36C24118Q0304-001.pdf

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. DUNS: DUNS+4:

PHONE: FAX:

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

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

SEE ADDENDUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. 2/2012)

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

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 60

703-18-3-1171-0031

36C24118Q0304 04-20-2018

Mark A. Gelsinger 207-623-8411 x2222 04-27-2018

10:00 A.M. EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Togus

1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330

XX

624190

$11 Million

N/A

X

VAMC Togus

Network Contracting Office 1 (Code 90C)

Financial Services Center

P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

Contractor shall provide Readjustment Counseling Services to the Togus VA Medical Center near the Farmington, ME area in accordance with the Statement of Work.

Period of Performance:

Base Year: 01 June 2018 - 31 May 2019 Option 1: 01 June 2019 - 31 May 2020 Option 2: 01 June 2020 - 31 May 2021 Option 3: 01 June 2021 - 31 May 2022 Option 4: 01 June 2022 - 31 May 2023

See CONTINUATION Page

703-3680160-1171-824700-2581 SPV0C17A1

X XX

X 1

36C24118Q0304

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

C.2 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

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

C.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

C.5 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (JAN 2008)

C.6 VAAR 852.203-71 DISPLAY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS HOTLINE

POSTER (DEC 1992)

C.7 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (DEC 2009)

C.8 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2012)

C.9 VAAR 852.237-7 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

(JAN 2008)

C.10 VAAR 852.237-70 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES (APR 1984)

C.11 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2018)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 FAR 52.212-1 – INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2018)

E.2 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS (NOV 2017)

E.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.4 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(JAN 2008)

E.5 VAAR 852.270-1 REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS (JAN 2008) .. 59

E.6 VAAR 852.271-70 NONDISCRIMINATION IN SERVICES PROVIDED TO

BENEFICIARIES (JAN 2008)

E.7 VAAR 852.273-74 AWARD WITHOUT EXCHANGES (JAN 2003)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: To Be Determined

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C241 Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Togus 1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330

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

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or [] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly

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

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBE

R

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICE

S

QUANTIT

Y

UNI

T UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 Individual/Couples/Fam ily Counseling - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2018 POP End: 05-31-2019

295.00 HR ________________

0002 Group Counseling Session - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist

110.00 HR ________________

WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-01-2018 POP End: 05-31-2019

1001 Individual/Couples/Fam ily Counseling - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta,

295.00 HR ________________

Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option POP Begin: 06-01-2019 POP End: 05-31-2020

1002 Group Counseling Session - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option

110.00 HR ________________

POP Begin: 06-01-2019 POP End: 05-31-2020

2001 Individual/Couples/Fam

Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option POP Begin: 06-01-2020 POP End: 05-31-2021

2002 Group Counseling Session - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to

110.00 HR ________________

01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option POP Begin: 06-01-2020 POP End: 05-31-2021

3001 Individual/Couples/Fam

Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans

295.00 HR ________________

Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option POP Begin: 06-01-2021 POP End: 05-31-2022

3002 Group Counseling Session - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option

110.00 HR ________________

POP Begin: 06-01-2021 POP End: 05-31-2022

4001 Individual/Couples/Fam

Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option POP Begin: 06-01-2022 POP End: 05-31-2023

4002 Group Counseling Session - Readjustment Counseling Services in accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. 1712A, to provide outreach and counseling to assist WWII, Korea, Vietnam Era (if seen prior to 01/01/04) and Post

110.00 HR ________________

Vietnam War Zone Veterans (and now Veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Somalia and the War against Terrorism (OEF and OIF) referred by the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine or its Veterans Outreach Centers located in Maine in accordance with all terms, conditions and specifications. Togus VA Medical Center is soliciting for these services on behalf of the Lewiston Veterans Center, 35 Westminster Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.

Contract Period: Option POP Begin: 06-01-2022 POP End: 05-31-2023

GRAND TOTAL ________________

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

C-1 INTRODUCTION AND LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND

A. On the basis of extensive congressional testimony and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) consultation with experts on war-related readjustment difficulties, the character of “readjustment counseling” was established during a 10-year legislative history between 1969 and 1979. In 1979, the Congress passed, and the President signed, Public Law 96-22, which added to 38 U.S.C., Section 1712A, providing readjustment counseling to any eligible Vietnam Era veteran. As implemented by the VA in 1979, readjustment counseling is provided through a nation-wide system of community-based Vet Centers. In 1982, the VA initiated a new organizational element, RCS (Readjustment Counseling Service), to administer the Vet Centers and the provision of readjustment counseling.

B. The term “readjustment counseling” means: Individual, group, and family counseling, employment counseling, benefits counseling, and referral services for eligible veterans who have psychosocial problems as part of readjustment to civilian life after military duty during specified conflicts. The counseling may include traditional psychotherapeutic modalities, but the purpose of psychotherapy (or any modality) must be, as a primary task, to address readjustment difficulties derived from military duties and the homecoming experience.

C. A counseling session or initial assessment shall last a minimum of 60 minutes and shall be deemed a single visit. (Longer visits shall be deemed a single visit, regardless of length.)

D. Group sessions will be reimbursed at the rate of 37.5% of the basic per-session reimbursement rate, per veteran. All group sessions shall last a minimum of 90 minutes per session. See Section C and attachments for additional information.

E. Many Veterans have full-time employment and are unable to attend Readjustment Counseling sessions during the workday. Contractors quoting on this solicitation must offer flexible hours to meet the Veterans needs in the Farmington, ME area.

F. Policy and Authority

In April 1991, Congress amended 38 U.S.C. 1712A to authorize VA to furnish readjustment counseling to veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada and Panama. The Law further authorized VA to furnish, by contract with approved private sector providers, readjustment counseling to eligible veterans where VA cannot provide such services. Contract program operations are the responsibility of a coordinated effort by Vet Center staff and VA Medical Center officials.

In October 1997, Congress amended 38 U.S.C. 1712A to expand eligibility for readjustment counseling at Vet Centers to any veteran who served in the active military, in a theater of combat operations during a period of war, or in any other area during a period in which hostilities occurred in such area. The law specified that the term “hostilities” means any armed conflict in which the members of the Armed Forces are subjected to danger comparable to a period of war, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense.

Under the amended law, veterans who served during the Vietnam Era, but not in a theater of combat operations, will continue to be eligible for readjustment counseling if they seek or are furnished such counseling before January 1, 2000.

C-2 ELIGIBILITY FOR COUNSELING SERVICES

A. Eligibility

1. Public Laws 104-262, 104-275 that extends definition of era for war zone veterans; and the Veterans Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1997, require VA to provide readjustment counseling services for:

1.1. War Zone Veterans – all eras, including:

1.1.1 World War II Three eligible categories:

a. The European-African-Middle Eastern during the period December 7, 1941 through November 8, 1945.

b. The Asian-Pacific Campaign during the period December 7, 1941 through March 2, 1946.

c. The American Campaign Medal –during the period of December 7, 1941 through March 2, 1946.

1.1.2 Korean War –during the period June 27, 1950 through July 27, 1954.

(eligible for the Korean Service Medal)

1.1.3 Vietnam War (February 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975).

1.1.4 Vietnam Era Veterans not in the War Zone (August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975).(eligible until January 1, 2004, however, veterans who were Vet Center clients prior to January 1, 2004, remain eligible)

1.1.5 American Merchant Marines – In oceangoing service during the period of armed conflict, December 7, 1941 to August 15 1945

1.1.6 Panama – December 20 1989 to January 31, 1990

1.1.7 Persian Gulf – August 2, 1990 to –

1.1.8 Somalia – September 17, 1992 to –

1.1.9 Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Joint Guard & Operation Joint Forge – Vet Center. Eligibility has been extended to Veterans who participated in one or more of the three successive operations in the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia-Herzegovina & Croatia)aboard U. S. Naval vessels operating Adriatic Sea, or air spaces above those areas)

1.1.10 Global War on Terror Veterans who serve or have served expeditions to combat terrorism September 11, 2001 and before date yet to be established.

1.1.11 Bereavement Counsel Bereavement counseling is assistance to people with emotional and psychological stress after the death of a loved one.

Bereavement includes a broad range of transition counseling services, outreach, counseling, and referral services including to family members.

1.1.12 Lebanon – August 25 1982 to February 26, 1984

1.1.13 Grenada October 23 1983 to November 21, 1983

2. Eligible veterans must also have been discharged under Honorable Conditions or with a character of service for which basic eligibility to receive VA benefits has been established through adjudicative decision by VA (e.g. in the case of veterans possessing Undesirable Discharges, Bad Conduct Discharges, or General Discharges Under Other than Honorable Conditions).

3. Veterans possessing a Dishonorable Discharge are NOT eligible for services provided under this program.

4. Eligibility will be verified by the VA through submission of information sufficient to identify the veteran to VA Outreach for verification of basic eligibility in order to expedite referrals for counseling services under this program.

5. In those situations where eligibility cannot be verified prior to authorization, the VA employee making the referral may authorize the referral to the Contractor on the basis of presumptive eligibility, if it is clinically determined that an emergency exists requiring provision of immediate readjustment counseling services. In such cases, the VA referrer will inform the veteran that if eligibility is not substantiated, the veteran will be billed for all counseling services received.

C-3 REFERRALS AND AUTHORIZATION FOR COUNSELING SERVICES

A. Referrals to readjustment counseling contract providers may be made by:

1. Qualified Vet Center staff.

2. VHA (Veterans Health Administration) qualified mental health professionals (Psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or a psychiatric nurse clinical specialist) at VA Health Care facilities. All referrals made by VHA mental health professionals who are not Vet Center staff, will be closely coordinated with the Vet Center Team Leader/COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative), as the latter will assume responsibility for monitoring the case once the referral is made.

B. Contract readjustment counseling includes the same mix of social and psychological services as provided at Vet Centers, with the exception of community outreach. The purpose of the contract program, as intended by Congress and implemented by the VA, is for the provision of readjustment counseling and not for general mental health services. Contract readjustment counseling may include social services and/or psychotherapy, but the services provided must address readjustment difficulties deriving from military duties and/or homecoming experiences. The provision of services for problems not having a clear and distinct relationship to military duty and readjustment to civilian life from military duty is not authorized.

C. Specifically, the difficulties which comprise war-related readjustment difficulties referable to a contract provider are the following:

1. Psychosocial problems related to exposure to war trauma.

2. Psychosocial problems related to other stressful experiences of military duty in a war-zone.

3. Psychosocial problems related to post-war adjustment to civilian family and work roles.

4. Psychosocial problems related to type of military discharge.

5. Psychosocial problems related to substance abuse clinically associated with military duty or post-military readjustment.

6. Psychosocial problems related to post-war homecoming experiences.

7. Psychosocial concern over possible exposure to chemical and/or biological agents in the war-zone.

8. Generalized alienation from society related to interruption in the normal post-war readjustment process.

D. Prior to making a referral, the veteran must be interviewed by the VA referrer.

1. Although this may be either in person or by telephone, the referrer is responsible for ensuring that eligibility definition and clinical assessment requirements are met. The clinical evidence should establish that the veteran’s problems are clearly related to the military experience, be reflected in the reason for referral, and be documented in the veteran’s record.

2. Self-referrals and referrals of veterans who were or are in the private contract provider’s caseload cannot be authorized, unless the assessment described above is carried out. In no event may the VA be billed or required to pay for services delivered prior to the authorization for care.

3. After eligibility has been verified and the need for readjustment counseling Clinically established, the Vet Center Team Leader/COR or other VA referrer will complete and sign VA Form 10-5565B, Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program Contract Service Authorization, which officially effects a referral to the contract service provider. The completion and disposition of VA Form 10-5565B is to be implemented according to the instructions on the form.

E. Referrals and ongoing assessment of counseling cases will be managed so as to ensure the availability of services to the largest number of eligible veterans within the limits of available resources.

1. Brief therapy will be provided whenever clinically feasible to facilitate serving the largest number of eligible veterans. Theater veterans exposed to war-zone stress will be considered the highest priority recipients for contract readjustment counseling.

2. Group counseling will be encouraged whenever clinically or logistically feasible as this method is both clinically indicated and cost effective for veterans with readjustment difficulties. The composition of such groups must include at least 50 percent eligible war-zone veterans for a contract provider to be reimbursed for the group counseling session. The VA referrer may grant exceptions to this when clinically indicated.

3. In accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract, the Professional Services Letter IL-11-82-26, and the VA Form 10-5565B, the contract provider (Contractor) shall be required to perform as follows:

a. All initial referrals to a contract provider will be for up to 3 visits for clinical assessment and brief counseling. The VA referrer will specify on VA Form 10-5565B; one, two or three visits and the type of counseling to be provided (individual, group, etc.).

b. The contract provider shall schedule the initial veteran counseling session

(visit) within 5 working days from the date the veteran was first referred under the contract. A visit will last a minimum of 60 minutes. A group-counseling visit will last a minimum of 90 minutes.

c. If additional visits are required upon completion of the 3 initial visits, the VA referrer will obtain from the contract provider a counseling plan documenting the need for continuing readjustment counseling.

4. After reviewing the plan, the VA referrer may authorize the veteran for up to a block of 15 additional visits. In similar fashion, subsequent re-authorizations are established for a finite period (up to 15 visits) and case counseling plans are subject to evaluation prior to further authorization. Effective management of case progress and available funding requires that VA referrers specify on the VA Form 10-5565B, a time period within which a block of authorized visits must be delivered. For example, a veteran may be authorized a block of 15 weekly sessions to be used within a two-quarter period.

If the veteran does not use all 15 sessions during the specified time, he may be reviewed and re-authorized for additional visits at the beginning of the next quarter.

5.The counseling plan may be presented to the referrer orally, not later than the completion of the third initial visit, but shall be followed with a written copy and this plan shall be documented in the veteran’s record by the referrer. The VA reserves the right to modify the treatment plan submitted by the Contractor. Coordination of the counseling plans to the VA referrer must occur in a timely manner so there will be no disruption in the continuation of readjustment counseling.

6. “Significant Others” (that is, members of the veteran’s immediate family, legal guardian, or individual with whom the veteran lives or certifies an intention to live), may be seen conjointly with a veteran in couple or family counseling by the contract service provider.

a. This will be limited to counseling for problems that have a distinct relationship to the veteran’s readjustment from military duty.

b. For couple or family counseling, billing and reimbursement will be at the established per session rate as specified in the contract.

c. Significant others may be seen without the veteran present only when clinically required as an integral part of couple or family counseling. Such visits by significant others without the veteran present however, are limited to one visit per ten couple or family sessions. Exceptions may be granted to the limitation on significant other visits only when clinically approved by the VA referrer.

7. As stipulated in the contract, there is a provision that limits eligibility for readjustment counseling through a contract provider to 1 year from the time of the veteran’s first visit.

a. This provision is based upon existing knowledge regarding the etiology and longitudinal course of war-related readjustment difficulties to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and upon program experience that indicates that most veterans referred complete services within 1 year.

b. This provision should not be implemented in an arbitrary manner nor should it be applied in isolation from other indicators for clinical case progress.

c. If longer term extension of authorization is necessary, the following procedures will be followed:

The Vet Center Team Leader/COR will interview the veteran (in person or by telephone) to conduct an updated, comprehensive psychosocial assessment to ensure continuing clinical need for readjustment counseling.

If there is clinical indication for continuing readjustment counseling beyond 1 year, the Vet Center Team Leader/COR must consult with the Assistant Regional Manager for Contract Services prior to authorizing continuing visits.

All requests for readjustment counseling beyond 1 year, for more than brief transitioning purposes, must be reviewed and approved by the RCS regional manger or designee, and documented in the veteran’s clinical record.

8. If a veteran currently receiving readjustment counseling from a previous contract provider resides in a closer proximity to a newly selected contract provider; the veteran may be transferred to the new contract provider in order to continue uninterrupted counseling from the most convenient service provider.

9. There is no obligation under this contract for the VA to provide any specific number of referrals to any contractor.

F. The VA referrer will define the exact counseling record information to be included by the contract provider upon each veteran’s counseling session(s).

1. Verification Form: At the completion of each counseling session or group therapy, the Contractor shall document on the VA Form 10-5565B, the name of the veteran or client, as well as length, date, and specific modality of the counseling session.

The form will then be forwarded to the COR for processing (see sample form at Attachment A).

a. A separate verification form is to be completed for each veteran for Each month, and attached to the monthly bill. The Contractor shall secure a signed acknowledgment of services from each client and for each visit for which they are invoicing the VA.

b. Provide only those services identified on the VA referral form.

c. Client numbers and records for significant others will be maintained in the name of the veteran; however, counseling case notes/progress notes on visits by significant others should be maintained as discrete and separate from the veteran’s notes for continuity of notation, and so they can be easily extracted if a request for the veteran’s counseling record is made.

2. Contractor shall maintain accurate and complete counseling records, which comply with the confidentiality requirements of Public Law 93-282 and the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579. Contractor shall ensure the physical security of records and the prevention of disclosure of the records, reports, or other private information of clients except with the client’s informed, written consent.

Note: Counseling records are considered the property of the VA. One year following expiration of the contract, the contractor shall turn the client folder over to the authorizing Vet Center, or contact the Regional Manager of the Vet Center to determine to which Vet Center the folder should be sent. The same procedures will apply when the contract between the VA and the Contractor terminates.

Note: The VA will provide all required forms.

C-4 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

A. CONTRACT MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT MANAGEMENT

1. Quality control and administrative oversight of the overall contract agreement and basic processes of contract operations are the primary responsibilities of the Vet Center Team Leader/COR. Prospective Quoters should refer to Paragraph D.1, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

2. Site visits will be conducted on an annual basis to the facilities of all contract providers by the COR and/or other Government employees designated by the Contracting Officer and will include, but shall not be limited to, evaluation and verification of the following:

a. Actual performance versus scheduled and reported performance regarding the number and type of visits provided and the amount billed.

b. Changes in technical performance that may affect financial status, personnel assigned to the contract, over extension of resources, etc.

c. The numbers of employees charged to the contract are actually performing work under the contract.

3. The COR will advise the Contracting Officer at the completion of the contract, in writing, of the following:

a. Acceptance. All articles and services required to be furnished and/or performed under the contract have been technically accepted.

b. Compliance. Contractor is in compliance with patent rights and royalty clauses of the contract.

c. Disposition. The recommended disposition of any government-owned or furnished property (i.e., client records) in possession of the contractor is stated.

d. Site Visits. Visits will be conducted in accordance with program standards and in compliance with monitoring guideline developed and approved by VA Central office.

C-5 DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

A. TERM OF CONTRACT

1. The term of the contract is from the 1 June 2018 through 31 May 2019. This contract may be extended for four (4) one year periods at the option of the Government in accordance with 52.217-9 (see clause), and thus the ultimate completion date of the contract if the options are exercised is 31 May 2023. Notice of an extension must be served in writing by the Government During the term of the contract there shall be no increase in cost over what is stated in the initial contract. There is no allowance for renegotiating rates nor for allowing a contractor to withdraw from the contract at the end of the initial term.

2. In renewing existing contracts, the Contracting Officer will request a current list of those employees working for the contractor under the contract. This listing will be compared with the existing contract. Any changes in personnel or employees proposed by the contractor will be brought to the attention of the Vet Center Team Leader/COR. The Team Leader/COR will review the information on the new personnel to ensure that the level and quality of service is consistent with the initial proposal and the terms of the original contract (Refer to the clause about Key Personnel in Section C-7, paragraph D).

3. If readjustment counseling beyond the contract period is indicated, and if the contract is not renewed, the Contractor shall make appropriate referral to another counseling resource, in consultation with the original referrer. Exceptions to this requirement may be made, upon authorization, based on determination of continuing need by the VA referring official. Request for such exceptions shall be presented to the VA referrer.

4. The VA will reimburse the Contractor for completion of cases started during the contract but duly authorized to extend beyond the legal termination date of the contract. All payment for work under this contract beyond September 30, 2009, will be contingent upon the availability of funds. Therefore, no work shall take place after that date unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

5. An Annual self appraisal of the staffs needs to be completed and turned into the Vet Center by the end of each fiscal year. The self appraisal should contain a summary describing services provided to veterans during the year and any feedback received from veterans that could improve or expand the services being provided.

B. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF CONTRACTORS/SERVICE PROVIDER

Contractor and service providers must be physically located within the geographical boundaries (county or counties) for which the contract award is made. The boundaries described herein are determined by the RCS and local VAMC officials, based upon “geographical areas of need” (e.g., a given city, county, or locality where a Vet Center is present but, because of a large veteran population, cannot adequately provide services).

C-6 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

A. CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO)

The Contracting Officer (CO) named below is responsible for the overall Administration of the contract:

Mark A. Gelsinger, Contracting Officer Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 1 (NCO1) 1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330 Telephone: 1 (207)623-8411 X2222 E-mail: mark.gelsinger@va.gov

2. Contractors are advised that only the Contracting Officer, acting within the scope of the contract and his/her duties and responsibilities and, after advice and consultation from the COR, has the authority to make changes which affect:

Contract prices

Quality

Quantity

Delivery terms and conditions

B. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR): After award, a VA Medical Center employee will be designated as the COR, for the purpose of administering the technical aspects of this procurement. The person identified below will fulfill the duties of the COR in the monitoring of the program as follows:

Scott Hutcherson, LCPC, ACS, COR Lewiston Veterans Center 35 Westminster Street

Lewiston, ME 04240 Phone: (207) 783-0068 Email: erik.noll@va.gov

1. Monitoring the contractor’s performance to assure compliance with the technical requirements of the contract.

2. Reviewing and approving clinical records, technical reports, appropriateness of billing and payment procedures, and legibility and authorization for service, which require government approval.

3. Notifying the Contracting Officer immediately if performance is not proceeding satisfactorily.

4. Ensuring that changes in work under the contract are not initiated before written authorization of a contract modification is issued by the Contracting Officer.

5. Providing the Contracting Officer a written request and justification for contract changes.

6. Furnishing interpretations relative to the meaning of technical specifications and technical advice relative to the approval of sub-contracts by the Contracting Officer.

7. Visiting the contractor’s facilities to check performance, as required, or authorized by the contract’s inspection clause. In accordance with RCS quality assurance guidelines, contract providers are visited by the COR on an annual basis for full administrative and clinical review. (See Section E.)

C-7. INVOICE PROCEDURES

1. Reimbursement will only be for in-person counseling sessions. Reimbursement is not authorized, for example, for telephone calls with the veteran or significant others, or for consultation between the Contractor and other individuals.

2. Reimbursement for veteran’s travel in connection with contract readjustment counseling is not authorized.

3. A visit, for reimbursement purpose, will last a minimum for 60 minutes and will be deemed a single visit regardless of length beyond 60 minutes. A group counseling visit, for reimbursement purposes, will be 90 minutes in length. Participation in group counseling sessions constitutes one visit, regardless of length beyond 90 minutes.

4. Payments made under this contract shall constitute the total cost of readjustment counseling services.

The Contractor understands and agrees that no additional charges shall be billed to the veteran or his family, either by the Contractor or any third party furnishing required services, unless and until specific prior written authorization is obtained from the VA referrer who initially authorized the provision of services.

a. All invoices shall be submitted monthly, in arrears.

b. Invoices may be faxed or mailed to the address(s) as shown below:

c. The Lewiston Vet Center representative will match the names on the invoice against the individual authorizations, the services and number of visits authorized, and the fee charges against the established contract pricing. After verification and possible adjustments, the representative will certify the invoice for payment and forward it to the Togus VA Medical Center, Fiscal Service for further processing.

5. All invoices shall include the information listed below, and shall be accompanied by the receipt of services (VA Form 10-5565B) specifying the information in shown in subparagraphs (j) through (m) below:

Contract number (and purchase order number, if applicable);

Vet Center or Station Number of Referring Unit (see Sections H and I of VA referral form);

Client number;

Number of both individual visits and group visits;

Total number of individual visits;

Total number of group visits;

Basic contract rate (per type of counseling provided and per type of counselor), in accordance with bid schedule pricing in Section B of the contract;

Total dollar amount billed;

Month in which counseling services were provided;

Copies of acknowledgement of receipt of services (Veteran’s original signature on the VA Form 10-5565B) certifying receipt of services for each session provided, along with the Vet Center copy of the Form.

Counselor’s name, professional degree (or name, if applicable); and type of therapy provided for all sessions. Clinician who provided service must be identified. Reimbursement will be based on costs for that clinician;

veteran’s name and social security number.

All invoices must be received by the 5th of the month following services rendered.

NOTE: Failure to include all the above documentation (which constitutes a proper invoice) will result in delay of payment. Invoices will not be processed if there are any omissions.

Dept of Veteran Affairs Medical Center Attn: FMS

P.O. BOX 149971

Austin, TX 78714

ADDRESS FOR MAIL / PACKAGES:

Lewiston Vet Center Attn: Erik Noll, Office Manager 35 Westminster Street Lewiston, ME 04240

LISTING FOR FAXED CORRESPONDENCE:

Lewiston Vet Center Phone: 207-783-0068

FAX: 207-783-3505

C-8 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE: Contractor and all staff members providing counseling services under this program shall be licensed in accordance with all Federal, State, and/or local requirements and certification(s) applicable to the performance of this type of counseling service. Contractor will provide official verification or credentials from the educational institute awarding the contractors professional degree, to the Contracting Officer at the time of contract award. (See also the VA clause #VAAR 852.237-70)

B. VA OBLIGATIONS: This contract will be used only upon a determination by the VA that existing VA or Government facilities are not capable of furnishing needed readjustments counseling services, or cannot do so economically because of geographical inaccessibility.

POST-AWARD ORIENTATION: A post-award orientation shall be conducted prior to the referral of any veteran to new contract service providers. The orientation shall include the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or alternate, at least one RCS staff member (if COR/alternate are not RCS staff members), a representative from VA Outreach and the VA mental health professionals who will be making referrals to the Contractor. All contract administrative, clinical and program duties and responsibilities shall be discussed.

KEY PERSONNEL: The personnel specified in the offeror’s proposal (and incorporated as an attachment or by reference herein) are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer: Provided: That the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting Officer required by this clause. The listing of key personnel may be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or delete personnel, as appropriate. If the continued commitment of any key personnel is beyond the control of the Contractor, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately and shall make recommendations for the substitution of another person.

E. CORRESPONDENCE: All correspondence relative to this contract shall bear the VA contract number, purchase order number (if applicable), title and name of the medical facility.

F. CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE MEDICATION AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS:

While the provision of medications and physical examinations are not considered a component of the readjustment counseling services required by this contract, and will not be provided, offerors must have the capability to provide such services directly or to arrange physical assessments, medical treatment and therapy though referral.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS

JAN 2017

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

(End of Clause)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-16 PREVENTING PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DEC 2011

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

APR 2014

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON RECYCLED

PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL

JAN 2011

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

JUL 2016

C.2 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government's best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of Provision)

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

2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years.

(End of Clause)

C.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Hand-Carried Address:

VAMC Togus 1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330 Mailing Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs

VAMC Togus 1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(End of Provision)

C.5 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (JAN 2008)

The bidder or offeror agrees that if a contract is awarded to him/her, as a result of this solicitation, he/she will not advertise the award of the contract in his/her commercial advertising in such a manner as to state or imply that the Department of Veterans Affairs endorses a product, project or commercial line of endeavor.

C.6 VAAR 852.203-71 DISPLAY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

HOTLINE POSTER (DEC 1992)

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) below, the Contractor shall display prominently, in common work areas within business segments performing work under VA contracts, Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline posters prepared by the VA Office of Inspector General.

(b) Department of Veterans Affairs Hotline posters may be obtained from the VA Office of Inspector General (53E), P.O. Box 34647, Washington, DC 20043-4647.

(c) The Contractor need not comply with paragraph (a) above if the Contractor has established a mechanism, such as a hotline, by which employees may report suspected instances of improper conduct, and instructions that encourage employees to make such reports.

(End of Clause)

C.7 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (DEC 2009)

The offeror agrees, if awarded a contract, to use the service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or veteran-owned small businesses proposed as subcontractors in accordance with 852.215-70, Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, or to substitute one or more service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses or veteran-owned small businesses for subcontract work of the same or similar value.

(End of Clause)

C.8 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

(NOV 2012)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001.

(2) Designated agency office has the meaning given in 5 CFR 1315.2(m).

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the

Accepted electronic…