: (1) to enable the Veteran to achieve independence in daily living; or (2) to reduce the level of assistance required from others. The Contractor, in the case of an individual found by the VA to qualify for a program of independent living service, shall assess and recommend all services and assistance necessary to enable the Veteran to achieve maximum independence in daily living.

4. Discrete Services include the following two categories

a. Independent Living Assessments- In-home assessment of an individual’s ability to care for themselves daily and live independently at home and in the community.

b. Life Skills Coaching- Hourly services to individuals in need of one-on- one life skills coaching to develop and sustain independence in the community, for example; utilizing public transportation, establishing and maintaining volunteer work, budgeting, etc..

B. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following references are applicable to this PWS:

Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code www.va.gov/ M28, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Manual

(http://www.warms.vba.va.gov) Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification

(http://www.crccertification.com) 38 CFR 21.283 (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/julqtr/pdf/38cfr21.284.pdf)

SECTION III – PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS: Discrete Services – VR&E Indianapolis will provide case-related documents as needed from the Counseling Evaluation Rehabilitation (CER) file to the Contractor.

The following services shall be provided as directed to the Contractor for Service members and Veterans participating in the VR&E program:

DISCRETE SERVICES

This includes independent living (IL) assessments. Contractor personnel may need to travel to remote locations. Due to the scope of these individualized services, VA may authorize travel expenses. In all cases, pre-approval of travel costs is required by the VA.

Discrete services include short-term, unique services needed for Veterans during the rehabilitation process. The following Discrete Services may be ordered on an as needed basis:

a. Independent Living Assessment: This flat-rate package is for an in-home assessment of an individual's ability to care for themselves on a daily basis and live independently at home and in the community. The initial appointment will take place within 10 calendar days of referral and the final report will be submitted within 30 calendar days of referral. The report will correspond with requirements in M28C. The average number of hours to complete an Independent Living assessment is four (4) hours.

1. For the Independent Living Assessments, a locally licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor will be required. Other services that may be required under Discrete Services must be provided by contract service providers that have the experience and training to complete the tasks assigned to industry standards. See minimum qualifications outlined in Section III C.

2. Reports: Reports for flat rate packages are due within 30 calendar days of referral. Reports for hourly packages are due within seven (7) calendar days of the conclusion of each ten (10) hours of billing or each 30 calendar days post referral, whichever date is earliest. Contractor will utilize mandatory forms and work aids identified in M28C references.

3. Payment: Flat Rate Service Discrete Services package- Independent Living Assessments are payable if complete services are delivered within performance standards. All payments shall be contingent upon meeting the performance standards.

4. Report templates for Discrete Services are generated by the contractor.

b. Life Skills Coaching: This is an hourly service to individuals in need of one-on-one life skills coaching to develop and sustain independence in the community, for example, utilizing public transportation, establishing and maintaining volunteer work, etc

1. For Life Skills Coaching, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or contract service providers that have the experience and training to complete the tasks assigned to industry standards. See minimum qualifications outlined in Section III C.

2. Reports: Reports for hourly packages are due within seven (7) calendar days of the conclusion of each ten (10) hours of billing or each 30 calendar days post referral, whichever date is earliest. Contractor will utilize mandatory forms and work aids identified in M28C references.

3. Payment: Flat Rate Service Discrete Services package- Independent Living Assessments are payable if complete services are delivered within performance standards. All payments shall be contingent upon meeting the performance standards.

4. Report templates for Discrete Services are generated by the contractor.

c. The Certification & Accreditation (C&A) IT Security requirements do not apply, and the Security Accreditation Package is not required.

1) PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

Performance Objective Discrete Services

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

Surveillance Method

Independent Living Assessment reference

Reports are due within 30 calendar days of referral. .

Reports are received timely based on the performance standard 90% of the time.

Electronic mail date stamp by the receiving official

Life Skills Coaching 95% of Veterans receive the appropriate specialized services identified by the VA.

COR review of report

Reports are due within seven (7) calendar days of the conclusion of each ten (10) hours of billing or each 30 calendar days post referral, whichever date is earliest.

Veterans will be contacted to confirm receipt of appropriate services/ referrals; review monthly reports.

a. Coverage of Jurisdiction – Contractor shall have an adequate number of trained counseling staff to ensure provision of services for Veteran clientele throughout the Commonwealth of Indiana.

b. Responsiveness - If awarded a contract, the Contractor shall address problem issues with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) in a timely manner to ensure services are rendered and reports are submitted within required timelines identified in the PWS.

c. Customer Satisfaction – The Contractor shall provide a level of service that is responsive to Veteran or eligible dependents’ needs, as evidenced by positive feedback from clients, lack of complaints, and periodic contact of clients by VR&E to assess customer satisfaction.

B. KEY PERSONNEL

1. The key personnel listed below are considered essential by the Government and to the work being performed under the TOs awarded under the contract and shall not be replaced or substituted for the first 180 days (or other date specified in the TO) after TO award. The key personnel assigned to or utilized by the Contractor in the performance of a TO must be accessible to the Government for services under the contract. Replacements due to circumstances beyond the Contractor's control such as death, illness or the like must be of equal or better qualifications and approved by the COR. The Contractor and/or Key Personnel shall be insured, licensed and/or certified if required by the state or local statute for all ROs proposed. The Contractor shall supply proof of state required insurance, license and/or certification to the RO COR within 30 days after notice of award.

The following are the list of Key Personnel:

a. Contract Administrator/Program Manager

b. All counselors (rehabilitation, job placement, and other)

c. Occupational Therapists

d. Assistive Technology Professionals

2. The Government reserves the right to examine and approve or disapprove the Contractor’s staff based on information provided in credentials and/or résumés.

The COR, at the RO will notify the Contractor of acceptance of newly proposed employees within 10 days of receipt of credentials, diplomas, and résumés.

3. Only those individuals that meet the qualifications of the contract, and have been approved by the COR, at the RO shall perform services under the contract and the subsequent TO’s. Under no circumstances will interns be approved to provide professional services under the contract.

C. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR KEY PERSONNEL

1. Contract Administrator/Program Manager:

Contract Administrator/Program Manager must have one (1) year experience in Technical Vocational Rehabilitation and management of rehabilitation services.

They must possess communication/office skills commensurate with the job.

2. All Counselors:

Counselors must possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Counselor Education, or a closely related Master’s level counseling discipline, from an accredited college or university.

Contractor shall maintain curriculum vitae, résumé, current licenses, certification or a verifiable form of documentation for each Counselor proposed under the contract and for any proposed Counselor during the life of the contract. Related counseling disciplines will be considered from accredited colleges or universities when the individual has completed coursework that includes medical aspects of disability, vocational testing, and job placement and/or possesses a Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC) or Certified Vocational Evaluator credential, and/or possesses two or more years of experience in the vocational rehabilitation field. Counselors, in the performance of services under the contract, shall use standard counseling principles and procedures generally recognized within the counseling profession by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC) at http://www.crccertification.com.

3. Other professionals:

a. Independent Living (IL) Assessments: Occupational Therapists (OT) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselors shall be certified and licensed if required by local state or statute. The Contractor shall maintain résumés, current licenses, and/or certifications for Contractor personnel performing IL Assessment services.

b. Discrete Services (Other than IL): Life skill coaching shall be no less than a Rehabilitation Counselor (see IV.C.2. above). Contractor shall maintain resumes, current licenses and/or certifications for Contractor personnel performing Discrete Services.

4. The Contractor shall require its professional staff to attend free training sessions given by the VA. Contractors are responsible for the transportation/per diem cost of attendance by the Counselor(s) attending these training sessions at the sponsored VA Regional Office, not to exceed 24 total hours. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing its staff with at least two (2) (equivalent to two

(2) or more C.E.U.s) additional relevant professional training courses per year in the field of counseling and rehabilitation. VA or other organizations, such as colleges or professional associations, generally recognized as providing such training, shall sponsor the courses. This training is required for continued performance under the contract by any Contract professional. The Contractor shall report annually to the COR at the RO, the names of courses taken, date of any course, and the provider of said course for each Contract professional proposed to work or working under the contract. Exceptions or alternate training methods may be approved for Contractors located OCONUS.

SECTION IV - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A. PROCEDURES FOR ABOVE STANDARD AND BELOW STANDARD

PERFORMANCE

1) Above standard performance. This contract does not provide monetary incentive above the value of the task order for performance above standard.

This circumstance does not however lessen the importance of timely and quality performance of all tasks under this contract. The COR and others performing surveillance will document high quality performance (e.g., timely delivery of data, accurate and quality content of reports) and ensure this record of performance becomes part of the Contractor’s past performance record which will be entered annually in Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). PPIRS is used by federal contract agencies to evaluate Contractor past performance.

2) Below standard performance. All reports that are not prepared in accordance with M28C manual and will be returned to the Contractor for correction at the Contractor’s expense. The Contractor cannot invoice or receive payment until a report has been determined acceptable by the applicable COR in writing on the QA Form. The COR and others performing surveillance will document below standard performance (i.e., untimely submission of reports, report submissions requiring multiple revisions, consistently falling below Acceptable Quality Level (AQL(s)) and ensure this record of performance becomes part of the Contractor’s past performance record. The Contractor’s past performance record will be considered in placement of future task orders (if applicable) and be entered into

PPIRS.

SECTION V - DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A: Discrete Services

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSESSMENT

Independent Living Assessment: This flat-rate package is for an in-home assessment of an individual's ability to care for themselves on a daily basis and live independently at home and in the community. The initial appointment will take place within 10 calendar days of referral and the final report will be submitted within 30 days of referral. The report will correspond with requirements in M28. The average number of hours to complete an Independent Living assessment is four (4) hours.

Suggested Narrative Format (may include, but not limited to)

Contractor company name/address/phone:

Referral Source:

Veteran Name:

VA File (Last 4):

Name of Evaluator:

Date of Assessment:

Potential IL Goal:

Location of Assessment:

(Overview) The philosophical framework provides the principles that direct the scope and practice for developing independent living (IL) plans. The philosophical framework is composed of the following eight principles.

Enhance participation in activities of daily living (ADL) Assist the Veteran in participating to the maximum extent possible and desirable in family and community life Provide the most effective services and assistive technology based on sound research evidence Provide required holistic evaluation and services for all Veterans who qualify Develop rehabilitation plans that provide services to address identified independent living needs Consider the Veteran’s expressed interests and desires, but provide services based on objectively identified needs Establish goals and measure/verify outcomes Provide services that produce a sustaining influence that continues after rehabilitation services are completed.

The Independent Living (IL) assessment is intended to obtain a general overview of a Veteran’s independent living situation. It is designed to review arrangements that may complement or cause potential barriers to living independently, and once these issues are addressed, where feasible, increase the potentiality of obtaining or maintaining employment. Answer each question with a narrative description to include strengths, weaknesses, and issues. Yes/No responses to the questions are not an acceptable assessment. Assessing the Veteran in their current living environment is required unless waived by the VA Counselor.

The following questions and descriptions are meant to be an example of the type of information that should be assessed. The assessment narrative must address all pertinent observations from the assessment.

Mobility – refers to the capability of moving efficiently from place to place Can the Veteran move safely around their home and community?

Is there safe ingress and egress in the Veteran’s home?

Are there barriers to mobility within the Veteran’s home?

What distance is the Veteran capable of walking in varied weather conditions?

Are there any physical barriers and/or disability ramifications that impact the

Veteran’s ability to independently move from place to place?

What mobility aids does the Veteran currently use or may be needed?

Is the Veteran willing to use the above?

Does the Veteran have means for transportation in order to meet their needs?

Does the Veteran have a valid driver’s license and can they drive themselves safely?

Does the Veteran live close to or have access to public transportation?

Are there any restrictions to the public transportation for the Veteran, i.e. para-transit eligibility, etc.?

Does the Veteran have friends, family or support services to provide reliable transportation when needed?

Communication – refers to accurate and efficient transmission and/or reception of information, either verbally (spoken or written) or non-verbally.

Does the Veteran have access to a telephone and/or other reliable communication devices?

Does the Veteran have appropriate phone numbers and/or contact information to use in case of an emergency?

Does the Veteran know how to use a telephone and/or other reliable communication devices?

Are there any disability ramifications that make use of a telephone and/or other reliable communication devices difficult or impossible?

Does the Veteran's housing situation facilitate or interfere with improved independence?

The housing situation such as owning, renting, subsidized, house, or apartment, and the physical layout of the home?

If the Veteran is receiving subsidized housing, are they complying with the requirements?

Are there other people living with the Veteran such as a spouse, children, grandchildren, or roommates?

Do other members of the Veteran’s household contribute to or diminish the

Veteran’s independence?

Could other people who are not living with the Veteran cause potential problems as the Veteran works to improve their independence?

Are there environmental factors in the Veteran’s housing situation that are detrimental (noisy area, unsafe area, etc.)?

Does the Veteran have children living in the Veteran’s residence? If yes, are daycare and backup daycare arrangements available?

Does the Veteran have children or other dependents in the family unit they take responsibility for?

Is there someone else at the home to provide daycare services? If yes, are they reliable?

Does the Veteran have a daycare provider? If yes, are they reliable?

Does the Veteran have a backup daycare provider?

Does the Veteran have a plan for the children in the event of a medical emergency?

Self Care – refers to the skills necessary to fulfill basic needs such as they relate to health, safety, food preparation and nutrition, hygiene and grooming, and money management.

Does the Veteran have the means and ability to adequately and appropriately meet their nutritional needs?

Can the Veteran safely and independently prepare meals and snacks?

If not, does the Veteran have someone who can assist them?

Does the Veteran (or the Veteran’s meal preparer/provider) understand and adhere to any special dietary considerations the Veteran may have?

Can the Veteran shop independently or are other arrangements in place to ensure that food is available?

Does the Veteran appropriately store food and recognize spoiled food so that they do not get sick?

Do financial considerations interfere with the Veteran’s ability to maintain a healthy diet?

Does the Veteran need help or training in other areas to improve their independence?

Does the Veteran demonstrate appropriate hygiene patterns?

Does the Veteran remember to take their medication on a regular basis?

Does the Veteran dress appropriately?

Is the Veteran’s disability so severe that they need someone to provide them with daily assistance in getting ready in the morning and/or during the day?

Describe.

Does the Veteran have the ability to budget their finances?

Does the Veteran maintain a checking account?

Does the Veteran have a history of balancing their budget and managing their income?

Does the Veteran have enough income to meet basic needs and current financial commitments?

Is the Veteran receiving all appropriate VA and non-VA benefits (SSDI, SSI, VA disability, Worker’s Compensation, etc.)?

Is the Veteran competent to handle VA funds?

Does the Veteran provide support for other family or non-family members?

Does the Veteran have support services to help them maintain their budget?

Self-Direction – describes the capacity to organize structure and manage activities in a manner that best serves the objectives of the Veteran. Adequate self-direction requires that a Veteran be able to plan, initiate and monitor behavior with respect to an identified outcome.

Does the Veteran have the means to adequately manage their income?

Can or does the Veteran manage banking through their financial institution?

How much are the Veteran’s monthly living expenses?

Is the Veteran keeping up with their bills?

Does the Veteran have any major outstanding bills?

Has the Veteran overextended their credit cards?

Does the Veteran have any legal issues pending due to financial circumstances?

Are there any outstanding judgments against the Veteran?

Does the Veteran understand if they have SSI or SSDI, when they get their payment and how much it will be?

Is the Veteran capable of reporting their wages to SSA?

Does the Veteran have any current issues or overpayment payment problems from SSA?

Does the Veteran have difficulty waking up in the morning?

Does the Veteran have an alarm clock?

Does the Veteran have a history of over sleeping and missing appointments?

Is the Veteran taking any medications that cause problems related to waking up, maintaining alertness, or motivation?

Does the Veteran feel they are a morning or evening person?

What time of day does the Veteran usually wake up?

How long does it take the Veteran to get ready in the morning?

Interpersonal Skills – the ability of the Veteran to interact in a socially acceptable and mature manner with family members, service providers, neighbors, medical providers and others encountered in routine interactions in the community.

Does the Veteran tend to consume alcohol and/or use illegal substances?

Has the Veteran ever experienced issues with addiction or overuse of alcohol?

Are the above currently issues in the Veteran’s life? If so, does the Veteran participate in therapy or a sobriety support program?

Does the Veteran have any anger management issues or other patterns of inappropriate interpersonal behavior that interfere with forming or maintaining healthy relationships?

Are there any cultural, religious or extended family considerations?

Does the Veteran have any cultural, religious or extended family that might impose on the Veteran's current living situation? This could include issues with childcare arrangements, brothers, sisters or parents.

Are there any issues related to the people named above that could cause issues for the Veteran?

Does the Veteran attend cultural or religious events on a regular basis?

Do cultural, religious, or extended family considerations impact the Veteran’s ability to appropriately interact with other individuals or groups?

Productive Activities - the ability to perform activities which contribute to family and/or the community, through the performance of tasks that produce goods and services, whether paid or not.

Does the Veteran have adequate time management skills to complete all tasks related to engagement in an appropriate productive activity?

Does the Veteran have any hobbies or participate in any recreational activities?

How much time does the Veteran spend in these activities per day/week/month?

Does the Veteran interact with others while performing or participating in these activities?

Does the Veteran have regular activities or social events that they participate in?

Future Goals – what the Veteran hopes or envisions for their life in the short and/or long term

What does the Veteran express as their highest priority?

Where is employment in their list of priorities?

Is it the Veteran’s goal to live more independently?

What does “living more independently” specifically mean for this Veteran?

Specify potential goals and how those may be achieved, including resources needed and timeframes.

1. SECURITY

All Contractors and Contractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal security and privacy laws, regulations, standards and VA policies as VA, including the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C.§552a, and VA personnel, regarding information and information system security. Contractors must follow policies and procedures outlined in VA Directive 6500, Information Security Program; and VA Handbook 6500.6. See attached VA 6500.6 Appendix C, which is incorporated in the resulting purchase order to ensure appropriate security controls are in place.

Contractor Personnel Security

a. Any individual who requires access to the VA site(s), personally identifiable information (PII) and/or access to VA local area network (LAN) systems shall be the subject of a favorable fingerprint check (SAC) adjudicated by VBA Personnel Security Office (PERSEC). Individuals are required a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Personnel Security and Adjudication Center (PSAC). These requirements are applicable to all sub-contractor personnel requiring any Background Investigation (BI) conducted by Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA).

b. The level of BI will be in accordance with VA Directive 0710 dated June 4, 2010 and is available at http://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=487&FTyp.

Background Investigation: The Contractor employee level of BI required for this effort is:

Low Risk (T1) Security – Employees Moderate Risk (T2) – Managers and Directors

Note: The position sensitivity should reflect the results from the completion of the PDAT versus the title of the individual.

Investigation Documents: Immediately after contract award, the COR will provide the Contractor with the following background investigation documents to be completed by the Contractor and returned thru the COR to VBA PERSEC to begin the background investigations process for all contract employees working on the contract who will have access to VA/VBA facilities, VA systems, or privacy data:

1. Background Investigation Request Worksheet

2. Optional Form 306 – Declaration of Federal Employment

3. VBA Contractor Fingerprint Request Form

4. VA Form 0710 – Authorization for Release of Information Fair Credit Report (if T2 or higher)

5. (SC) Self-Certification Form (if applicable)

6. VA Form 0711 – Request for Personal Identity Verification Card

7. SIC Contractor Background Request Form (unsigned)

Submitting Completed Package: Upon receipt of documents listed above from the COR, the COR will submit the background investigation package to VBA’s Personnel Security Specialist. Upon notification of favorable fingerprint results, the COR should request the official VA email account and will be notified of all background investigation requirements preventing the Contractor from an immediate onboard.

Thereafter, the Contractor shall receive an email notification from DCSA including detailed instructions regarding completion of the background clearance application process in the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system. e-QIP is an online, internet accessible system, where the Contractor employee shall complete the security questionnaire required for OPM to process background investigation. Once the e-QIP is released by VBA PERSEC, scheduled by OPM, the Contractor may begin work while the background investigation is ongoing.

Reciprocation: Contractors who have current favorable background investigation previously conducted by OPM or DCSA may be accepted through reciprocation. When a previous personnel security clearance is currently held, it does not preclude the Contractor form submitting a complete Background Investigation Package as stated above to the COR immediately after contract award for all Contractor employees who will be working on the contract.

Pre-Screen: The Contractor shall prescreen all personnel who require access to VA site(s) and/or access to VA LAN systems to ensure they maintain a U.S. citizenship or Alien Registration that authorizes them to work in the U.S., and are able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Contractor Performance: Contract performance shall not commence before

A. The VBA has confirmed favorable fingerprint results, or B. PSAC confirms that it has received the Contractor’s investigative documents, The documents are complete, and that the background investigation information has been released to OPM for scheduling of the background investigation, or

C. VBA or the PSAC has confirmed that the verified investigation will be reciprocated.

Copy of Certificate of Investigation (COI): The COR will notify and forward the Contractor a copy of the Certificate of Investigation when the background investigation has been favorably completed or a Certificate of Eligibility (Form 4236) if the investigation has been reciprocated. The Contractor, if notified, of an unfavorable adjudication by the Government, shall withdraw the employee from consideration from working under the contract. Failure to comply, the Contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the contract for default.

Responsibility: The Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of those contract and subcontract employees it provides to perform work for the VBA. In the event damage arises from work performed by Contractor employees the Contractor will be responsible for resources necessary to remedy the incident.

Vendor Selection: Should the Contractor use a vendor other than OPM or DCSA to conduct background investigations, the investigative company must be certified by OPM/DCSA to conduct Contractor background investigations. The Vendor Cage Code number must be provided to the VA PSAC, which will verify the information and conclude whether access to the Government’s site(s) and/or VA LAN systems can be granted.

Investigative History: The investigative history for Contractor personnel working under this contract must be maintained in the databases of either OPM or DCSA.

Government Responsibilities:

After the VBA PERSEC has quality controlled the BI package from the Contractor, the VBA PERSEC will send a courtesy e-mail notification to the Contractor and the COR identifying the e- QIP email from DCSA including detailed instructions regarding completion of the BI application process and the level of background that was requested.

Upon receipt of required background investigative documents, VBA PERSEC will review the background investigative documents for completion and initiate the background investigation by forwarding the background investigative documents to OPM to conduct the BI. If the background documents are not complete, VBA PERSEC will notify the Contractor and COR of deficiencies and include corrective instructions.

VBA PERSEC will pay for background investigations and reciprocals processed through the VA PSAC and conducted by OPM in advance.

The COR will notify and forward the Contractor a copy of the Certificate of Investigation when the BI has been favorably adjudicated or a Certificate of Eligibility (Form 4236) if the investigation has been reciprocated. The COR will also notify the Contractor of an unfavorable adjudication by the Government.

Training

a. All Contractor and sub-contractor personnel requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and networks:

1) Sign and acknowledge understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the National Rules of Behavior related to access to VA information and information systems.

2) Successfully complete any cyber security or privacy training as required for VA personnel with equivalent information and/or system access.

b. The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer a copy of the training certificates and signed Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within 30 days from the date TMS access is granted and annually thereafter, as required. These online courses are located at https://www.tms.va.gov/learning/user/login.jsp

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

---NOTICE---

System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations. Examples include 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance, and paragraph (d) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Contracting officers will not consider these representations when making award decisions or enforce requirements. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

---NOTICE---

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

C.2 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of contract expiration date.

C.3 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR

2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days of contract expiration date; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days days before the contract expires.