36C26118R0080-00002000.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE

OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

BY

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 00002 12-22-2017

612MCP

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO 21) 6900 North Pecos Road, Bldg 6 North Las Vegas

NV

89086

612MCP

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C26118R0080

X X X The purpose of this amendment is to answer questions from interested offerors. See following pages for responses to 36 questions.

In addition, this amendment revises the contract line items for both health care stations to add a line item for holiday rates.

Third, this amendment revises the Performance Work Statements for both health care systems. Changes are shown in red font.

Fourth, this amendment revises Attachments A and C to the solicitation. Changes are shown in red font.

The due date for proposals remains January 16, 2018, at 1:00 PM PST.

No further changes.

Be sure to acknowledge this amendment with proposal submission!

Amanda J. Simmons Contracting Officer Temporary Nursing Staff 36C26118R0080

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: I was wondering if i could get more information about the different categories. Is there something that describes the differences in an RN 1 and RN2?

Answer 1: The Department of Labor (DoL) has developed a SCA Directory of Occupations available at https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/wage/SCADirV5/SCADirectVers5.pdf. DoL’s descriptions for RN I and RN II are as follows:

12311 REGISTERED NURSE I

The Registered Nurse I provides comprehensive general nursing care to patients whose conditions and treatment are normally uncomplicated, follows established procedures, standing orders, and doctor's instructions, uses judgment in selecting guidelines appropriate to changing patient conditions. Routine duties are performed independently; variations from established routines are performed under specific instructions. Typical assignments include:

Staff: Prepares hospital or nursing home patients for tests, examinations, or treatment; assists in responding to emergencies; records vital signs and effects of medication and treatment in patient charts; and administers prescribed medications and intravenous feedings.

Operating Room: Assists in surgical procedures by preparing patients for less complex operations (e.g., appendectomies); sterilizes instruments and other supplies; handles instruments; and assists in operating room, recovery room, and intensive care ward.

Psychiatric: Provides routine nursing care to psychiatric patients. May observe and record patient behavior.

Health Unit/Clinic: Administers immunizations, inoculations, allergy treatments, and medications in a clinic or employer health unit; performs first aid for minor burns, cuts, bruises, and sprains; obtains patient histories; and keeps records, writes reports, and maintains supplies and equipment.

12312 REGISTERED NURSE II

The Registered Nurse II plans and provides comprehensive nursing care in accordance with professional nursing standards, uses judgment in assessing patient conditions, interprets guidelines, and modifies patient care as necessary, recognizes and determines proper action for medical emergencies, e.g., calls physician or takes preplanned emergency measures. Typical assignments include the following:

Staff: In addition to the duties described at Level I, usually performs more complex procedures, such as: administering blood transfusions, managing nasal-pharyngeal, gastric suction, and other drainage tubes, using special equipment such as ventilator devices, resuscitators and hypothermic units; or closely monitoring postoperative and seriously ill patients.

Operating Room: Provides nursing service for surgical operations, including those involving complex and extensive surgical procedures, confers with surgeons concerning instruments, sutures, prostheses and special equipment, cares for physical and psychological needs of patients; assists in the care and handling of supplies and equipment; assures accurate care and handling of specimens; and assumes responsibility for aseptic technique maintenance and adequacy of supplies during surgery.

Psychiatric: Provides comprehensive nursing care for psychiatric patients. In addition to observing patients, evaluates and records significant behavior and reaction patterns and participates in group therapy sessions.

They also have descriptions for the other categories as well. Contractors are responsible for determining which category their employees fall under and ensure that they are paying the minimum required by the SCA as shown on the wage determinations.

Question 2: The pricing sheet includes specific specialties for the base and option periods. Confirm if the government intends to request additional pricing if/when purchase orders are issued for new specialties not included in the BPA initial pricing.

Answer 2: This RFP is to establish an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Task orders will be issued against the IDIQ for needed services. Task orders will only have line items that are in the base IDIQ contract, so there will be no opportunity to request specialties other than those in the IDIQ.

Question 3: Should pricing be all includes, or will the government provide a separate line item for overtime and holiday pay for holidays worked?

Answer 3: The contract line items are revised to include a separate line item for holiday pay. Overtime is not authorized for this contract.

Question 4: Vol 3 Past Performance: Provide up to five (5) recent and relevant past performance references. Recent is defined as within three (3) years of the proposal due date. Relevant is defined as providing temporary medical staffing services. Will the government consider the past performance of subcontractors and key personnel as equally relevant?

Answer 4: The Government will give some consideration of the past performance for subcontractors if the offeror provides a signed subcontracting agreement with the subcontractor, and the subcontractor signs a letter saying their past performance record may be utilized for this procurement. Past performance for a subcontractor will not be given the same weight or consideration as that of a prime contractor. As to key personnel, there is no key personnel requirements for this acquisition, so that will not be taken into consideration.

Question 5: Section states “2.8 Experience: All contract personnel will have a minimum of one-year direct patient care experience within the last three years in the field.”

Section states- “4.3. Critical Care RNs, Emergency Room RNs, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit RNs, and Operating Room RNs”

Critical Care RNs must have a minimum of two years’ current experience in this field and hold BLS and ACLS and/or certification.

a. Confirm if one or two years’ experience is required.

b. Confirm what’s considered as “current” for Critical Care RNs.

Answer 5: All personnel will have the basic 1 year, but for the specialized field such as critical care 2 years is required. Current means within the last two years.

Question 6: Section 2.2 Classroom and/or bedside orientation may be required at the discretion of the COR/designee. The Contractor employee will be paid for the orientation; however, if the Contractor employee is not scheduled to work within 60 days of clearance to work, the Contractor will reimburse the VA for the orientation hours billed/paid.

Section 2.6.1. Orientation: The Contractor shall provide eight hours of orientation time to each nurse at no charge to the VA. Confirm if the orientation is billable.

Answer 6: Orientation is two days. The VA will pay for one day, and the contractor will be required to pay its employee for the second day.

Question 7: Section 3.4. Shift Cancellation: The COR or VA POC will give the Contractor notification of available shifts no less than one week in advance for scheduled shifts exclusive of emergencies.

The VA is not required to make payment after an employee has been released from duty.

a. Confirm if the government will complete/manage the schedules or will the contractor.

b. If the healthcare worker reporting to work, released from duty at the government’s request during the shift, and are the hours worked billable?

Answer 7: As a per diem staffing requirement, the VA’s COR or POC will notify the contractor of its needs to fill a shift(s). It is the contractor’s responsibility to fill that shift(s). The VA will not be managing the contractor’s employees in any way, to include scheduling.

For part b, hours worked are billable.

Question 8: 15. Liability and Insurance:

15.1 Liability for damages resulting from the official conduct of Contractor personnel providing services under this contract shall be governed by applicable federal laws, rules and regulations. Such damages might include, but are not limited to loss of equipment or property and medical malpractice damages for personal injury or death. Tort Claims against the government under this contract shall be filed in accordance with the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 U.S.C. 2671-2680.

Confirm if the Federal Tort Claims Act is applicable.

Answer 8: The Performance Work Statement is revised to remove the reference to the Federal Tort Claims Act, because it is largely irrelevant for this procurement. The solicitation and resulting contract will require the contractor to have medical liability insurance as per VAAR 852.237-7 Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance. The contractor personnel will in no way be considered VA personnel, so the contractor will be liable for any issues associated with its employees.

Question 9: Most of our RNs are per diem and maintain more than one job as some of them work fulltime jobs at other places and work for us on nights and weekends. In addition, letters of intent are difficult to maintain with nursing staff when the start date of the position is more than 8 weeks away. Will you consider eliminating the need for the letter of intent as long as we can provide the other key information listed in attachment B?

Answer 9: This is a per diem staffing requirement, so it is generally anticipated that the contractor staff will have more than one job. Nonetheless, a letter of commitment is required to ensure that the offeror is submitting a list of bona fide candidates who will be submitting background check paperwork immediately upon award to begin working on the contract in April.

Question 10: Are you able to provide the annual spend on the contract for the past fiscal year for each Facility?

Answer 10: The revised Attachment C represents the information we have available as to estimated quantities based on historical usage.

Question 11: Are you able to provide the total hours used during the last fiscal year for each facility for each position (RN, LPNs, CNA, etc.)

Answer 11: The revised Attachment C represents the information we have available as to estimated quantities based on historical usage.

Question 12: Volume 3 Past Performance ask that we provide up to 5 references. What is the minimum that is required?

Answer 12: There is no minimum.

Question 13: May the due date be extended by 2 weeks to allow us proper time over the holidays to review Q&As, properly respond, gather letter of intents, and get both proposals final?

Answer 13: The proposal due date was extended by one week to January 16, 2018, at 1:00 PM PST as per Amendment A0001. As explained during the pre-proposal conference, the VA is on a tight timeline to allow adequate time for background checks and credentialing prior to the work beginning on April 1, 2018.

Question 14: Copies of Licenses- Will you take online license verification because California State Board no longer issue hard copy license?

Answer 14: Yes, you may provide a screenshot or any other means of validating that the employee has a current license.

Question 15: What is your email size limitation or capacity for the attachment? For example; 1GB or less or more.

Answer: To the best of my knowledge the size limitation for email is 10GB. Please send your proposal in advance of the due date/time to permit trouble-shooting if need be.

Question 16: How many awards do you anticipate?

Answer 16: One contract per health care system for a total of two contracts from this RFP.

Question 17: Do you have records or historical data that indicates when your surge/per diem needs occur? (i.e. holidays, weekends, special events, flu and/or flu shot season, etc.)

Answer 17: The needs vary; there is no clear pattern.

Question 18: Are the facilities all currently listed in the solicitation or are there additional outlying clinics involved?

Answer 18: All hospitals and CBOCS within each health care system are subject to this requirement.

Question 19: Does the government prefer a specific number of resumes/candidates submitted per labor category?

Answer 19: Attachment B to the solicitation indicates the minimum number of candidates for different labor categories. If you have more candidates you should list them, because having more than the minimum will lead to a higher rating for that sub-factor.

Question 20: Does the government anticipate an opportunity for conversion from a per diem contract position to a full time position?

Answer 20: No.

Question 21: What specialties or departments are considered in each of the categories listed in the RFP pricing Grid

Answer 21: The needs for the health care systems vary, and there is no certainty with estimates. The contractor is responsible for reviewing the job requirements of each position in comparison with the DoL’s directory and position descriptions and determine what labor category applies. Since this is the contractor’s responsibility, through its compliance with the Service Contract Act, the VA is not in a position to advise the contractor which one applies nor does the VA have any historical data to share with respect to the different categories within the occupations.

Question 22: Are all the shifts for all the assignments 8 hour shifts, not 12 hours, even the shifts in the Hospitals?

Answer 22: 8

Question 23: Do you want pricing for only 8 hour shifts, not 12 hour shifts also – if 12 hours shifts are staffed, how would 12 hour shifts be paid?

Answer 23: There is no requirement for a 12-hour shift.

Question 24: Do you want only the classifications listed on the price sheet included in our roster of 50 employees for each HCG?

Answer 24: Each health care system requires different labor categories, which are listed in the price schedule in section B of the solicitation, Attachment A, and Attachment C. Attachment B takes some of those labor categories and requires candidate submissions for evaluation. Attachment B requires a minimum of 10 registered nurses, 10 licensed practical nurses, 20 nursing assistants, and 10 surgical technologists as a minimum. If you have more than the minimum, you should identify them, because offerors who exceed the minimum will achieve a higher rating.

Question 25: Are the hours listed for each classification the real hours needed for one year?

Answer 25: The hours listed in attachment C to the solicitation are estimates only. This is a procurement for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. In other words, the VA cannot anticipate with any degree of certainty what its needs are this year or future years. It can only estimate its needs based on historical information and an estimation of what is to come. As an IDIQ contract, the only guarantee that the VA makes is the minimum guarantee shown in the price schedule in section B of the solicitation.

Question 26: What are the needs for the CBOC’s? Are the CBOC needs longer term or day by day per diem?

Answer 26: This is primarily a per-diem staffing requirement. As such, most of it will be by day. There may be some scheduled, long-term requirements but those are not as common since the VA has its own intermittent log.

Question 27: What CBOC’s are using or needing agency employees and what classifications of personnel do they need?

Answer 27: It varies, so the requirement is for the contractor to provide any of the listed labor categories to any of the locations in the health care systems.

Question 28: How long does it take VISN 21 to credential a candidate employee through VetPro clearance?

Answer 28: Generally it takes 4-6 weeks. There may be instances where it takes longer than 6 weeks.

Question 29: What specialty do you need the Nurse Practitioners to be licensed in?

Answer 29: General

Question 30: Where are the Nurse Practitioners needed to work – in the Hospitals or in the CBOC’s?

Answer 30: Nurse Practitioners may be needed at the hospital and some may be needed at the CBOCs.

Question 31: Do you want 5 References for each of the 2 Proposals = 10 References – or will you use the 5 References for both Proposals submitted.

Answer 31: You may use the same references for both proposals. You should use the best references in terms of relevance, recency, and performance.

Question 32: Do you have an incumbent contractor(s) providing the services requested in your solicitation? If yes, please provide the name of the contractor(s) the contract number(s), the service hour(s) staffed for each classification by location, the billing rate(s) for the requested classifications and the contract value(s) for each incumbent contractor.

Answer 32: Yes, there are several incumbent contractors in place. The remainder of the questions must be requested through Freedom of Information Act.

Question 33: Do you currently have contractor staff working shifts other than 8 hour assignments at VASF and VA Mather ?

Please specify any alternative shift start and end times (7:30a-8p, 7:30p-8A or other 10 or 12 hour shifts?)

Answer 33: No

Question 34: What are the greatest staff needs in terms of disciplines? Which facilities have the greatest need for services requested in your solicitation?

Answer 34: For VANCHCS, the greatest need is for CNAs as shown on the estimated quantities on Attachment C. The locations that have the most need is Mather, McClellan, Martinez, Fairfield, and Oakland. The need for the outlying CBOCs is not as great as the facilities in the more populous areas.

For SFVAMC, the greatest need is for CNAs and the SPS technicians, also shown on the revised Attachment C. Over the past several years, all the needs have been at the SF hospital on Clement street. None of the CBOCs have had to use any of the listed labor categories. Notwithstanding the historical need, the VA wants to be able to request shifts at those CBOCS in the future if need be.

Question 35: Does this solicitation require agencies to pay per diem employees 8 hours of holiday pay even if they are not assigned to work on the holiday?

Answer 35: The contractor is required to pay their employees in accordance with all applicable federal laws. Service Contract Act is included in this requirement at 52.222-41. It is up to the contractor to determine what is required of those labor laws and maintain compliance with them. If contractors are unsure, questions should be directed to Department of Labor as that is the federal entity responsible for enforcement.

Question 36: Does this contract allow assignments for Travel Nurse Personnel? (Page 24)

Answer 36: Travel nurses are not required. The language is revised in the PWS to remove reference to travel nurses.

PRICE SCHEDULE VA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

The guaranteed minimum award amount for this contract is $2,000. The maximum aggregate value of orders that can be placed under this contract is $15,000,000. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount.

Performance Period One: April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019

Performance Period Two: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020

Performance Period Three: April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021

Performance Period Four: April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Performance Period Five: April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

PRICE SCHEDULE SAN FRANCISCO VA MEDICAL CENTER

The guaranteed minimum award amount for this contract is $2,000. The maximum aggregate value of orders that can be placed under this contract is $25,000,000. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount.

Performance Period One: April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019

Performance Period Two: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020

Performance Period Three: April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021

Performance Period Four: April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022

Performance Period Five: April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) VANCHCS NURSE REGISTRY

December 22, 2017

1. SERVICES REQUIRED: The Contractor shall provide personnel on an as-needed, per diem, basis for the VA Northern California Health Care System (hereafter known as the VANCHCS). The contract personnel will have access to and the use of all required patient care equipment, supplies, and computer access for performing services required by this contract. All services shall be provided in accordance with the specifications, terms and conditions contained herein.

PLACES OF PERFORMANCE:

Northern California Healthcare System, VA Medical Center: 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, CA 95655.

Martinez Community Living Center (CLC): 150 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553 Chico Outpatient Clinic (OPC): 280 Cohasset Road, Chico, CA 95926 Fairfield OPC: 103 Bodin Circle, Travis AFB, Fairfield, CA 94535 McClellan OPC: 5342 Dudley Avenue, McClellan, CA 95652 Mare Island OPC: 201 Walnut Avenue, Mare Island, CA 94592 Martinez OPC: 150 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553 Oakland OPC: 2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94612 Redding OPC: 351 Hartnell Avenue, Redding, CA 96002 Yuba City OPC: 425 Plumas Boulevard, Yuba City, CA 95991 Oakland Behavioral Health Clinic: 525 21st Street, Oakland, CA 94612 Yreka Rural Health Clinic: 101 E. Oberlin Drive, Yreka, CA 96097

GENERAL: The Contractor shall provide temporary personnel on an as-needed basis for the VA Northern California Health Care System (hereafter known as the VANCHCS). The contract personnel will have use of all required patient care equipment, supplies, and computer access for performing services required by this contract. All services shall be provided in accordance with the specifications, terms and conditions contained herein.

Authority, Policy, and Handbooks: Title 38 United States Code (USC) 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) Sharing Authority.

Policies and Regulations: The Contractor shall comply with all applicable policies and regulations, including, but not limited to the following:

42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 482: Conditions of Participation Hospitals, including Sub-Part E Requirements for Specialty Hospitals. http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=aceca18b9fbe0110ffa37c08075c2b0e;rgn=div5;view=text;node=42%3A5.0.1.1.1;idno=42;cc=ecfr

VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting - Buying http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=347

VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports - http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards - http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

VHA Handbook 1100.19: Credentialing and Privileging - http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1806

Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended http://vaww.vhaco.va.gov/privacy/Documents/5USC552a.htm

Definitions and Acronyms used in this Performance Work Statement:

ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

BLS: Basic Life Support

CAC: Cardiac Ambulatory Center

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CFR: Code of Federal Regulations

CLC: Community Living Center

CLIN: Contract Line Item Number

CNA: Certified Nurse Assistant

CO: Contracting Officer

COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative

CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

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

CPT: Current Procedural Terminology

EKG: Electrocardiogram ePER: Electronic Patient Event Report

FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation

FIPS: Federal Information Processing Standards

FOIA: Freedom of Information Act

FTEE: Full time Employee Equivalent

HCR: Health Care Resources

HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

HR: Human Resources

ICC: Infection Control Committee

ICD: International (Statistical) Classification of Disease

ICU: Intensive Care Unit

IDIQ: Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity

ISO: Information Security Officer

IV: Intravenous

JC: Joint Commission

LMS: Logistics Management Services

LPN: Licensed Practical Nurse

LVN: Licensed Vocational Nurse

MAB: Management of Assaultive Behavior

MMR: Measles, Mumps, Rubella

NARA: National Archives and Records Administration

NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology

OIG: Office of the Inspector General

OPC: Out Patient Clinic

OR: Operating Room

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PICC: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter

POC: Point of Contact

PPD: Purified Protein Derivative (of tuberculin)

PWS: Performance Work Statement

QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

RN: Registered Nurse

SAC: Security Agency Check

SAM: System for Award Management

SP: Special Publications

TJC: The Joint Commission

TMS: Talent Management System

TPN: Total Parenteral Nutrition

USC: United States Code

VA: Veterans Affairs

VA-FSC: VA Financial Service Center

VAMC: Veterans Affairs Medical Center

VANCHCS: VA Northern California Health Care System

VETPro: A federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

VHA: Veterans Health Administration

1. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1 Staff/Facility: Contract personnel shall be licensed in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia.

2.2 Contractor Personnel Requirements/Specifications: The Contractor shall ensure that all contract personnel meet the qualifying criteria outlined in this section.

2.3 Registered Nurses (RN)s, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Certified Nurse Assistants (NA): All Nurses must have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by an American Health Association vendor. Personnel must be able to demonstrate competency in providing CPR, and have current basic life support (BLS) certification. Critical care Nurses shall have advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification.

Licensure: The contract RNs and LPN/LVNs must have a current license in at least one state, territory, or commonwealth in the US or the District of Columbia. Proof of current license must be provided five business days prior to their first shift, and at the licensure renewal rate. This also applies to all other required certifications.

Current Curriculum Vitae: A review of individual education and professional qualifications must be available for the healthcare system’s review to assure appropriate placement in a medical discipline commensurate with the contract personnel’s qualifications and experience.

2.4 Uniforms: All contract personnel will provide their own uniforms and nametags, and will wear them anytime the personnel are on any Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Medical Center (VAMC) grounds.

2.5 Health Tests: All contract personnel will provide proof of tuberculosis testing, rubella testing, and immunizations that are current within one year prior to working any shift. Other tests may be required by the local facility.

2.6 Health Restrictions: The contract personnel will have no health or physical disability restrictions that interfere with the performance of their duties.

2.7 Competencies: The Contractor will keep a file of validated competencies, and training program records, to include Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training for all contract personnel. This file must be available to the VA facility 24-hours-per-day, and seven- days-per-week.

2.8 Experience: All contract personnel will have a minimum of one year direct patient care experience within the last three years in the field, unless otherwise specified herein.

2.9 Computer Literacy: The contract personnel shall have the knowledge and ability to use computers and other technology.

2.10. Nursing Assistants: The contract Nursing Assistants must provide proof of certification by the California State Department of Consumer Affairs as a Nursing Assistant.

2.11. Contractor Personnel Responsibility: The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for the protection of their personnel who are providing services under this contract, therefore, the Contractor will provide the following to their contract personnel:

Worker’s Compensation Professional Liability Insurance Health Examinations Income Tax Withholdings Social Security Payments

2.12. Payment for Leave Time: Sick leave, vacation time, and any other type of leave is considered the sole responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall comply with all existing local, state, federal, and union laws and regulations relevant to fringe benefits and premium pay for their employees. Such personnel shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the Contractor.

2.13. Unacceptable Assignee: Contractor employees that report for work but are unable to perform will result in a four-hour penalty deduction from an outstanding invoice. The corresponding hourly rate will apply. The Contracting Officer (CO) may also terminate this contract at his or her sole discretion for repeated no-shows or tardiness of contract personnel.

2.14. Right of Refusal: The Government reserves the right to reject any contract personnel and refuse them permission to provide services if they fail to perform in accordance with the contract requirements. The contract personnel must always display personal and professional conduct in a manner that does not jeopardize patient care or interfere with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility.

2.15. Acceptance of Personnel: The Contractor shall ensure that all contract personnel have met the qualifying criteria, including current and valid licenses and certifications. These qualifying criteria shall be met by completing VETPro certification; VETPro is an Internet-enabled data bank for the credentialing of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) personnel. It facilitates the completion of a uniform, accurate, and complete credentials file. The Contractor shall initiate VETPro data within 72 hours of selecting their contract staff. Contracted Staff shall not work on VA facilities until VETPro data has been initiated. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that Contract staff is current with their licenses and certifications. This information shall be relayed to the CORs as it becomes available. The decision to reject and accept Contract Staff ultimately rests with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Contractor shall provide personnel who will provide scheduled services throughout the contract period. If the Contractor’s personnel cannot perform services for any reason, the Contractor shall bear the responsibility of providing replacement personnel to provide the scheduled services. Replacement personnel are expected at the time initially scheduled. Non-acceptance of contract personnel does not relieve the Contractor from satisfying and fulfilling the contract requirements.

The VA shall provide the Contractor with the names, titles and telephone numbers of individuals authorized to request staffing. It shall also provide the name, title and telephone number of the COR at the time of contract award.

The Contractor shall designate a person from their agency to act as a Point-of-Contact (POC) for the VA within ten business days of contract award. The Contractor’s POC will be responsible for the overall conduct of the contract. The name and telephone number of the POC shall be provided to both the CO and the COR. The Contractor’s POC shall not be one of the care providers rendering services under this contract. The COR or the evening and night Nursing Supervisor in the Nursing Department, or the individual in charge in other departments where duties are to be performed, will contact the Contractor’s designated POC concerning personnel staffing problems or other issues requiring immediate attention. The Contractor shall respond to telephone calls from the COR within 30 minutes twenty-four-hour-per day, seven days-per-week. When the contract personnel do not report for their scheduled shift, the Contractor shall provide a fully qualified replacement within four hours of the notification.

The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of contract personnel whose personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication from alcohol or drugs, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patients or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The Contractor and COR will deal with issues raised concerning contract personnel’s conduct. The CO is the final arbiter on questions of acceptability.

Complaints concerning contract personnel’s relations with the Government employees or patients will be resolved by the CO. The CO has the final authority on validating complaints. If contract personnel are involved and named in a validated patient complaint, the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. This does not preclude refusal in the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse.

VA personnel such as the CO, the COR, a VA POC, will brief contract personnel on VA Healthcare System policies and procedures on the first scheduled duty day.

The contract personnel rendering services are subject to professional or technical direction from the COR.

2.16. Orientation: The Contractor shall provide eight hours of orientation time to each nurse at no charge to the VA. (Orientation is two days; the VA will compensate the contractor for one day, and the contractor will pay for the second day.) Orientation will include required Security Agency Check (SAC) background check completed with Human Resources (HR). The Contractor shall not work on VA facilities until the orientation and the SAC background check are completed. Oriented Nurses shall be available and expected to perform their scheduled assignments for a minimum of three months following said orientation.

Employment Packet: An employment packet shall be submitted to the COR for each contract employee five business days prior to his or her first duty shift. The packet shall consist of names, social security numbers, and copies of the curriculum vitae, Purified Protein Derivative (of tuberculin) tests, MMR or Rubella Titer, and any other locally required health care test, license numbers, expiration dates, and at least two current references reflecting current professional practice. The COR will notify the Contractor of acceptance or unacceptability of proposed employees within two business days of the receipt of the packets. The determination will be based on the contents of the packet evidencing that all qualification requirements are met.

Healthcare Industry Standards: Contractor personnel shall perform services in accordance with ethical, professional and technical standards of the healthcare industry consistent with VA policies, regulations, procedures and protocol. The Contractor’s personnel shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the requirements stated herein.

Personal Hygiene and Clothing: Contract healthcare providers shall be neat, clean, well-groomed and will exercise good personal hygiene. Appropriate and professional attire shall be work always while caring for patients.

Health Restrictions: Contract personnel shall have no health or physical disability restrictions which interfere with the performance of duties and shall have a current physical completed within the past 30 business days.

2.17. Health Requirements:

Health care providers shall not perform services under this contract unless a pre-assignment medical examination has been performed within 30 business days of their first scheduled shift. Pre-assignment medical examinations shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

As a condition of employment, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all contract staff that will have occupational exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials, shall receive Hepatitis B vaccine, provide documented proof of immunity to the Hepatitis B infection, or sign a voluntary declination of the Hepatitis B vaccine. The immunization declination shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government. As a condition of employment, the contract health care providers will obtain an annual PPD skin test. Those with a positive skin test history shall complete an annual respiratory assessment questionnaire. The skin test or respiratory assessment will be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

Contract health providers having patient contact or exposure to biological or pathological specimens shall be immunized against, be granted an immunization waiver to, or have documented proof of immunity to chickenpox, measles, rubella, mumps, polio and Hepatitis B. In addition, the contract health care providers shall be free of infectious diseases (to include but not limited to active Tuberculosis and Viral Hepatitis) that might reasonably be expected to place the other workers, patients or the public at risk.

The Contractor shall provide the Government with all the information necessary to ensure that government records are maintained correctly and in compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), OSHA, and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) health records requirements, for each contract health care provider.

The Contractor shall provide the COR with certification that contract health care providers have completed the medical evaluation required above, a minimum of five business days prior to the performance of contract services.