36C24426Q0925 SF 1449.docx

36C24426Q0925

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

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

529-26-4-190-0433

08-24-2026 Enrico Tan, enrico.tan1@va.gov 412-377-8470 08-31-2026 15:00

EDT

36C244 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4

1010 Delafield Rd Pittsburgh PA 15215

X

624221 $13.5 Million

N/A

36C244 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4

1010 Delafield Rd Pittsburgh PA 15215

Austin Payment Center

PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

(877) 353-9791

(512) 460-5429

See CONTINUATION Page HCHV Butler VA Contracted Residential Services 3 Bed

See Section B.2 Price/Cost Schedule (fill-in)

See Section E - Instructions to Offerors

$0.00

See CONTINUATION Page

Erik Whitaker

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C244

Network Contracting Office 4

1010 Delafield Rd Pittsburgh PA 15215

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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.

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

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Contracted Residential Services (CRS) Transitional Housing VA Butler Health Care System

1.0 Description:

The Department of Veteran Affairs Health Care Center, located at 353 North Duffy Rd., Butler, PA 16001, requires a contractor to provide services as part of its community based Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program, in accordance with VHA Handbook 1162.09. The goal of the 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. The Butler VA Medical Center (VAMC) is seeking to award a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The Butler VAMC HCHV Program prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, race, color, language, gender and socioeconomic status. Referrals to this program will be for homeless Veterans and Veterans at imminent risk of homelessness. Veterans referred to this program by HCHV clinicians may have various medical and mental health disabilities - and will be eligible for treatment of those at the Butler VAMC. HCHV clinical staff will assist contractors with connecting Veterans for appropriate treatment at the Butler VAMC.

The contractor shall maintain internal admission processes that support timely, and whenever possible, same-day place of homeless Veterans into available beds. The contracting officer shall be consulted whenever a contractor is unable to facilitate prompt placement in accordance with the terms of the contract.

2.0 Contract Definitions:

2.1 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government program and services.

2.2 Chronic Homeless: In order to meet the “chronically homeless” definition, the individual must meet the “homeless” definition in addition to continuously experiencing homelessness for at least twelve (12) months or on at least four (4) separate occasions in the last three (3) years, where the combined occasions total a length of time of at least 12 months. Each period separating the occasions must include at least 7 nights of living in a situation other than a place not meant for human habitation, in an emergency shelter, or in a safe haven. (see https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-12-04/pdf/2015-30473.pdf for additional information)

2.3 Housing Coalition of Western Pennsylvania: Program designed to promote community wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness, provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness. Housing Coalition of Western Pennsylvania also promotes access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs in order to optimize self-sufficiency among homeless individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

2.4 Contracted Residential Services (CRS) program: CRS programs target and prioritize homeless Veterans transitioning from literal street homelessness, Veterans being discharged from institutions, including those in need of medical respite, and Veterans who recently became homeless and require safe and stable living arrangements while they seek permanent housing. CRS Programs, either directly or through linkage with community and other VA services, provide low-demand time-limited services, such as supporting mental health stabilization, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services, enhancement of independent living skills, vocational training and employments services. Emphases is placed on referral and placement in permanent housing or longer-term residential programs utilizing VA and/or community resources. Length of stay in CRS typically range from 30 to 90 days with the option to extend based on clinical need.

2.5 CRS is a community-based early recovery model of supportive housing that serves hard to reach, hard to engage homeless individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Many have not been able to comply with traditional program requirements resulting in high use of emergency room and acute care services and more Veterans living on the streets or in shelters. CRS places no treatment participation demands on residents but expects a transition from unsafe and unstable street life to permanent and stable housing and to re-engage with physical, mental health and/or substance use/abuse treatment services.

2.6 Harm Reduction Approach/Model: A range of public health policies and practices designed to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that include safer use, managed use, abstinence, meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at” and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.

2.7 High Suicide Risk (HSR): A categorization that a Veteran that has a higher risk of suicide will be designated for particular care and follow up by staff. A HSR Safety Plan will be offered and charted by staff for Veterans identified as benefiting from a plan.

2.8 Homeless: A literally homeless individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning:

(i) Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for human habitation

(ii) is living in a publicly or privately operated safe haven or emergency shelter, or

(iii) in an institutional care facility if the individual has been living in the facility for fewer than 90 days and had been living in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter before entering the institutional care facility. (For Homeless HUD’s Homeless Definition criteria, see https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/HomelessDefinition_RecordkeepingRequirementsandCriteria.pdf)

2.9 Homeless Management Information System (HMIS): A local information technology system used to collect client-level data and data on the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families and persons at risk of homelessness. Each Continuum of Care (CoC) is responsible for selecting an HMIS software solution that complies with HUD’s data collection, management and reporting standards.

2.10 Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Department of Housing and Urban Development is the federal agency responsible for national policy and programs that address America’s housing needs, that improve and develop the Nation’s communities and enforce fair housing laws.

2.11 Treatment Plan: A plan that is a mutually agreed upon by staff and Veteran of goals that they will be working towards while in the CRS program.

2.12 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards.

2.13 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods for performing surveillance of the Contractor’s continuous performance. This QASP shall be changed at the sole discretion of the Government throughout the life of the contract.

3.0 Program Requirements:

The contractor shall provide services to Veterans for whom such care is specifically authorized by the VA. The contractor shall provide residential placement for three (3) Veterans per day under the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program, for a five (5) year performance period, in accordance with all terms and conditions, provisions and requirements listed herein for the all-inclusive rate. This rate is inclusive of all services as may be necessary in the treatment of the Veteran to include transportation to healthcare appointments and meetings. Unless specifically excluded in this contract, the per diem rate established will include the services listed in this document and will also include all services normally provided to other residents by the facility without extra charge. The contractor facility will not be used for detoxification or other hospital level treatment. The contractor facility shall be located within ten (10) miles of the Butler VAMC, located at 353 North Duffy Rd., Butler, PA 16001.

3.1 The contract is a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) to begin on date of award. A task order will be provided annually for services dependent upon financial availability.

3.2 The contractor shall furnish services to Veterans for whom such care is specifically authorized by the VA. It is understood that the type of residents to be cared for under this contract will normally require care and services over and above the level of room and board. Many of these Veterans who are homeless or who are at risk for homelessness have co-morbid conditions that include mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and/or medical conditions. This contract is designed to serve homeless Veterans in need of immediate placement and/or emergency housing in a safe environment.

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

a. Room and Board, including adequate necessities such as food and hygiene items. Contractor must be able to accommodate same-day admissions for Veterans being placed on Contract.

b. Furnish a clean room, appropriately prepared between admissions.

c. Laundry facilities for Veterans to do their own laundry or to have laundry done.

d. Therapeutic and Rehabilitative Services determined to be needed by the individual Veteran in a plan developed by the Butler VA HCHV Liaison and contractor with input from the Veteran. Services which the contractor must be able to provide in collaboration with Butler VAMC include:

1. Instruction in and assistance with health and personal hygiene

1. Provision of locked drawers for storage of medication.

1. Supportive social services, in collaboration with the Butler VA HCHV Liaison, or other contract resources.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Support for an alcohol/drug abuse free lifestyle by maintaining a drug and alcohol-free environment.

1. Assistance in learning, testing and internalizing knowledge of the illness/recovery process for homelessness. Assistance to gain and to apply knowledge of the illness/recovery process in an environment supportive of recovery models.

1. Assistance with provision of transportation to health care at Butler VA and other medical appointments.

Note: Many medical and rehabilitative resources will be found at the local Butler VAMC. Contractor will assist with helping Veterans get connected to the Butler VAMC through collaboration of the Contractor HCHV Liaison and the Homeless Staff including, but not limited to, HCHV Coordinated Entry Specialist and HCHV Coordinator.

3.4 The contract facility must have a current occupancy permit or license required by the authority having jurisdiction.

3.5 Unless specifically excluded in this contract, the per diem rate established will include the services listed in this document and will also include all services or supplies normally provided to other residents by the facility without extra charge. Payment is authorized starting from the first day of admission and does not include the day of discharge. The Contractor will submit billing electronically through the Tungsten Network by the 10th business day of every month. The daily census must be submitted monthly with the invoice. Failure to make timely invoice submissions will be cause for a request for a corrective action.

3.6 The contractor shall employ sufficient personnel to carry out the policies, responsibilities, and the program for the facility. The CRS must have an 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, seven (7) days a week. Multiple residential buildings will require additional on-site personnel to ensure each building has 24 hours a day supervision. In those instances where a supervised residential setting is linked to a geographically distinct rehabilitation and/or socialization day program, sufficient professional counseling personnel must be identified to provide the necessary therapeutic activities and to ensure a meaningful integration of these efforts with those provided in the residential setting. Any professional counseling provided by the contractor shall be performed by a properly qualified individual who has a degree, license, or certification in this skill.

3.7 All critical incidents will be reported to the VA liaison or Designee within 24 hours. This includes the following:

0. Falls

0. Assault (to Veteran or Staff)

0. Elderly/Dependent Adult Abuse or Neglect

0. Sexual Assault

0. Fire (Veteran Involved)

0. Medical/Psychiatric Emergency (911 Calls)

0. Hospitalization

0. Suicide or Suicide Attempt

0. Homicide

0. Death

0. Drug/Police Raid

0. Medication Problem

0. Infectious Control (bed bugs, TB, etc.)

0. Active Substance Abuse

0. Observation/ Possession of Weapons

The Contractor shall notify the authorizing VA facility within 24 hours or next business day when a medical emergency occurs that requires hospitalization of a referred Veteran. It is agreed that the Veteran will be admitted to the appropriate VA facility. When such admission is not feasible because of the nature of the emergency, it is agreed that hospitalization in a non-federal facility is acceptable. If hospitalization of a non-emergent nature is required, it is agreed that admission to the appropriate VA facility will be accomplished promptly. The Contractor will arrange for admission and support the Veteran with any transportation issues that may arise.

The Contractor shall notify the authorizing VA facility immediately (within 24 hours) of any incidents involving a referred Veteran. The Contractor shall notify the VA Liaison by telephone during business hours. For all incidents that occur during non-business hours, the Contractor must notify the VA Liaison the following business day. The Contractor shall provide the VA Liaison with a copy of the incident report within 24 business hours. The Contractor shall maintain a copy of the incident report in the Veteran’s case record.

3.8 The contractor shall make available to Butler VA HCHV staff, documentary information deemed necessary by Butler VA to conduct utilization review audits for the mandated national evaluation study as required by the Section 2 of Public Law 100-6; to verify quality of resident care for Veterans, to assure confidentiality of resident record information and to determine the completeness and accuracy of financial records.

3.9 The contractor shall conduct treatment and discharge planning reflecting a team assessment of health, social, vocational needs, involvement of the Veteran, Butler VA HCHV staff, and appropriate community resources in resolving problems and setting goals. The contractor shall report to the VA designee within 1 business days of discharge.

3.10 Absences shall be managed using the following guidance:

1. Scheduled/Approved Absences: If the Veteran is on scheduled/approved and/or deemed in-line with treatment goals, the contractor can only bill for the first 96 hours of the absence.

1. Unscheduled/Not Approved: If the Veteran is on unscheduled/not approved deemed in-line with treatment goals, the Veteran must be discharged after 48 hours and is considered AWOL (absent without leave). The contractor can bill for the 48-hour period that they held the bed in good faith anticipating the Veteran’s return. Notification must be made to Butler VA within one business day.

3.11 The facility agrees and warrants that it does not maintain nor provide dual or segregated patient facilities, which are segregated based on 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 limited to rooms, wards, sections, eating areas, drinking fountains, entrances, etc.

3.12 The contractor agrees to accept referrals and provide services 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

3.13 It is agreed that the Butler VA HCHV staff will have complete access to all records concerning the Veteran's care in the facility. It is agreed that duly authorized representatives of Butler VA 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 contractor in any way of the responsibility for the daily care and treatment of the Veteran.

3.14 It is understood that the Veteran may be provided facility care at the expense of Butler VA for a period not to exceed that stated in the length of treatment plan contracted unless an extension of the authorization is provided in writing by Butler VA HCHV staff.

3.15 The contractor facility shall provide the Veterans with transportation to scheduled meetings and appointments at medical facilities including but not limited to the Butler VA Health Care Center, Cranberry Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), Armstrong CBOC, Lawrence CBOC, Mercer CBOC, and Clarion CBOC and assistance with information and instructions to Veterans so they can utilize public transportation if that is their preference.

3.16 The contractor facility shall not accept food stamps or welfare from Veterans.

3.17 The contractor facility warrants that all applicable fire laws are being complied with and there are no recommendations by fire officials, which have not been resolved.

3.18 Butler VA reserves the right to remove any or all Veteran residents from the facility at any time without additional cost, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the VAMC or the Veteran(s).

3.19 Contractor personnel shall be expected to treat referred Veterans with dignity and respect and abide by standards of conduct mirroring those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The contractor shall comply with the VA Patient's Bill of Rights as set forth in 38 CFR 17.33.

The Contractor shall have reasonable rules governing day-to-day life and activities in the facility in accordance with VHA HANDBOOK 1162.04.

Such rules clearly inform Veterans of the obligations upon which their continued participation in the program depends and the consequences for non-compliance. Veterans will be provided a copy of the rules and regulations at intake and/or upon Veteran’s request, and when changed/updated. In addition, Contractor will post the rules in a location readily accessible to clients and visitors. The rules must include detailed Veteran Rights and the procedures that the Contractor has in place to protect the Veterans rights and dignity. Veterans must be permitted to exercise these rights without fear of reprisal.

The Contractor must communicate policies and procedures to Veterans both verbally and in writing in a manner that is understandable to each Veteran upon admission to the facility, in the form of a written Veteran handbook that is verbally reviewed by the assigned case manager with the Veteran.

3.20 It will be the responsibility of the Butler VA HCHV Liaison to refer all homeless Veterans to the contractor(s). The Veteran’s status will be homeless or at risk for homelessness and he/she may have co-morbid conditions that include mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and/or medical conditions.

3.21 Referrals will come through the VAMC Homeless Program Staff. VAMC LCSW and/or RN will assess for appropriate placement into this facility using their best clinical judgment. Follow-up and more detailed care will flow through the VAMC medical staff including things like medical assessments and physicals, lab work, addiction counseling, and behavioral health counseling. However, these will likely be completed post placement so as not to become barriers to emergency housing.

3.22 All Veterans shall be capable of self-preservation, and in an emergency, will have sufficient capacity to recognize physical danger, sufficient judgment to recognize when such danger requires immediate egress from the group residence, sufficient capacity to follow a prescribed route of egress, and sufficient physical mobility to accomplish such egress.

3.23 Length of stay at Butler VA cost will be initially authorized for up to three (3) months (initial authorization will not exceed contract performance period), depending upon the needs of the Veteran, as mutually determined by the Veteran, the contractor’s residential staff, and Butler VA HCHV Staff extensions in three month increments may be authorized beyond the initial placement.

3.24 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

1. It is agreed that the Butler VA will have the right to inspection of the CRS and all appurtenances by authorized representative(s) designated by Butler VA. The contractor will be advised of the finding of the inspection team. If deficiencies are noted during any inspection, the contractor will be given 15 days to take corrective action to notify the Health Care Center Point of Contact (POC) that the corrections have been made.

1. After award of a contract, a multidisciplinary Butler VA team consisting of a social worker, dietitian, nurse practitioner, physical security specialist, and safety specialists shall conduct a survey of the contractor’s residential center. CRS centers to be utilized will be restricted to community-based facilities that provide food, shelter, and therapeutic services in a supportive environment.

1. In the cases of complexes of non-VA community facilities, it is imperative that all components of the program be inspected by the Butler VA team after the award of the contract as is required for an integrated primary site. Each of the community facilities identified in the complex as contract recipients will also be subject to the requirement for contracting, safety, and record keeping described in other parts of this document as applying to the CRS.

1. The Butler VA Safety Officer will inspect the facility for conformity to the current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code and submit findings to the HCHV Liaison on the Butler VA team. The other team members will focus on an assessment of the quality of life within the CRS, giving particular attention to the following factors:

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

1. 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.

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

1. There are 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.

1. 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.

1. Staff behavior and interaction with Veterans convey an attitude of genuine concern and caring.

1. Appetizing, nutritionally adequate meals are provided in a setting, which encourages social interaction and 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 for room and board is particularly indicated for homeless Veterans. Many of these Veterans 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 Health Care Center dietitian may consult with the initial inspection team and the team making subsequent assessments, in evaluating not only the printed menus but also the Veterans’ satisfaction with meals and the actual consumption of food offered.

1. 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 an inspection of contract facility will be reported in writing to the VA Contracting Officer (CO). If corrections are not made within 15 days to the satisfaction of the VA, the CO will consult with the appropriate officials so that suitable arrangements can be made to discharge or transfer Veteran and to terminate the contract.

1. Subsequent inspections of the CRS must be made yearly by a multidisciplinary team including such VA Health Care Center personnel necessary to assure the facility provides quality care in a safe environment. As the VA program personnel accomplish site visits, attention will be directed to the adequacy of Veterans' records. Site visits will also include a spot check of records to ensure contractor invoices accurately reflect the Veteran's length of stay.

3.25 Reserved

3.26 BASIC RIGHTS AND PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION:

Contractors must protect the rights and dignity of the individual served in all phases of service delivery. At minimum, Contractor must afford each Veteran the following rights and protections. Veterans must be permitted to exercise these rights without fear of reprisal.

1. Veterans are entitled to enjoy a safe and healthful environment in the program.

1. Veteran are entitled to be treated in a manner that respects their dignity, privacy, and individuality.

1. Veterans whose compliance with program rules is limited by their physical and/or mental health disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including those requirements covering reasonable accommodations for the disabilities and the use of assistance animals, and all other applicable State or Federal Laws. Contractor must equally apply rules, policies, and procedures to Veterans, unless a Veteran has asked for a reasonable accommodation due to his/her disability.

1. Veterans are entitled to remain in the program and not be involuntarily removed without reasonable notice, good cause, and just procedures.

1. All Veterans are entitled to just and standardized procedures for determining eligibility, admissions, sanctions, and discharges, and resolving grievances.

1. Veterans are entitled to reasonable privacy and confidential treatment of personal, social, financial, medical, mental/behavioral health records, except as necessary to further treatment, information, and referral services and in compliance with the resident’s consent to release information.

1. Veterans are entitled to the full exercise of their civil, constitutional, and legal rights.

1. Veterans will have on-going opportunities to voice opinions, to participate in program operation and programming, and to make suggestions regarding programming and rules.

1. Veterans’ rights must be protected against all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, language, disability (physical or mental health), medical condition, marital status, familial status, age, gender, sexual preference, source of income or political affiliation.

1. Veterans will receive a written policy indicating that harassment of clients and staff based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, language, disability (physical or mental health), medical condition, marital status, familial status, age, gender, sexual preference, source of income or political affiliation will not be condoned nor tolerated.

1. Contractor must post basic rights and protection against discrimination policies in a conspicuous place and in appropriate languages.

1. All policies and procedures will be in writing and subject to review by the VA.

3.27 SECURITY:

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

4.0 Special Contract Requirements:

4.1 Reports/Deliverables: 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.

4.2 The following are brief descriptions of required documents that must be submitted by Contractor: weekly; monthly; quarterly; annually, etc. identified throughout the PWS and is provided here as a guide for Contractor convenience. If an item is within the PWS and not listed here, the Contractor remains responsible for the delivery of the item.

Task 3.10 Absences and Cancellations

Notify within 24 hours during business hours or immediately the next business day

POC / Designee

Incidents during non-business hours, notify the VA designee the following business day.

POC/Designee

Incidents during non-business hours, notify he VA designee the following business day.

POC/Designee

Incidents during non-business hours, notify the VA designee the following business day.

POC/Designee

5.0 Service Delivery Summary: The Services Delivery Summary (SDS) represents the most important contract objectives that, when met, will likely indicate contract performance is satisfactory. Although not all PWS requirements are listed in the SDS, the contractor is expected to fully comply with all requirements in the PWS.

6.0 Transition Period

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, dieticians 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 Butler VA.

It has been determined that protected health information (PHI) may be used, disclosed, accessed, transmitted, created, stored/maintained, and/or destroyed (providing appropriate proof of destruction in compliance with VA Directive 6371, Destruction of Temporary Paper Records,) by the Contractor, and a signed Business Associate Agreement (BAA) will be required. The Contractor will adhere to the requirements set forth within the BAA, referenced in the solicitation, and shall comply with all applicable VA/VHA Directives. Once awarded, Contractor and Contracting Officer will collaborate with the appropriate Facility Privacy Officer at vhabutprivacyofficers@va.gov to implement the appropriate BAA.

1. GENERAL. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language. Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors and subcontractor personnel will be subject to the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.

2. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language.

a. The Government shall receive unlimited rights to data/intellectual property first produced and delivered in the performance of this contract or order (hereinafter “contract”) unless expressly stated otherwise in this contract. This includes all rights to source code and all documentation created in support thereof. The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General. The primary clause used to define computer software license (not data/intellectual property first produced under this contractor or order) is FAR 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License.

b. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract will be used only for the purposes specified in the service agreement, SOW, PWS, PD, and/or contract. The contractor shall not use VA information in any other manner without prior written approval from a VA Contracting Officer (CO). The primary clause used to define Government and Contractor data rights is FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General.

c. VA information will not be co-mingled with any other data on the contractor’s information systems or media storage systems. The contractor shall ensure compliance with Federal and VA requirements related to data protection, data encryption, physical data segregation, logical data segregation, classification requirements and media sanitization.

d. VA reserves the right to conduct scheduled or unscheduled audits, assessments, or investigations of contractor Information Technology (IT) resources to ensure information security is compliant with Federal and VA requirements. The contractor shall provide all necessary access to records (including electronic and documentary materials related to the contracts and subcontracts) and support (including access to contractor and subcontractor staff associated with the contract) to VA, VA's Office Inspector General (OIG), and/or Government Accountability Office (GAO) staff during periodic control assessments, audits, or investigations.

e. The contractor may only use VA information within the terms of the contract and applicable Federal law, regulations, and VA policies. If new Federal information security laws, regulations or VA policies become applicable after execution of the contract, the parties agree to negotiate contract modification and adjustment necessary to implement the new laws, regulations, and/or policies.

f. The contractor shall not make copies of VA information except as specifically authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the contract. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies shall be destroyed in accordance with VA Directive 6500, VA Cybersecurity Program and VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

g. If a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) contract is terminated for default or cause with a business associate, the related local Business Associate Agreement (BAA) shall also be terminated and actions taken in accordance with VHA Directive 1605.05, Business Associate Agreements. If there is an executed national BAA associated with the contract, VA will determine what actions are appropriate and notify the contactor.

h. The contractor shall store and transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools which are, at a minimum, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules (or its successor) validated and in conformance with VA Information Security Knowledge Service requirements. The contractor shall transmit VA sensitive information using VA approved Transport Layer Security (TLS) configured with FIPS based cipher suites in conformance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-52, Guidelines for the Selection, Configuration and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations.

i. The contractor’s firewall and web services security controls, as applicable, shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements.

j. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the contractor may use and disclose VA information only in two situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction after notification to VA CO (ii) with written approval from the VA CO. The contractor shall refer to all requests for, demands for production of or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA CO for response.

k. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. § 5705, Confidentiality of medical quality-assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of certain medical records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse or infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If the contractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, the contractor shall immediately refer to such court order or other requests to the VA CO for response.

l. Information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract will be protected and secured in accordance with VA Directive 6500 and Identity and Access Management (IAM) Security processes specified in the VA Information Security Knowledge Service.

m. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor shall be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management, VA Handbook 6300.1, Records Management Procedures, and applicable VA Records Control Schedules.

n. The contractor shall provide its plan for destruction of all VA data in its possession according to VA Directive 6500 and NIST 800-88, Guidelines for Media Sanitization prior to termination or completion of this contract. If directed by the COR/CO, the contractor shall return all Federal Records to VA for disposition.

o. Any media, such as paper, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, solid state devices or optical discs that is used to store, process, or access VA information that cannot be destroyed shall be returned to VA. The contractor shall hold the appropriate material until otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or CO. Items shall be returned securely via VA-approved methods. VA sensitive information must be transmitted utilizing VA-approved encryption tools which are validated under FIPS 140-2 (or its successor) and NIST 800-52. If mailed, the contractor shall send via a trackable method (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) and immediately provide the COR/CO with the tracking information. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met shall be sent to the COR/CO within 30 business days of termination of the contract.

p. All electronic storage media (hard drives, optical disks, CDs, back-up tapes, etc.) used to store, process or access VA information will not be returned to the contractor at the end of lease, loan, or trade-in. Exceptions to this paragraph will only be granted with the written approval of VA CO.

3. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS. This section applies when any person requires access to information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor in performance or administration of the contract.

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees and subcontractors only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the solicitation or contract. This includes indirect entities, both affiliate of contractor/subcontractor and agent of contractor/subcontractor.

b. Contractors and subcontractors shall sign the VA Information Security Rule of Behavior (ROB) before access is provided to VA information and information systems (see Section 4, Training, below). The ROB contains the minimum user compliance requirements and does not supersede any policies of VA facilities or other agency components which provide higher levels of protection to VA’s information or information systems. Users who require privileged access shall complete the VA elevated privilege access request processes before privileged access is granted.

c. All contractors and subcontractors working with VA information are subject to the same security investigative and clearance requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors shall be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office of Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) is responsible for these policies and procedures. Contract personnel who require access to classified information or information systems shall have an appropriate security clearance. Verification of a Security Clearance shall be processed through the Special Security Officer located in HRA/OSP. Contractors shall conform to all requirements stated in the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).

d. All contractors and subcontractors shall comply with conditions specified in VAAR 852.204-71(d); Contractor operations required to be in United States. All contractors and subcontractors working with VA information must be permanently located within a jurisdiction subject to the law of the United States or its Territories to the maximum extent feasible. If services are proposed to be performed abroad the contractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided.