RFP 36C10X23R0058 ICSP - (Updated for Amendment 2).docx

PAGE 1 OF

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.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C10X23R0058 07-03-2023 April Bloom (april.bloom@va.gov)

9-7-2023

10:00AM

EDT

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

X

561320 $34 Million

N/A

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Department of Veterans Affairs

36C10X Strategic Acquisition Center - Frederick Department of Veterans Affairs

5202 Presidents Court, Suite 103 Frederick MD 21703

TBD

VAFSC

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

(see Section B.3 invoicing/payment) Austin TX 78714-8917 1-(877)-489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page Veterans Health Administration Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP)

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

See Section E for all instructions associated with this solicitation.

Important due dates/times:

1. Phase I Questions- August 7, 2023 at 12:00PM ET.

2. Phase I Bid Intentions- August 11, 2023 at 12:00PM ET.

3. Phase I Formal Response- August 17, 2023 at 12:00PM ET.

4. Phase II Veteran Integrated Team response

a. Phase II Questions- August 28, 2023 at 12:00PM ET.

b. Phase II Bid Intentions- August 30, 2023 at 12:00PM ET

c. Phase II Proposals- September 7, 2023 at 10:00AM ET.

Allen L. Smith Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

36C10X23R0058

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration

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

1. CONTRACTOR POC: TBD

1. GOVERNMENT:

1. The Government contacts for Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) are as follows:

Contracting Officer (CO): TBD

Contract Specialist (CS): TBD

IDIQ Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): TBD

1. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP) IDIQ CO is responsible for providing overall scope oversight, maintaining communication between contractors and Veteran’s Affairs (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 local CO (VACO, VISN, or VAMC level) 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).

1. The CO will designate a (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.

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

1. Interrelationships of Contractors: The Government has entered into other contractual relationships in order to provide professional services throughout VA. These services are separate from ICSP but may be related to or in close proximity to those provided under ICSP. Contractors may be requested to coordinate with other contractors in providing services under ICSP.

1. Minimum Guaranteed Amount and Maximum Value

1. The minimum guaranteed amount for this contract is $10,000.00; this or a higher amount 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 The Government has no obligation to award TOs beyond the minimum guaranteed amount.

1. The maximum aggregate value of all awards and TOs under ICSP is $23,000,000,000 over the 10-year period (5-year base plus 5-year option). This ceiling is neither divided nor multiplied by the number of awardees.

1. Funding is not currently committed for this contract. The Government intends to fund any minimum guarantees at time of award and will fund one or more TOs prior to issuance. Neither contracts nor TOs will be awarded until and unless funds become available. VA will not reimburse any costs associated with a proposal.

1. Veteran Integrated Team (VIT) Management (Veteran Integrated Team definitions are provided in Attachment D– Integrated Team Model Definitions)

1. Team Compilation and Administration. All awardees shall be Fully Mission Capable, Veteran Integrated Teams (VITs) populated with vendor partners specializing in healthcare recruitment, staffing, and retention assembled under the leadership of a Veteran Integrated Team Agile Lead (VITAL).

NOTE: While eligible Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) may submit offers alone, the Government anticipates numerous teaming partners (SDVOSB and otherwise) will be necessary to successfully provide support.

1. VITAL Eligibility. VITALs receiving an award must be determined eligible in terms of both size (small under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 561320 as confirmed through SAM.gov Representations and Certifications and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status (Small Business Administration certified). Following award, the VITAL SDVOSB 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.

1. Veteran Integrated Team Eligible Partner (VITEP) Eligibility. VITEPs must remain certified (in SBA’s Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program for the duration of the contract. As an SDVOSB set-aside, the prime contractor and/or similarly situated entities must perform at least 50% of the work (amount paid by Government 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 an SBA certified SDVOSB at time of TO award and small under the NAICS code assigned under their subcontract agreement.

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.

1. Veterans Integrated Team Subcontracting Only (VITSO) Eligibility. Team members who are not similarly situated (non-SDVOSB) cannot serve as an eligible partner and cannot contribute to VITAL’s 50% for purposes of limitations on subcontracting requirements. VITSOs may include Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Small Businesses, Large Businesses, Non-Profit Organizations, Academic Institutions, Commercial Staffing Agencies, etc. that fulfill one or more Occupational Series capability areas, provide specialized subject matter expertise and reach-back, and enhance VIT robustness.

1. Fully Mission Capable. The VITAL shall 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 Occupational Series 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 for on-time remediation will be outlined in any CDR issued to the VITAL.

1. 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.

1. 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 to the VIT. The Government does not have privity of contract with Subcontractors and is not involved with the process and procedures agreed upon between the Prime and Subcontractors. The Government has no liability and will not assist in any issues with the Subcontractors.

1. 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 open enrollment periods to facilitate the addition of new partners shortly after contract award (to facilitate addition of value-added partners that are not part of an awarded team, then during a two-week window at periodic intervals (Government will notify awardees prior to Open Enrollment). 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 ICSP Free Agent List (when established). Additions to the VIT will be evaluated based upon their capability in the proposed Occupational Series / capability area and eligibility as a VITEP or VITSO. Open Enrollment additions to the VIT will be added to the base contract as “Non-key Partner.”

1. 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 (cooling off period). If a VITEP or VITSO intends to voluntarily withdrawal from its VIT for any reason, the VITAL and/or subcontractor shall notify the Government within 7 days of notification to depart as soon as possible after this decision, but within thirty (30) days prior if possible. The Contracting Officer or designee will respond within 7 days in writing/email to confirm receipt of notification of departure and the effective date. Any subcontractor that voluntarily leaves its VIT will be unable to join an existing different VIT for a period no less than six (6) months (including a new VIT for any Government On-Ramping). VITALs must ensure that FMC is maintained in light of any partner’s departure. VITEPs and VITSOs voluntarily leaving or removed at the discretion of a VITAL may participate as part of a new VIT for the next Government On-Ramp or may join an existing VIT under the next open enrollment period. Note that VITALS may propose firms during open enrollment even if the 6-month waiting period has not yet passed; however, the VITAL will not be able to propose these VITEPs or VITSOs as subcontractors on task orders until the 6-month waiting period has passed (unless TO is designated as a Wildcard TO) (Wildcard TO defined: A TOPR that permits the use of subcontractor(s) not expressly (or originally) part of the established VIT, due to the nature of the requirement. At their discretion, Contracting Officers may designate any given TOPR as a wildcard TOPR if beneficial to performance).

1. 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 periodically. 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 Occupational Series, 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 (Wildcard defined in Attachment J). 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. Inclusion on the list does not indicate that the government has reviewed or endorses these companies. Failure to include any company on the list or to create a list or failure to update any list does not give rise to any liability on the government ‘s part.

D. Task Order Procedures

Contractors under VHA ICSP shall provide services as requirements are identified throughout the ordering period. Requirements may span the labor categories and tasks of one or more Occupational Series 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 ICSP will follow ordering procedures as outlined in Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 16.505. In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2), the CO will provide all awardees a fair opportunity to be considered for all awards under VHA ICSP which exceed the micro-purchase threshold, unless one of the exceptions in FAR 16.505 applies.

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

1. As requirements for VHA ICSP are defined, ICSP VITALs will be given the fair opportunity to compete for the award, assuming one of the exceptions noted above does not exist. An authorized CO will issue a Task Order Proposal Request (TOPR) in accordance with the procedures as outlined below. While VHA ICSP contractors are not required to submit a proposal 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 to exercise the contract 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.

1. Each TOPR will include, at a minimum:

1. The due date and instructions for proposal submission,

1. 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,

1. The place and period of performance, and

1. Any additional information deemed necessary by the CO.

1. 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, except for Price, will be evaluated using the TOPR described procedure. In general, TOPRs may be evaluated by analysis of one or more of the following factors:

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

1. Performance Risk. The contractor may be asked to provide examples of relevant experience and to provide past performance questionnaires which confirm quality of prior performance. The CO may consider relevant performance on task order awards under VHA ICSP, personal knowledge, or any other information available from Government sources.

1. Price. The Government will evaluate price reasonableness using one or more price analysis techniques as prescribed in FAR 15.404-1(b). When competing for Labor Hour type TO awards, contractors are permitted to propose labor rates that are equal to or lower than those established in their ICSP contract.

0. Occupational Category 1 Staff are priced at max bill rates (meant to provide the highest national rate projected for each Labor Category (LCAT)).

0. Occupational Category 2 and Occupational Category 3 Staff have fully burdened labor rates.

0. Price competition will occur at the TO level.

At the order level, the Government may ensure that rates are not reduced to a level that risks nonperformance by requiring justification for the reduced rate at the time of proposal. The Government may specify exact staff required, or may require that contractors identify labor categories, number of hours, and labor rates in their price proposal for performance of each task. This information allows local COs to better understand the basis for pricing, including the level of effort and the mix of labor proposed to perform the tasks or services being ordered.

Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Government recognizes that some task orders will require market incentives to ensure that critical staffing and key personnel are available in a timely manner. In accordance with FAR 52.212-2 and FAR 12.602, Contractors shall submit evidence of market research, evaluation factors utilized, the relative importance of those factors, and why adding those subcontractors at the proposed commercial rates shall be most advantageous to the Government (to include discussions of any trade-offs considered) if prices are above contract labor rates. Market adjustments will be identified at the task order level and shall require approval from the order level CO.

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

1. 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 contract opportunity notices on the SAM.gov webpage or hold discussions or negotiations with each offeror (these are FAR 15 principles). The CO will, however, maintain an internal record of the award decision and supporting information. Additionally, COs may evaluate by directly comparing competitive proposals and make task order award decisions based upon this comparison.

1. 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 any TOPR prior to award. 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. Post award notices and debriefing of awardees will be conducted in accordance with FAR 16,505(b)(6).

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 requirements, terms, and conditions updated consistent with the state of the IDIQ at time of on-ramp will be issued to the Government Point of Entry (GPE) at SAM.gov. New VIT awardees will then be added to the pool of ICSP 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 up to three (3) “On-Ramp” periods during the life of the vehicle, though none are guaranteed.

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 new awardees for the option period. If a successful VITAL sizes out and its VIT is off-ramped, to maximize opportunity for a new award during the next on-ramp, VIT members should consider working together to form a new team.

1. Off-Ramping. The Government may off-ramp VITs at any time, with 30 days notice, during the contract period for performance issues, responsiveness, or eligibility.

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 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. Following the five-year Base Period, 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 a small business to a large business (under SBA size standard at time of recertification) will result in the off-ramp of the VIT (see section E. (1) above). Additionally, if a VITAL is unable to maintain SBA certification 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.

1. Future Competitions. In performing services of ICSP, 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.

1. Task Order 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.

1. Task Order Invoicing

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. Specific invoicing instructions will be specified at the TO level. During the contract period of performance, the Government is converting to a new integrated financial system. If this affects any invoicing at the task order level, this will be addressed, as applicable to each individual order.

1. Subcontracting

1. Prime contractors may only propose subcontractors at the TO level that were 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 ICSP. Compliance will be measured at the IDIQ contract level.

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

a. This solicitation includes Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside, VAAR 852.219-73.

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 a Non-Disclosure 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.

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

INTEGRATED CRITICAL STAFFING PROGRAM (ICSP)

1.0 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,

· National Committee for Quality Assurance or Utilization Review Accreditation Commission accredited 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 clinical and non-clinical staffing 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 VHA. This acquisition includes comprehensive Occupational Categories which include clinical and non-clinical occupational categories 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 to 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.

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 categories (Occupational Category One – Clinical Services (OC1), Occupational Category Two – Non-Clinical Services (OC2), Occupational Category Three – Support Services (OC3)) and lead a VIT (Veteran Integrated Team). The VITAL shall ensure the seamless integration of multiple workstreams and occupational categories within a task order. For each base contract the VIT must be fully mission capable, able to meet the requirements of the occupational categories, under the leadership of the VITAL. For each base contract and any subsequent task order awards, the VITAL and its respective VIT shall provide the contractor personnel, comprehensive management, materials, equipment, contractor facilities, travel, supervision of contractor resources, and any required deliverables necessary to satisfy the requirement. The VITAL and its respective VIT 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). 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 categories, access to national healthcare consulting VIT Partners, and Team Partners with expert knowledge in any of the identified occupational 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 and in Attachment D: VIT Definitions.

IT Support is outside the scope of this contract.

1.3. Authorized Ordering and Administration

Only warranted Contracting Officers within VA are authorized to solicit and place orders against this IDIQ contract.

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 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 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 (identified in Attachment E: Facility Listings); however, services required to be performed at the Department of Veterans Affairs main headquarters shall be at the following Government location: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20420 unless otherwise specified.

2.4 Travel

If travel is required, it will be specified at the TO level and will be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations.

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 approved by the CO 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 CATEGORIES 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.

3.2.2 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 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.

3.3 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 categories and program support services. The occupational categories 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.

3.3.1 Program Management Support Services: The clinical and non-clinical occupational categories and labor categories are designed to provide temporary staffing services to meet essential workload demands and to address critical staffing shortages. The program management support services are designed to meet important program support staffing needs and to provide:

a. Planning and…