36C25623Q0223.docx

36C25623Q0223

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.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

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

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

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

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

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. 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. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C25623Q0223 01-12-2023 Michaela S. Brown, Contract Specialist 713-791-1414 x49006 01-26-2023

12:00 PM

CST

36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of SLVHCS Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi MS 39531 X X 561320 $30 Million N/A X 36C629 Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System(SLVHCS) New Orleans and Baton Rouge LA 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 400 Veterans Avenue Biloxi MS 39531

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 THIS REQUIREMENT IS 100% SET-ASIDE FOR SDVOSBs.

Contractor to provide Optometry Provider and Ophthalmology Health Technician/Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Services in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA for the purpose of treating and evaluating all Veteran patient prescriptions by the Optometry or Ophthalmology clinics or other network providers.

Please see Schedule of Services on Page 6 Period of Performance: 01 March 2023 to 29 February 2028 with five (5) twelve-month ordering periods.

X X Melanie Hawley

CONTRACTING OFFICER

Place holder for signed SF1449 by offeror Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

36C25623Q0223

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR (NAME/ADDRESS/CITY/STATE/ZIP):

Tax ID Number: ________________________ DUNS Number: _______________________

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor should be:

[X] 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer- System of Award Management

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

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 Invoicing shall be in accordance with the requirements of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Services Center (VAFSC). The latest information shall be used for invoicing and payments and may change during the Period of Performance of this acquisition. Current Invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.:

Post Award Orientation: The Contracting Officer will schedule a post award orientation for contract orientation purposes as required by VA Acquisition Manual 842.502-70.

Secure Fax - Please review VA Handbook 6500 that requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets be included: This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.

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

The resultant contract is a nonpersonal services contract in accordance with FAR 37.401.

B.2a PRICE/COST SCHEDULE- Pricing Instructions:

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform onsite Optometry Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Southeast Louisiana (herein after referred to as SLVHCS). The Contractor’s care shall cover the range of Optometry 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 American Academy of Optometry http://www.aaopt.org/.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site, SLVHCS. Contractor shall furnish services as follows as per PWS, Section 2:

*NOTE: Baton Rouge CBOC address may be subject to change during the life of contract

New Orleans, LA 70119

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of Sub-Line-item Numbers (SLIN) to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the LIN. Affiliate Offerors shall include the “title” of the personnel submitted. Other commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. Also, renumber SLINs if adding or removing Key Personnel.

The offeror is instructed to include all other than price and cost information supporting the proposed price as directed in Instructions to Offerors addendum to 52.212-1 and/or Section D- Contract Documents, Exhibits, or attachments, Other Than Cost and Pricing Information.

The Government will order the below specified minimum contract value of services and may order up to and including the below specified maximum contract value of services through task orders under this basis five (5)-year, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract during the duration of the contract. The maximum amount under this contract is not guaranteed. The task orders shall be issued by each period of performance and will cover the funding/payments for services performed during that period.

Contract Minimum: $1,000.00 Contract Maximum: $6,000,000.00 All unit prices shall be a fixed price and all inclusive.

The Contractor shall provide Optometrist(s) and Ophthalmology Health Technician/Certified Ophthalmic Assistant(s) (COA) in accordance with Section B3 Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the terms and conditions stated herein. Contractor staff/personnel shall provide optical care services ONLY (NO retail). Contractor to furnish services to eligible Veteran beneficiaries enrolled with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA at the prices specified herein.

Period of Performance: 1ST Ordering Period: 01 March 2023 to 29 February 2024

This award will be a Fixed-Priced, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract type with five (5) twelve-month ordering periods. Initial/Base and Ordering Periods of Performance are estimated subject to the effective date of award. It is preferred to be a single award; however, the Government reserves the right to make a multiple award.

Note: if start date is delayed the quantity of hours will be adjusted accordingly before award

B.2b PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –1st Ordering Period Header Only - Not to be Priced Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561320 - Temporary Help Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q512 - Medical - Optometry

1001A

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –1st Ordering Period

Please list Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) Key Personnel:

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

1001B

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –1st Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 1st Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

1002A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 1st Ordering Period

Please list Optometrist Key Personnel:

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –1st Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

1003A

2,080.00

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –1st Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 1st Ordering Period

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

1004A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge, LA – 1st Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2023 POP End: 02-29-2024

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –2nd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

2001A

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –2nd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

2001B

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –2nd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 2nd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

2002A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 2nd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

0.00

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –2nd Ordering Period

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

2003A

2,080.00

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –2nd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 2nd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

2004A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge, LA – 2nd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2024 POP End: 02-28-2025

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –3rd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

3001A

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –3rd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

3001B

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –3rd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 3rd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

3002A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 3rd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –3rd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

3003A

2,080.00

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –3rd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 3rd Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

3004A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge, LA – 3rd Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2025 POP End: 02-28-2026

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –4th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

4001A

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –4th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

4001B

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –4th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 4th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

4002A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 4th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –4th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

4003A

2,080.00

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –4th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 4th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

4004A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge, LA – 4th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2026 POP End: 02-28-2027

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –5th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

5001A

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –5th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

5001B

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans –5th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 5th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

5002A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 5th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –5th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-28-2028

5003A

2,080.00

Ophthalmology Health Tech/Certified Op A (COA) – SLVHCS- New Orleans, LA –5th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

0.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge CBOC – 5th Ordering Period

Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

5004A

2,080.00

Optometrist – Baton Rouge, LA – 5th Ordering Period

Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ Contract Period:

POP Begin: 03-01-2027 POP End: 02-29-2028

B.2c PRICE/COST SCHEDULE – Ordering Procedures:

a. This contract type allows the Department of Veteran Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 (NCO 16) Contracting Officers (CO) to place orders with the contractor on an as needed basis, in accordance with the FAR Clauses 52.216-18, Ordering. NCO 16 will obligate the funding and order the services by issuing a task order.

b. The contractor shall initiate work when, so directed by a Task Order. No work under any Task Order shall be performed unless specifically authorized by the CO.

Approval of a Task Order shall not constitute approval to exceed any item listed in the contract or general provisions of the contract. The contractor shall not exceed the task order amount or change the task order without prior written approval of the CO.

c. Task orders within scope of the IDIQ contract will be issued unilaterally in accordance with the IDIQ Contract terms and conditions and bilaterally when change in terms and conditions is negotiated in accordance with contract clauses FAR 52.212-4 (c), FAR 52.216-18, FAR 52.216-19 and FAR 52.216-22.

d. Task order pricing for services will be based on IDIQ prices based on negotiated priced contract line items as outlined in B.2 Schedule of Services section of awarded IDIQ contract.

e. Contractor is required to deliver services in accordance with the task order terms and conditions during the task order specified period of performance.

f. The NCO 16 Contracting Officer is the only authorized official to issue task orders under this IDIQ Contract.

g. Task order prices shall be Fixed-Price (FP) as agreed to in the contractor’s schedule and individually funded.

h. Each task order shall have an established period of performance or delivery date. Individual Task order shall not exceed a 12-month period.

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Optometry Provider Services and Ophthalmology Health Technician/Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) services on-site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS). Contractor shall provide optical care services ONLY as outlined herein.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services as follows:

*NOTE: Baton Rouge CBOC address may be subject to change during the life of contract

New Orleans, LA 70119

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing authority and FAR Part 12 in combination with FAR 13.5 procedures will be used.

1.4. Policy/Handbooks: The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance.

1.4.1. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.2. VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting And Responding To State Licensing Boards: https://www.va.gov

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

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy: https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1088: Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients: https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures In Any Clinical Setting: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

1.4.8. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying: https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.4.9. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

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

1.4.11. VHA Directive 1085 Smoke-Free Policy for Patients, Visitors, Contractors, Volunteers, and Vendors at VA Health Care Facilities

HTTPS://WWW.VA.GOV/VHAPUBLICATIONS/VIEWPUBLICATION.ASP?PUB_ID=8242

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. American Academy of Optometry: http://www.aaopt.org/

1.5.2. American Board of Optometry: http://www.americanboardofoptometry.org/

1.5.3. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.4. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.5. CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: https://www.chea.org/commission-collegiate-nursing-education

1.5.6. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.7. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.8. COA: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant/Ophthalmology Health Technician

1.5.9. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.10. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.11. 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.

1.5.12. 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.

1.5.13. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.14. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

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

1.5.16. CR: Contract Report formerly Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) – part of Attachment D1

1.5.17. 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.

1.5.18. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.19. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.20. EHR: Electronic Health Record - electronic health record system used by the VA

1.5.21. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.22. Full Time Equivalent (FTE): VA’s definition for full time- working the minimum of 80 hours every two week and does not include national holidays.

1.5.23. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.24. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.25. HR: Human Resources

1.5.26. IDIQ: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity

1.5.27. IPPS: Invoice Payment Processing System

1.5.28. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.29. 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.

1.5.30. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.5.31. 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).

1.5.32. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. https://cnea.nln.org

1.5.33. Non-Contractor’s provider(s): any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor or any of its subcontractors

1.5.34. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.5.35. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.36. Ophthalmology Health Technician/Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

1.5.37. PA: Provider Assistant

1.5.38. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.39. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.40. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.41. Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent 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.

1.5.42. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.43. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.44. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.45. 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.

1.5.46. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers.

1.5.47. 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.

1.5.48. VetPro: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.5.49. 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 New Orleans, Louisiana Medical Center [Southeast Louisiana Health Care System (SLVHCS)].

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: Contractor’s provider(s) 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 on-site on VA property. All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s provider(s) 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. The State included in this contract is Louisiana.

2.1.2. Board Certification: All Contractor’s Optometrist(s)/provider(s) shall be Board Certified by the American Board of Optometry http://www.americanboardofoptometry.org/ , and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) 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. (Refer to Paragraph 4.4.1.2)

2.1.3. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) – Contractor’s personnel shall have appropriate current COA certification and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) or equivalent. 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. (Refer to Paragraph 4.4.2)

2.1.4. 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 provider(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s provider(s) prior to obtaining approval by the SLVHCS Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.4.1. If a Contractor’s provider(s) 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.

2.1.5. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s provider(s) 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 provider(s) and Contractor’s provider(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.6. 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 provider(s) 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 provider(s).

2.1.7. Training (BLS, CPRS and VA MANDATORY): Contractor personnel shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the contractor personnel as required by the VA. Other training may become required. VA will communicate any changes to the training requirement to the contractor.

2.1.6.1 MANDATORY TRAINING

2.1.6.1.1 All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

2.1.6.1.1.1 Sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Contractor Rules of Behavior, Appendix E relating to access to VA information and information systems

2.1.6.1.1.2 Successfully complete the VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training and annually complete required security training

2.1.6.1.1.3 Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training and annually complete required privacy training

2.1.6.1.1.4 Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access as may occur over the life of contract [refer to NIST Special Publication 800-16, Information Technology Security Training Requirements]

2.1.6.1.2 The contractor shall provide to the contracting officer and/or the COTR a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Contractor Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within 1 week of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

2.1.6.1.3 Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and sign the Rules of Behavior annually, within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training and documents are complete.

2.1.8. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for contractor personnel 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.

2.1.8.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be repeated annually.

2.1.8.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

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

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

2.1.8.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor personnel have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor personnel 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}.

2.1.8.6. COVID: Not mandated at this time; however, it is encouraged. Contractor shall provide if applicable and available.

2.1.8.7. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all Contractor’s personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.1.8.8. 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.

2.1.9. 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 offer/quote. (Optometrists only)

2.1.10. DEA: Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate. (Optometrists only)

2.1.11. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all Contractor’s provider(s) are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of offer/quote and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of offer/quote, 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 and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.12. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.12.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with 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.

2.1.12.2. 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.

2.1.12.3. 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.

2.1.12.4. 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.

2.1.12.5. 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.

2.1.13. 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.

2.1.13.1. 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 provider(s) 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.

2.1.13.2. By submitting their offer/quote, 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 and VHA Directive 2012-030. 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 designee. A COR will 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 provider(s) 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 provider(s) are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s).

2.6. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contractor’s provider(s) 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 provider(s) 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 provider(s). When a Contractor or Contractor’s provider(s) has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor…