S02 36C25622R0001_1.docx

36C25622R0001

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

36C25622R0001 Thomas Kovarovic/Contract Specialist 850-226-1921 11-18-2021

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 X 621111 $12 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Care Syst. of the Ozarks 1100 N. College Ave Fayetteville AR 72703 Department of Veterans Affairs

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 Contractor shall provide Board Certified or eligible Pathology Services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, 1100 N. College Ave., Fayetteville AR 72703 Reference Schedule of Services on page 5.

Proposals are due by 18 November 2021 at 3:00 PM CST. No late Proposals will be accepted. All questions must be submitted via email to thomas.kovarovic@va.gov NLT 4 November 2021.

See CONTINUATION Page X Billy Morris Contracting Officer Table of Contents

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE…………………………………………………………………………5

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT….……………………………………………..11

C.6 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)….48

C.14 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)……………………………………55

E.9 ADDENDUM TO 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)…79

E.10 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (FEB 2021) 81

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 Thomas Kovarovic/Contract Specialist thomas.kovarovic@va.gov Billy Morris Contracting Officer / billy.morris@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs

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:

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 PRICE SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall furnish all one (1) Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist to provide services necessary to perform onsite Anatomical and Clinical Pathology Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, Arkansas (hereinafter referred to as VAMC). The Contractor’s physicians care shall cover the range of Pathology services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality meeting or exceeding, currently recognized national standards as established by the College of American Pathologists.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site, Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks, 1100 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703 Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of line items to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the contract line-item number. Commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted.

The Contractor shall propose key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

One FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two week per year and does not include holidays.

Period of Performance: The Base Year period of performance will be from 12 December 2021 through 11 December 2022.

Option Year 1 12 December 2022 – 11 December 2023 Option Year 2 12 December 2023 – 11 December 2024 Option Year 3 12 December 2024 – 11 December 2025 Option Year 4 12 December 2025 – 11 December 2026

Annual Cost

Board Certified or board eligible Pathologist Services (Anatomical & Clinical) 1 FTE Hours 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., with a 1/2-hour lunch, Monday thru Friday, excluding Saturday, Sundays, or Holidays. There shall be no Overtime (OT) without prior written approval.

0001a

0001b Key Personnel Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

TOTAL FOR BASE PERIOD 12 DEC 21 – 11 DEC 22

Annual Cost

Board Certified or board eligible Pathologist Services (Anatomical & Clinical) 1 FTE Hours 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., with a 1/2-hour lunch, Monday thru Friday, excluding Saturday, Sundays, or Holidays. There shall be no Overtime (OT) without prior written approval.

1001a

1001b Key Personnel Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

TOTAL FOR OPTION PERIOD 1 12 DEC 22 – 11 DEC 23

Annual Cost

Board Certified or board eligible Pathologist Services (Anatomical & Clinical) 1 FTE Hours 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., with a 1/2-hour lunch, Monday thru Friday, excluding Saturday, Sundays, or Holidays. There shall be no Overtime (OT) without prior written approval.

2001a

2001b Key Personnel Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

TOTAL FOR OPTION PERIOD 2 12 DEC 23 – 11 DEC 24

Annual Cost

Board Certified or board eligible Pathologist Services (Anatomical & Clinical) 1 FTE Hours 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., with a 1/2-hour lunch, Monday thru Friday, excluding Saturday, Sundays, or Holidays. There shall be no Overtime (OT) without prior written approval.

3001a

3001b Key Personnel Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

TOTAL FOR OPTION PERIOD 3 12 DEC 24 – 11 DEC 25

Annual Cost

Board Certified or board eligible Pathologist Services (Anatomical & Clinical) 1 FTE Hours 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., with a 1/2-hour lunch, Monday thru Friday, excluding Saturday, Sundays, or Holidays. There shall be no Overtime (OT) without prior written approval.

4001a

4001b Key Personnel Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

Board Certified or Board Eligible Pathologist Services

TOTAL FOR OPTION PERIOD 4 12 DEC 25 – 11 DEC 26

Total for Base Period and All Options $______________________ In accordance with FAR 16.504, the guaranteed minimum value of services the Government will acquire under the task order for the Base Period is $10,000.00. The maximum value of services the Government will acquire under the contract for the Period of Performance shall not exceed $4,000,000.00.

The evaluation will consider the possibility that the option to extend 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 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.

36C25622R0001

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Performance Work Statement for Onsite Pathology Services

1. General:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified or board eligible Pathology Services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veteran Health Care System of the Ozarks.

1.2. Place of Performance – the Veteran Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), 1100 N. College Ave., Fayetteville AR 72703

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority. FAR Parts 12 and 13

1.4. Policy/Handbooks:

1.4.1. - VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting - Buying and FAR parts 12 and 13. https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.4.2. - VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports - http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.3. - VHA Handbook 1100.18 Reporting And Responding To State Licensing Boards - http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.4.4. - VHA Handbook 1100.19 Credentialing and Privileging - http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.4.5. - VHA Handbook 1400.01 Resident Supervision http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2847

1.4.6. VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3088

1.4.7. - Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.4.8. - VHA Directive 1192: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5472

1.4.9. - VHA Directive 1220: Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures in Any Clinical Setting https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

1.5. Definitions/Acronyms - Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ABIM: American Board of Internal Medicine www.abim.org

1.5.2. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.3. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.4. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.5. ASCP: American Society of Clinical Pathologists

1.5.6. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.7. CAP: College of American Pathologists www.cap.org

1.5.8. CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation

1.5.9. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.10. CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.5.11. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.12. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.13. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.14. Contracting Officer (CO) – The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make related determinations and findings.

1.5.15. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.5.16. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.17. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.18. CPRS: Computerized Patient Recordkeeping System- electronic health record system used by the VA.

1.5.19. Credentialing: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

1.5.20. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.21. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.22. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.23. Full Time Equivalent (FTE): VA’s definition for full time- working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. In calculating FTE, any hours not worked on national holidays shall not be included.

1.5.24. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.25. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.26. HR: Human Resources

1.5.27. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.28. Medical Emergency - a sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, causing impairments to body functions, or causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.5.29. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.5.30. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers).

1.5.31. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.nlnac.org

1.5.32. Non-Contract Provider - any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor or any of its subcontractors

1.5.33. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.5.34. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.35. PA: Physician Assistant

1.5.36. PALS: Pediatric Advanced Life Support

1.5.37. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.38. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.39. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.40. Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for 8independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific.

1.5.41. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.42. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.43. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.44. Veterans Health Administration (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States. The VHA is located in Washington, D.C.

1.5.45. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers in Michigan and Indiana.

1.5.46. VISTA (Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture): A PC based system that will capture and store clinical imagery, scanned documents and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record and with the hospital information system.

1.5.47. VetPro: A federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.5.48. Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC): Unless identified with the name of a different VA medical Center, for purposes of this contract, this term shall mean the VHSO Medical Center.

1.5.49. Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO): Fayetteville AR VAMC

2. Qualifications:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License – The Contractor’s physicians assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia) when services are performed onsite on VA property.

All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s physicians who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Board Certification - All Contractor’s physicians shall be Board Certified or board eligible in both Clinical Pathology and Anatomic Pathology by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or equivalency. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging – Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s physicians prior to obtaining approval by the (VHSO, VAMC) Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1. If a Contractor’s physician is not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency - Contractor’s physicians shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all Contractor’s physician and Contractor’s physician shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractor’s physicians registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credentialing office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for Contractor’s physician.

2.1.6. Training (ACLS, BLS, CPRS and VA MANDATORY): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the Contractor’s physician as required by the VA.

· CPRS

· MCM and Policies for PLMS

· Blood borne Pathogens

· Chemical Hygiene Plan

· Fire Prevention & Evacuation Plan

· Information Security and Rules of Behavior

· Privacy & HIPAA Training

· Infection Control/Bloodborne Pathogens/Exposure Control

· Tuberculosis/Ultraviolet Lights

· Emergency Preparedness

· Hazardous Materials and Waste Management

· General Safety

· Security Management

· Sexual Harassment

· Cytotoxic/Antineoplastic

· Missing/Wandering Patients

· Formaldehyde/Formalin

· Eyewash Training

· P&LMS Infection Control Plan

· Age Specific

· Violent Behavior

· GEMS

Once Once Annual Annual Annual

Annual

Annual

Annual Annual Annual

Annual Annual Annual Annual

Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual Annual

4 hours 2 hours 1 hour 1 hour 1 hour

1 hour

1 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

0.25 hour

2.1.7. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for physicians within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.7.1. Tuberculosis Testing: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative reaction to PPD testing for all Contractor’s physicians. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive PPD results. The PPD test shall be repeated annually.

2.1.7.2. Rubella Testing: Contractor shall provide proof of immunization for all Contractor’s physician for measles, mumps, rubella or a rubella titer of 1.8 or greater. If the titer is less than 1.8, a rubella immunization shall be administered with follow-up documentation to the COR.

2.1.7.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor physicians have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor physician has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.6. "VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors" VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors rev2.docx

1. Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following:

a. Documentation requirements:

1) If fully vaccinated, shall show proof of vaccination

i. NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination

2) If unvaccinated and granted a medical or religious exception, shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor's order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test.

3) Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

4) Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

2. Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the following website: COVID-19 Screening Tool. Regularly check the website for updates.

a. Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct patient contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces. Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

3. Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities."

2.1.7.7. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel ( as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.1.7.8. OSHA Regulation Concerning Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: Contractor shall provide generic self-study training for all Contractor’s physician; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to the VA if they elect to receive it; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel (as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.1.8. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

2.1.9. DEA (as required) - Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

2.1.10. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all Contractor physicians are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The Contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (Jan 2008) and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.11. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.11.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the Contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals;

2.1.11.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. Additionally, the Contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

2.1.11.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the Contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.1.11.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.1.11.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFP using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.12. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.1.12.1. Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed Contractor’s physician are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.12.2. By submitting their proposal, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the Contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS, or his/her clinical designee, and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service, or his/her designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.3. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all Contractor’s physicians shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, or employees.

2.5. Prohibition Against Self-Referral: Contractor’s physicians are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s).

2.6. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contractor’s physician shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.7. No Employee status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractor’s physicians furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or Contractor’s physician. When a Contractor or Contractor’s physician has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or Contractor’s physician) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is 2080 FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The number of Board-Certified Pathologists required to be on site on a daily basis is one (1) as defined in paragraph Hours of Operation in this section.

2.9.3. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to the VA during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations and additional coverage as required. In the event a scheduled physician is unable to complete an assigned shift, the contractor shall provide replacement physician coverage within 2 hours and notify the Contracting Office Representative (COR) at the (VHSO, Fayetteville, AR) immediately of the schedule change.

2.9.4. Personnel Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within 30 calendar day (s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 30 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.9.4.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

2.9.4.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive work-days or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

2.9.4.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any Contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any Contractor’s physician, s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Contractor’s physician. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s physician conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.9.4.4. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the Contractor’s physician leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. VA Hours of Operation/Scheduling:

3.1. VA Business Hours: 0800 to 1630 Central Time (Laboratory is open 24/7/365) Clinic and/or Schedule: VHSO, Fayetteville, AR 0800-1630 Central Time

3.2. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth National Independence Holiday

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

3.3 There are ON Call expectations for this position including holidays. The Contractor is required to provide on call service on some of the normal Federal holidays.

Contractor Responsibilities

3.3. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide Contractor’s physicians who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

3.3.1. Contractor’s physicians shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. Time sheets will be used by the COR to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

3.4. Standards of Care: The Contractor’s physicians’ care shall cover the range of Pathology services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized TJC, VA and national standards as established by:

3.4.1. VHA Handbook 1106.01 “Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service(P&LMS) Procedures”. http://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3169

3.4.2. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC) http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx

3.4.3. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA) http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

3.4.4. The requirements contained in this PWS

3.5. Medical Records

3.5.1. Authorities: Contractor’s physicians providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with the U.S.C.551a (Privacy Act), 38 U.S.C. 5701 (Confidentiality of claimants records), 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), 38 U.S.C. 5705 (Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records) 38 U.S.C. 7332 (Confidentiality of certain medical records), Title 5 U.S.C. § 522a (Records Maintained on Individuals) as well as 45 C.F.R. Parts 160, 162, and 164 (HIPAA).

3.5.2. HIPAA: This contract and its requirements meet exception in 45 CFR 164.502(e), and do not require a BAA in order for Covered Entity to disclose Protected Health Information to: a health care provider for treatment. Based on this exception, a BAA is not required for this contract. Treatment and administrative patient records generated by this contract or provided to the Contractors by the VA are covered by the VA system of records entitled ‘Patient Medical Records-VA’ (24VA19). Contractor generated VA Patient records are the property of the VA and shall not be accessed, released, transferred, or destroyed except in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Contractor shall ensure that all records pertaining to medical care and services are available for immediate transmission when requested by the VA. Records identified for review, audit, or evaluation by VA representatives and authorized federal and state officials, shall be accessed on-site during normal business hours or mailed by the Contractor at his expense. Contractor shall deliver all final patient records, correspondence, and notes to the VA within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the contract expiration date.

3.5.3. Disclosure: Contractor's physician(s) may have access to patient medical records for the purpose of providing medical care and services to VA patients and performing services under the contract; however, Contractor shall obtain permission from the VA before disclosing any patient information outside VA. VA authorizes the Contractor to discuss patient health information for coordination of care within community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA and VHA Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information The penalties and liabilities for the unauthorized disclosure of VA patient information mandated by the statutes and regulations mentioned above, apply to the Contractor.

3.5.4. Professional Standards for Documenting Care: Care shall be appropriately documented in medical records in accordance with standard commercial practice and guidelines established by VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791 and all guidelines provided by the VAMC.

3.5.5. Release of Information: The VA shall maintain control of releasing any patient medical information and will follow policies and standards as defined, but not limited to Privacy Act requirements. In the case of the VA authorizing the Contractor to release patient information, the Contractor in compliance with VA regulations, and at his/her own expense, shall use VA Form 3288, Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Individual’s Records, to process “Release of Information Requests.” In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for locating and forwarding records not kept at their facility. The VA’s Release of Information Section shall provide the Contractor with assistance in completing forms. Additionally, the Contractor shall use VA Form 10-5345, Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information, when releasing records protected by 38 U.S.C. 7332. Treatment and release records shall include the patient’s consent form. Completed Release of Information requests will be forwarded to the VA Privacy Officer at the following address: Latoya Duncan, 479-443-4301, 64038

3.6. Contractor Personnel Security Requirements: The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal and the Department of Veterans Affairs security laws, regulations and policies. All contractor employees who require access to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ computer system shall be the subject of a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement prior to contract performance. The contractor must provide all required information needed for a security check.