36C25621R0104_2.docx

36C25621R0104

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

36C25621R0104 06-08-2021 Phyllis Shealey 318-990-4094 06-23-2021

10:00AM

CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (90C) 510 East Stoner Avenue Shreveport LA 71101 X 623110 N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs

WHSE/INSIDE DELIVERY V.A. MEDICAL CENTER

Overton Brooks VA Medical Center 510 East Stoner Avenue Shreveport LA 71101 Department of Veterans Affairs Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (90C) 510 East Stoner Avenue Shreveport LA 71101

FSC e-Invoice Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 invoice must be submitted electronically 1-877-489-6135 Southeast Louisiana Veteran Healthcare Systems has a requirement for three (3) nursing home facilities: One (1) in each parish of Lafourche, St Tammany, and Jefferson.

This is a multiple award solicitation in accordance with

FAR 15.

Please submit questions five (5) days before closing date via email to phyllis.shealey@va.gov. Proposals must be submitted by email NLT date and time in Block 8 of SF1449.

NOTE: See Page 7 for Summary of Schedules.

Page 65 for Addendum to Instructions for Offerors.

Page 66 for Evaluation Criteria and Addendum.

N/A x X x Bennett Smith 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 36C256 Bennett Smith

Department of Veterans Affairs Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (90C) 510 East Stoner Avenue Shreveport LA 71101

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.

FSC e-Invoice Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 invoice must be submitted electronically

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

B.2 RATE DETERMINATION

The per diem rate is established by the current Medicaid rate for Medicaid approved nursing homes plus a fair market amount (percentage) to cover the cost of supplies, services, and equipment above that provided under Medicaid established by the local state Medicaid agency (SMA). Rates established after the effective date of this contract will constitute a modification to the contract.

VA will use Medicaid rates for room, board, and routine nursing care.

For all levels of nursing care a percentage is added for routine ancillary services/supplies, such as drugs, nursing supplies, oxygen (occasional use), x-ray, laboratory, physician visits, and rental equipment.

Special equipment, e.g. clinitron bed, are not considered routine ancillary services (and may be provided by the VA).

Drug costs which comprise more than eight and one-half percent (8.5%) of the per diem rate are generally not considered routine ancillary supplies (and may be provided by the VA).

Rehabilitation therapies will be provided as a distinct level of care. Hospice Care and Dialysis are not included in the rate. VA or other payers may be used for Hospice and Dialysis, as determined by the veteran with VA approval.

B.3 ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

This provision does not apply to ancillary services that may be added or deleted from the agreement.

The per diem rate(s) will apply throughout the term of this contract, including extension period(s). The rate(s) may be adjusted only to reflect a change in a Medicaid rate as authorized by the SMA. Normally, this will be on an annual basis. The negotiated percentage above the Medicaid rate, to cover the all-inclusive nature of the contract, will not be renegotiated; but will be applied and added to the new Medicaid rate for the adjusted per diem rate for each level of care item. This clause does not apply to rates for non-Medicaid nursing homes. In this regard, new rates will be negotiated requiring a modification to the contract. Each per diem price adjustment under this clause is subject to the following limitations:

Any adjustment shall be limited to the effect of increases or decreases in the approved SMA's patient care components within the affected Medicaid groups.

Adjustments will occur no more frequently than those issued by the SMA.

No adjustments will be made until the Contracting Officer receives an SMA authenticated copy of the new rate, signed and dated in a conspicuous area at the top right of the document by the authorized nursing home official. Within ten days after this occurs, the Contracting Officer will execute an approval signature and date at the approximate location of the nursing home official's signature, the action of which will serve as the effective date of the adjusted rate. A copy of the fully executed document will be sent to the nursing home official for record keeping purposes.

B.4 ORAL MEDICATIONS

Oral medications, which comprise more than 8.5% of the per diem rate on a monthly basis, are excluded from that rate. High drug costs will be determined or priced using the Average Wholesale Price (AWP) of the drugs plus a transaction fee of 3% per month. All calculations will be made on a monthly basis. When a high cost drug patient is identified, VA staff must be advised promptly to establish an appropriate course of action, which may include the provision of the medications by VA.

B.5 INVOICES

Invoices shall be submitted promptly to the authorizing facility by the 15th calendar day following the end of the month in which services were rendered. All invoices must include the full name and address of the nursing home and shall reflect the patient's name, social security number, number of days billed, level of care category, and per diem rate. Failure to include this information may result in delayed payments.

B.6 PAYMENTS

Payments made by VA under this contract constitute the total cost of nursing home care. No additional charges will be billed to Medicare Part B, the beneficiary or his/her family, either by the nursing home or any third part furnishing services or supplies required for such care, unless and until specific prior authorization in writing is obtained from the VA facility authorizing placement. The contractor will not solicit contributions, donations, or gifts from patients or family members.

B.7 ACCEPTABLE SAFETY AND SANITATION PRACTICES

Acceptable safety and sanitation practices shall be observed throughout the facility. The building shall conform to the standards of the Life Safety Code (National Fire Protection Association Standard #101) in effect on the date of contract award.

B.8 AUTHORIZATIONS

Authorizations for nursing home care will be accomplished on VA Form 10-7078, Authorization and Invoice for Medical and Hospital Services. Each authorization validity period will be from the initial effective date to disposition. Any extension to the original authorization validity period, regardless of the number of days, requires a new VA Form 10-7078.

B.9 ANCILLARY COSTS

Ancillary costs are pre-approved costs for supplies or services not identified as included in the all-inclusive rate or any other pre- authorized rate or schedule or payment for items or services provided under this agreement. Ancillary costs such as medications, and special equipment, may not be added to any invoice without written permission of the VA medical center placing the veteran. If permission is received, the nursing home must also submit the physician's order for the medication/supply, the dispensing log, the supplier and the cost charged by the supplier to the nursing home, and what the nursing home is charging the VA.

B.10 TERMINATION OF SERVICES

VA reserves the right to remove any or all VA patients from the nursing home at any time, when it is determined to be in the best interest of VA or the patients.

B.11 MINIMUM QUANTITIES

It is impossible to determine the exact or estimated amount which will be expended under this contract. No obligation will be incurred by VA under this contract until authorizations are issued for nursing home care of specific beneficiaries. VA agrees to make payment on a timely basis for services rendered in accordance with such authorizations upon receipt of proper invoices submitted by the nursing home as outlined in Section E of this contract. VA will make payment for the day a recipient enters the facility but not the day the recipient leaves a facility unless entrance and departure are on the same day then payment will be made for one day.

B.12 MEDICARE/MEDICAID STANDARDS

The contractor is required to follow Medicare/Medicaid standards for all VA placements, except Life Safety. Medicare and Medicaid clinical and program standards are found in 42 CFR 483

B.13 EMAILS

Contractors conducting VA business who are assigned VA email accounts will use those accounts to transmit emails that meet the definition of a Federal Record ("record emails"). If a contractor is unable to use the VA email account due to technical constraints, the corporate email account may be used if at least one of the following requirements is met: 1. The record emails contain no Controlled Unclassified Information or other VA sensitive information, or are protected by encryption compliant with the standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 140-2, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules; or 2. The contractor has implemented basic safeguards as outlined in 48 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 52.204-21 and the recommended security requirements in NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Information Systems and Organizations.

B.14 INFLUENZA VACCINATION:

All healthcare personnel are required to receive seasonal influenza vaccination annually or to wear mask throughout the influenza season during performance of contractual duties that put them in contact with patients. Contractor shall provide proof of influenza vaccination for all contractor's physicians if obtained outside VA."

B.15 SUMMARY OF SCHEDULES:

1. The Contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform nursing home services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (OBVAMC), for a multiple award fixed-price five (5) year Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC), with twelve (12) month-ordering periods and Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) from this solicitation. Listed below are ordering periods and catchment areas that may be awarded to a contractor:

a. Lafourche Parish (one (1) facility with four (4) beds):

*Ordering Period One: 01 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

CLIN 0001

Per Diem Rates*

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Ordering Period Two: 01 July 2022 to 30 June 2023

CLIN 0002

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Ordering Period Three: 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

CLIN 0003

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Ordering Period Four: 01 July 2024 to 30 June 2025

CLIN 0004

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Ordering Period Five: 01 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

CLIN 0005

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*NOTE: Ordering periods for twelve (12) months are contingent upon date of award of contract.

Current pricing will also apply to any extension of Services under clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, at the time the clause is exercised. In accordance with FAR 16.504, the guaranteed minimum quantity of services the Government will acquire under this contract is one (1) bed for one (1) Veteran for one (1) night. The maximum quantity of services the Government will acquire under this contract is 10 beds. Per Diem Final Rate is all-inclusive.

b. St. Tammany Parish (one (1) facility with four (4) beds):

*Order Period One: 01 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Order Period Four: 01 July 2024 to 30 June 2025

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Order Period Five: 01 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*NOTE: Ordering periods for twelve (12) months are contingent upon date of award of contract.

Current pricing will also apply to any extension of Services under clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, at the time the clause is exercised. In accordance with FAR 16.504, the guaranteed minimum quantity of services the Government will acquire under this contract is one (1) bed for one (1) Veteran for one (1) night. The maximum quantity of services the Government will acquire under this contract is 10 beds. Per Diem Final Rate is all-inclusive.

c. Jefferson Parish (one (1) facility with four (4) beds):

*Ordering Period One: 01 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Ordering Period Four: 01 July 2024 to 30 June 2025

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*Order Period Five: 01 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

VA Reduced Physical Function, RUG IV: 12 & 13

VA Basic RUG IV: 5,6,9,10,11,14,15 &16

VA Heavy Rehabilitation Therapy RUG IV: 1 & 2

VA Special Care RUG IV: 3 & 4

VA Clinically Complex RUG IV: 7,8

VA Ventilator Dependent

VA HIV/+AIDS

VA Special Bed Dependent

*NOTE: Ordering periods for twelve (12) months are contingent upon date of award of contract. Current pricing will also apply to any extension of Services under clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, at the time the clause is exercised. In accordance with FAR 16.504, the guaranteed minimum quantity of services the Government will acquire under this contract is one (1) bed for one (1) Veteran for one (1) night. The maximum quantity of services the Government will acquire under this contract is 10 beds. Per Diem Final Rate is all-inclusive.

2. For the ordering period(s) the Nursing Home shall submit a copy of the current State Medicaid letter with the new rate if the Contracting Officer is to modify the agreement and provide increase. No adjustments will be made until the Contracting Officer receives an SMA authenticated copy of the new rate letter, to be provided by the facility. Within ten (10) days of receipt, the Contracting Officer will execute a contract modification identifying the new Medicaid rate. The effective date of this modification will be the first day of the month following receipt of the SMA letter by the Contracting Officer.

3. Because pharmaceuticals will be provided by the Southeast Veterans Health Care Systems for those patients that are placed by Southeast Veterans Health Care Systems, the percentage over the basic Medicaid rate will be adjusted accordingly.

4. Southeast Veterans Health Care Systems will provide the pharmaceuticals as prescribed by VA or Fee Basis physicians for those patients placed by Southeast Veterans Health Care Systems. Pharmaceutical will not be provided for those patients placed by OTHER VA Medical Centers. If and when those patients placed by other VA Medical Centers become the responsibility of Southeast Veterans Health Care Systems, pharmaceuticals will be provided by the VA at that time, provided the above conditions have been met.

5. For the purposes of the award of the contracts, the Government intends to evaluate the option to extend services under FAR 52.217-8 as follows: The evaluation will consider the possibility that the option can be exercised at any time, and can be exercised in increments of one to six months, but not for more than a total of six months during the life of the contract. The evaluation will assume that the prices for any option exercised under FAR 52.217-8 will be at the same rates as those in effect under the contract at the time the option is exercised. The evaluation will therefore assume that the addition of the price or prices of any possible extension or extensions under FAR 52.217-8 to the total price for the basic requirement and the total price for the priced options has the same effect on the total price of all proposals relative to each other, and will not affect the ranking of proposals based on price unless, after reviewing the proposals, the Government determines that there is a basis for finding otherwise. This evaluation will not obligate the Government to exercise any option under FAR 52.217-8.

B.16 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. Overview

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) – Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC). In accordance with FAR 16.504, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, this is an IDC, fixed-price for five (5) years, with twelve (12) month-ordering periods. Nursing home care will be furnished to ensure the total medical, nursing, and psychosocial needs of VA beneficiaries in Southeast Louisiana Veteran Health Care Systems (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA catchment areas of St Tammany Parish, Lafourche Parish, and Jefferson Parish for three (3) nursing homes.

2. Services Rendered at VA Per Diem Rates. Upon acceptance of a VA patient by the CNH, if and when requested by the VA Contracting Officer or authorized representative, the Contractor shall furnish all supplies and services herein described, at the per diem rates for the” Levels of Care” specified in the Schedule of Items of this IDC. The VA “Levels of Care” are defined in an attachment in Section D of the solicitation and the IDC. VA is obligated only to the extent authorized placement of patients is made in accordance with this IDC.

3. Ordering. Orders will be issued by Ordering Officers to place Veterans in Nursing Homes, often on a sole source basis using an Exception to Fair Opportunity and utilizing the CPRS system at VA hospital sites (Reference FAR 16.505 (b)(2)(i)(B)). Ordering Officer Contact information is as follows:

Address

Telephone number

E-mail address

Facsimile number

Agency task and delivery order ombudsman (see 16.505(b)(8)) if multiple awards may be made. Task Orders will be issued by the Contracting Officer to fund services provided against the contract. Task Orders will be issued for not more than a 12-month period.

B. Background/Introduction. The Community Nursing Home (CNH) program is a key component of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) continuum of care. The Contractor agrees to provide in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care Services (SLVHCS), in New Orleans, LA at the prices specified in the section titled Schedule of Items of this IDC. Nursing home facilities in the CNH program shall cooperate with VA staff in referral of appropriate veterans for care and accept veterans of which they have the capability/capacity to care. The term, “facilities,” shall include but not be limited to rooms, wards, sections, eating areas, drinking fountains, entrances, and other like areas. VA shall have the right to inspect the CNH and all appurtenances by authorized VA representative(s) to ensure that acceptable standards are maintained and that the necessary care to maintain the well-being of the patient is rendered.

C. Requirements

1. General. Nursing home facilities in the CNH program shall ensure that care meets the health needs and promotes the maximum well-being of VA patients. Nursing home care will be furnished to ensure the total medical, nursing, and psychosocial needs of VA beneficiaries. All nursing home facilities in VA’s CNH program must have current Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) certification (Medicare and/or Medicaid) and a State nursing home license. VA developed quality of care standards utilizing CMS inspection criteria that are followed by VA in its selection of nursing homes which includes exclusionary criteria on which the CNH is evaluated. See VHA Handbook 1143.2, “VHA Community Nursing Home Oversight Procedures (June 4, 2004) a copy of which is available at: http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?pub=2. VA often has a particular need for specialty care services in the CNH program. The VA requires CNHs to have bed capacity to ensure their ability to take referrals when requested. The CNH also must be able to accept VA referrals in a timely fashion (ideally within 24 hours of request). Provider visits will be available at the rate of one (1) visit per month. Laboratory, x-ray, and other special services will be available to VA patients as needed. In addition, the care provided will include room, meals, nursing care, and other services or supplies commensurate with the VA-authorized level of care, without extra charge. Duly authorized representatives of VA will provide quality oversight visits (every 30 to 45 days) to veterans placed to assure continuity of care and to assist in the veterans’ transition back into the community. These visits do not substitute nor relieve the CNH in any way of the responsibility for the daily care and medical treatment of the veteran. The per diem rate(s) established in this IDC will include the cost of primary medical care, one (1) provider visit per month and needed consultation, drugs and routine supplies, laboratory, x-ray, and other special services authorized by VA, unless otherwise specifically excepted (see Schedule of Items in this IDC for details regarding per diem rates and coverage). Full attention shall be given to motivating and educating patients to achieve and maintain independence in the activities of daily living. Every effort shall be made to keep patients ambulatory and to achieve an optimal level of self-care.

2. Termination of Services. VA reserves the right to remove any or all VA patients from the CNH at any time when it is determined to be in the best interest of VA or the patients without additional costs to the Government.

3. VA Authorizations. Authorization for nursing home care will be submitted on VA Form 10-7078, “Authorization and Invoice for Medical and Hospital Services.” Each authorization validity period will be noted on the VA Form 10-7078 with a beginning and end date. Any extension to the original authorization validity period, regardless of the number of days, requires a new VA Form 10-7078.

4. Medicaid-Based Rates. The current State Medicaid rates may be used as a basis for determination of VA rates. The VA rate will include medical care, routine medications, laboratory, x-ray, therapy (ies), and other special services authorized by VA, unless otherwise specifically exempted. VA will contract for appropriate Medicaid categories of care using Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-IV) as a guide. As with Medicare, a description of the RUG-IV systems can be found in 42 CFR Parts 409, et al.

5. Primary Medical Coverage. The assigned CNH provider is the primary medical provider during the nursing home stay and is responsible for writing or approving admission and all other orders as soon as the veteran arrives at the CNH. The CNH provider is responsible for general medical care, urgent evaluation and intervention. Provider visits will be according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines. The assigned nursing home provider will provide timely care following the most current CMS guidelines; arranging 24/7 access for patient care; arranging easy access to VA staff for consultation; providing timely response to calls and arranging for timely provider back-up according to OBRA guidelines (42 CFR 483.40, OBRA Guidelines).

6. Rehabilitation Criteria. All therapy provided under this IDC will be individual therapy, rather than group therapy, unless otherwise ordered by the authorizing VA facility. Therapy may require pre-approval by VA before services are provided. Medical Restorative criteria will be used for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Therapy must be skilled, relate to safety and be restorative according to Medicare criteria.

a. Description of Rehabilitative Therapy. The concept of rehabilitative therapy includes recovery or improvement in function and, when possible, restoration to a previous level of health and well-being. Therefore, evaluation, re-evaluation and assessment documented in the Progress Report should describe objective measurements which, when compared, show improvements in function, or decrease in severity, or justification for an optimistic outlook to justify continued treatment. Covered therapy services shall be rehabilitative therapy services unless they meet the criteria for maintenance therapy requiring the skills of a therapist.

b. Evaluations/re-evaluations should consider the following: Establishment of treatment goals specific to the patient’s disability or dysfunction and designed to specifically address each problem identified in the evaluation; design of a plan of care addressing the patient’s disorder, including establishment of procedures to obtain goals, determining the frequency and intensity of treatment; continued assessment and analysis during implementation of the services at regular intervals; instruction leading to establishment of compensatory skills; selection of devices to replace or augment a function (e.g., for use as an alternative communication system and short-term training on use of the device or system); and patient and family training to augment rehabilitative treatment or establish a maintenance program. Education of staff and family should be ongoing.

7. Emergency Care; Financial Responsibility; Advanced Directives. In emergencies, nursing home staff will utilize the 911 local emergency systems as for any resident. Advance directives or living wills shall be adhered to according to CNH physician’s orders. When private hospitalization or emergency services are required, the patient, spouse, financial guardian or insurer is financially responsible. Service-connected veterans may qualify for VA coverage of emergency care provided the VA Health Care System (VAHCS) is contacted by the private hospital provider within 72-hours of admission on the first business day following a weekend or holiday. This includes the cost of necessary transportation for such care.

8. HIPAA Compliance. HIPAA compliance is required. The Contractor must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the National Standards to Protect the Privacy and Security of Protected Health Information (PHI). As required by HIPAA, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has promulgated rules governing the security and use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor may be required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VA, but VACO has recognized CNH Facilities as an entity that does not require a BAA as long as they are conducting health care on VA’s behalf. The CNH care program qualifies as a medical service, so no BAA is required.

9. State Licensure; Access to CNH Quality of Care Reports (QASP Indicator #1). The CNH must maintain a current and unrestricted state license to operate as a skilled nursing facility. Changes in the status of the licensure will be immediately reported to the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care Service’s (SLVHCS) Contract/Community Nursing Home Program Coordinator at PHONE # 504-507-2000 ext. 67233. VA will monitor the professional care and administrative management of services provided to VA beneficiaries under this IDC, through one or any combination of the following methods: reviews of State agencies reports; on-site inspection of the CNH by VA staff; and/or on-site monitoring of VA patients. The CNH shall provide VA with copies of all State agency reports when requested and cooperate fully with VA’s quality improvement or quality assurance program functions relating to this IDC, including VA’s on-site inspection and monitoring. The VA Contracting Officer shall make all final determinations as to the Contractor’s reasonable cooperation with VA and compliance with these requirements.

10. Corrective Action Plan (QASP Indicator #2). The CNH will cooperate with timely development of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) related to identified deficiencies and related to State, Federal or VA surveys. The CNH will develop in the time period specified by VA timely and appropriate CAPs for VA surveys or investigation of complaints related to quality of care or sentinel events. The CNH will also supply related documents or data as specified by VA. The CAPs will include but are not limited to the following criteria and shall:

a. Contain elements detailing how the CNH will correct the deficiency as it relates to the individual.

b. Indicate how the CNH will act to protect residents in similar situations.

c. Include the measures the CNH will take or systems that will be altered to ensure that the problem will not recur. The CNH must look at the system and determine if a change to the existing system will work, if a new system is necessary, or if a system does not exist and must be developed.

d. Indicate how the CNH plans to monitor performance to make sure that solutions are permanent. The CNH must develop a quality assurance tool for ensuring that correction is achieved and sustained. This tool must be implemented. Failure to implement a quality assurance tool to sustain compliance will reflect that the CNH has an ineffective quality assurance system; and

e. Provide dates when corrective action will be completed.

11. Life Safety Code. The CNH’s building shall conform to the most recent standards of the Life Safety Code (National Fire Protection Association Standard #101) in effect on the date of the IDC award and compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations. The administrator of the CNH is required to notify the VA Contracting Officer in writing at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to any planned facility changes that could impact the Life Safety Code and other safety features of the facility which were in existence at the time this IDC became effective. The VA Contracting Officer will notify the VA Safety Manager responsible for the Life Safety Code inspection of the CNH and he/she will review (inspect the facility if required) the proposed changes and provide necessary approval or disapproval of the CNH to house veterans during and/or after the proposed changes. These changes may include but are not limited to:

a. Interior changes requiring VA approval. Some examples of facility changes that require the VA Contracting Officer notification are as follows: interior finish, corridor partitions/walls, patient room doors, linen or trash chutes, exits, emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, automatic sprinklers, smoke barrier walls or doors, oxygen systems, compressed gas storage, HVAC, electrical and fuel gas systems.

b. Automatic sprinkler system. All VA contracted CNH facilities are to be fully equipped with a fully automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standards and be 100% sprinklered.

c. Natural disasters. In the event of a natural disaster (flood, tornado, etc.), the CNH shall communicate all action plans to VA. The action plans will at a minimum identify temporary transfers of location, dates, and names of veterans transferred; and

d. Major construction; additions; and renovations. Major construction including building additions or other renovations which may affect physical plant integrity; SHALL MEET latest NFPA 101 Life/Safety Code requirements as well as any additional VA CNH construction standards in place at time of renovation or alteration.

12. Acceptable Safety and Sanitation Practices. Acceptable safety and sanitation practices shall be observed throughout the facility. The CNH will address employee and patient safety practices through staff orientation, training and adherence to related policy or procedures to provide a safe and clean environment.

13. Re-admission to the VA Hospital and Emergency Care; Notification of Death of Veterans; CNH Responsibility to Veteran’s Belongings or Personal Effects (QASP Indicator #3). VA beneficiaries who begin to require more than the level of care authorized by VA will be readmitted to an appropriate VA facility, as determined and authorized by VA.

a. When such an admission is not feasible because of the nature of the emergency, hospitalization in a non-Federal facility may be accomplished provided VA authorization is obtained. VA authorization must be obtained within 72-ours of admission of the patient to a non-Federal facility and notice of any veteran death within 24-hours or immediately the first business day after a weekend or holiday. If hospitalization of a non-emergency nature is required, readmission to a VA Medical Center may be accomplished as soon as the patient’s condition is sufficiently stabilized to permit admission to a VA Medical Center.

b. In the event of a death of any veteran, the Contractor agrees to notify VA immediately of the death. In the event a death of a VA beneficiary while receiving nursing home care under this IDC, the CNH will promptly notify the VA facility which authorized admission and immediately assemble, inventory, and safeguard the patient’s personal effects. The funds, deposits, and effects left by the VA patients upon the premises of the CNH shall be delivered by the CNH to the person(s) entitled thereto under the laws currently governing the CNH for making disposition of funds and effects left by patients, unless the beneficiary died without leaving a will, heirs or next of kin capable of inheriting.

c. When disposition has been made, the itemized inventory with annotation as to the disposition of the funds and effects will be immediately forwarded to the VA facility authorizing admission. Should a deceased patient leave no will, heirs, or next of kin, his/her personal property and funds wherever located vests in and becomes the property of the United States in trust. In these cases, the CNH will forward an inventory of any such property and funds in its possession to the VA facility authorizing admission and will hold them (except articles of clothing necessary for proper burial) under safeguard until instructions are received from VA concerning disposition. CMS regulations require retention of records for five (5) years when there is no requirement in State law.

14. Leave of Absence (LOA) – Bed-Hold Statement. For re-hospitalizations or therapeutic passes, VA will pay a bed hold. Therapeutic passes will be authorized by the CNH staff based on individual patient needs but are generally limited to two (2) times per month and should be pre-approved. VA will cover bed holds based on the following plan:

2 days/episode, pre-approved by VA when in the best interest of the Veteran and VA. Exceptions approved at VAMC level.

Bed-hold will begin the date the resident leaves the CNH and full per diem will resume on the date of readmission to the CNH. Absences of fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days or more, whether in a VA or in a non-Federal facility require a new authorization agreement. The nursing home is responsible to notify the family if a bed hold is required for a longer period. The family would then make arrangements with the home to hold the bed.

15. Reportable Events (QASP Indicator #4). VA requires CNHs to report to the CNH Coordinator at VA any of the following events within 24-hours or immediately the first business day after a weekend or holiday:

1. Sentinel events

2. When there is a change of ownership of the CNH.

3. When there is a change of nursing home administrator or Director of Nursing/Director of Nursing Service.

4. Substantiated allegations of mistreatment, neglect, abuse or misappropriation of CNH veterans or property.

5. Elopements of CNH veterans pursuant to state regulations.

6. Infectious outbreaks

7. Resident to resident or resident to staff altercations involving a CNH veteran resulting in any injury that is other than minor.

8. Copies of annual surveys or substantiated complaint investigations conducted by a State oversight agency; and

9. Adverse events. Reporting shall include date of occurrence and patient disposition and outcome.

A sentinel event may include, but is not limited to the following:

1. A fall resulting in death or injury.

2. Elopement resulting in a missing patient.

3. Patient abuse confirmed or under suspicion.

4. A medication error resulting in patient illness or injury.

5. Death or patient injury related to restraint (including side rails) use; or

6. Death related to an unconfirmed or suspicious cause.

When an adverse event occurs involving a CNH Veteran which is not determined to be a Sentinel Event (but that the State requires that the occurrence be reported to the State), such event is also to be reported to VA’s CNH program office. Some adverse events, such as minor medication errors without catastrophic outcomes, are managed by the CNH in the context of their quality improvement programs. It is not necessary for nursing homes to report such incidents to the CNH program office.

16. VA Actions Regarding Serious Quality of Care Deficiencies. In cases of serious deficiencies affecting the health or safety of veterans or in cases of continued uncorrected deficiencies, VA will take one or more of the following actions in accordance with the terms and clauses of the IDC and applicable procurement regulations:

a. Increase VA staffing monitoring until the State survey agency clears the deficiency.

b. Suspend placement of veterans in the CNH.

c. Remove or transfer veterans under the IDC from the subject CNH.

d. Not renew the IDC; and/or

e. Terminate the IDC.

17. VA Staff Access to CNH Records (QASP Indicator #5). All medical records concerning the veteran’s care in the CNH will be readily accessible to VA. Upon discharge or the death of a patient, medical records will be retained by the CNH for a period of at least five (5) years following termination of care. Patient records will be maintained in conformance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). A medical record shall be maintained for each patient, which includes at least the following:

a. VAHCS Referral Package to the CNH:

1. Copy of Physician Orders for Nursing Home Care; CPRS Notes; Discharge Summary including History & Physical information with Medication List; Rehabilitation Progress Notes; and Veteran Demographic Record which includes next of kin information.

2. Copy of Authorization Agreement (VAF 10-7078, attachment D.5).

b. Nursing Home Clinical Record: The CNH must maintain clinical records on each veteran in accordance with accepted professional standards and practice. The clinical record must be: complete, accurately documented, readily accessible, systematically organized, and legible. Clinical records must contain at a minimum:

1. Sufficient information to identify the resident.

2. A record of the veteran’s assessments, including those assessments performed by services under the IDC with the CNH.

3. The plan of care and services including medication administration, provided by CNH staff and services provided under the IDC with the CNH.

4. Interdisciplinary progress notes to include effect of care provided, veterans’ response to treatment, change in condition, and changes in treatment.

5. Medical practitioner orders which are signed and dated.

6. Allergies

7. Person to contact in an emergency situation.

8. Name of attending medical practitioner; and

9. Advanced directives if available.

c. Clinical Record Safeguards: The CNH must safeguard clinical record information against loss, destruction, or unauthorized use. If the CNH maintains a veteran’s record by computer, electronic signatures are acceptable. If attestation is done on computer records, safeguards to prevent unauthorized access and to provide for reconstruction of information must be in place.

18. Specialty Services. The CNH will assume responsibility for arranging specialty care for veterans (e.g., dental care, podiatry and ophthalmology).

19. VA Health Care System Consultation/Resources.

a. Telephone Care Communications Systems (TCCS): For non-urgent scheduled specialty clinic appointments/consultations, call the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care Services (SLVHCS) Medical Center and ask to be transferred to the needed specialty clinic (i.e. cardiology, urology, etc.) at 1-800-935-8387 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. If a same day appointment is anticipated; please call as early as possible.

b. Admissions Conference: For non-emergency consultation or/evaluation for admission to the Overton Brooks VA Health Care System (after initial evaluation or intervention by the nursing home physician),…