36C25518R0076-002.docx

36C25518R0076

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.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

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. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

36C25518R0076 02-01-2018 NOVELLO, FRANK frank.novello@va.gov 913-946-1962 04-09-2018

2:00 PM CST

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway Leavenworth

KS

66048 X 621910 $15 Million X N/A X

SEE SCHEDULE FOR DETAILS

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway Leavenworth

KS

66048

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Austin

TX

877-353-9791 512-460-5429 See CONTINUATION Page Provide Ambulance Service for the Poplar Bluff VAMC in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).

see pages 7 thru 24.

1. It is anticipated the government will award a Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Economic Price Adjustment.

2. The contract will be for a base year and four (4) option years. Each option year, IF exercised, will have its own Task Order and Purchase Order, which must be referenced on all invoicing and correspondence.

See CONTINUATION Page X X X

2(TWO)

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

(a). CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

(b). CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

(c). INVOICES: Invoices will be submitted:

(d). GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: Invoices will be provided in accordance with the requirements listed in FAR 52.212-4, Commercial Items – Terms and Conditions, (JAN 2017), (g) Invoice; and VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Request (NOV 2012); electronically to:

(e). REFERENCE NUMBERS: Please reference both the contract number (to be assigned) and the obligation number (to be assigned) on all correspondence and invoices. If contract option years are exercised, new obligation numbers will be issued and identified on the contract modification document.

(f). AUTHORIZATIONS:

(1). The Contracting Officer (CO) named in Section (a) above is responsible for the overall administration of this contract. Only the CO has the authority to make changes which affect:

(A). Contract prices, (B). Quality, (C). Quantities, or (D). Delivery terms and conditions.

(2). Contracting Officer Representatives (COR) and Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representatives (Alt-COR) may be assigned to this contract. The COR and Alt-COR shall be provided specific written delegated authority by the CO, a copy of which will be provided to the Contractor.

(g). CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT: No individual or activity has authority to ADD, DELETE, CHANGE, OR MODIFY this order except the CO or by written authority specifically delegated by the CO.

(h). CONTRACT TIME PERIOD:

(1). The base contract period shall commence July 1, 2018 and expire June 30, 2019.

(2). At the discretion of the government, and in accordance with 52.217 9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract, the contract may be extended up to four (4) one (1) year periods. Notice of an extension must be served in writing by the VA consistent with 52.217-9. An extension may be exercised subject to the continued acceptable performance and responsibility of the Contractor, the continued requirement for services, and the availability of funds.

(i). FAR 52.222-41 SERVICE CONTRACT ACT OF 1965: The Contracting Officer has determined that the Service Contract Act of 1965 (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.) will apply to this contract. The services identified in the Statement of Work (SOW) that are to be provided under this contract do not meet the test of 29CFR 300 as “Professional Employees” and more specifically 29 CFR 540.301 as “Learned Professionals”. As such, those employees are covered by the act. However, if employees other than the ones identified in the SOW are subsequently provided in the performance of the contract, this determination may not be applicable to them and the Act may not apply to those employees.

(l). ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.1 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-- MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes FAR 52.219-4 Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HubZone Small Business Concerns. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include this clause. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to contractor's offices where the contractor's business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

B.2 SUBCONTRACTING COMMITMENTS--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes VAAR 852.215-70, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors, and VAAR 852.215-71, Evaluation Factor Commitments. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include these clauses. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing contractor compliance with the subcontracting commitments incorporated into the contract. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding contract compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor compliance with the subcontracting commitments.

B.3 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and VAAR 852.219-9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirement. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include these clauses. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the plan, including reviewing the contractor's accomplishments in achieving the subcontracting goals in the plan. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor compliance with the subcontracting plan.

STATEMENT OF WORK

A. CONTRACT DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

1. Advanced Life Support (ALS) – ALS shall be provided by ambulance vehicles containing at a minimum an on-board Paramedic, cardiac monitoring, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALS) drugs and procedures, advanced airway management and medication monitoring and administration. Ambulances for ALS services shall be staffed in accordance with current Missouri State laws and regulations governing the certification and licensure of private ambulances.

2. Ambulance Services - Emergency medical services, also known as paramedic services, are a type of emergency service dedicated to providing out-of-hospital acute medical care, transport to definitive care, and other medical transport to patients

3. Base Rate – Base rate is defined as the rate paid for one-way transportation from a designated pick-up point to a designated delivery point within the city limits as defined herein. For every trip traveled, contractor will be reimbursed at the base rate for trips within the city limits and base rate plus mileage for trips outside the city limits. This rate will be paid for all authorized one-way trips ordered under this contract action, with employees receiving a minimum the Department of Labor Service Contract Act wage rates (included herein), during all phases of the trip made on behalf of the Government. Attached Service Contract Act wage rate determinations will be updated each option year when/if new revisions are issued.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) – BLS is defined as services required for non-critical patient care in which patient requires an ambulance, staffed in accordance with current Missouri State laws and regulations governing the certification and licensure of private ambulances. This ambulance at a minimum will be staffed with a vehicle operator and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Ambulance, and with basic airway management.

5. Beneficiary – Veterans and other members determined to be eligible for benefits by the VA.

6. Business Hours/Days – Business hours/days are defined as the time of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Federal holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and other specifically designated days by the President of the United States to be a national holiday. Off Business hours/days are defined as the time of 4:31 p.m. to 7:59 a.m. Monday through Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday and Federal holidays.

7. City Limits – The city limits, for the purposes of this contract, is defined as the corporate limits of the city of Poplar Bluff, MO, in effect at the time of service under this contract.

8. Contracting Officer (CO) – VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings, and is a member of the vehicle inspection team.

9. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. Responsibilities include certification of invoices, placing orders for service, providing technical guidance, overseeing technical aspects of the contract, and is a member of the vehicle inspection team. All administrative functions remain with the Contracting Officer.

10. Contractor – The term “Contractor” as used herein refers to both the prime Contractor and his employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that his subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

11. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) – A national organization dedicated to improving the care, safety and treatment of patients in a health care facility and environment.

12. Mileage Rate – Mileage rate for ambulance services is the rate paid for each mile traveled outside the city limits. This rate applies to one-way transportation only. The contractor shall not receive reimbursement of the mileage rate for trips within the city limits.

13. Scheduled Trip(s) – The term “Scheduled Trip” as used in this contract refers to those trips in which the Contractor has been given advance notice (advance notice is defined as notice given by 4:30 p.m. the prior business day) of required services and a specific pick-up time. This is a one-way trip.

14. Unscheduled Trip(s) – The term “Unscheduled Trip” as used in this contract refers to those trips required on an as needed basis and advance notice is not given.

15. Vehicle(s) – The term “Vehicle(s)” as used in this contract refers to ambulance transportation provided under the requirements of this contract. For purposes of this contract, EMCV and Ambulance shall be defined as the same and used interchangeably.

16. Waiting – Waiting as used in this contract is defined as the time required and verified by authorized medical facility personnel, for the Contractor to wait at designated pick-up and/or delivery points in performing contract services.

17. Waiting Grace Period – The waiting grace period is defined as thirty (30) minutes prior to the time waiting charges commence. The base rate for ambulance services shall include a thirty (30) minute waiting grace period at origin and destination.

18. Gender - For the purpose of equal rights, wherever the masculine gender is used in this solicitation, and the resulting contract, it shall be considered to include both masculine and feminine gender.

B. SCOPE OF WORK: The intent of an awarded contract shall be to have a business entity provide ambulance transportation services for beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VAMC) in Poplar Bluff, MO. The Contractor gaining award shall provide all vehicles, personnel, management, supplies, transportation, equipment and reports necessary to cover all ground ambulance services as identified in the Schedule. The awarded contract shall be for a base period from date of award through 12 consecutive months, with four (4) option years that allows the Government to unilaterally extend the contract period for an additional 12 months. Contractor shall cover the full range of paramedic and ambulance services provided in the local community. Emergency and non-emergency services shall be provided 24 hours/day, 365 days per year.

C. NUMBER OF PATIENTS: Patient is defined in this solicitation as an authorized beneficiary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is understood and agreed that only one patient (including VA and NonVA patients) shall be transported on a trip unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COR) or designee. When approved by the COR, or designee, and more than one patient is being transported on a trip, reimbursement shall be made at the rate not exceeding the cost of transporting a single patient, however, the longest distance over which a patient is transported may be claimed when transported in a single vehicle concurrently. Contractor shall ensure that the pickups and destinations are scheduled so that the total distance traveled shall result in the most economical charge to the Government.

D. ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS: The Contracting Officer, COR, or designee or other representative of the Government retains the right to send an authorized Government official (Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Nursing Assistant, or Physician) to attend the patient in a transfer from our facility when in the opinion of our medical staff such a trained attendant is necessary to the patient's welfare. The furnishing of a VA authorized official does not relieve the contractor from furnishing a qualified attendant in accordance with other provisions or clauses required herein. The COR or designee retains the right, in the best interest of the patient to allow a relative to accompany patient. However, patient family members or others may not ride with a patient unless the COR, or designee has given prior authorization. Contractor shall be reimbursed the Base Rate for trips within the city limits and Base Rate plus mileage for trips outside the city limits for return of the Government official to the originating site.

E. AMBULANCE SERVICES: Basic Life Support (BLS)/Advanced Life Support (ALS) Transport: Prices proposed in the schedule shall include the service of a qualified driver and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and/or paramedic for emergency and nonemergency transport of patients in an Emergency Medical Care Vehicle (EMCV) shall include:

1. EMERGENY: All emergent local and long distance requests for service.

a. Defined as those transports requiring immediate conveyance due to patient's condition determined as serious or critical condition by VA Medical Staff.

b. Contractor shall dispatch the ambulance immediately upon receipt of call from the COR, or designee, to arrive within 10 minutes of receipt of call in accordance with the requirements of the paragraph titled Response Time, contained herein.

2. URGENT: All routine, nonemergent trips for same day service shall be performed by the contractor within 45 minutes of the requested pickup time, in accordance with the requirements of the paragraph titled Response Time, contained herein. Advance notification given for unscheduled trips may be at a minimum of forty-five (45) minutes prior to the requested pickup time.

3. SCHEDULED: All services requested for next day or future time. Contractor shall perform these trips within thirty (30) minutes of planned time due to possible patient’s need for other services at destination or within ninety (90) minutes for same day non-emergent trips.

F. RESPONSE TIME: The contractor shall be present to receive the patient at the specified time; within 10 minutes or sooner of the call for service for EMERGENT calls, within 45 minutes of the call for service for URGENT calls, and within 90 minutes of the call for same day unscheduled service for ROUTINE calls. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all vehicles and manpower, necessary to meet all ALS and BLS transport requirements of this contract. The Contractor will be authorized to utilize another Ambulance Service Company, as a subcontractor (certified to be within all requirements of this contract) to complete these transportation requests. All bills for this subcontractor service will be paid directly to the Contractor at the contract rate, and the Contractor shall reimburse the subcontractor at their agreed to rate. In the event the Contractor is unable to perform services or have services performed as required, the Contractor shall immediately notify the VA Travel Section or the Administrative Officer of the day (AOD), after business hours, and provide a justification for non-performance. The VA reserves the right to re-procure services that cannot be performed by the Contractor, in accordance with the terms, conditions and schedule of this contract. The Contractor shall indemnify the VA for excess re-procurement cost, which may result from the Contractor’s inability to perform the required service. Payment of re-procurement costs shall not relieve the Contractor from any other provision in this contract covering inspection, acceptance and deductions from payment. The VA will be the sole judge in determining when services will be re-procured. The failure of the contractor to perform services within the required time frames and in accordance with terms and conditions may also provide cause for termination of the contract in accordance with FAR clause 52.212-4(m). If the VA determines that immediate transportation is essential to prevent loss of life or serious bodily harm, transportation services may be procured without referral to the ambulance Contractor. However, in these extremely rare cases, no charge shall be levied against the Contractor.

G. WAITING TIME:

1. For unscheduled trips, waiting charges shall commence 30 minutes from the time the Contractor arrives at the designated pick-up and/or delivery points. For unscheduled trips with specified time for pickup, waiting charges shall commence 30 minutes after that pickup time. If there is a specified time for pickup for unscheduled trips, the waiting time shall begin 30 minutes after that time. For scheduled trips, waiting charges shall commence 30 minutes from the scheduled pick-up time or from the time the Contractor arrives at the designated pick-up point, whichever is later.

2. If the designated pick-up and/or delivery points are at other than the VA Medical Center and waiting beyond the required 30-minute grace period is anticipated, the Contractor shall notify the COR. This call is only for verifying the Contractor’s time of arrival at pick-up and delivery points and is not necessary if the Contractor does not anticipate a delay for which waiting charges shall be claimed. The Contractor’s failure to notify the COR when waiting beyond the grace period shall result in non-payment for waiting time. No charges shall be honored without prior approval. Immediate communication can often eliminate the possibility of delays. It is permissible for contractor to confirm runs with beneficiaries by phone prior to dispatching units.

H. RATES:

1. Rates proposed in the schedule shall apply for the 24-hour day, 365-day year. Payment for trips traveled shall be one way only and mileage shall be limited to loaded miles only. Mileage costs shall be paid in addition to the applicable base trip rate for trips outside the city limits. The latest edition of the Rand McNally Standard Mileage guide shall determine trip mileage.

2. Should the VA decide that a previously scheduled trip may be cancelled, and a vehicle has already been dispatched to the designated pick-up point, VA may notify the Contractor to cancel the order. For orders that are cancelled while the contractor is already in route to the designated pick-up, the contractor shall be entitled to receive 50% of the base rate for the trip, as provided in Schedule of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs. This charge shall not include any mileage charge.

3. Should the contractor arrive at a destination before VA cancels the order, or if the Contractor is unable to perform a scheduled pick-up for reasons beyond the Contractor’s control, e.g., incorrect address, or patient absence, or patient refusal, then the Contractor shall receive the base rate for trips within the city limits or base rate plus mileage for trips outside the city limits.

4. Other charges: It is understood that the prices listed in the accepted Schedule shall be inclusive of all ferry, bridge, tunnel or road toll charges. Contractor shall not bill the VA for any such separate charges. If the contractor’s place of business is located beyond the telephone call zone of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center where long distance rates become applicable, the contractor agrees to accept collect telephone orders for service as part of the basic rates.

I. ORDERS: Requests for services shall be made in writing, fax, or by telephone by the COR or designee (i.e., Travel Office). A list of persons authorized to place orders against this contract shall be furnished to the contractor upon award. Updated listings shall be provided to the Contractor when changes are made during the term of the contract.

The Department of Veterans Affairs shall provide the following information to the contractor:

· First and last name of patient

· Last 4 numbers of patient’s social security number

· Pickup point (including address, city and state, phone number, building and/or room number if applicable).

· Destination (including address, city and state, phone number, if applicable, building and/or room number if applicable).

· Time of pickup.

· Physician orders, i.e. IV, Oxygen, etc.

· Whether there are papers, medications, or other items to be transported with the patient and whether those items shall be with the patient or in the Travel Office.

· Any special instructions.

J. INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES: In all cases where an incident or accident occurs while a VA patient is in the contractor’s care, this facility shall be contacted immediately. In cases where immediate emergency medical treatment is deemed necessary, notifications shall be required upon arrival at the nearest facility. In all cases, patients must be cleared by this facility’s emergency room physician. Clearance must be documented. Contact can be made with the travel office during business hours and with the admitting desk during off tours. Written reports are required by 10:00 a.m. the first working day following the incident/accident.

K. SPECIFIC VA REQUIREMENTS: Drivers shall be responsible to ensure that patients are not left abandoned at their destination. Drivers are to ensure that patients are left in the care of a responsible person prior to departure from drop off point. In all applicable cases a responsible party must sign for the patient prior to departure. Applicable cases are defined as those to a professional facility (including this facility) or when an attendant is required. The emergency entrance shall be used unless otherwise instructed. The ambulance bays are to be utilized for loading and unloading for patients only. Waiting time for further assignments must be accomplished off medical center property. Vehicles may not occupy the bays more than 15 minutes. Engines MUST be turned off while occupying bays. Drivers and/or attendants must notify the travel desk upon arrival for pickup from this facility or prior to departure for deliveries to this facility. It is the responsibility of the drivers/attendants to notify the VA Travel Office when medical and/or environmental conditions, which may adversely affect the overall treatment and care of a patient, are identified (i.e. home, facility, etc.). All trip tickets shall be completed with the following information: company name, date and actual time of pickup, patient name, origin and destination, physician orders, approved waiting time, mileage, driver/attendant names, receiving attendant’s signature, applicable comments. Upon arrival at the VAMC, the ambulance attendant shall report to Urgent Care and deliver the trip ticket. Tickets shall be maintained by the contractor for record. Copies of signed trip tickets may also be used for proof of transport for billing purposes. Failure to comply could result in non-payment.

L. NO SERVICE CALLS: A no service slip shall be signed by the Contractor and VA staff when a no-service occurs.

M. SUPPLIES: All charges incurred in the use of supplies and/or equipment are to be included in the unit prices quoted. This shall include emesis basins, urinals, bedpans, facial tissues, and other customary supplies as required by Missouri state regulations. The COR retains the right to reject payment for additional supplies and/or equipment used in the performance of this contract unless specifically ordered and/or required for patient care and it is not a common item customarily furnished under commercial practices.

N. STAFFING: Ambulance services provided under the terms of this contract shall meet the minimum staffing requirements as mandated by the State of Missouri or the VA minimum requirements contained in the statement of work, whichever is greater. The VA reserves the right to restrict any contractor employee from performing services under this contract who do no meet the required qualifications for the services they are required to perform, and who violates Federal regulations or are identified as potential threat to the security, safety, health and/or operational mission of the VA and its’ veteran population. The restriction of such contractor personnel shall not relieve the contractor from performing all the required services, in accordance with all terms, conditions, and schedules contained herein.

1. The Contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract.

2. Contractor personnel performing services to the VA shall always conduct themselves in a professional manner, maintain personal hygiene, wear clean, neat uniforms and be identified by having the company name, and employee name affixed to the uniform. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all vehicles, personnel, equipment and supplies, vehicle fuel, uniforms, nametags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. Contractor personnel shall not smoke in vehicles while transporting VA patients.

3. A Record of each employee as to character, physical capabilities, and qualifications performing the duties of an ambulance driver or attendant must be maintained at the contractor's establishment and made available for inspection upon request of the Contracting Officer or designee. The facility reserves the right to observe skills of any contractor personnel attending to a VA patient.

4. A roster of Paramedics, Registered Nurses (RN), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), and Non-Emergency Attendant Drivers (EMTI's and LPN's if used to provide these services) shall be furnished to the Contracting Officer or designee and shall contain the following information:

· Name

· Paramedic or EMT license number

· Driver’s license number

· Date of initial training

· Date of refresher training

5. All changes in the roster shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer or designee, prior to change being made. All Paramedics, EMT's, EMTI's, RN's, and LPN's shall be certified or licensed by the appropriate Local, State (or Regional), and Federal governing agency that regulates the services to be provided in this contract.

O. CONTRACTOR'S PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS: All Contractor personnel performing contract services shall meet the qualifications as specified in this contract, as well as any qualifications required by Federal, State, County and local government entities from the place in which they operate. Contractor personnel shall meet these qualifications always while performing contract services. The VA requires that all contractor personnel receive a physical verification of safe driving record and drivers check every 2 years, and safety training one time per year.

1. The educational competencies of each crew shall be provided. This shall include dates of certifications for BLS/ACLS and recertification’s for licensure. A copy of the Regional Standing orders that the crew functions under shall be provided and shall include the training program and dates of completion for these standing orders. These Standing Orders shall include Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic pre-hospital protocols. The name of the physician functioning as Medical Control shall be provided and any changes shall be communicated to the VA. In transporting patients, the care provided by a Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic shall not exceed the scope of practice as defined by the State of Missouri.

2. During the contract period of performance, if the Contractor proposed to add-on or replace personnel to perform contract services, the Contractor shall submit the required evidence of training, certifications, licensing and any other qualifications to the designated COR. At no time, shall the Contractor utilize add-on or replacement personnel to perform contract services who do not meet the qualifications under the terms and conditions of this contract.

3. Offeror’s proposal shall include evidence of required training, certifications, licensing and any other qualifications of any personnel performing services under this contract.

4. Paramedics, RN's, EMT's, Non-emergency Attendant Drivers that provide the services of this contract shall have the following qualifications:

a. Have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with a minimum curriculum of 81 hours or "equivalent" including an inhospitaltraining period. Contractor's employees providing the services under this contract shall meet the requirements for standard of care based upon everyone’s level of authorization by the State of Missouri as outlined in the State’s Emergency Medical Services Systems Act and Rules and Regulations. Such a training program must also be acceptable under the regulatory requirements for local Emergency Medical Services Systems supported by DHHS under Public Law 93154, Federal Register 39:24304, July 1, 1974. Technicians and drivers shall be capable to administer oxygen and have successfully completed the Standard and Advanced First Aid courses of the American Red Cross or U.S. Bureau of Mines, or equivalent. Proof in the form of a current certificate that such first aid training has been successfully completed must be made available upon request from the Contracting Officer, COTR, or designee.

b. The "Equivalent" training program successfully completed by the Contractor's employee must be submitted to the Contracting Officer to verify compliance with the contract.

c. The Contractor's employee must be certified, licensed or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state, or regional government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

d. The Contractor's employee must be enrolled periodically in "refresher" continuing education or advanced training programs as required by the local or state government entity in which the service is rendered to veterans but in no instance, shall this be less frequently than every two years. Such "refresher" training must be equivalent to that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. Such refresher training shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer upon request for verification of compliance.

5. Drivers/Attendants: Drivers providing service under this contract shall have a valid ambulance personnel license with a driver designation as required by Federal, State, and Local law. Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that its drivers are knowledgeable and competent in emergency vehicle operations and thoroughly familiar with the vehicles assigned. Qualified driver shall have the following:

- Valid Drivers license from the state of residence and acceptable to this facility

- Current CPR certification

- Current EMT/Paramedic linens (as appropriate) from state of residence/business

P. VEHICLES: For purposes of this contract, EMCV and Ambulance shall be defined as the same and used interchangeably. Contracting Officer, COR, or designee reserves the right to inspect and certify any EMCV or ambulance proposed for use in providing the services of this contract. Contracting Officer, COR, or designee reserves the right to restrict the use of any EMCV or ambulance to provide the services of this contract. Each vehicle shall have identification on the side panels and/or doors, indicating company name.

1. All EMCV or ambulances used under the terms of this contract shall be licensed and shall meet the minimal vehicle requirements as established by Federal Specification KKKA1822E dated June 1, 2002, subject to exceptions and additions mandated by the State of Missouri Official Rules and Regulations for Operation and Administration of Emergency Medical Services, Missouri Department Of Transportation, and State of Missouri Emergency Medical Services in effect during the contract period.

2. Subject specifications apply to Emergency Medical Care Vehicle only.

a. Subject specifications are mandatory as minimal requirements for such vehicles, but chassis or compartment modifications are permissible when they clearly exceed the minimal specifications. Each EMCV shall be of model and make that ensures safe and comfortable transportation of the patient and must have sufficient headroom to accommodate the patient in the Fowler's position. Each EMCV shall be equipped with safety items required by Local, State, and Federal regulations.

b. The basic nonemergency care vehicles contracted for shall be the Type I, Type II, or Type III, and are equally acceptable to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The specification KKKA1822E shall apply with variation as indicated by this solicitation as minimal vehicle requirements.

3. The VA reserves the right to inspect contractor’s equipment and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with contract specifications, and State laws, rules, regulations and guidelines governing ambulances. VA inspections of contractor facilities shall in no way constitute a warranty by the VA that the contractor’s vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. The VA reserves the right to restrict the Contractor’s use of equipment and vehicles which need repair, unclean, unsafe, damaged on the interior or exterior body, and are not in compliance with contract requirements. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the contract without additional cost to the VA. If additional ambulance vehicles/equipment is proposed for use to perform the services of this contract, after the initial inspection, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of the change and arrangement shall be made to inspect the additional vehicles/equipment before said vehicles/equipment are placed into use to perform the services of this contract. The Contracting Officer or designee, as deemed necessary, throughout the life of the contract, may perform periodic subsequent inspections and/or investigations. For additional Inspections requirements, see FAR Clause 52.2124(a), Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Items (MAY 1999) and the Addendum to 52.2124.

4. Ambulance Medical Equipment: Each emergency medical vehicle shall have patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction systems and equipment, environment climatic equipment, communications and additional systems, equipment, accessories and supplies (including emesis basins, urinals, bed pans, facial tissues), as required by Section 3.11 through 3.15.4 of Federal Specification KKKA1822E dated June 1, 2002, and as required by the State of Missouri. Each gurney/cot shall have an oxygen carrier for portable oxygen cylinders to maintain the cylinder while moving the gurney. The gurney/cot shall have multiple adjustable height leveling (minimum of 3 levels that shall include floor level, chair level, and treatment room cart level). Contractor must be able to accommodate excessive weight patients up to 500 pounds. Portable respirators may be required occasionally.

5. BLS vehicles shall, in conjunction with the above, also provide on-board EMT and perform basic airway management.

6. ALS vehicle shall, in conjunction with the above, also provide an on-board Paramedic or RN as appropriate, perform cardiac monitoring (ECG), pressure monitoring, suction, ventilator, IABP, resuscitation equipment including defibrillator, provide ACLS drugs and procedures, perform advanced airway management and medication monitoring and administration, to include multiple drips such as IV heparin and nitroglycerin. Advanced airway management means the ability to intubate a patient and provide appropriate respiratory care, which does not include tracheotomies, cricoidotomies or crico-tracheotomies.

7. The contractor shall provide all necessary equipment for the transport of BLS/ACLS patients. This shall include multiple infusion pumps, tubing and a mechanism to support the device(s). A list of available stock equipment and medications in the ambulance and the drug box shall be provided for review by the VA staff when evaluating.

8. The Contractor that is providing ambulance service shall provide oxygen when it is requested by authorized Medical facility personnel or required by the patient’s medical condition.

9. The Contractor shall not be permitted to borrow medical equipment from the Medical facilities. The contractor shall provide all medications required while in transport, sheets and blankets and other equipment and supplies required for use while in transport, for direct patient care. Contractor shall at no time and under any circumstances exchange supplies, equipment and/or medications with VA. The prices quote in the Schedule shall be inclusive of consumables used in transport. All vehicles used for critical patient care (Ex. ALS, BLS), shall include, but not be limited to, monitors, defibrillator with external pacemaker, intubation equipment, intravenous equipment, medications, patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction equipment including portable oxygen suction and accessories.

10. Contractor Equipment, Vehicle and Inspection Compliance Rate: The contractor shall maintain at a minimum a 98% compliance rate regarding equipment, vehicle and inspection during the contract period. Failure of the contractor to perform in accordance with this compliance rating may constitute sufficient cause for termination of the contractor for cause (See FAR clause 52-212-4(m)).

Q. CONTRACTOR NOTIFICATION:

1. Electronic Transmissions: The Contractor shall, always, during the contract period, have on premises a functioning fax machine to communicate requirements with the VAMC (i.e., patient incidents, request for service, special correspondence, etc.). Each contractor shall indicate if there is e-mail availability for their company to complete communications with the VA (use of this communication system shall be mutually agreed upon after award of contract before any communications are completed in this manner.)

2. Authorized Medical Center Personnel: Prior to performance, the Contracting Officer shall provide the Contractor with a list of names or position titles and phone number of authorized Government personnel who may request services and receive calls from Contractor regarding contract performance. This list shall be updated and submitted to the Contractor as changes occur. The Contractor shall ensure that requests for services are received from authorized medical center personnel.