Section C Performance Work Statement (1).docx

DRAFT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

INTEGRATED CRITICAL STAFFING PROGRAM (ICSP)

1. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

1.1 OVERVIEW

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is America’s largest integrated health care system, with over 388,000 employees providing care in 1,298 facilities (including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity) serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. At least 20% of VA health care systems have a shortage in the labor market of clinical occupations, including physicians, registered nurses, psychologists, practical nurses, medical technologists, diagnostic radiologic technologists, social workers, nursing assistants, and medical technicians. At least 20% of VA health care systems have a shortage in the labor market of non-clinical occupations, including custodial worker/housekeeping aids, police, medical support assistants, general engineering, food service workers, medical records technicians, biomedical engineers, and consolidated occupations of contracting, human resources management, and human resources assistants.

VHA faces growth in health care demand due to changes in demographics, the care backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic, trends in shifting sites and modalities of care, greater reliance on VHA health care with increased transitions to Priority 1 through 3, new enrollees related to the PACT Act, and other factors. Health care supply and clinical productivity are affected by recruitment and attrition rates, labor market conditions, trends in provider burnout and engagement, and other factors. This has led to supply and demand imbalances that are sensitive to subtle shifts in policies and organizational priorities, variability of critical staffing needs across time and geography, and the need for expanded utilization of community care services.

VHA has implemented workforce strategies focused on improving the customer experience, developing more accurate workforce data, utilizing the full range of hiring authorities and flexibilities, and building a workforce pipeline to maximize recruitment and retention activities. VHA has ongoing efforts to improve staffing effectiveness; to commit to hiring proactively; to attract, recruit, and retain the best employees; and to onboard fast and flexibly while improving human capital processes and upgrading technology solutions. Nonetheless, increased vacancy rates and extended average time-to-fill create the need for on-demand staffing solutions and gap coverage until hiring processes can be completed.

Given broader labor market shortages, it is essential that VHA have access to a broad network of professional and allied healthcare staffing services and pipeline development partners that include:

· national healthcare recruiting companies,

· recruitment process outsourcing companies,

· medical and nursing specialty societies,

· health professional training programs,

· credential verification organizations, and

· other partners who can provide pre-positioned staffing capacity with broad geographical coverage; agile, rapid response capabilities to fill vacancies until new VHA employees can be onboarded; flexibility in meeting a comprehensive array of temporary staffing needs; and ease of use for all VHA stakeholders.

The purpose of the VHA Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP) is to provide best value health professional temporary staffing, clinical and non-clinical services, and program management, human capital, and other professional services to fill critical staffing needs and to meet important program requirements 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.

1.2 SCOPE

The Secretary of the VA established the VA FY 2022-2028 Strategic Plan with a strategic goal to deliver timely, accessible, high-quality benefits, care, and services to meet the unique needs of Veterans and all eligible beneficiaries. This includes an emphasis on underserved, marginalized, and at-risk Veterans; customized whole health care and services at each phase of their life journey; elimination of disparities and barriers to improved health service delivery; innovative new treatments to prevent illness and enhance outcomes; and delivery of integrated care and services that balances value and sustainability. In support of the VA Strategic Plan, the Under Secretary for Health has prioritized connecting Veterans to the soonest and best care; accelerating our journey to high reliability; supporting Veterans’ whole health, their caregivers, and survivors; preventing Veteran suicide; serving Veterans with toxic exposures; and hiring faster and more competitively.

This acquisition will support the needs of all VHA program offices, Veterans Integrated Service Networks, VA Medical Centers, and other VHA organizations. This vehicle is a resource to support implementation and healthcare staffing requirements at all levels of the VHA. This acquisition includes comprehensive Occupational Series which include clinical and non-clinical occupational series and program management and other support services, 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. Task orders against this IDIQ will require contractor support for vast and complex healthcare programs and facilities. Some task orders will require on demand services, to fill emergent staffing needs, while others will provide staffing coverage for specific periods of time to allow normal recruitment and onboarding processes to proceed without gaps in Veteran access to timely and high-quality health care and other services. Other task orders may provide staff for ongoing program management and other support needs that allow VHA to accomplish its strategic goals and objectives, only if they also have a need in Occupational Series 1 or Occupational Series 2.

The purpose of this contract is to provide health care staffing through a pool of highly qualified Veteran Integrated Teams (VITS). The Veteran Integrated Team Agile Lead (VITAL) shall provide the services and labor categories necessary to fulfill the requirements of the 3 Occupational Series and lead a VIT (Veteran Integrated Team). The VITAL shall ensure the seamless integration of multiple workstreams and Occupational Series within a task order. For each base contract the VIT must be fully mission capable, able to meet the requirements of the Occupational Series, 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 requirement. The contractor shall perform the work in accordance with the resultant base contract, and any task order awards.

The resulting acquisition vehicle will be a multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. 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) and/or potentially Task Order Leads. VHA program offices, Veterans Integrated Service Networks, VA Medical Centers and other VHA Organizations, will recognize maximum value from healthcare related professional service expenditures through integrated support crossing various Occupational Series, access to national healthcare consulting VIT Partners, and Team Partners with expert knowledge in any of the identified Occupational Series. 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 and in Attachment VIT Definitions

IT Support is outside the scope of this contract.

1.3 AUTHORIZED ORDERING AND ADMINISTRATION

At time of initial award, only warranted Contracting Officers within VA are authorized to solicit and place orders against this IDIQ contract. The Government reserves the right to expand or rewrite 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). Each TO will be managed by a VHA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) who has 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 and all VHA facilities.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Type of Contract

The contract shall be a multiple award IDIQ contract. Task orders (TOs) issued under this IDIQ may include firm fixed price (FFP), labor hour (LH), or hybrid (combination FFP and LH). 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 instructions 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 Occupational Series 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 option 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. Work may be required to be performed at a contractor’s facility, Government furnished facility, or other locations. The contractor may be requested to provide services throughout the United States (U.S.) and its territories (That are identified in Attachment Facility Listings); 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 simultaneous deployment of multiple teams, 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 performance commuting area or other job sites as identified in individual TOs (for initial or replacement personnel). 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 align to VHA clinical operations or program office hours, which may include either normal duty hours from 0600 to 1800 hours or 24-hour coverage, and these will be specified and authorized by the COR. The contractor shall provide credentialled back-up coverage during periods of extended absences of assigned contractor personnel (five or more workdays) to ensure continuity of services, unless relaxed by the COR in writing on a case-by-case basis.

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 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 OCCUPATIONAL SERIES AND LABOR CATEGORIES

3.1 General Requirements

Contractor personnel shall have the expertise and level of experience necessary to accomplish the requirements of this PWS and subsequent task orders. 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 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

3.2.1. Non-Personal Services: Task orders under this contract will be issued under a non-personal services (NPSC) arrangement for which the Government shall neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual contractor employees under a non-personal services arrangement. The Contractor is responsible for managing its non-personal service employees and guarding against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services. If the Contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, the Contractor is responsible for notifying the Task Order Contracting Officer immediately. Services performed shall be of a non-personal nature.

3.2.3. Inherently Governmental Functions: 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.

3.2.3.1 Contractor Worker Arrangement: A contract worker shall not be assigned in the same place of performance in both a NPSC arrangement, regardless of whether the contract worker is performing on different TO's or employed by another contractor.

3.2.4 Licensure. Contract workers requiring licensure shall have and maintain a current, valid, unrestricted license specific to the position (with no limitations, stipulations or pending adverse actions). All licenses must be unencumbered and remain in effect during the duration of contract worker performance on the TO.

3.2.4.1 Non-Personal Services Arrangement. Contract workers under a non-personal services arrangement requiring licensure must maintain an unrestricted license in the U.S. jurisdiction within which the contract worker is performing on the TO as outlined in (VHA Regulations)

3.3 Occupational Services and Labor Categories

The Veteran Integrated Team shall provide services, labor categories, and solutions necessary to fulfill the scope of all three Occupational Series. The Occupational series are Clinical, Non-Clinical and Program Support Services. Standards by Occupational Series can be found on the OPM site at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series

The clinical and non-clinical Occupational Series and labor categories are designed to provide temporary staffing services to meet essential workload demands and to address critical staffing shortages.

The program support services, and labor categories are designed to meet important program support staffing needs and to provide:

· Planning and Analytical Services: Services may include robust predictive analytics to help determine workplace needs across critical roles, by sites of care, and by schedule or skill specificity and proactive planning for health care demand to ensure the highest probability of high position fill rates with top quality candidates; services may include other planning and analytical services to support effective decision making by VHA leaders.

· Strategic and Operational Support: Hiring strategies for full-time recruitment and for temporary staffing services must be well-coordinated and may require strategic and operational support to identify where temporary roles will become permanent needs, where contract labor staff may be eligible to transition into VHA employees, and where temporary staff engagement will be linked to longer-term VHA system needs; services may include other strategic and operational supports to VHA leaders.

· Implementation Support: Large staffing teams may require project management, change management, communication, training, and other program supports to ensure successful transitions into new roles; services may require comprehensive implementation supports and continuous performance improvement teams to monitor and tailor talent management processes; and services may include other implementation and program supports.

· Monitoring and Evaluation Support: Services may include the evaluation and monitoring of current needs, the status in filling positions, and dashboards to show metrics (e.g. time to fill, time in position, completion rate by position, quality and performance feedback, etc.) and tracking tools to identify the hardest-to-fill positions and to learn from lead times and geographical challenges; services may include other monitoring and evaluation services and tools to ensure progress on ongoing VHA initiatives.

3.3.1: Occupational Category 1 (OC1) - Clinical Occupational Series and Labor Categories

3.3.1.1. The Contractor shall recruit, qualify, place, manage and maintain contract workers to support routine staffing, temporary increases in workload, new mission support, reorganization support, short-term and part-time requirements, and workload fluctuations in the following clinical labor segments, if awarded, to meet all schedule, cost and performance requirements and standards outlined in individual Task Orders (TOs). The services include credentialed (privileged and non-privileged) and non-credentialed contract workers in various labor categories

3.3.1.1.1 Social Science, Psychology, and Welfare (Series 0100 – 0199)

3.3.1.1.2 Medical, Hospital, Dental and Public Health (Series 0600 – 0699)

See Attachment VHA ICSP Labor Categories for applicable Clinical Occupations.

3.3.2 Occupational Category 2 (OC2)- Non-Clinical Occupational Series and Labor Categories

3.3.2.1 The Contractors shall recruit, qualify, place, manage and maintain contract workers to support routine staffing, temporary increases in workload, new mission support, reorganization support, short-term and part-time requirements, and workload fluctuations in the following non-clinical labor segments, if awarded, to meet all schedule, cost and performance requirements and standards outlined in individual Task Orders (TOs). The services include credentialed (privileged and non-privileged) and non-credentialed contract workers in various labor categories

3.3.2.1.1 Human Resource Management (Series 0200 – 0299)

3.3.2.1.2 Medical, Hospital, Dental and Public Health (Series 0600 – 0699)

3.3.2.1.3 Engineering and Architecture (Series 0800 –0899)

3.3.2.1.4 Custodial and Food Services

See Attachment VHA ICSP Labor Categories for applicable Non-clinical Occupations.

3.3.3 Occupational Category 3 (OC3)- Program Support Services and Labor Categories

3.3.3.1 The Contractor shall recruit, qualify, place, manage and maintain contract workers to support routine staffing, temporary increases in workload, new mission support, reorganization support, short-term and part-time requirements, and workload fluctuations in the following Program Support labor segments, if awarded, to meet all schedule, cost and performance requirements and standards outlined in individual Task Orders (TOs). The services include credentialed (privileged and non-privileged) and non-credentialed contract workers in various labor categories

3.3.3.1.1 Social Science, Psychology and Welfare (Series 0100 – 0199)

3.3.3.1.2 Accounting and Budget (Series 0500 – 0599)

3.3.3.1.3 Engineering and Architecture (Series 0800 – 0899)

3.3.3.1.4 Information and Arts (Series 1000 – 1099)

3.3.3.1.5 Business and Industry (Series 1100 – 1199)

3.3.3.1.6 Mathematics and Statistics (Series 1500 – 1599)

3.3.3.1.7 Education (Series 1700 – 1799)

3.3.3.1.8 Quality Assurance, Inspection, and Grading (Series 1900 – 1999)

3.3.3.1.9 Supply (Series 2000 – 2099)

3.3.3.1.10 Information Technology Management (Series 2200 –2299)

See Attachment VHA ICSP Labor Categories for applicable Program Support Service Occupations.

3.4 Labor Categories

Attachment VHA ICSP Labor Categories. The Labor Categories document provides a comprehensive list of labor categories, descriptions, minimum education and experience requirements, as well as identification for which Occupational Series and labor categories are applicable. Individual Task Orders may provide additional requirements for experience or education, including certifications.

It is expected that the minimum education and experience will be in a field or specialty that directly relates to the labor category and task order requirements. The CO reserves the right to grant waivers for the education and experience requirements. Waivers for education may be based on additional years of experience, industry certifications, or equivalent trainings. Waivers for experience may be based on additional years of education and exceptionally specialized experience. Individual task orders may cite additional equivalencies that will be recognized. Contractor’s request for waiver must be provided in writing to the CO, and the CO’s authorization must be provided in writing to the contractor.

ICSP does not include clauses applicable to any service contract labor standards that are part of a total solution within the scope of ICSP. The TOPR Contracting Officer must incorporate the appropriate clauses and provisions in each task order solicitation and subsequent award when service contract labor standards apply. To the extent that any ancillary labor for services are within the scope of ICSP and subject to service contract labor standards in accordance with FAR Subpart 22.10 and other applicable agency specific regulatory supplements, the Ordering Contracting Officer for the affected TOPR must identify such work in the task order solicitation and make a determination as to whether service contract wage determinations are to be applied or not.

4.0 MANDATORY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The base contract and any subsequent task orders require general contract management to provide oversight, maintain schedules, monitor costs, and assure quality of services, performance and deliverables. The contractor may be asked to attend virtual meetings, provide meeting minutes, prepare agendas, review deliverables, and participate in ad hoc communication to discuss contract or task order status. In addition to tasks and deliverables defined in individual task orders, the contractor shall perform the tasks and provide the deliverables that follow throughout the performance period. All tasks and deliverables listed in this section shall be not-separately-priced (NSP). No separate task orders be issued for these NSP activities.

4.1 Management of the IDIQ Contract

The contractor shall institute a process to effectively manage the base contract, subsequent TOs, contractor personnel, and financial resources used to perform the services required by the base contract and TOs. As part of the management process described above, the contractor shall:

4.1.1 Employ a management approach that is consistent with project management best practices (e.g., PMBOK).

4.1.2 Clearly identify all personnel involved in the management and performance of the contract and clearly define their roles, responsibilities, and interaction with the Government.

4.1.3 Ensure that all services are compliant with applicable Federal regulations and guidelines.

4.1.4 Ensure that integrated partner relationships are managed effectively in a partner or vendor management system or digital technology portal available to all partners to ensure appropriate communications, sharing of task orders, team coordination, timely task order responses, management processes, performance feedback systems, and management of subcontractor agreements.

4.1.5 Adhere to the security regulations, policies, and procedures set forth in the base contract and TOs.

4.1.6 Attend a post-award kickoff meeting. The contractor shall participate in a post-award kickoff meeting with VHA representatives, anticipated to be held within two weeks after award. The Government reserves the right to hold the kickoff meeting in the Washington, DC area or be held virtually. The exact time and location will be determined at time of contract award. Travel costs will not be approved or reimbursed by the Government for the kickoff meeting.

The contractor may be required to participate in kickoff meetings at the task order level. Details will be specified in each task order, as required.

4.2 IDIQ Monthly Status Report (MSR)

So long as the contractor has at least one active task order, the contractor shall submit an MSR to the IDIQ COR and the CO by the first Monday of every month. The MSR shall provide a comprehensive view of all active task orders by providing the following minimum information:

a. TO number, project name and brief description

b. TO period of performance and current value

c. VHA program POC name and contact information

d. VITAL/TO lead POC name and contact information

e. For Firm Fixed Price (FFP)--status of tasks and deliverables, or for LH--status of hours expended, by VIT member

1. Subcontract Information (VIT members conducting work on TOs) including:

· Names of VIT members participating on each TOPR and role,

· Running totals of collective total paid by the Government for contract performance (across all Task Orders)

· Running total or amount paid to non-similarly situated entities (across all task orders) under the contract

· Running % of amount paid to non-similarly situated entities / total paid by the Government for contract performance (across all task orders)

f. Significant issues (e.g., key personnel, schedule delays), suggested resolutions, and implementation status

The contractor may propose a structure for the report; however, the Government reserves the right to request changes to the report to guarantee the appropriate level of information is being reported. Should the contractor encounter any technical, financial, personnel, or general managerial problems at any time during the ordering period, the contractor shall immediately contact the Task Order CO and respective COR.

4.3 Management of Task Orders (TO)

For each TO, the contractor shall designate a TO Manager who shall be the contractor’s primary interface with the CO and TO COR. Any tasks or work products requested by the Government shall be submitted to the TO Manager. The TO Manager shall direct the activities of all TO personnel to meet contract requirements. The TO Managers shall be proactive and responsive to managing contractor resources and meeting requirements of the base contract and the TO.

5.0 DELIVERABLES

The contractor shall provide all deliverables identified in the individual TOs in formats as specified in the TO. All written/ document deliverables, unless otherwise specified, shall use Microsoft Office compatible formats.

All deliverables shall be compliant with Section 508, 1998 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 according to the requirements for each such deliverable.

6.0 KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor’s IDIQ Contract Manager is defined as the key person for the base contract. The IDIQ Contract Manager must have a minimum education of a bachelor’s degree in a business or program related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience managing programs, projects, or contracts of comparable size, scope and complexity to this procurement. The IDIQ Contract Manager shall have experience with government contract oversight.

IDIQ Level Key Personnel:

· Contractor Representative: The Contractor shall designate a primary and alternate representative who will be the Contractor’s Point of Contact (POC) at the contract level. The POC shall be an individual who is knowledgeable of the terms and conditions of the contract and authorized to make decisions regarding the contract. The Contractor shall submit the representative’s contact information, to include email address and phone number, in writing, to the CO. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, of changes in the status (i.e., termination or replacement) of designated contract-level contractor representative within 3 business days of the change.

· Onboarding POC: The Contractor shall identify an Onboarding POC who is responsible for managing the contract worker security investigation package submission, drug-testing, fingerprinting, PIV card issue, credentialing & privileging, and other coordination requirements with appropriate VHA offices. The Contractor shall submit the FSO/Security POC information, to include email address and phone number, in writing, to the PKO as outlined in Technical Exhibit 2. The Contractor shall notify the PKO, in writing, of changes in the status (i.e., termination or replacement) of the FSO/Security POC representative within 3 business days of the change.

· Project Coordination and Oversight Lead: The Contractor shall designate a primary representative who will be the Contractor’s Point of Contact (POC) at the IDIQ Level. The POC shall be an individual who is knowledgeable with the processes of managing their staff onboards, company’s invoices as well as managing their subcontractors and their processes.

· Familiarity with the standard operations of VHA

· Familiarity with onboarding new contract staff, required documents, and ICAMs.

· Familiarity with Invoicing and how to submit the invoices

· Understand their process of managing subcontractors

Task Order Level Key Personnel: The Contractor shall identify the following key personnel at the Task Order level:

· Task Order Project Lead (TOPL): The Contractor shall designate a primary representative who will be the Contractor’s Point of Contact (POC) at IDIQ level for all task orders. The POC shall be an individual who is knowledgeable of the terms and conditions of the contract and authorized to make decisions regarding the TO. The TOPL shall demonstrate:

· PMP certification or similar certification

· Familiarity with the standard operations of VHA

· Successful engagement with organizational senior leadership

· More than six (6) years of experience supporting a large healthcare corporation or healthcare government agency

Any personnel the contractor offers as substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications, including education and experience, at least equivalent to the key personnel whose biography was submitted with the successful proposal. All notification of / request for substitutions in key personnel shall be submitted to the COR/CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any change in key personnel, to the maximum extent practicable. The notification shall be in writing and shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution. The contractor shall submit a complete biography for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested by the CO. The CO will evaluate such requests and promptly notify the contractor of approval or disapproval thereof in writing.

7.0 Specific Performance Information

7.1 Non-Personal Services - Professional Liability and Procedures: The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government (i.e., COR or Government Supervisor at the performance location) of any suit, action filed, or claim made against a contract worker, which occurred as a result of work performed by the contract worker under this contract.

7.1.1 Malpractice Insurance. Malpractice Insurance: The Contractor shall comply with applicable malpractice requirements based on the type of contract arrangement identified in the TO.

7.1.2 Malpractice for Non-Personal Services Arrangements. When the TO specifies a non-personal services arrangement for contract workers, the Contractor, and all subcontractors, shall meet the requirements of FAR Clause 52.237-7, Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance, for its contract workers on the contract.

7.2 Contract Worker Required Start Date: The contract worker required start date will be identified in the TO. Unless an incumbent is placed as an initial fill of a position, the contract worker required start date will be no less than 30 calendar days from the CLIN period of performance start date. For replacement fills, the contract worker required start date will be no less than 30 calendar days of the departing contract worker.

7.3 Hours of Operation. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring performance on the days and hours that are specified in the TO except when the performance location is shut down for planned or unplanned closures. Once the hours are established in the TO, changes require both the CO and the Contractor to mutually agree to the change. This includes alternative duty schedules proposed by either Government personnel or the Contractor.

7.4 Scheduling, Non-Personal Services Arrangement: Contract worker schedule and roster submission requirements will be specified in the TO.

7.5 Recording Contract Worker Time: The Contractor shall be responsible for a record of arrival and departure times, absenteeism, payroll records, coordinating time off with the Government, and appraisals of their employees. The Contractor shall accomplish this without requiring Government employees to engage in the Contractor’s corporate operational or human resource management processes or a Government requirement to sign corporate documents.

7.6 Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Contract workers shall maintain current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other certifying body, if specified in the TO. Certification cards must display the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or other approved certifying body emblem. Web-based (on-line) classes are not acceptable by the Government. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification may be available at the place of performance on a space available basis; however, the Contractor shall not bill, and the Government shall not pay, for any time contract workers spend in, or for, certification training. Failure of the contract worker to obtain training on a space available basis does not release the Contractor from the contract requirement.

7.7 Basic Computer Skills. The contract worker shall possess knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the labor (i.e., medical terminology, basic computer skills, customer service expectations, telephone etiquette, and basic typing).

7.8 Physical Qualifications. Contract workers shall be capable of meeting the physical demands of the position as outlined in the TO. In most cases, the contract worker may be asked to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. However, the TO may describe other physical demands such as lifting a specified weight or other physical activity.

7.9 Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 1100.20 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. Temporary credentialing may be permitted if credentialling documents are provided by accredited credentials verification organizations (CVOs) who have completed primary source verification (while usual credentialing processes are underway). No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Facility Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

7.10 Board Certification. Requirements for board certification will be outlined in the TO.

7.11 Foreign Medical Graduates. Contract workers who are graduates of foreign medical schools shall possess both a medical license and certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for physicians and certification by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) for nurses.

7.12 Continuing Education. The Contractor shall ensure that contract workers who are licensed, registered or certified by state bodies, professional organizations or national/medical associations continue to meet the minimum, standards for continuing education to remain current as proscribed by their professional agency or applicable regulatory guidelines and policies. The Contractor shall ensure contract workers obtain continuing education at no additional cost to the Government. The Government may approve contract workers to attend continuing education courses at the place of performance on a space available basis; however, that time shall not be billable to the Government.

7.13 Criminal History Background Check (CHBC). Contract workers involved in the delivery of health care to patients under the age of 18 must undergo a Child Care National Agency Check and Inquiries (CNACI) as part of a CHBC as stated in Procedures, identified in Directive VHA Handbook 0710. CHBC will be completed by and be at the expense of the Contractor.

7.14 Contract Worker Planned Absences. The Contractor shall coordinate planned (i.e., scheduled) absences of the contract worker with the COR IAW their contingency plan to manage the workload during the planned absence of the contract worker. Leave shall be taken in one (1) day increments and shall not exceed ten (10) consecutive workdays. All leave is considered non-paid days and shall be deducted from the contractor’s monthly invoice.

7.15 Contract Worker Unplanned Absences. The Contractor shall communicate unplanned (i.e., unscheduled) absences of a contract worker to the COR. For on-site requirements, the Contractor shall execute their contingency plan to manage the workload during the planned absence of the contract worker.

7.16 Substitute Staff: If the Contractor substitutes a contactor for a temporary period of time, the substitute shall meet the same qualifications standards, health requirements, and terms as stated in the contract. All substitution request to the CO must provide an explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitute of personnel.

7.17 Replacement Staff: If the Contractor replaces a contractor with a permanent placement, the replacement shall meet the same qualification standards and health requirements as stated in the contract.

7.18 Clinical Staffing Configuration: Substitute Contract Worker. If requested by the performance location, the Contractor shall provide a temporary substitute contract worker when the permanent contract worker is absent (planned or unplanned) for a temporary period of time as identified in the TO. The TO will define the minimum absence that requires a temporary substitute contract worker. If the Contractor substitutes the permanent contract worker, the temporary substitute contract worker shall meet the same qualification standards, health requirements, and terms as stated in the contract and TO.

7.19 Non-Clinical Staffing Configuration: Replacement Contract Workers. The Contractor shall provide qualifying documentation NLT 15 calendar days after the unfilled date for a non-credentialed contract worker and 30 calendar days after the unfilled date for a credentialed contract worker. The replacement shall meet the same qualification standards and health requirements as stated in the contract and identified in the TO.

7.20 Unplanned Closures. Unplanned closures are unscheduled (i.e., unknown) non-duty days where contract workers will not be able to perform their scheduled duties due to no fault of the Contractor (e.g., natural disaster, military emergency, severe weather, pandemic, or Government decision to close the facility outside of a planned closure). The CO will confirm any unplanned closure. Unplanned closures can either be full duty or partial duty days based on the number of unplanned hours. During an unplanned closure, the Contractor will be authorized to bill the Government for performance only if all three of the following conditions exists:

7.20.1 Local facility policy and facility access procedures prevent contract workers from performing duties at the requesting location,

7.20.2 Contract workers were scheduled to work but unable to work either onsite or telework because of the unplanned closure, and

7.20.3 Where the performance of the defined unit of measure relies on patients accessing the place of performance during the unplanned closure (e.g., patients seen, procedures performed, prescriptions filled).

7.20.4 The Contractor shall not bill the Government for hours during the unplanned closure unless all three conditions are met. Therefore, the Contractor cannot bill the Government during an unplanned closure for contract workers who are on a company leave status during the unplanned closure. Facility exercises are not considered unplanned closures.

7.21 Orientation. Contract workers shall complete all orientation requirements of the place of performance. The training may include, but not limited to, emergency preparedness training, active shooter, tornado and fire drills, and ethics training. The Government will outline the required training in the TOPR. The Contractor may bill for the time required to complete the Government-directed training.

7.22 Telework Arrangements: Contract workers who provide services onsite at a place of performance may be able to telework if they can successfully and safely perform duties outside the Facility without the Government changing standard operating procedures and if the CO or COR approves. The decision to telework must be supported by policy at the place of performance. The Contractor shall provide the CO or COR a written policy that outlines adequate oversight and accountability of work products as well as a contingency plan in the event the contract worker is unable to access the Government-specified Virtual Private Network (VPN) while in a telework environment. Telework arrangements shall commence with COR approval under the following conditions:

7.22.1 Telework arrangements on the part of the contract company is voluntary.

7.22.2 Contractor shall monitor contract worker access, performance, and duty hours.

7.22.3 Telework arrangements shall not result in an increase in contract price.

7.22.4 Contractor is responsible for continuity of performance in accordance with the terms of the contract; and any equipment provided by the Government for telework purposes will be treated as Government Furnished Equipment.

7.23 Health Requirements. The Contractor shall comply with all health requirements in the contract. Prior to physical on-site performance of services of the contract worker, but no earlier than 60 days, the Contractor shall provide documentation certifying health requirements such as immunizations, annual vaccinations, medical testing (e.g., tuberculosis) and physical examination (when required) at the time of initial placement and annually thereafter, as required. Except for the N-95 mask fitting, the expense for all health requirements, to include monitoring and tracking annual requirements, shall be borne by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

7.24 Annual Immunizations. The Contractor shall ensure contract workers are immunized annually with the seasonal influenza vaccine (when the current seasonal influenza vaccine is available) and any other vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or performance location guidance as outlined in VHA Directive 1193.01 and 1013(3) Policy and Program for Immunizations to Protect the Health of Service Members and Military Beneficiaries. The vaccine may be provided by the Government, if available, as determined by the place of performance. If the contract worker chooses to be immunized by the Government, the contract worker may be required to sign a waiver releasing the Government from the legal liability IAW local procedures and policies. Alternately, the contract worker may obtain the vaccine at another facility, at no cost to the Government, and provide proof of vaccination to the Government.

7.25 Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure. Contract workers shall participate in the Blood Borne Pathogen Program at the place of performance, which outlines the post blood borne exposure protocols for testing, treatment, and monitoring.

7.26 Occupational Health. When required in the TO, the Contractor shall obtain, at Contractor expense, documentation of required physical testing, and/or a physical examination from the contract worker's licensed medical practitioner. If required, the physical examination shall indicate that the contract worker is free from mental or physical impairments that would restrict the contract worker from providing the services described in the contract and TO.

7.27 Universal Precautions. Contract workers shall comply with the CDC’s “Universal Precautions” for the prevention of the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV positive contract workers will be managed IAW the current CDC guidelines and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. Section 793) and any implementing regulations (41 CFR § 60-741).

7.28 Tuberculosis Screening. The Contractor shall ensure contract workers are screened prior to reporting for services, at Contractor expense, for risk of exposure to tuberculosis (TB) as part of the health requirements outlined in the TO. If required, the contract workers shall follow all immunization/ screening requirements at the place of performance for further testing or follow-on requirements.

7.29 Workplace Hazard Notifications. The Government will identify work hazards at the place of performance in the TO. The Contractor shall notify the Government if a work hazard at the place of performance may prevent contract workers from providing services. The Government may determine an alternate work environment, when available.

7.30 Medical Tests. The following medical tests when required by the contract will be performed by the Government. These medical tests include, but not limited to, the following: post blood borne exposure protocols after exposure, occupational exposure programs such as the Thermoluminescent Dosimetry (TLD) monitoring program, and N-95 mask fitting.

7.31 Market/Medical or Dental Facility Standards. The contract workers shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, VHA, market, installation and place of performance policies, procedures and instructions applicable at the place of performance.

7.32 Government Training.

7.32.1 Place of Performance Training. Contract workers shall complete all agency-specified training requirements and comply with all policies and procedures applicable to the place of performance. The training may include, but not limited to, active shooter, training, ethics training, fire drills and sexual harassment training. Training requirements will be identified in the TO. Government reserves the right to update or change training requirements as needed. This does not include training through the VHA Talent Management System required for onboarding.

7.32.2 Annual Training. Contract workers shall complete all annual training requirements at the place of performance. The Contractor may bill for the time required to complete the annual training. The Contractor shall include hours for annual training requirements in their fully burdened hourly rates.

7.32.3 Computer Access Training. Contract workers who require access to Government systems shall complete training at the place of performance for system access. Systems access training may include, but not limited to, training in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), cybersecurity, information assurance, and Combatting Trafficking in Persons (CTIP). The COR will coordinate the necessary computer training. The Government will provide computer training during normal duty hours.