36C10X20R0002-0004001.docx

1. 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.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

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. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

36C10X20R0002 10-17-2019 Kevin Armillotti (Kevin.Armillotti@va.gov) 240-215-1623 10-29-2019

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

X

541611 $16.5 Million

N/A

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Office of Healthcare Transformation

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

TBD

VAFSC

See B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

Veterans Health Administration Integrated Healthcare Transformation (IHT)

Multiple Award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite- Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

See Section E for all instructions associated with this solicitation.

Phase I Capability Statements due at 12:00PM ET on 11/04/19.

Phase II Veteran Integrated Team responses due TBD (date to be released via amendment.)

Questions: Submit all Phase I Questions by October 23, 2019 12:00PM ET

Intention to submit Phase I Capability: October 25, 2019 3:00PM ET

TBD

Allen L. Smith Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

A. Contract Administration

All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

(1) CONTRACTOR POC:

TBD

(2) GOVERNMENT:

a. The Government contacts for IHT IDIQ are as follows:

Contracting Officer (CO):

Allen L. Smith, Contracting Officer 36C10X Allen.smith3@va.gov Office of Acquisition Operations Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick, MD 21703

Contract Specialist (CS):

Kevin Armillotti, Contract Specialist 36C10X Kevin.Armilloti@va.gov Office of Acquisition Operations Strategic Acquisition Center – Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs 5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick, MD 21703

b. The IHT IDIQ CO is responsible for providing overall scope oversight, maintaining communication between contractors and VA, ensuring contract compliance, administering base contract and modifications, and ensuring that annual performance evaluations are completed at the base contract level. Each task order (TO) will have an identified CO who will be responsible for ensuring that task orders are within the scope of the IDIQ base contracts, administering all task order awards, overseeing payment or rejection of invoices, and ensuring that annual contractor performance evaluations are completed at the TO level and submitted through the Contractor Performance Assessment and Reporting System (CPARS).

c. The CO will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the IDIQ contract level, and each TO level CO will designate a COR at the individual TO level. The CO will issue a designation letter to the COR and the contractor to ensure that all parties understand the limited authority, role, and responsibilities of the COR.

d. Any reporting requirements will be defined at the TO level.

e. Interrelationships of Contractors

The Government has entered into other contractual relationships in order to provide technical services throughout VA. These services are separate from IHT but may be related to or in close proximity to those provided under IHT. Contractors may be required to coordinate with other contractors in providing services under IHT. Contractors may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to commencing services under the base contract or a TO award.

B. Minimum Guaranteed Amount and Maximum Value

(1) The minimum guaranteed amount for this contract is $10,000.00; this amount or a higher which may be obligated at the time of IDIQ award to each awardee (based upon initial Task Order (TO) pricing). Orders beyond the minimum will be determined by department needs and the results of fair opportunity competitions (unless an exception to fair opportunity applies). The Government has no obligation to award TOs beyond the minimum guaranteed amount.

(2) The maximum aggregate value of all awards and TOs under IHT is $1,000,000,000. This ceiling is neither divided nor multiplied by the number of awardees.

(3) Funding is not currently committed for this contract. The Government intends to fund any minimum guarantees at time of award and may fund one or more TOs. Neither contracts nor TOs will be awarded until and unless funds become available. VA will not reimburse bid and proposal costs in the event a contract is not awarded.

C. Veteran Integrated Team (VIT) Management

(1) Team Compilation and Administration All awardees will be Fully Mission Capable, Veteran Integrated Teams (VITs) populated with vendor partners specializing in healthcare assembled under the leadership of a Veteran Integrated Team Agile Lead (VITAL). See Attachment J: VIT Definitions for details on team components.

NOTE: While eligible SDVOSBs may submit offers alone, the Government anticipates numerous teaming partners (SDVOSB and otherwise) will be necessary to successfully provide support.

a. VITAL Eligibility The VITAL receiving the award must be determined eligible in terms of both size (small under NAICS Code 541611 as confirmed through SAM.gov Representations and Certifications) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status (Vetbiz VIP verified). Following award, the VITAL will be considered “small” for the duration of the five (5) year base period. The VITAL will be required to re-certify its size should the Government exercise its contract option at the end of the base period. VITALs must remain VIP Verified for the duration of the contract.

b. Veteran Integrated Team Eligible Partner (VITEP) Eligibility VITEPs must remain VIP verified for the duration of the contract. As an SDVOSB set-aside, the prime and/or similarly situated entities must perform at least 50% of the work (amount paid by Gov’t to the prime) and the prime contractor may not subcontract more than 50% to non-similarly situated entities. To contribute to the prime’s required performance percentage, a VITEP must be VIP verified at time of TO award and small under the NAICS code established for the Capability Area being supported.

NOTE: For subcontracting purposes pursuant to sections 8(d) of the Small Business Act, a concern is small for subcontracts which relate to Government procurements if it does not exceed the size standard for the NAICS code that the prime contractor believes best describes the product or service being acquired by the subcontract.

c. Fully Mission Capable The VITAL will need to report periodically (frequency defined in its initial TO) on the “full mission capability” (FMC) of the VIT. If at any point in time, the VIT is not FMC (full corporate capability across all functional categories and capability areas), it will be unable to respond to TOPR. The VITAL shall make every effort to maintain the FMC of the VIT. In the event the VIT is assessed as not FMC, the VIT may be issued a contract discrepancy report (CDR) and will be provided an opportunity for remediation. Should the VITAL’s response not result in an FMC team, in a reasonable time (as determined by the Government based upon TO volume/activity), the Government reserves the right to off-ramp at no cost to the Government. Expectation on time for remediation will be outlined in any CDR issued to the VITAL.

d. Exclusivity All teams are exclusive, with all partners/ subcontractors specific to one, and only one Veteran Integrated Team (VIT). No individual firm may be associated with more than one VIT, unless specifically provided for at the TO level.

e. Issue Resolution Under this long-term contract and any subsequent TOs, all efforts shall be made to manage and resolve any disagreements between Prime and Subcontractors internally. The Government does not intend to serve as mediator for any issues that arise during or as the result of contract performance. Parameters associated with subcontractor replacement are detailed below.

f. Open Enrollment Additions VIT partners will be expressly identified within the base contract at time of award as a Key Partner. (Key Partners at time of award require an equal or greater replacement). The Government anticipates partner additions may be required to enhance capability and robustness of the VIT to allow it to respond to the evolving complex healthcare needs of VA. As such the Government intends to provide an open enrollment period to facilitate the addition of new partners during a two-week window near the end of select contract years (Government will notify awardees prior). The Government intends to review proposed replacements/ additions within thirty (30) days of submission and will provide feedback and/or approval. New VIT partners may be proposed from inside or outside the IHT Free Agent List. Additions to the VIT will be evaluated based upon their capability in the proposed functional category/ capability area and eligibility as a VITEP or VITSO. Additions to the VIT will be added to the base contract as “non-key Partner”.

g. Replacements If for any reason a VITAL must remove a Key Partner during contract performance, the VITAL will be required to submit a replacement Partner with equal or greater capability as the partner being replaced. The VITAL shall notify the Government as soon as the change has been identified as necessary. Failure to submit a proposed replacement within thirty (30) days of the removal of the Key Partner could result in the VIT being determined not FMC and subject to off-ramping procedures as described below. The Government intends to review proposed replacements within thirty (30) days of submission and will provide feedback and/or approval.

Any partner being removed from a VIT at the VITAL’s discretion will be restricted from joining another existing VIT for a period of no less than six (6) months. VITEPs and VITSOs removed at the discretion of a VITAL may participate as part of a new VIT for the next Government On-Ramp. If a VITEP or VITSO intends to voluntarily withdrawal from its VIT for any reason, the VITAL and/or subcontractor shall notify the Government as soon as possible after this decision, but within thirty (30) days prior if possible. Any subcontractor that voluntarily leaves its VIT will be unable to join an existing different VIT for a period no less than one (1) year (including a new VIT for any Government On-Ramping). VITALs must ensure that FMC is maintained in light of any partner’s departure.

(2) Free Agency The Government intends to establish and maintain a Free Agent VIT List for the life of the vehicle. The list will include non-awardees that request to be added as well as VIT partners off-ramped or replaced during contract performance. The list will be updated quarterly. The Government intends to release periodic FBO notices offering opportunities to be added to the list.

The Free Agent VIT List will include company name, contact information, self-identified functional categories, and socio-economic status. The list will be made available to all current VIT members and those on the list.

VITs may use the Free Agent VIT List during Contractor Open-Enrollment, at the time of Key Partner replacement, and for additional resources to support a designated Wildcard Task Order.

The Government does not intend to scrutinize or assess capabilities of firms on the list until proposed as a VIT partner replacement or addition by a VITAL.

D. Task Order Procedures Contractors under VHA IHT shall provide services as requirements are identified throughout the ordering period. Requirements may span the labor categories and tasks of one or more Functional Categories and/or Capability Areas. Each requirement will specify details as they relate to deliverables, performance and other technical items. Contractors may be required to use the Acquisition Task Order Management System (ATOMS) for all task orders.

(1) VHA IHT will follow ordering procedures as outlined in FAR 16.505. In accordance with FAR16.505(b)(2), the CO will provide all awardees a fair opportunity to be considered for all awards under VHA IHT which exceed the micro-purchase threshold, unless one of the following exceptions applies:

a. The agency need for the supplies or services is so urgent that providing a fair opportunity would result in unacceptable delays;

b. Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized;

c. The order must be issued on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency because it is a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order; or

d. It is necessary to plan an order to satisfy a minimum guarantee.

Should one of these exceptions exist, the CO will execute the task order as a sole-source task order, seeking proper justifications in accordance with the FAR and agency procedures.

(2) As requirements for VHA IHT are defined, Contractors will be given the fair opportunity to compete for the award, assuming one of the exceptions noted above does not exist. The CO will issue a Task Order Proposal Request (TOPR) in accordance with the procedures as outlined below. It should be noted that while VHA IHT contractors are not required to respond to all TOPRs for which they are afforded the opportunity, they are expected to do so. Repeated failure to provide a response will be reflected in past performance evaluations at the IDIQ level and may be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to exercise the option. Contractors unable to perform the requirements as stated in a TOPR must submit a “no-bid” to the CO with a brief, yet specific, explanation.

(3) Each TOPR will include, at a minimum:

a. the due date and instructions for proposal submission,

b. Statement of Work (SOW), Statement of Objectives (SOO), or Performance Work Statement (PWS) with a description of the requirements, including deliverables, minimum qualifications, and applicable information,

c. the place and period of performance, and

d. any additional information deemed necessary by the CO.

(4) Each task order requirement will have a unique evaluation plan that will be developed by the CO and detailed in the TOPR. COs have wide latitude in developing and establishing the most appropriate evaluation factors given the nature of the TO. Factors, with the exception of Price, will be assigned an adjectival rating. In general, TOPRs will be evaluated by analysis of the following factors:

a. Technical Capability. The contractor will be asked to discuss their plan for accomplishing the work of the requirement. This factor may include subfactors such as a management plan, staffing plan, or key personnel.

b. Performance Risk. The contractor will be asked to provide examples of relevant experience and to provide past performance questionnaires which confirm a level of quality. The CO may consider relevant performance on task order awards under VHA IHT and any other information available from Government sources.

c. Price. The Government will evaluate price reasonableness using price analysis techniques as prescribed in FAR 15.404-1(b). The Government reserves the right to evaluate price realism at the task order level. When competing for Labor Hour type TO awards, contractors are permitted to propose labor rates that are equal to or lower than those as listed in their contract. The Government will ensure that rates are not reduced to a level that risks nonperformance by requiring justification for the reduced rate at the time of proposal. Contractors may be requested to identify labor categories, number of hours, and labor rates in their price proposal for performance of each task.

d. Any other factors as determined appropriate by the CO.

(5) The task order proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria as set forth in each TOPR. The CO is not required to prepare formal evaluation plans, post notice on the Federal Business Opportunities webpage or hold discussions or negotiations with each offeror. The CO will, however, maintain an internal record of the award decision and supporting information. COs may evaluate by directly comparing competitive proposals and make an award decision based upon this comparison.

(6) In accordance with FAR 16.5, the CO has broad discretion in determining which contractor should receive a task order. The CO will issue a task order to the contractor whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government considering the evaluation factors specified in the TOPR. The CO reserves the right to withdraw or cancel the TOPR. In such event, the contractor will be notified, via email, of the CO’s decision. This decision shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to the Disputes Clause or the Contract Disputes Act.

(7) Upon TO award, the TO will be sent via email to the contractor. The contractor is not authorized at any time to commence TO performance prior to issuance of a signed TO or other written approval provided by a CO. The contractor’s failure to begin performance within the time frame required may result in termination of the task order and reconsideration of the other task order proposals received in response to the TOPR.

(8) In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(6), contractors may request a post-award debriefing for orders exceeding $5 million. The TO CO will conduct post-award debriefings in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(6)(ii) and FAR 15.506. Issues arising from the placement of orders are not protestable to the Government Accountability Office unless the protest alleges that the order exceeded the value, scope or period of the contract or in the case where a single task order exceeds $10 million.

(9) Task orders may only be modified by written modification, executed by a warranted CO. The contractor shall not perform or provide services that are not expressly stated in the contract or TO. A Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) does not have the authority or means to obligate the Government or change the terms and conditions of the contract or TO.

E. On-Ramp/ Off-Ramp

(1) On-Ramping The Government reserves the right to “on-ramp” additional FMC VITs throughout the ordering period to ensure adequate competition. Should the Government exercise this right, a new solicitation with tailored requirements, terms, and conditions will be issued to the Government Point of Entry (GPE) at FBO.gov. New VIT awardees will be added to the pool of IHT IDIQ contractor holders for future TO competitions.

Contracts awarded via the “on-ramp” process will share in, but not increase, the previously established ceiling. The “on-ramping” process will not extend the ordering period.

“On-ramping” and “off-ramping” processes may occur independently and are not guaranteed as a result of the other. The decision to “on-ramp” and “off-ramp” is at the sole discretion of the Government. The Government anticipates three (3) “On-Ramp” periods during the life of the vehicle.

The Government anticipates successful performance under this contract will provide great long-term value to the government. To preserve the value gained through successful contract support, VITs that are successful and whose VITAL subsequently become large after the five-year base period will be off-ramped (as the VITAL is no longer eligible under the set-aside). In the event a VIT is off-ramped due to ineligibility, the Government will open an on-ramp period whereby the VIT with a new proposed VITAL may submit a team response for consideration. If determined in the best interest of the Government, this VIT and any additional prospective VITs submitting offers may be on-ramped as a new awardee for the option period. In cases where a VITAL sizes out and its VIT is off-ramped, consideration should be given by the VIT in order to maintain the integrity of the VIT “keep the band together”, thus maximizing opportunity for a new award and preserving the VITs value.

(2) Off-Ramping The Government may off-ramp VITs at any time during the contract period for performance issues, responsiveness, or eligibility at its discretion.

a. Performance VIT performance will be assessed/evaluated at the base contract and task order level. QASP and other performance measures as determined appropriate by the Government will be utilized. TO performance will be reported through the CPARS (Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System).

In the event of severe and/or multiple performance failures not remedied to the Government’s satisfaction, the Government reserves the right to off-ramp the VIT at no cost to the Government.

b. Responsiveness Contractors are not required to respond to all TOPRs for which they are afforded the opportunity, however they are expected to do so. Contractors unable to perform the requirements as stated in a TOPR must submit a “no-bid” to the CO with a brief, yet specific, explanation. Repeated failure to provide a proposal or adequate rationale for failure to propose may result in off-ramping at no cost to the Government.

c. Size/Status VITAL and all VITEPs will be required to recertify small business status at the time of the Option exercise. The graduation of a VITAL from small to large (under the size standard established by SBA at time of Option exercise) will result in the off-ramp of the VIT (see section E. (1) above). Additionally, if a VITAL is unable to maintain VIP Verification at any time during the base or option period, it may be determined ineligible and may be off-ramped by the Government at no cost to the Government.

(3) Future Competitions In performing services of IHT, contractors may gain access to procurement sensitive information or be tasked with providing support services in developing acquisition packages. Contractors are advised that such access or support may deem the contractor ineligible for award on future related procurements. Contractor’s failure to recuse itself from future competitions or present a mitigation plan in light of an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), where applicable, may be grounds for termination under this contract and non-selection for future contracts in accordance with FAR Part 9.5.

F. Options

In accordance with FAR 17.2, TOs may contemplate the use of options. Inclusion of options at the TO level will be properly documented and approved in accordance with the FAR and agency procedures and will be clearly stated in the TOPR. FAR 52.217-9 will be included in any TOs that include options. TOs may also include FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services.

G. Invoicing

a. All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management.

b. Specific invoicing instructions will be specified at the TO level.

H. Subcontracting

(1) Prime contractors may only propose subcontractors at the TO level initially proposed and awarded at the IDIQ level, unless the Government designates a particular TO as a Wildcard TO. Limitations on Subcontracting requirements apply to every Task Order.

(2) LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018) (DEVIATION)

(a) This solicitation includes Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside, 852.219-11.

(b) Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to the limitation on subcontracting requirements in 13 CFR 125.6. The Contractor is advised that in performing contract administration functions, the Contracting Officer may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the Contractor’s compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to Contractor’s offices where the Contractor’s business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the Contractor’s compliance with this requirement.

(c) All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the Contractor’s business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the Contracting Officer in assessing the Contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs.

(d) Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the Contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, Obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The Contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the Contracting Officer to assess the Contractor’s compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

I. Privity of Contract The Government will only deal directly with the VITAL for all matters regarding the IDIQ contract and all resulting task orders.

J.

B.2 IDIQ CONTRACT PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

See Attachment I- VHA IHT LCAT Price Spreadsheet

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

36C10X20R0002 | INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION (IHT) |CONFORMED FOR A0004

VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA)

INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

1.1 OVERVIEW

The purpose of the VHA Integrated Healthcare Transformation (IHT) requirement is to provide best value healthcare and professional consulting services to VHA through a pool of highly qualified Veteran Integrated contractor Teams (VITs). The resulting acquisition vehicle will be a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 16.504. This acquisition solution balances VA’s obligation to provide to our Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) direct contracting opportunities and the VHA National Program need to obtain maximum value from healthcare related professional service expenditures. Opportunities for SDVOSBs are provided through set-aside IDIQ award(s) to Integrated Teams led by SDVOSBs serving as Veteran Integrated Team Agile Leads (VITAL), and SDVOSB teaming partners serving as VIT Eligible Partners (VITEPs). VHA National Programs will recognize maximum value from healthcare related professional service expenditures through integrated support crossing various Functional Categories, access to national healthcare consulting VIT Partners, and Team Partners with expert knowledge in any of the identified Functional Categories. Additional benefits include a vehicle that is focused on efficiency with streamlined ordering procedures and reduced procurement lead times. A description of the VIT and all team requirements are identified in B.1 Contract Administration Data.

1.2 SCOPE

The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, supported by approximately 300,000 employees providing care at 1,250 health care facilities, including 172 medical centers and 1,069 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity across the continuum, serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. VHA facilities are located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands, the Philippines, Guam and American Samoa and serve a diverse population of Veterans.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes the unique problems facing Veterans today. With Congressional and Presidential backing, the VHA has been provided the necessary support to complete an organizational transformation that enables VHA to provide seamless, high-quality, integrated, coordinated healthcare, anytime and anywhere.

A framework has been outlined for developing a clinically-integrated, community-supported, reliable system of healthcare focused on providing the highest-quality and safest outcomes — and restoring trust among Veterans and their families, employees, and anyone who counts on our healthcare system. The framework will be responsive to the broader trends affecting all of healthcare, including advances in information and communications technology. VHA employees have created a culture of service, and VHA must provide the right tools, processes and technologies to bolster its customer experiences; increase long-term satisfaction and pride in working for VHA; and maximize positive impacts on Veteran health and well-being.

The VHA Business Functional Framework 2.12 (fig. 1) provides a visualization of the breadth, scope and complexity of the health care and services delivery across the VHA continuum. It also identifies, elaborates and models the VHA business, providing a mechanism for linking the VHA organizations, strategies, applications, business processes, and other components in the business architecture, as it applies to the provision of healthcare services. All work performed under Integrated Healthcare Transformation must support a category/function under the functional framework to be within scope.

*Business enabling services including VHA Wide-Admin Services, Information Management, Acquisitions, Human Resources, Financial Management, Planning and Budgeting, and Enterprise Reporting, that are ancillary to or in support of categories 1.0-6.0 above may be required under a specific Task Order. Task Orders that only include business enabling services without healthcare requirements are not within scope of the IHT vehicle.

The Secretary of the VA established priorities to provide clarity and focus, ensure organizational improvements, and enable culture change. The Secretary’s priorities are responsive to the needs of the organization and Veteran population and can shift dependent on multiple factors but remain focused on providing efficient and effective services to our Nation’s Veterans. The current Secretary’s priorities: Customer Service, Access to Care, Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM), and Business Transformation, as well as the VHA Executive in Charge’s priorities: learning organization, modernization, and restore trust, drive the initiatives associated with transformation, as will priorities of successive leadership.

This acquisition will support the needs of all VHA program offices. This vehicle is a resource to support implementation and healthcare requirements at all levels of the VHA. The Office of Healthcare Transformation (OHT) will be the owner of this vehicle and key user. Currently OHT has 130 FTE, supports over 60 projects, including major transformational initiatives, in effort to best accomplish VHA’s mission and strategic goals, priorities, and initiatives. Much of this work is complex and agile and is best supported through the use of expert contractors who provide critical market-based healthcare industry skills that augment the internal activities of the VHA program offices. This acquisition includes three comprehensive Functional Categories and include numerous subordinate categories, any of which can be integrated into a single task order to reduce the risk to the Government and ensure complete solutions to complex programs. This acquisition will provide a vehicle for healthcare transformation and organizational change. Inherent to the transformation will be the need for a broad range of healthcare focused management and business services and solutions.

Task orders against this IDIQ will require contractor support for vast and complex healthcare programs and projects. The VHA healthcare is a complex integrated system that must transform in response to both the changing needs of the Veteran population and changes in the healthcare industry. These shifts create challenges and require collaboration (internal and external partnerships) as well as new and innovative approaches to healthcare and healthcare delivery. The programs and projects will require diverse healthcare operations knowledge and experience. As needs arise, subject matter expertise will be required to be rapidly available to provide national support under a potential task order including, but not limited to, the following areas: high reliability organization, electronic health records management, healthcare modernization and transformation (to include integration of artificial intelligence solutions and disruptive models), financial management business transformation in a healthcare setting, healthcare human resources (to include credentialing, privileging and licensing), healthcare regulatory compliance, healthcare analytics, mental health and suicide prevention, access to care, and population health.

The Veteran Integrated Team Agile Lead (VITAL) shall provide the services and labor categories necessary to fulfill the requirements of Functional Category I: Health System Transformation and Innovation and lead a VIT (Veteran Integrated Team) that is capable of fulfilling requirements from all three Functional Categories simultaneously. The VITAL shall ensure the seamless integration of multiple workstreams and functional areas within a task order. For each base contract the VIT must be fully mission capable, able to meet the requirements of the three Functional Categories, under the leadership of the VITAL. For each base contract and any subsequent task order awards, the contractor shall provide the contractor personnel, comprehensive management, materials, equipment, facilities, travel, supervision of contractor resources, and any required deliverables necessary to satisfy the healthcare requirement. The contractor shall perform the work in accordance with the resultant base contract, and any task order awards.

Due to the nature of transformation, the Government anticipates that many of the eventual Task Orders in the base period will contain Advisory and Assistance work. In accordance with 16.505(2)(c) Limitation on ordering period for task-order contracts for advisory and assistance services, the ordering period for Advisory and Assistance services shall not normally exceed five years; therefore, the Advisory and Assistance services are permitted during the 5-year base period. For the 5-year option period, all Advisory and Assistance services shall be at most incidental, unless an exemption exists under 16.505(2)(c).

Information technology development and administrative or clerical tasks which are not strictly incidental to the requirements are outside the scope of this contract.

1.3 AUTHORIZED ORDERING AND ADMINISTRATION

At time of initial award, only warranted Contracting Officers within the Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC-F/ SAC-V) are authorized to solicit and place orders against this IDIQ contract. The Government reserves the right to expand this authority if in the best interest of the Government to do so.

This PWS provides the scope of the base contract and general requirements. Specific requirements will be defined in each individual Task Order (TO). The majority of TOs will include requirements from two or more of the Functional Categories. Each TO will be managed by a VHA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) who has direct experience in the business requirement on which the TO is focused.

The healthcare focused services within the scope of this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), as described in Section 3 below, can be used by all VHA Programs.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Type of Contract

The contract shall be an IDIQ contract. Task orders (TOs) issued under this IDIQ may include firm fixed price and labor hour (or hybrid) orders. Labor Hour (or hybrid) orders will be justified by the Contracting Officer at the order level. Contractors will receive a Task Orders Proposal Request (TOPR) for each task order competition. Contractors may submit a proposal in response to a TOPR, using the terms and evaluation factors found in the TOPR, as well as the terms and conditions set forth in Section B of the contract, as guidance for preparing a proposal. Contractors may be given discretion to propose labor categories and/or specific subject matter experts that meet the Functional Categories and requirements as outlined in each TOPR.

2.2 Contract Ordering Period

The ordering period for the base IDIQ contract is five (5) years with one optional period of five (5) years. Each TO shall specify the period of performance that will govern a particular task order awarded under the base IDIQ contract.

2.3 Place of Performance

The place of performance will be specified in each task order; task orders may require key personnel to be present in the DC area. Work may be required to be performed at a contractor’s facility, Government furnished facility, or other location. The contractor may be requested to provide services throughout the United States (U.S.) and its territories, however, services required to be performed at the Department of Veterans Affairs main headquarters will be at the following Government location: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20420.

2.4 Travel

Travel, to include the deployment of multiple teams, simultaneously, within the United States and its territories may be necessary. Travel must be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and will be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. The Government will not be responsible for any relocation expenses associated with moving contractor personnel to the Washington, DC commuting area or other job sites as may be identified in individual TOs either initially, or if necessary, with replacement of personnel, even if replacement of personnel is required. No costs will be reimbursed for travel to or from the place of performance, unless otherwise specified and/or authorized in the task order by the CO. If travel is required, it will be specified at the TO level.

2.5 Hours of Contractor Operations (Government-Provided Work Site)

Work performed on TOs issued under this contract are anticipated to occur Monday through Friday, within the hours of 0600 Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 1800 EST, except as authorized by the COR. VHA observes all federal holidays as recognized by the Office of Personnel Management (http://www.opm.gov/fedhol/index.htm). Services performed at the Government’s site must not occur on Federal holidays or weekends, unless authorized in advance by the COR, or anytime the Government offices are closed. These parameters may be altered in each task order award.

The contractor may be required to provide back-up coverage during periods of extended absences of assigned contractor personnel (five or more workdays) to ensure continuity of services.

2.6 Government-Furnished Information, Equipment, and Facilities

Government-Furnished Information (GFI), Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE), and Government- Furnished Facilities (GFF), if applicable, will be specified as necessary by each individual task order. VA implemented and enforces two-factor authentication (2FA) for all remote access to its networks. Network access through the Citrix Access Gateway (CAG) will require the use of a personal identity verification (PIV) card to complete the login process. The only method for users to access the VA network is with a PIV card.

The Contractor shall request other Government documentation deemed pertinent to the work accomplishment directly from the Government officials with whom the Contractor has contact. The Contractor shall consider the COR as the final source for needed Government documentation when the Contractor fails to secure the documents by other means. The Contractor is expected to use common knowledge and resourcefulness and when in doubt, shall ask the COR.

3.0 FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES AND LABOR CATEGORIES

3.1 General Requirements

Contractor personnel shall have the level of experience necessary to accomplish the requirements of this PWS. Requirements of this PWS and future task orders will require highly complex healthcare experience. Highly complex healthcare requirements may include the involvement of multiple Functional Categories and several program offices and/or departments e.g. DOD and VHA. Healthcare is defined for this vehicle as the continuum of care and services that include but are not limited to: operations, management, and planning of diagnostic, preventative, remedial, therapeutic services in inpatient, outpatient, and telemedicine settings. Healthcare requirements may also include management support of supply chain i.e. medical equipment, pharmacy services, healthcare claims processing and benefits administration. The scope of these requirements may include the integration and management of various interrelated workstreams for a strategic, resource intensive, time constrained projects.

In addition, contractor personnel shall be acceptable to the Government in terms of personal and professional conduct, and in technical knowledge. Furthermore, contractor personnel are expected to be proficient in using office automation equipment and software, this may include, at the task order level, a requirement to leverage specific healthcare and/or Government technologies and have sufficient written and verbal communication skills to support VHA program offices, their customers and any other VA organizations. Should any contractor personnel be determined to be unacceptable in terms of technical competency or unacceptable conduct or behavior while on-site or while working on contract activities, the contractor shall immediately remove and replace the unacceptable on-site personnel at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor personnel are to serve in a support role; therefore, final decisions regarding inherently governmental functions will always be made by Government personnel.

3.2 Service Requirements

Services performed shall be of a non-personal nature. VA organizations will not provide supervision of contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall at no time allow an employer-employee relationship to develop with VA organizations or their staff. VA organizations will refrain from any activities that create the appearance of such a relationship.

Contractors shall not perform inherently governmental functions including: decision-making, supervision of Government employees, supervision of other contractors on other contracts, and activities that create the appearance of performing such functions.

3.3 Functional Categories

The Veteran Integrated Team Agile Lead (VITAL) shall provide services, labor categories, and solutions necessary to fulfill the scope of Functional Category I. The entire VIT shall collectively provide services, labor categories, and solutions necessary to fulfill the scope of all three Functional Categories.

3.3.1 Functional Category I: Health System Transformation and Innovation

The contractor shall provide services and facilitation as they relate to program and project management, business process reengineering, business process improvement, business process management, and change management and transition, strategic planning and communications, and executive support in a complex, large, integrated healthcare environment, as outlined below. Critical to the success of transformational efforts is an integrated, innovative approach to healthcare programs and projects, encompassing all lines of effort.

3.3.1.1 Program and Project Management

The contractor will provide support to assist the Government in implementing disciplined, comprehensive, and flexible program and project management processes, including monitoring of project metrics, rigorous risk management, and prompt reporting on Government-approved cost, schedule, performance, and risk baseline.

When needed the approach must incorporate large integrated (to include governmental) healthcare project management best practices. Program and project management must integrate all functions required for a success.

3.3.1.2 Business Requirements Development

The contractor shall support the development of complex healthcare business requirements to support strategic implementation of new technology solutions that improve business efficiency while meeting programmatic goals.