36C25523Q0209_1.docx

36C25523Q0209

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1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE

DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a.

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE

ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26.

TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212

-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNAT

URE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C25523Q0209 05-26-2023 Owen, Maria Riza R.

913-946-1122 06-26-2023 4:30pm

CDT

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway Leavenworth, KS 66048

X 623220 19m N/A X

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 3450 S 4th Street Trafficway Leavenworth KS 66048

36C255 Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp Austin TX 877-353-9791 512-460-5429 Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Services Low Demand Safe Haven (LDSH) To provide HCHV/LDSH Services described in the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). The period of performance is one (1) base year with four (4) one-year option periods.

This is a firm-fixed price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Solicitation.

Services are being solicited for the Leavenworth VA Medical Center.

X X Paula J. Galvin

VA-RPOC-2021-10

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 Department of Veterans Affairs 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.

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

36C25523Q0209

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B. 2 PRICE SCHEDULE

a. In accordance with FAR 16.504 (a)(4) this shall be an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) fixed price contract. The period of performance for this contract will be for a Base Year plus four (4) Option Years. 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. This contract will serve up to 11 chronically street homeless Veterans in need of immediate placement in a safe environment with onsite supportive services. The minimum value of services and maximum value of services to be provided under this contract during each contract year are as follows. Note – minimum value of services is only applicable to option years if the VA, in its sole discretion, elects to exercise the option for that performance period.

b. Contract Minimum and Maximum: In accordance with FAR Clause 52.216-22, Indefinite Quantity, as prescribed in FAR 16.506 (e), the overall guaranteed minimum amount established is $500.00 and the overall maximum amount for this contract is $4,000,000.00. The $500.00 minimum is only applicable in the fiscal year of the base award. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount.

Base Period: September 28, 2023 through September 27, 2024

LIN*

DESCRIPTION:

* Contract Line Item Number

Option Period 1: September 28, 2024 through September 27, 2025

LIN

DESCRIPTION:

Option Period 2: September 28, 2025 through September 27, 2026

LIN

DESCRIPTION:

Option Period 3: September 28, 2026 through September 27, 2027

LIN

DESCRIPTION:

Option Period 4: September 28, 2027 through September 27, 2028

LIN

DESCRIPTION:

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B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. The Department of Veteran Affairs, Eastern Kansas Health Care Center, Leavenworth VA Medical Center, hereafter referred to as VA is located at 4104 S. 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kansas, 66048 to provide homeless veteran services through a “Safe Haven” model of residential care at a facility located within 15 miles of the above Medical Center. These services, not to exceed 11 Veterans at any one time, are to be provided to chronically homeless Veterans as defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The VA National Center on Homelessness among Veterans (“the Center”) will provide ongoing training for program development for both contract providers and VA staff. Contractor will be evaluated based on the Center’s established evaluation protocol and program fidelity measures.

The goal of the Safe Haven 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 utilizing Safe Haven “low demand” model guidelines. The target population for this HCHV Contract Residential Care Safe Haven is chronically homeless, chronically mentally ill Veterans, Veterans with chronic substance abuse disorders and complex needs. 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. This is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the period September 28, 2023 to September 27, 2024, and up to four (4) 12-month options, in accordance with FAR 16.5.

2. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW:

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.

Recent national trends in service provision for the homeless outside of the VA system include the utilization of Safe Havens as an alternative to shelter care or as a placement after unsuccessful discharge from an inpatient or residential treatment program due to relapse-related issues. A Safe Haven is a form of supportive housing that serves hard-to-reach homeless persons with severe mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. It is a “low demand” model of service delivery that allows clients to engage in treatment and services at their own pace.

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 a “Safe Haven” model of residential care. This model will offer services, not to exceed 11 Veterans at any one time, to chronically homeless Veterans under the HCHV Contract Residential Care program enhanced by the services as defined in the PWS. 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 to 90 days, with no more than 180 days, without a planned reason for the extension, is an expected outcome of this Contract.

The community-based Contractor should have a minimum of 18 months experience as a Safe Haven provider or 18 months experience with other low demand models or experience with direct service to the homeless, or a combination of the above documented in his proposal.

This contract will be awarded to a Contractor having an acceptable facility within 15 miles of the VA 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. A VA Liaison 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 Contractor 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 Contractor as needed.

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, housing, material and supplies necessary to provide emergency residential placement, treatment, and supportive services through the HCHV program Safe Haven 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 in the Statement of Work.

3. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE: The contract facility and associated onsite services are expected to pass inspection and become fully operational within 30 days from the date of contract award. Failure to meet the 30-day milestone may result in the contract being terminated. The Contractor will demonstrate successful completion of the following tasks, validated by VA inspection, prior to receiving Veteran referrals and invoicing for payment:

a. 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. 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. VA will conduct an inspection that Contractor sites must pass prior to contract award. 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. Contractor facility must be licensed as required for the setting under State or Federal authority, and must meet all applicable local, state, and/or Federal requirements concerning licensing and health/occupancy codes. 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 facility must have a current occupancy permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction. Safe Haven housing and supportive services for female Veterans under this contract are required to ensure the safety and privacy of these Veterans. Men and women must have separate bathroom facilities. The facility must have female residential rooms or sections that are securely segregated or restricted from men to ensure safety and privacy. If the facility cannot accommodate both male and female Veterans at one location, the provider must make available equivalent facilities and services for the opposite gender that meet the terms of the contract for facilities and services.

b. 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.

c. Complete the abatement of all inspection corrective action(s) and pass VA inspection. To be completed within 30 days of pre-award inspection.

d. Identify all staff required per the PWS, have them in place and available to provide full range of case management and services to Veterans. To be completed within 30 days of contract award.

e. Work will be performed at the Contractor’s facility within the geographic limitations outlined above. Government furnished workspace will not be provided for this effort. Government furnished property will not be provided to the Contractor. All equipment required by the Contractor will provided at their expense. The Contractor will be required to attend frequent meetings and planning sessions at VA throughout the term of the contract.

f. The Contractor shall not commence performance under this contract until the Contracting Officer has conducted a kickoff meeting or has advised the Contractor that a kick off meeting is waived.

4. GUIDELINES FOR SERVICES:

a. Annual HCHV Re-Inspections: Annual re-inspections must occur for each HCHV CRS program. When annual inspections are not possible, a minimum of four unannounced site visits are required. Annual re-inspections should be unannounced whenever possible. For any deficiency that is noted during inspections, plans of correction with timeframes to correct the deficiency must be submitted by the Contractor within 15 days of notification.

(1) When an unannounced inspection is not possible due to privacy or other concerns, the HCHV CRS Liaison must still ensure that at a minimum four unannounced site visits are made annually. These unannounced site visits must include:

(2) A visual safety and sanitation inspection of the facility including meal preparation areas, fire exits, sleeping areas and medication storage. Any safety or sanitation deficiency must be addressed immediately. The Nutrition and Food Service checklist is at D.6 HCHV CRS Inspection Form Nutrition.

(3) Review of the contract provider’s emergency and disaster plans to ensure they are up to date, and that staff are trained in the procedures outlined in the plans.

(4) An audit of Veteran’s clinical records selected randomly to ensure documentation of case management services and that other services are being provided as required by the contract terms.

(5) Review of any Veteran complaints to ensure that these have been resolved in a fair, impartial, and consistent manner.

(6) The results of the unannounced site visits are to be documented and shared with the COR and Contracting Officer (CO). The report and any issues that were found along with the resolution must be kept in the COR Administrative File for that program.

b. Cursory Environment Review:

(1) When VA medical facility staff is at a HCHV CRS site, a cursory environmental review must be conducted using D.7 Quarterly Environmental Review.

(2) If a hazardous condition or deficiency is noted, the HCHV CRS Liaison or other VA medical facility staff must act to ensure that immediate appropriate actions are taken by the HCHV CRS provider to ensure the safety and well-being of the Veterans and then make appropriate notification to VA medical facility staff to include the CO and COR for inspection, guidance, and follow-up.

(3) Any hazards or deficiencies noted must be documented in the COR Administrative File for that HCHV CRS program along with the resolution.

c. The Contractor must provide a safe environment for all Veterans consistent with the Safe Haven model of housing and services. The Contractor will offer a low-demand environment with a minimum set of rules designed to re-establish trust in the chronically homeless Veteran and engage the Veteran in needed treatment services. Contractor must have written policies and procedures in place that address the following concerns and situations:

· Acceptance of treatment cannot be a condition of admission or continued stay.

· Medication adherence or compliance cannot be a condition of admission or continued stay.

· Abstinence from alcohol or drugs cannot be a condition of admission or continued stay; Infractions of rules should be used as opportunities for engagement.

· Management of suspected or known drug or alcohol use or relapse by one or more Veterans and interventions based on the Safe Haven model including Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction.

· On-site contraband, weapons, drug or alcohol related paraphernalia (i.e., found alcohol, drugs, drug “works”, etc.) and utilize interventions based on the Harm Reduction model.

· 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 Contractor providing a response to the complaint to the VA within 3 business days.

· 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; and

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

· 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.

f. Although rules must be kept simple and demands on the Veterans low, it is required that staff at the facility 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 flexible, respectful responses to infractions of rules; Homeless Veterans will not be discharged for drinking or use of drugs off property, non-compliance with prescribed medication or infractions of house rules that do not constitute a risk to their personal safety or the safety of the facility Veterans or staff; and assertive engagement by the staff with patients regarding these problems is the preferred course of action to deal with these common problems of the Safe Haven facility.

g. The Contractor must communicate policies and procedures to Veterans both verbally and in writing in a manner that is understandable to each Veteran upon admission to the facility, in the form of a written Veteran handbook that is verbally reviewed by the assigned case manager with the Veteran. All updates to any policies and procedures must be reviewed with Veterans with 7 days of revision. This communication must be documented in the Veteran’s client record.

h. Emergency and Disaster Plans: All HCHV CRS programs have emergency and disaster plans with written protocols that are posted to guide staff response to crises including, but not limited to, manmade and natural disasters, episodes of infectious diseases, physical injury, program participants suicide or suicide attempts, overdoses, and domestic or other violence. All contractor’s staff are trained on emergency procedures and protocols.

g. TRANSPORTATION: The Contractor 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. The Contractor shall assist the Veterans with local transportation through the provision of bus passes, utilization of cab services or use of Contractor transportation. If VA staff determines that adequate public transportation is not available or appropriate for a Veteran, the Contractor shall coordinate with the HCHV Coordinator or their designated representative to arrange for alternative transportation. Transportation may include but is not limited to VA transportation services and RideShare programs if available. If public transportation and alternate VA provided services are not available or appropriate, the Contractor is responsible for transportation.

h. OUTREACH: Outreach will be conducted by the Safe Haven provider and VA homeless outreach staff in conjunction with street outreach teams within VA catchment area. Outreach by the provider should be conducted collaboratively with HCHV staff and will target chronically homeless Veterans who have difficulty accepting housing and services from traditional programs. Homeless Veterans with severe mental illness and persistent substance use problems that have not responded to traditional programs and meet the definition of a chronically homeless person are a primary target. For this program, we will use the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s working definition of a chronically homeless person, as one who “in general, is an unaccompanied disabled individual who was been continuously homeless for over one year”. Engagement with the Veteran should be goal-directed with consistent staff geared toward building trust and getting the Veteran to accept and remain in the Safe Haven residence. Evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing Harm Reduction and critical time intervention, should be utilized.

6. ADDITIONAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS:

a. The Contractor shall comply with the VA patient’s Bill of Rights as set forth in Section 17.34a, Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations. The Contractor is 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: 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.

b. The Safe Haven Contractor shall have the ability to accommodate immediate admissions 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week. 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.

c. Case Management Services: The Contractor shall provide, at minimum, the following case management services to Veterans in the program:

(1) Engagement of the Veteran in the service planning process. Contractor 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. Contractor will utilize counseling strategies to include crisis intervention and case management including both short and long-term services.

(2) Contractor will 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. Contractor establishes and maintains 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.

(3) Contractor will 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. Contractor coordinates and documents clinical case management and psychosocial services and documents the overall effectiveness of the case management services provided. Specifically, Contractor will:

(4) Develop a highly Individualized Service Plan (ISP) with the Veteran consistent with low demand program goals; the plan must specifically include provisions for Veteran placement into an appropriate transitional or 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 take into account 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 transitional or permanent housing. Acceptance of the services offered should not be a condition of continued stay in Safe Haven. However, 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) Complete a written ISP within the first two (2) weeks of program admission and signed by the Contractor, the Veteran, and the VA Liaison.

(8) 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. Contractor will notify the VA same day or next business day (if after hours) of any Veteran suicidal or homicidal risk.

(9) 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.

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

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

(12) Contractor will take primary responsibility for assisting Veterans in completing housing applications and other benefits paperwork as needed. Contractor will 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.

(13) Contractor will 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. Contractor will provide transportation for Veterans to attend appointments at the VA, potential housing placements, benefits agencies, meetings with landlords, etc.

(14) The Contractor will provide the following onsite therapeutic and rehabilitative services including: Daily structured groups and activities to promote social skills building and healthy lifestyles; groups will be offered but are not mandatory; Health and personal hygiene maintenance; Monitoring of medications; Supportive social services, in collaboration with the case managers, VA or other community resources; Professional counseling as required, including emphasis on self-care skills, adaptive coping skills, vocational counseling, in collaboration with the VA Liaison or community resources as appropriate; Opportunities for immediate learning and/or development of responsible living with a goal of achieving a more adaptive level of psychosocial functioning; Support for an alcohol and/or drug-free lifestyle; 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.

(15) The Contractor shall adapt therapeutic and rehabilitative services to include onsite, VA, or community service and will provide transportation for Veterans to receive services such as: structured groups and activities to promote social skills building and healthy lifestyles. Groups may include emphasis on self-care skills, adaptive coping skills, vocational counseling, in collaboration with the VA Liaison or community resources as appropriate to support the goal of obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.

d. Contractor will notify VA through the VA Liaison at VA of any critical incident occurring with a Veteran within 24 hours of being informed or made aware of the incident, if not sooner. Contractor will complete a written incident report within 48 hours of notification. Incidents include but are not limited to: death; fire; drug/police raid; suicide/suicide attempt; 911 call (police/fire dept./paramedics/other); drug overdose; severe medical illness / emergency; severe psychiatric illness / emergency; sexual assault; act of violence or abusive behavior by Veteran against other(s); abusive behavior by Veteran against staff; act of violence or abusive behavior by other(s) against Veteran; abusive behavior by staff against Veteran; falls, accident; medication problems or adverse drug reactions; or other untoward events. See Attachment D.8 Incident Report Form.

e. In the event a Veteran residing in HCHV Contract Residential Care Safe Haven 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, they 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 facility 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.

7. STAFFING AND TRAINING: The Contractor 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. The Contractor shall assign to this contract personnel that, by education and training, and when required, certification or licensure, are qualified to provide the services required by this PWS. The Contractor must identify each person functioning as “Key Personnel” under this contract 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, the Contractor 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, the Contractor shall provide resumes for the substitute key personnel. For substitutions proposed by the Contractor after the initial 90 calendar day period, the Contractor 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. As a minimum:

a. 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 Safe Haven provider staff and be available by phone 24 hours daily, seven (7) days a week.

b. One (1) Full-time case manager with a minimum of a bachelor level education in social work or other human services related field to carry a maximum caseload of 11 veterans each. Those with certifications in substance use disorders should be given preference.

c. One (1) full-time licensed practical nurse (LPN) or equivalent to manage medication flow charts and medication reconciliation. LPN will be responsible for all medication management duties of the veteran(s). Medications may be dispensed by licensed certified medication aides.

d. 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 a behavioral health technician, but there should always be one (1) staff member, as a minimum, on duty at any time.