36C26218Q9475-006.docx

RFQ: 36C26218Q9475

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

36C26218Q9475 07-30-2018 Wanamaker, Timothy 562-766-2212 08-30-2018

12:00 PM PDT

00262 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815 X X 561320 $27.5 Million X N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815 00262 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center P.O. Box 149971 Austin, TX 78714-9971 http://www.tungsten-network.com/

877-353-9791 See CONTINUATION Page Please see the enclosed "Schedule of Services and Price," (pages 6-7) and the Price Worksheet (Section D.1 of this solicitation).

This solicitation is 100% set-aside for SDVOSBs.

TECHNICAL INQUIRES ARE

DUE TO THE CO BY 3:00 PM PDT, 08-14

-2018 See CONTINUATION Page X X X Four (4) Don Weerasinghe Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION A - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

A.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(Continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

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

1.1. CONTRACTOR: ________________________________________

1.2. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer (CO), 36C262, Timothy Wanamaker:

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 600 Long Beach, CA 90815

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR):

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System:

(See Web site at and submit invoices to: www.OB10.com (TUNGSTEN NETWORK)

Register at: 877-752-0900 (Option #2) Customer Help: call 877-353-9791

5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to Solicitation 36C26218Q9475 numbered and dated as follows:

A.3 NOTIFICATION TO OFFERORS

1. Authority: Under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7409, 38 U.S.C. 8153, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12—Acquisition of Commercial Items, and FAR Part 13—Simplified Acquisition Procedures, the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) requires a Contractor to provide Board-Certified/Board-Eligible physicians services necessary to perform on-site Family Practice Physician and Internal Medicine Physician Services for eligible Veteran-beneficiaries of the VASDHS, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA 92161.

2. It is the Government’s intent to make a single Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) award in response to this solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right to make multiple BPA awards if it determines it is in the Government’s best interest to do so.

3. Offerors shall complete and return all information designated in the enclosed FAR clause 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, paragraph b, and the addendum to FAR clause 52.212-1, prior to the time specified in block 8 of standard form (SF) 1449 to be considered for award. Offerors shall also respond to each evaluation factor listed in the enclosed FAR clause 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Items. Failure to do so may preclude the offeror from consideration for award.

4. TECHNICAL INQUIRES: Direct all technical inquiries via email to the Administrative Contracting Officer (CO), Timothy Wanamaker at timothy.wanamaker@va.gov not later than August 14th, 2018 3:00 PM (PDT). An amendment will be posted to www.Fbo.gov to address any questions received on or about August 16th, 2018. The Contractor shall acknowledge an amendment in section 5 above.

5. DUNS NUMBER: Provide the Dun and Bradstreet Number assigned to your business in the space provided below; (refer to FAR provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items):

5.1. ____________________________________

6. This requirement is set-aside 100% for Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Only SDVOSBs verified in the VA’s Vendor Information Pages (VIP) site at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/ at the time of proposal submission will be considered for award.

7. Post-Award Conference. The BPA-awardee shall participate in a post-award orientation conference to review the on-boarding process for candidates and other post-award management procedures. The conference will include the CO, Contract Specialist (CS), Contracting Officer Representative (COR), BPA-awardee, and others designated.

A.4 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-- MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include this clause. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to contractor's offices where the contractor's business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained during assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

A.5 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND PRICE

1. Family Practice and Internal Medicine Services shall be accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) and provide healthcare services in Primary Care within the VASDHS, seeing an adult population of VA beneficiaries.

2. Pricing Instructions: Affiliate Contractors shall include the “title” of the personnel submitted. Other commercial healthcare Contractors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. There are no SUB-CLINS identified for this requirement.

3. The Contractor is instructed to include all other than price and cost information supporting the proposed price as directed in Instructions to Contractors addendum to FAR 52.212-1 and/or Section D—Contract Documents, Exhibits, or attachments, and VA Directive 1663 Appendix B.

4. The Contractor shall propose a minimum of FOUR (4) key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract. The Contractor shall be required to provide as a minimum, enough appropriately qualified physicians to be credentialed and privileged that meet or exceed twice (or four (4) total) the number of Full Time Equivalent Employee (FTEE) required to fulfill contract obligations.

4.1. One (1) FTEE is defined by the VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two (2) weeks, excluding holidays.

5. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services shall be provided at:

5.1. VASDHS, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA 92161.

5.2. Mission Valley Community-Based, Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), 8810 Rio San Diego Dr., San Diego, CA 92108.

5.3. Sorrento Valley CBOC, 10455 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121.

5.4. Chula Vista CBOC, 865 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

5.5. Oceanside CBOC, 1300 Rancho del Oro Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

BASE YEAR: OCTOBER 1, 2018 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

CLIN NO.

SUB-CLIN

Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services

[NOTE: Physician services include weekday coverages; contingency coverage during call-outs and illnesses]

KEY PERSONNEL

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

OPTION YEAR ONE (1): OCTOBER 1, 2019 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

CLIN NO.

Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services

[NOTE: Physician services include weekday coverages; contingency coverage during call-outs and illnesses]

KEY PERSONNEL

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

OPTION YEAR TWO (2): OCTOBER 1, 2020 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

CLIN NO.

Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services

[NOTE: Physician services include weekday coverages; contingency coverage during call-outs and illnesses]

KEY PERSONNEL

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

OPTION YEAR THREE (3): OCTOBER 1, 2021 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

CLIN NO.

Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services

[NOTE: Physician services include weekday coverages; contingency coverage during call-outs and illnesses]

KEY PERSONNEL

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

OPTION YEAR FOUR (4): OCTOBER 1, 2022 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

CLIN NO.

Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services

[NOTE: Physician services include weekday coverages; contingency coverage during call-outs and illnesses]

KEY PERSONNEL

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Family Practice Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

Internal Medicine Physician Services; Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Physician (Local)

A.6 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)— FAMILY PRACTICE AND INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS SERVICES

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:

1.1. The Department (Dept.) of Veteran Affairs (VA) intends to establish a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to provide Physician Services: two (2) Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Family Medicine Physicians and two (2) Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Internal Medicine Physicians to the VASDHS for a base plus four (4) option years contract. Contractor care shall cover the range of services normally provided in a similar civilian healthcare facility, in accordance with the specifications and requirements contained herein.

1.1.1. The Contractor shall provide Board-Certified/Board-Eligible Family Practice and Internal Medicine Physician Services on-site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to Veteran-beneficiaries of the Dept. of VA and the VASDHS. The Contractor shall provide on-site Internal medicine and Family Practice physician services to work in Primary Care services at the VASDHS.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at:

1.2.1. VASDHS, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA 92161

1.2.2. Mission Valley CBOC, 8810 Rio San Diego Dr., San Diego, CA 92108

1.2.3. Sorrento Valley CBOC, 10455 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121

1.2.4. Chula Vista CBOC, 865 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910

1.2.5. Oceanside CBOC, 1300 Rancho del Oro Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056.

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources – (HCR) Sharing Authority.

1.4. Policy/Handbooks: The Contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance:

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

1.4.2. VHA Directive 2006-041 “Veterans’ Health Care Service Standards” (expired but still in effect pending revision) https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443

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

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

1.4.5. - VHA Handbook 1100.19 Credentialing and Privileging - http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.4.6. VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791

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

1.5. ACRONYMS/DEFINITIONS: Terms used in this BPA shall be interpreted as follows, unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ABIM: American Board of Internal Medicine http://www.abim.org/

1.5.2. ACEP: American College of Emergency Physicians

1.5.3. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.4. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.5. ATLS: Advanced Trauma Life Support

1.5.6. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.7. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.8. CBOC: Community-Based, Outpatient-Clinic

1.5.9. CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation

1.5.10. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.11. CR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.5.12. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.13. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.14. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.15. CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO) – The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, with the authority to enter into and administer contracts, and make related determinations and findings.

1.5.16. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) – A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.5.17. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.18. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

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

1.5.20. CREDENTIALING: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

1.5.21. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.22. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.23. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.24. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.25. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.26. HR: Human Resources

1.5.27. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.28. MEDICAL EMERGENCY: a sudden onset of a medical condition, manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, causing impairments to body functions, or Causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.5.29. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.5.30. NATIONAL PROVIDER IDENTIFIER (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers).

1.5.31. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.nlnac.org

1.5.32. NON-CONTRACT PROVIDER: any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor or any of its subcontractors.

1.5.33. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.5.34. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.35. PA: Physician Assistant

1.5.36. PALS: Pediatric Advanced Life Support

1.5.37. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.38. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.39. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.40. PRIVILEGING (CLINICAL PRIVILEGING): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice (e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration) is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific.

1.5.41. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.42. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.43. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.44. VETERANS’ HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States (U.S.) located in Washington, D.C.

1.5.45. VETERANS INTEGRATED SERVICES NETWORK (VISN): The regional oversight for VA medical centers.

1.5.46. VISTA (Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture): A PC-based system which captures and store clinical imagery, scanned documents, and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record, and VA Medical Center information system.

1.5.47. VETPRO: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.5.48. VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER (VAMC): Unless identified with the name of a different VA Medical Center, for purposes of this contract this term shall mean the VASDHS.

2. FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIAN PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

2.1. Contract Family Practice physicians shall interview and examine patients, review past medical history and request and/or perform diagnostic tests and examinations as necessary to make diagnosis for primary care services. Contract Family Practice Physicians make diagnosis’s after evaluating information obtained and provide medical or surgical treatment and/or referral as appropriate.

2.2. Contract Family Practice Physicians working in Primary Care are the first line of contact with a newly enrolled Veteran-patient; patient loads are estimated to be approximately 18-20 Veteran-patients per day (combination of new and established Veteran-patients), per physician.

2.3. Contract Family Practice physicians shall provide healthcare services for the entire period of performance at the VASDHS or VASDHS CBOC on an as-needed basis. The usual work day will be from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (PDT) weekdays. The physician will do outpatient clinic or inpatient clinics during the weekdays per regular clinic schedules usually from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (PDT) daily. The physician shall schedule and perform procedures as appropriate.

2.4. Contract Family Practice physicians will not participate in on-call for general admissions of patients nor will they be expected to do admissions and inpatient care. Any patient under physician care who needs admission will be directed to the on-call physician.

2.5. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall counsel and educate Veteran-patients, families, and VASDHS medical staff about general healthcare topics and concerns.

2.6. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall prescribe drugs and tests necessary to provide care.

2.7. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall become familiar with and be guided by the VASDHS formulary and shall follow VASDHS procedures when prescribing drugs.

2.8. Contract Family Practice Physicians authorized to prescribe pharmaceuticals shall do so according to the availability of drugs listed in the VASDHS formulary.

2.8.1. VASDHS pharmacy services will provide instructions to the prescribing Contract Family Practice physician as to substitutions of generic drugs for prescribed drugs.

2.8.2. The VASDHS service unit pharmacy and therapeutics committee must approve drugs not on the VASDHS formulary.

2.9. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall participate in a continual process of quality of healthcare evaluation to assure the provision of quality service.

2.10. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall comply with all VASDHS infection control and safety procedures, practices, and standards.

2.11. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall meet all applicable Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards during the performance of this contract.

2.12. Contract Family Practice Physicians will respect and maintain the basic rights of Veteran-patients, to include, but not limited to, personal dignity.

2.13. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall have keyboarding and computer software navigation skills and basic familiarity with electronic medical records systems.

2.14. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall ensure timely completion of medical record documentation in the VA Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) in accordance with VA policy; all electronic medical record entries are electronically signed each day prior to leaving the VA facility.

2.15. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall be required to use CPRS for tasks including, but not limited to: generating and receiving electronic reports (and communications daily), consults, labs, imaging, and other diagnostic test results communicated electronically.

2.16. Contract Family Practice Physicians shall review his/her VA Outlook e-mail for policy and procedural updates. Outlook e-mail is not secure; contracted physicians for the VASDHS shall not enter protected patient information in Outlook e-mail communications unless appropriate and approved encryption methods are used. Outlook e-mail serves as the primary route of pertinent communication between the VASDHS Chief of Primary Care Service and the contract physician regarding changes in VA policies and procedures.

3. FAMILY PRACTICE PHYSICIAN QUALIFICATIONS:

3.1. Family Practice Physicians shall be duly licensed in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the U.S. or the District of Columbia (D.C.) and residency trained in the specialty of Family Practice Medicine they are providing (THE CONTRACT PHYSICIAN(S) MUST HAVE GRADUATED FROM AN APPROVED SCHOOL AND COMPLETED A RESIDENCY OR FELLOWSHIP ACCEPTABLE TO THE SURGEON GENERAL), credentialed by the appropriate civilian American Medical Association specialty association, and indemnified by an appropriate/legal third party corporate entity for their professional activities.

3.1.1. License – The Contractor’s physician (s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the U.S. or D.C.) when services are performed on-site at the VASDHS facility.

3.1.1.1. All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s physician(s) who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

3.1.2. Board-Certification - All Contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board-Certified or Board-Eligible in Family Practice Medicine and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or equivalency. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification shall be kept up to date always. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VASDHS COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

3.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging – Physicians may perform services at the VASDHS only when the credentialing process is completed by the VASDHS Medical Staff Office as outlined in VA Regulation and Station 664 Memorandum. The privileging process shall be in accordance with all pre-privileging and privileging requirements in VA Regulations and local VA Medical Staff Bylaws. The credentials required and privileges granted by the Government must be sufficient to allow for performance of all the requirements under this contract.

3.1.3.1. Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the VASDHS Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

3.1.3.2. If an Contractor’s physician(s) is not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

3.1.4. Technical Proficiency: The Contractor’s physician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. The Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all Contractor’s physician(s) and Contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

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

3.1.6. Training (ACLS, BLS, CPRS and VA-MANDATORY): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the Contractor’s physician(s) as required by VASDHS. Other training may become required; the VASDHS COR will communicate any training requirement changes to the Contractor.

3.1.7. Standard Personnel Testing (e.g., purified protein derivative (PPD)): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for physicians within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and CO. {Contractor tests shall be current within the past 12 months}.

3.1.7.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s physician(s). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be repeated annually {This is applicable to all healthcare workers}.

3.1.7.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all healthcare workers}.

3.1.7.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all healthcare workers}.

3.1.7.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of one (1) dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all healthcare workers}.

3.1.7.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor physicians have received the annual influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor physician has a medical contraindication to the vaccine they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all healthcare workers}.

3.1.7.6. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all Contractor’s physician(s); provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records, and; ensure a proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident{This is applicable to all healthcare workers}.

3.1.7.7. The COR shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in healthcare personnel (as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow-up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to return.

3.1.8. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

3.1.9. DEA: Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

3.1.10. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all Contractor’s physician (s) are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The Contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (Jan 2008) and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

3.1.11. Citizenship-related Requirements:

3.1.11.1. The Contractor certifies that the Contractor shall comply with all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended; its related laws and regulations enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the Contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals.

3.1.11.2. While performing services for the Dept. of VA, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien or foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the U.S. Additionally, the Contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

3.1.11.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Dept. of VA may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the U.S. or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the Contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Dept. of VA and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

3.1.11.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the U.S. and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

3.1.11.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the Contractors response to the RFQ using the subject attachment in Section D.3 (citizenship-related document section) of the solicitation document.

3.1.12. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

3.1.12.1. The Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed Contractor’s physician (s) are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

3.1.12.2. By submitting their proposal, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the Contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

3.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by the VASDHS COS or clinical designee, and approval by the VASDHS Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all Contractor physician personnel covered by this contract—for quality purposes—will be provided by the appointed VASDHS COS, and/or the Chief of the Service or designee. Note: only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

3.3. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all Contractor’s physician(s) shall not be considered Dept. of VA employees for any purpose.

3.4. Indemnification: The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, or employees.

3.5. Prohibition Against Self-Referral: Contractor’s physicians are prohibited from referring VA Veteran-patients to Contractor’s or their own practice(s).

3.6. Inherently Government Functions: Contractor and Contractor’s physician(s) shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to: determination of agency policy, determination of federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for federal government employment (including the interviewing of individuals for employment), approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

3.7. No Employee Status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractor’s physician(s) furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or shall certify the following is provided—for all their staff providing services—under the resultant contract:

3.7.1. Workers’ compensation;

3.7.2. Professional liability insurance;

3.7.3. Health examinations;

3.7.4. Income tax withholding, and;

3.7.5. Social security payments.

3.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or Contract physician(s). When a Contractor or Contractor’s physician(s) has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or contract physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

3.9. Key Personnel:

3.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTEE) for the services required is 2080 hours = One (1) FTEE (Full Time Equivalency Employee)). An FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two (2) weeks and excludes holidays.

3.9.2. The minimum number of Family Practice, Board-Certified physicians required to be on-site daily is one (1), and depending on critical staff shortages may result in requiring two (2) providers on-site at the same time as defined in paragraph, “Hours of Operation” in this section.

3.9.3. It is essential that continuity of services is maintained to the maximum degree possible, hence, substitution of Contractor provided Physicians shall be limited to urgent/emergent absences of approved, assigned providers. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to VASDHS during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations, and additional coverage as required.

3.9.4. Personnel Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within five (5) calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information to the CO at least five (5) calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The Contractor shall provide scheduled services throughout the contract period. In the event of the absence of Contractor’s personnel for any reason, the Contractor shall bear the responsibility of providing replacement personnel to provide the scheduled services. The Contractor point of contact shall arrange for pre-credentialed locum tenens coverage when primary Physicians will be unable to provide services for one (1) or more consecutive scheduled shift.

3.9.4.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within five (5) calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

3.9.4.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive work days or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two (2) weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

3.9.4.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any Contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the VASDHS facility.