36C25625Q0667.docx

36C25625Q0667

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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

36C25625Q0667 04-15-2025 Jennifer Adams, Contract Specialist 601-206-6955 04-24-2025

3PM

CDT

36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive Jackson MS 39216 X X 561320 $34 Million N/A X 36C629 Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast LA VA Healthcare System (Baton Rouge Outpatient Clinic- North 7968 Essen Park Avenue Baton Rouge LA 70809 36C256 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive Jackson MS 39216

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 THIS REQUIREMENT IS 100% SET-ASIDE FOR SDVOSBs.

The Government anticipates an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under authority 38USC 8153 for the services stated herein for a period of five years for the VA 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: ____________________________ Contact Person: ____________________________ Title: ____________________________ Phone #: ____________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________ Tax ID No.: ____________________________

SAM UEI: ____________________________

DUNS: ___________________________

b. GOVERNMENT:

Contract Specialist: Station (36C256) Jennifer Adams, Contract Specialist (NCO)16 Department of Veterans Affairs 715 South Pear Orchard Road Ridgeland, MS 39157 E-Mail: jennifer.adams7@va.gov

Contracting Officer: Station (36C256) Jennifer Adams, Contracting Officer (NCO)16 Department of Veterans Affairs 715 South Pear Orchard Road Ridgeland, MS 39157 E-Mail: Jennifer.adams7@va.gov

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 Paragraph 22 and 24 Section B.5 PWS. 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. EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA, AND OTHER ELIGIBLE VETERANS (VETS 4212): 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. SYSTEM AWARDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SAM): 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. This information should be the same as the CNHs’ W-9.

B.2 CONTINUATION OF PRICE SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Medical Assistant (Audiology Health Technician)

1st Ordering Period - May 1, 2025 thru April 30, 2026 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561320 - Temporary Help Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Q999 - Medical - Other

AUDIOLOGIST SERVICES

1st Ordering Period - May 1, 2025 thru April 30, 2026

Medical Assistant (Audiology Health Technician) may 1,2025- Sept 30,2025

2nd Ordering Period – May 1, 2026 thru April 30, 2027

AUDIOLOGIST SERVICES

2nd Ordering Period – May 1, 2026 thru April 30, 2027

Medical Assistant (Audiology Health Technician)

3rd Ordering Period -May 1, 2027 thru April 30, 2028

AUDIOLOGIST SERVICES

3rd Ordering Period -May 1, 2027 thru April 30, 2028

medical assistant (Audiology Health Technician)

4th Ordering Period – May 1, 2028 thru April 30, 2029

AUDIOLOGIST SERVICE

4th Ordering Period – May 1, 2028 thru April 30, 2029

medical assistant (Audiology Health Technician)

5th Ordering Period – May 1, 2029 2028 thru April 30, 2030

AUDIOLOGIST SERVICES

5th Ordering Period – May 1, 2029 2028 thru April 30, 2030

GRAND TOTAL

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

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 $500.00. The maximum value of services the Government will acquire under the contract for the Period of Performance and all exercised options shall not exceed $500.00.

B.3 Performance Work Statement

1. GENERAL:

1.1 Services Provided: The contractor shall provide a minimum of three (3) Audiologists and one (1) Medical Assistant (Audiology Health Technicians) on-site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care Systems.

1.2 Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at Baton Rouge Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, 7968 Essen Park Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809.

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

1.4 Policy/Directives/Handbooks. The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance. The policies listed below can be accessed electronically at the following: VA Publications VHA Publications.

1.4.1 VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources (HCR) Contracting – Buying Title 38 U.S.C. 8153

1.4.2. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy

1.4.3 VHA Directive 1065: Productivity and Staffing Guidance for Specialty Provider Group Practice

1.4.4 VHA Directive 1088(1): Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients

1.4.5 VHA Directive 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards

1.4.6 VHA Directive 1100.20: Credentialing of Health Care Providers

1.4.7 VHA Directive 1100.21: Privileging

1.4.8 VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Health Care Personnel

1.4.9 VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures in Any Clinical Setting

1.4.10 VHA Directive 1605.01: Privacy and Release of Information

1.4.11 VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records

1.4.12 VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Reports

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

1.5 Acronyms/Definitions: 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 http://www.abim.org/

1.5.2 ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.3 ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.4 BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.5 CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.6 CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.7 Clinical Privileging: Clinical 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 and within available resources.

1.5.8 CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.9 CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.10 CO: Contracting Officer: 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.

1.5.11 COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative: 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.

1.5.12 COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.13 CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

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

1.5.15 Credentialing: Credentialing is the process of obtaining, verifying, and assessing a health care provider’s qualification to provide care or services in or for the VA health care system. Credentials are documented evidence of licensure, education, training, experience, or other qualifications.

1.5.16 DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.17 FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.18 FTE: Full-Time Equivalent. VA’s standard definition is full-time working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. However, providers may propose using their standard FTE definition.

1.5.19 HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.20 HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.21 Hospital Medicine: A medical specialty dealing with the care of hospitalized patients.

1.5.22 ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.23 Key Personnel: The individuals specified in this contract who are essential to work performance.

1.5.25 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 the body functions, or Causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.5.26 NPI: National Provider Identifier. 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).

1.5.27 POP: Period of Performance

1.5.28 PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.29 PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.30 QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.31 QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.32 QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.33 VETPro: is VHA’s mandatory credentialing software platform to document the credentialing of VHA health care providers. This system facilitates completion of a uniform, accurate, and complete credentials file.

1.5.34 VHA: Veterans Health Administration

1.5.35 VISN: Veterans Integrated Services Network

1.5.36 VistA: Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1.1 License: The Key Personnel 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 key personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Key Personnel 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 and Experience:

2.1.2.1 The audiologist shall possess the following qualifications: Current Audiologist licensure in the state of [State where VAMC is located].

2.1.2.2 A Doctor of Audiology (Au. D.) degree from an accredited institution.

2.1.2.3 Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or equivalent.

2.1.3 Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing will be required for any Key Personnel. Credentialing and privileging are to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the proposed Audiologist(s) possess the requisite credentials to grant privileges.

No services shall be provided by any Key Personnel prior to obtaining approval from the Facility Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1 If a Key Personnel or other contract provider(s) are not credentialed and privileged or have credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.4 Technical Proficiency: Key Personnel 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. The contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to providing care, treatment and/or services performed. The contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences, including any gaps in educational history for all Key Personnel, and the contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

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

2.1.6 Training (BLS, CPRS, and VA MANDATORY): The contractor shall meet all VA educational and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the Key Personnel as required by the VA.

2.1.7 STANDARD INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES (PPD, IMMUNIZATIONS, ETC.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following 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 Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Key Personnel upon hire in accordance with CDC guidance. (This is applicable to all healthcare workers). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results.

2.1.7.2 MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians.

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 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 Key Personnel {This is applicable to all healthcare 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.

2.1.7.7 The facility shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. The contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in healthcare personnel ( as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 (https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/healthcare-for disease control. The 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 facilities). 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: N/A

2.1.10 Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all Key Personnel are responsible for identifying and communicating conflicts of interest to the CO and COR 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 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 of 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 preparing 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 the Department of Veterans Affairs has referred; 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 a United States agency, 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 offeror’s 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, the Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG website at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contractor’s physician (s) are not listed. The 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. CMPs may also be imposed against the Contractor that employs or enters 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 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 Facility COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Facility Director as provided in VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the facility COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his 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 physician(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: Key Personnel are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractors or their own practice(s).

2.6 Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Key Personnel 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 Key Personnel 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

2.7.4 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 Key Personnel.

When a Contractor or Key Personnel 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 contract physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9 Key Personnel:

2.9.1 The Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is four FTE.

2.9.2 The minimum number of Medical Assistants (Audiology Health Technicians) required to be on-site daily is one and three (3) Audiologists, as defined in this section's paragraph Hours of Operation.

2.9.3 It is essential that continuity of services is maintained to the maximum degree possible; hence, the substitution of contractor-provided staffing shall be limited to urgent/emergent absences of approved, assigned providers. Planned leave should be submitted to the contract supervisor for approval and communicated to the 45 days in advance. If less than 45 days in advance, 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.

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 15 calendar days 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 15 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 will not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive workdays or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement with 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), s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Key Personnel. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Key Personnel 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 the facility’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the Key Personnel leaves the 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: The hospital operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including Federal Holidays.

Schedule:

CBOC Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday: 07:30 – 16:00, excluding Federal Holidays, evenings, and weekends.

VHA Appointment Length Standards:

Note: The daily tour of duty includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.

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 •Independence Day •Labor Day •Columbus Day •Veterans Day •Thanksgiving •Christmas •Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

Key Personnel shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. The COR will use time sheets to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

4.2 Standards of Care: The Key Personnel’s care shall cover the range of Hospital Medicine Physician services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art healthcare treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding current recognized national standards as established by:

4.2.1 The Society of Hospital Medicine (http://www.hospitalmedicine.org) would be the most reasonable replacements.

4.2.3 The American Board of Internal Medicine http://www.abim.org/

4.2.4 The professional standards of The Joint Commission (TJC) http://www.jointcommission.org/

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

4.2.6 The requirements contained in this PWS.

4.3 Medical Records:

4.3.1 Authorities: Key Personnel providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with the 5 U.S.C.552a (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).

4.3.2 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’ (24VA10A7). 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 provided to VA patients are captured in the VA electronic health record system as required by VA policy as discussed in 4.4.4.

4.3.3 Disclosure: Key Personnel 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 with community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA and VHA Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information. The VA will provide the Contractor with a copy of VHA Directive 1907.01, Health Information Management and Health Records and VHA Directive 1605.1, 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.

4.3.4 Professional Standards for Documenting Care: Care shall be appropriately documented in medical records in accordance with standard commercial practice and guidelines established by VHA Directive 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records and all guidelines provided by the facility.

4.3.5 Release of Information: The VA shall maintain control of releasing any copies of patient health information or health records and will follow policies and standards as defined, but not limited to Privacy Act requirements. The contractor will not release or disclose copies of records and will refer all such requests to the Release of Information Department at the VA facility assigned to them.

4.3.6 Management for Medical Records: National Archives and Records Administration record disposition requirements are found in RCS 10-1 Chapter 6, 6000 series.

4.4 Direct Patient Care: An estimated 90% of the time is spent in direct patient care.

4.4.1 Per the qualification section of this PWS, the contractor shall provide the following staff:

4.4.1.1. Contractor shall provide staffing services for an estimated total of a minimum of 40 hours per week.

4.4.2 Scope of Care: Contractor’s personnel shall be responsible for providing staffing services via face-to-face, telephone, secure message, video-telehealth, and synchronous tele-health modalities, including, but not limited to:

4.4.2.1. Hearing aid education and maintenance: Accurate ear mold impressions, preparation of the mold for shipping, and mailing of the ear mold together with the hearing aid order to the vendor are necessary. The technician is responsible for tracking hearing aid orders and communicating with vendors to ensure they are received. When a hearing aid is determined to be delayed, s/he proactively makes appropriate phone contacts to resolve the issue.

4.4.2.1.2. When hearing aids are delivered (daily) to the clinic, the technician is responsible for certifying them and checking them to ensure that all ordered components are present and that the hearing aids and/or accessories are ready to be issued.

4.4.2.1.3. The health technician instructs properly maintaining, cleaning, and using, as well as using hearing aids and/or assisted listening devices (amplified phones, TV devices, etc.). The health technician is responsible for documenting the patient's education in the medical record.

4.4.2.2. Hearing aid repairs:

4.4.2.2.1. Responsible for routine repairs of hearing aids. During the day-to-day routine, s/he may meet with veterans on a one-to-one basis in an outpatient or in-patient setting in order to solve hearing aid problems. Provides primary-level troubleshooting and repair for veterans who are experiencing hearing aid problems. Services commonly provided by the technician include the evaluation of a hearing aid’s function and physical fit, changing of batteries, removal of stuck batteries, cleaning of electrical contacts, changing of wax traps, replacing ear mold tubing, modifications of the physical hearing aid shape, and counseling the veteran in the proper usage and methods of care for the instrument. All interactions are properly documented in the form of clinical progress notes.

Responsible for performing otoscopic examinations to determine if cerumen management is necessary.

4.4.2.2.2. When a hearing aid needs to be repaired, the incumbent utilizes the Remote Order/Entry System (ROES) to prepare the proper paperwork, wraps the hearing aid, and ships it. Makes appropriate entries in the clinic’s record tracking system to ensure the aid is properly tracked. S/he then either mails the hearing aid to the veteran when it returns; sometimes first re-programming the aid back to previous settings if the settings were lost during repair.

4.4.2.2.3. As part of the repair responsibility, the incumbent evaluates the operation of Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). The technician determines if the ALD is working properly and performs routine repairs as needed. When needed, the ALD is sent in for repair. When the incumbent finds skill or knowledge deficits, s/he provides specific training or patient education and documents it in the patient record.

4.4.2.3. Data, equipment, environment, and supply management:

4.4.2.3.1. Performs data management functions that are critical to the delivery of audiology services. In addition to those computerized tracking and ordering functions described below, these functions also include following up on the EARR reports to ensure that all encounters and workload are captured and appropriately documented.

4.4.2.3.2. This staff member is responsible for managing all stock hearing aids, batteries, ALDs, ear mold orders, and accessories for both VA and NON-VA CARE devices, inventory, and repairs. This employee is also responsible for all ROES entries, errors, certifications, and issues his employee, in partnership with coworkers.

4.4.2.3.3. The technician is responsible for monitoring supplies and maintaining an adequate supply of materials to meet clinic needs. This may require phone or computer correspondence with SPD, Vetmart, and multiple hearing aid vendors.

4.4.2.4. Cerumen Management:

4.4.2.4.1. The Audiologists and technician will properly and independently refer patients to ENT if cerumen impaction cannot be easily removed and/or if medical issues contradict the removal of cerumen.

4.4.2.4.2. Responsible for cleaning and preparing the equipment for sterilization as noted in the protocol.

4.4.2.4.3. The incumbent is responsible for communicating with veterans to educate them on proper ear hygiene. The technician will document all CPRS encounters and communicate with the Audiologist as needed.

4.4.2.5. Other Duties:

The incumbent may be required to perform a variety of previously unforeseen tasks to assist with the smooth functioning of the Audiology clinic.

4.4.2.5.1. Audiologists may need to help in getting heavy patients into the booth.

4.4.2.5.2. When sick calls occur, staff may be asked to call patients to move them into other clinics. This may include using the scheduling features in VISTA to reschedule patients properly.

4.4.2.5.3. The incumbent’s expertise is required to quickly fix or repair the patient’s hearing aid so that the patient can understand family members and Physicians.

4.4.2.5.4. Assist as needed with tele-audiology delivery, including health technician level provision of care across the following modalities: telephone call, secure message, video -telehealth, and synchronous and asynchronous telehealth.

4.4.2.6. Documentation: All required documentation of patient care must be completed in CPRS as follows: clinic notes and encounters must be completed on clinic day.

4.4.2.7. Clinic Care: Contractor personnel shall provide clinical Audiology Health Technician services. Contractor personnel shall be present and on time for any scheduled clinics as documented by physical presence in the clinic at the scheduled start time.

4.5 The Audiologists shall perform the following and adhere to the VHA Directives 2008-070, 1034, 1170.02(1), and VHA Audiology Clinical Practice recommendations: Hearing Aid fitting and aural rehabilitation.

4.5.1 The Audiologist will provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic audiology services to veterans at the VA Medical Center. The Audiologist’s primary role is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat hearing, balance, and related auditory disorders in veterans, ensuring the highest standard of care. Services include both in-clinic care and telehealth consultations as needed.

4.5.2 The audiologists are responsible for performing a range of duties aimed at improving veterans' quality of life by addressing their hearing and balance needs. The scope includes:

· Comprehensive audiometric evaluations and diagnostic testing for hearing and balance disorders.

· Hearing aid evaluations, fittings, programming, and maintenance.

· Counseling…