36C24619Q0070-001.docx

36C24619Q0070

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

565-19-2-162-0016 36C24619Q0070 01-22-2019 Bernie Husted 757-251-4140 02-08-2019

5:00 PM EST

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 X 621910 $15 Million X N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC Fayetteville 2300 Ramsey Steet Fayetteville NC 28301 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

X See CONTINUATION Page The Contractor shall supply all necessary personnel, management, administrative support, and equipment to provide twenty-four (24) hour non-emergency Basic Life Support (BLS)/Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance service for the Fayetteville, NC. VA Medical Center

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

THIRTY (30) MONTH ORDERING PERIOD BEGINING APRIL 1, 2019

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

ENTER ALL PRICING ON SCHEDULE PAGE LOCATED AT D3.

Offeror submission must be submitted by February 8, 2019 5:00 PM EST as per the instructions provided in section E.1.

See CONTINUATION Page X X Bernard Husted 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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C246 Bernard Husted

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

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.

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

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

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall supply all necessary personnel, management, administrative support, and equipment required to provide twenty-four (24) hour ambulance services in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. The quantities specified in the Schedule are estimates only.

This is a Firm Fixed-Price Requirements Type contract with a Thirty (30) month ordering period beginning April 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2021. Funding for orders will be by Task Order as specified below. The maximum aggerate mileage for this life of Contract, including all orders, shall not exceed 350,000 miles.

Task Order Period 1 April 1, 2019 – September 30, 2019

QTY

TOTAL PRICE

Task Order Period 2 October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020

QTY

TOTAL PRICE

Task Order Period 3 October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021

QTY

TOTAL PRICE

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 GENERAL

The Fayetteville Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) requires a qualified contractor to furnish all labor, materials, insurance, licenses and equipment to provide safe and comfortable Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance Services. The contractor shall furnish twenty-four (24) hour ambulance service seven (7) days a week for the beneficiaries of the Fayetteville VAMC, the Health Care Center to approved locations throughout Fayetteville, North Carolina. To detail further, ambulance service includes holidays, to and from locations (i.e. clinics, ward locations, inpatient floors, ICU, patient homes, hospitals, pre-approved fee basis appointments) designated by the Fayetteville VAMC; Fayetteville VA HealthCare Center (HCC); or Fayetteville Beneficiary Travel Office, in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions and schedules set forth in this solicitation. Contractor shall assist the patient as needed to access the vehicle for transportation. This may include, but is not limited to bed to stretcher or stretcher to bed transfer when necessary.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 2300 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina, provides diagnostic and therapeutic services in medicine, surgery, rehabilitation medicine, psychiatry, and skilled nursing home care for the beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This facility also provides ambulance services to those veterans not requiring hospitalization. The Contractor shall provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance Services. Historically, the Fayetteville VAMC has relied upon contracted ambulance services to transport some patients to and from its facilities and other locations. This procurement shall establish an Firm Fixed Price Requirements service type contract for ambulance services.

3.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This procurement is for a Thirty (30) month ordering period, period of performance is as follows:

Period of performance shall be determined upon award and shall commence thirty days thereafter for an initial period of six (6) months.

Transportation will start at VAMC Fayetteville and will cover Twenty (20) miles in either direction to include the points listed in 4.0, service shall be provided twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

4.0 SERVICED PLACES

Fayetteville VAMC 2300 Ramsey St Fayetteville, NC 28301

Fayetteville VA HealthCare Center (HCC) 7300 S. Raeford Road Fayetteville, NC 28304

Fayetteville N.C. Local Area.

5.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor is responsible for furnishing linen and blankets for use in the ambulance. Clean and fresh linen and blankets must be used for each patient. The Medical Center shall not furnish linen or participate in a linen exchange program. The Contractor shall provide the following on each ambulance:

2 sheets, disposable or cloth 2 pillowcases, disposable or cloth for each pillow 2 cloth towels

Universal Precautions shall be used on all VA patients.

All equipment, machinery, linens, etc. taken with patients during transport from the VA Medical Center shall be returned to the Medical Center.

The contractor shall provide the following Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance services on an as-needed basis:

BLS – Non-Emergency - Defined as transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medical care that is rendered to a sick, disabled, or injured individual, based on signs, symptoms, or complaints, prior to the individual’s hospitalization or while transporting the individual between healthcare facilities and that is limited to use of the knowledge, skills, and techniques received from trainings required for licensure as an emergency medical technician. BLS includes a basic level of pre-hospital and inter-hospital care and medical services that includes, but is not limited to, Provides a basic level of care, consisting of: complete patient assessment, assessing blood pressure and 02 sats, basic airway management, orthopedic care, wound care, patient monitoring and special handling as outlined in/by the Basic Life Support national curriculum of the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Centers for Medicare and Medical Services (CMS).

BLS – Emergency - When medically necessary, the provision of BLS services, as specified in 3(a)(i), on an emergency basis.

Staffing for BLS services: Each ambulance shall be staffed by licensed EMTs or its State of North Carolina equivalent, as appropriate, and in accordance with the state, local or regional government or public entity where the ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

The contractor shall provide the following Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulance services on an as-needed basis:

ALS - Non-Emergency – Defined as services that may include cardiac/hemodynamic monitoring en route, cardiac defibrillation, advance airway management, intravenous therapy, chemical restraints, administration of specified drugs and other invasive techniques.

Transport of clients requiring cardiac/hemodynamic monitoring is considered to be non-emergency only if such monitoring is required both before and after transport. Advance airway management shall include clients who ventilator dependent, require intubation and /or deep suctioning en route, or are an apnea monitor before, during and after transport. Administration of intravenous (IV) medication en route shall not include self-administered IV medications.

ALS-Emergency- is defined as immediate need, emergent transport. When medically necessary, the provision of ALS1 services, as specified above, in the context of an emergency response. An emergency response is one that, at the time the ambulance provider or supplier is called, it responds immediately. An immediate response is one in which the ambulance provider/supplier begins as quickly as possible to take the steps necessary to respond to the call.

Scheduling/Coordination:

Requests for services shall be made in writing or by telephone under the authority of the Chief, Health Administration Service, typically by the Travel Clerk, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), or Administrative Officer on Duty (AOD). The contractor shall be informed of that time and location for pick-up and drop-off of the patient. The contractor shall notify the VAMC of any delays in the transporting of patients.

If the contractor fails to furnish ambulance service within one hour after receiving a VAMC request for service, the VAMC reserves the right to obtain the services from another source and to charge the contractor any excess cost which may result. The VAMC shall be the sole judge in determining when to order service from another source.

When conditions, neither foreseeable and/or controllable by the Contractor occur, such as but not limited to severe storms, flooding, hazardous road and travel conditions, time and distance requirements shall be considered secondary to safety precautions. Delays or exceptions to the required quality of services shall be reported to the Travel Clerk or Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD). The Contracting Officers Representative (COR) shall make a determination as to whether such delays in service shall be excused.

For excusable time lost in waiting at either or both ends of a trip, the contractor shall be reimbursed at the rate of one-fourth the hourly rate for each quarter hour. As soon as a delay is anticipated, the contractor shall contact the transportation office at (910)822-7903, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During other than normal duty hours, the contractor shall contact the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) at (910)822-7903.

Adherence to schedules is of the utmost importance. Contractor shall pick up the customer as near to the scheduled pickup time as possible. If Contractor arrives earlier than the scheduled pickup, the driver shall wait at the pickup location until fifteen (15) minutes past the scheduled pickup time before calling the dispatcher for instructions.

The Contractor shall be required to maintain 95% on time performance on a daily basis. Trips shall be considered “on-time” as long as they arrive at the destination on or before the scheduled arrival time.

Unless specifically authorized by the Chief, Health Administration Service or his/her designee, the driver is to take the shortest distance available. The contractor shall be reimbursed accordingly if advised to take the most expeditious route regardless of mileage.

If a BLS unit is requested and dispatched and after arrival at the pick-up point, the crew feels an ALS unit is needed, approval must be granted by an official of the Medical Center prior to transporting the patient if ALS rates are to be applied.

On evenings and weekends the contractor shall have the right staff units in accordance with the typical demand requirements of the Medical Center. Reduction in available units during the evening and weekend does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to provide ambulance services when requested.

Contractor shall report to the COR any and all vehicle breakdowns or other problems, which may cause service disruptions immediately. When a breakdown occurs, it is the responsibility of the Contractor’s to provide a back-up vehicle to minimize any delay or inconvenience to the customer(s).

Patient Pick-Up and Delivery From/To VAMC:

Ambulance drivers shall report to the floor in which the patient is located. The VAMC Fayetteville is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The contractor shall follow the following protocol:

Report to the personnel at the respective Nursing Station and (1) announce his/her arrival to pick-up and transfer patient, and (2) obtain report of pertinent information regarding patient’s condition from the primary nurse/physician.

When delivering a patient, after checking in at the assigned floor, the driver shall take patient to specified location in the facility and provide report to appropriate nursing personnel along with a copy of the run which shall be retained by the facility for the patient’s medical record.

Patient Pick-Up and Delivery From/To Fayetteville HCC

Ambulance drivers shall report to the HCC Medical Transport Entrance off of Old Raeford Road to check-In or out for patient pick-ups.

Patient Pick-up and Delivery From/To outside Hospital

When a patient is transported from one facility to another facility for admission, certain criteria must be met in order for coverage to be made.

Statement reflecting that the patient was taken to the nearest appropriate facility.

Number of Patients:

Only one patient shall be transported on a trip unless specifically authorized by the VAMC. When, pursuant to the Department of Veterans Affairs authorization, more than one patient is transported concurrently on a trip, reimbursement shall be made at the rate not exceeding the cost of transporting a single patient. No more than one psychiatric patient shall be transported at one time. If the patient is being committed by a physician no law enforcement escort is needed. Regardless of the number of patients transported concurrently on a single trip beyond the mileage threshold, the Contractor shall be reimbursed at the Mileage Rate for only one trip to the longest distance traveled with any one patient on that particular trip. The contractor shall ensure that the pick-ups and drop-offs are scheduled so that the total distance traveled shall result in the most economical charge to the Government.

An authorized official of the Fayetteville VAMC may in the interest of the patient, allow a relative to accompany him/her at no extra charge to the Government.

Patient Welfare and Abuse:

The contractor shall be held responsible for patient welfare during transport. The contractor shall be held responsible for patient and/or Government property during transport. Any damaged or lost wheelchairs, walkers, crutches or personal belongings shall be replaced by the contractor.

The contractor shall exercise extreme caution and care in the handling of patients. Any abuse of patients shall be grounds for default action or termination of the contract.

3. The contractor must take into consideration that he shall be transporting ill patients. Drivers of vehicles are required to observe speed limits, vehicles should be swept clean and the exteriors washed periodically, and drivers shall refrain from smoking. Drivers are to escort patients in need of assistance to and from point of pick-up and destination.

ORDERS FOR SERVICES:

Personnel authorized by the Contracting Officer shall make requests for service by telephone. Confirmation of each telephone authorization shall be faxed as soon as possible following the call for service. Request for services shall be made to the telephone number specified by the Contractor or to one back-up number in the event of no answer at the primary number specified. All contacts from the Contractor shall be initiated during administrative hours with the Transportation Coordinator at (910) 475-6186; or the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) at (910) 822-7903 during non-administrative hours. If Contractor is unable to contact the Transportation Coordinator - the Contractor shall contact the AOD.

A list of authorized ordering personnel shall be made available upon award of the contract. Employees may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and the COR. The Contractor shall be notified of such changes as they occur.

If the VA is unable to establish telephone contact with the Contractor for Basic Life Support (BLS) service within one (1) minute or if the Contractor fails to furnish BLS ambulance service within a reasonable time, 45 minutes after receiving a request or within 45 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time, the VA reserves the right to obtain the service from another source and to charge the Contractor with any excess costs which may result there from. The VA shall be the sole judge in determining when to order service from another source. In no instance shall the Contractor be required to furnish more than six (6) ambulances at one time.

If the VA has a life-threatening transport, the VA shall contact the Cumberland County EMS to provide the 911 services.

If the VA has an Advanced Life Support (ALS) service, the VA shall establish contact with the contractor. If the VA is unable to establish telephone contact with the Contractor for ALS service within one (1) minute at the numbers specified or within forty-five (45) minutes after receiving a request, the VA reserves the right to obtain service from another source and to charge the Contractor with any excess costs which may result. If the Contractor determines they are unable to provide this service within forty-five (45) minutes, the Contractor shall contact the Fire Department which is in close proximity to the requesting VA facility at 911 to respond to the call, providing them with the location and the need for an ALS unit. The Contractor shall inform the VA of their inability to meet the contractual needs and confirm they have contacted that local Fire Department to provide this service.

The Contractor shall furnish qualified Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) personnel who are competent to perform ACLS protocols.

All ALS ambulance transfers shall be staffed by at least one (1) currently licensed paramedic (EMT-P).

5 years of experience providing ALS ambulance service is required.

RESPONSE TIME: The Contractor shall maintain at a minimum, a 95% compliance rate on response to pick-up or deliver during the contract year. If the Contractor fails to provide service within the time frames specified herein, the Government reserves the option of either obtaining service from an alternate source and charging the Contractor with any excess costs, or assessing a fee for each late pick-up. Compensation shall be obtained by deducting the applicable amount from Contractor’s invoice as specified below:

*Trip value is the total of the basic trip plus any additional mileage, if applicable, for the scheduled trip.

Contractor shall provide a monthly report to the COR which identifies each request for service by patient name, time of receipt of call, whether BLS or ALS unit requested, time of arrival, and time elapsed from receipt of call and time of arrival. Other pertinent information as necessary may be included. This report, in conjunction with VA records, shall be used for calculation of late fees to be deducted from Contractor’s invoice, if applicable.

8.0 INCIDENT REPORT

Contractor shall immediately report all medical incidents or accidents, including those where there is no apparent injury to the patient, which occurs while transporting VA beneficiaries. A written report from the driver documenting the facts of the incident/accident shall be provided to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within 24 hours of the occurrence. The written report shall include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses as well as any applicable Police Reports.

Any accident involving major damage, serious personal injury or loss of life shall be reported to the COR immediately. Records shall be kept for three (3) years for each accident a vehicle is involved in, including the repair work required to return the vehicle to service.

9.0 PATIENT CUSTODY

Contractor shall not release the patient from his/her custody, unless custody is released to charge nurse on duty at the facility patient is being transported, or to a designated point of contact at the patient’s residence. Contractor shall take every reasonable measure to assure the wellbeing of the patient at their destination. Patients brought in by ambulance for a scheduled clinic appointment shall be delivered directly to that specific clinic, released to the custody of clinic personnel, and picked up, as ordered, in the clinic after the appointment by the ambulance crew.

10.0 EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS – VEHICLES

The ambulance (Emergency Medical Services Vehicle) under the terms of this contract shall be licensed and meet the minimal vehicle requirements as established by the North Carolina office of Emergency Medical services.

North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, pertaining to ambulance services and (OMES Rules and Regulations) and must be a licensed EMS Provider in the State of North Carolina. All applications apply in which are applicable to the needs and requirement of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fayetteville VAMC. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/EMS/ems.htm

The VA reserves the right to inspect the contractor’s equipment and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with contract specifications, and State Laws, rules, regulations and guidelines governing Emergency Medical Transport Vehicles (ambulances). VA inspections of contractor facilities shall in no way constitute a warranty by the VA 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 which are in need of repair, unclean, unsafe, contain damages to the interior or exterior body, and are not in compliance with contract requirements. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the contract without additional cost to the VA.

No Government Owned equipment is to be “loaned” to the ambulance crew/contractor.

Each ambulance shall have patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction systems and environmental climatic supplies as required by Federal Specification for Ambulances, KKK-A-1822F dated August 1, 2007. All ambulances shall meet the standards of KKK-A-1822F dated August 1, 2007.

Ambulance proposed to be furnished under this contract shall meet the specification enumerated in KKK-A-1822F dated August 1, 2007 including but not limited to the following for adult. IV supplies, including pumps – when required Monitors, defibrillators, mounting brackets First aid kit with Band-Aids, gauze, elastic bandages, sterile gauze pads, triangular bandages, cleansing wipes, tape scissors, eye pads, ammonia inhalants, sterile gloves, etc.

Two-way radio or portable phone Face masks/nasal cannula Splints Blood tubes Oxygen. Expected to be needed on 25% of jobs.

Each ambulance used to provide services under this contract shall be a Type I, Type II or Type III ambulance.

The contractor shall only provide stretchers that have at least three functioning safety belts. TVHS reserves the right to refuse services from the contractor if the stretcher does not meet this minimum specification. TVHS shall not incur any cost associated with the contractor providing inadequate or faulty equipment. All vehicles used in this contract shall:

Have functioning mechanisms, which ensure that all access doors are capable of being opened from the inside, and remain closed and secure during travel.

Have a functioning speedometer indicating speed in miles per hour and a functioning odometer correctly indicating distance in tenths of a mile.

Be equipped with operational air conditioning/heating systems. If the air conditioning system becomes inoperable or is unable to maintain temperatures between 68-79 degrees. Fahrenheit in the patient compartment, the vehicle must be immediately pulled from service at the termination of the current trip and shall not be used again for service under this contract until the air conditioning/heating system has been repaired.

Have exterior free of grime, oil or other substances and free from cracks, breaks, dents and damaged paint that noticeably detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle.

Be equipped with hubcaps or wheel covers and have all vehicle body molding in place, or if removed, holes must be filled and painted.

Have passenger compartment that shall be clean of dirt and free from torn upholstery or floor coverings, damaged or broken seats, protruding sharp edges and vermin or insects.

Have unobstructed vision on all sides.

Be equipped with an operable two-way mobile radio and/or cellular telephone communication system, which affords contact with the vehicle during all hours of operation. Beepers are not an acceptable substitute.

Meet all safety and mechanical standards established by State and Federal statutes and regulations.

Have windows and doors that can be opened and closed in accordance with manufacturer standards.

No leaks of any kind.

Be equipped with a functioning horn.

Have operable seat belts on all seats.

Have fully charged, certified, and non-expired fire extinguisher(s).

The Contractor shall provide the COR with a list of all vehicles to provide services under this contract, including vehicle identification numbers, and insurance certificates prior to initiating service. An updated list shall be provided upon request by the COR or before a new ambulance is brought into the service of this contract.

All vehicles shall be made available for inspection at any time when ordered by the COR, at the VA's discretion. Any vehicle found not in conformity with the above standards or any vehicle receiving two or more complaints within a five-day period concerning cleanliness or other deficiencies shall be removed from service immediately until subsequent inspections verify correction of deficiencies. The VA reserves the right to order the immediate removal from service any vehicle not in compliance with any vehicle standards referenced herein.

11.0 EMERGENCY VEHICLES

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE (BLS) shall be defined as a Class B Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicle. BLS is defined in the “Rules of Regulations of the Board of the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services” (see Sec. 10A NCAC 13P). The Class B EMS vehicle is primarily intended for the response to the location of a call for the delivery of basic life support, and for the transportation of patients who require such care.

ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE (ALS) shall be defined as a Class C Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicle. ALS is defined in the “Rules of Regulations of the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services” (see Sec. 10A NCAC 13P). The Class C EMS vehicle is primarily intended for the response of the call, delivery of basic and advanced life support, and for the transportation of patients who require such care.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE VEHICLE shall have patient compartment facilities, oxygen, suction systems and equipment, and additional systems equipment, accessories, and supplies (see Sec. 10A NCAC 13P .0207), as well as environmental climatic equipment, and communications.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE (BLS) (North Carolina) shall be defined as an Ambulance Service that includes the necessary equipment to render basic emergency medical care and services as outlined by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.

ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCE (ALS)(North Carolina) shall be defined as Ambulance Service that includes the necessary equipment and staff to render advanced life support services as outlined by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Each ambulance shall have patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction systems and environmental climatic supplies as required by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Serviceshttp://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/EMS/ems.htm

On evenings and weekends the contractor shall have the right staff units in accordance with the typical demand requirements of the Medical Center. Reduction in available units during the evening and weekend does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility to provide ambulance services when requested.

In accordance with the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, each ambulance shall be equipped as outlined for vehicles designated to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) services.

The contractor must provide the inspection reports on all vehicles that shall be used in the performance of this contract. New vehicles must be reported before being used for this contract.

Each contractor operating in North Carolina must comply with inspections and reporting as required by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.

12.0 DRIVER/ATTENDANTS CONTRACTOR SHALL INSURE THAT:

A record of each employee as to character and physical capabilities of performing the duties of an ambulance driver and/or attendant shall be maintained and made available for inspection upon request.

attendants providing EMS services shall be in accordance with the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services pertaining to EMT-D, EMT-I and EMT-P http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/EMS/credcomp.htm

Perform their duties with due regard for the safety, comfort and convenience of customers and their property.

Comply with all applicable Federal and State laws, regulations and licensing requirements, including drug testing.

Have and maintain a current Driver’s License, valid in the State in which service provider’s facility is located, with less than five current points, none of which were assessed for “Reckless Driving.”

Contact the Contactor’s dispatcher before leaving the designated location without picking up the customer(s) and when encountering problems such as customer(s) not being ready, incorrect addresses or addresses which are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

Wear clothing that is clean and neat in appearance and display an AOPC approved name tag stating the driver’s name and Contractor’s company name.

Ensure that no playing of audio/visual equipment in vehicles shall be allowed without the approval of all customers aboard unless such equipment is used by a passenger with a headset.

Ensure its personnel comply with 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 40, 653 and 654 on Substance Abuse Prevention, which are respectively incorporated herein by reference and made part of this contract.

At no time shall the Contractor leave vehicles on VA premises unless a pick-up or delivery is in process. Contractor employees shall conduct themselves in a businesslike manner at all times while on VA premises. When transporting patients to or from VAMC Fayetteville, the driver, acting for the Contractor, shall ensure that the patient’s luggage and medical record (when appropriate) is properly accounted for and delivered with the patient.

13.0 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT):

Contractor Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who perform emergency services on ambulances servicing the VAMC Fayetteville shall have the qualifications/training in accordance with the published standards of the North Carolina Department of Health under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by the Department of Health.

The “equivalent” training program successfully completed by the EMT shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for appropriate action.

The EMT shall be certified, licensed or otherwise officially recognized by the Local, State, or Regional Government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated, or by which it is governed.

The EMT shall be enrolled periodically in “refresher” continuing education, or advanced training programs as required by the Local or State government entity in which the service is rendered to veterans, but in no instance, shall this be less frequently than every three years. Such “refresher” training shall be equivalent of that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. Proof of such refresher training must be submitted to the Contracting Officer and COR.

14.0 PARAMEDICS

Paramedics providing emergency services on ambulances servicing the VAMC Fayetteville shall have the following qualifications:

Complete training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of Health and to be licensed in the state of North Carolina, of the equivalent thereof.

The paramedic shall be certified, licensed or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state, or regional government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated, or by which it is governed governs it. Proof of such certification must be submitted to the Contracting Officer.

The paramedic shall be enrolled periodically in “refresher” continuing education, or advanced training programs as required by the local or state government entity in which the service is rendered to veterans, but in no instance, shall this be less frequently than every three (3) years. Such “refresher” training shall be equivalent to that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. Proof of such refresher training must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for appropriate action.

Paramedics providing emergency services on ambulances servicing the VAMC Fayetteville, North Carolina shall be required to have the following qualifications:

Complete training in accordance with the standards published by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Shall be certified, licensed or otherwise official recognized by the local, state, or regional government or public entity where the ambulance service is operated, or by which is governed governs it. Proof of such certification must be submitted to the Contracting Officer.

Paramedic refresher and continuing education or advanced training programs must be completed as required by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

TOLL CHARGES:

Prices quoted in the schedules do not include any ferry, bridge, tunnel, or road charge. Any such legitimate toll charges incurred shall be limited to ONE WAY ONLY and shall be listed separately on Contractor’s invoices.

If Contractor’s place of business is located beyond the local telephone call zone of the hospital; the Contractor agrees to accept telephone orders for service on a collect basis. It is estimated that all orders shall be placed by telephone.

Service Provider shall be responsible for all county, cities, local or state fees imposed on the Service Provider during performance of this contract.

CONDUCT:

The following acts are not permissible, while providing services under this contract or while on VA premises:

Use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics or controlled substances of any kind (excluding doctors’ prescriptions which do not impair drive’s driving ability) while on duty or reporting for duty while under the influence of liquors, narcotics or controlled substance of any kind (excluding doctors’ prescriptions which do not impair driver’s driving ability).

Gambling in any form.

Carrying of pistols, firearms or concealed weapons.

Smoking and other uses of tobacco while on duty.

Resorting to physical violence to settle a dispute with a fellow employee, customer(s) or the general public while on duty.

Spitting in prohibited places or any other unsanitary, offensive or insensitive practices or behavior.

Use of loud, indecent or profane language and/or making threatening or obscene gestures toward customers or other employees.

Stopping for personal business, including use or restroom facilities, while vehicle is occupied by a passenger. The driver shall not leave the vehicle with the key in the ignition at any time.

Engaging customer in a verbal confrontation in an attempt to settle a disagreement. Should a disagreement arise, the driver is to contact his dispatcher/supervisor via the radio system.

Soliciting or accepting tips from customer, companions or others at any time.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM:

Contractor’s Communication System shall consist of:

Telephone System

Contractor shall have sufficient telephone capacity to ensure immediate communication access between the Fayetteville VAMC and the Contractor’s facility for the purposes of canceling trip requests as well as handling other emergencies. If the Contractor’s place of business is located beyond the local telephone call zone, the Contractor shall accept telephone orders for service on a collect basis or provide a toll free.

The Contractor shall have telephone coverage to accept calls from Fayetteville VAMC seven (7) days a week/24 hour a day Sunday through Saturday.

Vehicle Communication

Contractor shall ensure the availability of mobile radio and /or cellular telephone communication with all vehicles providing transportation service at all time.

COMPLAINTS

Complaints against behavior or courtesy shall be taken by VAMC Fayetteville may result in requiring Contractor to remove offender from the provisions of contracted services. Offenders who accumulate five (5) unrelated, substantiated complaints in a 12-month period shall be prohibited from providing any further services under this contract. The COR shall monitor the service provided. Contractor shall cooperate with the COR in providing information and answering questions in a timely manner when requested. Contractor shall refer complaints received directly from the customer(s) to the COR. All complaints received by the COR and forwarded to the Contracting Officer (CO) shall be investigated promptly. After investigation and disposition, Contractor shall respond to the CO within five (5) working days after receipt of documented findings.

INFECTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

a. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative reaction to Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) testing. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive PPD results. The PPD test shall be repeated annually.

b. RUBELLA TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella or a rubella titer of 1.8 or greater. If the titer is less than 1.8, a rubella immunization shall be administered with follow-up documentation to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

c. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide generic self-study training; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to the VA if they elect to receive it; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

QUALITY CONTROL:

The Contractor shall develop a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) which shall provide the Contractor’s strategy for monitoring performance internally, providing performance information to the Government, and reporting in compliance with the PWS. Within the QAP, the Contractor shall propose and maintain an established reporting system to promptly notify VA of any problems, issues, risks, or concerns with workflow performance, programmatic improvement, security, and schedule adherence. Quality control is the exclusive responsibility of the Contractor.

The work performed under this contract shall be subject to evaluation by the COR/CO via the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) located in Section D.

CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS):

(a) FAR 42.1502 directs all Federal agencies to collect past performance information on contracts. The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented use of the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One or more past performance evaluations shall be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR 42.15.

(b) The past performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

(c) Please furnish the Contracting Officer with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm’s past performance evaluation(s) for the contract no later than 30 days after award. Each person granted access shall have the ability to provide comments in the Contractor portion of the report and state whether or not the Contractor agrees with the evaluation, before returning the report to the Assessing Official. The report information must be protected as source selection sensitive information not releasable to the public.

(d) When your Contractor Representative(s) (Past Performance Points of Contact) are registered in CPARS, they shall receive an automatically-generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, system requirements, and training information for CPARS are available at www.cpars.gov. The CPARS User Manual, registration for online training for Contractor Representatives may be found at this site.

(e) You have 14 calendar days following the Assessing Official signature date to submit comments before the evaluation is made available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). You have a total of 60 calendar days following the Assessing Official signature date to submit comments. Any comments that you submit shall be posted to PPIRS. If you do not sign and return the evaluation within 60 calendar days the evaluation shall be returned to the Assessing Official, you shall no longer be able to provide comments and the evaluation shall be annotated as follows: 'The report was delivered/received by the contractor on (date). The contractor neither signed nor offered comment in response to this evaluation.' Partially completed comments that were not signed and returned to the Government within 60 calendar days shall be removed from the evaluation.

(f) The following guidelines apply concerning your use of the past performance evaluation:

(1) Protect the evaluation as “source selection information.” After review, transit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason you are unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the Contracting Officer for instructions.

(2) Strictly control access to the evaluation within your organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of your control.

(3) Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, pre-award surveys, responsibility determination, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

(g) If you wish to discuss a past performance evaluation, you should request a meeting in writing to the Contracting Officer no later than seven days following your receipt of the evaluation. The meeting shall be held in person or via telephone or other means during your 60-day review period.

(h) A copy of the completed past performance evaluation shall be available in CPARS for your viewing and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been completed.

VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY / PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS:

A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and…