36C24224R0049 0001 VENDOR QA AMENDMENT- CAYUGA COUNTY COMMUNITY BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

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2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

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

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is extended, is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

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15C. DATE SIGNED

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

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.

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

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

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AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 18

0001 11-13-2024 MSO-2024-COM-0030

36C242

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 2

Bath VA Medical Center

76 Veterans Avenue

Bath NY 14810-0810

Danelle Wassink

Danelle.Wassink@va.gov

36C242

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 2

Bath VA Medical Center

76 Veterans Avenue

Bath NY 14810-0810

To all Offerors/Bidders 36C24224R0049

10-17-2024 X

X X

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:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _______1 ___ 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

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 amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified. ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 12-09-2024 at 16:30 EST.

2024 16:30 EST

X ONE (1)

0001: The purpose of this Amendment is to provide answers to vendor questions received in response to Solicitation

36C24224R0049, Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) services in Cayuga County, NY.

Please reference Attachment 1 starting on Page 2 for vendor questions and answers and Attachment 2 starting on Page 16 for an updated list of proposal submission requirements from the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors.

The date and time for receipt of additional questions is hereby extended to November 20, 2024 by 16:30 ET.

The date and time for receipt of proposals is hereby extended to December 9, 2024 by 16:30 ET.

JADWIGA KUSTRA

CONTRACTING OFFICER

JADWIGA KUSTRA

Digitally signed by JADWIGA

KUSTRA

Date: 2024.11.12 18:06:00 -05'00'

Attachment 1, Vendor Q&A Solicitation 36C24224R0049 0001

Question Number

Question/Answer

1 Question: Would you kindly confirm if this is an entirely new effort or is there an incumbent currently providing these services? If so, would you please provide the incumbent contract details?

Answer: The incumbent performing these services is STG International, Inc.

and the contract number is 36C24219D0017.

2 Question: What will be the contract value for this opportunity?

Answer: The Government anticipates an award within the anticipated funding limits outlined in the solicitation, please refer to ceiling information included in the solicitation. The final value will be determined based on the successful offeror’s proposed pricing and the Government’s requirements.

3 Question: Do you have availability to meet with our business to discuss this requirement and expand our business’ knowledge about CBOCs? (question summarized)

Answer: Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. To ensure a fair and open competitive process, all communication regarding this solicitation must be conducted through the official question-and-answer period. Unfortunately, we are unable to meet individually with an offeror to discuss the open solicitation.

4 Question: Why was this solicitation not set aside for veteran owned small businesses under the VA rule of two?

Answer: Market research, including an analysis of responses from the past 15 solicitations for similar/identical services in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, did not support a veteran owned small business set-aside.

In order to provide additional consideration for a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), the Contracting Officer included an evaluation factor that provides credit for SBA verified SDVOSBs and VOSBs that submit an offer or credit to a large business who proposed to sub-contract with SDVOSBs or VOSBs.

5 Question: On what dates was the market research performed and what were the findings?

Answer: Market research was performed from September 19, 2023 through April 7, 2024. Market research, including an analysis of responses from the past 15 solicitations for similar/identical services in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 2, did not support a set-aside. The determination was that it is in the Government’s best interest to solicit on an unrestricted basis to ensure maximum competition and award at a fair and reasonable price.

6 Question: Please advise how many exam rooms and how many consultation rooms the VA requires per PACT team.

Answer: The space requirements are found in the PACT Space Module Design Guide and in the PWS, Section 12.

7 Question: Please advise how many telehealth rooms (by type) the VA requires in this facility and if the VA would like exam tables in the rooms.

Answer: The space requirements are found in the PACT Space Module Design Guide and in the PWS, Section 12. The requirement for an exam table is stated in the Telehealth Room section. For regular CVT visits, there must be room to accommodate the CVT cart and an exam table that faces the cart. For SFT Teleretinal services, there must be enough room to hold a table for the eye camera and chairs on either side of the table, plus a desk with a computer in the room. The teleretinal room should not have any windows, if it does- it will need black out curtains. Although all the specified equipment and furnishings for the Telehealth Room should be able to fit in one room as per PACT Design Guide requirements, the contractor may choose to propose more than one room for this purpose. The Government’s minimum requirement is stated in the solicitation.

For the TeleMental Health room, a desk would need to be available to hold the Telehealth video monitor and a chair would need to be located across from the monitor for the Veteran.

8 Question: Please confirm the size and number of small group rooms and large group rooms required in this facility.

Answer: The space requirements are found in the PACT Space Module Design Guide and in the PWS, Section 12. Please refer to Page 75 in reference to a group care room.

9 Question: Please confirm the number of procedure rooms and women’s health exam rooms required in this clinic.

Answer: The space requirements are found in the PACT Space Module Design Guide and in the PWS, Section 12.

10 Question: Can a procedure room count toward the number of required women’s health exam rooms?

Answer: The solicitation requires a Women’s Health room in addition to the exam rooms required for other Primary Care services.

11 Question: Does the current CBOC meet the government’s space requirements, and if not, will the location be “grandfathered in” and available for rebid “as-is”? / Does the current Cayuga County CBOC facility meet the RFP requirements?

Answer: Yes, the current CBOC meets the space requirements in the RFP.

12 Question: Please confirm the new CBOC must be designed with the on/Stage-Off/Stage concept as laid out in the PACT Design Guide.

Answer: Yes, the new CBOC must be designed with the On/Stage-Off/Stage concept.

13 Question: Please provide the number of billable enrollees on the most current invoice.

Answer: 1,341. The membership at VA Auburn Clinic has ranged from 1,325 to 1,341 since August 2023.

14 Question: Please list all VA staff that will be onsite at the clinic and the approximate number of days per week they will be there.

Answer: The VA staff members that may be onsite at the clinic include, but are not limited to:

• VA Mental Health – Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) Care Coordinator- two days a week

• VA Mental Health – Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Nurse Practitioner- Once every four weeks to provide sublocane injection clinic

• VA Mental Health - Psychiatrist- one day per week

• VA Mental Health – Therapist- five days per week

• Other VA health care providers will conduct scheduled clinics in the VA-designated exam room, as needed. The VA exam room is outlined in Section 12 of the PWS on Page 74. The VA exam room space required exclusively for VA use.

• Additional traveling VA staff may present to use the clinic’s Teamwork zone for intermittent visits, such as VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) staff, as coordinated with the contractor.

15 Question: Will the new Contractor inherit the patients’ last vesting visit and be allowed to bill for one year from the date upon contract award?

Answer: The new contractor inherits the members of the clinic. The members’ vesting visits don’t change based on award of a contract. Veterans need to be seen at least yearly to be included on the billable roster.

16 Question: Will the government be making site visits prior to the award? If so, how much advance notice will the contractor be given?

Answer: No. The Government coordinates site visits with the successful contractor during build out. The amount of advanced notice can be determined during the initial planning visit. Generally, 24 hours is thought of as adequate notice unless an emergency arises.

17 Question: How many Mission Act referrals, for Primary Care, were made in the past 12 months for enrolled veterans of the Auburn CBOC?

Answer: In Government fiscal year 2024, there were 114 Community Care referrals for Primary Care entered for the VA Auburn Clinic’s assigned patients.

18 Question: Will the government consider extending the start-up time due to supply chain issues availability of construction materials to 180 days instead 120?

Answer: No, the Government is not considering an extension to the start-up time. However, depending on the date of contract award, more than 120 calendar days may be available to the successful contractor.

19 Question: The solicitation states, "the Contractor shall have 120 calendar days from contract award to commencement of medical care to VA parent facility patients." Would the VA consider 180 calendar days from contract award to commencement of the provision of medical care to VA parent facility patients?

Answer: No, the Government is not considering changing the timeline to longer than 120 days. However, depending on the date of contract award, more than 120 calendar days may be available to the successful contractor.

20 Question: Transcripts are required to be submitted for NP candidates with the proposal. Can these transcripts be submitted after the award?

Answer: To be determined the Women’s Health Primary Care Provider, this requires proof of the qualifications stated on Pages 40-41, section 5.2 of the PWS. Otherwise, transcripts are not required at the time of proposal, they are required during the credentialing and privileging process. Only the successful offeror’s candidates will be submitted for credentialing and privileging.

21 Question: Proof of ACLS and BLS are required to be submitted for Physicians with the proposal. Can these be submitted after the award?

Answer: Proof of BLS must be submitted with the proposal. Any physician candidates that are to be considered as part of the offeror’s proposed staffing plan must have proof of BLS with the proposal. Syracuse VA requires only BLS training (not ACLS) for staff working in non-procedural outpatient clinic areas.

22 Question: Please list the vaccines the contractor is responsible for purchasing and provide information on how many of each vaccine were used at the clinic in the past year.

Answer: Please refer to Attachment D.11, which outlines the medications and vaccines and the estimated usage over the past year.

23 Question: Contractor will provide all medications that are to be administered to the patients. Please provide a list of medications / vaccines to be administered by the contractor and volume per month.

Answer: Please refer to Attachment D.11, which outlines the medications and vaccines and the estimated usage over the past year.

24 Question: Please confirm if the VA will supply the telephones and will the existing number be rolled over to the new contractor?

Answer: VA supplies the telephones. Whether the existing phone number will be rolled over to the new contractor is dependent on the timing and coordination of the opening and closing dates of new and former clinic and dependent on the service provider. VA recognizes it would be ideal to retain the current telephone number.

25 Question: Telephones. Will VA be supplying the telephones and telephone system for the clinic? Including fax?

Answer: Yes, VA provides the telephones, telephone systems and fax line.

26 Question: Will the government add price realism language to the current solicitation to prevent contractors from deliberately underbidding this contract?

Answer: The Government is considering all aspects of proposal evaluation to ensure that bids reflect an understanding of the requirement and offer a fair value. Currently, the solicitation does not include price realism as an evaluation factor; however, if the Government determines that additional language is necessary, an amendment will be issued to address this. Please continue to monitor the solicitation for any updates or amendments.

27 Question: Will the government extend this solicitation by 30 days?

Answer: This solicitation will be extended for a reasonable time to allow vendors to review the answers to vendor questions. Additional time will be provided to address questions received in response to this Amendment, the length of extension will be specified on Page 1 of the Amendment.

28 Question: What is the government’s rationale for the CLINS remaining flat over the life of this contract?

Answer: According to the census information available in Attachment D.12, a Veteran population exists which exceeds the membership at the VA Auburn Clinic. The population includes Veteran who could possibly receive VA healthcare services, but do not currently receive services at the VA Auburn Clinic. Additionally, according to VA’s internal Veteran population information, the Veteran population in this county is expected to gradually decrease throughout the period of performance of the contract. The anticipated number of members remains flat to account for the anticipated loss in Veteran population against potential new membership gains.

Membership at this clinic has remained stable- membership at VA Auburn Clinic has ranged from 1,325 to 1,341 since August 2023.

29 Question: Please confirm the VA will provide the Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. The solicitation states, "2.3 Discipline Specific PACT Team Member (required for all sites): Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist: FTE Ratio Performance Standard: 1 FTE per 5 PACTS." However, it does not state who is responsible for providing this position as it did in the other Discipline Specific positions. Is the Contractor or the VA responsible for providing the Dietitian?

Answer: The Contractor shall provide the Registered Dietician/Nutritionist.

30 Question: Telehealth Services for Clinical Staff Please provide the number of synchronous and asynchronous telehealth encounters in the previous year / How many telehealth encounters were completed in the last 12 months? / Please confirm this CBOC has less than 1050 synchronous and/or asynchronous encounters anticipated per year, requiring one Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) FTE. Also please confirm TCT can be a trained medical assistant.

Answer: In the last 12 months, the VA Auburn Clinic performed 211 Synchronous telehealth encounters and 87 Asynchronous telehealth encounters. The total amount is less than 1050 and thus, the clinic would require 1 FTE Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT). The TCT role can be performed through the same staffing options as the Clinical Associate role.

Therefore, a TCT can be a trained certified Medical Assistant.

31 Question: Re: Ancillary Support Services: Electrocardiogram Service.

Please provide the cost the contractor will be charged for the GE MAC VU 360 EKG? How will the contractor provide payment to the VA for the EKG?

Answer: This is an error. VA will not be providing the GE MAC VU 360 ECG/EKG machine. The Contractor shall provide the specified equipment.

32 Question: 5.5 Mental Health Services, Extended MH Hours: Pg 54-

Does the Government require clinic hours to be 07:00 am – 19:00 Monday through Friday?

Answer: The Primary Care clinic hours/business hours are listed in section 3 of the Performance Work Statement. VA building access to the clinic and space for provision of mental health services (by VA providers) shall be available 07:00am – 7:00pm, Monday through Friday. Before 8:00am and after 4:30pm, all appointments (if any) will be conducted virtually by VA staff.

33 Question: Section 3.2- RFP states MH evening hours end at 7pm, who will be responsible for providing administrative support after normal business hours, the contractor or the VA?

Answer: Before 8am and after 4:30pm all appointments (if any) will be conducted virtually by VA staff so there will be no need for contractor administrative support.

34 Question: Mental Health Services Provided by MH Staffing:

Please confirm that the contractor is only responsible for back-up MH scheduling in the absence of the VA MSA. If the VA MH MSA resigns will VA provide a MH MSA until one is sourced and hired?

Answer: Yes, the Contractor will only provide mental health scheduling back-up during times of absences due to sick leave or vacations. If the Mental Health MSA resigns, the VA will be responsible for the workload and re-hiring.

35 Question: 2.5 Ancillary Support Services Staffing: X-Ray Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- The solicitation states, "the contractor is responsible for routine x-ray exams and may be performed on-site or at a radiology facility of their choice." Is there an x-ray suite at the current facility or are patients sent to an off-site radiology service?

Answer: There is not an x-ray suite at the current facility and patients are sent to an off-site radiology service. When necessary and only as approved by VA, patients are sent to the VA parent facility.

36 Question: The solicitation states, "Event Capture System: Contractor shall ensure that dietitians electronically complete an Event Capture System form for all direct patient care, whether individual visits, group visits or team meetings that discuss individual patients." If the VA is providing the dietitian, wouldn't the VA dietitian be response for completing the Event Capture System form?

Answer: VA is not providing the Dietician. The contractor is responsible for providing the Dietician.

37 Question: The solicitation states, "the contractor shall make provisions for toll free telephone care, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, for all Veterans." Is it acceptable to the VA if the Contractor uses the VA after hours call center to provide after-hours telephone access?

Answer: Yes, it is acceptable to the VA if the Contractor uses the VA after hours call center to provide after-hours telephone access.

38 Question: Contractor shall make provisions for toll free telephone care, 24/7.

What staff are required for this? Are these on-call requirements?

Answer: Staff are not required for this; it is not an on-call requirement.

39 Question: The solicitation states, "contractor shall meet VHA standards regarding EOC and shall provide EOC management plans addressing safety, security, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, emergency preparedness, life safety, medical equipment, infection control, and utility system with the submission of their proposal and within 15 calendar days after contract award." Is it acceptable for the Contractor to provide the EOC within 15 calendar days after contract award?

Answer: The plan must be provided with the submission of the proposal and then updated within 15 calendar days after contract award.

40 Question: The solicitation states, "having a contingency plan for computer downtime that defines the processes to ensure continuity of patient care and maintenance of the integrity of the patient's medical record during periods of loss of computer function. The contingency plan shall be reviewed and approved by the CO prior to award of the contract." If the Contingency Plan for Computer Downtime being reviewed and approved by the CO prior to award of the contract, should the plan be provided in the bidder’s proposal?

If the answer is yes, where in the proposal should the plan be provided because there is no mention of it in the Instructions or Evaluation Factors?

Answer: Yes, a contingency plan should be included with the proposal and submitted in Part IV, Miscellaneous.

41 Question: The instructions say to complete B.1 #11 Contract Coordinator and #12 Authorized Negotiators. The Authorized Negotiators is in #2 on page 5, but where is the Contract Coordinator located in B.1?

Answer: This is an error. Please disregard the reference to the extra field listing the contract coordinator. This field was found to be duplicative to other sections and erased from the solicitation requirements. The Authorized Negotiators should be entered on #2 on Page 5.

42 Question: The instructions say the Contractor shall submit one copy of Operating & Maintenance (O&M) plan. Where in the Solicitation is the Operating & Maintenance (O&M) Plan that is to be submitted?

Answer: The Operating & Maintenance Plan is detailed on Page 79, Section 12 of the PWS. This is to be submitted under Part IV, Miscellaneous.

43 Question: Can the government please provide specific requirements for the Operations and Maintenance Plan required in the Business volume?

Answer: Requirements of the Operating & Maintenance Plan are detailed on Page 79, Section 12 of the PWS.

44 Question: The solicitation states, "complete copy of Attachment D.5 - Key Personnel List. Provide a list of the names of the qualified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other primary care provider staff intended to be utilized in the performance of this contract." What does the VA consider as Key Personnel and "other primary care provider staff"?

Would you consider the Clinic Administrator, RNs, and LPNs to be considered Key Personnel? Or do you only consider the providers as Key Personnel?

Answer: Yes, the Clinic Administrator, RNs, LPNs and all other staff that are being proposed to work and provide services under this contract shall be listed on Attachment D.5, Key Personnel List. Please refer to the related evaluation factor information on Page 173, item number 5.

45 Question: In accordance with the Instructions to Offerors on page 161, in section 4. b) states to complete Certificate at C.19, VAAR 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting, however, section C.19 on page 140 is the VAAR 852.237-70 Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance (Oct 2019). Will the Government please provide the required certificate to be completed?

Answer: This is an error. Information related to this certificate was erroneously included, subject clause is not included in this solicitation. The Contractor does not have to complete a certification related to VAAR 852.219-75.

46 Question: VA to provide CPS onsite or via telehealth and shall be provided the same support staffing. Contractor shall provide personnel in numbers and qualifications. Contractor shall review alerts/ consults and schedule patients. What support staff are required for the VA provided CPS? What days will CPS be on site vs. telehealth?

Answer: The VA-provided CPS (“CPP”) services are regularly provided via telehealth; however, VA reserves the right for the CPP to alternatively provide services onsite in a VA-designated room, when necessary. The contractor’s primary care clerical support staff shall provide scheduling, check-in, ICB capture, set-up, check-out support for CPP appointments.

47 Question: VA may choose to provide intermittent podiatry face-to-face visits at the CBOC within VA designated exam room. All specialized equipment, furnishings, supplies and related admin support provided by VA. Does contractor need to have a dedicated exam room for podiatry?

Answer: No, this is the same VA exam room described on Page 74, Section 12 (Space Requirements) of the PWS. Podiatry services are not currently performed by VA staff at the VA Auburn Clinic on a regular basis; however, the Government reserves the right to use the VA-designated space to provide these services in the future, if needed.

48 Question: Does the contractor need to have a dedicated exam room for physical therapy?

Answer: No, this is the same VA exam room described on Page 74, Section 12 (Space Requirements) of the PWS. Physical Therapy services are not currently performed by VA staff at the VA Auburn Clinic; however, the Government reserves the right to use the VA-designated space to provide these services in the future, if needed.

49 Question: VA provides MH. The Contractor shall check in patients and complete ICB.

How many MH clinics will the contractor need to schedule for?

Answer: The contractor’s mental health clerical support is to be a back-up service to regular VA mental health clerical support. There are currently 15 total mental health clinic grids at the VA Auburn Clinic.

50 Question: Contractor shall assist patient in completing VA form 10-10EZ to determine eligibility. Is contractor responsible for assisting in Veteran eligibility?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for gathering new patient information related to eligibility, as well as assisting the applicant with completing the 10-10EZ form. The contractor shall fax the information outlined on Page 33, section 4.2, to the Syracuse VAMC Health Benefit Center, then mail the documentation. The contractor does not assist in determining Veteran eligibility but is required to provide assistance to Veterans when they seek help at the clinic.

51 Question: Contractor shall have Naloxone nasal spray available onsite. Will VA provide Naloxone?

Answer: No, the contractor shall provide Naloxone or a comparable product to have on stock in the clinic in the case it needs to be administered onsite.

This stock is not intended to be distributed to Veteran members; it is intended to be onsite for the contractor’s emergency use.

52 Question: Please confirm courier pick up twice a day is necessary based on afternoon draw volume and specimen storage for second day pick up.

Answer: The incumbent has one courier run at noon. It is anticipated that most draws will be performed in the mornings, but there are emergencies which could cause afternoon draws. Until the contractor’s Phlebotomist staff is found capable of processing the afternoon draws per recommendation and through approval of VA, the courier pick up is noted as twice a day so that afternoon draws are not affected by waiting for the next day courier run.

Contractor shall plan to provide courier pick up once a day with availability for a second courier run as needed, until VA deems the contractor’s Phlebotomist capable of processing afternoon draws.

53 Question: 2.9 Credentialing and Privileging- “No services are to be provided by any contract provider requiring credentialing and privileging until the parent VA parent facility Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director (or designee) have granted approval.” Would the Government please provide insight into the current wait time for approval of a credentialing and privileging package for transition planning purposes? Do approvals happen at regular intervals such as bimonthly meetings, or do approvals happen continuously as packages are presented to the appropriate parties?

Answer: Credentialing and privileging timeframes vary based on the type of contractor staff being onboarded, prior experience working with VA, the responsiveness of the candidate and the responsiveness of their references.

Providers carrying a panel must be approved through a bimonthly VA MSEC Credentialing Committee meeting after processing of their credentialing & privileging packages by the VAMC. Contractor staff beneath the provider-level (e.g. RNs, LPNs, etc) do not require approval at the monthly meeting and in some instances can complete these steps more expeditiously. Please expect eight weeks, at minimum, for credentialing and privileges processes at the provider level.

54 Question: It is stated that Podiatry & Physical Therapy specialty services will be provided by VA at the parent facility; however, there is a request for scheduling support. Kindly provide details on the type of support needed to schedule VA provided specialty service. (Question summarized).

Answer: VA may choose to provide intermittent podiatry or physical therapy “Provider on the Go” face-to-face visits at the CBOC within a VA-designated exam room given that all specialized equipment, furnishings, supplies and related administrative support is provided by VA. At this time, the VA does not provide these services at the VA Auburn Clinic; however, the Government would like to reserve the right to potentially use the VA-designated room to provide these services in the future. The clerical support required by the contractor would be to check in patients presenting to the clinic, utilize Insurance Buffer Capture to record Veteran insurance information, receive and screen phone calls for the above clinics and providers (when received), and provide backup support for the appointments including, but not limited to, scheduling and set-up. The primary administrative support tasks would be performed by VA. Clerical support is not required for specialty services being performed at the VA Medical Center, only when services are scheduled at the VA Auburn Clinic shall the contractor provide back-up support.

55 Question: Can the VA list all required VA training by labor category and duration of each training?

Answer: Training includes, but is not limited to, the following courses:

All labor categories must complete VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training annually (virtual, one hour), the PACT 100 course (eight, one-hour interactive live virtual trainings or TMS on-demand courses), the Whole Health in primary care training (a two-hour virtual training) and Mission Act trainings (six virtual courses, three hours total).

Credentialed staff must complete Mandatory Training for Transitory, Part-time and Intermittent Clinical Staff (non-trainees) TMS VA 20152 (virtual, 1.5 hours).

Non-credentialed staff must complete Privacy and HIPPA Training (virtual, two hours).

All clinical PACT teamlet members shall attend VA TEACH and Motivational Interviewing training within one year of assignment to the PACT (either virtual or instructor-led, four hours).

All contractor staff shall complete suicide prevention- S.A.V.E Refresher Training TMS VA 30535 (annually, virtual, one hour).

All clinical staff shall complete Talent Management System (TMS) course VA34560 VA TMS course VA34560 - Lethal Means Safety Education and Counseling as a one-time training (one hour).

My Healthevet Secure Messaging Advanced and Basic training is required for any staff working with secure messaging (two courses, virtual, one hour each).

Contractor staff providing care through VA Video Connect (VVC) must complete Synchronous Telehealth into Home training (virtual, 1.5 hours).

Providers performing Women’s Health clinic care must complete a Women’s Health Mini Residency (in-person, 22 hours).

Registered Nurse Care Managers, Clinical Associates and Administrative Associates must complete a course on Mobile Patient Check-in, TMS 031003712 (virtual, 0.75 hours).

All Administrative Associates and/or staff who request scheduling keys must attend an in-person five-day course at the Syracuse VA Medical Center (40 hours).

Telehealth Clinical Technician (TCT) links to Telehealth Training are included in Section 5.7 on Page 60 of the PWS and Attachment D.25. Training for all Non-Clinical Telehealth Staff participating in video visits (“e911”) must be completed yearly (virtual, 0.5 hour). The TCT must attend in-person four-day course with the Syracuse VA Telehealth Coordinator (32 hours) and complete applicable TMS classes and skills competencies related to the various Telehealth services (mixture of 25 courses at varying length).

Contractor’s providers shall meet education requirements as specified in VHA Directive 1115.01(1), MST Mandatory Training and Reporting Requirements for VHA Mental Health and Primary Care Providers, including completion of mandatory training on MST by mental health and primary care providers (one-time training with test-out option, virtual, one hour).

All contractor sites shall have a designated Mental Health Disaster POC, who can serve as a member of the VA parent facility’s Disaster Response Team. Training for the mental health disaster POC needs to be coordinated with training for other disaster response clinicians and emergency management teams at the VA parent facility and VISN levels (virtual and recurring calls, varying length of time).

Attachment 2, Revised Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Solicitation 36C24224R0049 0001

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Period for acceptance of offers – The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 180 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers. 52.212-1(c) is tailored to account the change to 180 days.

In order to be considered responsive and considered for award, the offeror must fill out all applicable areas of the solicitation and submit both a technical proposal and price proposal, as well as any additional requirements listed below. The technical proposal must provide sufficient information to demonstrate the corporate capabilities to satisfactorily perform the work detailed in the performance work statement. The VA will not pay any costs incurred in preparation and submission of proposals.

All proposals are to be submitted in 4 parts, as detailed below. All proposals are to be submitted electronically via email to Danelle.Wassink@va.gov by the solicitation due date listed on Page 1 and as amended. Faxed or mailed submissions will not be accepted.

Part I – Technical Capability (Factor 1) (1 copy)

Subfactor A: Quality

Subfactor B: Management, Experience, and Staffing

Subfactor C: Transition/Start-Up Plan

Subfactor D: Geographic Location

Part II - Past Performance, (Factor 2) (1 copy)

Part III – Price Proposal (Factor 4) (1 copy)

- Pricing information shall be entered onto Price Schedule in Section B.2; no other version of a pricing schedule will be accepted. Tiered pricing will not be accepted.

Part IV - Miscellaneous - (1 copy each) –

a) Response to Evaluation Factor 3: VAAR 852.215-70 Service-Disabled Veteran Owned and Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB) Status

b) Completed Attachment D.1: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

c) Completed Attachment D.3: Contractor Certification – Immigration and Nationality Act of

d) Completed Attachment D.4: Organizational Conflicts of Interest Certification

e) Completed E.3, FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and

Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

f) Completed E.5, FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

g) Completed E.17 52.212-3 – Offeror’s Representations and Certifications

h) Subcontracting Plan (large business offerors only)

i) Copies of required insurance certificates

j) Operating & Maintenance (O&M) Plan

k) Contingency Plan for Computer Downtime

The electronic files should be in Portable Document Format (PDF) and named as follows:

Vendor Name – Part I/II/III/IV – 36C242224R0049 – Cayuga County CBOC. If file size necessitates breaking a section into more than one file, please append File X of X to the end of the file name.

Specific Instructions:

1. PART I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – Submit one (1) copy

(a) Section 1 – Table of Contents. Shall be a detailed Table of Contents and shall include an outline of the proposal, identified by a sequential page number and by section reference and section title.

(b) Section 2 – Narrative Response to Evaluation Factors: In order to evaluate each proposal, it is necessary that each offeror respond to all factors and sub-factors in the same order as presented herein. Response items contained in each factor and sub-factor are to be addressed separately and in the same order presented herein. Offers shall be organized with sections appropriately identified. Evaluation factors are found in Section E.16 – 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items, beginning on Page 171. Offerors are to propose how they intend to fulfill the requirements of this solicitation and how their total offer will meet the minimum needs of the specifications. The evaluation factor responses should be concise and provide sufficient detail to demonstrate the Offeror’s capability to satisfactorily perform the work according to the requirements of the solicitation.

(c) Section 3 - Site Visits: Site visits will be conducted with the successful offeror, post-award. Provide Point of Contact for coordination of site visits.

2. PART II – PAST PERFORMANCE

Follow instructions listed in RFP section E.16 52.212-2 EVALUATION — COMMERCIAL ITEMS for factor 2, Past Performance, beginning on page 171.

3. PART III – PRICE PROPOSAL – Submit one (1) copy

(b) Complete blocks 17a and b, and 30a through c of the RFP, page 1, Standard Form (SF) 1449. In doing so, the Offeror accedes to the contract terms and conditions as written in the solicitation in its entirety.

(c) Complete Section B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(d) Complete B.1 #2 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

(e) Complete B.1 #9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS (if applicable) and return any solicitation amendments signed by the same official authorized to sign the SF 1449.

(f) Complete B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE AND SERVICES - Insert proposed unit prices for each Line Item Number including all option periods. All price proposals must be submitted using the format contained in the solicitation. The proposal must be submitted for the base year and all (9) one-year options. Do not leave any line item prices blank, partial pricing is not acceptable. If there is no cost for a line item, enter $0.00 as the unit cost. Proposals that do not include pricing for all line items in all performance periods will be considered incomplete and removed from any further consideration.

4. PART IV – MISCELLANEOUS – Submit 1 copy: Contractor shall submit one copy each of:

a) Response to Factor 3: VAAR 852.215-70 Service-Disabled Veteran Owned and Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB) Status

b) Completed Attachment D.1.: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

c) Completed Attachment D.3: Contractor Certification – Immigration and

Nationality Act of 1952

d) Completed Attachment D.4: Contractor Conflict of Interest Certification

e) Completed E.3, FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain

Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

f) Completed E.5, FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

g) Completed E.18 52.212-3 – Offeror’s Representations and Certifications

h) Subcontracting Plan (large business offerors only)

i) Copies of required insurance certificates

j) Operating & Maintenance (O&M) plan

k) Contingency Plan for Computer Downtime

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Provisions 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.