36C25624Q0468.docx

36C25624Q0468

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. SIGNAT

URE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

Refer 31c 36C25624Q0468 04-04-2024 Melanie Hawley 601-688-4109 04-11-2024 14:00

CDT

36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 400 Veterans Ave Biloxi MS 39531 X 623220 $19 Million N/A X 36C502 Department of Veterans Affairs Alexandria VA Health Care System 2495 Shreveport Highway Pineville LA 71360 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 16 400 Veterans Ave Biloxi MS 39531

36C502 FSC e-Invoice Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 Invoice must be submitted electronically

See CONTINUATION Page The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana has a requirement to provide six (6) residential beds as part of its Community-Based Health Care Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Program.

SEE PAGE 7 FOR SUMMARY OF SCHEDULE (Price) Period of Performance: 26 April 2024 - 31 March 2029

ALL QUOTES MUST BE RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE THE SAID DATE

AND TIME OF THIS SOLICITATION IN BLOCK 8. ALL QUOTES

SHALL BE EMAILED TO

Melanie.Hawley@va.gov Refer to Instructions to Offerors found in Section E.

See CONTINUATION Page See CONTINUATION Page X X Melanie Hawley Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

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:

Authorized person to sign:

Title:

Phone #:

Email:

Billing/Invoicing Contact Person:

Phone #:

E-Mail:

Tax ID No.:

SAM UEI:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer: 36C256 (for station 520) Melanie Hawley, Contracting Officer (NCO16) Department of Veterans Affairs 400 Veterans Ave Biloxi, MS 39531-2410 E-Mail: Melanie.Hawley@va.gov Phone: 601-688-4109 (google phone)

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer- System for Award Management.

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted according to Section B.3 PWS and in accordance with (IAW) VAAR 852.232-72. Payments will be made electronically by:

5. 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.

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

7. Offerors in accordance with FAR clause 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans, which is incorporated in this solicitation by reference, and Public Law 105-359, section 1354 (enacted October 31, 1998), the successful offeror must meet the reporting requirement as required by the clause. The contracting officer may require the successful offeror to furnish evidence that it has complied with requirements to file a VETS-4212 Federal Contractor Report (formerly VETS-100) with the Department of Labor for the preceding fiscal year (30 SEP) until Title 38 Section 4212(d) (weblink http://www.dol.gov/vets/vets4212.htm). For questions and information on filing VETS-4212 reports, contract the VETS-4212 Processing Center at (866) 237-0275 or visit the Department of Labor’s web site at http://www.dol.gov/vets/contractor/main.htm. and/or for further assistance or questions VETS4212-customersupport@dol.gov.

8. Offerors in accordance with FAR clause 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification, which is incorporated in this solicitation by reference (under FAR 52.212-5), are required to enroll in and use the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) electronic employment eligibility verification program (E-Verify). The Federal government has a long-standing policy to only contract with businesses and other entities that abide by the immigration laws of the United States and to employ only individuals who are authorized to work. E-Verify is the best means to electronically confirm identity and employment authorization of employees working under covered Federal contracts, as required by clause 52.222-54. USCIS has enhanced the E-Verify website with resource information and outreach materials to assist with enrollment and use of E-Verify. USCIS routinely hosts free public webinars on E-Verify and has a detailed E-Verify guide specifically for federal contractors available at https://www.e-verify.gov/employers/federal-contractors.

9. Offerors in accordance with FAR 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, which is incorporated in this solicitation by reference, and FAR Subpart 4.17 – Service Contracts Inventory, are required to report the total amount invoiced and the direct labor hours expended on the services performed under this contract. The information is collected through the System for Award Management (SAM) and included in the agency’s service contract inventory. Contractors are encouraged to review this information and to make note of reporting dates (31 October following award of any task order) and deliverables to ensure their compliance with the law and regulation. Refer to FAR 4.1703 for thresholds. Indefinite-delivery contracts reporting requirements, which will be based on the expected dollar amount and type of the orders issued under the contracts. FAR 4.1703. See FAR 4.17 - Service Contracts Inventory. Guidance for contractors is in the “Service Contract Reporting” clause of their contract (52-204-14 or 52.204-15), and in SAM’s Quick Start Guide for Service Contract Reporting, and SAM’s Full User Guides, available at www.SAM.gov under the “Help” tab.

10. Federal Acquisition Regulations require all contractors conducting business with the Government be registered in the System Awards Management System (SAM) online database for the provision of basic information relative to contract awards (see FAR Clause 52.212-4(t)). This may be accomplished at http://www.sam.gov. It is the responsibility of the contractor to renew this registration annually. Offerors are requested to ensure this information is the same as the W-9 filed by the CNH to the Internal Revenue System (IRS).

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Contractor to provide Residential housing for Substance Use and Disorder Services (SUDS) Program in Pineville, LA catchment area. All inclusive rate. Estimated 6 beds x 339 days = Quantity of 2034. Ordering period 1 Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-26-2024 POP End: 03-31-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 623220 - Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: G099 - Social - Other Note: This ordering period is slightly shorter. End date for ordering period is to actually end at the end of month of March 2025.

Contractor to provide Residential housing for Substance Use and Disorder Services (SUDS) Program in Pineville, LA catchment area. All inclusive rate. Estimated 6 beds x 365 days = Quantity of 2190. Ordering period 2

POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 03-31-2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 623220 - Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities

Contractor to provide Residential housing for Substance Use and Disorder Services (SUDS) Program in Pineville, LA catchment area. All inclusive rate. Estimated 6 beds x 365 days = Quantity of 2190. Ordering period 3

POP Begin: 04-01-2026 POP End: 03-31-2027

Contractor to provide Residential housing for Substance Use and Disorder Services (SUDS) Program in Pineville, LA catchment area. All inclusive rate. Estimated 6 beds x 365 days = Quantity of 2190. Ordering period 4

POP Begin: 04-01-2027 POP End: 03-31-2028

Contractor to provide Residential housing for Substance Use and Disorder Services (SUDS) Program in Pineville, LA catchment area. All inclusive rate. Estimated 6 beds x 365 days = Quantity of 2190. Ordering period 5

POP Begin: 04-01-2028 POP End: 03-31-2029

Contract Minimum is considered 1 Veteran 1 day and Contract Maximum is $1,000,000.00 NOTE: The specified rates for use if FAR Clause 52.217-8 is exercised by the Government will be those rates in effect under the contract/task order preceding this option.

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

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SCOPE-PURPOSE

The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana ("VA") requires contractors to provide services as part of its Community-Based Health Care Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Program. As a participant in the Alexandria VA Health Care System Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Program, the Contractor chosen shall furnish services for an average of six (6) beds each night, seven days a week for Veterans enrolled in the Intensive Outpatient Program of the Alexandria VA SUDS Program. Safe-restrictive housing will be provided for Veterans to whom care is authorized explicitly by the Alexandria VA Health Care System located at 2495 Shreveport Highway, 71 North, Pineville, Louisiana, 71360.

Charges rendered will apply only to the number of beds utilized, not to exceed a maximum of 6 safe house beds reserved for Veterans enrolled in SUDS Intensive Outpatient Program and in need of shelter while receiving treatment. It is understood that the clients to be cared for under this contract are Veterans who require shelter and/or are homeless, require care, treatment, and rehabilitation services for substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health disorders, and are capable of self-care daily. Public transportation shall be available to Veterans in the city of the selected contractor, or the contractor shall provide transportation for the Veterans to and from the Alexandria VAHCS to receive treatment and /or services. Services will be provided in accordance with all terms, conditions, and provisions listed on the schedule of this solicitation.

BACKGROUND

Services shall be furnished to beneficiaries for whom such care is specifically authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). It is understood that the type of patients to be provided services under this contract will typically require services above the level of simple room and board. Services shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of an alcohol and drug-free environment, facilitation of active voluntary affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous programs, supportive social activities, and individual counseling as required to facilitate overcoming resistance to engagement in DVA treatment or rehabilitative services. It is further understood that beneficiaries receiving services under this contract shall be provided access to essential health and hygiene maintenance opportunities, monitoring of medication compliance, appliances and materials for laundry needs, and any other service or supplies without additional charge. The per diem rate established will be an all-inclusive rate.

SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BASIC SERVICES:

The contractor shall furnish each Veteran referred for care under this contract with the following essential services:

A. NUMBER OF BEDS: The number of beds required will be 6 (six) and will be in the metropolitan area of Alexandria, Louisiana.

B. ROOM AND BOARD: Room and board will include a bed and other furnishings such as a dresser, storage, and personal linens (towels, pillows, blankets, and bed sheets). Meals are to include three (3) nutritionally adequate meals a day, 7 (seven) days a week, and the availability of nutritious snacks between meals and bedtime for those requiring or desiring additional food when it is not medically contraindicated.

C. LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Laundry facilities for residents to do their own laundry or have laundry done for free.

D. THERAPEUTIC AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: Therapeutic and Supportive Services determined to be needed by each Veteran referred for treatment as stated in the plan developed by the contractor, with input from the Veteran and the VA SUDS Program Coordinator (or designee). Services which the contractor shall furnish:

(1) Structured group activities as appropriate — examples include group therapy, social skills training, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, vocational counseling, and physical activities as appropriate.

(2) Collaboration with the VA program staff will provide supportive psychosocial services.

(3) Skilled professional counselors of high quality geared for a population with chronic psychiatric problems, including substance abuse/dependence, e.g., an addiction therapist and/or psychiatric technicians. The counselors possess assessment and crisis intervention skills.

(4) Individual professional counseling, including counseling on self-care skills, adaptive coping skills, and as appropriate, vocational rehabilitation counseling in collaboration with the VA program and community resources.

(5) A drug and alcohol-free setting and consistent support for a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle. The contractor will have a system for admission and random breathalyzers as needed. The Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) will promptly provide drug screening upon request.

(6) Assistance to develop responsible living patterns, maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and grooming, and achieve a more adaptive level of psychosocial functioning, upgraded social skills, and improved personal relationships.

(7) Support for an alcohol/drug abuse-free lifestyle provided in an environment conducive to social interaction and the total development of the resident's rehabilitative potential.

(8) Assistance to gain and apply knowledge of the illness/recovery process in an environment supportive of recovery models.

(9) A program that promotes community interaction.

In addition, the Contractor shall collaborate with the VA program staff, who will conduct treatment and discharge planning reflecting a team assessment of health, psychosocial, and vocational needs and the involvement of residents' families and appropriate community resources in resolving problems and setting goals. The Contractor shall have the right to discharge beneficiaries to preserve other beneficiaries’ and staff’s health and safety. The SUDS Coordinator will be immediately notified of such discharge by the next business day. Other routine discharges due to rule violations will be cleared through the SUDS Coordinator or designee. In emergent situations, the Contractor shall evaluate and link veterans to an appropriate level of care management. The contractor shall collaborate with SUD staff before the approval of leave passes. They will also provide weekly progress reports on veterans and inform SUD staff of unexcused absences, altercations involving contract veterans, any other rule violations, or other information pertinent to housing and ongoing care promptly.

The Contractor shall maintain an individual record of each veteran placed in the facility by the SUDS Coordinator. The Contractor shall comply with the Confidentiality of Medical Records (38 USC 4132) requirements and the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug use of a veteran (42 CFR part II) when appropriate and is considered a part of this contract. All case records will be made available on a need-to-know basis to appropriate VAMC staff members involved with the veteran’s treatment program. In addition to reasons for referral, the clinical record maintained by the contract facility will include the following:

1. All essential identifying data relevant to the resident. Records should reflect admission and discharge summaries, weekly progress notes, and interim notes documenting any significant alterations in functioning.

2. Data relating to the resident's admission include the targeted goals for constructive changes and the anticipated length of stay.

3. Copies of any medical prescriptions issued by physicians, including any orders for medications to be taken.

4. Reports of periodic re-evaluation by program staff to include any movement toward rehabilitation goals, focusing on attaining self-help skills.

5. Final summaries on each veteran who leaves the program, including a description of beneficial changes realized during the residential period, reasons for leaving, the resident's plans, and follow-up locator information.

6. USC 4132/42 CFR Part II is available for review at the Veterans Affairs Medical Administration Service.

The SUDS Program Coordinator or designee shall identify and refer all patients to the Contractor. All patients will have co-occurring mental health and/or substance use/dependency problems.

The contractor shall provide three (3) nutritious meals or the equivalent, which shall be served daily at regular times with at most fourteen (14) hours between the evening and breakfast of the following day. There shall be evidence that food is prepared, served, and stored under sanitary conditions. The sanitary procedures shall be established and maintained for washing dishes, cleaning equipment, work areas, and proper waste disposal.

Provide close monitoring of medications. In addition to assuring the count and actual consumption, the Contractor will track medication expiration dates. The Contractor shall ensure timely access to as-needed (PRN) medications.

All patients shall be capable of self-preservation and, in emergencies, will have sufficient capability to recognize physical dangers, judgment necessary to identify when danger requires immediate egress from the group residence, and adequate physical mobility to accomplish such egress.

In a medical emergency, the contractor is responsible for contacting 911 and notifying the Substance Use Disorder Services (SUDS) Coordinator or designee.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center reserves the right to inspect the residential treatment facility and all appurtenances by an authorized representative(s) designated by the Alexandria VAMC.

Before the award and on an annual basis after that, the residential treatment community healthcare center/halfway house will be inspected by a multidisciplinary Alexandria VAMC survey team and the Engineer Fire/Life Safety Officer. The survey shall include but is not limited to the following areas:

1. General observation of residents indicated that they maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and grooming.

2. The facility meets applicable fire, safety, and sanitation standards maintained in attractive surroundings conducive to social interaction and the resident's fullest development and rehabilitative potential.

3. The facility should be in a centrally located near public transportation and employment areas.

4. There is evidence of facility-community interaction. This may be demonstrated by the nature of scheduled activities or information about resident flow out of the facility, e.g., community activities, volunteers, local consumer service, etc.

5. Staff behavior and interaction with the residents convey an attitude of genuine concern and caring.

6. Appetizing, nutritionally adequate meals are provided. The local VAMC dietitian may consult with the survey team and the team may make subsequent assessments in evaluating not only the printed menu(s) but also the patient's satisfaction with meals and the actual consumption of the food offered.

If a Veteran receiving care under this contract dies, the residential treatment facility shall promptly notify the SUDS Program Coordinator or designee, assemble inventory, and safeguard the Veteran's personal effects. The funds, deposits, and effects left by Veterans upon the premises of the residential treatment facility shall be delivered by the staff of the facility to the person or persons entitled to it under the laws currently governing the facility for making disposition of funds and effects left by the Veteran, unless he died without leaving a will, heirs or next of kin capable of inheriting. When disposition has been made, the itemized inventory with a notation on the disposition of the funds and effects will be immediately forwarded to the SUDS Program Coordinator or designee. Should a deceased Veteran have no will, heirs, or next of kin, their personal property and funds, wherever located, vest in and become the property of the United States in trust. In these cases, the residential treatment facility shall forward the inventory of any such property and funds to the VAMC. The VAMC will then (except articles of clothing necessary for proper burial) be under safeguard until instructions are received from the VA concerning disposition.

The Contractor shall comply with applicable requirements of the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records (42 CFR Part II) and the Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records (38 USC 7332). The Contractor shall comply with the principles listed in 38 CFR 17.707(b) to provide housing and supportive services in a manner that is free from religious discrimination.

SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES: Unless specifically excluded in this contract, the established per diem rate will include the services listed in this document and all services or supplies normally provided to other patients by the facility without incurred cost to the Government. Determining the exact or estimated amount that will be incurred is impossible. Therefore, no obligation will be incurred by the Department of Veterans Affairs under this contract unless the VAMC issues a specific authorization for veterans for services rendered by such authorization upon receipt of proper invoices by the residential treatment center after each month's service.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall assign to this contract personnel that, by education and training (and, when required, certification or licensure), are qualified to provide the Basic Services and Supplemental Services required by this Statement of Work. There will be, at a minimum, a full-time administrative staff member or a designated employee on duty on the premises or residing at the program and available for emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In those instances where a supervised residential setting is linked to a geographically distinct rehabilitation and/or socialization program, sufficient professional healthcare personnel shall be identified to provide the necessary therapeutic activities and to ensure meaningful integration of these efforts with those provided in a residential setting. The contractor shall identify each person functioning as "Key Personnel" under this contract and provide to the VA a description of the services to be provided by such person, together with a resume summarizing that person's relevant skills and experience. The contractor shall notify the SUDS Coordinator of all staff changes. All Contractor staff providing services to Veterans under this contract shall undergo the appropriate background investigation and provide a copy of the result to the SUDS Program Manager or designee for review. Before receiving an initial referral of Veterans under the contract, the contractor shall submit a listing of all Contractor personnel proposed to provide services to Veterans under the contract. The contractor shall immediately notify the authorizing VA SUDS Program Manager or SUDS designee during regular business hours or the Alexandria VA Healthcare System's Urgent Care Unit physician on duty between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Sundays of any medical emergency or issue. The veteran will be admitted to the nearest VA facility if hospital admittance is necessary outside of the VA's Urgent Care hours.

1. The contractor must have an emergency response policy with collaborative plans with the nearest facility and emergency medical transport providers that have been communicated to the SUDS Program Manager.

B. REFERRALS

The VA is responsible for determining veterans' eligibility before referral to the contractor for treatment. The SUDS Coordinator or designee shall identify and refer all patients to the contractor. A list of authorized VA ordering officials for the contract shall be provided to the contractor upon award of the contract. Ordering officials may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of the VA Contracting Officer. The contractor shall receive an updated list of authorized VA ordering officials whenever such changes are made. It is understood that the contractor will only be paid for care provided to a referred Veteran within the period authorized in the referral if an extension of the authorization is provided verbally or in writing by the SUDS Coordinator. The length of stay should not exceed six (6) months. Each veteran will be evaluated monthly on need and progress to determine the length of stay. An extended length of stay is possible based on circumstances and the availability of funding. The length of stay will be decided by the SUDS Coordinator or designee and director of the facility if funding is available.

VETERAN RIGHTS: Contractor personnel shall be expected to treat referred Veterans with dignity and respect and abide by standards of conduct mirroring those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The Contractor shall comply with the VA Patient’s Bill of Rights as set forth in 38 CFR 17.34a (copy available upon request).

NOTE: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL REFER FEMALE VETERANS IN NEED OF SERVICES TO THE SUDS COORDINATOR.

C. ABSENCES AND CANCELLATION

Should a Veteran require hospitalization, payment shall be continued for a maximum period of two days (48 hours). Upon the Veteran's discharge from the hospital, they shall be granted priority placement at a contract residential facility if a bed is available, and the veteran is deemed appropriate for contract housing. The contractor shall notify the VA of unauthorized absences by a referred Veteran from the facility. Should a Veteran absent himself from the contractor's facility in an unauthorized manner, payment for services for that veteran shall be continued for a maximum period of two days, provided there is an active outreach attempt on the part of the contractor's staff to return the veteran to the facility, and there is a reasonable belief that the veteran will return. Absence, when discovered, should be reported to the SUDS Coordinator ASAP or by the close of the next business day. Extraordinary circumstances (e.g., absent veteran is potentially suicidal) will be made to the SUDS Coordinator immediately. Reports will be made to the SUDS Coordinator during regular business hours and the Administration Officer during non-regular business hours. VA reserves the right to remove any or all Veterans from the facility at any time, without additional cost, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the VA or the veteran. The contractor shall notify the authorizing VA facility immediately when a medical emergency occurs that requires the hospitalization of a referred Veteran. It is agreed that the veteran will be admitted to the appropriate VA facility. When such admission is not feasible because of the nature of the emergency, it is agreed that hospitalization in a non-federal hospital may be accomplished, provided that VA authorization is obtained. If hospitalization of a non-emergency nature is required, it is agreed that admission to the appropriate VA facility will be accomplished promptly. The contractor shall notify the authorizing VA facility immediately of any incidents involving veterans residing in the residential program. The contractor shall notify the SUDS Coordinator or designee by telephone during the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. For all incidents after normal business hours, the contractor should notify the Administrator on Duty (AOD). The contractor shall provide the SUDS Coordinator or designee with a copy of the incident report within 24 hours. The contractor shall maintain a copy of the incident report in the veteran's case record. It is understood that the contractor will not be paid for care provided to a referred Veteran beyond the period authorized in the referral unless an extension of the authorization is provided verbally or in writing by the SUDS Program Coordinator or designee.

D. CONTRACTOR STAFF CONDUCT/COMPLAINTS HANDLING

Contractor personnel shall treat referred Veterans with dignity and respect and abide by standards of conduct mirroring those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The contractor shall comply with the VA Patient's Bill of Rights as outlined in 38 CFR 17.34a (copy available upon request).

The VA reserves the right to exclude Contractor staff members from providing services to Veterans under this contract based on breaches of conduct, including conduct that 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 Veterans or other staff members to designated Government representatives. The Contractor and SUDS Coordinator shall deal with issues concerning contractor personnel conduct. The SUDS Coordinator shall be the final arbiter on acceptability questions and in validating complaints.

E. DISMISSALS

Any Veteran considered violating expectations of the contracted facility shall be counseled immediately and treatment plan reviewed by designee of the VA SUDS Treatment Team and/or SUDS Program Manager.

The Contractor and/or Contractor's clinical staff is welcome to participate in the SUDS Team review of the Veteran's treatment plan when clinical needs and/or when residential rules are violated. No Veteran shall be dismissed from the Contracted facility without first attempt to review the violation in question or revision of treatment needs of the Veteran without review of the VA SUDS Treatment Team and/or SUDS Program Manager.

Exceptions to dismissal from the Contractor's facility or treatment plan review with SUDS Treatment Team include violation of public law; public intoxication; violence or threats of violence, or assault, all of which will be treated with ZERO tolerance and cases warranting police assistance.

F. TRANSPORTATION

The Contractor shall assist the Veterans with local transportation to scheduled meetings and appointments. The Contractor will be expected to help the Veteran access public transportation, including providing information and instructions necessary to enable Veterans to utilize public transportation. If adequate public transportation is unavailable or appropriate for a Veteran, the Contractor shall arrange for alternative transportation.

G. FACILITY

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to properly maintain its facilities and the VA shall have no responsibility for paying or reimbursing the Contractor for such expenses. The contract facility shall:

8. The contractor facility shall not maintain nor provide dual or segregated patient facilities, which are segregated based on race, creed, color, or national origin. The facility may neither require such segregated use by written or oral policies nor tolerate such use by local custom. The term "facilities" shall include but not be limited to rooms, wards, sections, eating areas, drinking fountains, entrances, etc.

9. The facility shall accept referrals and provide services, as specified in this contract, for any person determined eligible by the VA Medical Center Director or his designee, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin of persons for whom such services are ordered. In addition, the facility warrants that subcontracting will not be resorted to circumvent this provision.

The contractor facility shall meet fire safety requirements as follows:

The building shall meet the requirements of the applicable residential occupancy chapters of the current version of NFPA 101, National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code. Any equivalencies or variances shall be approved by the appropriate Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Director.

6. The annual survey by a VA team required by paragraph 7 shall include a fire and safety survey conducted at the facility unless a review of past Department of Veterans Affairs surveys or inspections made by the local authorities indicates that a fire and safety survey would not be necessary, in which case the VA may waive the fire and safety survey.

H. SURVEY OF FACILITY AND PROGRAM

Before the award of a contract and annually during the contract term, a multidisciplinary VA team consisting of a social worker, dietitian, registered nurse, a representative of the VA Police, a Facilities Management Safety Officer, and other subject matter experts as determined necessary by the medical center director or SUDS Coordinator shall conduct a survey of the Contractor's facilities to be used to provide Veterans food, shelter, and therapeutic services to assure the facility offers quality care in a safe environment. Surveys may also be carried out at other times as deemed necessary by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Special attention will be directed to the adequacy of the veterans’ records. Site visits will also include a spot check of records to ensure contractor invoices accurately reflect the veteran's length of stay.

The contractor will be advised of the findings of the survey team. If deficiencies are noted during any survey, the contractor will be given a reasonable time to take corrective action and to notify the Contracting Officer that the corrections have been made. A contract will not be awarded until noted deficiencies have been eliminated. Failure by the Contractor to take corrective action within a reasonable time will be reported to the VA Contracting Officer. If corrections are not made to the satisfaction of the VA, the Contracting Officer will consult with the appropriate officials so that suitable arrangements can be made to discontinue plans to award a contract, or to discharge or transfer patients and to terminate the existing contract, as appropriate.

The survey of the Contractor facilities will include surveying for conformity to the current Life Safety Code as described in paragraph 6, and will also include the following:

1. General observation of residents to determine if they maintain acceptable personal hygiene and grooming.

2. Assessment of whether the facility meets applicable fire, safety, and sanitation standards.

3. Determine whether the facility is in attractive surroundings conducive to social interaction and the fullest development of the residents' potential.

stay and services provided to the veterans. All Department of Veterans Affairs reports of survey of residential facilities furnishing treatment and supportive services to eligible veterans shall be made available to all government agencies charged with licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting such institutions.

I. PAYMENT

1. The Contractor shall submit invoices electronically (IAW VAAR 852.232-72) monthly in arrears covering the services performed under this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for payment for any leave, including sick leave, holiday, or vacation time. The invoices comply with FAR 32.905 which includes, but is not limited to, the following information:

J. HIPPA COMPLIANCE

Contractor and any subcontractors must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This includes both Privacy and Security Rules published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As required by HIPAA, HHS has promulgated rules governing the use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities. The covered entity component of VA is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor may be required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VHA.

K. HHS/OIG

To ensure that the individuals providing services under the contract have not engaged in fraud or abuse regarding Sections 1128 and 1128A of the Social Security Act regarding federal health care programs, the Contractor is required to check the Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, List of excluded individuals/entities on the OIG website (www.hhs.gov/oig) for each person providing services under the contract.

Further the Contractor is required to certify in its proposal that all persons listed in the Contractor’s proposal has been compared against the OIG list and are not listed.

During the performance of this contract the Contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individual/Entities.

L. TORT CLAIMS

Contractor employees are not covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act. When a Contractor employee has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor employee is responsible for notifying the Contractor's legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a contractor employee's action or non-action is the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

M. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Notwithstanding the Contractor's responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor.

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements of this contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters about contract administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that shall affect the price, quantity, or quality of performance of this contract.

The COR shall be responsible for the overall technical administration of this contract as outlined in the COR Delegation of Authority, including monitoring the contractor’s performance.

If the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer without authority, no adjustment shall be made in the contract price to cover an increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

The contractor, their personnel,…