PWS Pittsburgh HCHV v1.0.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

PITTSBURGH, PA

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 The goal of the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program is to remove homeless Veterans from the street or habitation unfit for Veterans and place them in community-based, residential environments with sufficient therapeutic services to meet the needs of those Veterans. Through the HCHV program, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides case management services to Veterans and facilitates their access to a broad range of medical, mental health, and rehabilitative services. VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) needs to acquire care, treatment, and rehabilitative services for Veterans suffering from serious mental illness, including Veterans who are homeless, in community-based treatment facilities offering a safe and secure environment that supports their rehabilitation goals. The Contractor will be required to provide therapeutic and rehabilitative services but will not be required to provide detoxification or other hospital-level treatment – those services will be provided by the VA at VA facilities.

1.2 The Government intends to award a fixed-price, IDIQ contract to utilize beds at one or multiple facilities.

2.0 SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

2.1 The Contractor shall provide beds and furnish services to beneficiaries of VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System for whom such care is specifically authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (herein called VA). It is understood that the type of patients to be cared for under this contract are authorized VA beneficiaries who are experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness/substance abuse issues and will normally require care and services over and above the level of room and board.

2.2 VAPHS is looking to have a total of ten (10) contracted beds:

VAPHS is looking for a vendor in the Allegheny County area to accommodate various Veteran preferences for recovery goals which must be located within 30 miles of drive time of VAPHS, located at University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, or VAPHS, Heinz, 1010 Delafield Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.

2.3 The Contractor shall furnish each Veteran authorized care under this contract with the following basic services:

· A supervised environment which will be staffed on a 24-hour basis;

· A bed for each veteran

· Laundry facilities for residents to do their own laundry; and,

· Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Services determined to be needed by individual Veteran patients, in a plan developed by the Contractor with consultation by the Veteran and the VA case manager. Services which the Contractor must be able to furnish include:

0. Instruction in and assistance with health and personal hygiene.

0. Medications are held by the vendor or held by the veteran in a locked box or safe on a stationary item in the veteran’s room.

0. Supportive social services, in collaboration with the case managers, VA, or other community contract resources.

0. Individual professional guidance, including counseling on self-care skills, adaptive coping skills, and, as appropriate, vocational rehabilitation counseling, in collaboration with VA program or contract community resources.

0. Assistance in learning and development of responsible living patterns to achieve a more adaptive level of psychosocial functioning, upgraded social skills, and improved personal relationships.

0. Support for an alcohol/drug abuse-free lifestyle.

0. Assistance in learning and internalizing knowledge of the illness/recovery process.

3.0 FACILITY/PERSONNEL

3.1 The contract facility must have a current occupancy permit or license required by the authority having jurisdiction. The Contractor shall employ sufficient professional health care personnel to carry out the policies, responsibilities, and programs of the facility. In residential treatment facilities, there must be, at a minimum, a full-time administrative staff member or designee of equivalent professional capability on duty on the premises or residing at the house and available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In those instances where a supervised residential setting is linked to a geographically distinct rehabilitation and/or socialization day program, sufficient professional healthcare personnel must be identified to provide the necessary therapeutic activities and to ensure meaningful integration of these efforts with those provided in the residential setting.

3.2 The Contractor shall make available to the VA Point of Contact (POC) information deemed necessary by the VA to conduct utilization review audits for the mandated national evaluation study as required by Section 2 of Public Law 100-6; to verify the quality of patient care for Veterans; to assure confidentiality of patient record information; and to determine the completeness and accuracy of financial records.

3.3 The Contractor shall conduct a treatment and discharge plan reflecting a team assessment of health, social, and vocational needs and the involvement of residents' families (when available) and appropriate community resources in resolving problems and setting goals. Discharge summary must be submitted within 24 hours to the VA POC upon Veterans discharge from the facility.

3.4 The Contractor shall comply with the VA Patient's Bill of Rights as set forth in Section 17.34a, Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations.

3.5 This agreement does not require the provider to have JCAHO accreditation or other regulatory requirements regarding worker competency, however, the Contractor must perform the required work in accordance with JCAHO standards or equivalent. The Contractor is required, annually, to develop and maintain the following documents for each contract employee working on this agreement:

· Credentials and qualifications for the job.

· Documentation of continuing education (CPR, Narcan training, Suicide Prevention) for the last two years.

The Contractor will provide current copies of these records at the time of contract award and annually on the anniversary date of contract award to the POC, or upon request, for each Contractor employee working on this agreement.

3.6 Before commencing work under the contract, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer and VA POC with a certification from their insurance company (annually) indicating that the coverage outlined in this contract has been obtained and that it may not be changed or canceled without written notice within thirty (30) days to the Contracting Officer.

4.0 INSPECTION

4.1 It is agreed that the VA will have the right to inspect the residential treatment center and all appurtenances by an authorized representative(s) designated by the VA.

4.2 After contract award, a multidisciplinary VA team consisting of a social worker, nurse, dietician, and a safety officer shall conduct a survey of the residential treatment/community health care center prior to contract performance. Residential treatment centers to be utilized will be restricted to community-based facilities that provide food, shelter, and therapeutic service in a supportive environment. Residential treatment settings shall make documented information available to the VA, as deemed necessary to:

· Conduct utilization review audits for the mandated national evaluation study,

· Verify quality of patient care for Veterans,

· Ensure confidentiality of patient record information, and

· Determine the completeness and accuracy of financial records.

4.3 In cases of complexes of non-VA community health care facilities, it is imperative that all components of the program be inspected by the VA team prior to award of the contract. Each of the community health care facilities identified in the complex as part of the contract will also be subject to the requirements for contracting, safety and record keeping described in other parts of this document as applying to the residential treatment center.

4.4 The VA Safety Officer may inspect the facility for conformity to the current Life Safety Codes after contract award. The other members of the team will focus on the assessment of the quality of life within the residential treatment facilities, giving particular attention to the following indicators:

· General observation of residents indicates that they maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and grooming.

· The facility meets applicable fire, safety, and sanitation standards in attractive surroundings conducive to social interaction and the fullest development of the resident's rehabilitative potential.

· The facility should be in a central location, near public transportation, and near areas which provide employment.

· Appropriate, organized activity programs during waking hours (including evenings) reflecting a high level of activity in the facility or in the linked facilities, for example, individual professional counseling, physical activities, assistance with health and personal hygiene.

· There is evidence of facility-community interaction. This may be demonstrated by the nature of scheduled activities, or by information about resident flow out of the facility, e.g., community activities, volunteers, local consumer services, etc.

· Staff behavior and interaction with residents convey a caring, friendly attitude.

· Nutritionally-adequate meals are provided in a setting that encourages social interaction. Nutritious snacks between meals and bedtime are available for those requiring or desiring additional food, when it is not medically contraindicated. The addition of nutritious snacks to the requirements of the rooms and board is required for homeless chronically, mentally ill patients. Many of these patients are either undernourished or have developed poor eating habits or both, because of their chronic psychiatric disorder, including alcohol/drug abuse behaviors. The local VA dietitian may consult with the initial inspection team and the team making subsequent assessments, in evaluating not only the printed menus but also the patients' satisfaction with meals and the actual consumption of food offered.

· The Contractor shall be advised of the finding of the inspection team. If deficiencies are noted during any inspection, the facility will be given a reasonable time to take corrective action and notify the Contracting Officer that the corrections have been made. The contract performance will not begin until noted deficiencies have been eliminated.

· The VA shall monitor the Contractor's program and inspect the Contractor's facility to ensure compliance with this agreement. Any unsatisfactory conditions noted during the inspection of the contract facility will be reported in writing to the VA Contracting Officer. If corrections are not made to the satisfaction of the VA, the Contracting Officer will consult with the appropriate officials so that suitable arrangements can be made to discharge or transfer patients.

5.0 PATIENT CARE/HANDLING/RECORDKEEPING

5.1 The Contractor will notify the authorizing VA POC within 24 hours of a medical emergency occurs that requires hospitalization of any patient receiving care at VA expense. It is agreed that the Veterans will be admitted to the nearest available VA facility when possible. If hospitalization of a non-emergency nature is required, it is agreed that admission to a VA will be accomplished consistent with VA eligibility criteria, as determined by VA policies.

5.2 The Contractor shall comply with the principles listed 38 CFR 17.707(b) to provide housing and supportive services in a manner that is free from any discrimination based on age, race, color, religion or discrimination against veterans identifying as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual).

5.3 In the event a beneficiary receiving residential treatment center care under this contract dies, the residential treatment center will notify the VA office authorizing admission within 24 hours and immediately assemble, inventory, and safeguard the patient's personal effects. The funds, deposits, and effects left by VA patients upon the premises of the residential treatment center shall be delivered by the residential treatment center to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws currently governing the residential treatment center for making disposition of funds and effects left by patients, unless the beneficiary died without leaving a will, heirs, or next of kin capable of inheriting. When disposition has been made, the itemized inventory with a notation as to the disposition of the funds and effects will be immediately forwarded to the VA office. Should a deceased patient leave no will, heirs or next of kin, his personal property and funds - wherever located - vests in and become the property of the United States in Trust. In these cases, the residential treatment center will forward an inventory of any such property and funds in its possession to the appropriate VA office and will hold them (except articles of clothing necessary for proper burial) under safeguard until instructions are received from the VA concerning disposition.

5.5 Subsequent inspections of the residential treatment center must be made annually by a multidisciplinary team including such hospital personnel as deemed necessary to assure that the facility provides quality care in a safe environment. As site visits are accomplished by VA program personnel, attention will be directed to the adequacy of the Veteran's records. Site visits will also include a spot check of records to ensure Contractor invoices accurately reflect the Veteran’s length of stay.

5.6 The Contractor shall maintain an individual clinical record on each Veteran out-placed under this contract. The Contractor must comply with the requirements of the "Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records" (38 USC 4132), and the "Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patients Records" (42 CFR, Part II) when appropriate, and shall be part of the contract. All case records will be maintained with such security and confidentiality as required and will be made available on a need-to-know basis to appropriate VA staff members involved with the treatment program of the Veterans concerned. In addition to reasons for referral, the clinical record maintained by the contract facility will include:

· All essential identifying data relevant to the resident and his/her family, including a socio-cultural vocational assessment.

· Data relating to the resident’s admission, including the targeted goals for constructive changes which are to be attained during the residential rehabilitation episode, and the anticipated length of stay, if known.

· Copies of any medical prescriptions issued by physicians, including orders, if any, for medications to be taken;

· Reports of periodic reevaluation by program staff, to include any measures of movement toward rehabilitation goals, with a focus on the attainment of self-help skills.

· Final summaries on each resident who leaves the program, including a description of beneficial changes realized during the residential period, reasons for leaving, the resident's future plans, and, if possible, follow-up locator information.

· Upon discharge or death of the patient, medical records on all VA beneficiaries will be retained by the Residential Treatment Center (RTC) in accordance with state and federal law for a period of at least three years following termination of care.

5.7 The Contractor shall visit and comply with the website http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL34024.pdf; to verify the quality of patient care for Veterans, to assure confidentiality of patient record information and to determine the completeness and accuracy of financial records.

5.8 The Contractor shall visit and comply with the principles listed in 38 CFR 17.707(b) (http:/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2002/julqtr/pdf/38cfr17.710.pdf ) to provide housing and supportive services in a manner that is free from religious discrimination or discrimination based on medial or mental health diagnosis.

6.0 REFERRAL AND OUTREACH

6.1 The VA case manager/treatment team shall identify and refer all patients to the Contractor. All patients will be homeless including severely mentally disabled Veterans and those with alcohol and/or substance abuse disorders.

6.2 Before referring any patient, the VA shall have provided the patient with a clinical assessment, a physical exam, laboratory studies if indicated, and confirmation of chronic mental illness by a VA mental health professional. The Veteran will sign a release of information document which will give the VA the authority to transfer the relevant information to the facility.

6.3 The Contractor shall conduct community outreach to identify Veterans eligible for transitional housing. The VA mental health professional will provide a clinical assessment and a physical exam as previously stated.

6.4 VA will authorize up to six (6) months of care depending upon the needs of the patient as determined by the patient, the VA outreach worker, and the residential treatment staff. Authorizations beyond the current fiscal year are contingent upon funds being available for the next fiscal year.

7.0 STANDARDS/LICENSES

7.1 Both residential and ambulatory care facilities must conform to the standards of the Life Safety Code (National Fire Protection Association #101) and the fire and safety code imposed by the state law. The Contractor shall meet all city, state, and federal requirements concerning licensing and health codes. In all cases, the VA requires a level of safety which conforms to NFPA #101. All contract facilities must be licensed under state or federal authority.

7.2 In the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contracting Officer, or his/her designee may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of the occupants of the buildings. The Contracting Officer, or his/her designee, will notify the Contractor of any noncompliance with the foregoing provisions and the action to be taken. The Contractor shall after receipt of such notice immediately correct the conditions to which attention has been directed. Such notice, when served on the Contractor or his/her representative at the site of the work, shall be deemed sufficient for the purposes aforesaid. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work.

8.0 DIETETIC SERVICES

8.1 Patient dietary needs shall be met in accordance with sound medical practice. At least three nutritious meals or their equivalent shall be served daily at regular times with not more than a 14 hour span between evening meal and breakfast of the following day. Between meals and/or bedtime snacks of nourishing quality shall be offered. The food shall be prepared, served and stored under sanitary conditions. Sanitary procedures shall be established and maintained for washing dishes, cleaning equipment and work areas, and for proper waste disposal.

9.0 HOMELESS PROGRAM REPORTING REQUIREMENT

9.1 The Contractor shall enter client-level data on all Veterans served through VA’s HCHV residential contract/emergency housing program. The Contractor shall enter the client-level data into the local community Continuum of Care’s (CoC) Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Data entered must include, at a minimum, the Universal Data Elements from the 2022 HMIS Data Standards.

10.0 ABSENCES

10.1 The Contractor shall notify the authorizing POC of absences from the facility. Unexcused/unauthorized absences of the patient from the facility in excess of 48 hours shall not be reimbursable. Should a patient referred to a residential treatment facility, absent himself/herself in an unauthorized manner payment for services for that Veteran to the contract facility would be continued for a maximum period of three days provided there is an active outreach attempt on the part of the contract facility staff to return the Veteran to the residential treatment program and a strong likelihood that the patient will return. Management of program dropout shall be an element of quality assurance review of this program; failure to comply with above shall result in negative contract performance review.

10.2 It is understood that the beneficiary may be provided facility care at the expense of the VAMC for a period not to exceed the stated length of time stated in the treatment plan contract, unless an extension of the authorization is provided in writing by the VAMC. Length of stay at the Contractors’ facility shall be initially authorized for up to 60 days depending upon the needs of the patient as mutually determined by the patient, the residential treatment staff, and VAMC HCHV Treatment Staff. An additional 120 days of contract-supported residential treatment may be authorized with the Chief, Mental Health, Social Work Executive or Designee's approval with such funding as is authorized.

10.3 The VAMC reserves the right to remove any/all patients from the facility at any time without additional cost, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the VAMC or the patient.

10.4 Requests for readmissions shall be accessed and screened on an individual basis depending upon the needs of the patient as determined by the patient, the Contractors’ treatment staff, and VAMC HCHV Treatment Staff.

10.5 The Contractor shall not charge Veterans any fee for care including cash, food stamps or other public assistance.

11.0 INCIDENTS

11.1 The Contractor shall notify the POC or designee and the Pittsburgh VAMC Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) (after hours) and the Social Worker on Call when a medical emergency occurs, requiring re-hospitalization of a patient receiving care at VAMC expense. It is agreed that the Veteran shall be readmitted to the appropriate VAMC facility. When such readmission is not feasible because of the nature of the emergency, it is agreed that hospitalization in a non-federal hospital may be accomplished provided the VAMC authorization is obtained. If hospitalization of a non-emergency nature is required it is agreed that readmission to the VAMC will be accomplished promptly.

11.2 The Contractor shall notify the authorizing VAMC facility immediately of any incidents involving Veterans residing in the residential program. The Contractor shall notify the VAMC Case Manager by telephone during the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm. All incidents that occur after normal business hours, the Contractor shall notify the AOD and the Social Worker on Call (AOD has pager number for Social Worker on Call). The Contractor shall provide the HCHV Case Manager and the POC with a copy of the incident report within the next business day. The Contractor shall maintain a copy of the incident report in the Veteran's chart within 24 hours..

11.3 All patient safety incidents shall be investigated, confirmed and resolved by the Contractor. Conclusions and findings of those incidents shall be reported to the POC within 3 business days after incident.

12.0 CONTRACTOR FACILITY

12.1 The Contractor facility must have a current occupancy permit or license required by all applicable jurisdictions.

12.2 The Contractor facility shall be equipped with operational air conditioning/heating systems. Air conditioning and heating systems that malfunction shall be repaired within three business days; repeated failure to repair inoperable equipment within the timeframe may result in an unfavorable contract performance evaluation or contract termination.

12.3 The Contractor facility shall be kept clean free of dirt, grime, mold, infestations or other hazardous substances and damages that noticeably detract from the overall appearance and safety of the facility. Failure to provide a clean, safe environment may result in contract termination.

12.4 The Contractor facility shall be equipped with first aid kit, fire extinguisher fully charged and non-expired, fire/carbon alarms, evacuation plan in case of emergency.

12.5 The Contractor facility shall have access to oxygen for emergencies and for physician-ordered care.

12.6 The Contractor facility shall have windows and doors that can be opened and closed in accordance with manufacturer standards.

12.7 The Pittsburgh VAPHS will not incur any costs associated with the Contractor providing inadequate facilities or faulty equipment.

12.8 The contract facility shall not maintain nor provide dual or segregated patient facilities, which are segregated on the basis of race, creed, color or national origin. The facility may neither require such segregated use by written or oral policies nor tolerate such use by local custom. The term "facilities" shall include but not be limited to rooms, wards, sections, eating areas, drinking fountains, entrances, etc.

12.9 The VAPHS will readily have access to all records concerning the Veteran's care in the Contractor facility. It is understood that duly authorized representatives of the VAMC will provide follow-up supervision visits to Veterans placed to assure the continuity of care and to assist in the Veteran's transition back into the community. It is understood that these visits do not substitute nor relieve the facility in any way of the responsibility for the daily care and treatment of the Veteran.

12.10 The facility warrants that all applicable fire laws are being complied with and there are no recommendations from fire officials which have not been resolved.

12.11 The Contractor shall comply with the VA Patient's Bill of Rights as set forth in the Code of Federal regulations, Section 17.34a, Title 38 (copy is available upon request).

13.0 COMPLAINTS HANDLING

13.1 The POC shall monitor the services provided. The Contractor shall cooperate with the POC in providing information and answering questions within 72 hours when requested. The Contractor shall refer complaints received directly from the customer(s) to the POC. All complaints received by the POC and forwarded to the Contractor shall be investigated within 72 hours. After investigation and disposition, the Contractor shall respond to the POC within five (5) business days after receipt by the Contractor.

13.2 The Contractor’s facility shall maintain copies of the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Veteran Handbook and all Contractor staff shall be familiar with the Veteran Rights and Responsibilities and Grievance Procedures as stated within this handbook.

14.0 TRANSPORTATION

14.1 The Contractor shall provide the patients with transportation to and from care at the VAMC and other social services appointments (such as, Department of Social Services, Employment Security Commission, Social Security, and Veterans Service Office), and treatment appointments.

14.2 The Contractor shall provide patients with bus tickets to access transportation. If the Veteran is not medically cleared to use public transportation, the facility shall provide private transportation. The facility’s geographical location shall have ease of access to the local bus route, for patients to access. Provision of transportation to and from the medical center and other appointments is required. Failure to provide essential transportation services on a repeated basis may result in an unfavorable contract performance evaluation. Private transportation must comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

14.3 These costs will not be additional costs. They are to be included in the Vendor’s quoted daily rate.

15.0 INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

Payment to the Contractor shall be made monthly, in arrears, upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. Payment for services will be at the rates specified in the Price/Cost Schedule. All monthly invoices from the contractor will be electronically submitted through the Tungsten Network within 10 days following the end of the month of services rendered.

Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods: Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below.

The information page for the Financial Service Center (FSC) of the Department of Veterans Affairs that includes information regarding electronic invoice submission can be referenced at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971 Customer Support Help Desk (877-353-9791)

Invoices must be approved by the VA Point of Contact (POC) prior to payment release. Invoices without the required information will be rejected.

If the POC refuses an invoice due to incorrect billing, subsequent changes or corrections to the monthly invoice shall be resubmitted by the vendor with a corrected invoice. In addition to information required for submission of a “proper” invoice in accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (g), all invoices must include:

● Name and Address of Contractor

● Invoice Date and Invoice Number

● Contract Number and Obligation Number

● Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice

● Total Price

Failure to comply with all terms and conditions of this contract shall result in invoices/claims submitted for reimbursement during that period to be considered incomplete. Interest penalties imposed under the Prompt Payment Act shall not apply to incomplete invoices or invoices received after the established invoice due date.

Contractor Remittance Address: All payments by the Government to the Contractor will be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

16.0 DEFINITIONS

16.1 The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the contractor as defined herein. The following terms have the following meanings:

Normal Work Hours: Normal Work hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Contractor Work Hours: The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the contractor as defined herein. The contractor shall be required, to provide services 7 days per week, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, including Federal Holidays.

Federal Holidays: The holidays observed by the Federal Government are:

AND any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday

When one of the holidays falls on Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday.

17.0 DELIVERABLES

17.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for complying with all reporting requirements established by the Contract. Contractor shall be responsible for assuring the accuracy and completeness of all reports and other documents as well as the timely submission of each. Contractor shall comply with contract requirements regarding the appropriate reporting formats, instructions, submission timetables, and technical assistance as required.

17. 2 For Contractor convenience, the following descriptions of required documents has been compiled. These are documents identified throughout the PWS that must be submitted by the Contractor in a timely manner: weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc. This serves only as a guide. If an item is within the PWS and not listed here, the Contractor remains responsible for the delivery of the item according to the timeframe established in the

Task 3.5 Facility

Credentials/qualifications for each employee; Documentation of continuing education (CPR, Narcan Training, Suicide Prevention) for the last two years: Upon award and annually

POC/ VA Designee

Task 4.2 Inspection

19.0 SECURITY

The C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

20.0 TRANSITION PLAN

Transition-In Plan The contract facility and associated onsite services will be inspected by a VA team, made up of HCHV clinical staff, VA fire and safety officials, nursing, police and security, dietetics and other staff as deemed necessary for facility inspection. Contractor shall identify all staff required per the PWS, have them in place and available to provide full range of case management and services to Veterans within 30 days after contract award. The contract facility and associated onsite services are expected to pass inspection and become fully operational within 30 days after the date of contract award.

Any items requiring corrective action will be communicated to the Contractor in writing within one (1) week of inspection. Contractor will complete the abatement of all inspection corrective action(s) and pass VA inspection within 30 days of contract award. Failure to meet the 30-day milestone may result in the contract being terminated. The Contractor shall not commence performance under this contract until the Contracting Officer has conducted a kickoff meeting or has advised the Contractor in writing that a kickoff meeting is waived.

Transition-Out Plan The incumbent contractor shall develop a transition plan to be executed if the follow-on contract is awarded to another prime contractor.

The incumbent contractor will develop a transition-out plan that includes: 1) in-brief for Government and incoming contractor team management; and 2) administrative and logistic requirements unique to VAPHS.