36C24926R0006.docx

36C24926R0006

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

X 36C24926R0006 Olivia Cloutier 502xxxxxxx 02-26-2026 10am

EST

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

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 X 621111 $16 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs James H. Quillen VA Medical Center 809 Lamont St.

Mountain Home TN 37684-0002

90C Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (90C) 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 shll provide Cardiologists to the James H.

Quillen VAMC in Accordance with the Performance Work Statement (pg. X) and Price Schedule (pg. X), and all terms and conditions contained herein.

Task Orders will be issued for hours needed and pricing for all Task Orders will be based on the Price Schedule contained herein. Funding will be on each Task Order.

See CONTINUATION Page X X X Robert Pritchard Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT:

Olivia Cloutier, Contracting Specialist Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 - NCO 9 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 Overnight Mailing Address: Same as above E-Mail: olivia.cloutier@va.gov

i. The Contractor is advised that only the Contracting Officer, acting within the scope of the contract and his/her duties and responsibilities and, after advice and consultation with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), has the authority to make changes which effect contract prices, quality, quantity, delivery terms and conditions, or the term of the contract.

ii. In no event shall any understanding or agreement, modification, change order, or other matters in deviation from the terms of this contract between Contractor and a person other than the Contracting Officer, be effective or binding upon the Government. All such actions must be formalized by the proper contractual document executed by the Contracting Officer.

iii. Contracting Officer’s representative: Prior to contract award, the Contracting Officer will designate a VA Medical Center employee as COR for this contract. All work coordination shall be done through the COR. The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the letter of delegation authorizing the COR at the commencement of the term of this agreement. No other person shall be authorized to act in such capacity unless appointed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

iv. All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the requirements of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Services Center (VAFSC). The latest information shall be used for invoicing and payments and may change during the Period of Performance of this acquisition. Current Invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

v. Secure Fax - Please review VA Handbook 6500 that requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets be included: This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.

vi. Contractor Remittance Address: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer --System For Award Management, or [X] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

vii. Invoices: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

viii. Government Invoice Address: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests

[End of Contract Administration Data]

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The Offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform onsite Psychiatry Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center (hereinafter referred to as VAMC). The contractors physician(s) care shall cover the range of psychiatric 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 as established by The American Board of Pain Medicine Guidelines: http://www.abpm.org/.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided onsite at the following location:

James H. Quillen VA Medical Center 809 Lamont Street Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684-0002 Pricing Instructions: The contractor is instructed to include all other than certified price and cost information supporting the proposed price as directed in Instructions to Offerors addendum to 52.212-1 and/or Section D - Contract Documents, Exhibits, or attachments.

The contractor shall propose a minimum of three (3) key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

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

Contractual minimum and maximum: The guaranteed minimum contract amount, including the base period and any option periods exercised, is 1,211 hours, and the maximum contract amount shall not exceed 90,862 hours.

Orders: This is a Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (FP/EPA), 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.

Period of Performance: A contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded for a period of five (5) years from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030.

EPA Instructions: The contractor may submit a request for Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) using the format outlined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR 52.216-4 and this paragraph up to 2 times per performance period. The cost elements that are subject to requests for economic price adjustment will be finalized at the time of award.

The contractor shall request the EPA within 60 days of the requested effective date of the adjustment. Requests for adjustment under this clause cannot include indirect costs, profit or fees. The contractor must provide source documentation to the contracting officer at the time of the EPA request in support of all cost elements that are being requested for economic price adjustment.

Submitting documentation to support an EPA request does not guarantee that the proposed EPA will be approved. The contracting officer will review the request and supporting documentation and evaluate it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and the terms and conditions of the contract to determine allowability of the contractor’s proposed changes. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to request additional or alternative forms of documentation to support proposed changes.

Once the Contractor’s documentation is reviewed and evaluated, the Contracting Officer will notify the contractor of the status of the EPA request and what proposed costs (if any) were found to be unallowable. Should there be any disagreement with the Contracting Officer’s evaluation of the EPA request, the contractor must submit a response outlining those areas in which the contractor disagrees. The response must be provided to the Contracting Officer within seven (7) calendar days of notification of the anticipated unallowable costs.

The CO is the approving authority for all EPA requests. All EPA requests are subject to availability of funds.”

B.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Cardiologist to include emergency call backs Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 621111 - Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q502 - Medical - Cardiology

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician On call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Call Back (Provider response on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Stand-By Service

POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026

Vascular Physician On-Call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026

Vascular Physician Call Back (Provider responds on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026

Vascular Physician Stand-By

POP Begin: 01-01-2026 POP End: 12-31-2026

Cardiologist to include emergency call backs Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician On call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Call Back (Provider response on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Stand-By Service

POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Vascular Physician On-Call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Vascular Physician Call Back (Provider responds on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Vascular Physician Stand-By

POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Cardiologist to include emergency call backs Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician On call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Call Back (Provider response on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Stand-By Service

POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Vascular Physician On-Call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Vascular Physician Call Back (Provider responds on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Vascular Physician Stand-By

POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Cardiologist to include emergency call backs Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician On call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Call Back (Provider response on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Stand-By Service

POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Vascular Physician On-Call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Vascular Physician Call Back (Provider responds on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Vascular Physician Stand-By

POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Cardiologist to include emergency call backs Contract Period: Option 5 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician On call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Call Back (Provider response on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Cardiovascular Thoracic Physician Stand-By Service

POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Vascular Physician On-Call Service (except when on Stand-By)

POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Vascular Physician Call Back (Provider responds on-site to VAMC)

POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Vascular Physician Stand-By

POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

36C24926R0006

Page 1 of Page 1 of B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT – Cardiology Physician Services

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified /Board Eligible Cardiology, Vascular and Thoracic Physician Services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC).

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Corner of Lamont and Dogwood, Mountain Home, TN 37684.

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority FAR Part 12 in combination with FAR 15

1.4. Policy/Directives/Handbooks. The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance. The policies listed below can be accessed electronically at the following: VA Publications VHA Publications

1.4.1. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources (HCR) Contracting – Buying Title 38 U.S.C. 8153

1.4.2. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy

1.4.3. VHA Directive 1065: Productivity and Staffing Guidance for Specialty Provider Group Practice

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1088(1): Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1100.20: Credentialing of Health Care Providers

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1100.21: Privileging

1.4.8. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Health Care Personnel

1.4.9. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures in Any Clinical Setting

1.4.10. VHA Directive 1605.01: Privacy and Release of Information

1.4.11. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records

1.4.12. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Reports

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

1.5. Acronyms/Definitions: Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.2. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.3. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.4. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.5. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.6. Clinical Privileging: Clinical Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific, and within available resources.

1.5.7. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.8. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.9. CO: Contracting Officer - The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make related determinations and findings.

1.5.10. COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative: A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.5.11. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.12. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.13. Credentialing: Credentialing is the process of obtaining, verifying, and assessing the qualifications of a health care provider to provide care or services in or for the VA health care system. Credentials are documented evidence of licensure, education, training, experience or other qualifications.

1.5.14. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.15. EHR: Electronic Health Record - electronic health record system used by the VA

1.5.16. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.17. FTE: Full Time Equivalent. VA’s standard definition is for full time working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. However, providers may propose using their standard FTE definition.

1.5.18. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.19. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.20. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.21. Key Personnel: The individuals specified in this contract who are essential to work performance.

1.5.22. NPI: National Provider Identifier. NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPPA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers)

1.5.23. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.24. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.25. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.26. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.27. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.28. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.29. VETPro: is VHA’s mandatory credentialing software platform to document the credentialing of VHA health care providers. This system facilitates completion of a uniform, accurate, and complete credentials file.

1.5.30. VHA: Veterans’ Health Administration

1.5.31. VISN: Veterans Integrated Services Network

1.5.32. VistA: Veterans Information Systems Technology Architecture

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: The Contractor’s physician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia when services are performed onsite on VA property.

All licenses held by the key personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s physician(s) 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 will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Board Certification: All Contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board Certified /Board Eligible by the American Board of Internal Medicine in cardiology http://www.abim.org/, and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or equivalency. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Facility Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1. If a Contractor’s physician(s) and/or other contract provider(s) are not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s physician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all Contractor’s physician(s) and Contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the facility. Contractor’s physician(s) registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credentials office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for Contractor’s physician(s).

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

2.1.7. STANDARD INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES (PPD, IMMUNIZATIONS, ETC.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following for physicians within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.7.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s physician(s) upon hire in accordance with CDC guidance. (This is applicable to all health care workers). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.1.8. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical facilities). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

2.1.9. DEA: Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

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

2.1.11. Citizenship related Requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Facility Director as provided in VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the facility COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.3. Non Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all Contractor’s physician(s) shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, or employees.

2.5. Prohibition Against Self-Referral: Contractor’s physicians are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s)

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

2.7. No Employee status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractor’s physician(s) furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

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

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is 3 for Cardiologists and .25 FTE Vascular Surgeons

2.9.2. The minimum number of Board Certified /Board Eligible Cardiology physicians required to be on site daily is one to be on site at the same time as defined in paragraph Hours of Operation in this section.

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

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

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

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

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

2.9.4.4. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of the Facility’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the Contractor’s physician(s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING

3.1 VA Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm except for cardiologists working in the cardiac catheterization laboratory or Vascular Surgeons working in the Operating Room (OR) which has work hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

3.1.1. Patients must be seen by a Contractor’s physician(s) on-site at the facility in a timely manner in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on clinic wait times and consult completion. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.1.2. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be available and present in clinic during normal facility clinic hours, which will be established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Chief of Staff. Currently, normal clinic hours are 7:45 AM-4:30 PM

3.1.3. Off-hours Coverage: Contractor must make the Contractor’s physician(s) available on-call during all hours when the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center Cardiology, Vascular and Thoracic clinics are closed, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

3.1.3.1. On-call contractor’s physician(s) must be available at all times for phone consultations with VA residents and physicians.

3.1.3.2. On-call providers mut be available within 15 minutes by phone and on-site, within 60 minutes.

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

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.3. Cancellations:

3.3.1. Unless a state of emergency has been declared or clinics are otherwise cancelled by the VAMC, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

3.3.2. When requesting to cancel a clinic and/or operating room time(s), the contractor shall provide written notification to the COR a minimum of 45 days in advance of the clinic and/or operation date.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide Contractor’s physician(s) who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

4.1.1. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. Time sheets will be used by the COR to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

4.2. Standards of Care: The Contractor’s physician(s)’ care shall cover the range of cardiology 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 as established by:

4.2.1. The American College of Cardiology (ACC): https://www.acc.org .

4.2.2. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC): http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/hap_requirements.aspx

4.2.3. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA): http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

4.2.4. The requirements contained in this PWS

4.3. Medical Records

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

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

4.3.3. Disclosure: Contractor’s physician(s) may have access to patient medical records for the purpose of providing medical care and services to VA patients and performing services under the contract; however, Contractor shall obtain permission from the VA before disclosing any patient information outside VA. VA authorizes the Contractor to discuss patient health information for coordination of care with community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA and VHA Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information.