36C24223Q0754 RFQ CRNA STAFFING SERVICES.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

36C24223Q0754

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

7-13-2023

WASSINK, DANELLE 607-664-4783 08-16-2023

16:30 EDT

36C242 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 2 Bath VA Medical Center 76 Veterans Avenue Bath NY 14810-0810 Danelle Wassink | Contract Specialist Danelle.Wassink@va.gov

X 100

X

561320

$30 Million

N/A

X

36C528

Department of Veterans Affairs Syracuse VA Medical Center Surgical Service Line 800 Irving Avenue Syracuse NY 13210

36C242

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 2 Bath VA Medical Center 76 Veterans Avenue Bath NY 14810-0810

Tungsten Network https://www.tungsten-network.com/ customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs/

Contractor to provide onsite and on-call Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) staffing services to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, as described herein.

Schedule of Services begins on page 8.

Performance Work Statement (PWS) begins on page 10.

Instructions to Offerors begins on page 82.

The period of performance is a twelve-month base period with

(1) six-month option to be exercised at the Government's discretion.

Questions must be submitted electronically, in writing, to Danelle.Wassink@va.gov no later than 07/31/2023 by 16:30 ET.

Quotes and all information requested in the Instructions to Offerors section must be received by 08/16/2023 by 16:30 ET via email to Danelle.Wassink@va.gov.

X ONE

JADWIGA KUSTRA

CONTRACTING OFFICER

36C24223Q0754

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINSTRATION DATA (Continuation of SF 1449 Blocks 5-18)

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

C.2 52.207-3 RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OF EMPLOYMENT (MAY 2006)

C.3 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.4 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.5 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.6 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.7 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...48

C.8 52.228-5 INSURANCE—WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN 1997)

C.9 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.10 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR

1984)

C.11 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

C.12 VAAR 852.211-76 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES – REIMBURSEMENT FOR DATA

BREACH COSTS (FEB 2023) ALTERNATE I (FEB 2023)

C.13 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

C.14 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING--

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (NOV 2022)

C.15 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

(NOV 2018)

C.16 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

(OCT 2019)

C.17 VAAR 852.237-74 NON-DISCRIMINATION IN SERVICE DELIVERY (OCT 2019)

C.18 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.19 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) ..58

C.20 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.21 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

D.2 CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION - IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT OF

D.3 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

D.4 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING -

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (NOV 2022)

D.5 PAST PERFORMANCE REFERENCE INFORMATION ............................ (Attached) D.6 WAGE DETERMINATION 2015-4163 (REV.23) ONONDAGA COUNTY ... (Attached)

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020) .96

E.7 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.8 VAAR 852.273-70 LATE OFFERS (NOV 2021)

E.9 VAAR 852.273-73 EVALUATION - HEALTH-CARE RESOURCES (NOV 2021)

E.10 VAAR 852.273-74 AWARD WITHOUT EXCHANGES (NOV 2021)

E.11 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(FEB 1998)

E.12 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINSTRATION DATA (Continuation of SF 1449 Blocks 5- 18)

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individual(s):

a. Contractor _____________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

City/State/Zip _____________________________________________

Point of Contact _____________________________________________

Telephone Number _____________________________________________

Fax Number _____________________________________________

Email Address ____________________________________________

TAX ID Number _____________________________________________

SAM UEI NUMBER _____________________________________________

b. Government:

Danelle Wassink, Contract Specialist Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 2 76 Veterans Avenue Bath, NY 14810 Phone: 607-664-4783 Email: Danelle.Wassink@va.gov

Jadwiga Kustra, Acting Branch Chief Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 2 130 W Kingsbridge Road Bronx, NY 10468 Phone: 718-584-9000 X5267 Email: Jadwiga.Kustra@va.gov

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 [ ] 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – Other than System for Award Management [ ] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party mailto:Danelle.Wassink@va.gov mailto:Jadwiga.Kustra@va.gov

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

Quarterly [ ] Semi-Annually [ ] 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. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the requirements of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Services Center (VAFSC). The latest information shall be used for invoicing and payments and may change during the Period of Performance of this acquisition. Current Invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

Tungsten Network http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/

• Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

• Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

• FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

• FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

5. SECURITY LANGUAGE: The contractor retained to do work for VA under this contract requires the use and transmission of VA Sensitive Personal Information (SPI) and must follow and adhere to the security controls, enhancements, compensating controls, protocols, regulations, and VA directions as the Contracting Officer (CO) shall direct, including, but not limited to those derived from the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), OMB Circular No. A-130 and VA Handbook 6500/6500.6.

The contractor must report any data breach according to the protocols and timeframes in HB 6500.

If the contractor retained to do work for VA under this contract requires access, use, etc., of VA SPI as aforesaid, and if an actionable data breach occurs because of the contractor’s acts,omissions, or negligence in following the VA-directed security controls, enhancements, compensating controls, protocols, and/or measures, including, but not limited to the sources above, the contractor is further subject to the statutory requirement to assess liquidated damages under 38 U.S.C. §5725 in the event of a breach of Sensitive Personal Information (SPI)/ Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Said liquidated damages shall be assessed at $37.50 per affected Veteran or beneficiary. A breach in this context includes the unauthorized acquisition, access, use, or disclosure of VA SPI which compromises not only the information’s security or privacy but that of the Veteran or beneficiary as well as the potential exposure or wrongful disclosure of such information as a result of a failure to follow proper data security controls and protocols.

a. SECURE FAX: VA Handbook 6500 requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets be included: “This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.”

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ mailto:VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com http://vafsccshd@va.gov/

b. If facsimile transmission is used to transmit orders or other necessary patient information to the Contractor, the fax location shall be secure and only accessible by those individuals who will be involved in the care of or administration of the referred veteran.

c. The VA may use the United States Post Office to send the start orders or other information as required.

d. The Contractor shall submit invoices or any document containing personally identifiable information via the United States Post Office of facsimile transmission to the program office or invoice processing center as instructed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

6. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY: Contractors to the Department of Veterans Affairs may be exposed to sensitive information. Information may be overheard, seen on documents or electronic devices, or observed that could potentially violate the privacy and confidentiality of our Veterans, employees, volunteers and their families.

Regulations such as, but not limited to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Freedom of Information (FOIA) and Privacy Act of 1974 have been enacted to protect sensitive information from being improperly disclosed. Information should not be divulged or released to anyone unless specifically authorized by this contracts or its attached documents accordance with the contracted services. Failure to comply with applicable statutes and regulation can result in the termination of this contract and civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. All suspected or actual breeches of privacy and confidentiality should be reported immediately to the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or the Facility Privacy Officer.

7. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM): Offeror must be registered in the

System for Award Management (SAM). SAM includes the functionality of the previous Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA). No contract will be entered into with an unregistered contractor.

Internet access allows registration by completing an electronic online registration application at http://www.sam.gov/.

8. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE: Prior to award, the Contracting

Officer will designate the Program Specialist for Primary Care to act as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All work coordination shall be made through the COR.

The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the letter of delegation authorizing the COR at the commencement of the term of this agreement. No other person shall be authorized to act in such capacity unless appointed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

9. SOLICITATION/CONTRACT: This solicitation and resulting contract adheres to the format defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 12 and 13.5. An official copy of the FAR can be obtained at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

10. POST AWARD ORIENTATION: The Contracting Officer will schedule a post award orientation for contract orientation purposes as required by VAAM 842.5.

http://www.sam.gov/

11. TECHNICAL INQUIRIES: Direct all technical inquiries in writing to Contract Specialist, Danelle Wassink via email at: Danelle.Wassink@va.gov. ALL inquiries must be in writing.

12. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO. DATE

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall furnish personnel to provide Temporary CRNA Staffing Services to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, hereinafter referred to as VA.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Services shall be provided on-site at the VA campus below:

Syracuse VA Medical Center 800 Irving Avenue Syracuse, NY 13210

PRICING INSTRUCTIONS: One FTE is defined by VA as 2,080 hours a year, including holidays. The offeror is to utilize the price schedule below, with no alterations. Rates shall be entered to reflect hourly rates. All rates are to be broken out as requested and shall be all-inclusive of any travel/lodging rates. Onsite services are provided during regular VA business hours, Monday through Friday, minus holidays. On-call services are provided during “WHEN” Hours. “WHEN” hours are defined as Weekend, Holiday, Evening & Night hours.

ESTIMATED QUANTITIES/TASK ORDER ISSUANCE: Staffing needs will likely change throughout the life of the contract as VA permanent hires are selected. The quantities listed herein are estimates only and cannot be considered a minimum or maximum guarantee. The Government anticipates award of an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) fixed price contract from this solicitation. A task order will be issued at the start of the performance period and bilaterally adjusted, as necessary, during performance.

GUARANTEED MINIMUM: The Government will order at least $5,000.00 during the base period of the contract awarded under this solicitation, provided acceptable candidates are received from an awardee. (Note: The guaranteed minimum order amount applies to the base period only)

MAXIMUM TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT: The potential aggregate contract total over the term of the entire contract, including any options and full use of the optional provision at FAR 52.217-8, may not exceed the FAR 13.5 threshold of $7,500,000.00.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Base Year, plus one six-month option to be exercised at the Government’s discretion.

BASE PERIOD (ONE YEAR): September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024

LIN

No.

SUB-

LIN Description

Est.

Qty. Unit Unit Cost

Est. Total Annual

Cost

None

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Services, as described herein.

0001 3.92 FTE- CRNA Onsite Services- Base Rate (All- Inclusive of Travel/Lodging)

8160 Hour $ $

0002 CRNA Overtime as required in support of Line Item 0001 (over 40 hours per week). Contractor

650 Hour $ $

OPTION 1 (SIX MONTHS): September 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025

Estimated Total for Base Period $ Estimated Total for Option 1 $ Total Estimated Value $ shall provide rate IAW Department of Labor regulations.

0003 CRNA Call-back (WHEN Hours) 100 Hour $ $

0004 3.255 FTE- CRNA On-Call (WHEN Hours)

0004 A Weeknight (4:00 pm- 7:00 am, including federal holidays) 3492 Hour $ $

0004 B Weekend (Friday 4:00 pm- Monday 7:00 am, including federal holidays)

3276 Hour $ $

Estimated Total for Base Period:

LIN

No.

SUB-

LIN Description

Est.

Qty. Unit Unit Cost

Est. Total Annual

Cost

None

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Services, as described herein.

3.92 FTE- CRNA Onsite

Services- Base Rate (All- Inclusive of Travel/Lodging)

4080 Hours $ $

CRNA Overtime as required in support of Line Item 1001 (over 40 hours per week). Contractor shall provide rate IAW Department of Labor regulations.

325 Hour $ $

1003 CRNA Call-back (WHEN Hours) 50 Hour $ $

1004 3.255 FTE- CRNA On-Call (WHEN Hours)

1004 A Weeknight (4:00 pm- 7:00 am, and federal holidays) 1746 Hour $ $

1004 B Weekend (Friday 4:00 pm- Monday 7:00 am) 1638 Hour $ $

Estimated Total for Option 1:

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) FOR TEMPORARY

CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE ANESTHETIST (CRNA) STAFFING

SERVICES

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide the Veterans Healthcare Administration Syracuse (VHASYR) with temporary Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist staffing services of appropriately qualified candidates to perform the requirements of this Request for Quotation (RFQ).

1.2. Place of Performance: The Contractor shall furnish temporary CRNA staffing services to the following location:

Syracuse VA Medical Center Irving Ave Avenue

Syracuse, NY 13210

1.3. Authority: FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

1.4. Policy/Handbooks: The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance:

1.4.1. VHA Directive 2006-041 “Veterans’ Health Care Service Standards” (expired but still in effect pending revision) https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443

1.4.2. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports -http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.3. VHA Handbook 1100.18 Reporting And Responding To State Licensing Boards http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.4.4. VHA Handbook 1100.19 Credentialing and Privileging -

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.4.5. VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records:

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791

1.4.6. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended

http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.5. Definitions: Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.2. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.3. ATLS: Advanced Trauma Life Support

1.5.4. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.5. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.6. CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education:

www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791 http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm http://www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation

1.5.7. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.8. CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.5.9. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.10. CIO: Chief Information Officer

1.5.11. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.12. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.13. Contracting Officer (CO) – The person executing this contract on behalf of the

Government with the authority to enter into and administer task orders and make related determinations and findings.

1.5.14. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.5.15. Contractor: A supplier or contractor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or services to the government.

1.5.16. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.17. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.18. CPRS: Computerized Patient Recordkeeping System- electronic health record system used by the VA.

1.5.19. Credentialing: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

1.5.20. CS: Contract Specialist- The person administrating this contract on behalf of the Government under the direction of the CO.

1.5.21. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.22. DNR List: Do Not Return List – Individuals placed on this list may not provide services under the contract.

1.5.23. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.24. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.25. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.26. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.27. HR: Human Resources

1.5.28. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.29. Key Personnel: Contractor personnel providing nursing or nursing support services under this contract.

1.5.30. Medical Emergency - a sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, causing impairments to body functions, or causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.5.31. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.5.32. National Contract Physician Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (s).

1.5.33. NCQA: National Council of Quality Assurance

1.5.34. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.nlnac.org

1.5.35. Non-Contract Contract Physician: any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor or any of its subcontractors

1.5.36. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.5.37. NPPES: National Plan and Contract Physician Enumeration System

1.5.38. PA: Contract physician Assistant

1.5.39. PALS: Pediatric Advanced Life Support

1.5.40. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.41. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.42. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.43. Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and contract staff specific.

1.5.44. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.45. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.46. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.47. ROC: Report of Contact

1.5.48. TB: Tuberculosis

1.5.49. TJC: The Joint Commission

1.5.50. Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA s through throughout the United States. The VHA is located in Washington, D.C.

1.5.51. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA s in Upstate New York.

1.5.52. VISTA (Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture): A PC based system that will capture and store clinical imagery, scanned documents and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record and with the hospital information system.

1.5.53. VetPro: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare contract physicians.

1.5.54. Veterans Affairs (VAMC): Unless identified with the name of a different VA, for purposes of this contract, this term shall mean the VA Fingerlakes Healthcare System.

http://www.nlnac.org/

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. CRNA Contractor Personnel:

2.1.1. Educational Requirements: Master’s Degree in Nursing

2.1.2. Certifications: CRNAs must have a national certification through the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).

2.1.2.1. A current ACLS/CPR/BLS certificate by the American Heart Association is required.

2.1.3. License: Licensed personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform services covered by this contract shall be currently certified or licensed, as appropriate, in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be fully valid and without restriction. The qualifications of such personnel shall also be subject to review by the VA Chief of Staff and approval by the VA Facility Director. The Government specifically reserves the right to reject and of the Contractor’s personnel and refuse them permission to provide services under this contract.

2.1.4. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 referenced above.

The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed contractor staff possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by contractor staff prior to obtaining approval by the

VA.

2.1.5. If a contractor personnel is not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

Contractor staff shall not begin work until final approval is obtained from the contracting officer.

2.1.6. Contractor shall ensure Contractor personnel will provide appropriate, effective interventions to individual patients needs according to established facility policies, safety standards and procedures as described at the orientations and trainings conducted by VHASYR Education Department.

2.1.7. Technical Proficiency: Contractors staff shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all Contractors staff and all Contractors staff shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

Contractor staff shall be proficient in tasks listed in Section 4.3, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

2.1.8. Training (ACLS, BLS, CPRS and VA MANDATORY): Contract staff shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the Contractors staff as required by the VA. All employees who will be working on this contract and require access to VA information and VA information systems are required to complete the following training before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

• VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior (annually)

• Mandatory Training for Transient Staff (annually)

2.1.8.1. This training is offered through the VA Talent Management System (TMS). Each employee will be required to self-enroll for a profile on the VA TMS site by visiting https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/.

Once there, they should create a profile, launch the mandatory training, and complete the content prior to starting work at the VA.

Upon completion, the Contractor shall provide the CO and COR with the employee’s printed certificates of completion from the TMS.

These certificates display the employee’s TMS User ID. Failure to complete the mandatory training annually, within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training and documents are complete.

2.1.8.2. From time to time, the VHASYR will require training for Contractor employees. The nature of the training varies. VHASYR will pay for required training either based on the hours worked and submitted via submission of the TMS certificate certificates indicating completion of required courses. TMS certificates will be reimbursed based on the hours listed as “Learning Hours” within each course regardless of actual rime expended completing the course. Copies of all completed training will be provided to the COR as they occur.

2.1.8.3. Contractor staff who have not worked at least one shift within the last 90 days will have to be cleared by the COR or designee prior to returning to shift work. Clearance may require attendance at an orientation and/or competency class. The contractor may have to complete PIV request as determined by the COR.

2.1.8.4. Contractor employees who do not maintain their training via TMS will be placed into a Do Not Return (DNR) status.

2.1.9. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for contractor staff within five (5) calendar days after approval of candidates to the COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

https://www.tms.va.gov/SecureAuth35/

2.1.9.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative reaction to PPD testing for all Contractors staff. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive PPD results. The PPD test shall be repeated annually.

2.1.9.2. RUBELLA TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of immunization for all Contractors staff for measles, mumps, rubella or a rubella titer of 1.8 or greater. If the titer is less than 1.8, a rubella immunization shall be administered with follow-up documentation to the COR.

2.1.9.3. COVID-19: Contractor staff will be responsible for compliance with all COVID-19 precautions in place at the site they are performing services at.

2.1.9.4. VARICELLA: Contractor shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor staff.

2.1.9.5. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractor shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor staff.

2.1.9.6. INFLUENZA: Contractor shall provide proof of annual influenza vaccination unless it is contraindicated. If Contractor has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during Influenza season in accordance with VA policy.

2.1.9.7. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide generic self-study training for all Contractors staff; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to the VA if they elect to receive it;

maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.1.9.8. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel (as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998;

26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their contract staff return.

2.1.10. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all Contractors staff are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR any conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor and contract staff shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf the services to be provided. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (Jan 2008).

2.1.11. Citizenship Related Requirements:

2.1.11.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under this contract for the Contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals;

2.1.11.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contracted or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States.

Additionally, the Contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

2.1.11.3. If the Contractor or their contract staff fail to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the Contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.1.11.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.1.11.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the Offerors response to the RFQ using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.12. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs.

Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.1.12.1. Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contract Contractors staff and contractor are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.12.2. By submitting their proposal, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that contract staff are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer was signed. This list will be reviewed prior to the submission of any candidates for FLHCS consideration.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Direction: The qualifications of the contract staff are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19. Clinical and professional direction of all clinical personnel covered by this contract will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his/her designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.3. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all Contractor staff shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act of omission of the Contractor, its agents or employees.

2.5. Inherently Governmental Functions: Contractor and contract staff shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, student/resident supervision, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.6. No Employee status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractors staff furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.6.1. Workers’ compensation

2.6.2. Professional liability insurance

2.6.3. Health examinations

2.6.4. Income Tax withholding, and

2.6.5. Social Security payments.

2.7. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or Contractors staff. When a Contractor or Contractors staff has been identified as an individual in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or Contractors staff) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier. Contractor shall notify the VA as soon as possible of any informal or formal complaint, allegation, claim, legal notice, or legal action, made in any form, by or on behalf of a Veteran, pertaining to care provided by the Contractor under this contract.

2.8. Key Personnel: Key personnel are those Contractor personnel who perform CRNA services and are essential to performance of the contract requirement.

2.8.1. The Contractor shall use the following process for initial submittal of all proposed key personnel candidates:

2.8.1.1. Contractor shall submit candidates to the CS and COR for VA consideration within 72 hours of award notification, ensuring that candidate resumes shall clearly show the qualification requirements in accordance with the PWS and indicate any past VA experience.

VA experience is preferred.

2.8.1.2. Upon receipt, candidate resumes and AHA BLS will be forwarded to Anesthesia team for review and approval or disapproval determination.

2.8.1.3. Contractor will be notified of Anesthesia team

approval/disapproval determination within 48 hours, barring unforeseen delays.

2.8.1.4. If approved, Contractor is required to submit complete security and credentialing packages within 3 days. See PWS 6.6.8 for detailed submission requirements.

2.8.1.5. If disapproved, Contractor is required to submit replacement candidate(s) within 1 day.

2.9. Personnel Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After the 90 calendar days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitution submissions.

2.9.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO as described herein. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes.

2.9.2. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any contractor personnel under this contract any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any Contractors staff, s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Contractors staff. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning any Contractors staff conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.9.3. Due to the level of risk involved with anesthesia delivery, the Government retains the right to ask for removal or replacement of any candidate at any time for other situations not included in Section 2.9.2. When applicable, the Contracting Officer may request that a performance plan with a timeline be put into place to evaluate measurable improvement in an area/competency.

3. HOURS OF OPERATION

3.1. VA Business Hours: 24/7, including Weekends, Holidays, Evenings and Nights.

3.2. Work Schedule: Contractor will be required to provide CRNA staff to perform services at Syracuse VA Medical Center. Contractor must organize CRNA staff schedules to ensure that there is 24/7 coverage, to include both onsite and on-call services and keep a detailed record of the Contractor schedule. Contractor scheduling must be flexible to meet VA needs. The Contractor shall present CRNA staff schedules to the Contract Specialist and COR no later than the first day of each month for the subsequent month’s coverage. VA will provide shift confirmations to contractor and contract staff 14 days in advance.The schedule may change based on the needs of the Government.

All permanent changes to scheduling needs will be made through contract modifications. The following schedules apply:

POSITION SHIFT COMMENT

CRNA onsite 7:30AM – 04:00PM

Weekdays

CRNA onsite 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Weekdays CRNA on-call weekday evenings

4:00 PM – 7:30 AM Rotating, Federal Holidays

CRNA on-call weekend Friday 4:00 PM – Monday 7:30 AM

Rotating, Federal Holidays

3.2.1. Contractor will have a ½ hour unpaid break each shift.

3.2.2. CRNA Contractors must be willing to work both a mixture of onsite and on-call services to fill VA needs. The shifts for CRNA positions can be fixed or rotating.

3.2.3. There may be occasional overtime, pre-approved, at the discretion of the Chief of Anesthesia.

3.2.4. Contractor shall arrange coverage for planned and unplanned absences of key personnel.

3.2.5. Orientation: CRNAs typically work 7:30AM to 4:00PM on a weekday during their initial Orientation. Typically, initial Orientation lasts 2 days. Upon completion of initial Orientation, contractor will continue to be oriented on the assigned unit according to their scheduled shifts. Reporting instructions (including uniform, parking and other requirements) are provided by the COR upon the CO’s final clearance of a candidate.

3.3. Up to one (1) day of uncompensated scheduled absence is allowed per FTE position per month. Absence shall be scheduled with the Anesthesia Chief, designee and/or COR at least 30 days prior to each occurrence. Unscheduled absences shall be called in to the Anesthesia Chief within the first two (2) hours of each duty day that the contract personnel is unable to work. Contractor shall arrange coverage for both planned and unplanned absences.

3.4. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

• New Year’s Day

• President’s Day

• Martin Luther King’s Birthday

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

• Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

4. POSITION AND DUTY REQUIREMENTS

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide CRNA staff who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties. CRNA staff work under the general supervision of the Lead CRNA and the Chief of Anesthesiology. CRNAs are expected to complete work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance and capable of personally setting the deadlines for work completion. CRNAs assume responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation. The primary age of Veterans receiving services is typically between 18 and 80 years of age. CRNAs must possess or develop an understanding of the needs of patients and demonstrate sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors. Contractor staff shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. Time sheets will be used by the Anesthesia Chief and COR to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

4.2. Nature/Scope of Position: Nurse anesthesia practice may include, but is not limited to, the following elements: performing a comprehensive history and physical; conducting a pre-anesthesia evaluation; obtaining informed consent for anesthesia; developing and initiating a patient-specific…