Solicitation 36C26223R0193 - Radiology Staffing Services VASDHS.docx

36C26223R0193

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.

UEI:

EFT:

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. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

12-15-2023 Tashodra Rogers, Contracting Officer 562-766-2246 1-12-2024

12:00PM

PST

36C262 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815

X

561320 $34 Million

N/A

36C262 Department of Veterans Affairs VA San Diego Healthcare System 3350 La Jolla Village Drive

San Diego CA 92161

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/ 1-877-353-9791

See CONTINUATION Page

The Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System requires on-site Radiology Staffing Services.

See CONTINUATION Page

Tashodra Rogers 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:

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. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the requirements of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Services Center (VAFSC). The latest information shall be used for invoicing and payments and may change during the Period of Performance on this acquisition. Current invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

· Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

· Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

· FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

· FSC e-Invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

5. POST AWARD ORIENTATION – The Contracting Officer will schedule a post award orientation for contract orientation purposes as required by VA Acquisition Manual, Part M842.502-70 https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaam/vaamM842.asp#M84250270

6. SECURE FAX - Please review VA Handbook 6500 that requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets be included: This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.”

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICE AND PRICE

This is a firm fixed price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity, (IDIQ) contract. Prices in this schedule represent an all-inclusive rate including labor, travel, incidental cost, overhead, and insurance premium payments for applicable insurance coverage. Cost not incorporated into the contractor’s price will not be reimbursed by the Government.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site, VA San Diego Healthcare System (hereinafter referred to as VASDHS), 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161.

Pricing Instructions:

Orders: Orders shall be placed against this (FFP-IDIQ) contract at the time of contract award, and as needed during the term of the contract. Task Orders shall specify the estimated quantities of services for the period of performance and shall comply with FAR 52.216-18 and 52.216-19.

Ordering Procedures: Individual task orders will be based on the services required for the defined period of performance for the task order. Task orders will be funded annually by the Contracting Officer and issued to the contractor(s). The guaranteed minimum for the initial fiscal year in which this contract is awarded is $500.00. The maximum total value of the contract, inclusive of the base year and all options exercised, shall not exceed $8,000,000.00. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount.

The previous option year pricing will apply to any extension pursuant to FAR 52.217-8.

ESTIMATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025

Total for Base Year

ESTIMATED OPTION YEAR ONE (1): April 1, 2025 through March 30, 2026

Total for Base Year

ESTIMATED OPTION YEAR TWO (2): April 1, 2026 through March 30, 2027

Total for Base Year

ESTIMATED OPTION YEAR THREE (3): April 1, 2027 through March 30, 2028

Total for Base Year

ESTIMATED OPTION YEAR FOUR (4): April 1, 2028 – March 30, 2029

Total for Base Year

Base Year Price: ____________________

Option Year 1 Price: __________________

Option Year 2 Price: __________________

Option Year 3 Price: __________________

Option Year 4 Price: __________________

Total Price for Base plus Four Option Years: ______________________

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. BACKGROUND

1.1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires various Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) services to eligible Veteran beneficiaries of the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) Radiology Department located at 3350 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92161 and our Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS) where imaging services are provided. Required DRT specialties are General DRT Technologist (1.0 FTE), Computerized Tomography Technologist (CT) (1.0 FTE), Interventional (IR) Technologist (1.0 FTE), Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist (2.0 FTE), and Medical Instrument Technicians (MIT) for Ultrasound (.50 FTE), On-call hours with 30-minute response time, 1000 Hours. The stated requirement will be utilized for compete shift coverage during any given shift, seven days a week to include day, evening, night, and twelve hour shifts as needed. Contractor personnel will have use of all required patient care equipment, supplies, and computer access for performing services required by the subsequent task order. All services shall be provided in accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions contained herein.

1.2. Contractor personnel will provide direct and indirect care by contributing to patient assessments, determining priorities. The position requires independent judgment and flexibility, organizational skills, and the ability to utilize an interdisciplinary approach in the provision of care.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1. Contractor shall provide DRT Technologist that independently operates radiographic equipment to perform a variety of complex diagnostic radiographic exams. Contractor personnel shall receive patients, explain method of procedure(s), position patients, select and set technical factors, set up and adjust accessory equipment, and make and develop exposures. Contractor’s personnel shall provide staffing for shifts as designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

2.2. Technologist must be able to work equipment and perform duties independently as well as part of a team. The VASDHS Chief Technologist and/or Supervisory Technologist shall assign procedures, provide instructions, and monitor work of Contractor personnel. Contractor personnel shall be subject to the same quality assurance standards in meeting or exceeding current recognized national standards as established by The Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO). Copies of the quality assurance standards are on file in the Medical Healthcare Group and will be available to the Contractor. The Contractor shall perform services in accordance with ethical, professional, and technical standards of the healthcare industry consistent with VA policy, regulations, and procedures. Personnel provided by the Contractor 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. Contractor personnel shall be responsible for compliance with all procedures in accordance with applicable VASDHS written policies, procedures, bylaws, and medical staff protocols. Contract personnel shall not introduce new procedures or services without prior recommendation to and approval of the VASDHS Chief of Staff (COS) or VASDHS Medical Director. All Contractor personnel shall provide their own uniforms, which shall be worn at all times when on VASDHS grounds. Contractor personnel shall also have the ability to use computers and technology efficiently.

2.3. Contractor shall ensure that all contract personnel have met the qualified criteria stated herein, including current and valid licenses and certifications. Ultimately, the decision to reject or accept contract personnel rest with the VA. Non-acceptance of contract personnel does not relieve the Contractor from satisfying and fulfilling the contract requirements.

2.4. Contract personnel shall be required to set up radiographic suites and assure that sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment and supplies are present and available. Prepare and administer contrast material orally, by enema, or intravenously under close supervision of radiologist(s), but not independently as required. Contract personnel will also perform related clerical duties such as sending images to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), archiving images, post processing images, and case editing of computer request and reports. As required, contract personnel will also maintain records and enter patient information using the Radiology Vista Package, and the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Specific DRT duties and responsibilities are as follows:

2.4.1. General Diagnostic Technologist – Perform radiography of the entire body. Performs such procedures as cholangiography, lumbar and thoracic myelography, gastrointestinal studies, intravenous pyelograms, arteriography, operative cholangiography, and arthrography.

2.4.2. CT Technologist – Perform Computed Tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, extremities, vascular system, and body.

2.4.3. MRI Technologist – Operate a super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI), a highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images of the entire body, including the brain, neck, spine, chest, body, and extremities.

2.4.4. IR Technologist – Work in a sterile work environment, set up sterile equipment and trays, scrub back table, assist physicians with a variety of sterile procedures.

2.4.5. Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) – Independently operates equipment to perform a variety of complex sonographic examinations ranging from routine to highly specialized. Also reviews requisitions to assure that the patient history and anatomical area of interest is consistent with the exam(s) requested. The spectrum of examinations performed includes abdomen for tumors, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, and the size and location of organs. Evaluations of the abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, and chest exams for pleural effusions will also be performed. Neck, carotid artery, leg vein, and artery examinations will also be conducted. The MIT will also assist radiologist during invasive procedures and perform all types of gynecological ultrasound exams. Additionally, the MIT will perform quantitative Doppler measurements to determine blood flow profiles when indicated. MIT will also have knowledge of appropriate use of color flow/power Doppler to further evaluate areas for vascular patency/pattern.

2.5. The total numbers of hours available are estimates and are subject to change due to vacancies, increases in demand for services, unanticipated illness, and vacation coverage.

2.6. Contractor personnel must furnish their own personnel letter markers.

3. QUALIFICATIONS

3.1. Personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform services covered by this contract must be American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The General DRT, DRT CT, and Interventional positions are required to be certified and licensed by the State of California in radiography and fluoroscopy. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required. Contract personnel must be familiar with all radiographic diagnostic fluoroscopy, surgery procedures, portable (including C-Arm), and routine general diagnostic exams. PACS work experience is required. All contract personnel must have a minimum of two (2) years of current work experience that demonstrates the ability to work with minimal or no supervision. Current work experience is considered to be work performed within the last three (3) years. Student internship and training time spent in a Radiology setting does not count towards the 2 years of work experience. Additional qualifications required per specialty are as follows:

3.2. Computed Tomography Technologist

3.2.1. Minimum of two (2) years of current work experience in specialized modality.

3.2.2. Hold a current and valid Advanced ARRT certification in Computerized Tomography.

3.2.3. Have demonstrated experience starting Intravenous (IV) and performing contrast injections. IV certification is required.

3.3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist

3.3.1. Minimum of two (2) years of current work experience in specialized modality.

3.3.2. Hold a current and valid Advanced ARRT certification in MRI.

3.3.3. Have demonstrated experience starting Intravenous (IV) and performing contrast injections. IV certification is required.

3.4. Medical Instrument Technician

3.4.1. Minimum of two (2) years of current work experience in specialized modality.

3.4.2. Have a current and valid ARDMS license with advanced disciplines to include two of three licenses in Abdominal, OBGYN, and RVT.

3.5. Interventional Radiology Technologist

3.5.1. Minimum of two (2) years of current work experience in specialized modality.

3.5.2. Demonstrated ability to operate, film, and troubleshoot with single and bi-plane interventional equipment as well as demonstrated experience working with a contrast injector.

4. CREDENTIALING AND PRIVILEGING REQUIREMENTS.

4.1. During the evaluation of credentials, contractor DRT providers may perform services at the VA subject to Temporary Privileges as outlined in VA Regulation. 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 shall be sufficient to allow for performance of all the requirements under the resulting contract.

4.2. Initial applications for clinical privileges will include, but not be limited to, credentials actions history, malpractice history, and complete copies of the below listed documents. Copies shall be submitted by the Contractor to the VASDHS Staff Office through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for each contract DRT proposed to perform under the resulting contract, upon and as requested, by the Government. Additionally, the Contractor shall make all proposed providers available for interview by the Government during the credentialing process. Required documentation include:

4.2.1. Copy of valid, current, unrestricted licenses and certifications.

4.2.2. Provider education and training.

4.2.3. A signed consent for release of information.

4.2.4. A copy of the proposed DRT’s curriculum vitae, 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.

4.2.5. A list of all states in which the contract health care practitioner currently holds or has held a license to practice related services.

4.2.6. Three (3) letters of reference addressing the status and clinical competence of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist including the specialty if being submitted for a specialized technologist position.

4.2.7. Reappointment shall occur not less than every two (2) years, in accordance with Handbook 1100 and other applicable VA Regulations and local Medical Staff Bylaws.

4.2.7.1. Only complete credential applications will be accepted by the Government for processing. Incomplete applications (those that do not fully comply with the requirements, as stated herein) will be returned to the Contractor without action.

4.2.7.2. The Contractor shall take specific action, including Primary Source Verification, to ensure that proposed DRT applications contain the required prerequisites for privileging and do not include any disqualifying impediments for privileges at the VA. This is the sole responsibility of the Contractor and is non-delegable.

4.2.7.3. The Contractor shall submit application only for those contract providers who can reasonably be expected to render the actual, substantial services for performance of the resulting contract. The submission of applications for credentialing of individuals who lack the requisite qualifications, or whose services are not intended for performance of the resulting contract, shall not be submitted and will not be accepted by the Government.

4.3. Contractor shall ensure that all contract personnel have met the qualifying criteria, including current and valid licenses and certifications. These qualifying criteria shall be met by completing the VetPro certification process. Contractor shall initiate VetPro data within 48 hours of approval of contract staff by the COR. Contract personnel shall not work at the VASDHS facilities until VetPro process has been completed and the candidate cleared. The contractor shall ensure all candidates cleared through VetPro and Security shall start work at VASDHS within 48 hours of clearance notification.

5. DENIAL/TERMINATION OF PRIVILEGES.

Action to limit, suspend, or revoke clinical privileges shall be in accordance with the procedures outlined in VASDHS regulations and local Medical Staff Bylaws. The Contractor shall be notified by the Contracting Officer or COR, as soon as possible when the necessity to exercise such authority becomes apparent. The Contracting Officer or COR shall also provide the Contractor with copies of documentation initiating the revocation process if such action becomes apparent.

6. NON-ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT PROVIDERS.

The Contractor shall ensure that all contract providers have met the qualifying criteria, including health requirements and with valid licenses. Ultimately, the decision to accept or reject Contractor personnel rests with the VA. Non-acceptance of contract Providers does not relieve the Contractor from satisfying and fulfilling the contract requirements.

7. STANDARD OF CONDUCT.

7.1. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of contract Providers whose personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other abuse, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patients or other staff members to designated Government Representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current Federal Personnel Regulations.

7.2. Complaints concerning contract personnel’s conduct with Government employees or patients will be dealt with by the Contractor and the COR. The Contracting Officer is the final authority on validating complaints. In the event that contract personnel are involved and named in a validated complaint, the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. This does not preclude refusal in the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the Contracting Officer. The refusal of acceptance of contract Providers services does not relieve the Contractor from satisfying and fulfilling the contract requirements.

8. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United States Government if the employment of that person would create a conflict of interest. The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, unless such person seeks and receives approval in accordance with the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. Nor shall the Contractor employ any person who, as a member, would create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest, particularly with regard to influencing the contract agreement negotiations or terms of the contract. In any such case, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must review the matter and give its approval in accordance with agency ethics rules.

9. CONTRACTOR LIAISON

The Contractor shall designate one (1) employee who shall be responsible for the performance of the work under the resulting indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The liaison shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to the daily operation of the resulting contract. The liaison may be a contract hospitalist physician performing under the resulting contract. An alternate may be designated, but the Contractor shall identify, in writing, those times when the alternate shall act as the liaison.

Contractor Liaison: _____________________ Phone: ____________ Fax: ___________

10. EMERGENCIES OR COMPLICATIONS.

Contract personnel will report any unusual incidents within 24 hours to the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) of the VASDHS Radiology Department. All accidents, malfunctions, injuries and deaths related to the delivery of services shall be immediately reported verbally to the COR. The Contractor may be required to provide evidence of follow-up through a written report of the incident, describing the event, analysis of cause and effect, and corrective action taken. If such a report is requested by the COR, this will be done within three (3) working days of the verbal report.

11. ARRANGEMENT FOR REPLACEMENT STAFF.

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 coordinate an alternate.

12. ALTERNATE SOURCES

If routine services are disrupted for more than two (2) consecutive scheduled shifts or emergency response requests, the Government reserves the right to procure such services from an alternate source, until routine services are restored by the Contractor. When the Government exercises its right to procure these services from an alternate source, the Contractor shall reimburse the government for all charges in excess of the amount that would have normally been incurred by the contract. A copy of the other source’s time sheet or other verifiable documentation shall be used as the basis for any reimbursement.

13. IDENTIFICATION BADGE

An identification (ID) badge will be issued by the VA to contract personnel providing services under the resulting contract. The appropriate ID badge shall be worn at all times while on Government facility grounds, clearly displayed on the outermost garment (i.e. coat, jacket, sweater, shirt, blouse, lab coat etc.).

14. GOVERNMENT TRAINING AND ORIENTATION.

The VA will provide a briefing to familiarize contract personnel with the policies and procedures on the first scheduled duty day or within a period acceptable to the VA. The Contractor shall ensure that all contract personnel attend and participate in VA or any other mandatory training to include VA Privacy, VA Cyber Security, Diversity, Total Quality Improvement, Annual Fire Safety and Infection Control.

15. PERSONAL HYGIENE AND CLOTHING

Contract Providers shall be neat, clean, well-groomed, and shall otherwise exercise good personal hygiene. Appropriate and professional attire shall be worn at all times, e.g., scrubs. Medical scrubs are not to be worn outside the facility. No athletic clothing (sweatpants, sweat suits, or hoodies) or jeans are to be worn while on duty.

16. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.

16.1. Contract personnel shall not perform services under the resulting contract unless a pre-assignment medical examination has been performed within 30 calendar days of their first scheduled shift. Pre-assignment medical examinations shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

16.2. As a condition of employment, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all contract staff who will have occupational exposure to blood, other 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. The immunization shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

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

16.4. The Contractor shall provide the Government with all the information necessary to ensure that Government records are maintained correctly and in compliance with JCAHO, OSHA, and the Center for Disease Control health records requirements, for each individual contract personnel.

16.5. The Contractor shall provide certificates of completion for any related testing/requirements that show compliance with JCAHO, OSHA and the Center for Disease Control requirements, for each individual contract personnel. Any such required certifications routinely performed by the Government, onsite where the contract personnel is providing services and which would result in no undue burden upon or additional cost to the Government shall be provided by the Government.

16.6. The Contractor shall provide the COR with certification that contract personnel have completed the medical evaluation required above, a minimum of two (2) working days prior to performance of contract services. This certification shall state the date that the examination was completed, the provider’s name that performed the examination, a statement concerning the physical health of the individual and the following statement:

[Name of contract health care provider] is suffering from no contagious diseases to include Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Venereal Disease.

16.7. The Government may take nose and throat cultures from contract personnel when required by Government Infection Control Committees (ICC).

16.8. When a contract personnel has been found medically unfit for providing services required under the resulting contract, they shall be required to discontinue working immediately. Contract personnel will not return to work until given clearance by the appropriate VA staff member.

16.9. The Government will provide emergency health care for injuries sustained while on duty for contract personnel. These services will be billed to the Contractor at the current full reimbursement rate.

17. IMMUNIZATION WAIVER/EXEMPTIONS

Waivers and exemptions may be granted in accordance with VA regulations and Medical Staff Bylaws.

18. DRUG SCREENING

18.1. Contract personnel are subject to random drug testing. They are also subject to drug testing when there is a reasonable suspicion that they use or are impaired by illegal drugs while on duty. Reasonable suspicion of drug use or impairment includes, but is not limited, to the following:

18.1.1. Observable phenomena, such as direct observation of drug use, possession or the physical symptoms of being under the influence of a drug.

18.1.2. A pattern of abnormal conduct or erratic behavior.

18.1.3. Arrest or conviction for a drug-related offense or the identification of a contract health care provider as the focus of a criminal investigating into illegal drug possession, use or trafficking.

18.1.4. Information provided either by reliable and credible sources or independently corroborated.

18.1.5. Newly discovered evidence that the contract health care provider has tampered with a previous drug test.

19. PATIENT SENSITIVITY

Contract Personnel shall respect and maintain the basic rights of patients, demonstrating concern for personal dignity and human relationships.

20. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE MONITORING

20.1. Monitoring of Contractors time shall be demonstrated through clinical and administrative record reviews and through patient satisfaction surveys. The COR will be responsible for verifying contract compliance. After award, any incidents of Contractor noncompliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures or by failure to supply required documentation shall be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

20.2. The Contractor shall maintain an adequate record system for recording services, listing servicing providers, charges, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes applicable, patient identification, service dates and all other commonly accepted information elements for services rendered to patients pursuant to the resulting contract including, but not limited to, such records as are necessary for the evaluation of the quality, appropriateness and timeliness of services performed under the resulting contract.

21. MEDICAL RECORDS

Clinical or other medical records of VA beneficiaries treated by contract personnel under the resulting contract are VA records. Contractor personnel who obtain access to hardware or media which may manipulate or store drug or alcohol abuse data, sickle cell anemia treatment records, records or tests or treatment for or infection with HIV, medical quality assurance records, or any other sensitive information as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall not have access to the records unless absolutely necessary to perform their contractual duties. Any individual who has access to these data will disclose them to no one, including other employees of the Contractor not involved in the performance of the particular contractual duty for which access was obtained.

22. HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA)

22.1. Contractor shall take reasonable measures to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality. The contract personnel assigned to provide services under the resulting contract agree to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard patient information from unauthorized access or modification, in both electronic and hard-copy formats. This includes not only electronic security measures such as “strong” user passwords on computer systems, but also physical barriers to prevent unauthorized use of computer workstations; that hard copy patient files are in secured lockable areas, that files are in lockable cabinets, that the cabinets can in fact be locked (i.e., keys are available, and the locking mechanisms work properly). This precaution also includes the proper transfer of patient information via electronic means, such as faxing or system-to-system transmission.

22.2. Contractor personnel shall make sure no patient information of any type is given to outside parties, agencies or organizations of any type without the expressed written consent of the patient and the VA and only in capacities directly related to the provision of the services contracted in this instrument. That only the minimum necessary patient information is used to provide appropriate service to the correct patient. The Contractor is subject to the same penalties and liabilities for unauthorized disclosures of such records as VA personnel.

22.3. That the undersigned understands that all parties are bound by the requirements of the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996” which provide guidance on the protection of patient privacy and confidentiality. This Act mandates that all government agencies and those bodies with whom they contract must be in compliance with the directives of the Act. Details of the Act are still under development by the Congress of the United States. Once these detailed directives are released, this current contract may require a modification to be in compliance depending on the effective date of the Act as decided by Congress and the President of the United States.

23. PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT (PI)/RISK MANAGEMENT

Contract personnel shall participate in PI/Risk Management activities to the extent required by VASDHS. Contract personnel’s specific data must be submitted by the Contractor to the COR upon request. The Government shall evaluate Contractor’s performance under the resulting contract using quality assurance standards specified in VA Regulations, TJC and VASDHS policies.

24. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING

24.1. Contract personnel will be held to the same standard as VA personnel through quality assurance and performance monitoring to ensure compliance under the resulting contract. The COR will utilize the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to assist in performance monitoring and be responsible for verifying compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract. After the contract is awarded, any incidents as evidenced by the monitoring procedures will be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer. In addition, the COR will forward the summary evaluation of the Contractor performance to the Contracting Officer once performance ends.

24.2. Timeliness and productivity measures will be rated based on productivity and workload reports and the average performance of like peers. Any concerns or negative trends will be immediately reported to the Contracting Officer, along with reports of positive trends and productivity.

24.3. Customer Service will be measured based on documented, substantiated, patient and/or staff complaints or compliments. Any substantiated customer service complaint will be immediately reported to the Contracting Officer, along with reported compliments.

24.3.1. Performance Standards:

24.3.1.1. Measure: Clinical Documentation

Performance Requirement: Timely documentation of completed exams in Vista System and PACS Standard: At the completion of each exam Acceptability Quality Level: 100% Satisfactory Surveillance Method: Periodic Inspection/Vista Audit and PACS audit

24.3.1.2. Measure: Patient Volume/Load

Performance Requirement: Appropriate number of patient exams completed per day.

Standard: As determined by Supervisor on a daily basis Acceptability Quality Level: 95% Satisfactory Surveillance Method: Observation, Periodic Inspection, Vista Audit and PACS audit

24.3.1.3. Measure: Quality Care

Performance Requirement: Ability to perform duties as specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Standard: As specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Acceptability Quality Level: 100% Satisfactory Surveillance Method: Observation, Peer Review, and QA/QC Audit

24.3.1.4. Measure: Patient Safety

Performance Requirement: Patient safety incidents must be reported via the COR or designated representative.

Standard: All incidents reported immediately (within 24 hours) Acceptability Quality Level: 100% Satisfactory Surveillance Method: Observation, Patient Event Report (PER) audit

24.3.1.5. Measure: Patient Satisfaction

Performance Requirement: Patient complaints about the quality of care are reported to COR, Patient Advocate, and the Contractor for resolution.

Standard: All patient complaints are reported immediately (within 24 hours).

Acceptability Quality Level: 95% Satisfactory Surveillance Method: Veteran Queries, and Complaints

25. Registration with Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System:

25.1. As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates Contractor past performance on all contracts that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the Contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Seal Logistics Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. CPARS has connectivity with the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) database, which is available to all Federal agencies. PPIRS is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations and completed CPARS report cards transferred to PPIRS. CPARS also includes access to the federal awardee performance and integrity via CPARS for Contractor responsibility determination information.

25.2. For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the Contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in CPARS to the Contractor’s designated representative for comment. The Contractor representative will have sixty (60) days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the CO.

25.3. Failure for the Contractor’s representative to respond to the evaluation within those sixty (60) days, will result in the Government’s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the Contractor failed to respond; the Contractor’s representative will be “locked out” of the evaluation and may no longer send comments.

26. THE JOINT COMMISSION

26.1. Contractor’s personnel shall be subject to the same quality assurance standards in meeting or exceeding current recognized National Standards as established by The Joint Commission (TJC). Copies of the quality assurance standards are on file in the VASDHS Quality Management department and will be available to the Contractor. The Contractor shall perform services in accordance with the ethical, professional, and technical standards of the healthcare industry as consistent with VA policy, regulations, and procedures.

26.2. The personnel provided by the Contractor 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. Contract personnel shall be responsible for compliance with all procedures in accordance with applicable VASDHS written policies, procedures, Bylaws of the Medical Staff and protocols. Copies of the Bylaws will be available to all Contractor personnel and are located within the Quality Management department. They shall not introduce new procedures or services without prior recommendation to and approval of the Chief of Staff (COS) or authorized representative(s) and through the Contracting Officer.

26.3. The Contractor is required to maintain records that document competence/performance level of Contractor employees working on the resulting contract in accordance with TJC accreditation and other regulatory body requirements. The Contractor will provide a current copy of the competence assessment checklist and annual performance evaluation to the COR at the time of award or upon request, for each Contractor employee working on the resulting contract.

26.4. Where the contract does not require the TJC accreditation or other regulatory body requirements, the contract personnel must perform the required work in accordance with the TJC accreditation standards. A copy of these standards may be obtained from TJC, One Renaissance Blvd., Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.

27. HHS/OIG REQUIREMENTS

To ensure that the individuals providing services under the resulting contract have not engaged in fraud or abuse regarding Sections 1128 and 1128A of the Social Security Act regarding federal health care programs, the Contractor is required to check the Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS/OIG), List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the OIG Website (www.hhs.gov/oig) for each person providing services under the resulting contract. Further, the Contractor is required to certify in its proposal that all persons listed in the Contractor’s proposal have been compared against the OIG list and are NOT listed. During the performance of the resulting contract, the Contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

28. CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME) REQUIREMENTS

Contract personnel registered by national associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME and VASDHS Bylaws and Rules to remain current as prescribed by legal requirements. CME is the sole responsibility of the Contractor, shall be obtained at no additional cost to the Government, and shall be reported to the COR annually on the first normal duty day in January for the previous calendar year. Periodic CME may be conducted at the VA and may be available, at no cost, to contract personnel.

29. EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE COVERAGE

Before commencing work under this…