36C24823Q0274 Attachment B- PWS.pdf

36C24823Q0274 Attachment B – Performance Work Statement

B.4 PERFROMANCE WORK STATEMENT

ASBESTOS Inspections, Training and Monitoring Services at VACHS

1. FOREWORD

This Service contract is to provide necessary labor, materials and supplies to conduct semi-annual Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) visual inspections and training services for Asbestos supervisors, Asbestos workers, and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) workers at VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) in accordance with terms and conditions of this contract for one base period of twelve months from date of award, and four (4) option periods of twelve (12) months each. A single firm fixed price IDIQ contract will be awarded for Asbestos Inspection, Training and Monitoring Services at VACHS.

2. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:

2.1 Contractor shall provide all material, labor and supplies to conduct semi-annual visual inspections of all Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) identified areas in the VACHS Facility Asbestos Inventory in compliance with all applicable regulations including but not limited to Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Control of Environmental Contamination Regulation, Rule 422 (including Appendix G). One inspection constitutes the visual inspection of all areas listed on the facility asbestos inventory. Inspection findings must include condition of ACM and recommendations for control according to condition. The inspection report must include pictures of ACM recommended to be repaired or abated. A report must be submitted within 15 days of inspection completion. Estimated quantities per period of performance have been provided on Price/Cost schedule for pricing per inspection purposes.

2.2 Contractor shall provide initial and refresher Asbestos Worker, Asbestos Supervisor and O&M trainings meeting the requirements outlined in the EQB Control of Environmental Contamination Regulation, Rule 422 (including Appendix G) and EPA regulations (for O&M training). Refresher Asbestos trainings will be provided to a minimum of 15 Asbestos workers, 5 Asbestos supervisors and 50 O&M workers per period of performance, and a maximum of 25 Asbestos workers, 10 Asbestos supervisors and 100 O&M employees. The actual number of employees to be attending training in each category of training will be provided to the Contractor two months prior to the training anniversary date. Categories of training will be included as sub line items (SLIN) in the contract price/cost schedule using group of 5 as the unit.

2.2.1 The numbers of training sessions per period of performance for each course will be arrange with the Contractor at the convenience of the VACHS, with a minimum of one session per period of performance. Orders will be issue for each training session being requested. Any addition or deletion on the type of training will be processed via supplemental agreement.

2.2.2 The contractor must make the appropriate training notifications to the EQB prior to the training sessions. The contractor must submit evidence of training to the EQB once trainings are completed and obtain Asbestos worker and supervisor ID cards from the EQB on behalf of

VACHS.

2.3 Perform Asbestos Monitoring in areas surrounding construction projects to validate standards are being met and maintain, within internal minor O&M repairs or jobs within the facility. To include individual employee exposure monitoring to ensure Personnel Exposure Levels (PEL) follow applicable laws, rules and regulations. Monitoring shall consist of the following three (3) types, to be included as sub line items (SLIN) in the contract price/cost schedule:

a. Occupational (Personal Monitoring): Personal monitoring for 8-hour TWA, representing full shift exposure, and/or 30-minute short term exposure. Estimated quantities per period of performance are provided in Price/Cost Schedule.

b. Background (Area Air Sampling Inside the Work Area): In addition to personal samples, area air samples are collected inside the work area daily to determine the concentrations of airborne asbestos fibers. Estimated quantities per period of performance are provided in Price/Cost Schedule.

c. Clearance (Air Sampling After Final Cleanup of Work Area): Area air sampling is conducted upon conclusion of an asbestos abatement project to estimate the airborne concentration of residual fibers. Estimated quantities per period of performance are provided in Price/Cost Schedule.

The minimum order amount guaranteed for each period of performance is $5,000.00 in any combination of services from the different Line Items as contained in the Price/Cost Schedule.

3. COMPETENCY AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

3.1 In the VA on-going effort to ensure that all Veterans are provided the highest quality care, it is required that each VA Medical Center meet or exceed the standards of The Joint Commission

(TJC).

3.2 For this specific contract the Contractor or his employees performing visual inspections must be a certified Asbestos Building Inspector and be registered at the EQB as required in the Control of Environmental Contamination Regulation, Rule 422. The Contractor shall provide EQB registration documentation as evidence that this requirement is being met.

3.3 For this specific contract the Contractor providing Asbestos trainings must be a Puerto Rico EQB school accredited to provide at least the Worker and Supervisor Asbestos trainings.

Accreditation is to be valid at time of offer submittal and maintain throughout the life of the contract. Loosing accreditation will pose a direct impact on contract performance and may serve as cause for termination. The Contractor must show evidence of EQB accreditation, and their analysts shall be listed in the Asbestos Analysts Registry (AAR) kept by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

3.4 For this specific contract, the Contractor shall provide written competency certification for all contract employees to perform the services described in this contract. (Competency Certification Sample will be provided by the Government on the award process). The Contractors shall provide subject certification at the post award meeting; then it shall be submitted by the Contractor when the Government exercises each contract option.

3.5 The Contractor shall maintain an updated record of all Contract Employee’s educational documents, evaluation methods and qualifications standards; and these records must be available to the Government upon request.

3.6 Age: All Contractor employees performing work under this contract shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age or as required by local laws.

3.7 All employees shall be literate in English to the extent of reading and understanding printed regulations, detailed written orders, training instructions and material, and shall be able to compose reports which convey complete information.

3.8 The Contractor shall provide backup contract employee during the absence (annual leave, sick leave, etc.) of any of the employees assigned to work under this contract. Backup employees shall comply with the contract regulations and specifications.

3.9 Back-up Contract Employees shall be approved by the Government prior to perform services. No employee changes shall be issued without the authorization of the Contracting Officer or its designee.

3.10 Upon contract award, Contractor shall provide the name of each Contract Employee assigned to this contract. The Contractor is responsible to maintain this list updated at all times.

3.11 Contractor-Furnished Training: The Contractor does all recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising. The Government will provide the Contractor all mandatory trainings required for all Contract Employees. The Contractor shall submit to the CO written certification annually that each contract employee has been trained in the subject areas. The Contractor shall provide training to all Contract Employees prior to assignment under this contract.

3.12 Government-Furnished Trainings: The Government will provide facility orientation to all contracted employees assigned to this contract to include health, safety, and emergency procedures at the VACHS medical center. These trainings will be scheduled at a post award meeting at a mutually agreeable date.

3.13 Conduct of Contractor’s Employees: The Contractor shall maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance, and integrity, and for taking such disciplinary action against his/her contract’s employees as may be necessary. The Contractor shall require his employees to comply with the instructions, pertaining to conduct and building regulations, issues by duly appointed officials, such as the Contracting Officer, Program Manager, guards, inspectors, etc.

3.14 Appearance: The Government requires a favorable image and considers it to be a major asset of a customer service team; the employee's attitude, courtesy, and job knowledge are influential in creating a favorable image. Uniforms and protective clothing: all contractor personnel working in or around buildings designated under this contract shall wear distinctive uniform clothing.

3.15 Disorderly Conduct: use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be condoned; also included is participation in disruptive activities which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations. 3.16 Intoxicants: The Contractor shall not allow any employee to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs, or substances that produce similar effects.

3.17 Criminal Actions: Contractor’s employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances and these include, but are not limited to, the following:

3.17.1 Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records.

3.17.2 Unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct.

3.17.3 Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials.

3.17.4 Security violations.

3.17.5 The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove any employee from the work site for failure to comply with the standards of conduct.

3.17.6 The Contractor shall initiate immediate action to replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional cost to the Government.

3.17.7 The Contractor shall provide protective equipment and attire to personnel and require employees to use it while performing their duties as necessary.

3.17.8 The Contractor shall comply with all regulations, agency, federal, local, and TJC Standards as applicable.

3.18 Security Clearance: At the post award meeting, the Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer the following original documents from all Contract Employees that would be having access to the Government property: health certificate and certificate of no penal record from Puerto Rico Police Department

3.18.1 These forms shall be submitted for replacement employees according to terms of this contract before entrance on duty. If the CO receives an unsuitable report on any employee after processing of these forms, or if the Program Manager finds a prospective employee to be unsuitable or unfit for his assigned duties, the Contractor shall be advised immediately that such employee cannot continue to work or be assigned to work under the contract.

3.19 Coverage: The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Worker’s Compensation and occupational disease statutes. The contractor shall provide Workers Compensation, Professional liability insurance, Health examinations, Income tax withholding, and Social Security payments.

3.20 Meetings: During the term of the contract, it may be necessary to schedule meetings between the Contractor and VA to address areas of concern and provide additional information throughout the life of the contract. Such meetings shall require attendance by the Contractor at no additional charge to the VA. Meetings can be in the type of setting deemed necessary for the type of information to be exchanged, to include telephone, conference calls, virtual applications, or face to face. Location of in-person meetings would be at the VACHS, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Attendees should include, but may not be limited to, the Contractor, Contractor key personnel, Facility Asbestos Coordinator, and the Contracting Officer.

4. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources and Environment, EQD, OSHA VA Handbook

5. Hours of Operations: The contractor is responsible for conducting services, between the hours 7:00 am to 4:30 pm of Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor shall, at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

6. Holidays: Legal holidays recognized by the Federal Government in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6103, Executive Order 11582 and Public Law 94-97 or any other by the President of the United States to be a national holiday, the following national holidays are observed and for the purpose of this contract is defined as "Legal Federal, official holidays" as follows:

New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Third Monday in January President’s Day Third Monday in February Good Friday Last Friday in March Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day July 4 Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veteran’s Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25 Juneteenth National Independence Day June 19

Or any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

7. SAFETY REQUIREMENT

a. The contractor while performing the services described in the performance work statement shall take all safety precautions and safety measures necessary to protect the lives and health of their own employees, VA employees, patients and visitors, including the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE) as applicable.

b. VISN 8, VACHS Universal Masking Program is applicable to this contract. Universal Mask program requires every healthcare worker (HCW) to wear a healthcare face mask while in VACHS. Health care worker is defined as any person required to work at a VACHS facility including contractors, must always wear a healthcare face mask while in VACHS. VHA policy and Presidential Order requiring masks in federal buildings regardless of vaccination status, is in effect.

c. Influenza Vaccination: Influenza vaccine “Flu Shot” is mandatory for all VHA employees and contractors as per VHA Directive 1192.0. Contractor shall provide a list of employees under contract performance with their vaccination compliance, this requirement is to be submitted annually. Employees and Contractors who are not vaccinated as per authorized exclusions on VHA Directive are to be documented as such and always required to wear healthcare face mask while on VHA premises.

d. VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors:

Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following documentation requirements:

1. If fully vaccinated, shall show proof of vaccination. i. NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

2. If unvaccinated and granted a medical or religious exception, shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test.

3. Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

4. Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19 Screening Tool. Check regularly for updates.

Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance, each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces.

Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities.

8. SECURITY REQUIREMENT

The contractor shall report to the VACHS Asbestos Program Manager prior to performing the services described in this statement of work.

B.4 PERFROMANCE WORK STATEMENT