36C24518Q0118-001.docx

36C24518Q0118

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.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

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. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

101-18-1-3779-0004 101-18-1-3779-0005

03-01-2018 Ryan Mullins, ryan.mullins2@va.gov 304-623-3461 x 4177 03-20-2018

1300 EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

NCO5

Contracting Office (90C) 1 Med Center DR Clarksburg WV 26301-4199

X

611430 $11 Million

X

N/A

See Delivery Schedule

Department of Veterans Affairs

NCO5

Contracting Office (90C) 1 Med Center DR Clarksburg WV 26301-4199

Austin Payment Center Department of Veterans Affairs

PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971

(877) 353-9791

(512) 460-5545

Women's Healthcare Services Clinical Skills Training

Responses to this RFQ are due on 3/20/2018 by 1300 EDT.

Questions for this RFQ are due on 03/12/2018 by 1300 EDT.

Any questions submitted after the stated date and time shall not be addressed.

Submit responses to ryan.mullins2@va.gov.

See sections B.2, E.2 and E.12 for details on submissions.

See continuation pages for details

See CONTINUATION Page

Ryan Mullins

VA-VHA-SAOE-2017-5756D19E

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C245 Ryan Mullins Department of Veterans Affairs

NCO5

Contracting Office (90C) 1 Med Center DR Clarksburg WV 26301-4199

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.

Austin Payment Center Department of Veterans Affairs PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Women’s Health Services Women’s Health Mini-Residency for Rural Providers and Nurses Training Program Physician Instructors, Nurse Instructors and Equipment Support Individual Applicable to the Physician Instructors, Nurse Instructors and Equipment Support Individual

1. SCOPE

Women’s Health Services (WHS) within Veterans Health Administration (VHA) seeks to obtain clinical instructors and an equipment support individual to deliver and support a WHS-developed, mini-residency training program on women’s health topics for VHA clinical primary care providers and nurses (interprofessional) at rural Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in their clinic setting. Goals of the training are to improve familiarity, knowledge and skills of primary care providers and nurses in women’s health topics, to increase women Veteran access to women’s health primary care providers and to enhance / improve the quality of healthcare women Veterans receive. The contract requires one (1) physician instructor and one (1) nurse instructor to work as a team to deliver the mini-residency training program to two (2) to twelve (12) VHA clinical primary care providers and nurses at 30 to 35 rural VHA clinical sites for the base year of the contract, with option years that may see an increase to a total 40 clinical sites, in the United States (U.S.) over a twelve (12) month period of performance. Physician and nurse instructor responsibilities during the training include: small group case facilitation on women’s health topics, instruction for hands-on simulation activities focused on breast and pelvic exam technique as well as nursing roles in triage and exam preparation, and supporting development of a process improvement project related to the care of women Veterans in participants’ clinics. The contract also requires one (1) equipment support individual to provide transport and onsite management of simulation equipment, training supplies and consumable items necessary to support each training event program described. Equipment support responsibilities include, but are not limited to, transport to and from clinic training sites and onsite management of equipment, supplies and items at each clinic training site. A Gynecologic Teaching Associate (GTA) is also required for this training and will be procured through a separate contract.

2. BACKGROUND

The VHA patient population of women Veterans is growing rapidly. Such growth brings increasing demand for high quality gender-specific health care. Approximately 26% of enrolled women Veterans reside in rural and highly rural areas of the county, areas in need of more trained primary care providers who are also designated as Women’s Health Primary Providers (WH-PCP) as well as nursing staff trained in women’s health.

WHS has developed and delivered a comprehensive education and training model called the Women’s Health Mini-Residency since 2008 for clinical staff to address gaps in knowledge and skills in women’s health topics. Although over 3,500 primary care providers and 1,200 primary care nurses have been trained in this mini-residency program, additional training needs persist.

The WHS-developed, mini-residency training program described in this Performance Work Statement, in conjunction with prerequisite online content for a blended learning approach, is intended to improve familiarity, knowledge and skills of rural primary care providers and nurses in women’s health topics, thereby increasing the number of and access to WH-PCPs and nurses trained in women’s health in rural areas and enhancing / improving the high-quality healthcare women Veterans receive.

3. STAFFING

Attendance of one (1) physician instructor, one (1) nurse instructor and one (1) equipment support individual at each training event at 30 to 35 VHA clinical sites for the base year of the contract with option years that may see an increase to a total 40 clinical sites. Contractor will ensure all staff scheduled at each event will have an onsite presence for one-half day the day prior to the training at a time determined by the onsite point of contact in order to assist with training space, equipment and supply set-up. Contractor shall provide alternate or back-up physician instructor, nurse instructor and equipment support individual coverage to ensure 100% attendance of each at each training event.

A list of personnel will be provided to VA to ensure all the appropriate background checks can be accomplished prior to implementation of the contract. Any personnel outside of the list provided as substitutes shall have the ability and qualifications, including education and experience, equal to or better than the personnel on the list submitted with the successful proposal. Requests to substitute personnel shall be provided to the CO for review and approval. All requests for approval of substitutions in personnel shall be submitted to the CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any change in personnel. The request shall be written and provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution. The contractor shall submit a complete biography for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested by the CO needed to approve or disapprove the proposed substitution. The CO will evaluate such requests and promptly notify the contractor of approval or disapproval thereof in writing.

4. PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Instructors

Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructors have the appropriate professional background and professional experience. Curriculum vitae (CV) for all physician and nurse instructors clearly documenting stated requirements shall be provided by the Contractor to VA for approval.

Physician instructors must hold either a MD or DO degree and; hold a current, active medical license in any state and; have completed an ACGME-accredited residency training program in family medicine, internal medicine or obstetrics/gynecology. Board-certification is highly preferred.

Nurse instructors must hold at least a Bachelor of Science Nursing resulting in registered nurse designation (RN), but may have additional education such as master or doctoral level degrees or hold additional certifications and; hold a current, active nursing license in any state.

Physician and nurse instructors must each have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing clinical care to women in an outpatient setting. Clinical care experience must include but is not limited to, in-office breast and pelvic exams, abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain care, pre and post-menopausal care, family planning and contraceptive management, interpersonal violence and care across the lifespan. Experience in Veteran-specific health care is preferred, but not required.

Physician and nurse instructors must each have a minimum of one (1) year experience serving as an educator of healthcare professionals to include direct instruction in a small group or large group setting.

All required experience as described must have occurred after completion of professional training (including residencies, fellowships, and / or certifications).

Physician instructors must have strong foundational knowledge in the pathophysiology and clinical management of women’s health topics to include, but not limited to, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge and sexually-transmitted infections, breast and cervical cancer screening, and contraceptives. Nurse instructors must have strong foundational knowledge in the nursing care (nursing assessment, triage, assistance, patient education, care coordination) of women’s health clinical topics to include, but not limited to, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge and sexually-transmitted infections, breast and cervical cancer screening, and contraceptives.

Physician and nurse instructors must each have good communication and interpersonal skills as demonstrated in past performance. This includes the ability to effectively communicate, listen to others, work collaboratively, function autonomously, adapt to changes in the work environment, respond to internal and external customer needs and expectations in a positive manner and problem solve. Essential job requirements include adherence to all relevant policies, procedures and guidelines affecting the work environment, as well as maintenance of required competencies. Physician and nurse instructors must be fluent in written and spoken English, be U.S. citizens or provide evidence of eligibility to work in the U.S. including an e-verify report. Physician and nurse instructors must be computer literate.

4.2 Equipment Support Individual

Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual is computer literate, possess technical skills to support audiovisual equipment, has strong organizational skills to manage numerous pieces of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), and is able to perform multiple tasks and ensure consistent operations within the training initiative. Knowledge of clinical simulation equipment and basic clinical simulation education principles is beneficial. Knowledge of equipment and supplies used in clinical settings for the care of women is beneficial.

The equipment support individual must have good communication and interpersonal skills. This includes the ability to effectively communicate, listen to others, work collaboratively, function autonomously, adapt to changes in the work environment, respond to internal and external customer needs and expectation in a positive manner and problem-solve. This individual must be fluent in written and spoken English, be a U.S. citizen or provide evidence of eligibility to work in the U.S. including an e-verify report and possess a valid driver’s license and able to drive a rented transport van (e.g. minivan or conversion van). The equipment support individual must be able to lift moderately heavy objects (e.g. boxes and shipping cases up to 100 pounds in weight) on regular basis, including transferring in and out of a transport van and clinical sites on multiple occasions.

Deliverables: Documentation of Credentials, past performances as requested in this section.

5. TASKS

The contractor shall perform the following tasks in accordance with referenced U.S. Government Public Laws, policy directives, regulations and non-Government standards.

5.1. Conduct a “kick-off” meeting within 3 (three) business days of award. The kick-off meeting will consist of the contractor participating in an online conferencing orientation for program overview and introduction to Government Furnished Information (GFI) used in the training event. Background information, training event agenda, and GFI will be presented. Physician and nurse instructors, equipment support individual may attend at the contractor’s discretion.

Deliverables: Schedule kick-off within 3 business days of award of contract.

5.2. Attend, manage and document monthly meetings with WHS Program Office team.

Deliverables: The contractor shall provide meeting minutes, monthly progress, status, and management reports informing of the progress of each task, identifying accomplishment, issues, concerns, and proposed resolutions. The monthly status report will specifically include an itemized list of tasks completed, the hours, amounts to be charged for each task and all other cost associated for that billing period. All documents presented will be concurred upon by the COR within 10 days of receipt and prior to invoicing by contractor for that billing period.

5.3. Ensure staff has met the appropriate prerequisites in order to perform their duties.

5.3.1. Instructors

5.3.1.1 Contractor shall ensure physician instructors view twelve (12) WHS-developed online lectures that are pre-requisites for VHA provider learners, one (1) WHS-developed breast exam video, two (2) WHS-developed pelvic exam videos (routine and acute), and six (6) gynecologic procedure / test videos. Time required to complete the viewings is estimated to take 14 hours. Access to these GFI items will be provided to the Contractor by WHS Program Office team and are detailed in Appendix A.

5.3.1.2 Contractor shall ensure nurse instructors view eleven (11) WHS-developed online lectures that are pre-requisites for VHA nurse learners, one (1) WHS-developed breast exam video, two (2) WHS-developed pelvic exam (routine and acute) videos, and six (6) gynecologic procedure / test videos. Time required to complete the viewings is estimated to take 13 hours. Access to these GFI items will be provided to the Contractor by WHS Program Office team and are detailed in Appendix B

5.3.1.3 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructors master all content comprising the training event to the necessary extent to facilitate discussion and instruct hands-on learning that includes: training agenda, one (1) introduction / overview of training slide deck, seven (7) WHS-developed primary care interprofessional case study discussion slide decks, one (1) ‘action plan’ template (handout and slide deck), one (1) pre-brief and debrief of simulation activity (handout), one (1) each breast exam and pelvic exam checklist (handout), one (1) breast and pelvic exam technique using simulation equipment “table talk” (handout), breast and pelvic exam simulation equipment involving two (2) breast task trainers with abnormal findings (findings keys) and seven (7) pelvic task trainer inserts with normal and abnormal findings (scenarios, finding keys, next steps), over 70 gynecologic items and supplies (detailed item / supply list with descriptions), MammaCare breast exam haptic simulator (instructions for computer-guided modules), breast and pelvic exam preparation and set-up scenario-based activity (booklet), one (1) history taking / triage for breast and pelvic presentations “table talk” (handout), patient education activity for six (6) gynecologic procedure / test videos, GTA live breast and pelvic exam activity with scenarios (handouts), and pre- and post-training assessments (electronic). Time required to master all content comprising the training is estimated to take 25 hours. Access to these GFI items will be provided to the Contractor by WHS Program Office team and are detailed in Appendix C.

5.3.1.4 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructors study evaluation tools used to evaluate instructors and the training. This includes 1) pre-assessment, post-assessment, course evaluation and 6-month follow-up assessments completed electronically by all participants, 2) written, templated post-training report by training site point of contact, and 3) written, templated post-training report by WHS staff site visits. Time required to study these GFI items is estimated to take 1 (one) hour. Access to these GFI items will be provided to the Contractor by WHS Program Office team and are detailed in Appendix D.

5.3.1.5 Contractor shall ensure documentation is provided to confirm physician and nurse instructors have viewed and mastered all content comprising the training event to the necessary extent to deliver, facilitate discussion and instruct hands-on learning. This documentation must be provided to WHS Program Office team for each instructor five (5) days prior to attending a “train-the-trainer” workshop.

5.3.1.6 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructors attend a face-to-face “train-the-trainer” workshop in advance of the first training event. The initial workshop will be held on the week of May 7, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Any and all physician and nurse instructors who will be delivering the training event must attend a “train-the-trainer” workshop. This “train-the-trainer” workshop may be held up to twice annually and could include up to ten (10) physician and nurse instructors in the base year and two (2) in each option year. This “train-the-trainer” workshop will be organized and delivered by WHS-identified instructors. This workshop will allow for 1) diffusion of WHS standard training structure and content; 2) opportunity for questions and clarifications regarding content and means of delivery; 3) practice with simulation equipment and supplies; and 4) real-time logistical practice with training equipment and supply set-up and break-down. Anticipated time requirement for the “train-the-trainer” workshop is estimated at 24 hours (three days (3) 8-hour days), not including travel time, and will be held at a VA facility to be determined and provided by Government. Contractor shall provide and support travel for physician and nurse instructors to this “train-the-trainer” workshop.

Deliverables: Documentation of each instructor viewing and mastering all content and attendance of face-to-face “train- the-trainer” training.

5.3.2 Equipment Support Individual

5.3.2.1 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual reviews WHS-developed content comprising the training curricula (Government Furnished Information, GFI) relevant to the use of simulation of the GFE and hands-on learning that includes: one (1) pre-brief and debrief of simulation activity (handout), breast and pelvic exam simulation equipment involving two (2) breast task trainers with abnormal findings (findings keys) and seven (7) pelvic task trainer inserts with normal and abnormal findings (scenarios, finding keys, next steps), over 70 gynecologic items and supplies (detailed item / supply list with descriptions) and MammaCare breast exam haptic simulator. Access to these GFI items will be provided to the Contractor by WHS and are detailed in Appendices B and C. Time required to review content relevant to the use of simulation of the GFE and hands-on learning is estimated to take 5 hours All said equipment, materials and items will be provided to the Contractor by WHS Program Office team as GFE and are detailed in Appendix E.

5.3.3.2 Contractor shall ensure documentation is provided to confirm the equipment support individual has reviewed all content relevant to simulation and hands-on learning comprising the training event. This documentation must be provided to WHS Program Office team for the equipment support individual five (5) days prior to attending a “train-the-trainer” workshop.

5.3.3.3 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual attend a face-to-face “train-the-trainer” workshop in advance of the first training event. The initial workshop will be held on the week of May 7, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Any and all equipment support individuals who will be supporting this contract must attend a “train-the-trainer” workshop. This “train-the-trainer” workshop may be held up to twice annually and could include up to five (5) equipment support individuals in the base year and one (1) in each option year. This “train-the-trainer” workshop will be organized and delivered by WHS-identified instructors. This workshop will allow for 1) diffusion of WHS standard training structure and content; 2) opportunity for questions and clarifications regarding content and means of delivery; 3) practice with simulation equipment and supplies; and 4) real-time logistical practice with training equipment, other hands-on activities and supply unpacking, set-up, break-down and packing. Anticipated time requirement for the “train-the-trainer” workshop estimated at is estimated at 20 hours (two and one-half days (2.5) 8-hour days), not including travel time, and will be held at a VA facility to be determined and provided by Government. Contractor shall provide and support travel for the equipment support individual to this “train-the-trainer” workshop.

Deliverables: Documentation of review of all content required with emphasis on content for simulation and hands on learning and attendance at the face-to-face “train-the-trainer” workshop.

5.4. Contractor will ensure staff provides onsite duties as prescribed.

5.4.1. Instructors:

5.4.1.1 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor co-present a welcome, introduction and overview of training WHS-developed slide deck / GFI at the beginning of the training event. This provides background on women Veterans in VHA and an overview of the training event to participants. This also includes introduction of a VHA Women Veteran’s Program Manager (WVPM) and / or Women’s Health Medical Director (WHMD) to participants that may be done remotely (audio and / or video) or in-person and would be arranged by WHS Program Office team in advance of the training event. Instructors are responsible for ensuring all participants complete a sign-in sheet during the welcome to confirm their presence at the training and provide the completed sign-in sheet to WHS Program Office team within five (5) business days post-training event.

5.4.1.2 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor co-facilitate five (5) small group case discussions using WHS-developed slide decks / GFI. Co-facilitation must be done in a manner that encourages interprofessional dialogue, team learning and interaction by all participants. Case discussions are case-based and serve to reinforce and apply material covered in online lectures.

5.4.1.3 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor instruct participants on an approach to organizational change and facilitate completion of a process improvement project (‘action plan’) using WHS-developed supporting slides and a template for ‘action plan’. Throughout the training event, physician and nurse instructor will help participants identify a gap / issue in the care of women Veterans at their clinical site that may be addressed via the ‘action plan’. This may be done in teams or individually. Time will be allotted near the end of the training for completion of the template. Contractor shall ensure that a duplicate copy of the completed action plans are collected by instructors and provided to WHS Program Office team within five (5) business days post-training.

5.4.1.4 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor co-facilitate a pre-brief to simulation activities (handout) that outlines the rules of trust, roles and responsibilities, and logistics of the simulation stations using a pre-brief outline as provided by WHS. The pre-brief will include an introduction of the GTA while dressed in street clothes. The instructors will reinforce that professionalism is expected at all times and encourage use of breast and pelvic exam checklists.

5.4.1.5 Contractor shall ensure physician instructor explains, demonstrates and instructs the proper standardized technique endorsed by VHA for breast and pelvic examination. This technique should be consistent with what is included in the breast and pelvic examination videos, detailed in the breast and pelvic exam checklists, and explained in the simulation equipment “table talk”. Use of breast and pelvic exam simulation equipment / task trainers will be required and will be set-up in station, rotation format. Physician instructor should assist participants on identifying abnormalities on pelvic exam simulation equipment / task trainers and describing the findings. Feedback to provider participants on their exam technique and identification of abnormalities in a manner that is collegial, informative and constructive is expected.

5.4.1.6 Contractor shall ensure nurse instructor explains, demonstrates and instructs the proper history taking / triage questioning, exam room preparation, and breast and pelvic exam set-up and assistance for various women’s health presentations. Scenario-based hands-on activities using breast and pelvic exam checklists, suggested OB/GYN questions and pelvic exam scenario will be required and will be set-up in a station, rotation format. Feedback to nurse participants on their line of questioning, appropriate language used, and identification of necessary supplies in a manner that is collegial, informative and constructive is expected.

5.4.1.7 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor explain, demonstrate and instruct on appropriate language and professional and respectful behavior to use when preparing for, assisting with, and performing breast and pelvic exam that follows VHA guidance, maintains patient respect, prioritizes patient comfort and dignity, and considers a patient’s history of trauma. GFI that includes chaperone requirements, patient draping and room set-up for breast and pelvic exam must be followed.

5.4.1.8 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor are available to assist with instruction clarification of history and exam techniques when requested for the GTA live breast and pelvic exam activity when requested by participants or staff. While this activity is intended to take place without direct physician and /or nurse instructor involvement, the instructors may be called upon in the event their assistance is required with the GTA activity. Involvement may include, but not limited to, assistance with room, supplies, equipment or aspects of breast and / or pelvic exam.

5.4.1.9 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor explain, demonstrate and instruct on use of over 70 item gynecologic equipment and supplies (“show-and-tell” table). A comprehensive list of all items that includes details on indications and usage instructions for each item will be provided as GFI.

5.4.1.10 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor interact with the MammaCare breast exam haptic simulator and participants when necessary. This activity is intended for provider participant use, but may be utilized by nurse participants if time permits. While this activity is intended to take place without direct physician and / or nurse instructor involvement, the instructors may be called upon in the event assistance is required for the MammaCare breast exam haptic simulator activity. Involvement may include, but not limited to, breast exam technique or technical trouble-shooting.

5.4.1.11 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor support the gynecologic procedure videos with associated patient education activity. This activity is intended for nurse participant use, but may be utilized by provider participants if time permits. While this activity is intended to take place without direct physician and / or nurse instructor involvement, the instructors may be called upon in the event assistance is required for the gynecologic procedure videos and associated patient education activity. Involvement may include, but not limited to, fielding questions about gynecologic procedures viewed or technical trouble-shooting.

5.4.1.12 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor co-facilitate a debrief session of simulation activities (using a GFI handout) that allows for an open discussion about each simulation activity, including the GTA activity. The debrief will include summative feedback to the group and / or concluding comments from the GTA while dressed in street clothes.

5.4.1.13 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor provide participants with WHS-provided GFI to include, but not limited to, resources list, learning opportunities, and education handouts. A list of additional resources and websites provided as GFI may be accessed during training event depending on the participant learning needs.

5.4.1.14 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor assist the equipment support individual with the training space, simulation equipment and supplies to support the training event. This may include assistance with room arrangement of the physical training space and set-up of said equipment and supplies. These tasks may take place one-half day the day prior to the training event. This may require lifting items no heavier than 100 pounds.

5.4.1.15 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor adhere to the training event schedule agenda as close as possible, maintaining time allotments for each discussion or activity. Attention to timekeeping and the holding participants accountable to the agenda will be required. The training event shall begin promptly at 8:00 am, must not conclude later than 5:00 pm and must include a 30-minute lunch and two (2) 15-minute breaks for participants (accounted for in the training event agenda) The equipment support individual may assist with onsite timekeeping.

Deliverables: Documentation of physician and nurse instructors instructing and facilitating all content comprising the training event, adhering to training schedule.

5.4.2 Equipment Support Individual:

5.4.2.1 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual receive simulation equipment, training supplies and consumable items from a VHA facility or training site in proximity to a training event site and ensure said GFE is transported and accounted for at each transition. Preparing GFE for vehicle transport will be necessary. There is a requirement to drive a vehicle of adequate size (i.e. minivan) to comfortably fit all GFE (approximately 48-cubic feet) for transporting equipment between clinic sites. The contractor will be responsible for the cost of obtaining the vehicle. Additionally, physical activity such as lifting moderately heavy objects (e.g. boxes and shipping cases up to 100 pounds in weight) will be required.

5.4.2.2 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual prepares, manages and maintains simulation equipment, training supplies (including media and contractor-supplied computers), consumable items used during the training events at each clinic site. This includes packing, unpacking, set-up, break-down, cleaning, and monitoring utilization of GFE. Assistance with training space set-up and limited moving of furniture may also be necessary. Contract instructors may assist with on-site set-up, preparation, break-down, packing and training space set-up.

5.4.2.3 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual provides administrative and technical support to WHS, the contracted training team (physician and nurse instructors) and clinic sites point of contact as needed to support the training event and simulation activities. This may include, but is not limited to, audiovisual support, securing additional supplies in real-time, printing, copying, timekeeping and monitoring of simulation activities.

5.4.2.4 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual assists participants and contract training team (physician and nurse instructors) with simulation work, the use of simulation equipment and serves as a resource to WHS and contract training team (physician and nurse instructors) utilizing simulation. The level of assistance may vary and may take place at the ‘train-the-trainer’ workshop, onsite at the training events and / or other times during the contract.

5.4.2.5 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual operates and maintains all audiovisual (AV) equipment used in the training event. This includes, but not limited to, set-up, connectivity, projection and technical trouble-shooting of contractor-supplied laptop computers as well as GFE accessories, projectors, MammaCare breast exam haptic simulator and other AV equipment.

5.4.2.6 Contractor shall ensure proper usage of GFE to support the training event to include breast simulation equipment, pelvic simulation equipment, 70 gynecologic items (“show-and-tell” items), consumable items for breast and pelvic exam activities, projector and ancillary items such as power cords and portable tables. Usage of GFE will be in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and follow WHS guidance. Appendix E lists GFE to support this training.

5.4.2.7 Contractor shall supply two (2) Contractor-furnished laptop computers, both with speaker and headphone capabilities, at each training event. Laptop computers will be used for instructor projected display of training materials, group and individual viewing of videos and facilitation of patient education activity during simulation activities.

5.4.2.8 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual ensures security and safe-keeping of all simulation equipment, training supplies, consumable items and audiovisual equipment at each training event sites and during transport / transition times. If equipment should be lost, damaged or stolen while in transport and/or in possession of the equipment support individual, the contractor will be responsible for the replacement of said equipment.

Deliverables: Documentation of equipment support individual receiving, transporting, managing, inventorying and shipping GFE.

5.5. Contractor will ensure instructors provide feedback post-training to assist in the improvement, evaluation and monitoring of the training program.

5.5.1. Instructors:

5.5.1.1 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructor notify equipment support individual of damaged / replacement or additional equipment needs and work with the equipment support individual to evaluate ongoing supply and equipment needs after each training.

5.5.1.2 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructors provide a written post-training report to WHS Program Office team using a WHS-developed reporting template within 5 (five) business days after the conclusion of each training event. Post-training report should include recommendations for revising and updating WHS training material / GFI based on participant feedback and may not include any personally identifiable information about participants. Sign-in sheets and copies of participant-developed action plans must accompany the written post-training report.

5.5.1.3 Contractor shall ensure physician and nurse instructors participate in monthly post-training feedback sessions during months of any training event with WHS Program Office team via virtual conferencing. Each post-training after action feedback session will last approximately two (2) hours. WHS Program Office team will be responsible for scheduling and coordination of feedback sessions. These feedback sessions will allow for a more in-depth discussion on the training event structure, content, and logistics.

Deliverables: Post-training report by instructors.

5.5.2 Equipment Support Individual:

5.5.2.1 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual inventories, cleans, packs and prepares all GFE for transport to another training event site and / or shipping to a central storage location or VHA facility within two (2) hours of the conclusion of specified training events as directed by WHS Program Office team. This includes transport of GFE to a VHA facility for shipping or other shipping center. The contractor will be responsible for the cost of obtaining the vehicle. Shipping costs will be covered by WHS. The equipment support individual must provide a written inventory list of GFE pre- and post-training for each training event that accompanies GFE upon return to a central storage location.

5.5.2.2 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual ship simulation equipment, training supplies and consumable items to a central storage location after the conclusion of identified training, using shipping mechanism provided by WHS Program Office team. A GFE Receiving report will be completed by central storage location point of contact and provided to WHS Program Office team within five (5) days of GFE receipt.

5.5.2.3 Contractor shall ensure there is notification to WHS Program Office team of damaged / replacement or additional equipment needs and work with the physician and nurse instructors to evaluate ongoing supply and equipment needs after each training. Completion of a written WHS Post-training report will be required after each training event and provided to WHS Program Office team within five (5) business days after the conclusion of each training event.

5.5.2.4 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual collaborate in maintenance and repair of clinical simulation equipment as necessary.

5.5.2.5 Contractor shall ensure the equipment support individual participate in monthly post-training feedback sessions during months of any training event with WHS Program Office team via virtual conferencing. WHS Program Office team will be responsible for scheduling and coordination of feedback sessions. These feedback sessions will allow for a more in-depth discussion on the training event structure, content, equipment and logistics.

Deliverables: Post-training report and inventory list of GFE.

6. DELIVERY SCHEDULE. [ACCORDING TO DELIVERABLES LISTED ABOVE]

5.1

7. QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program in accordance with their approved Management Oversight Plan (MOP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with the PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means to assure that the work complies with the requirement of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the tasks described in Section 5 and deliverables detailed in Section 6 of the PWS. WHS will provide Contractor with report templates used to evaluate performance.

8. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

The Government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) described in Attachment 1 Section D. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards identified in the PRS will be measured, by whom, the frequency of the surveillance, and the maximum acceptable defect rate(s).

Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration Women’s Health Services Women’s Health Mini-Residency for Rural Providers and Nurses Training Program Gynecologic Teaching Associate Applicable to the Gynecologic Teaching Associate (GTA)

1. SCOPE.

Women’s Health Services (WHS) within Veterans Health Administration (VHA) seeks to obtain Gynecologic Teaching Associates (GTAs) to support a WHS-developed, mini-residency training program on women’s health topics for VHA clinical primary care providers and nurses (interprofessional) at rural Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in their clinic setting. Goals of the training are to improve familiarity, knowledge and skills of primary care providers and nurses in women’s health topics, to increase women Veteran access to women’s health primary care providers and to enhance / improve the quality of healthcare women Veterans receive. The contract requires one (1) GTA to support the mini-residency training program to two (2) to twelve (12) VHA clinical primary care providers and nurses at 30 to 35 rural VHA clinical sites for the base year of the contract with option years that may see an increase of total 40 clinical sites, in the United States (U.S.) over a twelve (12) month period of performance. The services of a GTA will be used during the training for practice of assessment / history-taking skills by nurse participants, breast and pelvic clinical examination skills by provider participants and instructional feedback for all participants (collectively referred to as the GTA activity). The remaining components of the training will be instructed by a contracted training team which will be procured under separate contract, this team consists of a physician instructor, a nurse instructor; and an equipment support individual who will also be onsite during each training event.

2. BACKGROUND.

The VHA patient population of women Veterans is growing rapidly. Such growth brings increasing demand for high quality gender-specific health care. Approximately 26% of enrolled women Veterans reside in rural and highly rural areas of the county, areas in need of more trained primary care providers who are also designated as Women’s Health Primary Providers (WH-PCP) as well as nursing staff trained in women’s health.

WHS has developed and delivered a comprehensive education and training model called the Women’s Health Mini-Residency since 2008 for clinical staff to address gaps in knowledge and…