36C26018Q9592-002.docx

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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.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

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

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

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

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

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

36C26018Q9592 07-26-2018 Mark Erickson 253-888-4904 08-03-2018

12:00 PM PST

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 1495 Wilmington Drive, Suite 360

Dupont WA 98327

X

621991 $32.5 Million Net 30 days

N/A

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Puget Sound Healthcare System 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Road

Portland OR 97239 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 1495 Wilmington Drive, Suite 360

Dupont WA 98327

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 866-372-1141

See CONTINUATION Page

This is a Request for Information to determine the availability of healthcare providers in all socio-economic categories to perform the medical services required in the attached Performance Work Statement, below. Services shall be performed on-site at the VA Portland Healthcare System medical center in Portland, Oregon.

The required medical services are for Therapeutic Apheresis Nurse services for Veterans being served at the VA Portland Healthcare System in Portland, Oregon. The government is searching for medical services providers that can provide all required services, equipment and supplies to perform the contract in accordance with the contract terms and conditions.

Responses must be made electronically to the email address of the cognizant Contracting Officer, Mark Erickson, at mark.erickson3@va.gov.

See CONTINUATION Page

Mark Erickson NCO20 Medical Sharing 2 Branch

Table of Contents

A.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

THERAPEUTIC APHERESIS NURSE SERVICES

FOR THE

VA PORTLAND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (VAPORHCS),

PORTLAND, OREGON.

GENERAL:

1.1. Authority:

This contract is entered into under the authority of Public Law 104-262 and U.S.C.8153 and under VAAR 873 the contractor agrees to provide Health Care Resources in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein at the Portland VA Medical Center(PVAMC).

1.2. Services Required:

1.2.1. The Contractor agrees to furnish all personnel for Apheresis Nurse services, equipment, and supplies as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and special contract requirements listed herein for the Portland VA Medical Center (PVAMC). The Contractor shall provide Apheresis Nursing services, equipment, and supplies for the Outpatient Medicine Unit (OMU). Cells, plasma, or plasma constituents may be removed from the circulation and replaced by normal plasma, crystalloid, colloids such as starch, or albumin. Due to the infrequency of these Apheresis procedures PVAMC service personnel are limited in maintaining certification and expertise to perform them. The need to have a Therapeutic Apheresis service, equipment, and supplies available upon the order and immediate direction of the medical center’s staff physicians when such physicians determine those services are clinically indicated shall the patient be referred for contract service. A contract is needed to make Therapeutic Apheresis services available at the PVAMC, when other options and treatments have failed or not clinically indicated. Apheresis treatments are highly specialized and complex requiring qualified personnel, equipment and supplies.

1.2.2. Registered Nurses assigned by the Contractor to perform the Apheresis services covered by this contract must have current, full and unrestricted state licenses. The qualifications of Contractor’s personnel must be approved in advance by the PVAMC Chief, Nurse Executive or designee. Notice of any substitutions of key personnel must be provided to the Chief, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine or designee, and the qualifications of the substitutes must be supplied and approved in advance by the PVAMC Chief Executive Nurse or designee. Ensure that all nursing staff performing the Therapeutic Apheresis procedure has appropriate and current state licenses, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, and such annual health clearance as may be required by the appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies. Ensure the staff licenses are updated yearly and provided copies the medical center.

1.2.3. Perform Apheresis services equipment, and supplies on an as-needed basis at the Portland VA Medical Center (PVAMC) location between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays. Contractor shall provide emergency Apheresis services equipment, and supplies seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year within 4 hours once patient and products are ready. An estimated 3 hours of as needed coverage is required to perform each service. The total estimated coverage required will be 105 hours of coverage per year, estimating a total of 35 procedures at approximately 3 hours per procedure. This will be awarded to one vendor. The offeror will need to determine the mix of labor required to provide services outlined in this document.

1.3. Place Of Performance:

1.3.1. The Contractor agrees to provide Health Care Resources in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein at prices specified in the Schedule of this contract. The Apheresis Nurse will be assigned to work at the:

Portland VA Medical Center 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road Hospital and Specialty Care Division / OMU 4D Portland, OR 97239

1.3.2. Contractor will provide health care services to Portland VA Medical Center and as such, Contractor is considered part of the VA health activity for purposes of the following statutes and the VA regulations implementing these statues: Privacy Act, 5. S.C. sec 552a, and 38 U.S. C. sections 5701, 7705, and 7332. Contractor will have access to VA patient medical records to the extent necessary for the Contractor to perform this contract.

1.4. Period of Performance:

1.4.1. This will be a base plus four option years from the date of award. Pricing for the four option years will be determined at the time of award. The base period of performance will be from time of award for one year. No services shall be performed by the contractor after September 30 of each year, until the Contracting Officer authorizes such services in writing.

1.5. Scope of Work:

a. This contract is only for the Portland VA Medical Center. It will be a fixed firm price contract.

b. Services outside the scope of work: any work, which the contractor determines to be outside the scope of this contract, shall not be performed unless and until specifically authorized by the contracting officer. Any work performed without this authorization, (whether written or verbal), will be at the expense of the contractor.

c. The Apheresis Nursing/s (Apheresis Nurse) will generally be working independently and will consult with the Chief of Staff Portland VA Medical Center when unusual circumstances arise.

d. Standard of Care: Contract provider care shall cover the range of services as would be provided in any hospital and the standard of care be equal that provided by employees of Portland VA Medical Center.

e. Provide Therapeutic Apheresis care to Veteran Affairs (VA) patients in accordance with the written orders issued by the patient's ordering physician as documented in the patient's chart. Such written orders may include, without limitation, the treatment schedule, the patient's weight, the amount of blood to be processed, the amount and type of replacement fluid, if required, and instructions for the care of the lines after the procedure, including without limitation, heparinization. Contractor physicians will not write the orders for the Apheresis. The average yearly procedures performed in the facility in FY17 was 35.

f. The Apheresis Nurse will be required to have the ability to perform the Apheresis service independently.

g. Provide direct patient care in all aspects of Apheresis services.

h. The quality of medical practice shall meet or exceed reasonable standards of professional practice for the required services as determined by the same authority that governs VA medical professionals and will be audited by the Medical Center for that purpose.

i. Document all patient care on the patient’s chart a record of the Apheresis services including replacement solutions administered, if any, fluid balance, medications given, and adverse reactions, if any, which occurred during the Apheresis services. All documentations shall be completed within 48 hours after care is delivered.

j. Contract personnel shall comply with the by-laws of Portland VA Medical Center. (See attachment 7).

k. Any conflicts that may arise regarding patient care shall be coordinated with the Chief of Medical Service.

l. The Chief of Medical Service will verify quality of patient care through the Protected Peer Review process, the Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE), the On-going Provider Practice Evaluation (OPPE) and the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

m. The Apheresis Nurse will have responsibility for treating inpatients, completion of reports, and consulting with referring providers. The Apheresis Nurse will be required to coordinate the treatments at Portland VA Medical Center as needed.

1.5.1 Duties and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

a. The Contractor shall provide Apheresis Nurses necessary to accomplish the services described in this PWS except as may otherwise be specified. Contractor will provide sufficient Apheresis Nurses to ensure that all required shifts will be filled. All professionals providing services under the terms of this contract will be appropriately certified and licensed as described herein and possess the requisite skills and experience to perform the services defined in the contract.

b. The Apheresis Nurses agree to provide Health Care Resources in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein, to furnish to and at the Portland VA Medical Center services at prices specified in the contract.

c. The Contractor will provide the necessary equipment and associated supplies to perform the requested therapeutic Apheresis. The Contractor is responsible to keep and maintain appropriate records of equipment used and ensure that the supplies required to perform on stated equipment are readily available prior to the delivery of Apheresis services. Equipment (Brand Name or equal) and supplies include, but are not limited to the following:

BRAND NAME OR EQUAL

· Spectra Optia - Terumo BCT

· Spectra Optia Exchange Sets, mfg is Terumo BCT

· Blood Warmer – Stihler Electronic

· Saline - .9% Sodium Chloride, 500 mL bags – Baxter

· Normal Saline Flush - .9% Sodium Chlride Inj USP Syringes - BD

· ACDA, 500 mL bags – Terumo BCT

· Heparin Flush - Heparin Sodium Injection, 5,000 USP/mL – Fresenius Kabi

· Heparin Flush - Heparin Sodium Injection, 1,000 USP/mL – Fresenius Kabi

· 20 mL Vial Nacl - Hospira

· Chloraprep – Care Fusion

· Astotube – Stihler Electronic

· Large Bore Stopcock – Baxter

· Catheter Cap - Q Syte – BD

· Precision Glide Needle – 16g or 18g – BD

· Polylined Drape Towel – Cardinal Health

· Sterile Non-woven Sponges, 4x4 – Dukal

· Monoject Safety Needle Holder – Covidien

· Accessory Waste Bag – Terumo BCT

· 10 ml syringe Leur-Lok tip – BD

· 3 ml syringe Leur-Lok tip - BD

d. If the Contractor is required to use the PVAMC equipment or disposables in the performance of Therapeutic Apheresis, the Contractor is not liable for any loss arising to or from such equipment or disposables.

e. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the Apheresis Nurses providing services under this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required services covered by this contract. Full and unrestricted state licenses are required.

f. The Contractor will be responsible for any license and certification required, this includes American Heart Associate Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

1.5.2 The Apheresis Nurse:

a. Must provide Therapeutic Apheresis care to VA patients.

b. Must meet medical staff criteria for initial appointment and reappraisal in accordance with VHA Handbook 1100.19, entitled Credentialing and Privileging (see http://vaww1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2818 to practice medicine at Portland VA Medical Center prior to beginning work. See Memorandum 3307, provided as an attachment to Quality Assurance Plan (QASP).

c. Must be present at the VA facility during working hours and must be performing the required services identified in the Performance Work Statement or the cost will be decreased accordingly during each billing cycle. The payments for holiday time (for work performed in the case of an emergency) and for any leave, including sick leave or vacation time, are the responsibilities of the contractor.

d. Must be fluent in written and spoken English;

e. Will be required to run codes and to perform procedures such as Plasmapheresis, Leukocytapheresis, Thrombosytapheresis and Photopheresis. This includes but is not limited to the separation and removal of a blood component, reinfusion of the unused portion and the infusion of a suitable replacement fluid, if required.

f. Must provide evidence of current clinical experience appropriate to an Apheresis Nurse.

g. Must be a US citizen or provide evidence of eligibility to work in the US including an e-verify report.

h. Must provide current professional liability insurance certificate that covers work at the VA;

i. Must provide names of most current employer(s) and two peer reference contacts;

j. Must be able to work effectively in a collaborative environment, but also be able to function safely in an autonomous role;

k. Must be computer literate and have moderate typing skills, as the VA utilizes computerized patient medical records;

l. Must be a team player;

m. Must be able to work without direct supervision.

n. Must provide services in accordance with VA policies and procedures and the regulations of the medical staff by laws of the VA facility;

o. Must practice within guidelines established by Federal, State, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Medical Director (or designee). and the Service Chief.

p. Relationship with management, co-workers, patients, and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature. The Apheresis Nurse will display a cooperative attitude and will effectively work together to implement the organization’s mission and goals. They will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which he/she is responsible

q. Will provide input to any Peer Review or Process Review directly relating to a patient treatment or incident resulting from actions taken as a result of the consultation.

r. Will maintain familiarity and comply with facility infection control policies and procedures.

s. Must ensure a safe work environment and safe work habits

t. Will maintain familiarity and comply with all Federal, State, Department of Veterans Affairs, Portland VA Medical Center and departmental regulation and requirements.

1.5.3 VA Portland Health Care System:

a. Will maintain familiarity and comply with all Federal, State, Department of Veterans Affairs, Portland VA Medical Center and departmental regulation and requirements.

b. Shall provide Contractor with the first opportunity to fulfill Customer’s need for Apheresis services.

c. Shall be responsible for ordering the Apheresis procedure to be provided to each patient by the Contractor. Such written orders may include, without limitation and subject to the specific Apheresis procedure requested, the treatment schedule, type of procedure, and if required the amount and type of replacement fluid. Final medical decisions affecting patient care prior to, during, and post procedure are to be made by the patient’s physician.

d. Will provide, at no cost to the Contractor:

1. a suitable location for the performance of Therapeutic Apheresis which shall include adequate operational space and conditions.

2. access to support personnel and supplies maintained and readily available by the time Therapeutic Apheresis procedure is performed.

3. clinical support including laboratory service, blood bank, pharmaceuticals, and emergency response team.

4. Uvadex for any Photopheresis procedures.

5. the insertion of a central line or other venous access if venous access other than peripheral veins is required for the Apheresis services.

e. Will ensure that the Ordering Physician, or at least one designated Physician from the primary care team familiar with the patient, is readily available throughout the Therapeutic Apheresis services. Customer will also provide support staff or ensure the provision of support staff as may be reasonably necessary to assist and care for the patient if a medical emergency arises during the provision of the Services. Such support staff will include, without limitation, medical/surgical technicians and the resuscitation/code team.

f. Shall provide the Contractor personnel with an appropriate orientation, to include familiarization with facility emergency evacuation procedures, emergency code system, and training of the facility’s patient electronic record computer system, as applicable and required by PVAMC. Contractor personnel time for such required orientation shall be invoiced at the Fee set forth in Attachment A. The provision of access to vendor verification and registration tools, parking space, and security badges, with 24 hour facility access to designated areas where Therapeutic Apheresis operations are to be performed, is the PVAMC responsibility and are to be provided without cost to the Contractor.

g. Shall obtain consent for the Therapeutic Apheresis procedure ordered to be performed and transfusion consents prior to the first scheduled procedure and as required thereafter.

h. Agrees to provide necessary patient information and arrange for required preparative procedures prior to the initiation of a scheduled procedure. Customer may have a Consultation with Contractor prior to the performance of the Apheresis services.

i. Will be responsible to administer appropriate medical care in the event of a severe adverse reaction. .

j. Notify the Contractor of any serious complications which may have resulted from the Apheresis services ("Adverse Event") that occur within 24 hours of the performance of Apheresis Services. PVAMC will cooperate with the Contractor's investigation of any Adverse Event and supply information concerning the patient to the Contractor, on forms provided by the Contractor.

k. Agrees to schedule non-emergent cases 24 hours in advance in accordance with the Contractor hours of operation set forth in Attachment A, acknowledging that scheduled appointment may be subject to change as based on Contractor personnel availability.

l. Will provide for the disposal of any waste or biohazardous materials resulting from the Therapeutic Apheresis procedures.

m. In the event of exposure to biological material, the PVAMC is responsible to convey necessary information to the Contractor’s risk management department as part of the medical investigational inquiry

1.6. Definitions:

AQL: Acceptable Quality Level CEU: Certified Education Unit CME: Continuing Medical Education COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative CPR: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation CPRS: Computerized Patient Record System FPPE: “Focused” Professional Practice Evaluation H&P: History and Physical HCS: Health Care System HHS: Department of Health and Human Services HIPAA: Public Law 104-191 JC: Joint Commission NPI: National Provider Identification OPPE: Ongoing” Professional Practice Evaluation OIG: Office of Inspector General PATS: Patient Advocate Tracking System PVAMC: Portland VA Medical Center PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PWS: Performance Work Statement QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury VA: Department of Veterans Affairs VAMC: Veterans Affairs Medical Center VAAR: Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations VHA: Veterans Health Administration

2.0. PERSONNEL:

2.1. Qualifications:

2.1.1 The qualifications of the Apheresis Nurse assigned to perform the services covered by this contract shall be subject to review by Portland VA Medical Center.

2.1.2 The contractor will perform his/her work independently and with minimum direction. The contractor will work independently and is self-directed in that he/she is able to judge what activities are of highest priority, and accomplishes the necessary tasks without the necessity of supervisory direction.

2.1.3 Board Certification /Eligibility: Personnel must be licensed in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. The Contractor will be responsible for any license and certification required to perform under this contract. The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the Apheresis Nurses providing services under this contract is/are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required services covered by this contract.

2.1.4 Credentialing and Privileging:

Apheresis Nurses must be credentialed and privileged in accordance with policies and procedures set forth in VA Directive 1663 http://navao.org/July16_2006/pdfs/1663VAdir06_8_10_06.pdf and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) 1100.19 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1806 to include submission into VetPro, VHA’s credentialing internet software.

2.1.5 Technical Proficiency:

a. All care provided to Veterans is expected to be of the highest quality and is subject to peer review, focused professional practice review, ongoing professional practice review, and quality assurance activities. In addition, the Portland VA Medical Center reserves the right to survey Veterans and families for patient satisfaction, evaluate and coordinate action through the contractor to address satisfaction concerns.

b. Patient or staff complaints about the quality of care will be considered in the evaluation of the Apheresis Nursing. All Veterans, family members, VA employees and other customers of the Portland VA Medical Center will be treated professionally and courteously. The Apheresis Nurses shall provide satisfactory customer service. Patient or staff complaints about the quality of care will be considered in the evaluation of the Apheresis Nursing. The Apheresis Nurses must report all patient complaints immediately (within 24 hours) and resolved them within 7 days.

c. The services to be performed: shall be performed in accordance with VA policies, procedures, and the regulations of the Medical staff by-laws of the Portland VA Medical Center, see attached document. The Government may evaluate the quality of professional and administrative service provided, but retains no control over the medical, professional aspects of services rendered (e.g., professional judgments, and/or diagnosis for specific medical treatment). An Apheresis Nurse provided by this contract carries the same responsibility for patient care as a VA Apheresis Nurse appointed under Title 38 U.S.C. 7405.

d. The services required in this awarded contract shall be performed in accordance with established principles and ethics of the medical profession. The quality of healthcare provided shall meet or exceed the current recognized standards established by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Joint Commission (JC), http://www.jointcommission.org/standards/ and those of other professional associations, which specify standards of performance for the medical profession.

2.1.6 Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: All staff providing care to Veterans are expected to maintain all required training consistent with their licensure and with the Contracting agency’s medical bylaws. The Contractor Apheresis Nurse shall take and complete Veteran-specific training to manage patients with special needs such as those patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, and Suicidal Ideation and other programs that may assist with an understanding of the cultural needs and unique population specific issues associated with military service, if it is determined to be required.

2.1.7 Training:

a. The Apheresis Nurse shall maintain their licensure and board certification. If the contractor’s certifications and or licensure status changes they shall inform the Contracting Officer immediately.

b. The Apheresis Nurse shall complete any training required by the VA.

c. All Contractor employees and subcontractors requiring access to VA computer network are required to complete VA's Information Security and Privacy Awareness Training (ISPAT) training annually. The courses required are Privacy Policy (HIPPA) and VA ISPAT Training can be obtained from the Talent Management System at https://www.tms.va.gov/plateau/user/login.jsp The COR can assist in enrollment in the system. Documented proof in the form of a certificate must be provided to the Contracting Officer.

d. When notified of an unfavorable determination of the background investigation or credentialing, the contractor shall withdraw the employee from working under the contract, and at the request of the VA, submit another employee for consideration.

2.1.8 Standard Personnel Testing: N/A

2.1.9 National Provider Identification (NPI):

If the provider is required to have a NPI per http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/HIPAA-Administrative-Simplification/NationalProvIdentStand/index.html?redirect=/NationalProvIdentStand/, they are required to provide the NPI to the contracting officer and the COR.

2.1.10 Conflict of Interest:

See VHA Handbook 1660.3, Conflict of Interest; Aspects of Contracting for Scarce Medical Specialist Services; Enhanced Use Leases; Health Care Resource Sharing; Non-VA Purchased Care (Fee Basis); and Intergovernmental Personnel Action Agreements (IPAS). These publications and handbooks are available at: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/index.cfm

2.1.11 Citizenship Related Requirements:

A technically qualified United States Citizens will be given preference over, non-citizens in accordance with current regulations. Non-citizens must provide proof of eligibility to work and an e-verify printout.

2.1.12 Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement:

The contractor is required to check the HHS Office of Inspector General List of excluded individuals/entities on the OIG Website (www.hhs.gov/oig) for each person providing services under this contract 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. Further, the contractor is required to certify in its proposal that all persons listed in the contractor’s proposal have been verified as not appearing on the OIG list. During the performance of this contract, the Contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

2.2 Technical Direction:

2.2.1 Submission: As part of the pre-award Contractor Responsibility determination and during the performance of the contract, for the purposes of on-going, Contractor competency evaluation the VA will perform or require for evaluation, from the Offeror/Contractor one or more of the following:

a. Submission of information to allow evaluation of their qualifications and past performance. This information should be specific, concise, and complete and provide sufficient information to demonstrate the offeror’s capacity to meet or exceed the requirements of the contract.

b. Submission of evidence of accomplishment of training and education that is required by the terms of the contract.

c. Submission of evidence of experience and achievements in work similar to that required by the contract.

d. Board certification or licensure that meets or exceeds standards relative to the industry being contracted.

2.2.2 Contractor must not have had a terminated license, registration or certification for cause, or if the provider voluntarily relinquished such license, registration or certification in any state after being notified in writing by a state of potential termination for cause. (The definition for “cause” is “substandard care, professional misconduct, or professional incompetence.”) All contractors shall have a current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. If required by the State of Licensure, current registration shall also be maintained.

2.2.3 . Government Invoicing Instructions: 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. Invoice requirements are currently as follows: Invoice Number, Invoice Date, Purchase Order Number, Unit Price, Quantity and Unit of Measure, Total Invoice Price, Ship-To Location Name and/or code, Receipt of Goods/ Services, Invoice Payment Terms. Current Invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

2.2.4 FSC Mandatory Electronic Invoice Submission: The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final rule in the Federal Register on November 27, 2012 to require contractors to submit payment requests in electronic form in order to enhance customer service, departmental productivity, and adoption of innovative information technology, including the appropriate use of commercial best practices. The rule is effective December 27, 2012.

2.2.5 Vendor Electronic Invoice Submission Methods: Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below:

2.2.6 VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The FSC uses a third-party contractor, TUNGSTEN NETWORK (formerly OB10), to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please see TUNGSTEN NETWORK contact information below to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge. The Department of Veterans Affairs Tungsten Number is: AAA544240062.

2.2.7 A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI Web site (http://www.x12.org).

2.2.8 Vendor e-Invoice Set-Up Information: Please contact TUNGSTEN NETWORK at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. If you have question about the e-invoicing program or TUNGSTEN NETWORK, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

a. TUNGSTEN NETWORK e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135;

b. TUNGSTEN NETWORK e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@ob10.com;

c. FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791; and

d. FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

e. For questions, refer to: http://www.tungsten-network.com/uk/en/veterans-affairs/

f. Remittance Address details to transact VA-FSC:

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

2.2.9 The Portland VA Medical Center will not pay any hiring fees if the contract Apheresis Nurse is hired for a permanent position.

2.2.10 Service Contract Act (SCA) is applicable to this contract.

2.2.11 Marketing: Contractor shall not advertise or use any marketing material, logos, trade names, service marks, or other material belonging to the Portland VA Medical Center without consent.

2.2.12 Safety requirements: in the performance of this contract, the contractor shall take such safety precautions as the COR may determine to be reasonable and necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building. The contracting officer or his designee will notify the contactor of any non-compliance with the foregoing provisions and the action to be taken. The contractor shall after receipt of such notice, immediately correct the condition. Such notice, when served on the contractor or his representative at the site of the work, shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose aforesaid. If the contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the contracting officer may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work and hold the contractor in default.

2.2.13 Apheresis Nurse s are required to use universal precautions to guard against possibility of accidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Portland VA Medical Center will provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Apheresis Nurse’s will follow the guidance provided in the Portland VA Medical Center SOPs regarding Infection Control, Safety, and Hazardous Waste Management.

2.3 Non-Personal Services:

2.3.1 It is expressly agreed and understood that this is a non-personal services contract, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.101, under which the professional services rendered by the Contractor or its health-care providers are rendered in its capacity as an independent contractor. The Contractor shall be liable for their liability-producing acts or omissions. The Contractor shall maintain or require all health-care providers performing under this contract to maintain, during the term of this contract, professional liability insurance issued by a responsible insurance carrier. However, if the Contractor is an entity or a subdivision of a State that either provides for self-insurance or limits the liability or the amount of insurance purchased by State entities, then the insurance requirement of this contract shall be fulfilled by incorporating the provisions of the applicable State law.

2.3.2 The successful offeror, upon request of the Contracting Officer, shall, prior to contract award, furnish evidence of the insurability of the offeror and/or of all health-care providers who will perform under this contract. The submission shall provide evidence of insurability concerning the medical liability insurance required by paragraph (a) of this clause or the provisions of State law as to self-insurance, or limitations on liability or insurance.

2.3.3 The Contractor shall, prior to commencement of services under the contract, provide to the Contracting Officer Certificates of Insurance or insurance policies evidencing the required insurance coverage and an endorsement stating that any cancellation or material change adversely affecting the Government.

2.3.4 The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer if it, or any of the health-care providers performing under this contract, change insurance providers during the performance period of this contract. The notification shall provide evidence that the Contractor and/or health-care providers will meet all the requirements of this clause, including those concerning liability insurance and endorsements. These requirements may be met under either the new policy, or a combination of old and new policies, if applicable.

2.3.5 No Employee status:

The parties agree that such personnel working under this contract shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the Contractor. The relationship of the parties is not and shall not be construed or interpreted to be a partnership, joint venture or agency. The relationship of the Parties is an independent contractor relationship.

2.3.6 TORT:

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

2.4 Key Personnel and Emergency Substitutions:

2.4.1 Key personnel on this contract shall include the contractor’s point of contact on this contract and the Apheresis Nurse. The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel:

2.4.2 The provider assigned by the contractor shall fall under all the existing Portland VA Medical Center quality monitors relating to services provided such as, medical records review, Peer Review, Incident reporting, Infection Control, etc.

2.4.3 The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of a contractor, 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. The Contracting Officer, Administrative Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer's Representative shall deal with issues raised concerning contract personnel's conduct. The final arbiter is the Contracting Officer.

2.4.4 The Contracting Officer Representative shall resolve complaints concerning Contractor relations with the Government employees or patients. In the event that the Contractor is involved and named in a validated patient complaint, and the Government is unable to resolve the issue the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. In the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse the contractor will be immediately removed from the facility and will not return until clearance is given by the Contracting Officer and the Facility Director. In the event any issues cannot be resolved the Contracting Officer is the final authority on validating complaints.

2.4.5 Portland VA Medical Center personnel shall brief the Contractor on VAMC policies and procedures on the first scheduled duty day.

3.0 HOURS OF OPERATION:

3.1.1 Normal Clinical Hours: Since this service is on as-needed basis normal clinical hours shall be defined as those in which Apheresis services are performed at the Customer’s location between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays. In addition to normal clinical hours, the Contractor shall provide emergency coverage as needed seven days a week including holidays. Emergency coverage shall be defined as those hours outside of normal clinical hours. The Contractor shall provide emergency Apheresis services seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year within 4 hours once patient and products are ready. Portland VA Medical Center retains the right to adjust scheduling as needed to best serve VA patients.

3.1.2 Contractor’s employee must be present at the VA facility during required hours and must be performing the required services identified in the Performance Work Statement to invoice for hours worked. The payments for holiday time (for work performed in the case of an emergency) and for any leave, including sick leave or vacation time is the responsibility of the contractor. The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the Contractor during work hours as defined herein.

3.1.3 Any hours worked beyond the normally scheduled shifts shall be reviewed by the Chief of Staff, and approved by the COR to determine appropriateness. Any time worked deemed unnecessary by the Chief of Staff will not be paid by the VA.

3.1.4. Work Schedule:

a. Coverage. Contractor shall schedule a sufficient number of qualified staff, to be immediately available to provide all Apheresis Nursing Services required. Apheresis Nursing shall not be scheduled or work performed until the COR has received clearance from the Contracting Officer and credentialing.

b. A roster, indicating which Apheresis Nurse shall perform the first 180 days of the contract, must be provided within 15 business days of award. Rosters with name and contact information (email and phones), and schedules are to be provided quarterly by email as follows:

January 1st - for April 1st thru June 30th April 1st - for July 1st thru September 30th July 1st – for October 1st thru December 31st October 1st – for January 1st thru March 31st

c. The VA will acknowledge receipt of the schedule and provide any initial requested changes to the schedule within five business days. The contractor will acknowledge receipt of requested changes and provide a response within five business days. If issues are not resolved with these exchanges, a telephone conference must be scheduled within three business days to discuss the issues - the contracting office, the COR, the Contractor must be included. Any emergency changes made by the vendor to the submitted quarterly schedule after acceptance by the VA must be provided by email as soon as changes are made. The VA reserves the right to disagree with the changes and use other means to fill any openings. The VA will inform the vendor within three business days.

d. Finalization of Monthly Schedule: 60 days before each month the schedule will be finalized (example: January’s schedule will be finalized before November 1) and sent by email. The VA will acknowledge finalization of the schedule within five business days. If the VA has any issues with the final schedule they will request a telephone conference within three business days to resolve any issues the contracting officer, vendor and COR must be included in the discussions. Any openings in the final schedule may be filled by the VA using methods other than the contract.

e. Schedule Changes After Finalization: If an Apheresis nurse will not be able to work a scheduled shift in the final schedule the vendor will immediately email Portland VA Medical Center; call the Chief of Staff at 541-440-1000, Ext. 44214; and the Administrative Officer of the Day at 541-440-1250. The VA reserves the right to use methods other than the contract to fill any schedule openings that occur after finalization of the monthly schedule.

f. Emergencies Enroute: If the contractor’s Apheresis Nurse has an emergency enroute to the PVAMC and will be late or unable to fill the shift the Apheresis Nurse shall contact the Chief of Staff at 541-440-1000, Ext. 44214, the Administrative Officer of the Day at 541-440-1250, and their Contractor contact. If possible, they should also email Portland VA Medical Center.

g. Provider Lead Time: Any new providers require a minimum of 8-weeks lead-time for credentialing and privileging and background investigations after submission of all of the paperwork. Contractor will work with the COR and PVAMC Medical Staff Coordinator to credential and privilege personnel through VetPro. VetPro is a software program to support the credentialing activities for the appointment of health care professionals to VA medical facilities.

4.0 CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. Services Required: Provide direct patient care in all aspects of Apheresis Services. Provide strong support for nursing and ancillary staff as they care for the patient.

4.2. Standards of Practice:

4.2.1 Contractor shall be responsible for meeting or exceeding VA and Joint Commission (or equivalent) standards.

4.2.2 By signing this solicitation, the contractor hereby acknowledges that it is and will continue to comply with State workers compensation laws that are applicable to the contractor. While it is understood by the Federal government that workers compensation laws may not apply to a contractor with respect to that contractor’s independent contractors and as such that contractor will not be required to make workers compensation premium payments for such independent contractors, it is wholly the burden and responsibility of the contractor to make such a determination pursuant to State workers compensation laws. The Federal government does not offer any legal advice on such a determination and contractors are encouraged to seek independent legal advice when making such a determination.

4.2.3 The Contractor shall comply with all current VHA policies. The Contractor is required to meet VHA performance and quality criteria and standards including, but not limited to, customer satisfaction, preventative index, chronic disease index and clinical guidelines. Performance and quality standards may change during the course of the contract. New or revised quality/performance criteria or standards will be provided to the contractor before their implementation date. Compliance with mandated performance is required as a condition of this contract.

4.2.4 The services required in this agreement shall be performed in accordance with established principles and ethics of the medical profession. The quality of healthcare provided shall meet or exceed the current recognized standards established by the American Board Certification, The Joint Commission (TJC), Veterans Health Administration regulations and medical staff by-laws and those of other professional associations that specify standards of performance for the medical profession.

4.2.5 The Contractor shall be responsible for providing responsible management of medical care. Care provided will respect and integrate the patient’s beliefs, values and cultural influences. The Contractor shall involve the patient in care decisions by keeping him/her fully informed about the diagnosis, plan of care and treatment goals, risks and benefits of proposed treatment, and prognosis; shared decision-making shall be pursued.

4.2.6 VA will provide the contractor with access to the VISTA (Veterans Health Information System Technology Architecture). VA’s patient record computer system, Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) that contains: patient medical records, medication profiles, laboratory and radiology data, and other diagnostic test results. Access will be for the purpose of: obtaining patient specific information, and communicating with VA Staff about patient care issues.

4.2.7 The Contractor will also be responsible for reviewing patient information via the computerized patient record system. The COR will be responsible for ensuring and documenting that these requirements are satisfied. If patient records are not properly documented within CPRS, VA reserves the right to withhold payment to the Contractor until such records are properly documented.

4.2.8 Any changes in the laws, regulations, or VA/VHA policies or procedures governing the information covered by this section of the contract, during the term of this contract, shall be deemed to be incorporated into this contract.

4.2.9 In the event there are concerns with Apheresis Nursing performance the following process will be followed:

a. Facility identifies the concern and submits an incident report to the Contracting Officer.

b. Contractor shall have 24 hours to interact with the doctor and communicate the issue.

c. Contractor shall reply back in writing to the Contracting Officer within 48 hours with a response from the Apheresis Nurse in writing.

d. The Contracting Officer will respond back to the facility about the issue to the facility with the Apheresis Nursing’s response.

e. If the issue continues a conference call will be set up with Apheresis Nursing, Medical Director, Chief of…