36C24123R0154 0001.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7.

ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF

PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE

OF YOUR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO:

Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERE

D CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendmen t, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED

STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF

CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF

SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) N/A Regional Procurement Office East Network Contract Office 1 Contracting Office (90c) 1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330 Regional Procurement Office East Network Contract Office 1 Contracting Office (90c) 1 VA Center Augusta ME 04330 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24123R0154

X

X

The purpose of this amendment is to provide a correceted Performance Work Statement

Sterling Mathews Contracting Officer

VA-VHA-RPOE-2022-333915

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT GENERAL OVERVIEW

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Bedford Healthcare System (hereinafter referred to as Bedford HCS) requires a contractor to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance transportation services for VA eligible beneficiaries who are stable with a medium to high risk of deterioration. Bedford HCS will also require the contractor to provide ALS/BLS ambulance transportation for VA beneficiaries routine medical appointments. The contractor shall furnish ambulance transportation services in accordance with all terms, conditions, and schedule of the contract and provide all equipment, personnel, supervision, and support to provide these services. This contract shall be for a period of one base year with four (4) option years.

TASKING/SPECIFICATIONS

Scope of Contract

Contractor shall provide ambulance transportation services seven (7) days per week (including holidays), twenty-four (24) hours per day, three hundred sixty-five (365) days per year for VA Bedford HCS. The primary VA Medical Center serviced under this contract is the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, located at 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730. Transport services will also include the hub medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) under the Bedford HCS. However, beneficiaries may require transport to any VA New England Healthcare System, community care centers, Non-VA medical facilities, or a beneficiary’s residence when necessary.

Bedford HCS business hours are Monday through Friday from 0800 to 1630

After business hours are Monday- Friday from 1631 to 0759

Weekend and holiday hours are from 0000-2300

This contract will provide urgent ambulance transports to a facility within the community as well as transport services for scheduled medical appointments for VA beneficiaries. The contractor and any subcontractors will operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract, applicable federal and state regulations, rules, statutes, and industry accepted quality standards identified in this performance work statement (PWS). All transportation requests will originate from authorized VA staff. Authorized VA requestors will include but not limited to case workers, transportation assistants, urgent care staff, or Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) after 4:30 p.m. No trips requests will be made by VA beneficiaries. Prior to contract performance, the contractor shall provide Bedford HCS with the communication method for contact on a twenty-four (24) hour per day basis. The Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will provide the contractor with a list of names, position titles and phone numbers of authorized Bedford HCS personnel who may request ambulance transport services and receive calls from the contractor regarding contract performance. This list will be updated and submitted to the contractor as changes occur. Requests from unauthorized individuals will be referred to the VA. Services rendered in response to requests from other than authorized personnel shall be at the risk of the contractor and any cost related thereto shall be borne by the contractor.

BEDFORD HEALTHCARE SYSTEM LOCATIONS

The following facilities may require transportation of Bedford HCS beneficiaries to the locations below.

Connecticut VA Medical Center 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516

CONTRACTOR CONDUCT

· Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics will not be allowed to transport Bedford HCS beneficiaries, if the EMT, and/or Paramedics appear to be ill or under the influence of drugs or alcohol

· EMTs and Paramedics shall not transport anyone who insists on smoking during transport, this includes EMTs and Paramedics and attendants as well.

· EMTs and Paramedics shall always present themselves in a professional manner. Rude or obscene behavior or language will not be accepted.

· EMTs and Paramedics shall wear appropriate attire with picture identification (ID) badge that clearly identifies the employee and the company of employment.

· EMTs and Paramedics shall secure all beneficiaries, their equipment, and the passengers with approved security devices prior to transport

· Beneficiaries and their escorts shall be treated with respect and concern. All communication, both verbal and non-verbal, by contractor's personnel with and in the presence of the patient, will be conducted in a professional manner.

· Contractor's personnel shall practice the utmost discretion when discussing private health information of the beneficiary with hospital professionals.

· The following acts are not permissible by EMTs and Paramedics that provide services under this contract or while on VA premises:

· Use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or controlled substances of any kind (excluding doctor’s prescriptions which do not impair EMTs and Paramedic’s driving ability) while on duty or reporting for duty.

· Gambling in any form.

· Smoking and other uses of tobacco while on duty. Both beneficiaries and contractor are prohibited from smoking in vehicles. The smell and residual smoke may cause other beneficiaries who shall be riding in the vehicle to become ill.

· Carrying of pistols, firearms or concealed weapons prohibited.

· Resorting to physical violence to settle a dispute with a fellow employee, beneficiaries, or a member of the public while on duty.

· Spitting, offensive, or insensitive practices or behavior is strictly prohibited.

· Use of loud, indecent, or profane language and/or making threatening or obscene gestures toward beneficiaries or other employees.

· Stopping for personal business, including excessive use of restroom facilities, while vehicle is occupied by a passenger. The EMTs and/or Paramedics shall not leave the vehicle with the key in the ignition at any time.

· Engaging beneficiaries in a verbal confrontation to settle a disagreement. Should a disagreement arise, the EMTs and Paramedics shall contact their dispatcher/supervisor via the radio system.

· Soliciting or accepting tips from beneficiaries, companions, or others at any time.

· Text messaging while driving.

· The VA reserves the right to bar any EMTs and Paramedics from transporting VA beneficiaries should he/she violate any terms of this contract.

The contractor shall not dispose of any hazardous materials including but not limited to materials that are radioactive, flammable, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, asphyxiating, biohazardous, toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic at any Department of Veterans Affairs premises or any location arrived at in the performance of this contract

CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

· The contractor’s ambulance / EFR service shall be licensed as outlined in 105 CMR 170.000

· Ambulance/ EFR service licenses shall identify and reflect the number of EMS vehicles to be operated, the classification of each certified EMS vehicle to be operated and maintained, and the level of service at each place of business.

· Each ambulance/EFR service shall at all times maintain an adequate number of EMS personnel to staff EMS vehicles to ensure compliance with the requirements of 105 CMR 170.385

· Licensure as an ambulance service at a particular level of service includes licensure to provide ambulance or EFR service at the same or lower level of service.

· All drivers shall be certified EMTs and Paramedics and shall have a valid motor vehicle operators license

· EMTs and Paramedics must be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by local, state, or regional government or public entity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

· All ambulance attendants must be and remain certified within the scope of their level of EMT/Paramedic license

· All certifying and refresher EMT and Paramedic training shall be obtained from an accredited institution in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services

· EMS Student shall have successfully completed all training requirements prior to contact with VA beneficiaries for the type(s) of treatment of care being provided.

· After contract award, the contractor will be required to furnish the COR/CO with Parts A: (Ambulance Service License Application) and Part C: (EMS Personnel List) of their most recent Massachusetts ambulance application that is on file with the Massachusetts Dept of Public Health. A computer- generated list with identical information can serve as a substitute for part C of the contractor’s Massachusetts ambulance application and shall be furnished to the COR or CO when changes occur

· If a request to modify, transfer, or renew the EMS service license is requested by the contractor to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the contractor shall keep the COR/CO informed and shall provide documentation of the final status of such requests.

· The contractor shall immediately inform the COR/CO if the EMS service license has been terminated.

SERVICE AREA AND PLACE OF BUSINESS

· The contractor shall provide a list of their service areas and the level of support that is provided to each community.

· After contract award, the contractor will be required to provide Parts B-1 (Service Area) and B-2 (Back Up Ambulance Services) of their most recent Massachusetts ambulance application to the COR/CO

· Contractor shall provide the addresses of each headquarters and garage where their ambulances are maintained.

· Contractor shall provide Part D (Place of Business) of their most recent Massachusetts ambulance application for all locations and will be required to be furnished to the COR and CO when changes occur

· Contractor shall disclose which organizations they currently have affiliation agreements with.

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) EXPOSURE CONTROL POLICY

· The contractor shall provide the COR/CO their policy on TB exposure and control, to include TB decontamination.

· The contractor shall have its personnel tested for TB and provide these test results to the COR within thirty (30) days of contract award.

· Bedford HCS shall not bear any direct cost to provide TB testing to contracted staff.

HEPATITIS B VACCINATION

· The contractor shall submit the Hepatitis B vaccination status for all EMS and Paramedic personnel to the COR within thirty (30) of contract award.

· Bedford HCS shall not bear any direct cost to provide vaccines to contracted staff.

INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES

The contractor shall have written policies and procedures consistent with 105 CMR 170.000 and 171.000: Massachusetts First Responder Training and will be required to provide a copy of their policies and procedures to the COR/CO.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT:

The contractor will have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) and shall follow the guidance and directives set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 Privacy and Security Rules promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HIPAA regulations require organizations under the jurisdiction of Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) to execute HIPAA-compliant Business Associated Agreements (BAAs) with appropriate parties that create, receive, maintain, or transmit VHA PHI to perform activities, functions, or services for VHA.

Prior to the performance of the contract, the contractor shall enter into a BAA as a VHA Business Associates to provide PHI protections and safeguards and agree to only disclose PHI as required by VHA and allowed under the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The term “Business Associate” also includes a subcontractor of a Business Associate that creates, receives, maintains, or transmits PHI on behalf of the Business Associate

NUMBER OF PATIENTS

The contractor shall transport only one beneficiary per trip. Bedford HCS reserves the right to have an escort, such as a relative, or care provider of a beneficiary when it is determined by the VA that an escort is in the best interest of the beneficiary. There shall be no additional charge when escorts are authorized to travel with the beneficiary. The contractor shall only be required to transport the escort with the beneficiary and will not be required to return the escort back to point of origin without the beneficiary. The escort shall ride in a seat that provides for the proper seat belt restraints to be utilized. At no time shall escorts or other personnel, except a physician, nurse or respiratory therapist treating the beneficiary, be allowed in the patient compartment of the ambulance while the vehicle is in route.

Bedford HCS reserves the right to substitute the beneficiary requiring services at any time during the performance of this contract to prevent delays, cancellations, or dry runs. An authorized VA representative will inform the contractor of the change in beneficiary being transported. There shall be no additional charge to Bedford HCS when such changes occur.

The contractor shall have a contingency/backup plan in the event the contractor is unable to perform services or have services performed as required. The contractor shall immediately notify the VA Travel Department or Administrator on Duty (AOD) and provide justification for non-performance (such as when an alternate provider cannot be identified) and initiate the contingency/backup plan.

After contract award, the contractor will be required to provide the COR and CO with part B-2 (Back-up ambulance services) of their most recent Massachusetts ambulance application

BENEFICIARY WELFARE AND ABUSE:

The contractor shall be responsible for beneficiary welfare during the transport of beneficiaries to or from Bedford HCS medical facilities. contractor shall ensure that the beneficiary's belongings are properly accounted for and delivered with the beneficiary. The Government expects the successful offer to exercise extreme caution and care in handling of beneficiaries. Any abuse of beneficiaries shall be grounds for default action or termination of contract.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

Bedford HCS shall utilize a QASP to identify how the contractor’s performance of the contract will be identified and measured. This QASP shall be based on the premise that the contractor is responsible for management and QC/QA actions to successfully meet the terms of the contract.

After contract award, the contractor, COR, and CO shall develop a fair and reasonable QASP to ensure compliance with the PWS and terms and conditions of the contract and shall allow for flexibility as required to allow for an increase or decrease in the level of surveillance necessary based on the contractor performance.

EXTRAORDANARY CONDITIONS:

When conditions unforeseeable and/or uncontrollable by the contractor occur such as: storms, flooding, or other hazardous road and travel situations, time and distance qualifications shall be considered secondary to safety precautions. Any delays or exceptions to the required quality of services, due to such substantial difficulties, shall be reported to the Travel Unit/per vehicle within a reasonable timeframe.

If there is an event that affects more than one (1) ambulance, and/or all drivers in a particular area are affected, the COR or designee will indicate concurrence or non-concurrence with response times established in the QASP.

PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

RESPONSE TIMES

Response time requirements are delineated below. The term “Scheduled Trip” as used in this PWS refers to those trips in which the contractor has been given advance notice (advance notice is defined as notice given by 1600 the prior business day) of required services and a specific pick-up time. The term “Unscheduled Trip” as used in this contract refers to those trips required on an as needed basis where advance notice is not given).

· Stable with Low to High Risk for Deterioration: The contractor shall respond to VA requests for ALS and BLS ambulance services by arriving at the patient’s place of origin within 15-20 minutes for transport

· Stable with no risk for Deterioration (Scheduled Medical Appointments): The contractor shall respond to VA requests for ALS and BLS ambulance services by arriving at the patient’s place of origin within 30-60 minutes for scheduled transport services. (24 hours in advance)

· Stable with no risk for Deterioration (Unscheduled Transport): 60-90 minutes for from the time the order/call is placed by VA.

ORDERS

Scheduled Orders:

The VA Transportation Office will maintain a trip manifest log for all trips on the daily orders manifest. Orders will be communicated via phone to the contractor by 1600 daily. The contractor must confirm receipt of the transportation request.

· The contractor shall identify a specific e-mail address or any other mode of electronic communication available to allow for two - way communication between Bedford HCS and their company. The use of any electronic communication system shall be mutually agreed upon after award of contract before any communications are completed in this manner.

· Orders will only be made by VA personnel identified within the list of authorized ordering personnel. This list will be made available after contract award.

· Contractor will be notified of all changes to the list of authorized ordering personnel.

· Order Acceptance: The contractor shall provide an electronic method of confirmation for all transports

· Order Changes: Changes will only be made by VA personnel identified in the List of Authorized Ordering Personnel. Changes will be communicated via phone and shall be confirmed immediately upon receipt.

· Compliance will be measured under the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) established by the contractor, COR and CO after contract award.

Unscheduled Orders:

Requests for same day service (unscheduled trips) shall be furnish services within a reasonable time (established as 60- 90 minutes) after receiving an unscheduled request for ambulance transport.

Long Distance/ Specialty Care Ambulance Transportation

The contractor will be notified of order requests with a transport time of more than or equal to 25 miles or requires specialty care transport (i.e. bariatric). Once notified of the specialty care transport, response times shall be made on a case-by-case basis; the determination of acceptability is contingent upon the contractor’s review and confirmation of the contractor availability of resources and reasonable timeline to execute the order.

The contractor shall notify the VA representative of the estimated time of arrival for any vehicle en-route to pick-up a VA beneficiary or any VA loaded vehicle en-route to a specific destination.

The contractor shall notify the VA Travel Office by telephone, within a reasonable timeframe (at least one-hour) if the contractor is unable to provide scheduled or unscheduled trips within the time frame necessary for the VA beneficiary to arrive on time for their scheduled appointment. The contractor must notify the VA in time for another company to travel to the destination and return in time for the beneficiary to arrive on time their scheduled appointment. The contractor shall use the VA provided list of authorized individuals to contact in the event that the VA Travel Office is not available to receive the contractor’s call.

Wait Times

The contractor is expected to allow for waits of up to 15 minutes at the trip origin and/or destination. If a wait is expected to exceed the 15-minute interval, the contractor is allowed to bill the VA a wait charge for each additional increment of 15 minutes. Before the contractor waits beyond the initial 15 minutes, the VA staff must be contacted to determine if the additional wait will be authorized.

The contractor will be reimbursed at the rate of one-fourth the base rate indicated in the schedule at 15-minute increments beyond the allowed for the wait time grace period of the beneficiary for up to 45 minutes at which time the trip is considered a Billed for Response Run (BFR).

Bedford HCS will make every effort to alert the beneficiary to be ready for transport. Wait times will not apply to the reasonable amount of time required for escorting the patient to the vehicle, loading, securing patient in vehicle, or unloading and delivering the beneficiary to the authorized care giver or specified destination area.

Should the contractor encounter any problems with transporting a beneficiary, the contractor shall contact the COR, or designee, at the VA, from 0800 to 1630. During off-hours, weekends or holidays, the contractor shall contact the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD). Unloaded transports in the pricing schedule, applies when ambulance service involves a trip to or from the medical center, transfers from community hospitals or patient’s residence and the patient refuses transport or unforeseen circumstances that prevents transport.

Compliance will be measured under the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) established by the contractor, COR and CO after contract award.

RATES AND MILEAGE CHARGES

Base Rate: For all one-way trips and no-loads within 25-mile radius from a designated pick-up point to a designated delivery point, the contractor shall receive the flat base rate awarded for that trip. The base rate shall constitute full compensation for one-way trips which do not exceed the 25-mile radius Mileage Rate: In addition to the base rate, the contractor shall receive the mileage rate awarded for each mile traveled beyond the specified city limits. This rate applies to loaded, one-way transportation as well as no load trips. In the event fraction miles result, VA shall pay the rounded off amount to the next higher whole mile. In no event shall the Contractor receive this rate for miles traveled within the specified city limits.

City Limits: The city limits, for the purpose of this contract, are defined as less than a 25- mile trip.

Mileage Determination: utilize the latest Internet Google Maps version that provides the shortest route in terms of mileage, or a similar mapping service (i.e. Microsoft, or use of a Global Positioning System within the Vehicle) that provides the shortest route in terms of mileage.

Trip Documentation: The contractor shall document each transport with an appropriate document that specifies the date, patient name, time of pick-up, destination, time of drop-off, and any notes about issues particular to the specific transport, including recording oxygen, cardiac monitoring, and other services provided. The contractor shall leave a copy of this form with the authorized VA staff (or a copy will be mailed to the specified VA location). These forms will serve as documentation of the transport and will be a source document for reconciliation of the contractor’s filed claims for VA payment.

Cancellations: On trips within the city limits, there will be no charge to the Government for cancellations made at least thirty (30) minutes prior to scheduled pick-up time. Outside of the above city limits, there will be no charge to the Government for cancellations made prior to the vehicle being dispatched. For orders that are cancelled while the Contractor is already in route to the designated pick-up, the Contractor shall be entitled to receive 50% of the base rate for the trip, as provided in the Pricing Schedule. Should the Contractor arrive at a destination before VA cancels the order, or if the Contractor is unable to perform a scheduled pick-up for reasons beyond the Contractor’s control, e.g., incorrect address, or patient absence, or patient refusal, then the Contractor shall receive the base rate for trips within city limits or mileage for trips outside of city limits.

TOLL CHARGES

Any legitimate toll charges incurred shall be limited to ONE WAY ONLY and shall be listed separately on the contractor’s invoices. All invoices must be accompanied by supporting documentation of tolls actually paid (i.e. receipts, EZ Pass, etc.)

VEHICLES:

Ambulance vehicles shall meet all current applicable Federal, State, and local specifications and regulations specific to operating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Each EMS vehicle shall be registered with the appropriate registering agency for the type of vehicle.

The contracted EMS service shall carry the minimum insurance limits set in state regulation 105 CMR 170.315(B) and shall provide the COR and CO with proof of contracts of insurance that discloses the minimum levels of insurance coverage carried by the service for each EMS vehicle

All ambulances shall conform to the minimum standards of one of the classes set out in 105 CMR 170.455, 170.460, 170.465 and 170.470, and shall be certified accordingly as provided in 105 CMR 170.415 and 170.420.

· EQUIPMENT

· All classes of BLS and ALS ambulances required for the performance of this contact shall be equipped at a minimum with the vehicle equipment specified in the State administrative requirements entitled Vehicle Equipment Guidelines -Class I, Class II, or Class V

· MEDICAL EQUIPMENT:

· All class I, II, and V ambulances shall be equipped at a minimum with medical equipment and supplies as specified in the administrative requirements entitled Medical Equipment and Supplies - Class I, Class II, or Class V Amendments to such administrative requirements shall be circulated to licensees for review and comment at least 60 days prior to adoption.

· EQUIPMENT TO GAIN ACCESS TO PATIENT:

· All Class I, II, V ambulance shall carry at a minimum the equipment to gain access as specified in the administrative requirements entitled Equipment to Gain Access - Class I, Class II, or Class V Amendments to such administrative requirements shall be circulated to licensees for review and comment at least 60 days prior to adoption.

All EMS vehicles shall be equipped and staffed to provide care at the level of service for which the EMS vehicle is put into service, in accordance with the Statewide Treatment Protocols and the applicable service zone plan. When responding to a call, each EMS vehicle shall carry the equipment and supplies required by the Department’s administrative requirements for its type or classification.

All equipment on EMS vehicles shall be maintained in good working order at all times, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and/or specifications.

Each ambulance service shall display the Department-issued certificate of inspection in the ambulance for which it was issued, in a manner so that the certificate is readily visible to any person in the patient compartment of the ambulance.

All ambulance services shall comply with the requirements for vehicle markings, emblems, and warning devices in the specifications set out in administrative requirements of the Department with regard to their Class I and Class II ambulances.

Each certified ambulance shall be equipped with emergency warning lights and audible warning devices as provided for in the class for which the vehicle is certified.

The use of emergency warning lights and/or audible warning devices is permitted only as needed when an ambulance is on a call for the purpose of an emergency transport of a sick or injured person or at the scene or en route to the scene of an emergency.

Each certified and temporarily certified Class I or Class II ambulance shall have the name under which the ambulance service is licensed prominently lettered on the back and sides of the vehicle.

All EMS service vehicles shall meet the minimum communication standards outlined 105 CMR 170.375: Dispatch Communications and 170.380: Medical Communications. 105 CMR 170 (mass.gov)

All ambulance transport vehicles shall be licensed and inspected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health. After contract award, the contractor shall notify the COR/ CO of any and all scheduled and unscheduled vehicle inspections by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to be present for any and all inspections and will require documented findings of all inspections to be finished to the COR/CO for all vehicle used in the performance of this contract. The accompaniment by the Department of Veteran Affairs during inspections of contractor vehicles or equipment shall in no way constitute a warranty by the Department of Veterans Affairs that the contractor's vehicles and equipment are properly maintained.

Each BLS and ALS ambulance vehicles shall comply with all applicable standards for vehicle certification set forth in Regulation 105 Code of Massachusetts (CMR) 170.00: Emergency Medical Services System, applicable motor vehicles standards under Massachusetts General Law c 90 and other relevant laws and regulations.

All vehicles must remain locked when not attended by contractor employees to avoid unauthorized entrance. Vehicles (when not attended) shall NOT remain running, due to exhaust fumes

All EMS vehicles must maintain the minimum levels of insurance coverage as set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall provide proof of coverage to the COR/CO after contract award

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE)

The contractor is required to furnish all property necessary to successfully perform with the terms and conditions of the contract. In the event that a VA beneficiary receives ambulance transport services with GFE that has to be returned to Bedford HCS, the contractor shall make arrangements to return the identical equipment within three (3) business days in good working order.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

INVOICING:

The Contractor shall coordinate billing arrangements with the COR monthly. Billing documents shall include a report that (e.g., spreadsheet) shall contain the contract number, date, departure, and arrival times, scheduled pick up time for schedule trips, the call time for unscheduled trips, the patient’s name, origin and destination addresses, total mileage per trip leg. The COR will review the report and once all information is determined to be accurate the invoice will be approved by the COR for payment submission. Invoices shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS:

The solicitation and subsequent contact include FAR 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS). The Offeror and resultant contract awardee, by signing the offer and contract, is acknowledging they have reviewed the clause and will fully comply throughout the contract period. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine and pay the appropriate prevailing wage rate and fringe benefits for the location. The Government will not be held responsible for any mistakes in applying the SCLS.

VA reminds contractors of the Department of Labor Regulations which implement the SCLS and which read at 29 CFR § 4.155: Employee coverage does not depend on form of employment contract. The Act, in section 8(b), makes it plain that the coverage of service employees depends on whether their work for the contractor or subcontractor on a covered contract is that of a service employee as defined in section 8(b) and not on any contractual relationship that may be alleged to exist between the contractor or subcontractor and such persons. In other words, any person, except those discussed in §4.156 below, who performs work called for by a contract or that portion of a contract subject to the Act is, per se, a service employee. Thus, for example, a person's status as an “owner-operator” or an “independent contractor” is immaterial in determining coverage under the Act and all such persons performing the work of service employees must be compensated in accordance with the Act's requirements.

Bedford ambulance service