36C24926Q0334

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

36C24926Q0334 Christina Curley -14-2026 10:00

CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 X X 621511 $41.5 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Lt. Col Luke Weathers Jr VAMC 1030 Jefferson Ave Memphis TN 38104 90C Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Christina Curley, Contract Specialist 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129

90C FSC e-Invoicing Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 Invoice must be submitted electronically

Setup 1-877-489-6135 See CONTINUATION Page Contractor shall provide Lab Services IAW the price schedule, statement of work, and all terms and conditions contained herein.

See Schedule of Services Line Items on page See Statement of Work on page Please review solicitation in its entirety. Take note of "Instructions for the Preparation of Proposal" on page for quote submission guidance.

This requirement is being procured as a 100% Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Buisness set aside. Only SDVOSBs vertified within the Small Business Administration's Vetcert database at the time of offer submissions will be considered for award. Firms not verified within the Small Business Administration's VetCert database will be rendered technically unacceptable outright and shall not be eligible for award. https://veterans.certify.sba.gov See CONTINUATION Page x X Samantha Shackelford 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:

GOVERNMENT: Christina Curley Contract Specialist U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 E-mail: christina.curley@va.gov CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the Contractor will be made in accordance with:

GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears: Other [MONTHLY IN ARREARS] GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All invoices from the Contractor shall be submitted electronically to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. For any questions about the e-invoicing program, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

Tungsten Support Phone: 1-877-489-6135 Website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/uk/en/ Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Service Center Phone: 1-877-353-9791 Email: vafscched@va.gov

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall furnish Lab Services to Lt. Col Luke Weathers Jr Medical Center (VAMC). Contractor’s care shall cover the range of onsite patient care 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 exceeding currently recognized national standards.

Period of Performance: A contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded as a 5-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) from Dates 04/01/27 to 03/31/2032.

Estimated Quantities: Estimated days, and maximum quantities are stated for the purpose of evaluating the Contractor’s proposal.

Contractual minimum and maximum: The guaranteed minimum contract amount is 3,402 hours, and the maximum contract amount shall not exceed 340,240 hours.

Orders: This is a Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract (see FAR 52.216-22). Task Orders shall be placed against this IDIQ contract at the time of contract award, and as needed during the term of the contract. The Task Orders shall specify the estimated quantities of services for each period of performance and shall comply with FAR 52.216-18 and 52.216-19.

ITEM INFORMATION

1- Medical Transcriptionist Contract Period: Base Period POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621511 - Medical Laboratories PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q301 - Medical - Reference Laboratory Testing

2 - Medical Technologist

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

1- Pathologist Assistant

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

11 - Phlebotomist

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

1 - Cytopreparation Tech

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

Phlebotomist OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

Phlebotomist HOL

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

Med Transcripton OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

Med Technologists OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

1- Medical Transcriptionist Contract Period: Ordering Period 1 POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

2 - Medical Technologist

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

1- Pathologist Assistant

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

11 - Phlebotomist

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

1 - Cytopreparation Tech

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

Phlebotomist OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

Phlebotomist HOL

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

Med Transcripton OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

Med Technologists OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

1- Medical Transcriptionist Contract Period: Ordering Period 2 POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

2 - Medical Technologist

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

1- Pathologist Assistant

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

11 - Phlebotomist

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

1 - Cytopreparation Tech

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

Phlebotomist OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

Phlebotomist HOL

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

Med Transcripton OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

Med Technologists OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2029 POP End: 03-31-2030

1- Medical Transcriptionist Contract Period: Ordering Period 3 POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

2 - Medical Technologist

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

1- Pathologist Assistant

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

11 - Phlebotomist

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

1 - Cytopreparation Tech

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

Phlebotomist OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

Phlebotomist HOL

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

Med Transcripton OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

Med Technologists OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2030 POP End: 03-31-2031

1- Medical Transcriptionist Contract Period: Ordering Period 4 POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

2 - Medical Technologist

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

1- Pathologist Assistant

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

11 - Phlebotomist

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

1 - Cytopreparation Tech

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

Phlebotomist OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

Phlebotomist HOL

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

Med Transcripton OT

POP Begin: 04-13-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

Med Technologists OT

POP Begin: 04-01-2031 POP End: 03-31-2032

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)-LABORATORY STAFFING

1. ADMINISTRATIVE:

A. Services Required:

The Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center (VAMC Memphis) Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) has experienced a continuous and critical shortage in staffing of Cytotechnicians, Medical Technologists, Pathology Assistant, Phlebotomists, and Medical Transcriptionist. Currently, the staffing shortage has been caused by numerous resignations and transfers at the Memphis campus.

B. Place of Performance: VA Medical Center Memphis, 116 N. Pauline Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105.

C. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources Sharing Authority, to include FAR Part 12 in combination with VAAR 873.

D. Delivery: These positions are needed for five years, April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2032. As vacancies are filled by permanent employees, the service will have the option to reduce the number of contracted personnel in accordance to the vendor’s published policy for minimum service length.

E. References: The Joint Commission Standards, College of American Pathologists and P&LMS policies on documentation.

F. Policy and Regulation: Laboratory staffing shall comply with all applicable policies and regulations, including but not limited to, the following:

VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting - Buying https://www.va.gov/vapubs/

Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended https://www.justice.gov/opcl/privacy-act-1974

G. Definitions and Acronym:

1.28 ASCP-BOR American Society of Clinical Pathology

2. KEY PERSONNEL AND TEMPORARY EMERGENCY SUBSTITUTIONS:

A. The contractor shall provide sixteen (16) FTE to the VAMC Memphis the following key personnel:

One (1) -Cytopreparation Technician Two (2) -ASCP/AMT Certified Medical Technologist One (1) -Pathologists Assistant Eleven (11) -Phlebotomists, Medical Technicians One (1) -Medical Transcriptionist

B. The contractor shall provide services on an as needed basis. The contractor will be provided with a thirty (30) day advance notice by VAMC Memphis prior to requesting the medical technologist services. Upon request for the medical technologist services, the contractor will also be provided with the term of services required. The VAMC Memphis Chief of P&LMS will have final technical and administrative direction over all services provided.

C. The Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. Substitution personnel shall be provided within three (3) working days of notification to the VA that a substitution is necessary.

D. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes and all other documents required for original personnel for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The contract shall be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel. For temporary substitutions where the key person will not be reporting to work for 3 consecutive workdays or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. This substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two (2) weeks shall require the procedure as stated above.

E. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of Contractor if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Medical phlebotomists who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application shall not be considered for the purposes of this contract. 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 patients or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The Contractor and Contracting Officer’s Representative shall deal with issues raised concerning contract personnel’s conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the Contracting Officer.

3. TOURS OF DUTY

A. Tours of Duty for appropriate coverage will be mutually agreed upon by the vendor and the VA.

B. The contractor shall be required to furnish services on Federal Holidays, as scheduled and required.

C. Overtime will not be paid for lunch breaks not taken and only in emergency situations with proper approval from program coordinator designee. Any overtime shall be approved by the VA designee PRIOR to any overtime being worked.

D. Tours will be a maximum of eight (8) hours and may vary. No double tours or sequential tours will be permitted.

E. Contractors may be required to work off tours as well as rotating weekends.

4. WORK HOURS

A. The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the Contractor as defined herein.

B. The following terms have the following meanings:

Normal working hours: Monday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 pm., 3:30 p.m.- 12 a.m., 11:30 p.m. – 8:00 a.m., local time excluding Federal holidays.

Off Duty Hours: Hours other than those described above.

Federal Holidays: The eleven (11) holidays observed by the Federal Government are:

· New Year's Day

· Martin Luther King Day

· President's Day

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

Any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a federal holiday. When one of the holidays falls on Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday.

5. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

A. The Cytopreparation Technician will be expected to receive a variety of specimens, e.g., urine, sputum, and fine needle aspirates, brushings, and washings from various body sites, which must be prepared for cytologic examination. The incumbent is responsible for assuring that specimens and their accompanying request forms are properly identified, but if discrepancies exist to take appropriate action.

· Specimen Intake: Receive, clock-in, and verify clinical samples from couriers or medical staff. Specimens must be accessioned and recorded in the computer. Approximate volume, density, and color of specimens must be indicated on the accompanying request forms in addition to the numbers of slides/smears received when received into the laboratory.

· Must be well versed in the safe handling of potentially infectious material. Apply cyto-preparation techniques including centrifuging, smearing, cell block production, and initial slide staining & cover-slipping slides whether automated or manual.

· Must closely examine fluid samples for suspended tissue fragments and prepare cell blocks by the various cell block techniques and procedures. Incumbent must periodically view slide preparations microscopically to determine the quality of stain and technique. If preparation quality is not satisfactory, must take corrective action.

· Lab Maintenance: Clean equipment, monitor chemical reagents, restock consumables, and perform minor instrument troubleshooting. Responsible for cleaning the glassware used in this section as well as maintaining an orderly and clean work area.

· Maintains specimen accession logbook. Can assist maintaining the slide files for easy retrieval when necessary. Also responsible for daily runs to collect specimens kept in the Main Laboratory section as well as stocking supplies for distribution to various clinics at VAMC Memphis and to outside Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) sites.

· Must have knowledge and skill to process cell samples (gynecologic and non-gynecologic) using liquid-based instrumentation. Responsible for instrument troubleshooting, calibration and pneumatic test runs. Cytopreparation Technicians do not require licensure nor certification.

B. The Medical Technologist will be expected to provide patient testing and preserving of specimens for later analysis, send out of testing required on a STAT basis, issue blood and blood products as requested from the physicians, perform required quality control and instrument maintenance, and follow all local Pathology protocols and procedures and those of College of American Pathologists (CAP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

· High-Complexity Testing: Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses on blood, urine, spinal fluid, and tissue samples.

· Equipment Operation: Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced computerized laboratory analyzers and robotic systems.

· Quality Control: Run control samples, evaluate validation data, and ensure all testing meets strict clinical laboratory standards.

· Result Verification: Review raw data, recognize abnormal or critical test values, and securely verify results in the system.

· Critical Notifications: Alert physicians and nursing staff immediately regarding panic-level or life-threatening lab results.

· Microbiology Identification: Culture biological specimens to isolate bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens and perform antibiotic susceptibility testing.

· Blood Bank Typing: Conduct blood typing, antibody screening, and crossmatching to prepare compatible blood products for transfusions.

· Method Validation: Help evaluate and implement new diagnostic test kits, laboratory instruments, and operational protocols.

· Compliance Maintenance: Adhere strictly to safety, biohazard, OSHA guidelines, and CLIA regulatory compliance standards.

C. The Medical Technicians (Phlebotomist) can be assigned to work in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. The Medical Technicians are responsible for, but not limited to, performing the following pre-analytical procedures:

· Venipuncture Execution: Select appropriate veins and perform precise venipuncture, capillary punctures, or finger sticks based on patient age and condition.

· Patient Identification: Verify patient identity using at least two unique identifiers to prevent dangerous misidentification errors.

· Order Assessment: Review laboratory requisitions to understand specific test requirements and determine the correct draw sequence (Order of Draw).

· Specimen Labeling: Label collected blood tubes immediately at the bedside with exact patient data, collection time, and initials.

· Patient Management: Explain procedures clearly to calm nervous patients, manage needle phobias, and maintain a compassionate bedside manner.

· Safety & Infection Control: Follow strict aseptic techniques and infection control protocols to minimize contamination risks and needle-stick injuries.

· Post-Care Management: Bandage puncture sites, monitor patients for adverse reactions like fainting, and provide post-draw care instructions.

· Specimen Processing: Centrifuge, separate, and store samples at required temperatures before routing them to the testing department.

· Inventory Stocking: Clean draw stations, monitor expiration dates on collection tubes, and restock mobile carts or blood draw trays.

D. The Pathology Assistant will be assigned duties in the Anatomic and Pathology Section of the Laboratory. Under the direction and supervision of a pathologist, a pathologists’ assistant may provide the following:

· Preparation, gross description, and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens

· Preparation of human postmortem examinations

· Instruction of anatomy and physiology, gross pathology, photography, and gross dissection skills for surgical specimens as well as autopsy techniques

· Training of pathology residents/fellows, pathologists’ assistant students and other pathology lab personnel (as needed)

· Research, procurement of samples for bio-specimen banking

· Performance of administrative, teaching, and other such duties as may be appropriate and assigned

· Examine, identify lesions, sample, freeze, section and prepare stained slides to pathologist examination during intraoperative consultations

· Responsible for supervising all anatomic pathology gross workflow and work areas including the frozen section room, frozen equipment and autopsy suite.

E. The Medical Transcriptionist will be assigned duties in a Pathology/Laboratory setting. Will transcribe from oral dictation and voice recognition software.

F. The Medical Staff would need access to the computer and will need to have a background check performed, complete HIPPA Privacy and Information Security Awareness training with signed rules of behavior and submit a SAR request for access.

6. QUALIFICATIONS

A. The Cytopreparation Technician must possess the appropriate experience and no licensure nor certification is required.

B. The Medical Technologist must possess a bachelor’s degree as a Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist, or a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a related field. They must also be certified as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) or American Medical Technologists (AMT). Note: Medical Technologists should be ASCP or AMT certified, holding only a Tennessee State license and no national certification are not qualified to work at this government facility.

C. The Medical Technicians should be certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP-BOR) but is not mandatory.

D. The Pathology Assistant must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre‑medical, medical laboratory technology, chemistry, immunology, anatomy, or a related health science field. They must also possess current certification as a Pathology Assistant from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

E. The Medical Transcriptionist must possess appropriate experience working in Pathology/Laboratory or equivalent Medical Transcriptionist experience. Must possess the ability to transcribe from oral dictation and voice recognition software.

7. EVALUATION CRITERIA

A. Availability: The Medical Technologist’s availability is a critical evaluation factor. The requested start date is as soon as possible.

B. Vetpro Certification: Preference will be given to individuals with current VETPRO certification.

C. Experience/Past Performance: The past performance of candidates will also weigh into the overall evaluation. Three references must be submitted for each candidate that is submitted for evaluation.

8. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to refuse employment under this contract or require dismissal from contract work of any contractor employee or subcontractor employee because of unsatisfactory performance or for any other reasonable reason considered by the Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, the Chief, of Staff, and the Contracting Officer to be objectionable, upon written notification of unsatisfactory performance to the Contractor.

9. ORIENTATION

A. Orientation will consist of 4-8 hours of training including unit specific orientation.

B. Included in the orientation will be:

· Infection Control Policy - Standard Precautions

· Laboratory Safety

· Blood Borne Pathogen Training

· Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training

· Document Standards for the Clinical Record

· Smoking Regulations

· Patient, Visitor, and Employee Safely

· Nursing Employees Response in Emergency Situations

· Rules of Behavior, Customer Service

C. Each Contractor employee will be expected to review the documents and sign the agreement indicating a review has occurred during the 4-8 hour mandatory orientation at the VA, each Contractor employee will be given the opportunity to discuss previously reviewed policies/documents specific to the facility.

D. Upon completion of training, each Contractor employee will complete an orientation assessment measuring the knowledge retained following the training.

10. DOCUMENTATION REQUIRMENTS

A. Documents required 30 days prior to start of contract work are:

· Current resume with detail of length and type of experience

· Copy (both sides) of current Basic Life Support (AHA or equivalent) and provide evidence to ensure it is always current

· Copy of current TB testing and results within the past 12 months and then annually

· Completed Fingerprint Information Form (will be provided by VA) and will be submitted on the medical staff who will be performing on the contract once the contract is awarded.

· Record of current Hepatitis B vaccination or declination form.

B. The following can be accomplished at Orientation:

· Compliance and Business Integrity

· VHA Information Security

· VHA Privacy Training.

11. TERM OF CONTRACT

A. The contract is effective April 1, 2027 thru March 31, 2032 The contract is subject to the availability of VA funds. The contracting officer reserves the right to exercise four additional option periods after the initial base year. The Contractor shall perform no services after September 30th until the Contracting Officer authorizes such services in writing.

B. The Contracting Officer will be the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements under this contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract administration. Only the Contracting Officer will be authorized to make commitments or issue changes that affect price, quantity, or quality of performance of this contract. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered unauthorized by the local VAMC and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

C. The COR will be responsible for the overall technical administration of this contract as outlined in the COR Delegation of Authority.

12. SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Under the authority of Public Law 104-262 and 38 USC 8153, the Contractor agrees to provide Health Care Resources, in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein, at the Memphis VAMC, at the services and prices specified in the section entitled: B.2 Schedule of Supplies/Services and Price/Costs.

The C&A requirements do not apply.

Security Accreditation Package is not required.

13. SERVICES

A. The services specified in Supplies/Services, Specifications/Work Statement and Special Contract Requirements may only be changed by written modification to this contract by the VA Contracting Officer.

B. Other necessary personnel for the operation of the services contracted for the VA will be provided by the VA at levels mutually agreed upon which are compatible with the safety of the patient and personnel and with quality medical care programming.

C. The services to be performed by the contractor will be performed in accordance with VA policies and procedures and the regulations of the medical staff bylaws of the facility.

D. The services performed by the contractor will be under the directions of the Chief, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 116N. Pauline Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105.

*Proposals that do not contain the required licensing/certifications at the time of offers due shall automatically be rendered technically unacceptable and will not be eligible for award.

14. CONTRACTING WITH PARTIES LISTED ON THE OIG LIST OF EXCLUDED INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES

A. In accordance with The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Office of Inspector General 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 payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

B. Therefore, all Offerors shall review the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the OIG web site at https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov to ensure that the proposed candidate(s) and/or firm(s) are not listed. Offerors 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 minimum and maximum Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person or entity was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP's may also be imposed against health care providers and entities that employ or enter contracts with excluded individuals or entities to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

C. By signing the offer the Contractor certifies that s/he has reviewed the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities and that the proposed candidate(s) and/or firm are not listed as of the date the offer was signed.

15. TORT CLAIMS

Contractor’s employees are not covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act. When a contract employee has been identified in a tort claim, the contract employee is responsible for notifying the contractor’s legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a contractor employee's action or non-action is the responsibility of the Contractor and/or Contractor’s insurance carrier.

16. PERSONNEL POLICY

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting the personnel furnishing services under this contract. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide the following to Contractor’s Employees:

· Workers' Compensation Insurance

· Professional Liability Insurance

· Health Examinations

· Income Tax Withholding

· Social Security Payments

B. The parties agree that the contractor, its employees, agents and shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

C. In order to provide a continuity of patient care to VA beneficiaries, the contractor shall provide designated contractors to perform the requirements of the contract.

D. Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC’s medical services, the contractor shall have a contingency plan in place for maintaining Key Personnel due to circumstances such as turnover, illness, unavailability or is unavailable to perform in accordance with the terms or conditions of the resulting contract.

E. Taking of Photographs/Videos are prohibited while on VA premises.

17. BADGES

Contractor personnel are required to wear ID badges above the waist during the entire time he/she is at the Memphis VAMC. The ID badge MUST have an identification picture and shall be issued by the VAMC Memphis. ID badges MUST be surrendered at the end of the contract during the out-processing procedure. If badge is lost, replacement cost is $5.00 paid by Contractor/Contractor staff.

18. KEYS

Contractors are not permitted to have keys issued to them at the Memphis VAMC. Keys will not be issued to contractors under any circumstances.

19. NO SMOKING POLICY

The policy of VAMC Memphis is to prohibit the use of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products by all staff, patients, visitors, contractors, and vendors in all building, enclosed structures, government vehicles and the medical center grounds. It is the desire of the VAMC Memphis to promote the health and well-being of patients, visitors, and employees. Smoking is inconsistent with the healthcare mission of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). VAMC Memphis is smoke free, in accordance with VHA Directive 1085.01, dated August 8, 2019, all VAMC Memphis facilities/buildings (including entrances) and government vehicles are designated smoke-free areas, effective October 1, 2019. There are no medical exceptions for allowing the use of tobacco products within any of the buildings, vehicles, or on VAMC Memphis grounds.

20. PAYMENT

A. Payment to the contractor shall be made monthly in arrears, upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. Payment for services will be at the rates specified in the Schedule of Supplies/Services.

B. Payment for any leave, including sick leave, holiday, or vacation time, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. If one of Contractor’s employees tests positive for COVID, the VA will not pay for sick time or time off. VA will pay for actual hours worked.

NOTE: Invoices for payment may be rejected if all information required by FAR Clause 52.212- 4(g) is not included. Invoices without the required information will be returned.

21. BILLING

A. Billings rendered by the Contractor to the VAMC for services furnished to a VAMC beneficiary under the terms of this contract shall be billings in full. All invoices shall be submitted electronically.

1) The Contractor shall not bill, charge, collect a deposit from, seek compensation, remuneration, or reimbursement from, or have any recourse against, any person or entity other than VA for services provided pursuant to this contract. It shall be considered fraudulent for the Contractor to bill other third-party insurance sources (including Medicare) for services rendered to Veteran enrollees under this contract.

B. Invoice requirements and supporting documentation: Supporting documentation and invoices must be submitted no later than the 10th workday of the following month in which services were rendered. Subsequent changes or corrections shall be submitted by separate invoice. In addition to information required for submission of a “proper” invoice in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(g) all invoices must include:

· Name and Address of Contractor

· Invoice Date and Invoice Number

· Contractor Number and Purchase/Task Order Number

· Date of Service

· Name of Contractor’s Employee

· Hourly Rate

· Quantity of hours worked

· Total Price

C. Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Method: Invoices will be electronically submitted to the Tungsten website at https://www.tungstenautomation.com/. Tungsten Automation direct vendor support number is 877-489-6135 for VA contracts. The VA-FSC pays all associated transaction fees for VA orders. During Implementation (technical set-up) Tungsten Automation will confirm your Taxpayer ID Number with the VA-FSC. This process can take up to 5 business days to complete to ensure your invoice is automatically routed to your Certifying Official for approval and payment. To successfully submit an invoice to VA-FSC please review “How to Create an Invoice” within the how to guides. All invoices submitted through Tungsten Automation to the VA-FSC should mirror the current submission of Invoice. Clarification of additional requirements should be confirmed with your Certifying Official (your CO or buyer). Payment will only be made for actual services rendered. Payments shall be made monthly in arrears. The VA-FSC requires specific information in compliance with the Prompt Pay Act and Business Requirements. The contractor shall be reimbursed upon receipt of a proper invoice. For additional information, please contact:

Tungsten Support Phone: 1-877-489-6135 Website: https://www.tungstenautomation.com/

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

D. Documentation of services performed shall be reviewed prior to certifying payment. The Contractor’s employees shall be present at the VAMC and shall be performing the required services as specified in the contract to receive reimbursement. The VAMC shall pay for services performed and in strict accordance with the Schedule of Services and Price Schedule above. Contract monitoring and record-keeping procedures should be sufficient to ensure proper payment and allow audit verification that services were provided.

E. Should the VAMC, in case of emergency, require services to be performed by the Contractor’s employees during non-work hours or on a Federal holiday as described above, the VAMC shall be responsible for payment to the Contractor upon receipt of a properly completed invoice that includes prior authorization for the work.

22. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

A. The contractor shall be responsible for supervising the daily services provided under this agreement by the contractor staff.

B. The contractor shall have written policies and procedures regarding staff credentials.

C. The VAMC will provide the Contractor policies, procedures and processes necessary to allow cooperative functioning between the agency and VAMC. Updates and refreshers will be provided to the Contractor upon request when policy procedures or process changes.

D. The Contractor shall complete background investigations to ensure that employees do not have a record of criminal offenses or substantiated incidents of patient abuse; and, if required to perform their duties, employees are properly licensed and insured to operate motor vehicles.

23. MONITORING AND RECORD KEEPING

A. The program assistant to the Chief, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service or designee is assigned the responsibility of monitoring this contract to assure the VA is paying only for services worked and services performed.

B. Timesheets (sign in/sign out) will be prepared for the contractor’s employees to verify that services required under this contract have been received by the VAMC Memphis. These records will be compared to the contractor’s monthly invoice for accuracy by identifying the employee by name and the number of hours worked. Invoices will be certified for payment only after records have been verified.

C. Contractor's personnel will be required to complete VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training and Contractor Rules of Behavior training before starting work under this contract.

D. In the performance of official duties, the Contractor's personnel have regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive information, which must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, and other applicable laws and regulations. The employee is responsible for (1) protecting that information from unauthorized release or from loss, alternation, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs.

E. Inappropriate usage of VA computer systems (as defined in the Contractor Rules of Behavior) will constitute grounds for (at the least) terminating access for that person and (at the most) termination of the entire contract.

F. No VA data shall be removed, copied or faxed outside of the VAMC Memphis environment.

G. CONFIDENTIALITY: The Contractor understands and agrees that the information in the medical records of all patients is confidential. Strict confidentiality is to be maintained, Rules of Confidentiality expected to be conformed with are delineated in 38 U.S.C. 3301, 38 U.S.C. 4132 5 U.S.C. 552 (a) et. seq. The Contractor and its personnel shall be held liable in the event of breech of confidentiality. Any person, who knowingly or willingly discloses confidential information from the authorizing VA Medical Centers, may be subject to fines.

24. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

A. Contracting Officer (CO) - The CO shall ensure performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensure compliance with the contract terms, and shall safeguard the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship. The CO shall also ensure that the contractor receives impartial, fair, and equitable treatment under this contract.

B. The contractor is responsible for performance of ALL terms and conditions of the contract. CORs will provide contract progress reports quarterly to the CO reflecting performance on this plan and all other aspects of the resultant contract.

C. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - The COR is responsible for technical administration of the contract and shall ensure proper Government surveillance of the contractor's performance. The COR shall keep a quality assurance file. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual changes on the Government's behalf.

D. The COR will furnish a statement in writing to the Contracting Officer at close out of the contract to include a summary of the Contractor’ actions and a statement that all requirements of the contract were fulfilled as agreed.

E. A summary evaluation of Contactor performance, based upon the compliance of contract requirements as evidenced in the monitoring procedures, will be forwarded by the monitoring official to the Contracting Officer prior to exercising any options to extend the contract.

25. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

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 treatment), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.401(b).

26. QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. The contractor shall provide accreditations that meet or exceed the standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO). The contractor shall adhere to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) regulations and the policies, procedures, and regulations of the Medical Staff bylaws of the VAMC Memphis.

B. The Department of Veterans Affairs is allowed, according to Public Law 99-272 and 101-508, to seek reimbursement from health insurance carriers for the cost of medical care and treatment provided to Veterans for their non-service-connected conditions. The Contractor may not bill any Veteran or their health insurance carrier for care provided to a Veteran while employed by or working under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

C. The Contractor, upon request, shall provide quality data and information related to…