36C25226Q0268_1.docx

36C25226Q0268

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

36C25226Q0268 07-01-2026 Sharae Grady, Contract Specialist 414-844-4834 07-17-2026 12:00

CT

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 X 561320 $34 Million N/A X 537/578 Department of Veterans Affairs Multiple Facilities

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 Contractor to provide Therapeutic Apheresis Services at the Edward J, Hines, Jr. VA Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in accordance with specifications, terms and conditions contained within.

X X

ONE

Patrice Bond

CONTRACTING OFFICER

Table of Contents

36C25226Q0268

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION MATTERS WILL BE HANDLED BY:

a. Contractor’s Name/Address/City-State-Zip (please print or type):

Point of Contact/Title: ____________________________________________ Telephone Number: ______________________________________________ Fax Number: ___________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________ SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): ____________________ Federal Taxpayer Identification Number: _____________________________

Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee, WI 53214-1476

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (31 U.S.C. 3332).

3. VENDOR ELECTRONIC INVOICES SUBMISSION METHODS: Invoices will be electronically submitted to the Tungsten website at https://us.tungsten-network.com/ by the tenth (10th) of the following month services were performed. The Tungsten direct vendor support number is 877-489-6135. The VA-FSC pays all associated transaction fees. During Implementation (technical set-up) Tungsten 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. Clarification of additional requirements should be confirmed with your Certifying Official (your CO or COR). 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 Phone: 1-877-353-9791 / Website: https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

All invoices shall reference the vendor’s name and address, customer name, contract number, task order number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services provided, provider name, number of procedures performed by site location, unit price and the total cost. Invoices shall also include any payment discount terms. Under no circumstances shall protected patient information (name, SSN, date of birth, etc.) be included on the invoices.

The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

[End of Contract Administration Data]

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND PRICE

AUTHORITY: Under the authority of 38 USC 513, in accordance with RFO FAR 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Contractor agrees to provide services in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein.

PURPOSE: Contractor shall provide Therapeutic Apheresis Services for beneficiaries of the Edward J. Hines, Jr. VA Hospital (HVAH) located at 5000 South 5th Avenue, Hines, Illinois 60141-3030 and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (JBVAMC) located at 820 South Damen Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612-3728 (Facilities).

Contract/Ordering Period: The resultant contract shall consist of a five-year ordering period, Indefinite Delivery – Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

General Ordering Authority & Process: A Contracting Officer or authorized Medicine Service Line staff places an order and the contractor accepts the order by signature or beginning performance. A list of individuals who are authorized to make Veteran placements under this contract will be provided to the Contractor after award, at any time by request to the Contracting Officer, or if changes in the authorized individuals are made by the VA.

Ordering Officers (OOs) may be authorized to place orders against this contract. If used, the Contracting Officer (CO) will furnish the Contractor with the names of individuals authorized as OOs, by separate memorandum. When OOs are added after award, the CO will furnish the Contractor with the names of individuals authorized as OOs, by memorandum upon OO appointment. OOs are responsible for issuing and administering orders placed under this contract. OOs have no authority to modify any term of this basic contract. Any deviation from the terms of the basic contract must be approved in writing by the CO responsible for this contract. The Contractor shall accept orders against this contract only from the CO and/or authorized OOs. Fulfilling orders from persons other than the CO or OO may result in loss or delay in payment for supplies/services provided under such orders

Government’s Minimum Quantity: The awarded contract will be a Fixed (unit) price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract. The VA attempts to be as accurate as possible when providing estimated quantities; however, actual quantities may vary from quantities as listed in the Price Schedule. The Government’s guaranteed minimum to be ordered during the fiscal year in which the contract is awarded is $78,000. The VA does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract more than the guaranteed minimum award amount.

Basis for Award: One award will be made to the offeror whose quote represents the best value to the Government considering price, experience and non-price factors as listed in clause RFO 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items. Contract will be fixed (unit) price by Line Item Number (LIN).

Pricing Instructions: The Contractor must complete the PRICE SCHEDULE that follows for each LIN for all ordering periods.

2. PRICE SCHEDULE

Ordering Period One

Jesse Brown VAMC

Hines VAH

Ordering Period Two

Jesse Brown VAMC

Hines VAH

Ordering Period Three

Jesse Brown VAMC

Hines VAH

Ordering Period Four

Jesse Brown VAMC

Hines VAH

Ordering Period Five

Jesse Brown VAMC

Hines VAH

NOTE: Pricing must be all inclusive (travel, lodging, etc.). Contractor must provide a complete price schedule.

ESTIMATED TOTAL (Years 1-5): $______________________

Provide the names and titles of candidates proposed to perform services under the Contract:

[END OF SCHEDULE OF SERVICES/PRICE]

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

Contractor shall provide all material, supplies (except replacement fluids [albumin or plasma]), equipment and qualified personnel who are required to provide routine and urgent on-site Therapeutic Apheresis Services at the Hines VAH and Jesse Brown VAMC.

The Contractor shall comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), federal, state, and local regulations. Accreditation with the standards and guidelines of organizations such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), and American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) is preferred but not mandatory.

THERAPEUTIC APHERESIS PROCEDURES

The responsibilities of the Contractor’s therapeutic apheresis staff shall include, but are not limited to the following:

1. The Contractor shall create and complete a written record of each therapeutic apheresis procedure performed. The Contractor shall document the following:

1. Patient identification

1. Diagnosis

1. Type of apheresis performed

1. Equipment serial number

1. Operator

1. Vital signs before and after the procedure

1. Date and time the procedure started and ended

1. Extracorporeal blood volume (if applicable)

1. Blood fraction and volume removed

1. Type and volume of replacement fluid(s)

1. Medications administered

1. Lot numbers of disposables and replacement fluids

1. Patient monitoring

1. Reactions and treatment, if any

j. Upon completion of the procedure, the Contractor shall submit all documentation to Medicine Line personnel prior to leaving the facility.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Contractor shall provide customer service between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday that is accessible by telephone to assist Government staff for tracking and resolving related issues/problems that may arise in the performance under this contract.

SCHEDULING

The Contractor shall provide on-demand apheresis services 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year including Federal holidays.

1. TELEPHONE:

1. The Contractor will be contacted telephonically 24/7 at ______________ by the Hines VAH or Jesse Brown VAMC authorized Medicine Service Line personnel only, requesting to schedule a therapeutic apheresis procedure. The Contractor may perform therapeutic apheresis only after receiving the order by the VA’s authorized Medicine Line personnel.

The Contractor shall provide a verbal confirmation to the Government of all routine therapeutic apheresis service appointments within two (2) hours following receipt of order. Contractor shall provide verbal confirmation to the Government within 30 minutes after receipt of order for all emergency therapeutic apheresis service requests.

The Contractor will respond to orders for services as follows:

1. For routine services, the Contractor will be given, at minimum, 12-hour notice from the time of the VA facility’s telephone order until the on-site service is provided. The Contractor shall then arrive at the VA facility within two hours of any scheduled, routine appointment.

1. For emergency services, the Contractor shall arrive on-site to perform urgent (emergency) procedures within four (4) hours of the time of the VA facility’s telephone call.

1. FACSIMILE (FAX)

1. The Contractor will be contacted by facsimile/fax number ____________ by the Hines VAH or Jesse Brown VAMC authorized Medicine Service Line personnel only, requesting to schedule a therapeutic apheresis procedure. The Contractor may perform the therapeutic apheresis only after receiving the order by the VA’s authorized Medicine Service Line personnel.

The Contractor shall provide a verbal confirmation to the Government of all routine therapeutic apheresis service appointments within two (2) hours following receipt of order. Contractor shall provide a verbal confirmation to the Government within 30 minutes after receipt of order for all emergency therapeutic apheresis service requests.

1. The Contractor will respond to orders for services as follows:

1. For routine services, the Contractor will be given, at minimum, 12-hour notice from the time of the VA facility’s faxed order until the on-site service is provided. The Contractor shall then arrive at the VA facility within two (2) hours of any scheduled, routine appointment.

1. For emergency services, the Contractor shall arrive on-site to perform urgent (emergency) procedures within four (4) hours of the time of the VA facility’s fax.

1. DELAYED ARRIVAL(S): The Contractor shall notify the Medicine Service Line personnel at the ordering facility immediately of any delay (e.g., arrival for scheduled appointment, starting the procedure).

CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT

Contractor shall maintain its equipment in good working order and in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer and in compliance with applicable safety regulations. Equipment quality assurance/calibration shall also be performed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Records of equipment quality assurance/calibration activities shall be made available to VA for review upon request.

Contractor shall have a contingency plan to address any equipment failures to ensure that VA requirements are met.

CONTRACTOR LIAISON: The Contractor shall identify one person, who shall serve as liaison between the Contractor and the Hines VAH and Jesse Brown VAMC. The liaison shall ensure that the Contractor performs services in accordance with the contract specifications. The Contractor’s liaison shall be available during the VA’s administrative tour of duty from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The designee will be contacted for any problems or issues that arise in the performance of the contract.

Name:

Phone Number:

-END OF STATEMENT OF WORK-

B.4 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. SERVICES

a. The services specified herein may be changed by written modification to this contract. The VA Contracting Officer will prepare the modification (reference RFO FAR clause 52.212-4(c), Changes) and, prior to becoming effective, shall be properly executed. Only the Contracting Officer is 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 and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

b. This is a non-personal services contract as defined in RFO FAR 37.6. There is no employer-employee relationship between the Government and the contractor or the contractor’s employee(s). Contractor personnel are not subject to the supervision and control of a Government officer or employee. Rather, contractor personnel perform their duties in accordance with the Statement of Work. Supervisory functions such as hiring, firing, directing, and counseling of contractor personnel are not performed by the Government. The healthcare provider who furnishes services under this contract is subject to Government technical oversight of the services. The Government retains the right to reject services for contractual non-performance.

c. The Government may evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided, but retains no control over the medical, professional aspects of services rendered.

d. Contractor is required to maintain medical liability insurance for the duration of this contract. Medical liability insurance must cover the provider for services in all states where services are rendered by the provider.

e. The services to be performed by the contractor will be performed in accordance with VA policies, procedures, regulations, and the medical staff bylaws of the VA facility (copies and/or links will be provided upon request). In all cases, dignity of the patient shall be given the highest regard and the precepts of the American Hospital Association’s “Bill of Rights for Patients” shall be observed.

f. Contractor shall provide the required services listed herein throughout the contract period. Other necessary personnel for the operation of the services contracted for at the VA will be provided by the contractor at levels mutually agreed upon which are compatible with the safety of the patient and personnel and with quality medical care programming.

g. Contractor shall, in writing, keep the Contracting Officer informed of any unusual circumstances in conjunction with the contract.

2. TERM OF CONTRACT

This contract is effective for five (5) years, plus any exercised options. The contractor shall perform no services after expiration of the base year or any ordering periods unless and until the Contracting Officer authorizes such services in writing.

Availability of Funds During a Continuing Resolution: At the beginning of each new fiscal year (October 1st) the federal government or parts thereof may be operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR) and only be funded for a limited period of time rather than for the entire fiscal year. If, at any time, funds for this contract are provided under a CR, funds will only be available for performance under this contract up to and including the expiration date of the CR, and any extension thereof. The government’s obligation for performance of this contract beyond that date is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the government for any payment may arise for performance under this contract beyond the expiration date of the CR, and any extension thereof, until funds are made available to the contracting officer for performance and until the contractor receives notice of availability.

3. WORK SCHEDULE

Therapeutic Apheresis Services must be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS: Contractor is required to provide on-call services on Federal holidays as needed.

The 11 holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year’s Day (January 1st), Martin Luther King’s Birthday (3rd Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (3rd Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth (June 19th), Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November), Christmas Day (December 25th) and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

4. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONNEL

a. Personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall be subject to review by the VA Chief of Staff and approved by the VA Facility Director or designee. The Contracting Officer will be notified prior to any changes in personnel. VA reserves the right to approve the assignment of individual personnel furnished by the contractor to perform the functions specified in the contract.

1. MEDICAL DIRECTOR: Medical Director with oversight responsibility for contractor-performed services shall possess a M.D. or D.O. degree.

1. The Medical Director shall be Board Certified medical physician and licensed in the State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. The qualifications of such personnel shall also be subject to review by the Hines VAH and Jesse Brown VAMC Chiefs of Staff and approved by the Hines VAH and Jesse Brown VAMC Facility Directors or designee.

1. The Contracting Officer will be notified prior to any changes in directorship. VA reserves the right to approve the assignment of individual personnel furnished by the Contractor to perform the functions specified in the contract.

1. The Medical Director is responsible for the oversight of the services provided and the staff providing those services. The Medical Director or his/her designee must be available to the Hines VAH and Jesse Brown VAMC’s medical staff 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year.

1. THERAPEUTIC APHERESIS STAFF: Registered Nurse(s) or other allied health professionals assigned to perform services shall hold a current unrestricted license in the State of Illinois (as applicable), shall be trained in therapeutic apheresis techniques and must possess the following competencies:

1. Operational knowledge with specific instruments used by the Contractor through documented training and competency records.

1. Knowledge of the basic principle of separation.

1. Knowledge of transfusion of blood components and the requirements of fluid replacement after removal or exchange.

1. Expertise in the management of adverse effects of therapeutic apheresis and transfusions.

1. LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING: Contractor’s employees performing direct patient services under this contract shall maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and provide a copy of the certification upon renewal.

1. Personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall be proficient in written and spoken English (38 USC 7402).

· State-Issued REAL ID Driver’s License

· State DMV-Issued REAL ID Card

· US Passport

· Military ID/Dependents Card

· Foreign Passport

· Permanent Resident Card/Alien Registration Card w/Photo Acceptable NON-PICTURE IDs:

1. Social Security Card

1. Certified Birth Certificate

1. State Voter Registration Card

1. Native American Tribal Document

1. Certificate of US Citizenship

1. Certificate of Birth Abroad Issued by Dept of State

h. Physical Requirements: The contractor must provide documentation that demonstrates that all contractor employees have a satisfactory health status including a current physical, which includes the following:

· TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative TB Blood Test (also called interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA)) for all Contractor employees as a baseline. Two TB blood tests are approved by the FDA: the QuantiFERON – TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) and the T-SPOT TB test (T-Spot). Subsequent testing is not required, unless the contractor employee has been exposed to someone with TB.

· MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor employees, i.e. at least 2 doses of vaccine are required or serologic evidence of immunity.

· VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor employees, i.e. at least 2 doses of vaccine are required or serologic evidence of immunity.

· TDAP (TETNUS/DIPTHERIA/PERTUSSIS): Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor employees. Boosters are required every 10 years.

· INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor employees have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor employees has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season.

· HEPATITIS B: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all Contractor employees; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series (3 doses required) plus a serologic titer (1-2 months after final dose) to document immunity 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.

i. INFECTION CONTROL FINGERNAIL GUIDELINES: Artificial nails carry more bacteria than short natural nails. Therefore, only natural nails are allowed. Artificial fingernails or extenders (including overlay nail products nail products such as gel, acrylic, or shellac) are NOT to be worn by any healthcare worker who provides care to patients under this task order. Nails should be short enough to allow the individual to thoroughly clean underneath them and not cause glove tears.

j. The contractor’s assigned personnel may be required to be FIT tested annually based upon their possible respiratory pathogen exposure risks while carrying out their duties.

5. CREDENTIALING & PRIVILEGING

a. Credentials Requested: An application package will be provided by the Credentialing Coordinator and shall be completed by the provider(s) working under this contract and returned within two days of receiving the application package. This includes: facility-specific paperwork, curriculum vitae/resume, current references, signed release of information from candidate, licenses or certifications, CPR/BLS, competencies, statement that candidate does not have any physical or mental health conditions that would adversely affect his/her ability to carry out assigned duties, and any additional credentialing and privileging forms.

Candidate will also be required to complete an application through the VetPro Internet process within one week of being enrolled in VetPro. Candidate will need to be enrolled in VetPro by VA personnel. The website address is: https://fcp.vetpro.org. Facility ID numbers are as follows: 537 and 578.

b. National Provider Identifier (NPI): If required by VA Credentialing, prior to starting work, the contracted individual or contractor must provide the VA with the contracted individual's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. If the contracted individual does not have a NPI number he/she must make application and receive the number prior to beginning work at the VA. The website for an on-line application is: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/. It may take up to a few weeks to receive the NPI number - so early application is advised. NPI number is required as part of the VetPro application.

c. In accordance with the requirements and procedures of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 – title IV (Public Law 99-660), which established the National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB), the facility director will ensure that all individuals who hold clinical privileges are properly screened through the NPDB.

6. APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

The VA reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any contractor employee or subcontractor employee under this contract when that individual does not qualify under the requirements of VHA Handbook 1100.19 and/or the specific VA Hospital/Medical Center Policy on Credentialing and Privileging or fails to perform at the proficiency level expected by the VA Facility Director.

In addition, VA reserves the right to restrict the services or require dismissal of any contractor employee or subcontractor employee under this contract if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, physical or verbal abuse, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by the patient(s). Standards of conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The Contracting Officer and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall deal with issues raised concerning contract personnel’s conduct. The final decision maker on questions of acceptability is the Contracting Officer.

7. KEY PERSONNEL & PERSONNEL SUBSTITUTIONS

a. The Contractor shall make NO changes of key personnel unless the change is necessitated by the individual’s illness, death, or termination of employment or if mutually agreed upon by the Contracting Officer and the contractor. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 5 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (b) below. After the initial 90-day period of the contract, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (b) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The Contracting Officer must approve all substitutions.

b. 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 Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 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.

Prior to rendering services, substitutes must be credentialed and privileged by the medical facility and obtain a medical staff appointment, in accordance with VA Bylaws, Rules and Regulations.

8. HHS/OIG

To ensure that the individuals providing services under the contract have not engaged in fraud or abuse regarding Sections 1128 and 1128A of the Social Security Act regarding federal health care programs, the contractor is required to check the Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS/OIG), List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the OIG Website (https://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/) for each person providing services under this contract. 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. During the performance of this contract, the contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Any healthcare provider or entity that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals or entities may have a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) imposed against them. By signing this offer, the Contractor certifies that all persons or entities listed in the contractor’s proposal have been compared against the OIG list and are NOT listed as of the date the offer was signed.

9. JOINT COMMISSION STANDARDS

Although Joint Commission accreditation is not required, the contractor shall perform the required work in compliance with Joint Commission Standards. A copy of these standards may be obtained from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, One Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.

The Contractor will be responsible to ensure the contractor employees providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work. Contractor will gather all credentialing documents requested by the VA as well as any other documentation that the carrying out of this contract may require. However, the contractor is neither able to nor is the contractor required to make clinical competence determinations on behalf of the VA.

10. PERSONNEL POLICY

a. The contractor shall be responsible for protecting the personnel furnishing services under this contract. To carry out this responsibility, to the extent required by law, the contractor shall provide the following for these personnel:

· Workers’ compensation

· Professional liability insurance

· Health examinations/immunizations

· Income tax withholding, and

· Social security payments.

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

c. The VA shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposure as appropriate. The Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guidelines for Infection Control in health care personnel (AIJC 1998: 26:2890354) for disease control. The Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to contractor’s employee(s) return.

11. RECORD KEEPING SYSTEM - CONTRACTOR

Contractor must establish a record keeping system of Therapeutic Apheresis Services performed.

12. MEDICAL RECORDS

Contractor’s employee will not have access to any VA systems under this contract.

13. CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATIENT RECORDS

a. The contractor, as a VA provider, will assist in the provision of health care to patients seeking such care from or through VA. As such, the contractor is considered as being part of the Department health care activity. Contractor is considered to be a VA provider for purposes of the Privacy Act, Title 5 U.S.C. 552a. Further, for the purpose of VA records access and patient confidentiality, contractor is considered to be a VA contractor for the following provisions: Title 38 U.S.C. 5701, 5705, and 7362. Therefore, contractor may have access, as would other appropriate components of VA, to patient medical records including patient treatment records pertaining to drug and alcohol abuse, HIV, and sickle cell anemia, to the extent necessary to perform its contractual responsibilities. However, like other components of the Department, and not withstanding any other provisions of the contract, the contractor is restricted from making disclosures of VA records, or information contained in such records, to which it may have access, except to the extent that explicit disclosure authority from VA has been received. The contractor is subject to the same penalties and liabilities for unauthorized disclosures of such records as VA.

b. The records referred to above shall be and remain the property of VA and shall not be removed or transferred from VA except in accordance with U.S.C.551a (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) and federal laws, rules and regulations. Subject to applicable federal confidentiality or privacy laws, the contractor, or their designated representatives, and designated representatives of federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over contractor, may have access to VA ‘s records, at VA’s place of business on request during normal business hours, to inspect and review and make copies of such records.

14. HIPAA COMPLIANCE

Contractor must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the National Standards to Protect the Privacy and Security of Protected Health Information (PHI). As required by HIPAA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has promulgated rules governing the security and use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Contractor is conducting health care services on the VA’s behalf – therefore, a BAA is not required.

15. APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACT REPRESENTATIVES

Names and contact information for the Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) designated to represent the Contracting Officer will be provided at the time of contract award. The CORs will furnish technical guidance and advice regarding the work being performed under this contract. The foregoing is not to be construed as authorization to interpret or furnish advice and information to the contractor relative to the financial or legal aspects of the contract. Enforcement of these segments is vested in and is the responsibility of the Contracting Officer. The extent and limitations of this appointment will be provided in the COR Appointment Memos.

16. Contract Performance Monitoring

a. Contractor's employee(s) shall report to the COR or designee, upon arrival at the VA.

0. Hines VAH: Danny Kelsay, Medicine Service Line, 5000 S. 5th Avenue, Building 200,

(708) 202-8387 x21266.

0. Jesse Brown VAMC: Robert Molokie, Medicine Service Line, 820 S. Damen Avenue, Building 40, (312) 505-0439.

b. Monitoring of contractor’s performance shall be demonstrated through clinical and administrative record reviews. COR will be responsible for verifying compliance. COR will designate appropriate VA personnel to monitor services through one or a combination of the following mechanisms:

1. Departments being served will monitor Contractor performance to ensure that services called for in the contract have been received by VA in a timely manner. The COR will be responsible for verifying contract compliance. Any incidents of Contractor noncompliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures will be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

2. Documentation of services performed will be reviewed prior to certifying payment. The CORs will perform periodic spot checks and document with the using service to ensure records are properly monitored. VA will pay only for services actually provided, and in strict accordance with the Price Schedule. Contract monitoring and recordkeeping procedures will be sufficient to ensure proper payment and allow audit verification that services were provided.

3. Chief of Staff's office reviews monitoring data. Procedures are tracked quarterly and reported annually to the Chief of Staff’s Office.

4. The using service, through the CORs, will provide a written statement annually to the Contracting Officer to include a summary of Contractor actions and a statement that all requirements of the contract have been fulfilled as agreed. This summary evaluation will be submitted 20 days prior to expiration (and/or prior to election of any extensions, if applicable).

c. Contractor's employee(s) may not certify bills for payment.

17. QUALITY ASSURANCE MONITORING

a. Copies of provider certification are also required to be submitted annually to the CORs.

b. The contractor will meet or communicate with the facility staff for process review and improvement of contract performance on an as needed basis.

c. Quality factors that VA may consider when monitoring quality of care may include, but are not limited to: response times, quality of work, quality of documentation and accuracy of invoicing. These monitoring procedures are further illustrated in the following Performance Requirements Summary Matrix:

• Within four (4) hours for emergency appointments

d. Reporting Adverse Events: The contractor shall have an established program to monitor 100% of adverse events. The contractor shall collect and report the program information on a quarterly basis. The contractor shall notify the VA of adverse events (as defined above). The VA may review specific findings, conclusions, recommendations, written plans for corrective action taken in response to conclusions and recommendations and evaluation for those corrective actions.

18. PROHIBITION OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S.

The entire performance of the contract shall be within the borders of the United States of America, the District of Columbia and/or Puerto Rico. The Contractor shall not access any VA data/information (for example, by remote computer access) from locations that are outside the above-stated borders.

Furthermore, the Contractor shall not send, transfer, mail or otherwise transmit any VA data/information to locations outside the above-stated borders.

19. CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION: Citizenship Related Requirements The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with any and 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.

While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ 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.

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.

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.

The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFQ using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

20. PAYMENT

a. Contractor’s employees must be present at the VA facility and must be actually performing the required services for the period specified within the contract or the cost will be…