36C26120Q0136-003.docx

36C26120Q0136

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

01-22-2020

RICO JOHNSON

916-923-4513 02-12-2020

12:00 PM PST

612MCP

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21) VA Northern California HealthCare System 5342 Dudley Blvd, Bldg 209 McClellan CA 95652-2609

X

621910 $16.5 Million

N/A

VA Northern California Healthcare System 5342 Dudley Blvd., Bldg. 209

McClellan CA 95652

612MCP

Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs VA Northern California HealthCare System 3230 Peacekeeper Way, Bldg. 209 McClellan CA 95652-1012

Department of Veterans Affairs FMS VA-9(101) Financial Services Center

PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR VA FRESNO CALIFORNIA

ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 4 FEB 2020 AT 12PM PST.

See CONTINUATION Page

RICO L. JOHNSON

CONTRACTING OFFICER

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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C261 Department of Veterans Affairs VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21) VA Northern California HealthCare System 5342 Dudley Blvd, Bldg 209 McClellan CA 95652-2609

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-9(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:

Price Schedule is available as attachment #5 to this solicitation.

IDIQ Contract Minimum and Maximum Values Referenced FAR Clause, 52.216-22 (Indefinite Quantity), the following minimum and maximum values are provided for the purpose of paragraph (b) of the clause:

(a) The minimum amount for the life of the contract including options is $2,500. The Government will obligate the minimum guarantee at the time of awarding the basic contract, by issuing a task order with an amount that is equal to or greater than the minimum guarantee.

(b) The maximum value for the life of the contract including options will be $7M.

STATEMENT OF WORK

GROUND AMBULANCE SERVICES

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.

1.1 The contractor shall provide 24-hour state certified paramedic level emergency (non-911) and preschedule response and patient transport services for qualified veteran-patients at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Central California Healthcare System (VACCHCS) located at 2615 E. Clinton Avenue Fresno, California (hereinafter “VA Fresno”). Transportation services will be to or from the VA Fresno to Another hospital within the State of California and may be one-way or roundtrip transportation. The need for services arises when the VA Fresno is unable to effectively treat the veteran-patient and outside medical attention is needed. Contractor shall furnish all labor, management, supervision, vehicles, supplies, equipment, transportation, and reports. Contractor care shall cover the range of paramedic and ambulance services provided in the local community. Performance shall be according to the requirements contained in this performance work statement (PWS), and professional standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). These services will be paid for by the government with no-billing of the patients by the contractor. The VA Fresno estimates around 500-600 transports each year.

2. CONTRACT DEFINATIONS/ACRONYMS.

2.1 Advanced Life Support (ALS) – ALS shall be provided by ambulance containing at a minimum an onboard Paramedic certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), cardiac monitoring, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) drugs and procedures, advanced airway management and medication monitoring and administration. Ambulances for ALS services shall be staffed in accordance with current California State laws and regulations governing the certification and licensure of private ambulances. The contractor will return any external pacemakers, if transported with the patient, to the

VA.

2.2 Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) – VA official that works in the admissions area during evenings and nights, and monitors hospital activities during other than normal working hours. This person acts as hospital administrator during off-hours.

2.3 Base Rate – Base Rate is defined as the rate paid for One-Way Transports from the designated pick up point to a designated delivery point (see Schedule B). This rate will be paid for all authorized One-Way Transports ordered under this contract action, with employees receiving at minimum the Department of Labor Service Contract Act wage rates (included under attachments), during all phases of the trip made on behalf of the Government. Attached Service Contract Act wage rate determinations will be updated each option year, when/if new revisions are issued. The Base Rate shall constitute full compensation for One-Way Transports which do not exceed the “Mileage Threshold”. Roundtrip Transports will be paid at double the base rate in addition to compensation for Wait time (see below).

2.4 Basic Life Support (BLS) – BLS is defined as services required for non-critical patient care in which patient requires an ambulance, staffed in accordance with current California State laws and regulations governing the certification and licensure of private ambulances. This ambulance at a minimum will be staffed with a vehicle operator and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Ambulance and with basic airway management and IV”s at KVO without additives. Transport of medicated IV only if on locked-out pump, CAD or PCA pump: NO POTASSIUM CHLORIDE.

2.5 Beneficiary – Veterans and other members determined to be eligible for benefits by the VA.

2.6 Business Hours/Days – Business hours/days are defined as the time of 8:00AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. Federal holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and other specifically designated days by the President of the United States to be a national holiday. Off Business hours/days are defined as the time of 4:31PM to 7:59AM, Monday through Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday and Federal holidays.

2.7 Contracting Officer (CO) – VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings, and is a member of the vehicle inspection team.

2.8 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. Responsibilities include certification of invoices, placing orders for service, providing technical guidance, overseeing technical aspects of the contract, and may inspect contractor vehicle(s). All administrative functions remain with the Contracting Officer.

2.9 Contractor – The term “Contractor” as used herein refers to both prime Contractor and his employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The contractor shall be responsible for assuring that his subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

2.10 Critical Care Transport (CCT) Ambulance:

2.10.1 Shall be staffed by a licensed California State Registered Nurse or California State Certified paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician.

2.10.2 Nurses shall have current Emergency Department and/or Critical Care Unit experience.

2.10.3 Nurses and Paramedics shall be certified in Critical Care Transport.

2.10.4 Shall have invertors that allow transport of complex hospital monitoring and/or life support equipment.

2.11 Dry Run – A dry run is defined as a request for services by authorized VA Fresno personnel, whereby the Contractor arrives at the designated pick-up point and no patient is transported due to a change in the VA Fresno’s needs. The contractor will be entitled to the applicable base rate only when dry runs are encountered due to no fault or negligence of the Contractor.

2.12 Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) – A national organization dedicated to improving the care, safety and treatment of patients in a health care facility and environment.

2.13 Long-Distance Transports - Long distance transports, defined as those transports to another VA facility within the State of California. The closest VA facility is approximately three hours in distance by vehicle.

2.14 Mileage Rate – Mileage rate for ambulance, hired car and wheelchair van services is the rate paid for each mile traveled beyond the specified Mileage Threshold for each applicable medical facility. Any mileage from the place of business and/or location of vehicle and the pick-up point, or from the delivery destination back to the place of business and/or location of next trip are not considered as a separate item of this reimbursement, but would be expected to be incorporated into the mileage rate as part of the administrative costs (or costs of doing business). Distance shall be calculated using calculations provided by Bing. Allowable charges shall not exceed + 5% of the calculations provided by Bing.

2.15 Mileage Threshold – Mileage Threshold is defined as the first 20 miles from the point at which the contractor picks up the veteran-patient (see Schedule B).

2.16 No-Patient Charge – Fee allowed to the Contractor for scheduled pick-ups for which due to circumstances beyond the contractor’s control (i.e. patient refuses pick-up, patient not home, patient not medically/mentally suitable for transport, etc.). This charge shall only be accessed on actual trips to the patient pick-up point, and shall not be accessed on scheduled pick-ups, that are cancelled in advance by the VA and/or the patient.

2.17 One-Way Transport – A one-way transport is defined as transportation from point A to point B only.

2.18 Roundtrip Transport – A roundtrip is defined as transportation from point A to point B and back to point A. The Contractor shall be reimbursed for Waiting (see below) time.

2.19 Scheduled Trips – The term “Scheduled Trip” as used in this contract refers to those trips in which the Contractor has been given advance notice (advance notice is defined as a notice given by 4:30PM the prior business day) of required services and a specific pick-up time.

2.20 Unscheduled Trip(s) – The term “Unscheduled Trip” as used in this contract refers to those trips required on an as needed basis and advance notice is not given.

2.21 Vehicle(s) – The term “Vehicle(s)” as used in this contract refers to all modes of transportation provided under the requirements of this contract, unless a specific mode of transportation is identified.

2.22 Waiting – Waiting as used in this contract is defined as the time required and verified by authorized medical facility personnel, for the Contractor to wait at designated pick-up and/or delivery points when performing roundtrip services. The Waiting time will never exceed twenty-four (24) hours.

3. PERSONNEL.

3.1 Continuity of Services: The contractor shall ensure that qualified back-up paramedics are available to provide coverage during scheduled and unscheduled absences to primary paramedics. Absences without backup coverage provided will reduce the contractor’s invoice at an equivalent amount to the costs incurred by the government.

3.2 The VA reserves the right to restrict any contractor employee from performing services under this contract who do not meet the required qualifications for the services they are required to perform, and who violates Federal regulations or are identified as a potential threat to the security, safety, health and/or operational mission of the VA and its veteran population. The restriction of such contractor personnel shall not relieve the contractor from performing all the required services, in accordance with all terms, conditions, and schedules contained herein.

3.3 Contractor personnel performing services to the VA staff at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner, maintain person hygiene, wear clean, neat uniforms and be identified by having the company name, and employee name affixed to the uniform. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all vehicles, personnel, equipment and supplies, vehicle fuel, uniforms, nametags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. Contractor personnel shall not smoke in vehicles while transporting VA patients.

3.4 The contractor shall begin full performance of the contract requirements within 60 days after contract award. It is absolutely critical that certifications be granted to a sufficient number of contract paramedics to meet the contract requirements by start of period of performance.

3.5 Process Improvement Plan (PIP). The contractor shall submit a Process Improvement Plan quarterly to the COR identifying problem areas with corrective actions and follow ups as determined.

3.6 Denial/Termination of employee. The CO and the contractor shall be notified by the COR as soon as possible if performance problems are identified and verified. The COR will also provide the CO and the contractor with copies of documentation initiating termination of the employee if such actions become required due to poor performance.

3.7 Foreign National(s): The contractor shall notify the COR before sending a Foreign National representative to perform services. Special rules apply for foreign national(s) visiting a US Government facility.

3.8 Contractor employees shall not bring alcohol, tobacco, mind-altering legal drugs, or illegal drugs into, or anywhere near (within 50 feet), Government cars, trucks, ambulances, clinics, offices, hospitals, and other facilities, this list is not all inclusive and subject to the final authority of, and interpretation by, the Contracting Officer (CO). All illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. In addition, Contractor, if other than an individual, shall -- within 30 days after award (unless a longer period is agreed to in writing for contracts of 30 days or more performance duration), or as soon as possible for contracts of less than 30 days performance duration -- publish a statement notifying its employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the Contractor's workplace, on Government property, and in Government cars, trucks, ambulances, clinics, offices, hospitals, and other facilities.

3.9 When requesting approval for fees, fuels, taxes, regulations, articles, materials, vehicles, and machinery, Contractor shall provide full information concerning them. When directed to do so, the Contractor shall submit samples for approval at the Contractor's expense, with all shipping charges prepaid. Fees, fuels, taxes, regulations, articles, materials, vehicles, and machinery that do not have the required Contracting Officer (CO) approval shall be paid, used, or installed at the risk of subsequent rejection.

3.10 All work under this contract shall be performed in a careful, skillful, workmanlike, and professional manner. The Contracting Officer may require, in writing, that the Contractor remove from the work any employee the Contracting Officer deems careless, incompetent, belligerent, or otherwise objectionable. This would include removal of contractor employees who display controversial tattoos, such as "No Blood for Oil" or “Death to War Pigs" or others of a similarly reprehensible nature. All Contractor employees shall address all Veterans and all VA Personnel by surnames or sir or ma'am.

4. CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATIONS: Contractor shall provide a copy of the following certification requirements to the COR within five days of contract award:

4.1 Current BLS and ACLS certification and NREMT paramedic certification.

4.2 A copy of the proposed contract paramedic’s professional resume, accompanied by that individual’s sworn affidavit of the truthfulness of same, indicating experience, training, and technical expertise in the type of care to be rendered.

4.3 A list of all states in which contract provider currently holds or has held a license to practice related services.

4.4 Certification of current physical examination for each employee. The certification shall contain a signed statement by the examining physician stating that the employee is free of any contagious diseases. Physical examination must be current as of 12 months prior to application for privileges.

5. LICENSE/REGISTRATION.

5.1 The contract paramedic shall possess a valid unrestricted EMT-Paramedic license to provide paramedic services in the State of California.

6. EXPERIENCE.

6.1 The paramedic shall have provided services a minimum of six months within the past twelve months.

7. TRAINING.

7.1 The contract paramedic must have completed all courses required to obtain and maintain certification as an EMT-paramedic. Additionally, continuing medical education (CME) (contractor provided) will be accomplished as required. Provide certifications as requested by COR.

7.2 Have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with a minimum curriculum of 150 hours or equivalent including an inhospital training period. Such training programs must also be acceptable under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by DHHS under PL 93-154, Federal Register 39:24304.(1974).

7.3 Shall attend all refresher continuing education, or advance training programs as required by the local or state government entity in which service is rendered. In no instance shall this be less frequent than every two (2) years. Such refresher training shall be equivalent to that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration.

8. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.

8.1 Contract personnel providing services under this contract shall receive a pre-employment physical examination and TB skin testing and immunizations prior to commencement of work and annually thereafter which will not be provided by the VA Fresno.

8.2 Not later than five (5) business days prior to commencement of work, certification shall be provided to the COR that paramedics have completed medical evaluation required above. This certification shall state the date on which the examination was completed, the doctor’s name that performed the examination, and a statement concerning the physical health of the individual. The certification shall also contain the following statement: “(name of contract employee) is suffering from no contagious diseases to include but not limited to Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Sexually-Transmitted Diseases.”

8.3 Also, as a condition of employment, OSHA requires that all contract personnel who will have occupational exposure to blood or body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials, shall receive Hepatitis B vaccine, sign a voluntary declination, or have documented proof of immunity to Hepatitis B infection. Personnel who sign declinations may change their minds at any time and receive the Hepatitis B vaccine without penalty. Immunizations are the responsibility of the contractor.

8.4 The contractor shall report (to the COR) all information necessary to assure medical records can be maintained correctly, and therefore comply with the JCAHO, OSHA, Health Services Inspection (HSI) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) health records requirements within 5 business days of any request.

9. INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE.

9.1 The contractor shall provide and maintain adequate liability insurance coverage consistent with the risks associated with the performance of all services required by this PWS. Refer to Veterans Affairs Federal Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.237-7, “INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE”, in Section C of this contract.

10. PROCEDURE GUIDANCE.

10.1 The contractor shall perform procedures compatible with the medical facility's operating capacity and equipment. New medical procedures/services shall not be introduced without prior recommendation to, and approval of, the medical treatment facility (MTF) or authorized representative. Pre-hospital protocols will be agreed upon by the MTF Director of Medical Services, the contractor’s emergency medical services (EMS) director, and the CO prior to the start date of the contract.

11. PROTOCOL.

11.1 The contractor shall submit pre-hospital protocol as part of the proposal. The Protocol will be incorporated into the PWS upon review and acceptance of the procedures. At anytime during the contract period, the government retains the right to incorporate additional procedures or remove ineffective procedures, the contractor shall make the changes at no additional cost to the government.

12. HOURS OF OPERATION.

12.1 The contractor shall provide ambulance response services to the VA Fresno 24 hours per day, seven days per week, to include federal holidays and weekends.

13. REQUESTS FOR SERVICE.

13.1 Authorized Medical Center Personnel: Prior to performance, the Contracting Officer shall provide the Contractor with a list of names or position titles and phone numbers of authorized Government personnel who may request services and receive calls from Contractor regarding contract performance. This list shall be updated and submitted to the Contractor as changes occur. The Contractor shall ensure that requests from other than authorized personnel shall be at risk of the Contractor and any cost related thereto shall be borne by the Contractor.

13.2 All requests will be placed against pertinent schedule items, on a unit price basis, and will be verified against invoices and contractors request for service log. When ordering services (whether it be by telephone, facsimile, mail, e-mail and/or in person), the VA Fresno will provide the contractor with the following type of information:

1. Mode of transportation required;

2. Required date and time of arrival;

3. Name of beneficiary;

4. Pick-up and delivery point;

5. Type and number of additional medical care specialists required;

6. Type of equipment required;

7. Last four of the patient’s Social Security Number’

8. Any other special instruction

3.3 The Contractor shall be required to transport non-ambulatory veterans on gurneys, litters and Geri chairs who are not in need of emergency transportation or medical attention.

14. AMBULANCE RESPONSE.

14.1 The contractor shall provide ambulance response to:

14.1.1 Emergencies as requested within response time of 15 minutes.

14.1.2 Non-emergencies as requested within response time of 45 minutes.

14.1.3 Long distance transports, defined as those transports to another VA facility within the State of California, as requested within response time of two hours.

14.2 Ambulance response shall include but not be limited to the following:

14.2.1 Transfer patients from VA Fresno to the government designated healthcare organization ensuring that a paramedic is with the patient at all times.

14.2.2 Return any government equipment used while transporting the patient immediately following the transport.

14.2.3 The paramedics shall provide emergency response and transport at sites other than the VA Fresno as requested by VA Fresno staff.

14.2.4 Notify the VA Fresno when delays are encountered before or during a patient transport.

14.3 If the time period for pick-up, stated herein, is physically impossible due to the location of veteran beneficiary, the contractor shall contact the VA travel coordinator and inform him/her of the anticipated time required for pick-up and delivery of said patient.

14.4 If the contractor’s place of business is located beyond the local telephone call zone of the VA Fresno, the contractor shall install and provide to the VA Fresno, a toll-free number for accepting VA calls. It is estimated that 90% off all requests for services will be placed by telephone. Requests for services may also be in writing or oral from an authorized representative of the VA, and may be completed by telephone, facsimile, mail, e-mail, or in person (by giving a written or verbal request).

14.5 Electronic Transmissions: The contractor shall, at all times during the contract period, have on his/her premises a functioning fax machine to communicate requirements with the VA (i.e., patient incidents, requests for service, special correspondence, etc.). Each contractor shall indicate if there is email availability for their company to complete communications with the VA (use of this communication system will be mutually agreed upon after award of contract before any communications are completed in this manner).

15. PATIENT TRANSPORTATION.

15.1 The contractor shall transport one veteran beneficiary per trip, under ambulance services, unless specifically authorized by VA Fresno personnel to transport more than one, and at no time shall the contractor transport more than two patients.

15.2 When more than one beneficiary is transported on a trip in a single vehicle, reimbursement will be made at 70% of the base rate or mileage rate established in Section B, Schedule of Prices, for each (as noted under the Social Security Act (SSA) [42 U.S.C. 1302. 1395hh, 1395rr(b)(1)], Incidents of trips with more than one (1) beneficiary are not expected to exceed eight (8) trips per contract year. The Contractor shall be entitled to a full base rate for each beneficiary traveling concurrently in a single vehicle once the maximum expected eight (8) annual trips have been exceeded.

15.3 Incidents of trips with more than one (1) beneficiary, beyond the Mileage Threshold, are not expected to exceed two (2) trips per contract year. The Contractor shall be entitled to separate mileage claims, at full rate for each, when more than one beneficiary is transported concurrently in a single vehicle once the maximum expected two (2) annual trips have exceeded.

15.4 Escort: The VA reserves the right to have an escort, such as a relative or care provider of beneficiary or VA staff accompany beneficiary when the VA determines that such an escort is in the best interest of the beneficiary. The VA will also be the sole judge in determining when an escort is required. There shall be no additional charge to the VA when escorts are authorized to travel with beneficiary. Contractor shall only be required to transport escort with patient and shall not be required to return the escort back to point of origin.

15.5 Substitution of Beneficiary: The VA reserves the right to substitute the beneficiary requiring services at any time during the performance of this contract, to prevent delays, cancellations, or dry runs. There shall be no additional charge to the VA when such changes occur.

16. PATIENT RIGHTS.

16.1 The Contractor shall be courteous to VA beneficiaries and shall not smoke while transporting patients. Patients may bring a reasonable amount of equipment, such as folding wheelchair, consumable medical supplies and personal suitcase.

16.2 The contractor shall immediately notify the VA Fresno of any incidents involving injury to VA patients during transport. The contractor shall promptly complete and submit to the COR an Incident Report – Contract Ambulance Contractor with all information felt to be necessary for any full review.

16.3 The contractor shall notify the COR, in writing within 24 hours of any complaints made by the patients with regards to the ambulance service. The contractor may provide recommendations for improved services along with the patient complaints for the VA’s review. No recommendation shall be construed as being effective until and unless it is provided as a written modification to the contract from the Contracting Officer.

17. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT.

17.1 Contractor shall be required to provide all emergency vehicles equipped with the required medical equipment to perform all medical equipment to provide health care services In Accordance With (IAW) this PWS.

17.2 Privately Owned Motor Vehicles (POV): Contractor personnel shall comply with the directives pertaining to operation of POVs on the VA Fresno.

17.3 The VA reserves the right to inspect contractor’s equipment and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with contract specifications, and state laws, rules, regulations and guidelines governing emergency medical transport vehicles (ambulances). VA inspections of contractor facilities shall in no way constitute a warranty by the VA that the contractor’s vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. The VA reserves the right to restrict the Contractor’s use of equipment and vehicles which are in need of repair, unclean, unsafe, damaged on the interior or exterior body, and are not in compliance with contract requirements. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the contract without additional cost to the VA.

17.4 Ambulance vehicles shall meet all current applicable Federal, State, and local specifications and regulations including, but not limited to, licensing, registration, and safety standards. Appropriate licensing by the State of California and Fresno County is required.

17.5 Vehicles shall be clean and maintained in good repair in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and specifications, at all times during the performance of this contract, and shall contain:

17.5.1 An emergency safety kit

17.5.2 Portable oxygen unit(s)

17.5.3 Fire suppression equipment

17.5.4 Appropriate road emergency warning equipment

17.5.5 Written emergency procedures

17.5.6 Protective clothing required for the protection of contractor employees where patient care is expected, such as – i) gowns, II) gloves, III) masks, etc.

17.6 BLS vehicle shall, in conjunction with the above, also provide on-board EMT, perform basic airway management, and provide IV a KVO without additives.

17.7 ALS vehicles shall, in conjunction with the above, also provide an on-board Paramedic certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), certified to perform cardiac monitoring, provide ACLS drugs and procedures, and perform advanced airway management and medication monitoring and administration. Advanced airway management means the ability to intubate a patient and provide appropriate respiratory care, which does not include tracheotomies, cricoidotomies, or cricotracheotomies.

17.8 The Contractor that is providing ambulance services shall provide oxygen when it is requested by authorized VA Fresno personnel or required by the patient’s medical condition.

17.9 The Contractor shall not be permitted to borrow medical equipment from any medical facility. The Contractor shall provide all medications required while in transport, sheets and blankets and other equipment and supplies required for use while in transport, for direct patient care. Contractor shall at no time and under any circumstances exchange supplies, equipment and/or medication with the VA. The prices quoted in Schedule B shall be inclusive of consumable used in transport. All vehicles used for critical patient care (i.e., ALS, BLS), shall include but not to be limited to, monitors, defibrillator with external pacemaker, intubation equipment, intravenous equipment, medications, patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction system equipment including portable oxygen suction and accessories.

17.10 At no time will the Contractor leave vehicles on VA premises unless a pick-up or delivery is in process.

18. DOCUMENTATION.

18.1 Paramedics shall prepare all documentation to meet or exceed established standards of the VA Fresno to include but not limited to: timeliness, legibility, accuracy, content and signature. The paramedic shall ensure complete patient identifying information is on all documentation to be provided to the VA Fresno relating to the transport. Contractor shall be required to complete run sheets on each response and forward to the COR. All documentation and records shall remain property of the Government.

18.2 Patient information shall be collected to include the following information:

1. Date of Transport

2. Patient’s Name

3. Patient’s Last Four of Social Security #

4. Call Location

5. Destination

6. Nature of Call

7. Response Time

8. Run Report/Dispatch #

9. Notes

19. RECORDS.

19.1 The contractor shall be responsible for creating, maintaining, and disposing of only those government required records which are specifically cited in this PWS. If requested by the government, the contractor shall provide the original record or a reproducible copy of any such records within five working days of receipt of the request.

20. PATIENT INFORMATION.

20.1 Patient information, no matter how developed shall be treated as privileged information under the privacy act and applicable release of information guidelines. Lists and/or names of patients shall not be disclosed to or revealed in any way for any use outside the VA Fresno without prior written permission by the Chief of Medical Staff.

21. RELEASE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION.

21.1 The paramedics shall only release medical information obtained during the course of this contract to other VA or medical treatment facility staff involved in the care and treatment of that individual patient.

22. PATIENT SENSITIVITY.

22.1 Contract paramedics shall respect and maintain the basic rights of patients, demonstrating concern for personal dignity and human relationships. Paramedics receiving complaints validated by the COR and Chief of the Medical Staff shall be subject to counseling and, depending on the nature and severity of the complaint, separation from performing services under this contract.

23. QUALITY CONTROL (QC).

23.1 The contractor shall develop, submit for contracting office acceptance, and maintain a quality control program to ensure the requirements of this contract are performed in accordance with established standards. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent and ensure nonrecurrence of defective services. As a minimum the contractor shall develop quality control procedures (QCP) addressing the areas identified in the service summary. The contractor shall make appropriate modifications (at no additional costs to the government) and obtain acceptance of the plan by the CO. The VA shall reserve the right to determine contractor QCPs unacceptable at any time during contract performance. If a QCP is found to be unacceptable, the contractor shall be notified, and the CO will take action to enforce the inspection of services clause requiring an inspection system acceptable to the government.

24. QUALITY ASSURANCE.

24.1 According to the contract’s inspection clause, the government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract. The COR is a representative of the CO and will participate in the administration of this contract. Any matter concerning a change to the scope, prices, terms, or conditions of this contract shall be referred to the CO. All services to be performed by the contractor during the period of this contract will be subject to review by the CO or COR.

24.2 Contractor Response Time: The contractor shall provide written response addressing the root cause, corrective action and preventive action(s). The contractor will be given up to 48 hours to answer a submitted Corrective Action Report (CAR) and Customer Complaint.

25. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & SAFETY.

25.1 Environmental Protection & Safety: The contractor shall be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, instructions and requirements regarding environmental protection and occupational safety and health. The contractor shall comply with any laws, instructions or regulation changes during the term of this contract. The contractor shall follow manufacturer’s guidelines and professional recommendations for control of humidity, temperature, cleanliness and materials handling (including hazardous materials and hazardous waste).

25.2 Hazardous Waste: Disposal of spent/processed chemical solutions and used rags shall be done in accordance with all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

25.3 Spills: Upon occurrence of any spills that could enter the storm system or cause any harmful environment effects, the contractor shall immediately call 911 to report the incident. The contractor shall report all environmental violations to the COR. The contractor shall submit a typed or written report about the incident within four (4) hours. The contractor shall provide five (5) copies of the written report. The contractor shall provide one copy to the CO, two copies to the COR, and a copy for record. The format of the report shall be left up to the contractor, but the report shall contain the following information.

1.) Name and contact number of person reporting the spill 2.) Date and time of incident 3.) Location and source of spill 4.) Substance or pollutant spilled 5.) Amount spilled and rate of discharge 6.) Any damages or injuries involved 7.) Extent of area impacted 8.) Potential hazards 9.) Actions taken 10.) Organizations contacted 11.) Remarks Section - that addresses the cause of the spill (e.g. human error, equipment, etc.) and whether 911 was called and which agencies responded.

25.4 The contractor shall be knowledgeable of and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and requirements regarding environmental protection. In the event environmental laws or regulations change during the term of this contract, the contractor shall comply as such laws come into effect.

26. SERVICE SUMMARY.

Performance Objective PWS Para Performance Threshold Service: Provide 24 hour certified paramedic personnel and ambulances services required for patient transport in support of Veteran beneficiaries. 1.1., 15 100% Compliance

Ambulance Response: Response time to emergencies within 15 minutes response time.

Response time to non-emergencies within 45 minutes response time. Response time to Long-Distance Transports within 2 hours response time. 14 95% Compliance

Documentation: Preparation of all required run sheets including, but not limited to timeliness, legibility, accuracy, content and signature. 18 100% Compliance

Arrangement for Replacement Staff:

Provides fully certified paramedics for continuous 24 hour coverage 3.1 100% Compliance

Certification Requirements: Current BLS, ACLS and NREMT Paramedic certification on file for contract personnel 4.1 100% Compliance

Health Requirements: Physical examinations and required immunizations current and on file for contract personnel. 8 100% Compliance

Quality Control Plan: Contractor shall maintain quality program to ensure requirements to meet established standards. 23.1 100% Compliance

Process Improvement Plan: Contractor shall submit a Process Improvement Plan quarterly to the COR to identify problem areas with corrective actions 3.5 100% Compliance

27. HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA) OF 1996.

27.1 See attached Appendix II.

28. WAITING.

28.1 Roundtrip Transports require the contractor to wait at the destination facility while the veteran patient receives treatment. The wait time shall not exceed a twenty-four hour period.

28.2 Contractor is entitled to lodging and per diem reimbursement in accordance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulations for wait times that cross days.

28.3 Contractor is required to remain within a ten minute drive from destination facility at all times while waiting. The Contractor shall not perform other services while waiting.

29. INVOICING.

29.1 Invoices: All billing shall include items 1 through 9 listed below. All ambulance invoices shall be submitted twice per month to the Patient Business Services (Travel Office, mail code 136A1a), at the Medical facility issuing the request of service against this contract.

1. Patient’s name and social security number

2. Trip date

3. Pick-up point and time

4. Drop-off point and time

5. Number of miles if outside contract geographic area of coverage

6. Contract Number

7. Base charge plus an itemization of additional charges, if applicable, and name of VA Official who authorized trip

8. Copies of the request for services log that corresponds to the trips included in the invoice

9. Coordinate with the Travel Office for subtotaling other costs under 826 and inter-facility costs under 921 (Travel Office will clarify number requirements)

30. ORIENTATION PERIOD.

30.1 Contractor Phase In: To ensure a smooth changeover from a current contract to a new contractor, a sixty (60) calendar day phase in period is required. The current contractor shall be cooperative to ensure a smooth changeover is accomplished during the phase-in and phase-out periods. During the sixty (60) calendar day phase-in period, the new contractor shall hire a workforce to assure satisfactory performance beginning on the contract start date. The contractor, after coordination with the COR, shall allow the successor to conduct on-site interviews with employees. The contractor shall obtain security clearance(s) for Personal Identification Verification (PIV) or contractor badge(s) for the newly hired employee(s). The contractor shall ensure that all training requirements for the newly hired employee(s) are completed before contract start date.

30.2 Contractor Phase-out Requirements: During the phase-out period, the incumbent contractor shall be fully responsible for all work performed under this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The incumbent contractor shall cooperate fully to permit an orderly changeover of workload. The incumbent contractor shall allow the new contractor and government personnel access on a non-interference basis, to observe the day-to-day operations and to become familiar with the work requirements and procedures.

30.3 During the orientation period, the contractor shall complete the following:

30.3.1 Ambulance service provider must have a license to provide ambulance services from the California State Department of Health, EMS Division and the County of Fresno California.

30.3.2 Access government facilities in order to familiarize supervisors, key personnel, and staff with equipment, reporting, work schedules and procedures. However, such access will not interfere with the production efforts of current work force. To preclude such interference, arrangements for access to government facilities will be made with the CO or COR.

30.3.3 Provide EMT-Paramedic, State of California license, etc. within 5 business days before period of performance begins.

36C26120Q0136

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes,…