36C24725Q0143.docx

36C24725Q0143

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

36C24725Q0143 11-15-2024 Wyona Davis, Contracting Officer wyona.davis@va.gov 11-29-2024

4PM

CST

36C247 Wyona Davis wyona.davis@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 7 700 South 19th Street Birmingham AL 35233 X X 561320 $34 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs VA Atlanta Healthcare System Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA MC 1670 Clairmont Road Decatur GA 30033 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 7 700 South 19th Street Birmingham AL 35233

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 See CONTINUATION Page On-site Ultrasound Technician Support Services for the Atlanta VA Health Care System See attached Schedule of Services and Performance Work Statement for specifications beginning on page 6.

All interested parties are recommended to review FAR Provision 52.212-1 to ensure that all required documents are submitted with their response to this solicitation. See pages 96-97 of this solicitation for details.

This requirement is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside.

No responses will be accepted after the response deadline.

See CONTINUATION Page X Wyona Davis 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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C247 Wyona Davis wyona.davis@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 7 700 South 19th Street Birmingham AL 35233

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.

Addendum to VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

(NOV 2018)

a. Payment will be made upon receipt of a properly prepared detailed invoice, prepared by the Contractor and submitted through Tungsten Network (formerly known as OB10) http://www.tungsten-network.com/us/en/. A properly prepared invoice shall contain:

· Invoice Number and Date

· Contractor’s Name and Address

· Accurate Purchase Order Number

· Supply or Service provided

· Period Supply or Service Provided

· Total Amount Due

b. Please begin submitting your electronic invoices through the Tungsten Network for payment processing, free of charge.

c. If you have questions about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten Network, contact information is as follows:

• Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

• Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

• FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

• FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov Web Address: HTTP://WWW.FSC.VA.GOV/EINVOICE.ASP

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

36C24725Q0143

Page 1 of Page 1 of The Contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform onsite Radiology Support Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta VA Health Care System (hereinafter referred to as VAMC). The contractor’s Imaging support personnel care shall cover the range of Radiology services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeds currently recognized national standards.

All VA Imaging Service staff are accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and follow the standards & guidelines set forth by ARRT. As such any Contractor providing on-site services must adhere to all the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Guidelines & Technical Standards for Radiology:

Practice Parameters by Modality | American College of Radiology | American College of Radiology (acr.org) ARRT Governance: Governing Documents and Board of Trustees - ARRT Practice Management, Quality, Informatics | American College of Radiology (acr.org) Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site at VAMC located at:

Atlanta VA Health Care System 1670 Clairmont Rd. Decatur, GA 30033 Radiology Department Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of Sub-Line Items (LIN) to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the line item numbers (LIN). Affiliate Offerors shall include the “title” of the personnel submitted. Other commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. Also, renumber SUB-LINs if adding or removing Key Personnel. The offeror is instructed to include all other than price and cost information supporting the proposed price as directed in Instructions to Offerors addendum to 52.212-1 and/or Section D- Contract Documents, Exhibits, or attachments, Other than Cost and Pricing Information The Contractor shall propose four (4) or more key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

Period of Performance: BASE: 01 FEB 2024 to 31 JAN 2025

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

Annual Cost

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE:

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE:

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE:

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE:

ALL CLINS TOTAL FOR 12 MONTH BASE TERM: $_______________________

TOTAL FOR BASE YEAR: $________________________

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL

SERVICES REQUIRED: The Atlanta VA Radiology Services are requesting contracted staffing for one (1) area of concern; Radiology Ultrasound section. Contracted Staff is required to be submitted within 10 working days of awarded contract. Radiology Service is accredited by ACR and follows the standards & guidelines set forth by American College of Radiology (ACR). As such any Contractor providing on-site Radiology staffing services must adhere to all the American College of Radiology Guidelines & Technical Standards for Radiology, as well as by American Registry Radiological Technology, and American Registry Diagnostic Medical Technicians (ARDMS): A contractor providing on-site Radiology services must provide evidence the Radiology practice meets or exceeds the American College of Radiology Guidelines for Radiology.

Practice Management, Quality, Informatics | American College of Radiology (acr.org) http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Practice-Guidelines-by-Modality http://www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Standards-Guidelines/Technical-Standards-by-Modality/Medical-Physics

1.1. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Atlanta VA Health Care System 1670 Clairmont Rd. Decatur, GA 30033 Radiology Department

1.2. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority

1.3. Policy/Handbooks:

1.3.1. VHA Notice 2018-34 “Rescission of VHA Directive 2006-041 Veterans Health Care Service Standards”: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=7475

1.3.2. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.3.3. VHA Handbook 1100.18 Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.3.4. VHA Handbook 1100.19 Credentialing and Privileging: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.3.5. VHA Directive 1088 Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/viewpublication.asp?pub_id=3148

1.3.6. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5472

1.3.7. VHA Directive 1156 Accreditation of VHA Radiology Services/Sections: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=7450

1.3.8. VHA Directive 1220: Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures in Any Clinical Setting: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

1.3.9. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying: https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.3.10. VHA Directive 1907.01 VHA Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

1.3.11. VHA Directive 2012-030 Credentialing of Health Care Professionals: https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815

1.3.12. US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for management and use of radioactive materials for medical use and radiation safety requirements, to include (but not limited to) 10 CFR Parts 19, 20, 30, 33, 35, and 71: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm.html

1.3.13. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended: http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.4. DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS:

1.4.1. AAPM: American Association of Physics in Medicine

1.4.2. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.4.3. ABR: American Board of Radiology

1.4.4. ACR: American College of Radiology (www.acr.org/)

1.4.5. ACO: Administrative Contracting Officer

1.4.6. ALARA: As Low as Reasonably Achievable (least & lowest radiation exposure possible)

1.4.7. ARDMS (AB)(VT): American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography; General and Vascular Ultrasound Sonography (AB)(VT)

1.4.8. ARRT(RT): American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (RT) in Radiology

1.4.9. BAA: Business Associate Agreement

1.4.10. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.4.11. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.4.12. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.4.13. CO: Contracting Officer

1.4.14. COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative

1.4.15. COS: Chief of Staff

1.4.16. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.4.17. CPRS: Computerized Patient Recordkeeping System- electronic health record system used by the VA.

1.4.18. EHR: Electronic Health Record – electronic health record system used by the VA

1.4.19. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.4.20. Full Time Equivalent (FTE): VA’s definition for full time- working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. In calculating FTE, any hours not worked on national holidays shall not be included.

1.4.21. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.4.22. HICPAC: Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee- a federal advisory committee made up of 14 external infection control experts who provide advice and guidance to the CDC and the Secretary of HHS regarding the practice of health care infection control, strategies for surveillance and prevention and control of health care associated infections in United States health care facilities.

1.4.23. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.4.24. IROC: Imaging and Radiology Core

1.4.25. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.4.26. NHPP: National Health Physics Program- NHPP provides regulatory oversight for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission master materials license issued to VHA to include permitting for use of materials, on-site inspections, and investigations of allegations, medical events, and incidents. In addition, we provide oversight for machine sources of ionizing radiation used for radiation therapy. Finally, we provide assistance and technical information for uses of ionizing radiation for healthcare diagnosis and treatment and non-human biomedical research. (http://www.patientcare.va.gov/NHPP.asp)

1.4.27. NROP: National Radiology Program

1.4.28. NRSC: National Radiation Safety Committee

1.4.29. POP: Period of Performance

1.4.30. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.4.31. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.4.32. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.4.33. QMP: Quality Management Program

1.4.34. SPE: Senior Procurement Executive

1.4.35. TJC: The Joint Commission

1.4.36. VA: Department of Veterans Affairs

1.4.37. VAMC: Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1.4.38. VetPro: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.4.39. VHA: Veterans Health Administration

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. License: Contract Radiology Technologist(s) and / or Technician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current certification to practice in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. All certifications held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contract Technologists(s) and Technician(s) who have current, full and unrestricted certification who have, or ever had, a certification restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.2. ARRT / ARDMS Certification: All contract Technologist(s) and / or Technician(s) shall be certified. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.2.1. Radiology Technologists: The Contractor shall provide American Registry Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the area of Radiology and contract Technologists shall maintain certification throughout the period of performance. In the event that the Contractor’s Radiology Technologists is/are not directly employed by the treating facility, documentation must be provided to ensure adequate certification if applicable.

2.2.2. Ultrasound Technicians: The contractor shall provide American Registry Diagnostic Medical Technicians (ARMDS) in the area of Diagnostic Ultrasound Scanning and the contracted Technicians shall maintain certification throughout the period of performance. In the event that the Contractor’s Ultrasound Technicians is/are not directly employed by the treating facility, documentation must be provided to ensure adequate certification.

2.3. Credentialing and Privileging:

2.3.1. Credentialing of Health Care Professionals other than Technicians and / or Technologists. In accordance with VHA Directive 2012-030, all health care professional who claim licensure, certification, or registration, as applicable to the position (this applies to all who are appointed or utilized on a full-time, part-time, intermittent, consultant , without compensation, on-station fee-basis, on-station contract, or on-station sharing agreement basis) and who are not currently credentialed in accordance with VHA Handbook 1100.19, must be credentialed in accordance with this directive.

2.4. Qualifications:

2.4.1. Certified Radiologic Technologist in Ultrasound Scanning: Must have at least two (2) years of continuous work experience within the last four (4) years to ensure the technologist experience is current and relevant. Technologists must also have the following minimum years of experience, expertise, and knowledge on the following procedures, equipment and software:

2.4.1.1. Two (2) years of experience – Documentation detailing Technologist experience in a healthcare system that is ARRT certified / ARDMS certified.

2.4.2. Certifications Technologists and Technicians: Must be graduate of an approved program in Radiologic Technology and / or Sonography dependent on the governing body applicable, evidence by a certificate or an associate degree from an accredited institution by the JRCERT and certification by the ARRT / ARDMS. The qualifications of such personnel shall be subject to review by the VA Chief of Staff and approval by the VA Facility Director. Competency requirements shall be defined by the VA Atlanta Healthcare System.

2.4.2.1. One (1) year of experience - Knowledge of overall characteristics and clinical relevance of Radiology treatment machines and equipment.

2.4.2.2. One (1) year of experience - Knowledge of overall characteristics and clinical relevance of Diagnostic Sonographer treatment machines and equipment.

2.4.3. Technical Proficiency: Contract Technologist(s) and Technician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, exams and/or services performed. Contractor’s Technologists and Technician (s) shall have knowledge of professional care theories, principles, practices, and procedures to serve Radiology patient population. Contractor’s Technologist and Technician(s) shall demonstrate knowledge of growth and development, and basic knowledge of disease processes specific to VA patient population. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contract Technologist(s) and Technician (s) upon request and shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations that govern medical staff behavior.

2.5. Continuing CEU Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CEUs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractors registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CEU to remain current. CEU hours shall be reported to the credential’s office for tracking. These documents are required for initial and annual renewal privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges.

2.6. Training (ACLS, BLS, EHR and VA MANDATORY): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the contractor’s Technologist(s) as required by the VA. Other training may become required. VA will communicate any changes to the training requirement to the contractor.

2.7. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for Technologists 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.

2.7.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s Technologist(s) {This is applicable to all health care workers}. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be repeated annually.

2.7.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor Technologists {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.7.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor Technologists {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.7.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor Technologists {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.7.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor Technologists have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor Technologist has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.7.6. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all Contractor’s Technologist(s) {This is applicable to all health care workers}; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.7.7. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel (as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.8. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all contract Technologist(s), Technician(s) and other contract staff are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The Contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest - and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.9. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.9.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the Contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals.

2.9.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. Additionally, the Contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

2.9.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the Contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.9.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.9.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFP using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.10. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.10.1. Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contract Technologist(s) is not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.10.2. By submitting their proposal, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the Contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

2.11. Clinical/Professional Direction: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 2012-030. Clinical/Professional direction of all clinical personnel covered by this contract will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.12. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all contract Allied Health Professionals Technologist(s) and Technician(s) shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.13. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contract Technologist(s) and contract Technician(s) shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.14. No Employee Status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contract Technologist(s) and Technician(s) furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.14.1. Workers’ compensation

2.14.2. Professional liability insurance

2.14.3. Health examinations

2.14.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.14.5. Social security payments.

2.15. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or contract Technologist(s) / Technicians and other contract staff (s). When a Contractor or contract Technologist(s) and/or Technician(s) has been identified as a individual in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or contract Technologist(s) or Technician(s) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.16. Key Personnel:

Contractor shall provide the number of qualified staff as is necessary to perform the services required under this contract, at the staffing level determined to be professionally acceptable by the AVAMC Chief of Staff and in accordance with American College of Radiology staffing guidelines.

2.16.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE): FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

2.16.2. The Certified Diagnostic Radiological Technologists is required to be on site at least 5 days during each week as defined in Hours of Operation in this section.

2.16.3. The number of Certified Ultrasound Technicians required to be on site on a daily basis is 4.0 FTE as defined in paragraph Hours of Operation in this section.

2.16.4. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to the VA during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations and additional coverage as required. In the event a scheduled Technologist and / or Technician is unable to complete an assigned shift, the contractor shall provide replacement Technologist coverage within 2 hours and notify the Contracting Office Representative (COR) at the Atlanta VA HCS immediately of the schedule change.

2.17. Emergency Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.17.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

2.17.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for 3 consecutive workdays or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

2.17.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any Contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any contract Technologist(s), s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said contract Technologist(s).

2.17.4. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contract Technologist(s) / Technician(s) conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.18. Contingency Plan: Continuity of care and uninterrupted operations of a Radiology Program are essential components of this contract and will be primary factors in Contractor’s assignment of staff and frequency of substitutions. The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the contract Technologist(s) and / or Technician (s), other contract provider (s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract. Contractor will supply additional contracted staff within 3 days for replacement.

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING:

3.1. VA Business Hours: Monday – Sunday

3.2. Work Schedule:

1.0 Ultrasound Technician - Sat/Sun 7am – 7pm; Days; Mon & Tues 8am-4:30pm

1.0 Ultrasound Technician - Sat/Sun 7am – 7pm; Days; Thurs & Fri 8am-4:30pm

1.0 Ultrasound Technician - Sat/Sun Nights 7pm – 7am; Days TBD

1.0 Ultrasound Technician – Mon – Fri 2pm – 10:30pm

3.2.1. Patients’ exams by a contract Technologist(s) / Technician(s) will be on-site at Atlanta main facility in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on clinic exam wait times and exam completions. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.2.2. Contract Technologists and Technicians shall be available and present in the Radiology Department during the indicated hours at the Atlanta VA which are established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the COR and Chief Technologist. Currently, normal clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except for General Diagnostic Radiology, Ultrasound and CT Modalities which are 24/7.

3.2.3. The Contracted staff may not perform work after normal business hours or the assigned tour of duty. There will be no on-call for these positions.

3.2.4. Off-hours Coverage: Contractor may not work on-call during all hours when the Atlanta VA main facility is closed, including not scheduled evenings, weekends and holidays.

3.2.4.1. On-call is not optional for Contracted Technologists / US Technicians.

3.2.4.2. Contract Technologist(s) and Technician(s) timesheets shall not include time other than the hours worked on-site at the Atlanta VA.

3.2.5. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.2.6. Cancellation/Rescheduling: Requirements provided by Supervisor of the section

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. SERVICES REQUIRED: Ultrasound Technicians to provide exams / scanning of patients for facility patients. Total number of annual hours is 2080 hours per each Ultrasound Technicians.

4.2. Standards of Practice: The patient care provided by the Contractor shall be evidence based best practices that meet or exceed all standards of professional practice and performance measures applicable to Atlanta VA allied health professionals, including, but not limited to, NHPP, ARRT, ARDMS and TJC standards and ACR current practice guidelines in Radiology.

Contractor’s care shall cover the range of services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility. Contractor shall provide evidence the Contractor’s Radiology standard of care is of a quality that meets or exceeds currently recognized VA and national radiology standards as established by:

4.2.1. The American College of Radiology (ACR) Guidelines for Radiology: https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards/Practice-Parameters-by-Subspecialty; https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards/Technical-Standards

4.2.2. The professional standards of the TJC or equivalent accreditation: http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/hap_requirements.aspx

4.2.3. The requirements contained in this PWS

4.3. MEDICAL RECORDS

4.3.1. Authorities: Contract Technologist(s) / Technicians providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with the U.S.C.551a (Privacy Act), 38 U.S.C. 5701 (Confidentiality of claimants records), 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), 38 U.S.C. 5705 (Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records) 38 U.S.C. 7332 (Confidentiality of certain medical records), Title 5 U.S.C. § 522a (Records Maintained on Individuals) as well as 45 C.F.R. Parts 160, 162, and 164 (HIPAA).

4.3.2. HIPAA: This contract and its requirements meet exception in 45 CFR 164.502(e), and do not require a BAA in order for Covered Entity to disclose Protected Health Information to: a health care provider for treatment. Based on this exception, a BAA is not required for this contract. Health records generated by this contract or provided to the Contractors by the VA are covered by the VA system of records entitled ‘Patient Medical Records-VA’ (24VA10A7). Contractor generated VA Patient records are the property of the VA and shall not be accessed, released, transferred, or destroyed except in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Contractor shall ensure that all records pertaining to medical care and services provided to VA patients are captured in the VA electronic health record system as required by VA policy as discussed in 4.4.4.

4.3.3. Disclosure: Contract Technologist(s) / Technicians may have access to patient medical records for the purpose of providing medical care and services to VA patients and performing services under the contract; however, Contractor shall obtain permission from the VA before disclosing any patient information outside VA. VA authorizes the Contractor to discuss patient health information for coordination of care within community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA, and VHA Handbook 1605.1, Privacy and Release of Information. The penalties and liabilities for the unauthorized disclosure of VA patient information mandated by the statutes and regulations mentioned above, apply to the Contractor.

4.3.4. Professional Standards for Documenting Care: Care shall be appropriately documented in medical records in accordance with standard commercial practice and guidelines established by VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3088 and all guidelines provided by the VAMC.

4.3.5. Release of Information: The VA shall maintain control of releasing any patient medical information and will follow policies and standards as defined, but not limited to Privacy Act requirements. Contractor will not release or disclose copies of records and will refer all such requests to the Release of Information Department at the VA facility were assigned.

4.3.6. Management for Medical Records: National Archives and Records Administration record disposition requirements are found in RCS 10-1 Chapter 6, 6000 series.

4.4. DIRECT PATIENT CARE: Radiology Technologists and Ultrasound Technicians will be 95-100% of the time involved in direct patient care.

4.4.1. Certified Radiology Technologist Services: Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, the following Radiology Technologist services for Veteran patients in accordance with the terms and standards specified herein: 4.0 FTE Certified Ultrasound Technicians.

4.4.1.1. Services shall include evaluation and exams of transported inpatient and outpatient clinical services.

4.4.1.2. Contract staff shall complete any documentation associated with the examination provided to VA patients by them.

4.4.1.2.1. Review previous history, radiographic and lab values;

4.4.1.2.2. Discuss with patient and perform examination.

4.4.1.2.3. Document the exam notes if needed in CPRS, including at least:

· Name of Technologist / Technician and exam performed.

· Contrast Dose amount if applicable and duration of exam, and Any communication to the ordering Physician regarding the exam performed.

4.4.1.2.4. All exams shall be registered and closed by the Technician.

4.4.1.2.5. Radiology Orders shall be altered as necessary by only the patient’s provider or a VA Radiologists for protocoling before the course of the patient’s exam.

4.4.1.2.6. Contract Technologist(s) and Technicians shall document exams and / or complete all clinical notes, date of exam or procedure date, dose amount and signed patient consent for exam where applicable.

4.4.1.2.7. Prior to beginning radiology exams, contract Technologist(s) and Technicians shall instruct the patient and care givers on the risks involved including symptoms requiring immediate intervention. The patient shall be given contact to report these symptoms. Informed consent shall be completed prior to implementation of initial treatments/ exams, when applicable.

4.4.1.2.8. Contract Technologist(s) and Technicians shall evaluate each patient to include pertinent laboratory and imaging studies, when needed. Patient’s progress shall be reported, if necessary, to the referring provider using the electronic medical record, Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), to include name of attending Physician, exam date, type, radiation dose amount and contrast dose when applicable.

4.4.1.2.9. Contract Technologist(s) and Technicians shall provide the patient with documentation if requested regarding their rights and responsibilities. This includes keeping the patient informed of all issues affecting their care in the Radiology department.

Contract Technologist(s) and Technicians shall adhere to written policies and procedures that clearly define guidelines for protecting patients and employees from all unnecessary radiation exposure, provisions for the safe use, removal, or handling of Contrast.

4.4.1.3. When newly implemented techniques or procedures are being implemented for the first time within facility, the Contractor’s staffing personnel shall undertake a systematic observation as well as training in standard operating procedures, implement the technique or procedure in the modality, and document competency.

4.4.2. Medical Equipment Support: Contractor shall notify the Modality Supervisor and BioMed Personnel to evaluate and to provide technical troubleshooting support to all Government equipment perform.

4.4.2.1. Equipment: Contracting Personnel shall provide BioMed Staff information on specification and issues…