36C24524R0030.docx

36C24524R0030

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

512-24-1-825-0001 36C24524R0030 Dan Feng Lu 410-691-1141 04-25-2024 15:00

EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 5 Contracting Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Ave Martinsburg WV 25405 Darren G. Morris Darren.morris@va.gov X X 621910 $22.5 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Baltimore VA Medical Center 10 N Greene St Baltimore MD 21201 Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 5 Contracting Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Ave Martinsburg WV 25405

VA FSC

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

FSC e-Invoice Payment Invoice must be submitted electronically http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 See CONTINUATION Page Contractors shall provide Ground Ambulance Services to support VAMHCS in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

Anticipated Period of Performance:

Ordering Period One (1): July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 Ordering Period Two (2): July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 Ordering Period Three (3): July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 Ordering Period Four (4): July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028 Ordering Period Five (5): July 1, 2028 - June 30, 2029 See B.2 for MATOC RFP summary.

See E.

, E.

and E.1 for Instructions.

Contractor shall be responsible for the correct title classification of the workers and compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws.

CS: Dan Feng Lu | danfeng.lu@va.gov See CONTINUATION Page X X X Evelyn E. Mount Contracting Officer 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

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.

Invoice must be submitted electronically:

http://www.fsc.va.gov.einvoice.asp

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

36C24524R0030

B.2 MULTIPLE AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACTS (MATOC)

Quantities listed are estimated only and are not guaranteed.

This is a 5-year Commercial Firm Fixed Price, Shared Capacity, Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, for Ground Ambulance Services to support the VA Maryland Health Care System. The Department of Veteran Affairs intends to award to no more than three (3) Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) contractors. The task orders will be distributed equitability.

Accordingly, funds are not obligated on this contract at award; rather, funds are obligated via task orders issued against the contract. Task orders shall only be issued by a warranted VA Contracting Officer (CO). VA CO will issue task orders to the contractor authorizing services via Standard Form 1449. Each task order shall clearly identify the dollar amount authorized under the individual task order and the period of performance of the individual task order. When a task order period of performance is completed, additional services shall not be provided unless a new task order is issued in accordance with this IDIQ.

36C24524R0030 The minimum dollar amount guaranteed under this contract for the performance period of the one year is $1,000.00. The maximum dollar amount or contract ceiling for this contract is $11,000,000.00. The maximum amount is not guaranteed. The combined total of all orders placed against this contract cannot exceed the maximum amount/ceiling of this contract.

(End of Clause)

36C24522Q0413

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B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. Purpose: The Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Medical Center (hereafter VAMC), its associated Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and affiliated healthcare clinics require contracted non-emergency ambulance transportation services. The contractor shall provide all vehicles, personnel, management, supplies, equipment, and necessary reporting for the provision of Stretcher Transports, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), Critical Care Transport (CCT) services. The contactor shall make these ambulance services available to the VA as needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7), including weekends and holidays.

2. Background: The Baltimore VAMC main campus is located _10 N. Greene Street, Baltimore MD.21201., serving over 300,000 veterans, primarily from the Maryland area and its Community-Based Outpatient Clinics. Veterans served within this facility lives within the following counties and zip codes.

3. Acronyms ALS – Advanced Life Support AOD – Administrative Officers of the Day BLS – Basic Life Support CCT – Critical Care Transport CCTP – Critical Care Transport Paramedic CCEMTP – Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport CO – Contracting Officer COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation DOL – Department of Labor EMT – Emergency Medical Technician IAW – In Accordance With OO – Ordering Officer PWS – Performance Work Statement QASP – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC – Quality Control Plan TB – Tuberculosis TJC – The Joint Commission VTS – Veteran Transportation Service

4. Scope/Requirements

4.1. Types of Ambulance Service

4.1.1. The contractor shall provide Emergent, non-emergent Stretcher Transports, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Critical Care Transport (CCT) Tier 1, 2, and 3 ambulance services on an as-needed basis in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

4.1.2. Occasionally a veteran will need to be transported with VA staff and equipment; the contractor shall return VA Staff and equipment to the original place of pick-up.

4.2. Transport of Miscellaneous Items with the Patient

The Contractor may also be required to transport patient luggage, medical records, medication, and comfort items from pickup points to destination at no additional cost to the Government. Luggage to be transported will be restricted to suitcase and valise types. When patients are transported to the Baltimore VAMC, destination is deemed to be the ER, Admissions, the clinic, or service within the hospital, or directly to the ward as instructed by VA Staff.

4.3. Contractor Personnel: Contractor personnel shall be courteous and always conduct themselves in a businesslike manner while providing services under this contract.

4.3.1. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Critical Care Transport Paramedics (CCTPs) & Other Personnel

4.3.1.1. EMTs, CCTPs and other medical personnel (as applicable) shall at all times meet the qualifications specified in this contract as well as all applicable federal, state, and local government laws, regulations, and standards. EMTs, CCTPs and other medical personnel (as applicable) shall be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state, or regional government or public entity where the emergency service is operated or by which it is governed.

4.3.1.2. If the contractor wishes to add or replace personnel throughout the life of the contract, it shall provide evidence of required training, certifications, licensing, and any other qualifications to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review.

4.3.1.3. All ambulance drivers shall have a valid driver’s license in accordance with state requirements for their place of operation and the services they perform. If the contractor wishes to add or replace drivers throughout the life of the contract, it shall provide a valid driver’s license to the COR.

4.3.1.4. CCTPs shall have met all state requirements for the tier in which they are performing services in (I, II, III). Proof in the form of a current certificate for the successful completion of such must be provided to the COR upon request.

4.3.1.5. Investigative Requirements for Contract Personnel: Contract personnel will be subject to the same investigative requirements as those for regular VA appointees and employees. The level of investigation commensurate with the level of access to perform the performance work statement is: Special Agreement Checks (SAC). Fingerprinting for contract personnel will be conducted at the VAMC. Thereafter the contracted employees will be subject annually to the same requirement, with a 90-day window to complete such requirement as provided by the VAMC. The VA Security and Investigation Center (SIC) is responsible for adjudicating all background investigations for contract employees.

4.3.1.6. EMTs, CCTPs, and other contractor personnel as applicable must pass the Contractor’s background check and must not have been convicted of (or have any pending charges for) a felony for the past five years. Personnel (and Contractor) must report any new or additional charges or convictions if they arise during the course of performance under this contract so VA can review them and determine whether the employee in question needs to be discharged of his or her duties until the matter is adjudicated.

4.3.2. Tuberculosis Exposure Control Policy

4.3.2.1. The contractor shall provide the VA with a policy on tuberculosis (TB) exposure and control, to include TB decontamination.

4.3.2.2. The contractor shall have its personnel tested for TB in accordance with state guidelines and provide written confirmation to the COR that all personnel (current employees and any new hires) performing services under this contract are current in their TB test by at the start of each Ordering Period.

4.4. Contractor Equipment, Vehicles, and Inspection

4.4.1. Ambulances shall meet all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and specifications, including but not limited to licensing, registration, and safety standards.

4.4.2. The VA reserves the right to inspect the contractor’s equipment and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines governing emergency medical transport vehicles (ambulances). VA inspections of contractor equipment do not constitute a warranty or guarantee that the contractor’s vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. The VA reserves the right to restrict the contractor’s use of equipment and vehicles in the performance of this contract which are not in compliance with contract requirements. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the contractor from performance in accordance with the contract nor necessitate additional cost to the VA.

4.4.3. Vehicles shall be clean and maintained in good repair in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

4.4.4. The contractor shall not borrow or exchange supplies, equipment, and/or medications with the VA. Equipment attached to or in use by the patient at time of pick-up may remain with the patient during transport to ensure continuity of care. Medical Control Authorities are responsible for maintaining and supplying medication during patient transport. All VA equipment and unused medications must be returned to VA during patient drop-off or as promptly as feasible within 24 hours.

4.4.5. The contractor shall furnish all linen required for patient transport at no additional cost. Linen shall not be exchanged with linen belonging to VAMC or its CBOCs.

4.4.6. The contractor must be capable of transporting the drugs and/or equipment as required by the patient as listed in Attachment A Critical Care Transport Capabilities Confirmation. The contractor shall have the appropriate medications, up to and including CCT Tier III if necessary, based on the EMS region the ambulance provider is functioning in.

4.4.7. The contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract.

4.4.7.1. The contractor personnel performing services for the VA, shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner, and be identified by having the company name, and employee name affixed to the uniform. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all vehicles, uniforms, nametags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. The contractor personnel shall not smoke/play loud music originating from any device in vehicles while transporting VA patients.

4.4.7.2. Each driver shall possess a driver’s license that is valid for the class of vehicle driven. Evidence of a special transportation service vehicle permit, or endorsement issued by the commissioner of public safety.

· Be at least 18 years of age and have not less than one year of experience as a licensed driver; and

· For the past three years:

· Have not had a driver’s license canceled or suspended.

· Have a driving record clear of convictions for operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle without insurance.

· Have a driving record clear of convictions for driving a motor vehicle without a valid current license for the class of vehicle driven

· Have a driving and criminal record clear of convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

4.4.7.3. The contractor personnel will ensure that the patient is secured to the stretcher/cot and that the stretcher /cot is secure in the back of the ambulance before the vehicle moves.

4.4.7.4. Ambulance drivers shall have a valid driver’s license, in accordance with Federal, State, and local government requirements for their place of operation for the services they perform, be capable of administering oxygen and shall have successfully completed the standard and advanced first aid course of the American Red Cross of U.S. Bureaus of Mines of equivalent and be capable of providing necessary medical assistance to the attending emergency medical technician or paramedic.

4.4.7.5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic Qualifications: EMT’s and Paramedic’s providing services under this contract shall have the following qualifications, in additions to those required by Federal, State, and Local Government:

· Have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of Health and Human Services with a minimum curriculum of 150 hours or equivalent including an in-hospital training period. Such training programs must also be acceptable under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by DHHS under PL 93-154, Federal Register 39:24304. (1974).

· Shall be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state of regional government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

4.5. Transportation Request

4.5.1 VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization:

The contractor agrees to utilize the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software with every patient transported under this contract.

Department of Veteran Affairs will provide the software and access to the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software for the vendor/contractor in this contract. The Contractor will utilize the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software fully as instructed:

a) Receive and respond to electronic trip requests

b) Receive, use, and ensure the use of the Vendor pass by the driver.

c) Submit claims via the electronic HCFA 1500 in the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software system.

d) All invoices must be submitted within 30 calendar days of date of service in accordance with 38 CFR 70 to be considered timely submission.

i. The contractor’s invoice must be on the HCFA 1500 to include:

ii. Contract Number

iii. Date of Service (to include Box 24 A-J)

iv. Authorization number(s)

v. Pick-up and drop-off location of the patient

vi. Base Rate

vii. Name (Last, First and Middle Initial (if any)) and Full Social Security number (Box 1a) of patient transported

viii. Date of Birth and Sex

ix. Diagnosis Codes or Nature of Illness or Injury

x. Documentation of circumstances when billing for waiting time

xi. Any miscellaneous charges for which the contractor is expecting reimbursement i.e., Tool charges, waiting time, etc.

xii. VA authorizing official’s name

xiii. Healthcare Procedure Coding System/National Level II (HCPCS)

e) Unauthorized charges will be reviewed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) as to the validity of the charges and as to whether the payment will be made. A final determination will be made within 30 days after notifying the Contractor of the charges, which are being suspended.

4.5.1.1. A transportation request is defined as one incidence of a request for one-way service (Stretcher Transports, BLS, ALS, CCT). No more than one patient will be transported per order unless approved by an authorized VA staff. Transportation requests will be made through VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization. Contractors must have the capability to receive orders, update ride status, and input trip costs and other required data through this portal. Contractors must have dedicated staff available to monitor this portal 24/7. The VAMC Travel Program Staff will be available to assist with account setup and training for the Contractor’s Staff. In the event VetRide or other VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization is down, other methods of communication (i.e., telephone, facsimile) will be used to place Transportation requests.

4.5.1.1.1. The VAMC Travel Program Staff/or authorized VA employees will work with the Contractor the following business day to reconcile any transportation requests that were placed outside of VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization.

4.5.1.1.2. The Contractor must update VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization with any data and/or notes in real time that deviate from the original order such as invoicing for additional mileage due to a road closure, wait time, reason for no load, etc. The VAMC Travel Program Staff/or authorized VA employees may place a “hold” on payment of this order until it has been reconciled.

4.5.1.2. Only the following VA staff are authorized to place, cancel, or make changes to transportation requests:

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The Contracting Officer will furnish the Contractor with the names of individuals above, who are authorized as Ordering Officers, by separate memorandum upon issuance of the contract. The Contracting Officer will update this list throughout the life of the contract as Ordering Officers change.

Ordering Officers are responsible for issuing and administering orders placed under this contract. Ordering Officers have no authority to modify any term of this basic contract. Any deviation from the terms of the basic contract must be approved in writing by the Contracting Officer responsible for this contract. The Contractor shall accept orders against this contract only from the Contracting Officer and/or authorized ordering officers. Fulfilling orders from persons other than the Contracting Officer or ordering officer may result in loss or delay in payment for supplies/services provided under such orders.

Non-authorized VA employees and private agencies (e.g., nursing homes) are not considered authorized to place transportation requests.

4.5.1.2.1. All patient pick-up(s) and drop-off(s) shall be authorized via “orders” which shall only be issued by the designated Ordering Officers. When placing orders for services, the Ordering Officer shall contact the designated contractor point of contact(s) to provide the following information:

· Mode of transportation required,

· Required time of arrival

· Name of the beneficiary,

· Pick-up and delivery point,

· Type and number of additional medical care specialists required,

· Type of equipment required,

· Last four of the patient's Social Security Number, and

· Any other special instructions

4.5.1.3. For ALL Transports – an Audit system will be put in place by the VA to include the COR or designee, Beneficiary Travel Department staff, and clinical staff to ensure appropriateness of the order and timeliness of the response.

4.5.1.4. The type of transportation service (Stretcher Transports, BLS, ALS, CCT) required will be discussed and determined by VA clinical personnel and the contractor. The contractor shall transport the patient per its policies and standard industry practice. If the type of transportation service differs from what was agreed upon by the VA and contractor, the contractor shall submit documentation to the VA explaining its rationale.

4.5.1.5. The VA may authorize an escort (e.g., spouse, relative, guardian, etc.) to accompany the patient during medical transport if it is practicable and, in the patient’s, best interest. The contractor shall allow the escort to accompany the patient at no additional cost.

4.5.1.6. The contractor shall have sufficient vehicles and personnel to provide services for up to four (4) simultaneous transportation requests. Transports required may be for any mix of Stretcher Transports, BLS, ALS transports. One of these four simultaneous transports may require CCT capability up to Tier III. If the VAMC requires ambulance services exceeding four (4) simultaneous transportation requests, the vendor will be offered to provide the services if they have sufficient vehicles/personnel available; but may decline these additional orders if sufficient vehicles/personnel are unavailable.

4.5.1.7. The number of transports under normal operating conditions will typically range from 70-100 transports each weekday and significantly less on weekends and holidays. The number of actual transports may vary throughout the life of the contract.

4.5.1.8. The patient may bring with her or him up to three (3) liters of oxygen. The contractor shall be responsible for providing adequate and safe storage of the oxygen tanks during transport.

4.5.1.9. Response Times*

4.5.1.9.1. Orders that are scheduled by 7pm local time the day before the required services are defined as scheduled in advance. With the exceptions found below, the contractor shall arrive on time for all orders scheduled in advance.

4.5.1.9.2. Emergent Transport (Originating from VA (Only): The contractor shall be required to provide Ground Ambulance arrangements within thirty (30) minutes of order/patient pick up call.

4.5.1.9.3. For all add-ons (not scheduled in advance) transportation requests, with pick up at the VAMC: The contractor will be allotted up to a sixty (60) minute response time from time of order placement for transportation requests that are not previously scheduled in advance.

a. For an urgent transport request for a critical patient (as deemed by the physician) with pick up at the VAMC, the contractor will be allotted up to a thirty (30) minute response time.

b. 911-Transports (Non-VA Initiated Orders)

a. When an invoice is received and noted as a non-VA initiated or 911 call, VA staff must determine the following:

b. Medical necessity

c. Eligibility

d. Services received

e. HCFA 1500

f. Ambulance Report Summary

4.5.1.9.4. For transportation requests which do not have a pick-up at the VAMC:

a. The contractor may be required, if requested by the VA, to dispatch ambulances on short notice for transportation request not scheduled in advance; for these transportation requests the contractor shall dispatch ambulances within thirty (30) minutes of receiving the order.

b. Pick-up appointment times shall be agreed upon by the VA and contractor at time of order placement and be reasonable based upon travel distance, speed limits, and weather conditions.

c. The contractor’s patient pick-up time cannot be more than 15 minutes prior to the schedule pickup time nor 15 minutes later than the scheduled pickup time for transportation requests scheduled in advance.

* The contractor shall not be held liable for nonperformance caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, and unusually severe weather. The contractor MUST notify the VA with as much advance notice as possible should any of these occur.

4.5.2. Cancellations

4.5.2.1. For trips in which the contractor is notified of cancellation before the vehicle is dispatched, there shall be no charge to the Government.

4.5.2.1.1. A “no show” is defined as a transportation request which is cancelled after the contractor has dispatched a vehicle, the vehicle is enroute, or has arrived at the pick-up location, and there is no longer a requirement for patient transportation. The contractor may request one-way reimbursement for no-shows. No-show reimbursement shall be based upon the base rate for the type of service requested (Stretcher

Transports, BLS, ALS, CCT) and the one-way mileage (Stretcher Transports, BLS, ALS, CCT) accrued enroute to the pick-up location at time of cancellation. Mileage for no- show cancellations shall be confirmed by the contractor and reported to the VA as soon as possible from time of cancellation.

4.5.2.2. For transportation requests OUT of the VAMC ONLY – The contractor will immediately dispatch a vehicle upon receipt of the order (including transportation requests in which the final destination may change prior to pick up due to the critical condition of the patient). When the contractor is notified of a cancellation prior to arrival at the VAMC campus, there shall be no charge to the Government.

4.6. Pick-Up/Drop-Off/Reporting Procedures

4.6.1. Ambulance personnel shall pick-up and deliver patients at specified locations (e.g., front door of Baltimore VAMC Entrance). These locations will be specified by VA staff when an order is placed and communicated to the transporting personnel.

4.6.2. When applicable, ambulance personnel shall report to the Veteran Transportation Service (VTS) Dispatcher or Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) to (1) announce his/her arrival to pick-up and transfer the patient and (2) obtain report of pertinent information regarding the patient’s condition from the primary nurse/physician.

4.6.3. When delivering a patient, ambulance personnel shall give report to the appropriate VA healthcare staff and provide a copy of the run sheet which will be retained by the facility for inclusion to the patient’s medical record.

4.6.4. In cases where ambulance personnel must divert to a local emergency department while performing a VA authorized transport, the contractor’s dispatcher shall notify the VA Beneficiary Travel Department or Administrative Officer of the Day of the patient’s location and status as soon as this information becomes available.

4.7. Patient Welfare

4.7.1. The contractor shall be responsible for the patient’s welfare during transport. The contractor shall be held responsible for patient and/or VA property during transport. Any damaged or lost wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or personal belongings shall be replaced at the contractor’s expense.

4.7.2. The VA requires the contractor to exercise extreme caution and care in the handling of patients.

4.7.3. If a VA beneficiary being transported declines to be properly secured or removed the securement devices himself/herself, the driver will notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of this fact prior to departure. The contractor is not required to transport any VA beneficiary who refuses to be properly secured while being transported. In the event that the beneficiary refuses to be properly secured, they shall be returned back into the building which they came from.

4.8. Incident Reporting

4.8.1. The contractor shall notify the COR, Requestor, Program Manager, Beneficiary Travel Department, of any accidents and/or safety problems that occur while the patient is being transported. This notification shall occur within one (1) hour by telephone. A written report of the incident shall be delivered to the COR, Program Manager, or Beneficiary Travel Department, by the close of business of the next working day.

4.8.2. The COR will monitor the service provided. The contractor shall cooperate with the COR in providing information and answering questions in a timely manner. The contractor shall promptly inform the COR of any complaints received directly from patients. If warranted, the VA may conduct incident investigations and require written response from the contractor within 48 hours of request.

4.9. Invoicing

4.9.1. Each transport shall include thirty (30) minutes of wait time; the contractor may invoice for wait times in excess of this initial thirty (30) minutes. Wait time shall begin only once the contractor has both reached the pick-up address location and the appointment time has elapsed. All wait times shall be itemized and invoiced in fifteen (15) minute intervals. For partial fifteen (15) minute intervals, zero (0) to seven (7) minutes shall be rounded down to zero (0) minutes and eight (8) to fifteen (15) minutes rounded up to fifteen (15) minutes.

4.9.2. When invoicing for mileage, the contractor shall round to the nearest mile. Mileage ending in .5 or higher shall be rounded up to the nearest mile. Mileage ending in .4 or lower shall be rounded down to the nearest mile. Payment for mileage to or from the point of care shall be limited to the VA’s calculation according to the VA’s Bing Maps API determination. Bing Maps API is optimized to determine mileage based on the shortest time of travel.

4.9.3. If unloaded mileage exceeds loaded mileage, the contractor may invoice for a flat fee only if the following also occur:

· Unloaded mileage exceeds 75 miles

· The contractor does not deviate from a route to intentionally make unloaded mileage exceed loaded mileage.

4.9.4. Except for no shows and trips when unloaded mileage exceeds loaded mileage in accordance with 4.9.3, the contractor shall invoice for loaded (patient onboard) services and mileage only.

4.9.5. Upon notification of the contracting officer, the vendor must receive training and begin implementation of invoices via Vet Ride within 30 days versus VA Tungsten Network e-Invoicing network. Invoices must be submitted via the electronic HCFA 1500 in the VetRide Vendor Portal or other VA approved software. These invoices shall not include patient information, but shall include the following:

· Contractor Name

· Contract Number

· Current Purchase Order Number

· Date of service

· Total amount invoiced including a summary of the total number of charges that align with the line items of this contract (i.e., total number of BLS Base Rate, total BLS Mileage incurred, etc.)

· An itemized list of charges or services rendered that align with the line items of this contract (i.e., BLS Base Rate, BLS Mileage incurred, etc.)

Payment by VA under this contract to a provider of air ambulance transportation services authorized under this contract extinguishes any and all liability on the part of the VA BENEFICIARY for that transportation service. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE VA BENEFICIARIES, THIRD PARTY INSURANCES, MEDICARE, OR MEDICAID TO BE BILLED FOR THE SERVICES PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT.

5. Period & Place of Performance

5.1. This contract’s ordering period shall be effective from May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2029.

5.2. The Place of Performance is variable and may occur within the states of Maryland, West Virginia, District of Columbia, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, ambulance services may be required to or from locations including, but not limited to the following:

5.2.1. Baltimore VA Medical Center to include specific Atrium Clinics, Emergency Department, pavilions, or out-buildings on the Baltimore VAMC campus. The Baltimore VAMC address is: 10N. Greene Street Baltimore, MD. 21201

5.2.2. VAMC Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs):

Baltimore MD 21218

Cambridge MD. 21613

Fort Meade , MD. 20755

Alexandria, VA 22310

Greenbelt, MD. 20770

Washington , DC 20032

Cumberland, MD 21502-2573

Franklin, WV 26807

Hagerstown, MD. 21742

Harrisonburg

Charlotte Hall, MD 20622

Winchester, VA 22602

Aberdeen, MD. 21001

Alexandria, VA 22310

Annapolis, MD 21401

Pikesville, MD 21208

Elkton, MD 21921

Martinsburg, WV 25401

Silver Spring, MD. 20910

Washington, DC 20011

5.2.3. Other VA Medical Centers, Hospitals, or CBOCs within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5 including, but not limited to:

Perry Point, MD. 21902

Martinsburg, WV 25405

Washington

Clarksburg, WV 26301-4155

Beckley, WV 25801

Martinsburg, WV 25405

Huntington, WV 25704

5.2.4. Other Non-VA Medical facilities and Community Care facilities as authorized by the VA.

5.2.5. Veteran’s residence as authorized by the VA.

5.2.6. Local airports including:

Baltimore, MD 21240

Hagerstown, MD 21742

Salisbury, MD 21804

Middle River, MD 21220

Frederick, MD 21701

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Indian Head, MD 20640

Fort Meade, MD 20755

Westminster, MD 21157

Cambridge, MD 21613

College Park Airport

1909 Corporal Frank Scott Dr, College Park, MD 20740

Crisfield, MD 21817

Wiley Ford, WV 26767

Easton, MD 21601

California, MD 20619

Accident, MD 21520

Berlin, MD 21811

Stevensville, MD 21666

Essex, MD 21221

Clinton, MD 20735

Baltimore, MD 21224

Churchville, MD 21028

Elkton, MD 21921

Fallston, MD 21047

Fort Washington, MD 20744

Havre De Grace, MD 21078

Massey, MD 21650

Bowie, MD 20721

Ridgely, MD 21660

Salisbury, MD 21801

Stevensville, MD 21666

Westminster, MD 21157

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005

Ft Belvoir, VA 22060

Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762

NAS Patuxent River, MD 20670-1132

St. Inigoes, Md 20684-0010

6. Quality Control Plan

6.1. Quality Control

6.1.1. The contractor shall maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that contains, at a minimum, the following:

6.1.1.1. A description of the company’s organizational structure including a description of the roles and responsibilities of management and supervisors.

6.1.1.2. A description of the methods to be used by the contractor for identifying and preventing deficiencies or problems in the quality of service.

6.1.1.3. A description of the specific steps the contractor will take for corrective action if needed if a deficiency or problem in the quality of service occurs.

6.1.1.4. A description of the company’s records and tracking system used to identify up-to- date background checks, applicable certifications and tests, and training of each employee performing services under this contract.

6.1.1.5. A description of the method used to provide on-time ambulance services to meet the requirements of this contract (24/7 availability and up to 4 simultaneous transports in accordance with PWS 4.5.1.7).

6.1.1.6. A description of the methods used to identify and prevent radio communication breakdowns and a detailed procedure for alternative communications in the event of electronic and mechanical breakdown of vehicle two-way radios.

6.1.1.7. CONTENGENCY PLAN: (In case VetRide Vendor Portal is down) A description of the method/system used to log all requests for service. The contractor shall confirm that the log indicates the date and time of service call, actual time of pick-up versus the scheduled time, name of patient requiring services, designated pick-up and delivery points, mileage, and actual waiting time at pick-up and delivery points if waiting charges are claimed. The contractor shall confirm the log will be sent to the COR monthly.

6.1.2. The Government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract to ensure that the contractor’s QCP is adequate, and that quality is achieved through a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

6.1.3. The Government shall prepare a QASP after contract award derived from the PWS and contractor’s submitted quality control plan. The QASP is a “living document” and the Government may review and revise it at any time. However, the Government shall coordinate changes to the QASP with the contractor.

6.1.4. The QASP will specify the work requiring surveillance and the Government’s method of surveillance.

6.2. Minimum Performance Standards

6.2.1. The contractor shall maintain performance standards in accordance with the standards outlined in the table below. Failure to meet the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) may result in termination of the contract.

6.2.2. The QASP will include the standards below as well as others derived from the successful offeror’s quality control plan.

Reference

Provide on- time ambulance services

orders

of monthly invoices/reports

7. COVID-19 Or Other Similar Infectious Diseases

7.1. Contractor shall not refuse transports of COVID-19 positive or other similarly infected patients.

7.2. Contractor shall abide by all additional procedures and precautions that may be implemented by the VA based on VA-issued guidance and/or CDC recommendations. These procedures are subject to change throughout the life of the contract and will be incorporated via attachment (See S03 VTS Patient Transport PPE and Vehicle Cleaning/Disinfection SOP).

7.3. Contractor shall have written policy of steps they will take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other similarly infectious diseases by their employees and/or vehicles. This policy shall, at a minimum, include procedures of screening drivers before each shift, deliberate decontamination of their vehicles and all other preventative precautions taken by Contractor employees.

7.4. Contractor shall furnish all required PPE throughout the life of the contract.

8. Conformity To Regulations

8.1 The contractor and his/her operators shall conform to all Federal, State, and local regulations governing the performance of contracted services.

8.2 VAMC facilities have been designated NO SMOKING areas in their entirety. Individuals found in violation of this no smoking policy may be subject to a $50.00 federal citation for disregarding posted safety rules and regulations. Furthermore, the contractor may be directed to stop work.