36C25519Q0351-009.docx

36C25519Q0351

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

589-20-1-1105-0001 36C25519Q0351 08-14-2019 Wallace, Jeanine 913-946-1968 09-10-2019

1100 AM

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

KS

66048 X 621910 $15 Million N/A X Kansas City VAMC 4801 Linwood BLVD Kansas City, MO 64128

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

KS

66048

36C255

Financial Services Center http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Austin

TX

877-353-9791 512-460-5429 This is a request for quote to provide ambulance (ALS and BLS) services for the beneficiaries of the Kansas City VAMC in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price requirments type contract for one base year and up to four option years, to be exercised at the discretion of the government.

Questions must be submitted by e-mail no later than 9/2/19 at 11:00 a.m. CST. Questions and solicitation responses will be e-mailed to Jeanine Wallace at jeanine.wallace@va.

gov.

589-3600160-1105-829800-2119 0100K1089 X X X Jeanine Wallace Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C255

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway

Leavenworth KS 66048

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. 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.

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

Austin TX ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICE AND PRICES/COSTS

Furnish ambulance services for beneficiaries of the Veterans Administration in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions and the schedule of this solicitation for the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Kansas City located at 4801 Linwood BLVD, Kansas City, MO 64128. Herein after referred to as VAMC. Contractor shall provide all ALS and BLS ground ambulance services for veteran beneficiaries 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The primary intent of this contract is for prearranged ambulance transportation services, with on-call services as needed and when medical emergencies arise. Contractor is to provide ambulance service on authorization from VA, administer care to patient en-route and release patient to a responsible person at destination. Services shall be provided for a period of one (1) year from date of award with the option to renew for four (4) additional years.

BASE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11/1/2019 - 10/31/2020

BASE YEAR TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11/1/2020 - 10/31/2021

ITEM NO

OPTION YEAR 1 TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11/1/2021 - 10/31/2022

ITEM NO

OPTION YEAR 2 TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11/1/2022 - 10/31/2023

ITEM NO

OPTION YEAR 3 TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11/1/2023 - 10/31/2024

ITEM NO

OPTION YEAR 4 TOTAL

EXTENSION OF SERVICES UNDER FAR CLAUSE 52.217-8: POP: 11/1/2024 - 4/30/2025

ITEM NO

BASE YEAR TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 1 TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 2 TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 3 TOTAL

OPTION YEAR 4 TOTAL

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. QUALIFICATIONS:

1.1. Proposals will be considered only from offerors who are regularly established in the business called for and who are financially responsible and have the necessary equipment and personnel to furnish service in the volume required for all the items under this contract. Subcontracting of services shall not be authorized for the transportation of wheelchair patients and litter patients without prior approval of the VA. Successful offeror shall meet all requirements of Federal, State, or City codes regarding operations of this type of service.

1.2. Offerors must submit with proposal a letter fully describing the following information:

2. REQUIRED SUBMISSIONS: The successful offeror shall submit the following information to the Contracting Officer prior to contract award and prior to exercise of any option to this contract:

2.1. A letter fully describing the make of vehicle(s), model, year, and ID number vehicle(s) which the bidder agrees to furnish under this proposal. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing of any vehicle(s) added, removed, or altered after award of contract.

2.2. The letter shall include location and telephone number of offeror’s establishment where calls will be received, and vehicle(s) will be available for dispatch.

2.3. The letter shall also contain certain information as to the metering device or method offeror proposed to use in determining mileage.

2.4. The offeror shall submit a copy of the current annual safety inspections, required by the State of Missouri, for each vehicle.

2.5. The offeror shall submit the completed General Inspection Checklist of each vehicle. The inspections must be completed by a certified mechanic at any State (Missouri) licensed inspection facility. The offeror shall furnish proof of compliance to the Contracting Officer prior to award of contract. State vehicle inspection requirements shall not be accepted as sole certification of vehicle safety.

2.6. Certificate of Insurance as described in statement of work, paragraph N.

3. MILEAGE: To determine what is considered reasonable mileage, VA will utilize MapQuest internet version (internet address: http://www.mapquest.com) quickest route computations. Mileage is computed for out of town runs beginning or ending at the Metro limit. Unless specifically approved by Travel for extenuating circumstances, requests for payment of mileage determined not reasonable by the VA will not be paid. Contractor must ensure that pickups and drop-offs are scheduled so that the total distance traveled will result in the most economical charges to the Government.

4. INSPECTION OF CONTRACTOR FACILITIES/VEHICLES: The Government reserves the right to thoroughly inspect and investigate the facilities, vehicles, and business references, of any offeror and to reject any proposal, irrespective of price, that shall be administratively determined to be lacking in any of the essentials necessary to ensure acceptable standards of performance.

5. PASSENGER TRANSPORTION:

5.1. Contractor shall provide medical transportation services seven (7) days per week (including holidays), twenty-four (24) hours per day, three hundred sixty-five (365) days per year, for the term of this contract. The majority of requests for service will be between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The contractor shall provide the VA Medical Center with the method of contacting the Contractor on a twenty-four (24) hour per day basis. Access to the VAMC, Kansas City, MO shall be obtained through wheelchair ramps and the door accesses located to the left and right of the emergency room during normal working hours and at the emergency entrance during off tours.

5.2. If a patient being transported declines to be properly belted; he/she will not be transported. The COR or designee will be notified promptly. If the patient removes the securing devices during the trip, the driver will notify the COR or designee of this upon arrival at destination. The Contractor is not required to transport any VA patient who refuses to be properly secured while being transported.

5.3. Contractor drivers will ensure proper loading/unloading techniques are followed at all times. Patients in wheel chairs will be loaded onto ramps, ensuring all safety systems are working properly, e.g. roll back stops, and the driver will ride the lift with the patient during loading/unloading. Patients in motorized scooters MUST transport to a vehicle seat. NO patient will be allowed to ride a motorized cart (scooter) on the vehicle lift at ANY time. The contractor will ensure that drivers receive appropriate safety training on loading/unloading techniques and such training shall be documented and made available to COR or designee annually and/or prior to contract submission or renewal.

5.4. Contractor shall provide “through the door” assisted service for all patients to and from their designated appointments. Patients shall be picked up on the ward, in their homes, in the clinics, or at other areas designated by the VA and taken to the authorized destination or appointment. All patients shall be attended by an authorized responsible party at all times. Assistance in maneuvering stairs and other barriers shall be provided by the driver and/or authorized attendant when necessary. These services may need to be provided within or outside the home (i.e., from the door to the vehicle. When the patient is delivered to a destination (i.e., a clinic or other appointment), an authorized care giver or medical staff at the destination must be informed of the patient’s arrival by the Contractor’s driver or authorized attendant.

5.5. The Contractor’s driver (or authorized attendant) shall observe the patient during transport. Any indication of a significant change in the patient’s condition (i.e., sudden onset of rapid or labored respiration, complaints or chest pains, etc.) shall be communicated immediately to the VA Medical Center Emergency Room staff, at (816) 861-4700, Ext 57310 or 57689 in Kansas City. Diversion from destination shall only be authorized by the travel clerk, VA emergency room staff, or the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD). All diversions from destination will be reported to the COR or designee.

5.6. Should the Contractor’s driver encounter any problems with transporting of patients, the driver shall contact the COR, or designee, at the Kansas City VA, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During irregular tour of duty (4:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.), weekends or holidays, the driver shall contact the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) at the admissions desk. VA will provide a list of individuals (other than the COR or designee) authorized to contact the Contractor.

5.7. Contractor’s driver shall notify the COR or designee, of any unusual events, including but not limited to accidents, safety problems, patients unbolting themselves and other such incidents that occur, which involve any VA patient being transported under this contract. The COR or designee shall be notified within one (1) hour of the occurrence of the incident(s) by telephone and, if requested by the COR and/or Contracting Officer, a written report of the incident(s) will be delivered to the COR or his/her designee by close of business the next working day. Failure to comply with provisions may be grounds for default.

5.8. When there is a need to transport medical records with the patient; the Contractor’s driver will assure that the locked carrying pouch containing the records is secure and delivered with the patient to the destination.

6. RESTRICTIONS: The Contractor may not carry non-VA contract beneficiaries or private-pay patients with VA Beneficiaries under this contract. No beneficiary en-route in any transport shall be transferred from the original vehicle to another vehicle at a location other than the destination address supplied by the Travel Office, unless extraordinary, urgent need situations arise. All such events must be reported to the Travel Office. Drivers shall not make non-emergent stops for any reason, during any patient transport under this contract.

6.1. While transporting VA patients under this contract, only authorized drivers or attendants, or patient’s family member or representative shall be allowed in the vehicle. The number of riders in any vehicle shall not exceed the number of approved safety restraints available in the vehicle.

7. DRIVERS AND AUTHORIZED ATTENDANTS:

7.1. All Contractor’s drivers and attendants shall be required to wear, in a readily observable area on the employee, a Contractor supplied photo identification badge containing the name of the driver or attendant, and the Contractor’s business name, or company uniform, that is acceptable to the Contracting Officer, which identifies the drivers and attendants while performing any aspect of service prescribed in this contract. Records of each employee as to character (criminal background check performed) and physical capabilities (Health Certificate or statement of health from a private physician) must be maintained and made available to the Contracting Officer upon request. Failure to comply with this provision may be grounds for default.

7.2. All Contractor’s drivers and attendants shall have passed the American Red Cross First Aid Course and have on file a current certificate (renewable every three years) to be made available to the Contracting Officer upon request.

7.3. All Contractor’s drivers and attendants shall have passed the American Red Cross Adult CPR course and have on file a current certificate (renewed annually) to be made available to the Contracting Officer upon request.

7.4. All Contractor’s drivers and attendants shall have oxygen dispensing training

7.5. Contractor staff shall perform such duties that require the use of the above training and certification; i.e. transferring patients, helping transfer patients, oxygen dispensing, IV pump monitoring, etc., as needed.

7.6. All Contractor’s drivers and attendants shall have the physical capabilities to provide special assistance to the patients when transporting patients to the medical center, private residence, nursing homes, etc. The Contracting Officer/COR reserves the right to prohibit specific drivers from participating in the loading, transporting, and unloading of patients should it be determined the driver has engaged in unsafe practices. This determination will be at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer/COR and will be based upon documented evidence.

7.7. All drivers and attendants, prior to commencing work and thereafter on an annual basis, shall demonstrate to the COR or designee at the VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, the individual ability to safely load and unload patients, and the proper techniques and procedures to be followed during transportation of patients. A driver or attendant demonstrating an inability to perform patient handling procedures will be required to obtain additional training. Failure to comply with this provision may be grounds for default.

7.8. All Contractor’s drivers shall maintain a valid operator or chauffeur’s license, required to operate the type of vehicle necessary to perform the service, as required by the State of Missouri. Contractor shall provide, upon request of the Contracting Officer, a copy of the valid license of all drivers performing under this contract.

7.9. The COR, or designee, may authorize an attendant other than the driver to accompany a patient with no additional charges incurred to the Government.

8. CONTRACTOR CONDUCT:

8.1. The VA places the highest priority on the treatment of its beneficiaries. The Contractor, Contractor’s employees, and Contractor’s representatives shall treat each patient with respect, concern and a professional approach to Patient’s dignity as an individual and as a patient. All communication both verbal and non-verbal by the Contractor’s personnel, with and in the presence of the patient, shall be conducted in a professional manner. Failure to comply with this provision may be grounds for default.

8.2. The Contractor’s personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional manner while performing any aspect of service related to this contract at or on the grounds of the VA Medical Center. All VA Medical Center rules and regulations shall be adhered to by the Contractor or Contractor’s personnel while said persons are at or on the grounds of the medical center. Failure to comply with this provision may be grounds for default.

9. ORDERS:

9.1. Ordering officers (OOs) will be authorized to place orders against this contract. The Contracting Officer (CO) will furnish the Contractor with the names of individuals authorized as OOs, by separate memorandum upon issuance of the contract. 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.”

9.2. E.1 Requests for services will be recorded on the daily travel manifest and furnished to the Contractor via facsimile, electronically (e-mail) and/or telephone, by the Travel Section, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, no later than 4:00 p.m. prior to the day the transportation is required. The following information shall be provided by the VA to the contractor:

9.2.1. Patient name (first and last name)

9.2.2. Last four (4) of the Social Security Number

9.2.3. Pick up point (include address, telephone #, city, state, bldg and/or room number if applicable)

9.2.4. Destination

9.2.5. Time of pick up

9.2.6. Support required or items to accompany (oxygen, IV heplocks, escort, other items)

9.2.7. Additional information as needed (whether there are papers, medications or other items to be transported with the patient and location of those items)

9.2.8. Including any specific physician instructions

9.3. In the event that a patient misses his/her scheduled appointment due to pick up delay, the VA shall reschedule the trip. If additional charges are incurred by the VA for the rescheduled trip said additional charges shall be the responsibility of the contractor. The VA shall notify the contractor when these cases are identified.

9.4. Any transportation service performed by the contractor, without a request from the VA, will be the responsibility of the contractor. Also see Paragraph 6. Restrictions.

9.5. The Contractor shall maintain a record of all trips (scheduled on the travel log or add-on) and provide a printed report that includes the patients name and social security number, date and time of each trip, mileage, and/or any authorized additional charges. The printed report shall accompany the invoice for each billing cycle. The Contractor shall contact Travel Section with any questions, requests for clarification, or the need for additional information at Kansas City VA travel section during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During irregular tour of duty (4:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.), the Contractor shall contact the AOD.

9.6. Requests for add-on trips (orders placed for same day service) not initially recorded on the travel log will be made in writing by facsimile and/or by telephone from the Travel Clerk or AOD. If the Contractor fails to furnish services within a reasonable time (established as 45 minutes) after receiving an add-on request for an order, the VA Medical Center reserves the right to obtain the services from another source and to charge the Contractor with an excess cost which may result. In instances of add-on trips that are over 100 miles, the COR may allow some flexibility in the 45-minute response time. The VA will be the sole judge in determining when to order service from another source.

9.7. Contractor shall give higher priority in transporting VA Patients that have scheduled trips. Contractor shall ensure add-on trips will not conflict with scheduled transports arriving at their destination timely.

9.8. In case of inclement weather, the decision as to whether or not a VA Patient will be transported will be made mutually by the COR or designee, and the Contractor.

9.9. The Contractor shall notify Travel, upon the Travel Clerk or (AOD’s) request, of the estimated time of arrival for any vehicle en-route to pick-up a VA Patient or any VA loaded vehicle en-route to a specific destination. The Contractor shall also notify Travel, by telephone, at least one-hour in advance in the event that the Contractor is unable to provide the scheduled or add-on trips within the time frame necessary for the VA Patient to maintain their scheduled appointment. For trips outside the Mileage Threshold, the contractor must notify the VA in time for another company to travel to the destination and return in time for the patient to maintain their scheduled appointment. Contractor shall use the VA provided list of authorized individuals to contact in the event Travel is not available to receive the Contractor’s call.

10. WAITING TIME: The VA Medical Center will make every effort to alert the beneficiary to be ready and waiting for the arrival of the vehicle in order to reduce the lost time to the driver. Waiting time will not apply to the reasonable amount of time required for escorting the patient to the vehicle, loading and securing patient in vehicle, or unloading and delivering the patient to the authorized care giver or specified destination area. Fifteen minutes is routine. For time lost in waiting at either end or both ends of a trip due to causes beyond the control of the driver, the Contractor will be reimbursed at the rate of one-fourth the hourly rate indicated in the schedule for each quarter hour or fraction thereof in excess of one-quarter hour from the time the driver reports to the designated person. Waiting time must be approved in advance by the COR or designee. If the pickup is other than the VA Medical Center, the contractor shall call the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR) as soon as the driver expects to claim reimbursement. The call is only for the purpose of verifying the driver’s arrival at the pickup point and is not necessary if the driver anticipates no delay for which the Contractor will claim reimbursement.

11. Payment for trips, performed under the contract shall be based on the flat rate (per trip) to specific locations (plus the mileage rate for trips outside the mileage threshold). Payments for trips in which the patient is transported are limited to “one way only”, “patient loaded” miles. Payments for authorized trips in which the patient declines to be transported (through no fault of the contractor) or in which the patient cannot be found, shall be made according to “no load” trips.

11.1. The only exception to compensation for loaded miles is when patient is picked up from a remote location and dropped off at a remote location. For Example: Patient is picked up from home in city outside mileage threshold and transported to Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for appointment (also outside mileage threshold). Contractor incurs wait time while patient completes his/her appointment and mileage to transport patient back home. In this scenario contractor will be compensated for mileage incurred from VAMC Kansas City to pickup point (i.e. patient’s home), mileage to drop off location (i.e., CBOC), wait time (if pre-approved by the VA), and mileage to transport patient back to home. Rates will be in accordance with current contract rates for mileage and wait time. “Remote location” is defined as outside the 20-mile radius of the VAMC, Kansas City, MO.

11.2. If the COR or designee, Travel Clerk, or AOD, authorizes the Contractor to transport more than one patient on a trip to the same destination, (see below, paragraph G, for restrictions on the number of patients per vehicle), payment shall be made for the initial patient according to the schedule of items, plus the rider charge for an additional patient as agreed upon in the contract.

11.3. When more than 1 (one) patient is transported outside the Mileage Threshold, in a single vehicle, the longest distance transported may be claimed in addition to the base rate for one patient plus the established rider rates for the remaining patients. Trip mileage shall be determined in accordance with the current MapQuest internet version. The Contractor shall ensure that pickups and drop-offs are made so that the total distance traveled will result in the most economical charge to the Government. When more than one patient is transported within the 20-mile radius in a single vehicle to close destinations, a base rate may be charged for one patient and rate for additional beneficiary for the remaining patients.

12. PATIENT PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY: Contractor shall maintain the confidentiality of all patient information and records associated with the performance of this contract. Awarded contractor shall be required to sign Business Associate Agreement (BAA) as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). See Attachment A for sample Business Associate Agreement.

13. NUMBER OF PATIENTS: It is understood and agreed that no vehicle will transport more individuals than the number of approved safety restraint devices installed in that vehicle. When more than one patient is transported on a trip, whether it is to the same destination or to separate destinations, payment will be made in accordance with the terms listed in paragraph E. Orders.

14. VEHICLES: FAILURE BY THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER TO MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY OF THE PROVISIONS PRECRIBED IN THIS SECTION FOR VEHICLES USED IN PERFORMANCE MAY BE CONSIDERED GROUNDS FOR DEFAULT OF THE CONTRACT.

14.1. Each vehicle shall be equipped at all times when transporting a patient in the performance of this contract with equipment as required by Federal 49 CFR Parts 27, 37 and 38, Transportation for individuals with Disabilities (most current volume), State and Local Laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations and must have a minimum of the following:

14.2. The ambulance transport vehicle shall be of model and make to insure safe and comfortable transportation of wheelchair bound patients. Each vehicle shall be so configured as to hold a minimum of three (3) passengers in wheelchairs. For the safety of the passengers, the vehicle shall be equipped with a minimum of 4-point restraints for all wheelchair positions. All positions shall be seated facing the front on front mounted seats or rear on rear mounted seats of the vehicle. No patients may be transported on side mounted seats. Tie downs for wheelchairs are to consist of a leverage lock with a safety catch requiring physical unlatching. Lock shall be affixed to frame of vehicle. Many types and styles of locks are acceptable. Any type or style offering complete patient safety that will prevent any motion of the wheelchair within the vehicle will be acceptable. Those considered lacking in this essential safety feature shall not be used for patient transport under this contract unless and until replaced with an acceptable tie down system. Each vehicle and all accessories and systems must be clean and shall meet all maintenance standards of the manufacturer. All preventive maintenance shall be documented, and records provided upon request by the Contracting Officer. Wheelchair vans must be designed so that patients are restrained by a seat belt at all times when the vehicle is in motion.

14.3. All vehicles shall be equipped to allow for direct communication, at all times, between the drivers and staff of the VA Medical Center. This equipment may be mobile telephone, cellular telephone, or radio dispatch which would allow linking to the VA Medical Center by telephone. Contractor shall provide any telephone numbers or special access codes or devices to Travel Section in order to comply with the provision for direct communication.

14.4. All vehicles shall be equipped with properly functioning heater and/or air conditioning, with adequate capacity to maintain the comfort level of the patient during transport. Contractor shall not place a vehicle into service under this contract that does not protect the patient from outside temperatures that are not suitable for the patient’s well being. Failure to comply with the provision may be grounds for default.

14.5. All vehicles shall be equipped with secured fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and two (2) flashlights that are readily available and operable for use in event of an emergency. Each vehicle shall contain a minimum of two (2) sanitary blankets.

14.6. . All vehicles shall be well maintained in a clean and orderly condition. Vehicles must be free from physical damage; odor, debris and accumulation (which may constitute an accident or fire hazard). Each vehicle shall have a daily maintenance/safety checklist. Checklists shall be maintained at the contractor’s establishment and made available for inspection upon request.

14.7. All vehicles shall be smoke free and provide the proper ventilation for the patient.

14.8. All vehicles shall be maintained with a professional appearance that is representative of the services being performed on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

14.9. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to prohibit specific vehicles from being used to perform transportation services under this contract. This determination will be at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer and will be based on documented evidence.

14.10. All vehicles shall be equipped with a minimum of one (1) 630-liter oxygen tank and working gauges, etc. to dispense oxygen if necessary. Each tank must be maintained in a secure holder that would withstand an impact collision for the safety of the patient and driver.

14.11. Each vehicle shall be equipped with flashing warning lights activated by the opening and loading doors and a properly functioning audible back-up signal.

15. TOLL CHARGES: It is agreed and understood that the prices quoted in the schedule do not include any ferry, bridge, tunnel or road toll charges. Any such legitimate toll charges incurred shall be limited to ONE WAY ONLY and shall be listed separately on the Contractor’s invoices.

16. PERFORMANCE STANDARD:

16.1. Contractor must maintain a 99% satisfaction rate per 100 trips to be considered as providing acceptable performance. Acceptable performance is considered as having no more than one (1) valid complaint per 100 trips. Validity of complaint is to be determined by the COR. Valid complaints in excess of 1% per quarter may be grounds for termination (FAR Clause 52.212-4(m)). Performance tracking will be monitored by the COR on a quarterly basis.

17. MANTOUX TESTING:

17.1. Contractor must provide evidence of negative PPD test within fourteen (14) calendar days prior to employee beginning service. If an earlier PPD test was given over twelve (12) months previously, the current test shall be a 2-step Mantoux test.

17.2. Contractor must provide medical evidence that employee is disease free for those employees having a positive PPD.

17.3. Regular annual re-testing program for TB must be established and maintained for all contract employees that may be used in performance of this contract. Contractor must provide evidence of re-tests for each contract employee to the Contracting Officer within ten (10) calendar days of retest.

17.4. The Mantoux testing requirements apply to Contractor employees providing services during any absence from duty of scheduled employees for any reason.

17.5. In no circumstance will an employee be allowed to begin duty without prior submission of the required testing certification.

18. HEPATITIS B VACCINATION:

18.1. The employer shall make available the Hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series within ten (10) days of employment to all contract employees who have occupational risk and follow-up to all contract employees who have an exposure incident.

18.2. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with vaccinations

18.3. V A Form 10-5549c, Information about Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Consent Form, or VA Form 10-5549d. Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination (Mandatory) (Attachment B) shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer within thirty (30) days of waiver, or completion of the first in the series of the Hepatitis B Vaccine, and at completion of the vaccination series. These forms shall be provided to the contractor upon award of the contract.

19. JOINT COMMISSION FOR ACCREDITATION OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS (JCAHO) COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS: The contractor shall be responsible to ensure that his/her employees coming to the work site shall receive the information required to perform their duties.

19.1. Contractor shall attend a pre-work orientation meeting prior to the commencement of work onsite. The VA shall schedule this meeting and it shall include discussion of the following topics: Fire and Safety, Infection Control and Disaster procedures.

19.2. Contractor shall be responsible to ensure his/her employees who are providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work.

20. INFECTION CONTROL COMPLIANCE: Contractor shall provide written certification of training to employees used in performance of this contract and Contractor compliance with the Blood borne Pathogens Standards. 29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (copy available on request). Certification must be received by the Contracting Officer prior to employee being assigned for duty.

20.1. The infection control compliance requirements apply to Contractor employees providing services during any absence from duty of scheduled employees for any reason.

20.2. In no circumstance will an employee be allowed to begin duty without prior submission of the required training certification.

21. 29 CFR part 1910.1030 is OSHA’s standard requiring employers to:

21.1. Develop written exposure-control plans;

21.2. Train all employees on occupational risks;

21.3. Maintain records on employee training;

21.4. Use warning labels;

21.5. Implement proper work methods including “Universal Precautions”, (i.e. proper care and disposal of personal protective equipment such as the use and disposal of latex gloves);

21.6. Offer Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV) to employees;

21.7. Provide medical evaluations following employee’s exposure incident; and,

21.8. Supply personal protective clothing and equipment (i.e., gloves and goggles

22. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

22.1. The Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments to issue changes that will affect the price, quantity, quality, or delivery terms of this contract.

23. EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE COVERAGE:

23.1. Before award of the contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer a certificate of Insurance which shall contain an endorsement to the effect that cancellation of, or any material change in, the policies which adversely affect the interest of the Government in such insurance, shall not be effective unless a 30-day written notice of cancellation or change is furnished the Contracting Officer.

24. INVOICING:

24.1. The Contractor shall coordinate billing arrangements with the COR monthly. Billing documents shall include a printed report that shall contain the contract number, date, time, patient’s name and address, mileage, etc. The COR will forward the certified invoices to the Manager, Financial Services, for transmittal to VA Data Processing Center, Austin, Texas. Invoices shall be submitted monthly. The Contractor shall maintain a log, which will show pickup point and destination, and departure/arrival times if waiting time is claimed. If detours are encountered due to road construction or other obstruction, invoice shall so be noted.

25. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT OF 1965:

25.1. All service employees who will be employed in the performance of the contract awarded as a result of this solicitation shall be paid no less than the wages shown on the Wage Determination which is incorporated and made a part of this solicitation and resulting contract.

26. SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

26.1. The Joint Commission Competency Requirements: The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that contractor employees (and/or subcontractor employees) coming to the work site shall receive the information required to perform their duties.

26.1.1. Contractor shall attend a pre-work orientation meeting prior to the commencement of work on site. This training will be documented and updated yearly. The VA shall schedule this meeting and it shall include discussion of the following topics: (VA shall provide information to the contractor regarding these topics and shall document the meeting.)

26.1.2. Fire and Safety

26.1.3. Infection Control

26.1.4. Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

26.1.5. Disaster Procedures

26.1.6. Other

26.1.7. Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that Contractor’s employees (and/or subcontractor employees) coming to work site shall receive the information above.

26.1.8. Contractor shall be responsible to ensure Contractor employees (and/or subcontractor employees) providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work.

27. HIPAA Compliance:

27.1. As a covered entity, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required by law to obtain satisfactory assurance of a Business Associate and that the Business Associate appropriately safeguards protected health information it receives or creates on behalf of the covered entity. Contractors and any subcontractors must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 to include the Administrative Simplification Provisions of the law and associated rules and regulations published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Contractor shall comply with all HIPAA-related rules and regulations to include Electronic Transactions, the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, and the Security Standards. This includes both the Privacy and Security Rules published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As required by HIPAA, HHS has promulgated rules governing the use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities. The covered entity component of the Department Veterans Affairs is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor will be required to enter in to a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VHA.

27.2. Business associates must follow VHA privacy policies and practices. All contractors and business associates must receive privacy training annually. For contractors and business associates who do not have access to VHA computer systems, this requirement is met by completing VHA National Privacy Policy training, other VHA approved privacy training or contractor furnished training that meets the requirements of HHS Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health information as determined by VHA.