S06 Q_A for CRNA solicitation 36C24525Q0294 000001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning one (1) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

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

1 4

0001 3/12/2025

None

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Crystal Hinton, Contracting Officer Sue Lepore, Contracting Specialist P.O. Box 1000, Bldg. 101, Room 26 Perry Point MD 21902

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maryland Health Care System Sue Lepore, Contracting Specialist P.O. Box 1000, Bldg. 101C Room 3 Perry Point MD 21902

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24525Q0294

2/25/2025

X

X X

** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 03/21/2025 0800 EDT

See CONTINUATION Page

X

This amendment is issued to address questions that were submitted in response to the solicitation posted to SAM.gov on 2/25/2025. Questions and answers are provided on pages 2 - 4 of this amendment.

Per box #11, submissions to the solicitation have been extended from 3/14/2025 to 3/21/2025, 0800 EDT.

Crystal Hinton Contracting Officer

36C24525Q0294 P00001

Questions for CRNA solicitation 36C24525Q0294

1. Section 2.10.2. states “The minimum number of CRNAs required to be on site on a daily basis is one (1) as defined in paragraph Hours of Operation in this section.”. Can the Government clarify if indeed only 1 CRNA is required on site daily, or is it 2 CRNAs?

Two (2) FTE CRNAs are needed.

2. Section 6.1.1 states a Quality Control Plan is due upon proposal submission.

Page 101, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, under the paragraph heading “Offeror shall provide the following in their proposal” does not state that a Quality Control Plan is required. Can the Government clarify if a Quality Control Plan is required for submission? Helps to evaluate the proposal but not required.

3. Can the government clarify if a Technical/managerial write-up is required for submission? Helps to evaluate the proposal but not required.

4. Are there any required minimum experience levels for CRNAs beyond certification and licensing (e.g., years of experience, specific VA experience)? Prefer 2 years’ experience but not required.

5. Will the CRNAs be working independently, or will they be under the supervision of anesthesiologists? Under supervision of anesthesiologist. After hours, under supervision of surgeon completing procedure.

6. Can you confirm if the required on-call schedule will always be split among the two CRNAs, or will they be expected to cover all on-call shifts? On-call will be split with all CRNA’s and anesthesiologists.

7. Will the VA allow for CRNAs to rotate coverage, or do the same individuals need to be assigned for the entire period of performance? They rotate.

8. Is there an expectation for overtime beyond the estimated 120 hours listed in the CLINs?

Only if necessary to cover but unlikely.

9. Is there a specified response time for CRNAs when on-call (e.g., must be on-site within 30 or 60 minutes of being paged)? Must be on-site within 60 minutes.

10. What is the expected timeline for VA credentialing and privileging before CRNAs can begin work? Approximately 45-60 days but can be sooner if candidates respond timely with needed information.

11. Does the VA help with the credentialing process, or is the contractor solely responsible for ensuring all CRNAs are credentialed before the start date? The VA has their own credentialing process. However, the Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed CRNA possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s CRNA prior to obtaining approval by the VAMC Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

12. Are there any additional compliance requirements beyond those listed in VHA Handbook

1100.19 (e.g., security clearance levels, fingerprinting, drug screening)? security clearance levels, fingerprinting, etc.

13. Will the VA provide the necessary access to VA systems like CPRS (Electronic Health Records) and VISTA, or does the contractor need to arrange for access? VA provides the access.

14. What is the process for ensuring compliance with HIPAA and VA privacy training? Will the VA provide required training, or must contractors arrange for their CRNAs to

15. complete it externally? VA has a standard training through Talent Management System

(TMS).

15. What specific clinical performance benchmarks or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be used to assess contract compliance? See QASP

16. How often will performance evaluations take place (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually)?

Within 90 days of start, then every 6 months.

17. If a CRNA is found to be underperforming, what is the process for notification and corrective action? Meeting with CRNA to make corrections, if unsuccessful then will reach out to Vendor.

18. What types of patient satisfaction surveys or complaint processes are in place to evaluate CRNA performance?

19. Will the timesheets come from the contractor or will personnel clock into a VA system?

Timesheets will come from the contractor.

20. Are there any caps or limits on reimbursable expenses for lodging, per diem, and rental car? Yes, it’s a cap with lodging and expenses per GSA per diem guidelines for each state.

21. Are there any anticipated changes to reimbursement policies based on travel restrictions or per diem rates for government contracts? No, there is not anticipated changes to reimbursement policies at this time.

22. If additional coverage beyond the estimated hours is required, will it be billed at the same contracted rate, or will it require a contract modification? Will require contract modification.

23. Will there be a dedicated VA point of contact for administrative issues, such as timesheet approvals, invoice disputes, and scheduling concerns? Yes, the COR.

24. Can the government exercise the FAR 52.217-8 extension option at any time, or is there a minimum notice period before extending the contract? A Notice of Intent will be sent to the contractor at least 30 days prior to exercising 52.217-8, provided services are still needed.

25. Under what conditions can the contract be terminated for convenience or cause? Refer to page 43, under FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions, under (m) states:

Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

26. Will the contractor be responsible for any phase-in or phase-out training if the VA decides to transition to a different provider at the end of the contract? Refer to FAR clause 52.237-3, Continuity of Services, in the solicitation on page 52.

27. If a CRNA leaves mid-contract, what is the expected timeframe for replacing them before penalties or performance concerns arise? Refer to page 60, under heading C.12 852.237-75, Key Personnel.

28. Will the CRNAs be required to provide their own malpractice insurance, or does the VA cover malpractice under the Federal Tort Claims Act? Vendor is required to cover the CRNA malpractice. Refer to addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, #7 on what the vendor should provide with the proposal, “copies of all Key Personnel malpractice and medical liability insurance certificates”. Listed on page 101 of the solicitation.

29. Are CRNAs expected to bring any personal equipment, or will all necessary tools and supplies be provided by the VA? CRNA’s are not expected to bring any personal equipment. VA will provide what is needed to perform their duties.

30. Will CRNAs be required to assist with administrative tasks such as charting outside of direct patient care? Will be responsible to chart reviews on other CRNA’s as needed for OPPE’s and Peer Reviews.

31. Are there any expected seasonal workload fluctuations that could impact staffing needs? Not really unless for vacations in summer and around holidays.

32. Will the VA provide workstations or office space for CRNAs to use when they are not in the operating room? Yes

33. The pricing has the on-call weeknights hours listed as 200 which would be approximately 13 nights of coverage. Can you confirm that is correct? This is an approximately number, it could be more or less depending on the needs of the facility.

34. The weekend call hours are listed as 600 with would cover approximately 12 weekends total, wanted to make sure that was correct also. This is an approximately number, it could be more or less depending on the needs of the facility.

35. The on-call Holidays has 24 days listed, for the 6-month period of performance there are 6 Federal Holidays, should this be adjusted? This will be a 6-month contract with the option to extend services for an additional 5-months IAW FAR 52.217-8.

36. The lodging, per diem and rental car have estimated quantity of 275 days, for 2 CRNA’s for 6 months should this be 364 days? This will be a 6-month contract with the option to extend services for an additional 5-months IAW FAR 52.217-8.

37. Also, what is the average amount of calls the CRNA receives during the weeknights? Weekends? Anesthesia staff are usually called in 2-4 times per month as a whole if that. It is very minimal.

38. On average, how often are the CRNA’s called back in to the Hospital while on call?

Anesthesia staff are usually called in 2-4 times per month as a whole if that. It is very minimal.

39. I see that on 02.17.25 Wander Staffing was awarded a contract for CRNA services (solicitation 36C24525C0061). Is the new solicitation in addition to what Wander Staffing will provide or has there been a reissuance for the service need for another reason? That is a bridge contract with the incumbent to continue services while the solicitation is on SAM.gov.

40. The first page of the solicitation reads that the 'contractor shall provide two (2) FTE to Clarksburg VA Medical Center. On page 16 section 2.10 it states the key personnel FTE for services required is one (1). Could you please clarify if it is one or two FTEs you are looking to fill and the minimum CRNAs you are requesting to be on site daily?

Two (2) FTE CRNAs.