36C24925R0007 A0003.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2.

AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

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6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A.

MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

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

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

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO:

Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF

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

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Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

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

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

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SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) A0003 01-15-2025 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 90C Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (90C) 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24925R0007 12-20-2024

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to:

01-31-2025 10:00 AM CST

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Extend the due to date to 01-31-2025 at 10:00 CT, submitted to christina.curley@va.gov.

2. Answer consolidated list of questions submitted.

3. Provide updated PWS.

See attachment Changes have been highlighted.

4. Provide updated Attachment 4: SCA WD No. 2015-4673 Dated 12-23-2024.

See attached.

5. Update administrative error in E 1.1 Instructions for the Preparation of Proposal Contents of Part I- VAAR 852.219-75 is located in section C.10 of this solicitation.

Contents of Part III-Contingency Plan is in accordance with PWS 9.1.2.

See continuation page for more details.

Angela Tucker Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

This is an amendment to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Services in support of the Lt Col Luke Weathers Jr VAMC. See attached document for more details.

36C24925R0007 A0003 See attached document: ATTACHMENT 4-SCA WD NO. 2015-4673 REV 27.

See attached document: P09 FINAL PWS CNA updated.

36C24925R0007 Consolidated Vendor Questions

1. Is there any contractor currently performing this service? Yes.

2. Could you please provide the current contract number? 36C24921A0035

3. Is Section 2A confirming that the total number of CNA’s required is 19? Yes, at the start of the contract.

4. PWS 6.1.1 says that resumes and evidence of certification will be required “30 days prior to the start of the contract”, while Instructions 2B, asks for resumes for Key personnel with the proposal submission. How many of the 19 CNAs are key personnel, and are these Key personnel resumes due with the proposal submission or Post-Award 30 days before the contract starts? – Section 6.1.1 is updated as follows:

6.1.1 Documents required are:

a. Current resume with detail of length and type of experience (upon proposal submission and within 14 days of request after Task Orders are modified/awarded)

b. Copy (both sides) of current Basic Life Support (AHA or equivalent) and provide evidence to ensure it is always current (5 days after contract award and within 14 days of request after Task Orders are modified/awarded)

c. Copy of current TB testing and results within the past 12 months and then annually (5 days after contract award and within 14 days of request after Task Orders are modified/awarded)

d. Completed Background Investigation Forms (will be provided by VA) (14 days after contract award and within 14 days of request after Task Orders are modified/awarded)

e. Record of current Hepatitis B vaccination or declination form (5 days after contract award and within 14 days of request after Task Orders are awarded)

5. Can we request the Government for the Incumbent vendor’s Name & their contract number (which is currently underperformance)? 36C24921A0035, ONE STOP RECRUITING LLC

6. What is the total award value (size) of the current contract, which is presently ongoing by the Incumbent vendor? BPA Estimated Value: $2,403,396.00

7. Are we required to have all CNAs selected for the needs, prior to responding to the RFP? – If ‘selected’ means hired, no.

8. How many of the 19 FTE positions are currently filled by incumbent CNAs under the existing contract? This information is not relevant to new requirement.

9. Will the Government please clarify the expectation for submitting 19 candidates with the proposal? Specifically, is the intent to ensure immediate coverage of any vacant positions, or does this reflect the Government’s desire to transition from the incumbent workforce entirely?

The government has a current need to fill 19 FTE positions.

10. Section 2.1.2 states: Requests for services may be cancelled by telephone notice to the contractor’s main business office up to two (2) hours before the start of the tour of duty at no expense to the VA. QUESTION: What is the average number of times CNAs have been cancelled in the past year? This information is not relevant to new requirement.

11. Section 2.1.3 states: Certified Nursing Assistants employees may be released early from a tour if workload permits. QUESTION: What is the average number of times CNAs have been released early in the past year? This information is not relevant to new requirement.

12. Section 8.1.1 states there is a 12-hr. shift (7:30 AM – 8:00 PM) in addition to 8 hr. shifts, yet there is not a 12-hr. shift listed in the Pricing (pages 6-16). Can the Government clarify if there is indeed a need for 12 hr. shifts, and if so, shall a 12-hr. shift be billed under day shift rates or split between day and evening shift? – Yes, there is a need for 12 hour shifts; split the rates.

13. Section 10.1.1 discusses NPI numbers. CNAs do not have individual NPI numbers. Will the Government remove this paragraph? The statement states if applicable so can be disregarded if not applicable. The PWS has been updated that this is not applicable.

14. Page 69, Contents of Part IV-Price, states “Offeror shall fill in and submit a completed Price Schedule with an all-inclusive daily rate for Mobile CT Scanning Services, stated as a per day rate in Section B.2 of this RFQ. Offeror agrees to hold proposed pricing firm for 180 days.”. This does not appear to be relevant to this solicitation. Will the Government remove this paragraph and provide the relevant requirements? This was corrected by amendment 36C24925R0007 A0002.

15. As schedule predictability is paramount in this labor category, will the Government clarify if each CNA employee will be assigned to a specific shift (day, evening, night), or will each CNA be required to work any/all shifts? - The VA will clarify the shifts they will work

16. The Wage Document has 4 levels for CNA, what level are you looking for? – III-IV

17. Are there incumbent staff in place? Yes

18. How many vacancies/open positions exist among the current positions/FTEs? This information is not relevant to the new requirement.

19. What is the average tenure among incumbent staff? This information is not relevant to the new requirement.

20. What is the total number of staff that have worked longer than 2 years, 3 years? 4 years or longer? This information is not relevant to the new requirement.

21. Is there a page limit? No, there is not a page limit.

22. Is there a past performance questionnaire? No, there is not.

23. For the past performance, do you want a list of names, phone numbers and email addresses of prior customers? Please provide name, description of requirement and contract number.

24. Is a license verification form from the state sufficient evidence of licensure? No, a copy of the license/certificate is evidence of licensure.

25. On December 4,2024, it was announced that: “Executive Order (EO) 14026, effective January 30, 2022, generally applies to contracts subject to the Service Contract Act or the Davis-Bacon Act entered into, renewed, or extended on or after January 30, 2022. EO 14026 sets a minimum wage of $17.75 per hour for workers performing on or in connection with such contracts for calendar year 2025.”

https://sam.gov/announcements/executive-order-eo-14026-1

a. Section C Contract Clauses (page 59) outlines the applicability of the SCLS to this contract, to include EO 14026

b. Due to the release of this solicitation prior to January 1, 2025, Attachment 4 SCA WD states that the minimum Wage Determination for the CNAs under this contract is $17.20 (the previous years’ requirement) as opposed to the newly required $17.75.

c. We respectfully ask that the government confirm in writing that the $17.75 minimum hourly rate of wage determination is applicable to and required for this Memphis CNA solicitation. An updated Wage Determination is added to the solicitation.

26. Will the government please advise how it will communicate the OT authorization to the company supporting the Memphis VA on this contract – There is a web-based scheduling system, where unit managers and hours supervisors document OT hours. Documentation in this system is the approval. Also, if there are instances where the nursing assistant needs to stay beyond their shift, they are to notify the unit manager or house supervisor for approval and documentation.

27. PWS – Credentialing and Privileging – 11.1 – we believe this section is verbiage intended for a Licensed Independent Practitioner (MDs) solicitation and request its removal as it is not applicable to CNAs – Corrected on PWS.

a. 11.1.1 CNAs do not complete VetPro applications, do not hold privileges and do not retain medical malpractice insurance individually, we request the government remove this section

b. 11.1.2 CNAs do not process through credentialing or privileging, we request the government remove this section

c. The Asterisk section of 11.1 states that proposals that do not contain the required licensing/certification at time of offers will be automatically rendered unacceptable – This will remain.

d. .11.1.2 states that Socials, DOBS, Place of Birth, and addresses must be submitted with the proposal to comply with credentialing and privileging

i. We ask the government to remove these sections, they are not outlined in the requirements of Section E. Contents Part II Technical Capability for submission, nor are they outlined in the requirements of Section E. Evaluation Factor 2. Evaluation Factor 2 states that certifications are required.

ii. In the event the government requires a Social, DOB, Place of Birth, and current address for all candidates submitted, we ask that this modification is outlined in Section E to remain compliant with your request for technical acceptability of submission, as it takes time to receive this type PII from candidates.-This was removed in correction.

28. PWS – Medical Liabilities – 13.1 States “The government may evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided, but retains no control over the medical, professional aspects of services rendered (e.g. professional judgments, diagnosis for specific medical treatments) in accordance with FAR 37.401 (b) (Non-Personal Health Care Services)

a. We believe that this section, consistent with the Sections 10 and 11 of the PWS, was added in error intended for a Licensed Independent Practitioner (MDs) solicitation, and request its removal as it is not applicable to CNAs

b. FAR 37.401 Policy States: Agencies may enter into nonpersonal health care services contracts with physicians, dentists and other health care providers under authority of 10 U.S.C. chapter 221 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 33, Planning and Solicitation. Each contract shall: (a) State that the contract is a nonpersonal health care services contract, as defined in 37.101, under which the contractor is an independent contractor.

i. This policy/clause does not apply to CNAs, as CNAs are covered by SCLS and considered employees of the contractor, not Independent Contractors. This will remain to address nonpersonal services. The Independent Contractor is YOU. We are contracting for CNA Services, not individual people. Your company is the Contractor, you provide key personnel. Your key personnel names are not listed in the contract; we don’t have a contract with them.

ii. We ask the government review PWS section 2.1.5; “Written Evaluation of Performance” of service contract employees can create a potential co-employment personal services relationship with the government, and this type of evaluation review is not seen or required in current nursing contracts with the VA that we are aware of, and seems to be referencing this FAR clause in applicability. We will document their performance in accordance with the QASP, and will provide feedback to you on your key personnel. This is NOT documented to provide directly to the CNA by the VA. This is not personal services; this is ensuring our veterans get proper care and services are provided in accordance with the terms of the PWS.

iii. Please note: PWS 15.1.2 states “The parties agree that the contractor, it’s employees, agents, and shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose” – also pointing to concern about the VA regularly writing performance evaluations on contractors and treating them like employees, as well as PWS 17.1 The performance evaluations are to document their performance and to provide feedback to you as their employer. This NOT documented to provide directly to the CNA by the VA. It would be in the best interest of the Contractor to have written documentation and feedback on the employee; otherwise, how would you know how to provide them their own performance review, if you have no idea how they are performing onsite?

29. PWS - Quality Improvement – 20.1, refers to the same FAR 37.401(b) clause as above in Section 13.1. As this is not applicable to CNAs, we request the government remove this section.

This section will remain, CNA’s provide healthcare so would fall under healthcare providers.

30. PWS – Infection Control – 28.1.1 States “The contractor shall provide proof of the following tests within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR.

a. We request that the government modify this to state within 5 calendar days of first duty shift. Providing the COR health documents 5 calendars after contract award for 20 Full Time CNAs is a tight time frame, and it is imperative to have it for the work versus just after the award.

This is a fair request and will be amended to read within 5 calendar days prior to the first duty shift.

31. PWS – Infection Control – 28.1.1 States (e) Influenza Vaccination: the contractor shall provide proof that the Certified Nursing Assistant has a current influenza vaccination. The contractor is responsible for submitting legal documentation of the date the influence vaccination was given. The influence vaccine is required yearly. – Corrected on PWS.

a. Current VHA guideline VHA Directive 1192.01 Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program (attached to this email) allows contractors to provide a Medical or Religious Declination of the Influenza Vaccine as long as the VHA Directive 1192.01Appendix B form is completed and provided.

b. In this PWS section, we ask you remove the requirement of Influenza vaccine annually, and replace to allow annual influenza declination compliant with VHA Directive 1192.01 Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program

c. We also ask that the language always remain compliant with “During Flu Season” and not “At all times” as vaccines are not available outside of flu season for those who choose to vaccinate. –

32. Attachment 5 – Onboarding Flow Chart

a. Please note, the Onboarding Flow Chart is also outlining and referencing LIPs (MDs etc.) for Vet Pro, Credentialing and Privileging – we believe the government can remove this whole section of onboarding flow – as it is not applicable to CNAs.

This is a general onboarding process for informational purposes only and will not be altered or removed.

33. RE: PWS 11.1 Credentialing and Privileging (Solicitation document, pg. 23 or 95), 11.1.2, and the (*) sentence that follows.

Question/Clarification 1: Will the Government please confirm the types and details of C.N.A. documents for licensing and certifications that are necessary to include at the proposal stage? Please see Instructions for the Preparation of Proposal Part 111; resume and copy of certification.

34. RE: PWS 2.1 Schedule (Solicitation document, pg. 18 of 95) 2.1.2., "Adjustments to schedules may be coordinated by the VA and the Nursing Assistant..."

Question/Clarification 2: Does the schedule adjustment coordination between the CNAs' and the VA also include the Contractor's Program Manager? – typically no, the CNA makes scheduling arrangements with the unit manager they are assigned to. However there have been instances where the contractor has sent us time off requests. Those requests are forwarded to the unit manager for adjustments.

35. 2.1.4, "...may be required for holiday coverage..."

Question/Clarification 3: Are contractor CNAs expected to work holidays and/or does this holiday coverage from the contractor's CNAs only apply in backfill situations or unexpected callouts from VA Nursing Assistants? – there may be instances where they are scheduled on the holiday, it is dependent on the need of the facility.

36. RE: PWS 5.1 Orientation (Solicitation document, pg. 20 of 95) Question/Clarification 4: Are contractor CNAs trained for hospital and unit specific locations in preparation for floating and/or schedule adjustments among VA areas? - yes

37. Question/Clarification 5: If so, is there a pattern of calling CNAs into specific areas/departments to accommodate surge requirements (i.e., the ER, OR, Urgent Care, other) – floating mainly occurs among like units

38. Will CNAs be assigned specific departments/areas of the hospital, or will they be expected to float from sections and/or departments as needed? - they will be assigned to a specific unit and they are included in the float rotation to ensure fairness

39. As an IDIQ contract, are multiple task orders released to accommodate needs? If so, what is the average length of time per task order? Yes, task orders will be awarded and the period of performance is one year.

40. E1.1 E1.1 of the solicitations requires offerors to submit Certified Nursing Services experience similar in size and scope to this requirement. Considering the inherent similarity in recruitment, onboarding, and management of CNA positions to other certified and/or licensed clinical healthcare positions, would the Government allow offerors to submit experience for a broader range of relevant labor categories to demonstrate offeror capability? – If it is similar in size and scope (multiple FTE healthcare providers), it will be acceptable.

41. B.3/3.1 Are Tours scheduled on a rotational basis? staff are assigned a tour (days, evenings, nights). Days/evenings typically rotates between the two.

42. B.3/2.1 Can the government provide what the average patient load would be for a Certified Nursing Assistant?10-12

43. B.3/2.1 Will the government provide any type of advanced schedule for the CNAs other than the 8 hour notice (or 4 hour notice in emergency situations)? Yes, they will know their schedules 2-4 weeks in advance.

44. Will the Government consider extending the submission deadline to 1/31 to allow for additional time to develop a more comprehensive and competitive proposal that best aligns with the requirements and objectives outlined in the solicitation? Yes due to the amount of question presented, the submission deadline will be extended to 1/31/25.

45. Will the Government please clarify what uniforms are required for contract personnel? If uniforms are provided by the VA site, are they considered "wash and wear," or do they require dry cleaning? uniforms are not provided. Scrubs are the uniforms, any color, no offensive images, prints or patterns.

46. Will the Government please provide an anticipated award date for this task order? March 2025

47. Will the Government please consider allowing subcontractors to hold the Joint Commission certification in lieu of the prime contractor? The Contractor shall be the one to provide accreditation(s) in accordance with PWS Section 21.1.1.

48. Will the Government please provide a list of alternative certifications or accreditations considered acceptable in lieu of TJC accreditation? No list available.

49. Will the Government clarify how any additional needs up to 25 FTEs will be communicated and what timeline will be given to fill additional roles above what is initially required to be certified? Task Orders will be modified to request additional FTEs when needed, and will need to be filled within 30 days of request.

50. Will the Government please confirm that the only location where services are required is Lt. Col Luke Weathers Jr VAMC, 1030 Jefferson Ave, Memphis, TN 38104? Yes this is the only location.

51. Is there a minimum number of shifts per week/month/quarter that a CNA needs to work to remain eligible to pick up future shifts? No.

52. Will the Government please clarify if the CNAs will be required to work inpatient or outpatient? inpatient, and the Emergency Department

53. Will the Government please clarify if the CNAs will be required to work 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour shifts? 8 hour or 12 hours are available and varies depending on the need of the unit

54. Will the Government please clarify if the required schedules will be days, nights, or a mix? Mix, however if someone is assigned to nights they will work nights

55. Will the Government please confirm if they intend to use contractors on a full-time and Per Diem Basis? Most contract employees will work on a full-time basis.

56. Will the Government please confirm who is responsible for scheduling the staff for shifts to be worked? the unit manager is responsible for scheduling staff

57. Will the Government consider accepting past performance experience placing clinical LCATs beyond just CNAs? Yes, as long as the past performance is similar in size and scope, for instance, RNs, LPNs, etc.

58. Is there a maximum number of resumes that can be provided with offer? We are requesting 19 CNA resumes.

Will the Government please clarify if three (3) current reference and the application for VA privileges to include a copy of privileges from most recent work assignment from another hospital (PWS 11.1.1) are due for each candidate at the time of offer? This is not required with offer.

59. Will the Government please clarify what in PWs 11.1 is due at the time of offer? Updated. Please see preparation of proposals for all items needed at time of offer.

60. Will the Government please clarify everything that is due for each provided candidate at the time of offer? The PWS, instructions, and evaluation have different requirements as far as what is due at the time of offer. Please see preparation of proposals for all items needed at time of offer.

61. Would the Government like offerors to include a Technical Approach in the Technical Capability Volume beyond what is listed in the instructions and evaluation? Currently the requirement for this Volume is only for resumes, certifications, candidate documentation, and a Contingency Plan. Does the Government request that those are the only items to be submitted in the Technical Capability Volume? Please only submit what is requested in the solicitation.

62. How can an emergency request be supported within four (4) hours based on the requirements in section 11.1.1.

2.1.1 Emergency requests for contractor staff may be made by the VA with four (4) hours' notice. Such emergency requests will be at the rates and terms specified herein for standard requirements. This means request to fill a shift last minute, not to onboard.

63. How can the services in 2.1.4 - holiday coverage - be supported when there is a vetting process?

2.1.4 Certified Nursing Assistants services may be required for holiday coverage. When required, specific services and tours will be requested by the VA with a minimum of eight (8) hours’ notice to the contractor and at the rates specified. The Certified Nursing Assistants will be paid holiday pay for this time. This is regarding a request to fill a holiday shift. You should already have nurses onboarded.

64. Can you please clarify what needs to be submitted with the 19 resumes, the instructions to offerors state the CNA license however the PWS states all information for the VMAT process needs to be submitted, including social security number and city where born? This has been updated in PWS.

65. If this is an existing requirement are all requested positions filled? If not, how many vacancies or open positions are unfilled? This is not relevant to the current requirement.

66. 2.1 Schedule The Certified Nursing Assistants, at the level specified, with a minimum of eight (8)-hour notice by the VA of specific tours required, shall perform services, to include providing personal hygiene including bathing, dressing, linen changes, assisting with meals, lifting and moving patients, assisting with ambulation, assisting with toileting and sitter services (close observation, tele sitting, 1:1) for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Lt. Col Luke Weathers Jr VAMC. Can the Government confirm whether the eight (8) hour notice by the VA pertains to assigning CNAs additional tours beyond their regular schedule, or does it refer to providing notice for specific shifts within their scheduled hours? this will be for additional tours beyond their regular schedule

67. Can the Government clarify whether the scheduling for CNAs will be provided on a weekly, monthly or other advance basis, or if the VA intends to implement a daily per diem scheduling approach with the contractor? They are scheduled 2-4 weeks in advance. This will not be a daily per diem scheduling approach

68. Can the Government clarify the current protocols and technology being used to provide close observation and tele sitting, 1:1 patient care. Specifically, what systems or tools are currently in place to facilitate close observation as well as any telehealth services? Currently, we utilize nursing assistants to provide 1:1 sitting or close observation in accordance with our local SOPs and policies.

69. 4.1.1. Duties of Certified Nursing Assistants Can the Government clarify the specific duties and expectations of a certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) related to the documentation requirement occurring every 15 minutes, as delegated by the nurse or charge nurse? this is in the instance of when a nursing assistant is a sitter for their assignment that day. The interval of documentation (form) is in accordance with our local SOPs and policies. currently, we utilize nursing assistants to provide 1:1 sitting or close observation in accordance with our local SOPs and policies.

70. Could the Government clarify the reference to PWS section 9.1.3 for the detailed contingency plan required under Subfactor C? It appears that section 9.1.3 does exist within the PWS, and we would appreciate further guidance on the intended requirements. This was a typo and should read 9.1.2.

71. E.9 Could the Government clarify the reference to paragraph 9.1.3 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) in relation to the Contingency Plan requirement under Evaluation Factor 2, Technical Capability, Subfactor C? Since section 9.1.3 does not appear in the PWS, we request further guidance on the specific expectations for demonstrating a contingency plan to maintain key personnel, ensuring continuity of care and 24/7 availability as required by the RFP and subsequent awarded contract? This was a typo and should read 9.1.2. A Contingency Plan shall demonstrate Contractor’s plan for maintaining Key Personnel to be utilized due to circumstances such as turnover, illness, or unavailability, ensuring continuity of care and 24/7 availability to provide complete services in accordance with the terms of the RFP and subsequent awarded contract.

72. Where is the Government’s preferred location for Standard Form 1449 within the proposal?

SF-1449 shall be signed by offeror and included in Part I – Administrative.

73. Does the Government anticipate the increase to twenty-five (25) CNAs? This is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract and the number of CNAs will be determined by the need of the facility.

74. May proposers provide BLS certifications upon award rather than in our submission? This can be provided upon award.

75. E1.1 The instructions for the Administrative Volume states: Submit completed/ signed certification in accordance with VAAR 853.219-75 located in section C.11 of this solicitation. VAAR 852.232-72 is for VA Notice is for VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting-Certification of Compliance for Services and Construction. But Section C.11 is VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (Nov 2018) Will the Government clarify/correct the instructions? VAAR 853.219-75 is located in section C10 and the admin error will be corrected.

76. Section Reference: B.2, Schedule of Services, Pages 6 – 16 Could the government please provide reasoning behind the difference in number of hours between the day, evening, and night shifts? This is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract, the hours for each category will be determined by the needs of the facility.

77. Section Reference: 2.1, Schedule, Page 18 Could the government please define telesitting? Will the government be providing the necessary equipment for services where telesitting is required? The government will provide the equipment, it will require the nursing assistant to be on site.

78. In the event that the contractor is responsible for supplying the telesitting equipment, could the government please outline the specific steps and guidelines that must be followed to ensure that our equipment is properly and securely integrated into the facility's network or system? The contractor would not provide the equipment.

79. Section Reference: 2.1, Schedule, Page 18 The solicitation states, "Emergency requests for contractor staff may be made by the VA with four (4) hours' notice." Could the government provide the typical frequency of emergency staffing requests made by the VA with a four-hour notice? This has not occurred in past contracts.

80. Section Reference: E.9, Evaluation, Page 76 What past performance measures would be acceptable in lieu of CPARS documentation? Additionally, would the government consider providing a past performance questionnaire, or would a letter of recommendation be deemed acceptable? We conduct research on vendors and will reach out if additional information is needed.

81. Section 21.1 (21.1.1) speaks to the contractor shall provide accreditation that meet or exceed Joint Commission standard. Does this statement indicate that the Contractor MUST be certified/ accredited, or simply follow the rules established by the Joint Commission? follow the rules established by the Joint Commission.

82. How many resumes are required to be submitted with the proposal? Is there a specific format or structure preferred for the resumes? 19 resumes in no specific format.

83. Are we required to submit live resumes for proposed candidates as part of the proposal? Yes.

84. Are Certificates of Insurance (COI) required at the time of proposal submission, or can they be provided post-award? At proposal submission.

85. Are there any historical usage data or staffing trends available for the previous contract to help us better align our proposal? No.

86. Should resumes be submitted in individual files or included as part of the proposal document. As part of proposal under Part III – Technical Capability