36C25621R0176_1 Solicitation NOLA Nurses 30 Dec 21.pdf

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 91

36C25621R0176 12-30-2021

Thomas Kovarovic, Contract Specialist 850-226-1921 01-31-2022

3PM CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

NCO 16

Central Arkansas Veterans HCS

2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 41, Room 200

North Little Rock AR 72114 1706

X 100

X

621399

$8 Million

N/A

X

Department of Veterans Affairs

Southeast Louisiana Veterans HCS

2400 Canal Street

New Orleans LA 70119

NCO 16

Central Arkansas Veterans HCS

2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 41, Room 200

North Little Rock AR 72114 1706

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

See CONTINUATION Page

The contractor will furnish Registered Nurses RN Med/Surg

(Estimated 10 Nurses), RN Specialty and Extended Care (CLC)

(Estimated 20 Nurses), Licensed Practical Nurses (Estimated

6 Nurses), and Certified Nursing Assistants (Estimated 10

CNAs) to include weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights.

Contractor shall furnish services at Southeast Louisiana

Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St.

New Orleans, LA 70119.

This Acquisition will be executed IAW FAR Part 15

Reference Schedule of Services on Page 5.

Proposals are due by 31 January 2022 at 3:00 PM CST.

No late Proposals will be accepted. All questions must be submitted via email to thomas.kovarovic@va.gov No Later than 14 January 2022 at 3pm CST.

See CONTINUATION Page

X 1

Billy Morris

Contracting Officer

36C25621R0176

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT……………………………………………….…9

B.4 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT

2018)

C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.4 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.5 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.6 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (JUN 2016)

C.7 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND

COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018)

C.8 VAAR 852.219-77 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION………….43

C.9 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.10 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUL 2021)

C.11 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

C.12 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUL 2021) 57

E.2 52.212-1 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS…………………………………………………………………………61

E.3 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT 2020)

E.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.6 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.7 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020) . 70

E.8 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.10 ADDENDUM TO 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014).72

E.11 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS (FEB 2021)…………………………………………………………..73

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

NCO 16

Central Arkansas Veterans HCS 2200 Fort Roots Drive, Bldg. 41, Room 200 North Little Rock AR 72114 1706

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

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly 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:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

5. NOTICE TO OFFERORS: This procurement is being conducted in accordance with Federal

Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, and FAR Part 15, Contract by Negotiation.

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care

System (SLVHCS) in New Orleans, LA has a requirement for various Agency Nursing Services to eligible beneficiaries. The Contractor shall provide Registered Nurses, RN Med/Surg

(Estimate 5 Local /5 Travel RNs), RN Specialty and Extended Care (CLC) (Estimate 10 Local

/10 Travel RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (Initial Estimate 6 LPNs), and Certified Nursing

Assistants (Estimate 10 CNAs), to include weekends, holiday, evening, and night hours. Local

RNs will be defined as any RN’s with a residence within a 50 mile radius of The Southeast

Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119 utilizing Google Maps to look up the most direct route to determine the distance. This requirement period of performance is estimated to include an approximate 7-month Base period and four additional 6-month ordering periods for a total of approximately 2.5 years. The Place of

Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care

System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119. The authority for this procurement is FAR Part 12/15. This requirement has a need date of 6 March 2022. The period of performance will run from 6 March 2022 through 30 September 2024.

CONTRACT PERIOD – 6 March 2022 through 30 September 2024 with 6-Month Ordering

Periods funded by Task orders

Ordering Period 1

6 Mar 22 – 30 Sep 22

Line Item

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

EMP

Equivalents

EST.

QUANTITY

UNIT UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL EST.

COST

0001 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) LOCAL

5.00 5,200 HRS

0002 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) TRAVEL

5.00 5,200 HRS

0003 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

LOCAL

10.00 10,400 HRS

0004 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

TRAVEL

10.00 10,400 HRS

0005 Licensed Practical Nurse

6.00 6,240 HRS

0006 Certified Nursing Assistant

10.00 10,400 HRS

TOTAL

AMOUNT

Ordering Period 2

1 Oct 22 – 31 Mar 23

Line Item

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

EMP

Equivalents

EST.

QUANTITY

UNIT UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL EST.

COST

1001 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) LOCAL

5.00 5,200 HRS

1002 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) TRAVEL

5.00 5,200 HRS

1003 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

LOCAL

10.00 10,400 HRS

1004 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

TRAVEL

10.00 10,400 HRS

1005 Licensed Practical Nurse

6.00 6,240 HRS

1006 Certified Nursing Assistant

10.00 10,400 HRS

Period 3

1 Apr 23 – 30 Sep 23

Line Item

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

EMP

Equivalents

EST.

QUANTITY

UNIT UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL EST.

COST

2001 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) LOCAL

5.00 5,200 HRS

2002 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) TRAVEL

5.00 5,200 HRS

2003 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

LOCAL

10.00 10,400 HRS

2004 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

TRAVEL

10.00 10,400 HRS

2005 Licensed Practical Nurse

6.00 6,240 HRS

2006 Certified Nursing Assistant

10.00 10,400 HRS

Period 4

1 Oct 23 – 31 Mar 24

Line Item

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

EMP

Equivalents

EST.

QUANTITY

UNIT UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL EST.

COST

3001 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) LOCAL

5.00 5,200 HRS

3002 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) TRAVEL

5.00 5,200 HRS

3003 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care

10.00 10,400 HRS

ICU/PACU/Emergency)

LOCAL

3004 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

TRAVEL

10.00 10,400 HRS

3005 Licensed Practical Nurse

6.00 6,240 HRS

3006 Certified Nursing Assistant

10.00 10,400 HRS

Period 5

1 Apr 24 – 30 Sep 24

Line Item

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

EMP

Equivalents

EST.

QUANTITY

UNIT UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL EST.

COST

4001 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) LOCAL

5.00 5,200 HRS

4002 Registered Nurse (Med/Surg) TRAVEL

5.00 5,200 HRS

4003 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

LOCAL

10.00 10,400 HRS

4004 Registered Nurse (Specialty Care ICU/PACU/Emergency)

TRAVEL

10.00 10,400 HRS

4005 Licensed Practical Nurse

6.00 6,240 HRS

4006 Certified Nursing Assistant

10.00 10,400 HRS

SUM TOTAL ESTIMATE FOR CONTRACT PERIOD $______________

Estimated Quantities - All quantities listed herein are 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.

In accordance with FAR 16.504, the guaranteed minimum value of services the Government will acquire under the contract is $10,000.00. The maximum value of services the Government will acquire under the contract shall not exceed $40,000,000.00.

Task Orders will be issued by the Contracting Officer to fund services provided against the contract.

Current Pricing will apply to any extension of Services per FAR clause 52.217-8 – Option to

Extend Services.

Overtime rates will be paid at the regular hourly rate proposed from the contractor for the appropriate Line Item when approved.

The Local Registered Nurses (RNs) will be defined as any RN with a residence within a 50-mile radius of The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119 utilizing Google Maps to look up the most direct route to determine the distance. The rate for travel Registered Nurses will be paid if the RN lives more than 50 miles from The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St., New

Orleans, LA 70119 utilizing Google Maps to look up the most direct route to determine the distance.

Invoices shall be in accordance with the price schedule.

For purposes of award of this contract, 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 those rates in effect under the contract each time an option is exercised under this clause. 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.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Agency Nurse Locum Tenens

1. SERVICES: This is a NON_PERSONAL services agreement to supplement staffing levels of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing

Assistants (CNAs) at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS).

Contractors’ personnel shall perform on-site nursing services for varying periods of time and in various areas of the Medical Centers and, based on their qualifications, may be required to work in areas of the highest need on the date of their scheduled shifts, specifically, but not limited to, Med Surg, Specialty, Extended Care (CLC) and Ambulatory Care. The preponderance of need is during weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights. Contractors’ personnel shall be subject to the quality assurance standards established by The Joint Commission and shall perform in accordance with ethical, professional, and technical standards of the healthcare industry consistent with VA policy, regulations, procedures, and protocol.

The parties agree that contract personnel shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and Contractors’ personnel will not perform any supervisory duties during the term of the contract. Only those services specified herein are authorized. Changes to the contract are not authorized unless in writing by the Contracting Officer.

The contractor shall provide a point of contact to which the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR), Associate Director, Patient Care Services (ADPCS) or designee, or Clinical

Administrative Supervisor (House Supervisor) can coordinate and report problems 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. During normal administrative hours, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through

Friday excluding holidays, the contractor shall coordinate and report any problems with the

COR. The contractor shall report any problems that occur outside normal administrative hours to the House Supervisor.

2. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Registered Nurse (RN): The RN will utilize their broad-based clinical knowledge to effectively assess, implement health promotion and prevention interventions, manage acute and chronic illness states, assist patient/residents in the attainment of optimal levels of functioning rehabilitation, evaluate patient/resident response to actual or potential health problems, and provide supportive measures for the dying patient/resident and their significant others. Nursing care is performed in accordance with the Louisiana Registered Nurses Practice Act and within the individual nurse’s scope of license. The VA Nurse Manager(s), or appropriate nursing leadership delegate (i.e. Assistant Nurse Manager), will provide the RN with clinical oversight during their tour of duty. More specific duties and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse are described below and shall be assessed by the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care

System (SLVHCS) VAMC prior to provider acceptance.

(1) Maintain patient/resident confidentiality and a safe patient/resident care environment, including familiarity with requirements such as medication administration, patient/resident/family education, discharge process, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, etc., as defined by The Joint Commission and all other VA regulatory bodies (i.e. Long Term

Care Institute and Office of Inspector General).

(2) Provide patient/resident-centered care by performing the following tasks:

• assess the health care needs of the patient/resident and maintain or develop a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goals

• assess and act on significant changes in the patient’s/resident’s health condition

• carry out the plan of care by performing/assigning delegated tasks

• collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient/resident medical record

• complete nursing assessments within required time frames, and in accordance with policy and procedure.

• identify and act on predictable needs of the patient/resident

• meet the health care needs of patient/resident by assessing and assisting the patient/resident to meet expressed needs

• meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and/or families

• prioritize and complete tasks within the RN’s assigned shift

• update patient/resident care plans

• notify assigned physician of any changes in condition

• report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadership

(3) Perform the following tasks:

• perform head-to-toe assessment

• insert IV lines

• care and management of peripheral and central lines, including PICC lines

• administer medication including IVs

• coordinate and participate in admission and discharge of patient

• measure vital signs, including Pain (the 5th Vital Sign), pulse oximetry, etc.

• perform wound care including dressing changes (sterile and non-sterile), and obtaining wound cultures as necessary

• obtain and deliver specimens to lab

• perform tracheostomy care

• perform non-acute ventilator care, if needed

• perform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy

• perform deep suctioning, which may include obtaining specimens

• assess for and administer tube feedings

• assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation

• educate patients/residents and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administration including indications for the medication.

• respond and assist in an emergency situation

• provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Health Technicians

• One-to-one observation to include Virtual Observation

b. Licensed Practical Nurse: The LPN will utilize their broad-based clinical knowledge to effectively screen, implement health promotion and prevention interventions, manage acute and chronic illness states, assist patients/residents in the attainment of optimal levels of functioning rehabilitation, evaluate patient/resident response to actual or potential health problems, and provide supportive measures for the dying patient/resident and their significant others. Nursing care is performed in accordance with the Louisiana Practical Nurses Practice Act and within the individual nurse’s scope of license. The LPN will work under the guidance of a Registered

Nurse to deliver comprehensive health services to patient/residents. More specific duties and responsibilities of the Licensed Practical Nurse are described below.

(1) Maintain patient/resident confidentiality and a safe patient/resident care environment, including familiarity with requirements such as medication administration, patient/resident/family education, discharge process, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, etc., as defined by The Joint Commission and all other VA regulatory bodies (i.e. Long-Term

Care Institute and Office of Inspector General).

(2) Provide patient/resident-centered care by performing the following tasks:

• evaluate health care needs of the patient/resident and provide to RN to assist with developing a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goals

• notify RN of any significant changes in the patient’s/resident’s health condition

• obtain and deliver urine specimens to the lab

• carry out the plan of care by performing assigned tasks

• collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient/resident medical record

• complete nursing documentation within required time frames

• identify and act on predictable needs of the patient/resident

• meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patient/residents and/or families

• prioritize and complete tasks within the LPN’s assigned shift

• report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadership

(3) Perform the following tasks:

• administer PO, IM, and subcutaneous medications including providing patient education

• administer tube feedings and set up trays

• assist with cares including catheters, condoms, colostomies

• assist with mobility including transfers, transfer devices, and ambulation

• educate patients/residents and/or families on medication administration

• measure vital signs, including Pain the 5th Vital Sign, pulse oximetry, etc.

• measure intake and output for urine and drains

• participate in admission and discharge of patient

• perform wound care including dressing changes and obtaining wound cultures as necessary

• provide comfort measures including repositioning, bathing, activities of daily living, range of motion, and hygiene (shaving, brushing teeth, dressing)

• assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation

• respond and assist in an emergency situation as instructed

c. Certified Nursing Assistant: The Certified Nursing Assistant will help patients by supporting personal hygiene and daily living needs, providing comfort, assisting with ambulation to the bathroom and bathing, and vital sign monitoring. The CNA will work under the guidance of a Licensed Nurse to deliver comprehensive health services to patient/residents.

• Provides patients' personal hygiene by giving bedpans, urinals, baths, backrubs, shampoos, and shaves; assisting with travel to the bathroom; helping with showers and baths.

• Provides for activities of daily living by assisting with serving meals, feeding patients as necessary; ambulating, turning, and positioning patients; providing fresh water and nourishment between meals.

• Provides adjunct care by administering enemas, douches, nonsterile dressings, surgical preps, ice packs, heat treatments, sitz and therapeutic baths, applying restraints.

• Maintains patient stability by checking vital signs and weight; testing urine;

recording and documenting intake and output information on appropriate forms and in the electronic medical record.

• Provides patient comfort by utilizing resources and materials; transporting patients; answering patients' call lights and requests; reporting observations of the patient to nursing supervisor.

• Documents actions by completing forms, reports, logs, and records.

• Maintains work operations by following policies and procedures.

• Protects organization's value by keeping patient information confidential.

• Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and The Joint Commission standards

• One-to-one observation to include Virtual Observation

d. For All Positions:

(1) The contract nursing staff shall complete and document all assessments accurately and within assigned timeframes.

(2) The contract staff assigned shall be physically able to carry out measures under the

“Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB),” which includes prevention techniques, basic self-defense, and the ability to perform a therapeutic containment to provide care in the Acute Medical/Mental Health units.

(3) The contract nursing staff shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner treating patient/residents, visitors, and staff in a courteous manner. Sustained allegations of patient/resident or coworker abuse, both verbally or physically, will result in immediate removal from the SLVHCS VAMC, and will also be reported to the Contracting

Officer. These incidents may result in that contractor employee not being eligible for continued contract performance with the SLVHCS VAMC.

(4) Dress apparel: Contractor personnel shall be required to dress in a professional manner and in accordance with VA Handbook 1850.4 Employee Uniforms. VHA Handbook

1850.04 and local SLVHCS dress code policy will be provided upon award.

ttp://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2460 ttp://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2460

d. Contract RNs and LPNs: Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) with a 100% accuracy rate shall be used in the applicable areas for medication administration. BCMA is designed to provide electronic validation and documentation of medication administration, reduce medication misadventures, provide an online patient/resident medication record, and promote a safer inpatient/resident care environment. Spot check (use random review) of patient/resident charts or review of incident reports will be conducted. If issues are found, remedial training of contractor employee will be given. If remedial training is unsuccessful, the contractor employee may be removed from providing services under the Contract.

3. SCHEDULING: The following entities/positions are authorized by the Contracting

Officer to place requests with the contractor for services required under this contract: ADPCS or designee, Clinical Administrative Nurse (House Supervisor) or COR. The VA shall provide

Contractors with the names, titles and telephone numbers of individuals authorized to request staffing. Contractors’ personnel will be scheduled for shifts (weekend, holiday, evening, night, day, etc.) based on the needs of SLVHCS, providing maximum flexibility to the appropriate VA authority in scheduling. The highest need is WHEN (Weekend, Holiday, Evening, and Nights) hours. It is expected that each individual will commit to a minimum of 36 hours/week for RN and

32 hours/week for LPN and CNA.

SLVHCS does not guarantee a set number of hours for any agency personnel. For RNs scheduling will be available for 12-hour shifts, must be available for a minimum of 36 hours/week) ; for LPN and CNA scheduling will be in 8 hour shifts not less than 32 hour/week.

The VA will not pay for hours not worked. Contractor shall maintain sufficient VA credentialed staff to meet service requests for uncovered shifts. Additionally, there may be opportunities for unscheduled PRN shifts. Contractor shall confirm with VA the ability to meet all scheduled coverage requirements upon award of the contract.

Contract staff are required to schedule a minimum of six (6) shifts per month inclusive of weekday/weekend and at least one (1) holiday from each of the following groups:

Group 1:

• New Year’s Day

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday

• President’s Day

Group 2:

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

Group 3:

• Columbus Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Day

The VA reserves the right to cancel or change any scheduled shift of any contract personnel with at least a two-hour notice to the contractor prior to cancellation of a shift, at no cost to the

VA. If the VA fails to provide two-hour advance notice, the contractor may charge the VA for two

(2) hours from the beginning of the cancelled shift. The VA retains the right to change the scheduled shift and/or work location within SLVHCS, provided the nurse is clinically qualified to work in the area.

Contract nursing staff must contact their agency regarding cancellations, changes in scheduling, etc. The contractor will, in turn, contact the SLVHCS VAMC of employee cancellation and advise the name of the replacement provider. The Contractor will provide notification of cancellations at least two (2) hours prior to the beginning of a scheduled shift. If the Contractor fails to provide required notification and/or provide replacement personnel to perform the services within the time specified in this contract, the Contractor shall, in place of actual damages, pay to the Government liquidated damages in the amount of two (2) hours salary for the particular position. Contractor shall be responsible for any overtime costs to the government to provide coverage for any “no call/no show” shift. A short notice cancellation of less than four hours shall become the vendor’s responsibility to provide a replacement provider. Notification of, or the inability to provide, a replacement provider must be made to the SLVHCS VAMC at least two hours prior to the start of the scheduled shift. Contractor shall be responsible for any overtime costs incurred by the SLVHCS VAMC in providing internal coverage for any short notice cancellation of scheduled vendor shifts.

4. TOUR OF DUTY: The contract resulting from this RFP shall provide maximum flexibility to the VA scheduling authority. SLVHCS VA Medical Center provides nursing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Temporary contract nursing services shall supplement full time SLVHCS

VA staff on an as needed basis as staffing needs arise depending on vacancies, vacations, resignations, and illnesses to ensure required staffing levels are maintained. Notification of required needs may be between 24-48 hours. SLVHCS has a need for a mix of per diem as needed and/or 4-8-week contracts. Temporary coverage includes weekends, federal holidays, days, evenings, or nights tours, and are variable within a 24-hour period. Contractors’ personnel shall be required to work any regular or irregular tour, with 8 hour and 12-hour tours typically being:

8 Hour Tour:

Day 0700 - 1530;

Mid-shift 1100 - 1930 Evening 1500 - 2330;

Night 2300 – 0730; and

12 Hour Tour:

Day 0700-1930;

Mid-shift 1100 – 2330;

Night 1900-0730 (12-hour short shift – 8 hours – 0700-1530; 1500-2330; and 2300-0730).

Select units/areas may have tour starts that vary from these standard times.

Contractors’ personnel must be present at the VA Medical Center during scheduled work hours and actually be performing required services identified herein or the Contractors’ payment will decrease accordingly. Contractor will be notified and required to have back-up plan to provide needed staff in the event of a no-show. A no-show is defined as the contract employee not being in place at the scheduled start time. Contractor will be notified within two (2) hours of the contract employee reporting for duty if their services are not needed due to a decrease in workload.

The scheduling, tracking and compensation of personnel in accordance with State or Federal

Law is the sole responsibility of the Contractor. Overtime may be necessary and is applicable for anything over 40 hours per week worked at the SLVHCS VAMC. Overtime must be pre-approved by the Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, the Associate Nurse Executive

(ANE) or the House Supervisor for the Contract and will not be allowed for contractor staff to complete charting in the medical record. All patient/resident documentation must be completed prior to leaving for the day. Day and evening eight-hour (8) tours include a ½ hour non-paid lunch break as well as all twelve (12) hour shifts. If patient/resident care needs prevent the ability to take a 30-minute lunch, the Nurse Manager or House supervisor must be notified during the said shift to provide coverage or authorize no lunch. Contractor will notify COR or

House Supervisor if staffing needs can only be met through overtime. Hours worked by contractors’ employees at a facility other than those covered by this contract, shall not be included in the calculation for overtime compensation under this contract.

Contractors’ personnel must present a legible “service ticket” to the appropriate VA authority

(Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, Associate Nurse Executive or House Supervisor) for each shift worked, showing the individual’s name, date, work unit and hours worked to include meal breaks. The appropriate authority will initial and retain a copy for verification and payment purposes. Timecards signed by other than those listed above will not be accepted with invoices for payment.

5. BASIC QUALIFICATION/KNOWLEDGE SKILLS: Contractors shall ensure that all contract personnel have met the qualifying criteria outlined in this section. Personnel assigned by the contractors to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current unrestricted license from a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. The qualifications of such personnel shall also be subject to review/approval by the

VA Nurse Executive or designee. Personnel shall be proficient in spoken and written English.

Personnel shall be graduates of a professional, accredited nursing school approved by the appropriate State at the time the program was completed, or in the case of graduates from foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, unrestricted license as described herein will also meet the basic education requirement. proposals that do not contain the required licensing at the time of offers due shall automatically be rendered technically unacceptable and will not be eligible for award.

Individuals will be required to provide and maintain current license, applicable certifications, proof of a negative TB test within the past 12 months, pre-employment drug screening, and BLS certification and ACLS Certification (if required). Contractors will provide proof of updated licenses and certifications to the COR or designated individual prior to being scheduled for

SLVHCS required training. Contractors will also provide proof of updated licenses and certifications to the COR or designated individual as they expire. Contractors will be responsible for completing initial competency evaluations based on VA-provided competency list and will provide completed assessment to COR. Individuals must meet physical requirements to perform a full range of duties without physical restrictions. Personnel must also have a working knowledge and basic skills in the use of personal computers (PC). Contract personnel are required to be credentialed through VetPro.

Evidence of completion of required licensure, credentials, required training, current competencies and initiation of background investigations must be validated for all contractor personnel referred to perform services under this contract prior to providing direct patient care.

Ultimately, the decision to accept or reject contract staff rests with the VA. Contractor shall not have any personnel report to duty until written notification is received from the Contracting

Officer advising that the candidate(s) presented has met all requirements for contract performance.

6. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: This contract requires the services of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants in various areas of the Medical Center. In addition to the basic qualifications mentioned above, each area requires specific knowledge/qualifications, which are identified below. The experience required should be within the past 5 years:

RN (Med/Surg or Extended Care or Ambulatory

Care)

- Current AHA BLS Certification

- Eighteen (18) months recent experience

NA (Med/Surg or Extended Care)

- Current AHA BLS Certification

- One (1) year recent experience

RN (Specialty Care – ICU/PACU/Cath

Lab/Bronch, Emergency Department)

- Current AHA ACLS Certification

- Current AHA BLS Certification

- Two (2) year recent experience in Critical Care Nursing

LPN (Med/Surg or Extended Care)

- Current AHA BLS Certification

- One (1) year recent experience

7. SLVHCS CONDUCTED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: The Government requires that personnel attend the following training classes provided by SLVHCS prior to reporting for duty.

- Nursing Service Basic Orientation (est. 8 hrs.) *

- In-service/validation of competency for specific work area (est. 8 hrs.)

- CPRS (Computerized Patient Record System) (est. 4-8 hrs.)

- BCMA (Bar Code Medication Administration) (est. 4 hrs.)

- All mandatory VA Training Topics

SLVHCS CONDUCTED TRAINING REQUIREMENTS WILL BE AT THE CONTRACTOR’S

EXPENSE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF NURSING SERVICE BASIC ORIENTATION.

*SLVHCS WILL REIMBURSE THE CONTRACTOR FOR THE NURSING SERVICE BASIC

ORIENTATION CLASSES ONLY AT THE RATES SPECIFIED IN THE PURSUANT

CONTRACT. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE ONLY AFTER PERSONNEL HAVE COMPLETED A

MINIMUM OF TWO (2) SHIFTS OF SERVICE AT THE MEDICAL CENTER. FAILURE TO

ATTEND A CLASS DUE TO ILLNESS WILL BE EXCUSED ONLY IF CONTRACTOR

PROVIDES TELEPHONIC NOTICE TO COR OR HOUSE SUPERVISOR 2 HOURS PRIOR TO

CLASS SCHEDULED START TIME. THIS CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE MAXIMUM

FLEXIBILITY TO THE VA AUTHORITY IN SCHEDULING.

a. All personnel performing services must complete a 2-day new employee orientation (on-site at SLVHCS VAMC) prior to beginning work on contract shifts:

b. In addition, licensed nursing staff (RN) will undergo orientation consisting of one, eight-hour shift in each unit area the professional intends to work; up to 32 hours (Medical/Surgical, Specialty Care, Extended Care (CLC), or Emergency Department).

c. Former SLVHCS VAMC employees who have separated from the facility within the previous

6 months will not be required to complete the orientation process prior to being eligible for scheduled shifts.

8. CONTRACTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY: The contractors shall designate a Point of

Contact (POC) who shall be responsible for overall performance of the work under this contract and shall have full authority to act for the Contractors on all matters relating to daily operation.

The POC’s name and contact information shall be provided to both the Contracting Officer and the COR. The POC or designated alternate shall respond to calls from the COR or House

Supervisor within thirty (30) minutes on a twenty-four (24) hour a day, seven (7) days a week basis for calls concerning personnel staffing problems or other issues requiring immediate attention.

Vendor will have 100% of the required staff credentialed and available to begin work within 30 days of the contract award date.

Contractors shall provide scheduled services throughout the agreement period. In the event of the absence of Contractors’ personnel for any reason, the Contractors shall bear the responsibility of providing replacement personnel to fulfill the requirement. During normal administrative hours, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday excluding holidays, the contractors shall coordinate and report any problems with the COR. The Contractors shall report any problems that occur outside normal administrative hours to the House Supervisor. The

Contractors shall, in writing, keep the Contracting Officer informed of any unusual circumstances in conjunction with the contract.

The Contractors shall assume full responsibility for the protection of its personnel furnishing services under this contract. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractors shall provide the following to their employees: Worker’s Compensation, Professional Liability Insurance, Health

Examinations, Income Tax Withholdings, Social Security Payments and Pre-employment Drug

Testing. Payments for any leave (sick, holiday, vacation, etc.) are considered the sole responsibility of the Contractors. The Contractors shall comply with all existing local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to fringe benefits and premium pay for their employees.

Contractors’ personnel shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

The Contractors shall be responsible for providing the following to SLVHCS: immediate notification of any pending or previous actions filed against an individual with the State Board, inquiry to the National Practitioner Data Bank, and the VA required Background Investigations

(See #17). The contractors are responsible for providing to SLVHCS the information for agency nurse 6-part folders that will include an Annual Appraisal form from the Contractors, licensure verification, proof of negative Tuberculosis (TB) and pre-employment drug screen within the past 12 months, current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS), current AHA Advanced Cardiovascular

Life Support (ACLS) if appropriate, initial competency/skills checklist assessment, and training/education information.

The Contractors shall ensure the agency nurse completes the following education courses, “TMS Privacy and HIPPA Focused Training” and “VA Privacy and Information Security

Awareness and Rules of Behavior”.

The Contractors shall ensure the agency nurse completes the following online documents, eQUIP, Credentialing & Privileging worksheet, and VETPro.

All contractor employees shall be held to the same performance and conduct standards as

SLVHCS employees. Agency nurses shall demonstrate proficiency in all elements of nursing process, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation for the appropriate Criteria

Based Functional Statement.

The staffing needs of SLVHCS are estimated to fall within the ranges below:

RN (Specialty Care)

- Eight (8) 7am – 7pm

- Twelve (12) 7pm - 7am

To include Weekend and holiday

RN (Med/Surg, Extended Care, Ambulatory Care)

- Four (4) 7am – 7pm

- Six (6) 7pm - 7am

To include Weekend and holiday

CNA (Extended Care, Med/surg and/or

Specialty)

- Two (2) 7am – 3pm

- Four (4) 3pm – 11am

- Four (4) 11pm – 7:30am

To include Weekend and holiday

LPN (Med/Surg Extended Care)

- Two (2) 7am – 3:30pm

- Two (2) 3pm – 11:30pm

- Two (2) 11pm - 7:30am

To include Weekend and holiday

9. TERM OF THE CONTRACT: The performance period will be for 6 months from the award of the contract with four 6-month Ordering Periods that will be funded by task orders.

10. FEDERAL HOLIDAYS: The eleven (11) holidays observed by the Federal Government are:

• New Year’s Day,

• Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday,

• President’s Day,

• Memorial Day,

• Juneteenth,

• Independence Day,

• Labor Day,

• Columbus Day,

• Veterans Day,

• Thanksgiving Day,

• Christmas Day, and any other day designated by the President as a National Holiday.

An administrative closure of Federal offices by Executive Order is not a Federal holiday for the purpose of holiday pay. Contractor will receive holiday pay for work performed only on the official holiday as designated by the Office of Personnel Management

(OPM).

Please see Section 3 Scheduling for requirements to schedule on holidays.

11. CONTRACT MONITORING PROCEDURES: The Contracting Officer will appoint a

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to assist with monitoring compliance with technical requirements of the contract. The Contractors will be provided with a copy of the COR’s authority and limitation of authority.

The COR will be responsible for handling service-related documentation such as time and attendance logs, sign in/sign out sheets and service tickets that verify services called for under the contract have been received by SLVHCS. The COR shall ensure that proper invoices are certified for payment in a timely fashion.

COR will notify the Contracting Officer (CO) of any contract non-compliance immediately upon gaining knowledge of any such incident. The COR will use the Contract Discrepancy Report

(CDR) form to document any problems that may arise during the term of the contract. The CDR along with any other backup documentation will be forwarded to the CO. The CO will then notify the contractor. Further, the COR will maintain copies of all the above-mentioned documents.

The COR cannot make changes to the agreement, direct Contractors’ work, or obligate the

Government in any way.

12. CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

a. Under the performance of this contract, a Government employee who is employed by the

Contractor is prohibited from participating personally and substantially on behalf of the

Government through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, rendering of advice, certifying for payment or otherwise in that contract. No VA employee who is an employee, director, or trustee of an affiliated university or who has a financial interest in the contract may lawfully participate in a VA contract or any other Government contract with the contractor.

b. In relation to the contract monitoring procedures a Government employee who is also employed by the contractor may not certify bills for payment. An employee who is not an employee, officer, director, or trustee of the contractor and who does not have a financial interest in the contract shall perform this duty. The agency grants the VA the right to hire agency staff with a 30-day notice and at no additional fee. Contract personnel cannot work for the VA under the Fee Basis Program and through the Agency.

13. LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor will be required to carry the following types and amount of insurance through the contract period:

• Worker’s Compensation and Employers Liability $100,000 per person

• General Liability $500,000 per occurrence

• Automobile Liability $250,000 per person

• Bodily Injury $500,000 per occurrence

• Property Damage $100,000 per occurrence

14. BADGES AND PARKING: All contractor personnel must by sponsored by an official

VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) sponsor (HR Representative, Contracting Officer

Representative, or Program Director) to be issued a VA PIV credential for access to the VA network. All contractor personnel are required to wear their PIV card during the entire time they are on the VA grounds.

Contractor personnel are responsible for parking in appropriately designated parking areas and must use their PIV card for access into the parking lot/garage. Parking information is available from the SLVHCS Police. SLVHCS will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations issued to Contractor’s personnel under any circumstances.

15. PAYMENT: Payment will be made for actual hours worked and at the rates shown in

“Schedule of Services”. A Contract employee must be present at the VA facility and must be performing the services required of an RN/LPN/CNA to be eligible for payment. A record keeping system of Contract hours worked shall be established which shall include at a minimum sign-in/out sheets. Failure to sign-in, sign-out and provide signed service tickets shall result in nonpayment for those hours claimed. The Contractor will not be paid for any overtime not approved in advance by the Contracting Officer. Contract personnel must present a “service ticket” to the appropriate VA authority (Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, Associate

Nurse Executive or House Supervisor) for each tour of duty showing the individual name, date, work unit and hours worked including meal breaks. The appropriate supervisor will sign and retain a copy for verification and payment purposes.

Accurate invoices shall be submitted monthly, in arrears, to the Financial Service center. 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

Invoices must be itemized to include the following information:

Time period being invoiced Description of services Unit cost billed Extended amount due Invoice number, date and Order and obligation numbers.

Payment shall be made after the COR certifies that services identified within the billing period have been performed.

16. PROCEDURES FOR OIM/COMPUTER ACCESS:

Access requirements to VA information systems by Contract personnel shall meet or exceed those requirements established for personnel as described in VHA Directives. A written and signed request for user access by VHA Management, or designee(s), constitutes management approval (sponsorship) to initiate a request for access to any sensitive automated information system. Access shall be granted to non-VA users only if the purpose for access meets criteria of the Privacy Act and VA Confidentiality regulations and transfer. To obtain access, the contractor must submit a written request with an original signature to VA Nursing Service Office fourteen

(14) days prior to the orientation assignment. SLVHCS will provide the VA form, ADP Security

Notice & Request for Access. Contract personnel must complete VetPro process, be fingerprinted, and Background Investigation forms submitted as part of the Background

Investigation requirement.

Contract personnel will be required to sign-on before starting work under this contract and abide by the VA Computer Access Security Agreement and Confidentiality Agreement.

In the performance of official duties, the Contract personnel has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive information, which must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPAA, and other applicable laws and regulations.