36C25520Q0625 0001.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 08-03-2020

EFFECTIVE DATE

None Y 36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway Leavenworth KS 66048 Y 36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway Leavenworth KS 66048 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25520Q0625 07-31-2020

X X X 09-01-2020 at 5PM X Homeless Care Homeless Veteran Services

1) The purpose of this amendment to the solicitation 36C25520Q0625 is to add the PWS or Performance Work Statment to the original solicitation. The PWS was initially added to the solicitation mentioned, however, it was not transferred over from eCMS to beta.sam.gov website.

2) The Price Schedule will also be added to the solicitation as well. It was not included in the solicitation. The price schedule would have been included in the performance work statement.

All other terms and conditions within the solicitation remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

Paula J. Galvin Contracting Officer

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND PRICE

The purpose of this procurement action is to establish Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract(s) for the following VA Medical Center:

Department of Veteran Affairs, St. Louis HealthCare System, located at 915 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63116 The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has been providing direct and specialized services for homeless Veterans for nearly 25 years. The Secretary of the VA has set a zero-tolerance policy for homelessness within the Veteran population. As part of the Plan to End Homelessness among Veterans announced in late 2009, the Veterans Health Administration has been increasing both capacity of existing programs and services offered to program participants.

The VA’s Plan to End Veteran Homelessness calls for enhancing current homeless service capacity as well as developing new programs and initiatives in concert with community and federal partners. This contract will enable VA to engage a community provider to offer homeless Veterans services through residential care. This model will offer services to homeless Veterans under the HCHV Contract Residential Care program enhanced by the services as defined in the Statement of Work. Rapid stabilization of the Veterans’ medical, mental health, substance abuse and other psychosocial problems in order to place Veterans in other appropriate transitional or permanent housing within 60 days, with no more than 180 days, without a planned reason for the extension, is an expected outcome of this Contract.

The contractor shall provide homeless veteran services through a Transitional Housing model of residential care at a facility located within 30 miles of the respective Medical Center. If no facilities are available within this area, consideration will be given to the Contractor whose facility meets all the stated requirements and is closest to the Medical Center. These services are to be provided to homeless Veterans as defined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

The community-based Contractor should have a minimum of 18 months experience as a residential care provider to Veterans or experience with direct service to the homeless, or a combination of the above documented in the proposal.

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, housing, material and supplies necessary to provide emergency residential placement, treatment and supportive services. Services will be provided on-site at the Contractor’s facility, in accordance with all term’s conditions, provisions and requirements listed herein. The prices provided in the Price Schedule shall be inclusive of all “basic services” as may be necessary in the treatment of the Veteran. “Basic services” shall be as defined in the Statement of Work.

An Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract is being used because it is impossible to determine with any certainty the exact amount of services that will be required under this contract.

The period of performance for this contract will be for a Base Year plus up to four (4) one (1) year option periods. It is understood that no obligation will be incurred by the VA except for services rendered under this contract pursuant to referrals issued by the VA Homeless Program Staff for residential treatment for Veterans. This solicitation will be for multiple awards; i.e., one vendor will be selected to receive a contract for each of the VAMC’s listed above. It is possible for multiple vendors to be awarded for the same location based on the vendor’s number of beds available for referred Veterans.

For each Base Period and Option Period thereafter, the Government will use separate task orders for funding purposes only. The Contracting Officer will provide the most current Task order for each period of performance for the estimated amounts according to the terms and conditions of the awarded contract under the Services Schedule. Each Task Order will describe the period that the task order covers. If additional funding is needed, the contractor must contact the Contracting Officer Representative immediately.

The VA shall only pay for eligible veterans (i.e., Veterans whom the respective VA Medical Center refers to the Contractor, or for whom the respective VA Medical Center authorizes the provision of services) as determined by the HCHV program. The Contractor shall not receive payment except when a veteran occupies a bed.

The term “Bed Day(s) of Care” is used to define what the VA will pay for an eligible Veteran’s stay in a HCHV contract shelter bed and supportive services for each day the Veteran resides at the facility and receives services. Unless specifically excluded in this contract, the “Bed Day of Care” rate established will include all services listed in this document and will also include the services or supplies normally provided to other clients by the facility without extra charge. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to have appropriate systems of verification of services in place to justify invoices and payments.

The VA can only pay for eligible Veterans (i.e., Veterans whom VA refers to the Contractor, or for whom VA authorizes the provision of services) as determined by the local VA HCHV Coordinator.

The Contractor may not bill the VA and the VA will not pay for bed days of care that are used by more than one person at a time, such as in shifts. For example, it is not permissible to bill the VA for a bed that was used by an eligible Veteran at night but then given to someone else to sleep in during the day while the eligible Veteran was attending appointments outside of the facility. The Contractor may only bill the VA for bed days of care for authorized Veterans who are actively residing at the facility.

Estimated Quantities - The Government is not obligated to purchase any specified amount of services under this contract but will be obligated to make payment for all services requested and received in the quantities and of the quality requested. The Government does not guarantee or imply that any fixed number of orders/referrals for services will be placed under the resultant contract, beyond that reflected in the guaranteed minimum quantity reflected below.

The total minimum of beds, or guaranteed minimum, for any contract awarded under this solicitation is one (1) BDOC for one (1) veteran for a thirty (30) day period. The maximum total value of the contract per One-year ordering period, shall be as follows:

St. Louis VA Medical Center - The estimated maximum value of services to be provided under this requirement will be fifteen (15) Veterans per year (5,475 BDOC). If multiple contractors, fair opportunity will be given to each awarded contract holder regarding placement of Veterans.

Contractors who submit proposals for multiple locations, will be required to submit separate pricing schedules for each location.

Contractors are required to fill in the number of bed days of care that can be provided on a daily basis in the price schedule.

The prices provided in the Price Schedule below shall be inclusive of all “basic services” as may be necessary in the treatment of the beneficiary. “Basic services” shall be as defined in the Statement of Work.

* Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)

1. PRICE FOR ST. LOUIS VAMC:

Base Period – Dates TBD at time of Award

CLIN Description Estimated Quantity Unit Unit Cost Estimated Total

0001 All deliverables __________ BDOC $________ $________ required by the PWS shall be included in the daily rate.

Option Period One (1) Dates TBD at time of Award

CLIN Description Estimated Quantity Unit Unit Cost Estimated Total

1001 All deliverables and __________ BDOC $________ $________ required by the PWS shall be included in the daily rate.

Option Period Two (2) Dates TBD at time of Award

CLIN Description Estimated Quantity Unit Unit Cost Estimated Total

2001 All deliverables and __________ BDOC $________ $________ required by the PWS shall be included in the daily rate.

Option Period Three (3) Dates TBD at time of Award

CLIN Description Estimated Quantity Unit Unit Cost Estimated Total

3001 All deliverables and __________ BDOC $________ $________ required by the PWS shall be included in the daily rate.

Option Period Four (4) Dates TBD at time of Award

CLIN Description Estimated Quantity Unit Unit Cost Estimated Total

4001 All deliverables and __________ BDOC $________ $________ required by the PWS shall be included in the daily rate.

Estimated Contract Total: $____________

B.5 STATEMENT OF WORK

1. GENERAL: The Department of Veteran Affairs requires Contractors to provide homeless veteran services through a Transitional Housing model of residential care at a facility located within 15 miles of the respective Medical Center below. These services are to be provided to homeless Veterans as defined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Department of Veteran Affairs, St. Louis HealthCare System, located at 915 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63116.

These will be multiple awards, non-personal performance-based services, Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. These services shall not exceed the maximum BDOC authorized at any one location, at any one time. It is understood that no obligation will be incurred by the VA except for services rendered under this contract pursuant to referrals issued by the VA for residential treatment for Veterans. Contractors shall provide services to chronically homeless Veterans as defined within this Statement of Work (SOW). The VA National Center on Homelessness among Veterans will provide ongoing training for program development for both contract providers and VA staff. Contractors will be evaluated by the Veteran’s Healthcare for Homeless Program Manager based on the Center’s established evaluation protocol and program fidelity measures during the course of each performance rating period.

1.1. The goal of the Contracted Emergency Residential Services Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program is to provide housing and case management services to Veterans and facilitate their access to a broad range of medical, mental health, and rehabilitative services. The target population for this HCHV Contract Residential Care is homeless Veterans who have permanent housing goals. Eligibility will be determined by the VA, based on veteran status; meeting the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition of homelessness (see http://www.hudhre.info/hearth/ for additional information); and an assessment by the VA HCHV program resulting in a determination of serious medical, mental health, substance abuse or other serious psychosocial conditions or stressors making the Veteran highly vulnerable with a high likelihood of death due to homelessness.

1.2. Period of Performance: The period of Performance shall be for one (1) Base Year plus up to four (4) one (1) year option periods. Base period will commence on the effective date indicated in block 3 of the SF1449 upon award of the contract.

1.3. Place of Performance: Services shall be provided within a thirty (30) mile radius of the following respective locations:

Department of Veteran Affairs, St. Louis HealthCare System, located at 915 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63116

1.4. Contracts will be awarded to Contractors having an acceptable facility within the respective metropolitan areas. If no facilities are available within these locations, consideration will be given to Contractors whose facility meets all the stated requirements and is closest to each medical center outlined in 1.3.

1.4.1. If for any unforeseen circumstances, services are to be moved to alternate locations - the Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) immediately. Based on the length of time for services being provided at the alternate location, it will be up to the discretion of the Contracting Officer (CO) to determine if a contract modification will be required, which could include a decision to terminate the contract.

1.5. Holidays: Contractors are required to provide services 365 days per year, including all holidays.

1.6. Hours of Operation: The contractor will employ sufficient personnel to carry out the policies, responsibilities, and the program for the facility seven (7) days a week and twenty-four (24) hours daily. See Key Personnel for staffing requirements and shift requirements.

1.7. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW:

1.7.1. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has been providing direct and specialized services for homeless Veterans for nearly 25 years. The Secretary of the VA has set a zero-tolerance policy for homelessness within the Veteran population. As part of the Plan to End Homelessness among Veterans announced in late 2009, the Veterans Health Administration has been increasing both capacity of existing programs and services offered to program participants. The plan calls for utilizing new models of care not previously offered by VA.

1.7.2. The VA’s Plan to End Veteran Homelessness calls for enhancing current homeless service capacity as well as developing new programs and initiatives in concert with community and federal partners. This contract will enable VA to engage a community provider to offer homeless Veterans services through residential care. This model will offer services to homeless Veterans under the HCHV Contract Residential Care program enhanced by the services as defined in the Statement of Work. Rapid stabilization of the Veterans’ medical, mental health, substance abuse and other psychosocial problems in order to place Veterans in other appropriate transitional or permanent housing within 60 days, with no more than 180 days, without a planned reason for the extension, is an expected outcome of this Contract.

1.7.3. The community-based Contractor should have a minimum of 18 months experience as a residential care provider to Veterans or experience with direct service to the homeless, or a combination of the above documented in the proposal.

1.7.4. VA Liaisons to the Contractor will be identified by the homeless program leadership at VA. This individual will act as the clinical liaison for all client related issues between the Contractors and VA by providing clinical oversight. The VA Liaison will not provide direct clinical supervision. The VA Liaison duties will be direct case management with all Veterans in the program. The VA Liaison will also consult with and provide input to the Contractors as needed.

1.7.5. Contractors shall provide all labor, supervision, housing, material and supplies necessary to provide emergency residential placement, treatment and supportive services through the HCHV program CERS Model. Services will be provided on-site at the Contractor’s facility, in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions and requirements listed herein. The prices provided in the Price Schedule shall be inclusive of all “basic services” as may be necessary in the treatment of the Veteran. “Basic services” shall be as defined within this SOW.

2. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE:

2.1. INSPECTION – Contractor facilities, to include associated onsite services, are expected to pass a pre-award inspection, meet NFPA 101 requirements and be fully operational within 30 days of contract award. Failure to meet the 30-day milestone may result in the contract being terminated. If a Contractor has an existing inspection for Safe Haven and or HCHV CERS within twelve months from the date of proposal submission, a copy of the inspection will be provided when submitting a Proposal. A pre-inspection will not be required once verified by the Contracting Officer.

2.1.1. Annual inspections will be conducted by the VA’S multidisciplinary teams from each Medical Center thereafter. This teams will be made up of HCHV clinical staff, VA fire and safety officials, nursing, dietetics, and other staff as deemed necessary for facility inspection. Any items requiring corrective action will be communicated to the Contractor in writing within one (1) week of inspection.

2.1.2. Contractors will demonstrate successful completion of the following tasks, validated by VA inspection, prior to receiving Veteran referrals and invoicing for payment:

2.1.2.1. Site control demonstrated at time of contract award. This may be through ownership or lease. All permits and license will be reviewed. The Contractor is required to ensure that the facility used for this contract meets fire and safety code imposed by the State law, and the Life Safety Code of the National Fire and Protection Association 101. The Department of Veterans Affairs will conduct an inspection that Contractor sites must pass prior to contract award. It is important to note that typically the Life Safety Code is more stringent than local or state codes. No additional funds will be made available for capital improvements under this contract. Applicants also should note that all facilities, unless they are specifically exempted under the Life Safety Code, are required to have an operational sprinkler system.

2.1.2.2. The Contractor is required to ensure the facility used for this contract meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for accessible accommodations for Veterans with physical limitations or impairments. This is also referred to as “Architectural Barriers Act compliant.” At least 5% – 7% of a facility’s HCHV Contract Residential Care beds must meet ADA accessibility requirements, to include entrances/exits, bathroom facilities, and common areas. For example, if a Contractor has 20 beds for the HCHV Contract Residential Care program in the facility, two (2) to four (4) of those beds must be accessible to Veterans with physical limitations or impairments. Veterans must not be segregated from the rest of the facility due to physical disability; they must have full access to the services and supports at the facility.

2.1.2.3. Contractors facility must be licensed as required for the particular setting under State or Federal authority, and must meet all applicable local, state, and/or Federal requirements concerning licensing and health/occupancy codes.

2.1.2.4. Pre-Award Inspection of the facility and on-site services conducted by VA contract inspection team. This team is made up of HCHV clinical staff, VA fire and safety officials, nursing, dietetics, and other staff as deemed necessary for facility inspection. Pre-award inspection will be completed within 30 days of proposal submission. Any items requiring corrective action will be communicated to the Contractor in writing within one (1) week of inspection.

2.1.2.5. Copies of valid licenses must be provided to the VA at the time of pre-inspection and for all annual inspection reviews. Where applicable, the facilities must have a current occupancy permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction.

2.1.2.6. Complete the abatement of all inspection corrective action(s) and pass VA inspection. All inspection deficiencies will be corrected prior contract award.

2.1.2.7. Identify all staff required per the SOW, have them in place and available to provide full range of case management and services to Veterans. Contractors shall have the completed staffing and services and be fully operational within 30 days of contract award.

2.1.2.8. Work will be performed at the Contractor’s facility within the geographic limitations outlined in this SOW. Government furnished workspace will not be provided for this effort. Government furnished property will not be provided to the Contractor for the performance of this contract. All equipment required by the Contractor will provided at the Contractor’s expense. The Contractor will be required to attend meetings and planning sessions with the Healthcare for Homeless Program Manager on a quarterly basis throughout the term of the contract.

2.1.2.9. Contractors shall not commence performance under the contracts until the Contracting Officer (CO) has conducted a kick-off meeting or has advised the Contractor that a kick off meeting is waived. A notice to proceed letter will be provided by the CO once all timelines and requirements have been completed.

3. GUIDELINES FOR SERVICES AND CONTRACTORS WRITTEN POLICIES:

3.1. Contractors shall provide safe environments for all Veterans consistent with the Transitional Housing model of housing and services. Contractors shall have written policies and procedures in place that address the following concerns and situations:

· Medication adherence or compliance.

· Abstinence from alcohol or drugs.

· Management of suspected or known drug or alcohol use or relapse by one or more Veterans and interventions.

· On-site contraband, drug or alcohol related paraphernalia (i.e., found alcohol, drugs, drug “works”, etc.)

· Safe prescription medication storage and handling, including specific provisions for prescribed controlled substances;

· Room inspections, including methods and frequency to be tracked in a log and available for review by VA staff upon request;

· Grievance process to address Veteran complaints with time frames for responses from the Contractor’s program/facility management; and reported to the VA Liaison within 24 hours.

· Client abandonment of belongings in the facility, including time frames and procedures for disposal;

· Process to elicit client satisfaction with the facility and onsite services, including information collection methods and frequency, and process for utilizing the information for continual performance improvement purposes.

· Procedure for medical records request by veteran with a specific statement regarding re-release of information.

3.2 These policies and procedures must be communicated to Veterans both verbally and in writing in a manner that is understandable within 72 business hours of admission to the facility. This communication must be documented in the Veteran’s client record. All updates to any policies and procedures must be reviewed with Veterans within 7 days of revision. This communication must be documented in the Veteran’s client record.

3.3 House rules and expectations should be simple and should focus on safety of the Veterans and staff. The rules should reward positive behavior, be enforceable, relate to the living situation, provide for safety of the Veterans and provide opportunities for engagement. Maintaining housing stability will be the primary goal for each Veteran. To provide for the safety of the Veteran(s), Contractors must have written policies and procedures in place that clearly indicate the following are prohibited:

· Dealing or use of illicit drugs/alcohol at the facility;

· Buying or selling of alcohol or drugs in the facility;

· Sexual activity between Veterans (including kissing and holding hands);

· Violence or threat of violence toward Veterans or facility staff;

· Destruction of facility property;

· Possession of weapons.

3.4 It is required that staff at the facilities stay continuously engaged with the Veterans. Policies and procedures for staff should reflect the following: Regular room checks should occur with a strong focus on maintaining a safe environment that promotes the well-being of all Veterans; Staff is trained in providing respectful responses to infractions of rules.

4 BASIC SERVICES. Contractors shall furnish each Veteran referred for care under this contract the following basic services:

4.1 ROOM AND BOARD: Room and Board to include a bed and other furnishings such as a dresser, storage, and personal linens (towels, pillow, blanket and bed sheets). The bed must be designated for use exclusively by the individual Veteran from the time of admission to the time of discharge. The bed must be situated in a room that affords the Veteran safety, privacy and security. The use of bunkbeds is prohibited due to concern for Veteran safety. Each Veteran must have a safe and secure place to store their belongings that is readily accessible to the Veteran (such as a locking closet, a locking armoire, a locker, etc.).

4.2 MEALS: to include at least three (3) nutritionally adequate meals a day, 7 days a week and availability of nutritious snacks between meals and bedtime for those requiring or desiring additional food, when it is not medically contraindicated. The VA has particular concern for chronically homeless Veterans, many of whom are either undernourished or have developed poor eating habits or both, because of chronic medical, mental health or substance abuse disorders. A VA dietitian may assess printed menus as well as Veterans’ satisfaction with meals and the actual consumption of food offered in determining the Contractor’s success in meeting this requirement during annual facility inspection or at any point during the contract period. The Contractor will provide alternative meals for Veterans with dietary restrictions if medically indicated (e.g. diabetic, renal and soft mechanical diets) and reasonable accommodation for Veterans with cultural/religious preferences around food (e.g. Kosher, Halal, Sikh, etc.)

4.3 LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Contractor shall provide Laundry Facilities and supplies for residents to do laundry. Adequate number of washers and dryers shall be provided to meet the needs of the Veteran’s or utilization of a professional laundry service. If laundry services are offsite, the contractor shall cover any fees and supplies as well as provide adequate transportation to and from laundry facilities to all Veterans. Washers and dryers located on or off site shall be operational and serviceable. Repairs of equipment shall be completed in a reasonable amount of time at the expense of the Contractor. Laundering processes internal or external shall ensure adequate infection disease and exterminate processes needed to kill any bacteria, insects and/or eggs that may exist., with adequate protocol for processing clothing and possessions of new admissions.

4.4 INTERNET AND COMPUTER ACCESS: Internet access shall be available to Veterans residing at the facility. Access shall consist of a service/speed rating of at least 10 Megabytes per Second (Mbps) Download, 1Mbps Upload or better. Wireless or other access shall be provided so that it is possible for three (3) or more users to access internet services simultaneously. Facility shall provide hardware (computer(s), printer, etc.) to be utilized. Veterans enrolled at the local community college or taking online courses, should be given priority of usage. The Contractor will be responsible for establishing hours of usage as well as setting any “parental controls” they deem essential.

4.5 ENVIRONMENT OF CARE SERVICES: Contractors shall provide clean and comfortable environments of care that is structurally sound facility; does not pose any threat to the health and safety of the occupants and protects them from the elements. The facilities entries and exit locations are capable of being utilized without unauthorized use and provide alternate means of egress in case of fire; every room or space will have natural or mechanical ventilation; be free of pollutants in the air at levels that threaten the health of Veterans; provide a water supply free from contamination; has sufficient sanitary facilities in proper operational condition, allowed to be used in privacy, and are adequate for personal cleanliness and the disposal of human waste. Facilities must have adequate heating and or cooling mechanisms that are in proper operating condition; adequate natural or artificial illumination to permit normal indoor activities and to support the health and safety of Veterans; provides sufficient electrical sources to permit use of essential electrical appliance while assuring safety from fire. All housing and equipment will be maintained in a sanitary manner free from pests, insects and vermin and will provide a warm, welcoming, and respectful atmosphere through lighting and décor. Contractors ensures that furniture is well maintained and comfortable. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to maintain a clean and comfortable environment that meets these conditions. For example, the Contractor would be responsible for alleviating a bed bug infestation by hiring an exterminator at its own expense. It is advised that a bed bug protocol be adopted for all new residents of the program.

4.6 ON-SITE OFFICE SPACE FOR VA LIAISON: Contractors shall provide a designated onsite furnished office space to the VA Liaison for each HCHV CERS residence that includes a locked space (file cabinet, desk drawer, etc.) that only the VA Liaison has the key to store personal belongings while on site. The office space must afford the VA Liaison and Veterans privacy and confidentiality when meeting. The VA Liaison is expected to be onsite at the Contractors facility two to five days per week in keeping with VA model development program expectations.

4.7 TRANSPORTATION: Contractors will ensure that transportation is available for Veterans to attend medical/mental health appointments, search for transitional or permanent housing and address other care needs. This can be done through provision of bus passes, utilization of cab services or HCHV facility transportation. If public transportation is not available or appropriate for a Veteran, Contractors shall be responsible for arrangement and payment of any alternative transport as part of the basic services provided. Transportation costs are considered part of the basic services provided.

4.8 OUTREACH: Outreach will be conducted when a Veteran has been reported AWOL and must be documented in the Veteran’s record to be considered for payment to provider during absence.

5 ADDITIONAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS:

5.1 Contractors shall comply with the VA patient’s Bill of Rights as set forth in Section 17.34a, Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations. Contractors are responsible for maintaining Veterans’ privacy and confidentiality and must have systems in place that protect Veteran’s personal identifying information and protected health information. This includes but is not limited to the following:

5.1.1 Having adequate private office space for Veterans to meet in confidence with their case manager; having secured paper and electronic filing systems to protect clients’ case records and other documentation; conducting ongoing training of staff about maintaining client privacy and confidentiality in all verbal and written communications and interactions; ensuring that non-clinical/non-case management facility staff have access to Veteran information only as needed in order to meet the service requirements contained in the contract.

5.1.2 The Contractor shall have the ability to accommodate immediate admissions 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week. These admissions will be coordinated through the local medical center or other hospitals. After-hours admissions will follow the VA’s Standard Operating Procedure, a copy of which is attached to this solicitation regarding after hours admissions. All admissions must have concurrence of VA. If unable to verify during off tour hours, homeless person should be accepted conditionally. Within 48 business hours, VA clinical staff will meet with newly admitted individual and assess for eligibility and safety issues. If glaring safety issues arise before assessment, decision to exit individual based on safety concerns will be deferred to contract agency staff. VA staff have right of approval/disapproval for payment for non-approved admissions and non-verified Veterans.

5.2 CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES: Contractors shall provide, at minimum, the following case management services to Veterans in the program:

5.2.1 Engagement of the Veteran in the service planning process. Contractors will carry responsibility for interviewing, counseling and case managing identified Veterans by conducting psychosocial assessments to identify treatment needs which affect the Veterans’ adjustment to their environment and establish treatment goals. Contractors will utilize counseling strategies to include crisis intervention and case management including both short and long-term services.

5.2.2 Contractors shall assess the psychosocial and environmental needs or dysfunction secondary to or exacerbating the social, substance or psychiatric problems, which might contribute to Veterans’ readjustment challenges in the community. Contractors shall establish and maintain an intensive therapeutic relationship with the Veteran, staff, and community programs/agencies, and is responsible for formulating case-management treatment goals and plans that address identified needs, stressors and problems.

5.2.3 Contractors shall conduct high-risk screening, psychosocial assessment and treatment planning, actively involving the Veteran and their family or significant others, in coordination with the team members. Psychosocial assessments will include goals for clinical treatment. Contractors shall coordinate and document clinical case management and psychosocial services and documents the overall effectiveness of the case management services provided. Specifically, Contractors shall:

5.2.3.1 Develop a highly Individualized Service Plan (ISP) with the Veteran consistent with program goals; the plan must specifically include provisions for Veteran placement into an appropriate permanent housing placement within 60-90 days of admission to the HCHV Contract Residential Care facility with no more than 180 days without a planned reason for extension. The housing placement planning must consider all appropriate and available community-based housing options as well as the Veteran’s preferences regarding location and housing type. The plan should also be focused on getting the Veteran(s) to accept services, especially mental health and substance use services that will allow attainment of permanent housing. Engagement and service delivery should retain the expectation that the Veteran will advance to permanent housing with support, recognizing that it will often be at his or her own pace.

5.2.3.2 Complete a written ISP within the first two (2) weeks of program admission and signed by the Contractor, the Veteran, and the VA Liaison.

5.2.3.3 Review ISP a minimum every thirty (30) days thereafter in a clinical meeting with the Veteran. Updated plans must be promptly communicated to the VA Liaison.

5.2.3.4 Make changes in plans in consultation with the Veteran.

5.2.3.5 Contractor will provide individual case management meetings weekly with the Veteran focused on housing search, stabilization, and coordination of care, and ongoing discharge planning with the Veteran weekly.

5.2.3.6 Screen each Veteran for suicidal and homicidal risk with each contact. This screening must be documented in regular progress notes in the Contractor’s clinical service records. If the Veteran is a danger to him/herself or others Contractor will take immediate steps to provide appropriate intervention. Crisis management will be conducted in consultation and coordination with the VA Liaison.

5.2.3.7 Coordinate with VA Liaison during weekly case conferences regarding updates and changes in Veterans’ care plans to foster a collaborative relationship with the VAMC and Contractor in meeting Veterans’ needs. Case conferencing may be done in person or by telephonic conference calls as determined by VA staff.

5.2.3.8 Obtain relevant Releases of Information to communicate and coordinate Veterans’ treatment with VA and other community-based service providers.

5.2.3.9 Work in close collaboration with the VA Liaison to ensure Veterans’ connections to needed VA medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment and care.

5.2.3.10 Contractors shall take primary responsibility for assisting Veterans in completing housing searches, housing applications and any other benefits paperwork as needed. Contractors shall assist Veterans in obtaining the needed documentation required for complete applications including but not limited to, birth certificates, driver’s license, income verification and any additional information required by housing resources and potential income supports.

5.2.3.11 Contractor will provide referrals to community agencies to assist Veteran in reducing housing barriers (SSVF, Employment Services, Legal Aid, Fiduciary Services, etc.) These referrals must have ROI on file and be documented.

5.2.3.12 Contractors shall accompany Veterans to housing interviews, medical appointments, and other appointments while working with Veterans to foster independence and a sense of self-determination as appropriate. Contractors shall provide transportation for Veterans to attend appointments at the VA, potential housing placements, benefits agencies, meetings with landlords, etc.

5.2.3.13 Contractors shall provide the following onsite therapeutic and rehabilitative services including: Monitoring of medications; Supportive social services, in collaboration with the case managers, VA or other community resources, vocational counseling, in collaboration with the VA Liaison or community resources as appropriate. Support for an alcohol and/or drug-free lifestyle; with urine drug and alcohol screening that is scheduled regularly as well as random of Veteran. Opportunities for learning, and internalizing knowledge of the illness and/or recovery process; improving social skills; and improving personal relationships; and Opportunities for client participation in community activities, volunteer opportunities, local consumer services, etc.

5.3 Incident Reporting: Contractors shall notify VA through the VA Liaison at VA of any negative incident occurring with a Veteran within 12 hours of being informed or made aware of the incident, if not sooner. Contractor will complete a written incident report within 24 hours of notification and provide a copy to VA Liaison within this timeframe. Incidents include but are not limited to:

5.3.1 Death

5.3.2 Fire

5.3.3 Drug/police raid

5.3.4 Suicide/suicide attempt

5.3.5 Homicidal Ideations

5.3.6 911 call (police/fire dept./paramedics/other)

5.3.7 Drug overdose

5.3.8 Severe medical illness / emergency; severe psychiatric illness / emergency

5.3.9 Sexual assault

5.3.10 Act of violence by Veteran against other(s)

5.3.11 Abusive behavior by Veteran against staff

5.3.12 Act of violence by other(s) against Veteran

5.3.13 Abusive behavior by staff against Veteran

5.3.14 Accident

5.3.15 Medication problems or adverse drug reactions; or other untoward events.

5.3.16 Infectious Disease Concerns and any Infestations of rodents/bugs

5.3.17 Observations/Possessions of man-made/commercial weapons

5.4 In the event a Veteran residing in HCHV Contract Residential housing under this contract dies, the Contractor will promptly notify the VA Liaison authorizing admission and immediately assemble, inventory using established protocol, and safeguard the Veteran’s personal effects. The funds, deposits, and effects left by Veterans upon the premises of the facility shall be delivered by the director or manager of the facility to the person or persons entitled thereto under the laws currently governing the facility for making disposition of funds and effects left by Veterans unless the beneficiary died without leaving a will, heirs, or next of kin capable of inheriting. When disposition has been made, the itemized inventory with a notation as to the disposition has been made, will be immediately forwarded to the VA Liaison. Property and funds wherever located vests in and becomes property of the United States in trust. In these cases, the contractor will forward an inventory of any such property and funds in its possession to the appropriate VA office and will hold them (except articles of clothing necessary for proper burial) under safeguard until instructions are received from the VA concerning disposition.

6 KEY PERSONNEL, STAFFING, AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Contractors shall employ sufficient personnel to carry out the policies, responsibilities, and programs of the facility. There must be, as a minimum, at least one (1) administrative staff member or designee of equivalent professional capability, on duty on the premises or residing at the house and available for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Contractors shall assign contract personnel that, by education and training, and when required, certification or licensure, are qualified to provide the services required by this SOW. Contractors must identify each person functioning as “Key Personnel” and provide the VA a description of the services to be provided by such a person, together with a resume summarizing the person’s relevant skills and experience. During the first 90 calendar days of contract performance, Contractors shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. Within 14 calendar days after substitutions necessitated by situations described above, Contractors shall provide copies of the resume(s) for substituted key personnel to ensure that the new employee meets the minimum requirements identified within section 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3. For substitutions proposed by the Contractors after the initial 90 calendar day period, Contractors shall provide resumes for the substitute personnel, together with any other additional information requested by the Contracting Officer at least 15 calendar days before the substitution is to occur to ensure that the key personnel meet the minimum requirements identified within sections 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3.

As a minimum for each geographical area, key personnel shall consist of:

6.1 One (1) full-time supervisor/clinical director with a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related discipline, responsible for the overall functioning of the program including assurance that all policies and procedures are being followed, coordination of weekly staff meetings, management of staff and be available by phone 24 hours daily, seven (7) days a week.

6.2 One (1) Full-time case manager with a minimum of two years providing case management services to the homeless population. Each Case Manager is to carry a maximum caseload of 25 veterans.

6.3 A minimum of one (1) behavioral health technician or certified nursing aide, or certified medication technician/aide will staff the facility at all times. Staff on duty must remain awake and available to interact with veterans during their work tour, whether during the day or at night. Certified nursing aides and certified medication aides may be used in lieu of the behavioral health technician.

6.4 Contractors shall provide an initial organizational chart, identifying personnel, their position, and area(s) of responsibility to the Contracting Officer prior to contract award. Any certifications or licensure required will be made available upon request. The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of required information if the VA refuses to accept only Key Personnel. This is not applicable to any other positions within the Contractor’s staff. The Contractor shall be responsible for updating the organization chart as changes in staff occur. The VA shall be made aware of any Contractor’s personnel if personal or professional conduct, or lack of required skills or experience, jeopardizes Veteran care or interferes with regular and ordinary operation of the facility.

6.5 Contractors shall have a contingency plan to address the replacement or substitution for personnel that leave the Contractor's employment or are unable to provide performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

6.6 Contractor staff must maintain professional boundaries with the Veteran at all times while conveying an attitude of genuine concern and caring.

6.7 Contractors shall not, under no circumstances, engage in sexual activities or sexual contact with Veterans or their family members, whether such contact is consensual or forced. Contractor should under no circumstances take unfair advantage of any professional relationship or exploit Veteran clients or their family members to further their personal, religious, political, or business interests. Contractor staff should not engage in dual or multiple relationships with Veterans or their family members in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the Veteran or Veteran family. Contractor is responsible for taking steps to protect Veterans and their family members and is responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.

6.8 The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of Contractor’s personnel if personal and/or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patients or other staff members to Government representatives. Standards of conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations which can be found on the website at www.opm.gov/feddata. The Contractor and Contracting Officer Representative shall deal with issues raised concerning contract’s personnel’s conduct.

7 ADMISSIONS:

Veterans will be screened and referred to the Contractor by the VA Liaison. Excepting lack of available beds, the Contractor will be expected to provide immediate admission to housing and services to these Veterans 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week. The date of admission must be approved by the VA Liaison for billing purposes. If a Veteran presents at the facility during weekends, after-hours, or a holiday day when the VA Liaison may not be available for immediate approval, the contractor may accept a Veteran pending approval when the VA Liaison becomes available. However, VA staff has the right of approval or disapproval for payment notwithstanding the facility’s acceptance of the Veteran while the Liaison was unavailable.