36C26020Q0479_2.docx

36C26020Q0479 Contract Opportunity Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

PRODUCT SERVICE CODE

SUBJECT

CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

ZIP-CODE

SOLICITATION NUMBER

BASE NOTICE TYPE

RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE

ARCHIVE

DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

SET-ASIDE

NAICS CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

ADDRESS

POINT OF CONTACT

(POC Information Automatically Filled from User Profile Unless Entered)

DESCRIPTION

See Attachment

AGENCY'S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT'S EMAIL

ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

ADDRESS

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

* = Required Field Contract Opportunity Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Q521 In-Home Clinical Respiratory Services 98327 36C26020Q0479 K 09-18-2020

16:00 PM

PACIFIC TIME, LOS ANGELES, USA

N

SBA

621610 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 1495 Wilmington Drive, Suite 360 DuPont WA 98327 Contract Specialist Craig Ritchey craig.ritchey@va.gov 253-888-4928 craig.ritchey@va.gov craig.ritchey@va.gov Home-Based Clinical Respiratory Services for the Boise VAMC and its Jurisdiction. Contractor to furnish all labor, materials, storage, and equipment necessary to transport/deliver Positive Airway Pressure Therapy devices (PAP) / Oximetry / Home Medical Equipment (HME) / Durable Medical Equipment (DME), herein referred to as DME, and accessories.

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

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

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

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

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

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

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

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

531-20-3-168-0014 36C26020Q0479 09-02-2020 Craig Ritchey 253-888-4928 09- 8-2020 36C663A Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 1495 Wilmington Drive, Suite 360 DuPont WA 98327 X X 621610 $16.5 Million N/A X 663A Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 See Section B.3 Delivery Schedule 1495 Wilmington Drive, Suite 360 DuPont WA 98327 36C663A 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 This is for In-Home Clinical Respiratory Services for the Boise VAMC and its jurisdiction.

This will result in a base plus four-options contract.

Estimated PoP is /2020 to 9/ /2025 See Section B.4 for full requirement.

Only Services actually provided will be paid for.

Contracting POC is: Craig Ritchey at craig.ritchey@va.gov X Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

CPAP set up, Estimated quantity: 150

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide CPAP Setup or Mask Refit with delivery services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2020 through 9/27/2021 Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-28-2020 POP End: 09-27-2021

Oximetry delivery & download, Estimated quantity: 400

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide CPAP Setup or Mask Refit with delivery services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2020 through 9/27/2021 Contract Period: Base

Respiratory Therapy Visits: Estimated quantity: 350

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall perform respiratory Therapist visits, (to exclude mask refit), vent check, and/or pressure changes, in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2020 through 9/27/2021 Contract Period: Base

Mileage, Estimated Mileage 2000 miles

Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2020 through 9/27/2021 Contract Period: Base

CPAP set up, Estimated quantity: 158

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide CPAP Setup or Mask Refit with delivery services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2021 through 9/27/2022 Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-28-2021 POP End: 09-27-2022

Oximetry delivery & download, Estimated quantity: 424

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide Oximetry delivery & download in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2021 through 9/27/2022 Contract Period: Option 1

Respiratory Therapy Visits: Estimated quantity: 368 respiratory Therapist visits, (to exclude mask refit), vent check, and/or pressure changes, in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2021 through 9/27/2022 Contract Period: Option 1

Mileage, Estimated Mileage 2100 miles

PoP: 9/28/2021 through 9/27/2022 Contract Period: Option 1

CPAP set up, Estimated quantity: 166

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide CPAP Setup or Mask Refit with delivery services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2022 through 9/27/2023 Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-28-2022 POP End: 09-27-2023

Oximetry delivery & download, Estimated quantity: 437

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide Oximetry delivery & download in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2022 through 9/27/2023 Contract Period: Option 2

Respiratory Therapy Visits: Estimated quantity: 386 respiratory Therapist visits, (to exclude mask refit), vent check, and/or pressure changes, in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2022 through 9/27/2023 Contract Period: Option 2

Mileage, Estimated Mileage 2205 miles

PoP: 9/28/2022 through 9/27/2023 Contract Period: Option 2

CPAP set up, Estimated quantity: 174

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide CPAP Setup or Mask Refit with delivery services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2023 through 9/27/2024 Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-28-2023 POP End: 09-27-2024

Oximetry delivery & download, Estimated quantity: 450

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide Oximetry delivery & download in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2023 through 9/27/2024 Contract Period: Option 3

Respiratory Therapy Visits: Estimated quantity: 405 respiratory Therapist visits, (to exclude mask refit), vent check, and/or pressure changes, in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2023 through 9/27/2024 Contract Period: Option 3

Mileage, Estimated Mileage 2315 miles

PoP: 9/28/2023 through 9/27/2024 Contract Period: Option 3

CPAP set up, Estimated quantity: 183

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide CPAP Setup or Mask Refit with delivery services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2024 through 9/27/2025 Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-28-2024 POP End: 09-27-2025

Oximetry delivery & download, Estimated quantity: 464

REQUIREMENTS ITEM: The Contractor shall provide Oximetry delivery & download in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2024 through 9/27/2025 Contract Period: Option 4

Respiratory Therapy Visits: Estimated quantity: 425 respiratory Therapist visits, (to exclude mask refit), vent check, and/or pressure changes, in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quantities are estimates; the Contractor shall invoice for actual services provided, only.

PoP: 9/28/2024 through 9/27/2025 Contract Period: Option 4

Mileage, Estimated Mileage 2431 miles

PoP: 9/28/2024 through 9/27/2025 Contract Period: Option 4

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

150.00

400.00

350.00

2,000.00

158.00

424.00

368.00

2,100.00

166.00

437.00

386.00

2,205.00

174.00

450.00

405.00

2,315.00

183.00

464.00

425.00

2,431.00

36C26020Q0479

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B.4 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

HOME-BASED CLINICAL RESPIRATORY SERVICES

for the

BOISE VA MEDICAL CENTER (BVAMC),

BOISE, IDAHO

1.0. GENERAL:

1.1. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153/ VA Directive 1663

1.2. Services Required: Home-Based Clinical Respiratory Services. Contractor to furnish all labor, materials, storage, and equipment necessary to transport/deliver Positive Airway Pressure Therapy devices (PAP) / Oximetry / Home Medical Equipment (HME) / Durable Medical Equipment (DME), herein referred to as DME, and accessories.

The number of Veterans being served by this contract will change throughout the life of the contract. The volumes or amounts shown in the solicitation are estimates only and impose no obligation on the VA. The contract shall be for the actual requirements of the VA as ordered by the VA during the life of the contract.

1.3. Place of Performance: Off site within the Department of Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries residences, in designated counties in Idaho and Oregon (Section 1.4.).

1.4. Definitions/Abbreviations:

Area of Responsibility/Jurisdiction - Boise VAMC includes the following counties:

Idaho: Lemhi, Valley, Adams, Washington, Custer, Boise, Gem, Payette, Owyhee, Twin Falls, Lincoln, Jerome, Cassia, Minidoka, Butte, Camas, Elmore, Ada, Canyon, Blaine, Gooding Oregon: Grant, Harney, Malheur, Baker Caregiver - An individual providing and/or assisting the Veteran with personal care. This individual may also be a family member.

CO - Contracting Officer is the VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

COR - Contracting Officer’s Representative is a VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer.

DME Services - Durable Medical Equipment (DME), also referred to as Positive Airway Pressure Therapy devices (PAP), Home Medical Equipment (HME), services include the delivery, set-up and maintenance of Government-furnished DME to meet Veteran’s needs at his/her place of residence, and the education of the Veteran in the use of the DME. For purposes of this contract, DME services also include other services identified within this statement of work, including those services that are performed at the contractor’s facility.

FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulation.

First Class Operating Condition - Cleaned, disinfected, and meeting all original mechanical and operational standards as outlined by the manufacturer.

HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

TJC - The Joint Commission sets the standards by which health care quality is measured. Joint Commission mission is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of healthcare accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission Standards can be accessed at www.jointcommission.org.

PAP - Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (PAP) system which includes but is not limited to PAP Therapy devices (CPAP, APAP, BiPAP, VPAP, BiPAP ST, and BiPAP SV), humidifier, mask, tubing, filters and accessories.

PAP/ Home Oxygen Coordinator - Employee from the PAP/ Home Oxygen Service at a VA facility. These individuals, along with purchasing agents, will be responsible for orders against the contract.

Sentinel Event - Unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof. "Serious injury" specifically includes loss of limb or function. The phrase "or the risk thereof" includes any process variation for which reoccurrence would carry a significant chance of serious adverse outcome.

VA - Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA Facility - VA facilities also include Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Outpatient Clinics associated with this medical center. For the purpose of this contract: Boise VAMC, Burns OPC, Caldwell CBOC, Mountain Home OPC, Salmon OPC, Twin Falls CBOC.

Veteran - Veteran who is authorized by a BVAMC representative to receive DME services as a VA beneficiary.

Veteran’s place of residence - the location where a Veteran has been authorized to receive DME services.

VHA - Veterans Health Administration.

VISN/ NCO - Veterans Integrated Service Network/ Network Contracting Office. (VISN/ NCO 20)

2.0. PERSONNEL:

2.1. Qualifications / Experience: The Contractor must have at least two (2) years of experience in successfully administering basic PAP therapy/oximetry to adult and geriatric patients. The Contractor will be responsible for coordinating, supervising and evaluating the services provided. Only employees that have been properly trained and who have demonstrated competency may perform equipment deliveries, recoveries and patient education on the equipment.

2.1.1. License: The respiratory therapist service called for in this contract must be licensed to practice sleep related respiratory care in Idaho and Oregon, proof of licensure must be provided to the BVAMC upon contract acceptance and yearly thereafter. Respiratory therapist licensure is required for the resident state of the patient for whom the therapist is providing services

2.1.2. Board Certification /Eligibility: A Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT/RRT) or Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LPN) license is required.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Accomplished through the contractor’s verification of proper licensure of the staff performing work for the BVAMC.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency: Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: The Contractor must provide proof of continuing licensure, to the BVAMC.

2.1.5. Training: Drivers and attendants alike must be trained and familiar with fire and safety equipment (fire extinguishers, etc.) and have successfully completed advanced First Aid courses and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the American Red Cross or equivalent. All personnel performing under this contract shall at a minimum have BLS certification.

2.1.6. Standard Personnel Testing: Contractor employees providing services shall have a current health record compliant with state and local community health regulations.

2.1.7. National Provider Identification (NPI): Covered health care providers and all health plans and health care clearinghouses must use the NPIs in the administrative and financial transactions adopted under HIPAA.

2.1.8. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United States Government if the employment of that person would create a conflict of interest. The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs unless such person seeks and receives approval in accordance with VA Regulations and public law. Nor shall the Contractor employ any person who is a member of the immediate family of a VA employee employed at the BVAMC if the employment of that family member would create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, particularly with regard to influencing the contract negotiations, terms of the contract or the work carried out under the contract. In any such case, VA must review the matter and give its approval in accordance with agency ethics rules.

2.1.9. Citizenship related Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required however, non-citizens may be appointed when no qualified citizens are available in accordance with current regulations. Employees must be proficient in reading, speaking and understanding the English language.

2.1.10. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: To ensure that the individuals providing services under the contract have not engaged in fraud or abuse regarding Sections 1128 and 1128A of the Social Security Act regarding federal health care programs, the contractor is required to check the Health and Human Service – 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. Further the contractor is required to certify in its proposal that all persons listed in the contractor’s proposal have been compared against the OIG list and are not listed. During the performance of this contract the Contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

2.2. Non-Personal Services: The service portion of this contract is a health care services contract. The Government will evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided but retains no control over the medical and professional aspects of the services rendered

2.2.1. No Employee status: Personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationship between the Government and its employees. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for the actions of its employees and shall indemnify the Government for any liability producing act or omission by the contractor, its employees and agents occurring during contract performance.

2.3. Key Personnel and Emergency Substitutions: The contractor shall identify, in writing, at least one individual (key personnel) who has the authority to fully represent the contractor in all contracting matters, including all day-to-day matters. No substitutions or changes may be made in the first ninety (90) days of the contract.

2.4. Employee Certification: The Contractor shall develop, maintain, and make available for review, personnel folders on all employees performing under this contract.

3.0. HOURS OF OPERATION:

3.1. Business Hours: Business Day

3.1.1. Definitions:

Business Day - An eight-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.

3.1.2. Work Schedule: The contractor’s business hours of operation at the facility shall include an eight-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., local time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

3.1.3. Federal Holidays: Federal Holidays: The ten (10) Federal Holidays observed by the Federal Government for this requirement are:

When a Federal holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a Federal holiday. When a Federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the proceeding Friday is observed as a Federal holiday by U.S. Government agencies. Also included, would be any other day, specifically declared by the President of the United States of America to be a Federal Holiday.

4.0. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. Services Required: Clinical Respiratory Services - Patients are clinically evaluated for the requirements of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy devices oximetry studies and ventilator checks by the BVAMC. Once the device is ordered, Boise VAMC requires a contractor (RRT or RPSGT for sleep related respiratory care and RRT and/or CRT for ventilator checks, overnight oximetry and exercise oximetry studies.) to setup in the patient’s home to include follow-up refitting and troubleshooting. Services may also include the contractor providing, setting up and monitoring oximetry in the patient’s home as well as ventilator checks.

4.2. Standards of Practice: The Contractor must meet or exceed all Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards for all services provided herein. The Contractor must submit written documentation of meeting or exceeding all Joint Commission Home Care Standards for Clinical Respiratory Services, current edition, as part of its technical proposal and updated yearly thereafter. The Joint Commission Standards can be accessed at www.jointcommission.org. The contractor must be accredited by a nationally recognized organization and must maintain that accreditation throughout the term of the contract. If contractor receives conditional accreditation or does not meet Joint Commission standards, the VA must receive immediate notification in writing citing the follow-up action plan. If Joint Commission accreditation or standards cannot be met, the VA reserves the right to terminate the contract.

4.2.1. Proof of such accreditation must be submitted to the Boise VAMC with technical proposal and by December 31 of every year thereafter.

4.2 2. Contractor must maintain accreditation throughout the duration of the contract. All prospective Contractors must include with their proposal documentation on how they have met the Joint Commission standards.

4.2.3. The Contractor will notify the Contracting Officer of any change in accreditation status within 24 hours.

4.2.4. Any and all documentation related to the patient record during the duration of this contract is the property of the VA and will be returned to the VA by the contractor upon the expiration, termination or non-renewal of this contract.

4.3. Resident Supervision and Teaching: Not applicable, no resident supervision or teaching required.

4.4. Medical Records: The Contractor shall maintain a VA beneficiary account folder in compliance with the Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All beneficiary files are subject to review by designated BVAMC officials and accreditation surveyors on behalf of the BVAMC during accreditation surveys or consultation. As a minimum the VA beneficiary folder will adhere to current Joint Commission standards for patient record keeping. Any part of the contractor’s facility(s) that contain a veteran’s protected health information (i.e. social security number) shall be secured in accordance with HIPAA regulations and the Privacy Act.

4.4.1. Authorities: 45 CFR 164.506 Uses and disclosures to carry out treatment, payment, or health care operations.

4.4.2. HIPAA: The contractor will be given beneficiary information that may include Veteran’s name, place of residence address, telephone number, and social security number. Beneficiary information is confidential and is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and should be destroyed in accordance with Federal Regulations. See FAR 52.224-1 and 52.224-2.

4.4.3. Disclosure: Beneficiary lists, no matter how developed, shall be treated as CONFIDENTIAL information. Lists and/or names of beneficiaries shall NOT be disclosed or revealed for any use outside the BVAMC, without prior written permission of the VA. The VA database listing may NEVER be utilized for solicitation of any kind. Any correspondence to veterans MUST have prior approval and be signed by the Contractor and the VA. Any individual making unauthorized disclosure may be criminally liable for violations under HIPAA.

4.4.3.1. Privacy Training: Mandatory VA provided Privacy Training shall be completed by all contract employees and new contract employees within 30-days of starting work. VA provided Privacy Training will be completed annually by all contract employees until contract expiration. Any questions regarding Privacy may be directed to the VA Privacy Officer.

4.4.4. Professional Standards for Documenting Care:

4.4.4.1. Unusual Conditions: The Contractor is required to notify the COR immediately if any of the following unusual conditions are known to exist concerning the beneficiary.

· change in address

· excessive abuse of equipment

· request for additional equipment or accessories without the consent of the COR or PAP Coordinator

· request for any change of the original prescription

· unusual conditions in the beneficiary's residence

· suspected abuse or neglect of beneficiary

4.4.5. Release of Information: The Contract employee shall only release medical information obtained during the course of this contract to the BVAMC designated employee or staff involved in the care and treatment of that individual beneficiary. All other requests for release of beneficiary information must be handled by the BVAMC Release of Information Department.

4.5. Experience: The Contractor must have at least 6 months of experience in successfully administering basic PAP therapy/oximetry to adult and geriatric patients.

4.6. Facility: The Contractor's facilities shall meet the requirements of the solicitation as it relates to storage and provides a proper area for providing instructions to VA beneficiaries. The Contractor's facilities shall provide an environment that is safe and secure for VA beneficiaries seeking services required under this contract. The Contractor's facilities shall be accessible for persons with disabilities and be representative of the VA's good image in appearance and safety.

4.7. Storage: The Contractor shall provide sufficient space for storage of equipment. The storage area shall be adequately equipped with shelves, bins, etc., to properly accommodate the items being stored. Storage space shall be separate and apart from all other contractor owned equipment, supplies, and insured against loss or damage. The contractor shall make the storage area and its contents available for inspection by VA personnel during the contractor’s normal business hours. Inspection may occur with or without advance notice. The contractor’s facility shall be within 50 miles of the nearest VA facility.

4.7.1. Contaminated equipment shall be separated from clean equipment. The Contractor's warehouse shall have clear demarcation between contaminated and clean storage areas.

4.7.2. The storage space shall include a “clean” area for ready-to-issue VA equipment. This clean area shall be separated from the receiving, cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, sanitizing, repair and disposal areas of the facility, in accordance with TJC guidelines. Contractor vehicles used in the performance of this contract shall also have segregated storage to allow for the transportation of both clean and unclean equipment, when needed.

4.7.3. The storage area must be climate controlled to protect equipment against deterioration caused by dust, moisture, and/or temperature extremes. The contractor shall ensure that the storage facility is bug free, rodent free, well lighted, and equipped with fire extinguishers. The area shall be free of all safety hazards. The area where VA property is to be stored shall contain clearly visible signs stating, “U.S. GOVERNMENT PROPERTY – NO TRESSPASSING”.

4.7.4. Before being placed in the contractor’s ready-to-issue storage area, all equipment shall be inspected for proper operation, serviceability and safety and will be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, sanitized, sterilized, lubricated, repaired (if necessary), have preventive maintenance performed, and then be tagged and protectively wrapped in plastic. If equipment is picked up from the prior contractor or a VA facility, and the services noted in this paragraph have clearly been performed, then those processes would not need to be performed a second time.

4.7.5. The office and storage facility shall contain a sprinkler system and adequate heating if required by building code at the time of construction.

4.7.6. Equipment awaiting repairs shall be tagged and separated from serviceable/repaired equipment.

4.7.7. The storage space shall be sufficiently insured against loss or damage equal to the value of the stored equipment. Proof of adequate insurance coverage shall be provided to the VA COR within ten (10) days after award of contract.

4.7.8. Any part of the contractor’s facility(s) that contain a veteran’s protected health information (i.e. social security number) shall be secured in accordance with HIPAA regulations and the Privacy Act.

4.7.9. Inventory: The Contractor shall maintain and furnish a monthly inventory of all VA owned equipment stored by the Contractor and include status of condition. The contractor shall also provide an inventory of all items issued to and picked up from beneficiaries by beneficiary name, address, and date of delivery and serial number if applicable, within five (5) business days of pick up. The Contractor must maintain an adequate bookkeeping system that will be made available to VA personnel conducting inspections and verifying inventory of equipment storage facilities. Contractor and COR will meet to agree with re-ordering points for all VA owned equipment. Contractor will immediately contact COR once an item has reached the re-ordering point to avoid depletion of VA equipment.

4.7.10. OSHA: Contractor shall insure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines.

4.8. Lost or Damaged Equipment: The BVAMC will not pay for the Contractor's lost or damaged equipment provided under this contract unless circumstances as reviewed by the Contracting Officer are concluded to be the results of willful negligence on behalf of patients or VA employees. Accordingly, this is considered to be the cost of doing business and is the requirement of the Contractor to pay for this type of equipment. Contractor may request payment by submitting a written summary of the circumstances of lost or damaged equipment to the contracting officer within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of the incident in question. The Contracting Officer will review the summary, and a written determination will be made to the Contractor as to the liability. The VA will not pay for rental on equipment not being used by an authorized veteran during the performance of this contract or for equipment that cannot be found.

4.9. Infection Control: Standard precautions shall be used to prevent exposure to blood borne diseases when handling all contaminated equipment/items. Gloves shall be worn when handling items soiled with blood and/or body fluids. Hands shall be washed before and after visiting each patient and when gloves are removed. Contaminated equipment shall be bagged and separated from clean equipment. The Contractor's warehouse shall have clear demarcation between contaminated and clean storage areas. Delivery vehicles: if dirty and clean equipment is transported in the same vehicle, it will have a clearly demarcated area for clean and dirty items. Contractor's procedure for handling the pickup of dirty equipment will meet or exceed Joint Commission standards.

4.9.1. CDC hand hygiene guidelines shall be strictly followed. Hands shall be decontaminated before and after visiting each patient, and after removing gloves. Hands that are not visible soiled (or gloves that have been removed were not visibly soiled) may be decontaminated by using an alcohol hand rub. Hands that are visible soiled (or gloves that have been removed were visibly soiled) must be decontaminated by washing with antimicrobial soap and water for no less than 15 seconds.

4.9.2. The Contractor must have a current policy of the plan for surveillance, prevention and control of infection and make a copy available as part of the offeror's technical proposal. The plan must meet current Joint Commission Standards.

4.9.3. Contractor shall provide a list of names to the COR or designee of all veteran patients exposed to communicable diseases by contracted staff during an identified incubation period within 1 business day of learning of the exposure. The type of exposure will also be identified. The COR or designee will consult with VA infection control staff regarding the need to contact exposed patients and/or complete any needed medical follow-up.

4.9.4. Infection control reports will be sent to the COR on a semi-annual basis. Reports shall be due by the following dates: May 8th and November 8th. Failure to meet the required dates shall result in a 1% reduction for each day the report is late and applied to the monthly invoice.

4.10. Safety Requirements: At the time of set up and again during any follow-up home visits, the Contractor shall perform an assessment of the beneficiary's home and environment (to include falls assessment) in accordance with Joint Commission Standards and maintain documentation of assessments in the individual patient file or folder.

4.10.1. The Contractor shall check the safety of the electrical outlets in the beneficiary's home prior to installing any electrical item. Electrical outlets shall be inspected and tested to ensure that ground is present, and the outlet is in good physical condition. If any outlet is not grounded, a 3-prong plug adapter will be provided, installed and retested by the Contractor. It is the veteran's responsibility to have the appropriate electrical system in their residence. The BVAMC shall not be responsible for liable for any unsafe electrical conditions caused by the Contractor. Any alterations to the veteran's residence will be the responsibility of the veteran. Any unsafe electrical conditions will be immediately reported to the COR or designee by phone from the beneficiary's residence and the equipment will not be installed or left. The BVAMC will provide instructions on how to proceed.

4.10.2. All electrically powered equipment used in performance of this contract shall be UL approved and shall be current state of the art at the time of use.

4.10.3. The Contractor shall verbally notify the COR or designee by the next business day of any unsafe conditions observed in the beneficiary's home that preclude the installation or continuance of service. Unsafe conditions may include, but are not limited to: fire safety hazards, patient abuse by family or caregivers, unsanitary living conditions or any instance that places the patient or Contractor's staff in immediate danger. The Contractor shall furnish written documentation of the safety hazard to the COR or designee within two (2) business days of the incident.

4.11. Vehicles: The vehicles used in the performance of this contract must be licensed and meet the minimum requirements as mandated by each state/county/city in which performance occurs.

4.12. Emergency Services: The Contractor shall have a well-established communication system, providing a 1-800 toll free phone number for 24-hour emergency services.

4.13. Failure to Respond: Failure of the contractor to respond to routine deliveries within 24 hours after notification by the VA may be considered grounds for invoking provisions of FAR 52.212-4 (m) "Termination for Cause".

4.14. Phase-in Requirements: The Contractor agrees to a maximum ninety (90) day transition period from the date the contract is awarded for the transferring of all services and supplies to VA beneficiaries. The Contractor shall coordinate transition efforts with the incumbent and VA (See FAR 52.237-3, Continuity of Services). Transition date of each beneficiary shall be noted and billing period shall commence on that day.

4.15. Phase-Out Requirements: The Contractor recognizes that the services being provided under this contract are vital and must be continued uninterrupted if the Government elects not to exercise its option to extend the term of this contract or at contract expiration. The Contractor shall not remove any equipment from the beneficiary's residence until replacement equipment has been installed. If additional phase-in/phase-out time is required beyond contract expirations in accordance with FAR 52.237-3, the Contractor will be paid on a prorated basis at the prices established for the last period of performance.

4.16. Insurance Requirements: The contractor agrees to procure and maintain, Workers Compensation and Employer's Public Liability Insurance in accordance with the laws of the state in which services are provided.

4.16.1. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal and State laws with regard to liability arising or resulting from injury to death of an employee in performing the work under the contract, and shall save and hold the Government harmless against any or all loss, cost, damage, claim, expense or liability whatsoever, because of accident or injury to persons or property of others occurring during the performance of this contract. All liability coverage shall be kept current throughout the duration of the contract and current certifications provided to the Contracting Officer.

4.16.2. Before starting work under this contract, the Contracting Officer shall require the Contractor to furnish a certification from his insurance company that the coverage outlined in the above two (2) paragraphs has been obtained and that it may not be changed or canceled without written notice to the Contracting Officer.

4.17. Personnel: The contractor shall render satisfactory and timely service to the Veteran. All services shall be performed in accordance with Joint Commission standards by a competent professional who is familiar with the nature of DME services. Contractor employees providing services shall have a current health record compliant with state and local community health regulations, education, training, and experience commensurate with the DME and scope of services provided. All contractor employees providing services at a Veteran’s place of residence shall be able to show successful completion of training and documented competency in delivery and set-up of approved equipment.

4.17.1. The contractor shall provide and document both initial employee orientation and on-going training, which demonstrates the employee’s knowledge, experience, and competence, as appropriate for their assigned responsibilities. The contractor shall document assessment of employee competency. Employee records shall include evaluations of performance. As a part of the employee’s initial orientation, the contractor shall provide an orientation on the VA and on the requirements of this contract. Training topics should cover all aspects of the services provided under this contract, including Veteran confidentially, Veteran safety and risk assessment, HIPAA, communicating safe use and care of DME to Veterans and caregivers, and infection control procedures. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel comply with VA requirements such as Safety, Ethics, HIPAA, and any future VHA requirements of business associates.

4.18. Proof of Identification: Contractor's personnel shall bear identification when providing services or making deliveries to beneficiary's homes. Such identification will show the company name, employee's name and the employee's picture.

5.0. DIRECT PATIENT CARE:

5.1. Contractor shall be responsible for:

5.1.1. Staff: A Certified or Registered Respiratory Therapist (CRT/RRT) or Registered Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT) must be on staff to set up and troubleshoot PAP equipment. The respiratory therapist service called for in this contract must be licensed to practice sleep related respiratory care in Idaho and Oregon. As part of the BVAMC orientation, CRT/RRT/RPSGT will be competent in the skills and education provided the BVAMC prior to providing services to VA Beneficiaries. This training may be provided to Contractor staff in outer areas by a Contractor employee who has attended the BVAMC clinics as directed. A Respiratory Therapist (RRT or CRT) must be on staff to set-up and trouble shoot, ventilators and perform overnight and exercise oximetries. Any contract therapists performing these services will be required to attend one (1) Home Oxygen Clinic at the BVAMC prior to providing services to VA beneficiaries. This training may be provided to Contractor staff in outer areas by a Contractor employee who has attended the BVAMC clinics as directed.”

5.1.1.2. All contractor employees shall wear company specific identification badge when providing clinical respiratory services at a Veteran’s place of residence. Prior to entering a Veteran’s place of residence, contractor employees shall present a photo identification badge to the Veteran/care giver and verbally identify themselves.