36C24818Q9543-003.doc

B.2 STATEMENT OF NEED

1. Introduction.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Integrated Service Network - 8 (VISN-8), requires hospital bed lease/rentals, surfaces/mattress, and trapeze support. VISN 8 hospitals (VAMC) currently uses ArjoHuntleigh, Sizewise, Hillrom and Stryker bed systems.

2. Description / Scope / Objective.

The Contractor shall provide lease/rental of specialty medical equipment, such as specialty bed rentals and mattress, for the sole purpose of short-term and/or long-term individualized patient care as identified by medical staff. The contractor shall be responsible for supporting a hospital bed management program in the areas of; bed rental, and mattress management. All equipment provided shall meet all electrical safety requirements for hospital equipment in accordance with the latest edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-99 Standard for Healthcare Facilities.

3. Period of Performance

The Government anticipates award for a Firm Fixed Price Requirements contract with base and Four (4) Option years.

4. Place of Performance

· James A Haley VA Medical Center/associated Clinics, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL

· Orlando VA Medical Center/associated Clinics, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL

· Malcom Randall VA Medical Center/associated Clinics, 1601 S.W. Archer Road, Gainesville, FL

· North Florida/South Georgia VA Medical Center/associated Clinics, 619 S. Marion Avenue, Lake City, FL

· Miami VA Healthcare System/associated Clinics, 120 N.W. 16th St., Miami, FL

· West Palm Beach VA Medical Center/associated Clinics, 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL

· Bay Pines VA Healthcare System/associated Clinics 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines FL

5. Scope of Work Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, supplies, equipment, tools, materials, all supplementary or miscellaneous items, appurtenances and devices incidental to or necessary for successful completion of the requirements as herein defined for hospital bed rental and mattress management.

6. Equipment Lease/rental

6.1. Contractor shall provide beds and mattress equipment on a lease/rental basis for terms no longer than 12 months per issuance of order. The equipment shall be delivery on a lease rental basis and the contractor shall maintain custodial responsibility of the equipment. Contractor shall be responsible for maintenance of repairs of contractor owned equipment during lease/rental. In the event lease equipment become inoperable the contractor shall replace equipment with 24 hours of notice from the government. Contractor shall not conduct repairs with patients in room or bed without express permission from a Veterans Administration medical profession. If repairs are required the contractor shall exchange bed for replacement at no additional charge unless government negligence is factual, and accepted by the Contracting Officer Representative. Replacement equipment shall arrive within 24 hours if unable to repair defective equipment. Contractor shall replace any leased equipment damaged during delivery/set-up or retrieval. The Government shall not endure any additional cost for replacement equipment.

6.2. Equipment Salient Characteristics: The Contractor shall identify the make and model of bed and mattress equipment required to furnish the following bed rentals and/or mattress type upon request. All furnished equipment must be similar or compatible with in-use inventory:

1. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Cair (Alternating Pressure Therapy System)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 350 pounds

b. Autofirm, pulsate, and therapy modes

c. Dimensions available are 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 6.5"

d. Overlay Dimension: 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 4"(D)

e. Alternating pressure therapy enhances patient comfort and wound healing

f. Three modes of operation - Autofirm, Therapy (static) and Alternating

g. Alternating mode alternates the air pressure in adjacent therapy cells automatically on selected 5, 10, or 15 minute cycle

h. Automatic panel lockout to avoid unwanted or accidental adjustment

i. Mattress Therapy Features twenty individual therapy cells with eight-inch deep construction for superior pressure redistribution

j. CairRails mitigate fall risk and provide patients with a safe, secure healing environment

k. Therapy pad with four unique qualities:

––Fluid proof

––Moisture vapor permeable

––Infection control treatment

––Low friction and shear surface

l. Specially designed CairLock feature allows mattress to remain inflated without any power up to 12 hours.

m. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface and easy pull CPR flag at head of bed

2. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation Mattress

a. 35”, 42”, 48” width options with 82” and 88” length options

b. Minimizes soft tissue deformation and maintains near normal blood flow

c. 12-hour battery life for active therapy

d. Capacity to hold up to 500-1000LB

e. Prevents and treats wounds by simulating immersion of the patient in a fluid medium

f. Minimizes soft tissue deformation and maintains near normal blood flow

g. Automatically adjusts to each patient’s weight, surface area and repositioning

h. Fits existing bed frames, including ICU, Med/Surg, and Bariatric

i. Available in standard, bariatric and pediatric models as well as wheelchair and stretcher configurations

3. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Cair 1000 (Bariatric Low Air Loss Therapy Sys)

a. Maximum Weight Capacity 1000 lbs.

b. Dimensions: Width: 48" Length: 80" Depth: 8"

c. Bariatric true low air loss for moisture management

d. Three modes of operation – Autofirm, Therapy and Pulsate ––Autofirm assists patients and caregivers during patient transfer and treatment

––Therapy control settings for eight levels to maximize patient compliance and promote healing

––Pulsate feature increases patient comfort and pressure redistribution

e. Fowler boost sensor optimizes support when back section of bed is raised to approximately 30 degrees

f. Closed loop control system eliminates concerns of changes in mattress interface pressure due to patient repositioning and ambient temperature changes

g. Three-zone system to prevent “bottoming out” – head, torso and foot

h. Sixteen (eight paired) five-inch deep therapy cells help maximize pressure redistribution

i. Lower three-inch foam safety mattress provides support in the event of a power failure

j. Low shear and low friction nylon therapy pad is fluid proof, moisture vapor permeable and treated with an antimicrobial agent

k. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface

4. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Alternate Cair Plus (Alternating Pressure Therapy Sys)

a. Maximum Weight Capacity*: 350 lbs.

b. Dimensions: 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 8"(D)

c. Alternating pressure therapy enhances patient comfort and wound healing

d. Three modes of operation – Autofirm, Static (Therapy) and Alternate ––Autofirm assists during patient transfer and treatment

––Static (Therapy) control settings includes five levels to maximize patient compliance and promote healing

––Preset Alternate cycle time of ten minutes provides optimal alternating pressure therapy

e. Automatic panel lockout to avoid unwanted or accidental adjustment

f. Closed loop control system eliminates concerns of changes in mattress interface pressure due to patient repositioning and ambient temperature changes

g. Twenty individual therapy cells with eight-inch deep construction for superior pressure redistribution

h. Zippered therapy pad with four unique qualities:

––Fluid proof

––Moisture vapor permeable

––Infection control treatment

––Low friction and shear surface

i. Specially designed CairLock feature allows mattress to remain inflated without any power up to 12 hours

j. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface

5. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare FlapCair Mattress

a. Maximum Weight Capacity*: 350 lbs.

b. Dimensions: 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 8"(D)

c. 160 cell design provides lower average interface pressures than industry standard of 20 cells

d. Any of the 160 cells can be closed off to “float” the wound or surgical site

e. Six-inch deep therapy cells provide adequate support and prevent bottoming out for patients within weight limit

f. Lower two-inch therapy support cell remains inflated in the event of a power failure

g. Three zone system: head, seat and foot

h. Control unit offers true low air loss therapy

i. Autofirm mode provides maximum air inflation to assist both patients and caregivers during patient transfer and treatment

j. Pulsate mode oscillates the air throughout the mattress every 30 seconds providing increased patient comfort

k. Therapy control settings with eight levels to maximize patient compliance and promote healing

6. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare TX Cair Plus LAL System Mattress

a. Maximum weight capacity: 500 pounds

b. Autofirm, pulsate, and therapy modes

c. Dimensions available are 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 10"(D), 42"(W) x 80"(L) x 10"(D), 36"(W) x 84"(L) x 10"(D), 36"(W) x 88"(L) x 10"(D) (Step-deck)

d. Control Unit Therapy Features true low air loss for moisture management

e. Three operation modes: Autofirm, Therapy and Pulsate

f. Automatic panel lockout to avoid unwanted or accidental adjustment

g. Mattress Therapy Features include three-zone system to prevent "bottoming out"

h. Twenty individual therapy cells with eight-inch deep construction for superior pressure redistribution

i. Therapy pad with four unique qualities:

––Fluid proof

––Moisture vapor permeable

––Infection control treatment

––Low friction and shear surface

j. Lower safety cell with two-inch air support remains inflated for up to 12 hours in the event of a power failure.

k. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface.

7. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Alternate Cair Plus Mattress (Alternating Pressure Therapy LAL System)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 350 pounds

b. Autofirm, pulsate, and therapy modes

c. Dimensions available are 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 10"(D), 42"(W) x 80"(L) x 10"(D), 36"(W) x 84"(L) x 10"(D), 36"(W) x 88"(L) x 10"(D) (Step-deck)

d. Alternating pressure therapy enhances patient comfort and wound healing

e. Three modes of operation - Autofirm, Therapy (static) and Alternating

f. Alternating mode alternates the air pressure in adjacent therapy cells automatically on selected 5, 10, or 15 minute cycle

g. Automatic panel lockout to avoid unwanted or accidental adjustment

h. Mattress Therapy Features twenty individual therapy cells with eight-inch deep construction for superior pressure redistribution

i. CairRails mitigate fall risk and provide patients with a safe, secure healing environment

j. Therapy pad with four unique qualities:

––Fluid proof

––Moisture vapor permeable

––Infection control treatment

––Low friction and shear surface

k. Specially designed CairLock feature allows mattress to remain inflated without any power up to 12 hours.

l. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface and easy pull CPR flag at head of bed

8. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Turn Cair Mattress (Lateral Rotation/Low Air Loss Therapy System)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 1000 pounds

b. Dimension: 48"(W) x 80"(L) x 10"(D)

c. Control Unit Therapy Features continuous bilateral rotation with low air loss for patients suffering from various types of respiratory failure and requiring moisture management

d. Three modes of operation - Autofirm, Turn and Static

e. Turn feature helps promote pulmonary drainage

f. Autofirm assists patients and caregivers during patient transfer and treatment

g. Static control settings for eight levels to maximize patient compliance and promote healing

h. Turn Angles of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and "Full"

i. Turn Time options of 10, 20, 30 and 60 minutes

j. Four turn option settings: left, right, dual, or none

k. Automatic panel lockout to avoid unwanted or accidental adjustment

l. Closed loop control system eliminates concerns of changes in mattress interface pressure due to patient repositioning and ambient temperature changes

m. Mattress therapy features three-zone system to prevent "bottoming out" - head, torso and foot

n. Twenty dual chambered therapy cells with eight-inch deep construction for superior pressure redistribution

o. Side bolsters built into the enclosure support patient during rotation and minimize fall and entrapment risks

p. Therapy pad with four unique qualities:

––Fluid proof

––Moisture vapor permeable

––Infection control treatment

––Low friction and shear surface

q. Lower safety cell with two-inch air support and remains inflated for up to 12 hours in the event of a power failure

r. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface

9. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Turn Cair RT Mattress (Lateral Rotation/Low Air Loss Therapy System)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 350 pounds

b. Dimension: 36"(W) x 80"(L) x 10"(D)

c. Control Unit Therapy Features continuous bilateral rotation for patients suffering from various types of respiratory failure compromise

d. Three modes of operation: Autofirm, Turn and Therapy

e. Turn feature helps promote pulmonary drainage and is appropriate for patients who require mechanical ventilation

f. Turn Angle varies by cycle time ensuring safe, comfortable rotation

g. Turn Time options of 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 minutes

h. Automatic panel lockout to avoid unwanted or accidental adjustment

i. Rapid CPR deflation with quick disconnect hose feature at the control unit interface

j. Twenty dual chambered therapy cells with eight-inch deep construction for superior pressure redistribution

k. Side bolsters built into the enclosure support patient during rotation and minimize fall and entrapment risks

l. Therapy pad with four unique qualities:

––Fluid proof

––Moisture vapor permeable

––Infection control treatment

––Low friction and shear surface

m. Mattress and two-inch lower safety cell remain inflated for up to 12 hours in the event of a power failure

10. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare ProCair Plus Mattress (Convertible Air Foam Mattress Designed for Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 500 pounds

b. Dimensions available are:

––36"(W) x 80"(L) x 7"(D)

––36"(W) x 84"(L) x 7"(D)

––42"(W) x 80"(L) x 7"(D)

c. Four-zoned system (head, shoulder, torso and foot) inner air core automatically adjusts to each patient's body profile and weight

d. P.R.O. Technology valve maintains optimal air pressures in each therapy zone for superior pressure redistribution regardless of patient weight and profile

e. One-inch viscoelastic topper enhances pressure redistribution and patient comfort

f. Surrounding firm perimeter provides stability during patient care and contributes to patient safety by eliminating gaps between frames and siderails

g. Therapy pad with these unique qualities:

––Fluid proof and stain resistant

––Low friction and low shear surface

––Zippered construction

11. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Pro Cair V/VR (Therapeutic Mattress Replacement)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds

b. Dimensions available are:

––36"(W) x 80"(L) x 8"(D)

––36"(W) x 84"(L) x 8"(D)

––42"(W) x 80"(L) x 8"(D)

c. Unique longitudinal tubular foam cylinder construction with a high density foam topper for enhanced comfort and pressure redistribution

d. he ProCair VR includes a firm perimeter which provides for added stability and safety during patient care and transfer Psychiatric model available with no zippers, tie-downs or handle straps

e. Integrated heel slope provides a gentle tapering of the mattress that redistributes pressure along the lower legs while reducing pressure in the delicate heel section

f. Ultra-soft Tri-Fill comforter provides added comfort

g. Therapy cover with these unique qualities:

––Fluid proof and stain resistant

––Low friction and low shear surface

h. 70-denier zippered cover includes tie downs and handle straps

i. Tear resistant, non-skid bottom prevents mattress sliding on the deck to reduces the risk of falls.

j. Latex free mattress construction

12. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare ReplaMatt Mattress Series (Foam Mattresses for Pressure Ulcer Prevention)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 500 pounds

b. Dimensions available are:

––36"(W) x 80"(L) x 7"(D)

––36"(W) x 84"(L) x 7"(D)

––42"(W) x 80"(L) x 7"(D)

c. Integrated heel slope provides a gentle tapering of the mattress that redistributes pressure along the lower legs while reducing pressure in the delicate heel section

d. Strategically located articulation cuts in mattress base allow the mattress to move in harmony with the bed frame reducing friction and shear on patient skin and increasing product life cycle

e. Firm perimeter and Tru-fit sizing help meet FDA/HBSW guidelines

f. 70-denier therapy cover with these unique qualities:

––Fluid proof and stain resistant

––Low friction and low shear surface

––Infection control treatment

g. Non-skid bottom prevents mattress sliding on the deck to reduce the risk of falls, is tear resistant

13. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare BariMatt 1000 Plus Mattress (Expandable Bariatric Therapeutic Support Surface), Item number:

a. Maximum weight capacity: 1000LB

b. Dimensions available are:

––Width 35", 42",48

––Expandable Length Options 80”, 84"

c. Mattress relief cuts allowing the surface to articulate with the bed frame for enhanced patient comfort

d. Fabric mattress surround is designed to neatly fit together and without gaps - providing patients with a comfortable, safe healing environment

e. One-inch visco-elastic foam topper envelops the patient for optimized comfort

f. Top cover has screened illustrations allowing caregivers to quickly set up the mattress and meet patient’s individual needs

14. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare (Chauffeur Universal Transport System)

a. Maximum weight capacity: 1750LB

b. Range 3 miles (depending on load, terrain, and charge)

c. Under bed Clearence 2-4 at foot end

d. On-board power drive for improved maneuverability and minimal push force required

e. Advanced 4-way mobility with forward/reverse plus first-ever SideShift repositioning

f. Variable speed for moving side to side and in tight spaces

g. Hoyer inspired ergonomic control handles

h. Intuitive control for reduced staff injury and ease of transport

i. Emergency stop on the operating control handle for safety

j. High-capacity battery system

k. Removable control handles for CPR access

15. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Trapeze w/Adapter UCXT, Item number: N496AL

a. Floor Standing Trapeze

––1000 lb capacity

b. Walkers

––700 to 1000 lb weight capacities

––Adjustable height

––Available with or without wheels

16. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Bariatric Commodes

a. 1000 lb capacity

b. Adjustable height with drop arms

17. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Trapeze - Weight Tolerance 250 LBS

18. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Healthcare Bariatric Trapeze - Weight Tolerance 1000 LBS

19. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Floor Mat 33x60x2

20. Name Brand or Equal to Joerns Bariatric Bed Frame w/Foam Mattress

6.3. Conclusion of each Contractor owned equipment repair or service visit:

The contractor will provide a written service report indicating the date of service, the model, serial number, location of the equipment serviced, the name of the service representative, the hours worked, the services performed, and parts replaced. The reports will be delivered to the COR or designee for signature when work is complete. During non-standard hours, report will be taken to AOD for signature, when available.

6.4. Equipment Delivery and Pickup

Beds, surfaces/mattresses, and other requested rental items will be delivered on an as needed basis for patients. The contractor shall deliver equipment to the facility and specific location(s) as defined in each Delivery/Task Order or Purchase Order. When requested, equipment shall be delivered to patient care unit and room defined at the time of contact for service. Contractor shall contact COR or designee prior to delivery of equipment.

Equipment shall be delivered within same day if request is made by 12 noon and/or retrieved 24/7/365 upon request including all federal holidays.

Equipment to be returned will be picked-up within 24 hours unless mutual agreement to hold in the event of unusual circumstances. Broken equipment must be picked-up and replaced within 12 hours.

· Emergency Deliveries (i.e. vendor arrival to hospital) shall be made within 2-4 hours of request.

· Routine Deliveries (i.e. vendor arrival to hospital) shall be made within 12 hours of call.

· Equipment shall be delivered to and retrieved from patient care unit at the facilities without any handling assistance from any government employee.

· During the hours of 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM the vendor will report to the patient unit and unload the equipment ordered. A delivery ticket shall be signed by a Government employee as the receipt confirmation.

· During the hours of 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM the vendor will report to the patient unit and unload the equipment ordered.

· Pick-up shall be made during the hours 7:00 AM to 8:00 pm upon of notification equipment is no longer needed not to exceed 8 hours once notified. The VAMC will not pay any additional rental charges for equipment not picked up 8 hours after pick-up notification.

6.5. All beds must have labels affixed to the frame to identify the weight limit of the bed and that the bed meets IEC 60601-2-38 specifications. All beds must meet FDA Entrapment guidelines for all 7 zones. All bed controls: Bed is to have separate staff controls; Staff control must have illuminated buttons and upward angle for ease of use; Hand pendant is also to be illuminated for ease of use; Under bed light is also required to help reduce patient falls; AC receptacles are required at the end of the bed to plug in accessories (will prevent falls)

7. Management Plans

7.1. Government Approach to Contract Management

The overall contract shall be managed through the Statement of Need, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), and Contractor Management Plan (CMP). The Contractor Management Plan shall establish the overarching strategy and plan to manage all aspects of the consolidated contract.

The Government shall maintain the responsibility to include:

· Contacting the Contractor when patient needs meet criteria for equipment.

· Provide access to location where equipment is to be delivered, retrieved, repaired, or maintained.

· Notify Contractor promptly of malfunctioning equipment.

· Notify Contractor when pickup of equipment is necessary.

7.2. Delivery Orders

Delivery Orders (DOs) will be issued based on Government needs. Each DO may contain the following aspects and parameters that are specifically tailored to the patient needs:

· Product Type.

· Product Accessories.

· Deliverables and Schedule.

· Period of Performance.

· Place of Performance.

7.3. Contractor Performance

The contract shall be performed in accordance with this SON and the Government’s QASP. Additionally, the contract shall be performed in accordance with the processes and standards in the Contractor’s Management Plan.

· The Contractor may be required to coordinate certain efforts with additional support personnel during the contract performance

· The Contractor shall ensure all equipment is inspected by Certified Biomedical Personnel prior to being placed in service.

· The Contractor shall ensure that all beds are FDA compliant and meet the Department of Veterans Affairs Safe Patient Handling requirement.

· The Contractor shall ensure all bed frames greater than 80” in length must have equivalent size surfaces/mattresses.

· The Contractor shall remove trash and all debris from installation and packing materials.

· The Contractor shall provide the users all Operator Manuals and Service maintenance to be provided as needed on rental equipment.

· The Contractor shall provide manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and insure all rental property is cleaned and decontaminated prior to bringing to the VAMC.

· The Contractor shall ensure that all equipment is tagged with name of the Contractor for ownership/identification purposes and the date equipment was decontaminated.

· The Contractor shall provide Operator Training to staff on proper use of equipment upon request.

· The Contractor shall provide 24/7 Service 365 days a year.

· The Contractor shall respond (with a qualified technician at the facility) to all requests for Bed Frame service within 24 hours of the service call.

· The Contractor shall provide a loaner or a replacement (same model as being requested) product if a particular frame is to be down for more than 2 hours.

· The Contractor shall have the ability to provide 24/7- 365 day year rental for the above specified beds, surfaces/mattress, and other items being requested.

· The Contractor shall be an OEM, authorized dealer, authorized distributor or authorized reseller for the proposed medical supplies, medical equipment, and provide an authorization letter or a joint adventure/affiliation document from the OEM, to ensure all applicable OEM’s warranties are honored by the OEM. All software licensing, warranty and service associated with the medical supplies, medical equipment and/or services contracts for maintenance of medical equipment shall be in accordance with the OEM terms and conditions.

8. Contractor Responsibility

8.1. Permits. The Contractor shall obtain and maintain all permits, licenses, and appointments required for the execution of work under this contract at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall obtain these permits, licenses, and appointments in compliance with applicable host country laws. In addition, contract termination shall result if the required documents are subsequently denied or withdrawn by the local authorities. Application, justification, fees, and certifications for any licensure required are entirely the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall ensure that all employees receive the mandatory training, if applicable to this contract, as required by OSHA, JCAHO, etc., and shall comply with all standards and/or requirements.

8.2. Insurance. The Contractor shall procure and maintain, at their expense, required insurance coverages for the entire contract period: Workmen's Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance and General Liability Insurance in accordance with laws of the State of Florida. Before commencing work under this contract, the contractor shall certify to the Contracting Officer in writing that the required insurance has been obtained. See FAR 52.228-5, Clauses Section. Contractor shall provide the CO with an original signed copy of Insurance Certification with appropriate coverage, no later than ten (10) calendar days after notice of award. The contractor will notify the VA immediately of any changes in insurance coverage. Failure to submit documentation regarding the above insurance requirement shall be grounds to terminate the contract for default.

8.3. Contractor Personnel. The Contractor shall be responsible for employing technically qualified personnel to perform the work specified in this SON. The Contractor shall maintain the personnel, organization and administrative control necessary to ensure that the work delivered meets the contract specifications and requirements.

8.4. Contractor Badges/Parking: Contractor employees shall be on site only for contractual duties and not for other purposes. The Contractor’s employee(s) shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of the VA Medical Center. It is the responsibility of the contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the Police and Security Department.

8.5. Conduct of Personnel: The Contractor shall be responsible for the performance and conduct of its employees. Personnel employed by the Contractor in the performance of this SON or any representative of the Contractor entering the VA premises shall be subject to inspections by the Government as deemed necessary. The Contractor shall not employ for performance under this SON any person whose employment would result in a conflict of interest with the Government’s standards of conduct.

8.6. The Contractor is completely responsible for all actions of their employees. All contractor personnel employed in the performance of this contract shall comply with all VA building regulations, policies, and guidelines while on the premises. Contractor personnel shall be free of body odor and wear clean clothing (uniforms as appropriate) while performing duties under this contract. The Contractor shall consider the clinical environment and instruct/train their personnel in applicable safety precautions and special requirements. These requirements may include but are not limited to such conditions as human secretions, blood, barium, etc. Contractor personnel shall take appropriate precautions while performing duties applicable to this contract.

8.7. Safety/Security Requirements. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ensure performance is secure while protecting material, equipment, and supplies from damage and loss. Government security personnel shall have the express right to inspect for security violations at any time during the term of the contract.

8.8. All information generated in performance of this contract becomes property of the Government and must be surrendered upon request and/or completion of the contract. The Contractor must protect against the destruction and/or misplacement of all information produced under this contract, unless directed under local policy to destroy. This includes both hard and soft copies of data.

8.9. The Contractor shall not release any information (including photographs, files, public announcements, statements, denials, or confirmations) on any part of the subject matter of this contract or any phase of any program hereunder without the prior written approval of the COR.

8.10. Conduct of Personnel. Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional manner (i.e. timeliness, communication; spoken and written etc.). The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to remove from the job site any employee working under this contract for reasons of suspected misconduct, a suspected security breach, or suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent. Contractor employees shall be subject to dismissal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is necessary in the interests of the Government. The hospital director or designated representative has the authority to bar individuals from the Government facility. The removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this performance work statement. The Government shall not reimburse the Contractor for travel and other expenses associated with the removal of personnel.

8.11. Contractor personnel are not authorized to carry or possess personal weapons to include, but not limited to, firearms and knives with a blade length in excess of three inches, while assigned under this contract.