36C26224Q1360_FINAL.docx

36C26224Q1360

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.

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

Ben Bayoneta 562-766-2204 08-30-2024

10AM

PDT

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

X

623220 $19 Million

N/A

36C691 Department of Veterans Affairs VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

(VAGLAHS)

11301 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles CA 90073 36C262 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 Submit invoices electronically to:

https://www.kofax.com/products/tungsten

(877) 489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page The Contractor shall provide Medical Respite Services for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) per the Statement of Work (SOW).

Questions are due to benjumar.bayoneta@va.gov by 08/14/2024 at 10:00am PDT.

Quotes are due to benjumar.bayoneta@va.gov by 08/30/2024 at 10:00am PDT.

Please see subsequent pages for details.

See CONTINUATION Page

William T. Cook

VA-VHA-RPOW-2023-0061

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:

b. GOVERNMENT: Department of Veterans Affairs Ben Bayoneta, Contract Specialist Network Contracting Office VISN 22 (NCO22) 4811 Airport Plaza Drive, Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor shall 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 Financial Services Center Contractor shall bill in arrears to:

Tungsten Network https://www.kofax.com/products/tungsten

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

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

5. UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIDIER (UEI) NUMBER: In accordance with FAR Provision 52.212-1 paragraph (j), please provide the System for Award Management (SAM) UEI Number assigned to your firm in the space provided below:

UEI# ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND PRICE

This is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity, (IDIQ) contract, which will result in one contract award. Prices in this schedule represent an all-inclusive rate including labor, incidental costs, overhead, and insurance premium payments for applicable insurance coverage. Costs not incorporated into the contractor’s price will not be reimbursed by the Government.

The guaranteed minimum amount for this contract is $1,000.00. The maximum aggregate value of the orders that can be placed under the contract is $4,500,000.00. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum amount.

The period of performance for this IDIQ contract is September 16, 2024, through September 15, 2029.

Pricing information for each contract year is included below.

ITEM INFORMATION

PER VETERAN

Daily Room & Board / Medical Respite Care (in accordance with the Statement of Work) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-16-2024 POP End: 09-15-2025 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 623220 - Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: G004 - Social - Social Rehabilitation

Daily Room & Board / Medical Respite Care (in accordance with the Statement of Work) Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-16-2025 POP End: 09-15-2026

Daily Room & Board / Medical Respite Care (in accordance with the Statement of Work Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-16-2026 POP End: 09-15-2027

Daily Room & Board / Medical Respite Care (in accordance with the Statement of Work) Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-16-2027 POP End: 09-15-2028

Daily Room & Board / Medical Respite Care (in accordance with the Statement of Work) Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-16-2028 POP End: 09-15-2029

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

CONTRACT EMERGENCY RESIDENTIAL SERVICES (CERS) BEDS: MEDICAL RESPITE CONTRACT (MRC)

1. PURPOSE.

1.1. The Department of Veterans Affairs has been providing direct and specialized services for homeless Veterans for over 25 years. The Secretary of the VA has set a zero-tolerance policy for homelessness within the Veteran population since 2009. The plan to end homelessness among Veterans includes planned increases to the capacity of existing programs and an increase in services offered to Veterans. New models of care not previously offered by The Veteran Health Administration are also being implemented.

1.2. The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center- West Los Angeles requires contractors to provide transitional housing services as part of its community-based Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program. The HCHV Program, an essential and critical part of Veterans Healthcare Administration is vital for providing a gateway to GLA and community supportive services for eligible Veterans who are homeless. This emergency transitional housing program is designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable and at-risk homeless Veterans.

It targets and prioritizes Veterans experiencing homelessness and are transitioning from literal street homelessness, being discharged from institutions, and/or who recently became homeless and require safe and stable living arrangements while they seek permanent housing. HCHV’s goal is to engage homeless Veterans in treatment and place them in a safe, sober and secure, emergency transitional housing that supports their rehabilitation goals. The model under the HCHV Contracted Residential Services (CRS) used for this contract will be:

1.2.1. Medical Respite Contract (MRC) programs are a subset of the Community Engagement and Reintegration Service (CERS) programs and target and prioritize homeless Veterans requiring respite and medically enhanced services. A Medical Respite Program would provide an opportunity to safely house those homeless VHA HEALTHCARE ELIGIBLE Veterans who are preparing for a planned medical procedure or those discharging from the VAMC or other community hospital needing recovery from surgery, additional post-hospitalization stabilization needs both medically and psychiatrically, and specialized nursing care for wound care and other non-acute ailments.

Although the population will be focused on housing homeless individuals with non-medical needs, MRC is not a Skilled Nursing Home or Assisted Living. All Veterans referred will be required to complete their ADLs independently with no cognitive deficiencies.

Lengths of stay in MRC programs are typically 3 months with the option to extend based on clinical need. Referrals for this program are received directly from a hospital setting or VA clinic and are based upon a need for non-acute medical care to stabilize and avoid a return to homelessness.

1.3. The purpose of this solicitation is to obtain offers from Contractors who can provide housing, and supportive services to up to 10 Homeless Male Veterans. This emergency transitional housing contract will be known as “MRC-Medical Respite Care” and is located within a 15-mile radius of the West LA Campus of GLA.

Contractor shall offer a safe and secure environment that supports their goals for recovery from homelessness. Awards may be based on residential capacity to place Veterans in safe environmental residency. Maximum number of beds funded will not exceed 3650 bed days of care per year. The Contractor shall be required to provide an on-demand, low- barrier therapeutic and rehabilitative milieu and attendant services targeting the underlying factors contributing to homelessness.

2. GENERAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS.

2.1. Contractors are urged in the strongest terms to carefully review the requirements outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) to ensure that all criteria within can be met as required and in a timely fashion. This contract is independent from any past similar contracts awarded and should be reviewed and seen as separate and distinguished. Once awarded, the Contractor accepts and understands, the fully executed contract is a requirement of the VA and shall not be altered or manipulated without fully executed contract modification(s).

2.2. Same Day Access: Veterans may access transitional housing programs via VA consults from the HCHV Liaison, or directly to the program by their outreach efforts and/or through referrals from the community. The program will target Veterans who are engaged in care through a collaborative partnership among the VAGLAHS, the Los Angeles Coordinated Entry System Service Providers, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, and other Veteran-specific programs that target homeless Veterans.

2.2.1. Contractors shall complete intake and SAME DAY admissions for those Veterans approved as eligible for placement by the COR/HCHV liaison or their designee or through direct referrals. The Contractor shall ensure their internal admission process and procedures allow for SAME DAY placement of accepted Veterans into an available bed. Admission shall occur up to 9 pm during workdays (Monday – Friday, except for federal holidays) and to 7 pm on weekends.

2.2.1.1. The Contractor shall offer beds on the SAME DAY the referral is made by the designated liaisons or from direct referrals or eligible referring sources.

2.2.1.2. HCHV CRS staff will confirm eligibility prior to referral submission, during the work week and the contract’s staff will complete a SQUARES review for all direct referrals.

2.2.1.3. The Contractor must place Veterans into available beds on the same day of the approved admission whether liaison or direct referred, if referrals are made before 7pm, and space is available.

2.3 Criteria & Eligibility: The Contractor shall provide services to Veterans who are VA healthcare eligible and experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, i.e., received an eviction or no longer able to reside at their existing housing situation.

2.3.1 Be determined to be homeless based upon the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition by the local VA medical center HCHV program. See Reference section.

2.3.2 Be eligible for VA healthcare as determined by the local VA medical center and and/by the program using Squares.

2.3.2.1 A Veteran must be homeless and eligible for VA Health Care to be considered for admission to any HCHV CRS Program. Authorized VA Liaison or designee shall be ultimately responsible for determining Veteran eligibility and approval for placement into a HCHV CRS Bed; failure to establish VA approval for admission by the next business day may result in a denial of payment for services provided.

2.3.3 Veterans must be able to:

2.3.3.1 Actively engage in case management services on a weekly basis.

2.3.3.2 Actively engage in housing search.

2.3.3.3 Secure permanent house.

2.3.3.4 Be ADL independent.

2.4 Referred: Veterans are referred to the Contractor by VAGLAHS hospital staff, other community hospital settings, the VHAGLA-HPACT clinics or the Contractor’s outreach efforts, which shall not include any VA in-reaching.

The referrals will be based on the Veteran’s demonstrated need for medical stabilization, case management and supportive services to stabilize their medical condition. Also, to stabilize their mental health, substance abuse, medical and/or other co-occurring serious psychosocial issues, if needed, before expediently transitioning into secure and permanent housing. The environment of the MRC will foster placement for those Veterans with minor medical needs, ie wound care, PT/OT, etc. Veterans requiring any invasive needs ie IVs, home health needs are not appropriate for referrals.

Veterans must actively participate in their discharge planning and be willing to seek permanent housing for placement consideration,

2.4.1 During the work week M-F 8-330. Both the VA HCHV CRS Liaison(s) and the program shall receive consults (VA referrals)/direct referrals and will complete the admission process for same day admission if Veteran meets the listed criteria and eligibility clauses and their admission is not deemed unsafe for their milieu.

For after hours (330pm to 9pm), during the work week M-F and weekends, the program will continue to complete direct or community referrals. Program will be responsible to complete healthcare eligibility checks for placement. Programs to accept Veterans referred who meet the criteria and eligibility clause, and their admission is not deemed unsafe for their milieu.

2.4.2 When a Veteran is accepted for placement:

2.4.2.1 For HCHV Consults: the HCHV CRS liaison will ensure a suicide Risk Assessment (CSSR) is documented in the CPRS record.

2.4.2.2 For Program Direct Referrals: the HCHV CRS liaison will be responsible in documenting the CSSR when meeting with the Veteran for their admission.

2.4.3 Outreach: Contract staff shall engage in Outreach services, any homeless Veteran, can be referred to the MRC, however, referred Veterans must meet the criteria of needing pre or post medical housing, therefore, the outreach worker must defer the Veteran to their HPACT/PACT PCP for placement referral.

2.4.3.1 Outreach shall not include Contractor’s efforts towards “in-reaching” of services established from or by the VA ie: the welcome center or other VA departments or other VA resources and housing programs.

2.5 Contractor shall utilize the Housing First approach, with reduced barriers for program entry. Veterans cannot be denied entry into a HCHV CRS program based solely upon length of current abstinence from alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substances, illegal substances, the number of previous treatment episodes, the time interval since the last program entry, the use of prescribed controlled substances, legal history, or behavioral flag. See Denial of Services section.

2.5.1 Accepts referrals (via VA, Community Partner, or PCP) throughout the day, evening to at least 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, with the exception of federal holidays, and weekends.

2.6 The Contractor shall rapidly house male Veterans requiring residential services and treatment at the VAGLAHS, addressing their medical, mental health, substance abuse and other psychosocial problems. Veterans must be ADL independent with no cognitive deficiencies. Ultimately, the goal is for Veterans to actively search for and obtain permanent housing within 90 days under this contract.

2.7 Liaison: A VAGLAHS HCHV Liaison/COR will be assigned to the Contractor who shall act as the clinical liaison between the Contractor and VAGLAHS.

2.7.1 The Contractor shall provide a private, nonshared office with adequate space for the VAGLAHS HCHV Liaison to meet with the Veterans.

2.7.2 VA HCHV Liaison will present to the program 3-5 days per week.

2.7.3 For Community location/site, the contractor shall provide parking for the HCHV CRS Liaison(s).

2.8 The Contractor shall not be required to provide detoxification or other hospital level treatment.

2.9 This emergency transitional housing will be used exclusively for single Male.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The period of performance for this contract will be for a Base year PLUS four (4) Option Years.

4. CONTRACT TYPE. Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quality (IDIQ).

5. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE. The program location is crucial to ensure that Veterans can attend appointments scheduled in various VAGLAHS clinics or to local community providers and return to transitional housing with minimal barriers.

Space allotted for sleeping, eating, case management, and clinical services shall be within a 15-mile radius of WLA-GLA.

Regardless of location, the Contractor shall be required to attend frequent in person or virtual meetings with the WLA VA located at 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073

6. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY. Government furnished property will not be provided to the Contractor. All equipment and furniture required by the Contractor to fulfill this contract will be provided at their expense.

7. CONTRACT AWARD MEETING. The Contractor shall not commence performance on the tasks in the awarded SOW until the Contracting Officer or representative has conducted a kick-off meeting or has advised the Contractor that a kick-off meeting is waived. Program should be fully operational within 30 days of kick off meeting or its waiver.

A list of authorized GLA Staff for the contract shall be provided to the Contractor upon award of the contract. GLA Staff may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of GLA HCHV CRS Section Chief or Supervisor. The Contractor shall be provided an updated list of authorized GLA Staff whenever such changes are made.

8. INSPECTION OF FACILITY AND PROGRAM: Prior to the award of a contract and annually during the contract term, a multidisciplinary GLA team consisting of a Clinical social work team, dietitian, a representative of the GLA Police, a Facilities Management Safety Officer, Nursing and/or other subject matter experts as determined necessary by the medical center director or HCHV Coordinator, shall conduct an inspection of the Contractor’s facilities to evaluate the Veteran’s food, shelter, safety, medication procedures and therapeutic services to assure the facility provides quality care in a safe and sober environment. Inspections may also be carried out at such other times as deemed necessary by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Implementation of Timeline:

The contract facility and associated onsite services must pass an initial inspection completed by VA staff and become fully operational within 30 days from the date of contract award.

Contractor shall demonstrate successful completion of the following tasks, validated by VA inspection prior to receiving Veteran referrals and invoicing for payment:

Identify a safe physical environment in a clinically appropriate setting for services to occur according to the SOW/PWS.

Within 30 days after the contract award

Contractors are obligated to participate and adhere to the HCHV inspection season. Contractors will address and resolve all deficiencies found during the inspections before the season is complete or during ad hoc visits over the term of the contract. Contracting will be notified if any vendor is not in compliance. For any deficiencies, a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) will also be expected and resolved in a timely fashion as instructed by the HCHV CRS Liaison inspecting team. Facility inspections will be conducted at least annually but may be inspected more frequently.

8.1. The Contractor shall be advised of the findings of the inspection team. If deficiencies are noted during any inspection, the Contractor shall be given a reasonable time (30 days) to take corrective action and provide evidence to the inspection team CAP is monitored by. Additionally, the HCHV liaison will notify the Contracting Officer that the corrections have been made. For the initial inspection, a contract will not be able to admit Veterans until noted deficiencies have been eliminated.

Failure by the Contractor to take corrective action within a reasonable time (30 days) will be reported to the GLA Contracting Officer. If corrections are not made to the satisfaction of the GLA, the Contracting Officer will consult with the appropriate officials so that suitable arrangements can be made to discontinue plans to award a contract, or to discharge or transfer patients and to terminate the existing contract, as appropriate.

8.2. The inspection of the Contractor’s facilities will include inspection for conformity to the current Life Safety Code, and will also include the following:

8.2.1. General observation of residents to determine if they maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and grooming.

8.2.2. Assessment of whether the facility meets applicable fire, safety and sanitation standards.

8.2.3. Determining whether the facility is in attractive surroundings conducive to social interaction and the fullest development of the resident's rehabilitative potential.

8.2.4. Observation of facility operations to see if appropriate organized activity programs are available during waking hours (including evenings) and degree to which a high level of activity is observed in the facility, such as individual professional counseling, physical activities, promotion of health and personal hygiene.

8.2.5. Seeking evidence of facility-community interaction, demonstrated by the nature of scheduled activities or by information about resident flow out of the facility, e.g., community activities, volunteers, local consumer services, etc.

8.2.6. Observation of staff behavior and interaction with residents to determine if they convey an attitude of genuine concern and caring.

8.2.7. Inspecting the types of meals and other nutrition provided to residents to see if appetizing, nutritionally adequate meals are provided in a setting, which encourages social interaction and if nutritious snacks between meals and bedtime are available for those requiring or desiring additional food, when it is not medically contraindicated.

8.2.8. Conducting random review of Veterans’ records to ensure accuracy with respect to Veterans’ length of stay and services provided to the Veterans.

8.3 All Department of Veterans Affairs reports of inspection of residential facilities furnishing, treatment and rehabilitation services to eligible Veterans shall, to the extent possible, be made available to all government agencies charged with the responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting such institutions.

8.4 All residential facilities must have an approved/passed initial inspection prior to Veteran admission to the awarded HCHV CRS program.

9. CONTRACT MONITORING. The COR or the VAGLAHS HCHV Liaison or their designee will monitor the Contractor's performance. Performance deficiencies or poor performance identified during the term of the contract will be addressed with the Contractor. If determined appropriate, the Contracting Officer, COR and/or other VA staff members shall meet with representatives of the Contractor to review performance and resolve issues; Corrective Action Plans may be required. See also Performance Measures section.

10. METHOD OF INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will evaluate all deliverables submitted. The COR or their representative is responsible for certifying invoices for payment only for deliverables received and deemed acceptable by the COR. The COR will evaluate the performance of the contract through quarterly and annual performance reviews. Failure to comply with the SOW could potentially lead to negative performance evaluation findings which could lead to premature contract termination if not corrected through a CAP.

11. VA PARTNERSHIP. This contract poses that WLA-VA HPACT will be fully integrated and accessible to the awarded Contractor. The HPACT Clinic will engage in integrated care by providing and focusing on access to medical providers and having a point of contact within the HPACT clinic for streamline of services.

11.1 All admitted Veterans must have ROI on file at referral/admission.

11.2 Veterans being discharged from a hospitalization (VA or non-VA) to the program must have a completed discharge summary and medication list at the time of program admission.

11.2.1 If discharged from a VA setting, HPACT or program staff shall request a digital divide consult is placed prior to Veteran’s discharge for those Veterans without a device.

11.3 For Veterans admitted with community medical providers (primary care and specialty), appointments with community providers must be pre-arranged and scheduled prior to program admission, including an immediate post-hospital follow-up appointment.

11.3.1 If discharged from a non-VA setting, program staff shall collaborate with HPACT and/or the program HCHV liaison to submit a digital divide consult for those Veterans without a device and choice to receive/transfer care to the VA.

11.4 VA HPACT RN & PCP will serve as liaison to the contract program to facilitate timely medical evaluation at program admission. At a minimum, HPACT will be available to coordinate admission medical evaluation needs with contract staff once weekly, though ad hoc communication will be encouraged.

11.5 VA HPACT POC Medical Staff will visit the program at minimum monthly to meet with staff and Veterans. Additional visits will be strongly encouraged.

11.5.1 Planned conferencing will be scheduled minimum once a week.

11.6 HPACT will work with the contract team to arrange indicated medical follow-up evaluations for all admitted Veterans with VA primary and subspecialty medical care.

11.7 HPACT will empanel Veterans without primary care providers to HPACT. HPACT will encourage HPACT empanelment of Veterans with care in the community or an alternate VA clinic.

11.8 For Veterans who choose to maintain an ongoing relationship with a non-HPACT provider, HPACT will provide interim medical services as medically indicated and facilitate coordination with the Veteran’s preferred primary care team.

11.9 Virtual appointments (VA Video Connect is the preferred modality) are an option for medical f/u appointments. The MRC staff will provide access for VVC appointments if Veterans do not have devices.

11.9.1 Program to have at least two iPads for Veteran’s appointment use.

11.9.2 Digital divide consults will be placed to secure personal devices and needs.

11.10 All admitted Veterans should be admitted with a supply of medications and a medication list. This should be provided by the discharging facility (community or VA)

11.10.1 When needed, the contractor RN will contact directly the HPACT team POC for medication orders, etc.

11.11 The disciplinary team members (MRC contract staff, VA liaison, HPACT) will coordinate referrals to board and care facilities, mental health support and other services.

12 SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

12.1 Residential Services: The Contractor shall provide housing and supportive services to male Veterans under this contract which is required to ensure the safety and privacy of these Veterans.

TASK 1: HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR RAPID PLACEMENT

The Contractor shall be responsible for identifying sufficient residential capacity to safely support the placement of single male Veterans. This service will include:

12.1.1 Timeliness of Response-

HCHV CRS Consults: consult shall be opened by the liaison and responded to per the VA SOP.

Community referrals: program staff, shall resolve direct contact immediately and return calls, if appropriate, within 2 hours, to the referral source. Any call received from the VA, between the hours of 8-330, shall be deferred to complete an HCHV CRS consult.

12.1.2 Veterans shall be offered same day admission.

12.1.3 Sufficient personnel to assure security, see Staff section.

12.1.4 Staffing available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, including holidays and weekends.

12.1.5 The facility must allow Veteran to receive mail. The mail will be kept secure until pick-up for Veteran. (At times, Veterans will need to receive medications by mail and/or important documents- all which ensure successful transition to permanent housing). The Contractor must demonstrate practice to ensure Veterans access to mail including medications in a secure manner, see Medication section also.

12.2 Subsistence:

The Contractor shall provide all food and beverages for Veterans residing at the facility including three (3) meals per day and snacks. The Contractor shall maintain a clean and comfortable environment of care that includes subsistence meeting the following conditions:

12.2.1 Meals that meet the nutrition and dietary guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture found at: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ .

12.2.2 Nutritious snacks between meals and at bedtime shall be available for those requiring or desiring additional food when it is not medically contradicted. All food shall be stored, handled, and served in a safe and sanitary manner that meets accepted industry standards and guidelines.

12.2.3 Contractor shall also provide reasonable accommodations for fulfilling special dietary needs, such as kosher, diabetic, allergies, medically indicated, vegetarian (including vegetarian preferences). Contractor shall ensure Veterans eating such an alternate diet are provided with complete nutrition.

12.2.4 The Contractor shall provide meals, prepared off-site and brought onto the VA campus. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure food is stored as per requirements of Nutrition with regards to proper heating and refrigeration (warmer(s)/ice box or refrigeration units).

12.2.5 The Contractor shall provide tables and chairs, all eating utensils, cups, plates, bowls, and napkins. Contractor shall also provide trash receptacles and trash bags in the dining area and dispose of the trash after all meals.

13 Facilities Requirements.

13.1 A safe, secure, and readily available place for each Veteran to store belongings (e.g., a locking closet, a locking armoire, a wall, or outside locker) chairs, tables, and locks if necessary.

13.2 Linens including sheets, pillowcases, towels, blankets, and pillows. The Contractor shall provide clean linens during a weekly linen exchange for all Veterans. Contractor shall have spare linens to replace linens requiring cleaning between regularly schedule cleaning days. Routine linen cleaning shall not be conducted onsite.

13.3 Access to laundry facilities and supplies free of charge and adequate for residents to do their own laundry or to have laundry done at minimum one time per week. If providing on-site shared laundry: A laundry facility will include at least 1 washer and 1 dryer for every 10 Veterans provided on-site. Laundry service to include water, electricity, etc., shall be provided at no cost to authorized Veterans.

13.3.1 The Contractor shall be fully responsible for the unit’s maintenance, upkeep, and care. The Contractor shall provide adequate amounts of laundry detergent. Hypo-allergenic detergent may be required for medical reasons as prescribed.

13.3.2 If equipment breaks down, the Contractor shall provide alternate weekly arrangements at community laundry facilities until in house services are operable. Contractor shall be required to provide transportation for any Veteran in need to and from.

13.4 The Contractor shall provide health and personal hygiene supplies for Veterans throughout their stay (i.e., dental products, hair products, soap and shave products, deodorant products, minor first aid products).

13.5 Contractor shall maintain a clean and comfortable environment of care that meets the conditions stated herein. Contractor shall bear all costs associated with ensuring compliance with these requirements. Contractor must ensure that it has sufficient operating funds to maintain the facility according to the requirements of this contract.

13.6 Room inspections, including methods and frequency.

13.6.1 Regular room checks shall occur with a strong focus on maintaining a safe environment that promotes the wellbeing of all residents. Increased room checks and safety planning for Veterans determined to be high-risk is required with supporting documentation.

14 SAFE ROOM:

14.1 The Contractor shall:

14.1.1 Have a “Safe Room” for Veterans who enter the program inebriated or exhibiting or engaging in behaviors requiring their separation from the general population. Those Veterans shall be kept separate from the other Veterans to allow for sobering/quiet time until they have been cleared to return to the general population of the Contracted Residential Service Program.

14.1.2 Ask inebriated Veterans who enter the program to provide a UA or breathalyzer for documentation purposes. If the Veteran refuses to provide the UA, the Contractor shall not refuse services to the Veteran.

14.1.3 Determine if the Veteran needs immediate emergency services for medical attention. If medical attention is required, the Contractor shall call 911 and contact the COR/HCHV Liaison. If after hours, an email shall be sent for notification. Program shall complete a VA Incident Report and forward to the HCHV CRS Liaison, see Critical Incident Report section.

14.1.4 Place the Veteran in the Safe Room if determined that the Veteran is not in need of immediate medical attention.

14.1.5 Monitor Veterans who are placed in the “Safe Room.” Veterans shall be physically checked every 30 minutes during the first 12 hours. Close observation and physical checks shall continue beyond the initial 12-hour period for as long as the Veteran appears inebriated. Documentation of physical checks should be maintained with a brief description of Contractors observations in the Veteran’s record. As needed, the Contractor shall conduct a re-assessment, urinalysis and/or breathalyzer to determine appropriateness of Veteran returning to the general population of the Contracted Residential Service Program.

14.1.6 Contact the local emergency response system then follow up with a phone call to the assigned COR/HCHV liaison in all cases relating to signs of withdrawal and/or acts of violence.

14.1.7 For admissions purposes, the safe room shall not be used as an assessment or bridge setting for same day admitted Veterans.

14.1.8 The safe room shall be furnished with the following:

14.1.8.1 One single bed per occupant.

14.1.8.2 Proper bedding, i.e., fitted sheets, blankets, pillows.

14.1.8.3 Immediate accessibility to restrooms facilities.

14.1.8.4 Immediate accessibility to staff in case of emergency.

15 Janitorial Services. The contractor shall manage daily cleanliness of the entire temporary housing facility, including bathroom, shower, dining facilities, sleeping areas, and all common areas. The Contractor shall also ensure the outside of the facility, at least 30 feet perimeter, is kept clean and free from debris. The Contractor shall provide daily trash removal from the trash receptacles inside and outside the facility. The Contractor shall empty trash receptacles when they are full regardless of when daily trash service is scheduled. The contractor shall provide cleaning supplies to accomplish daily cleanliness; the COR will inspect the facility for cleanliness and report deficiencies to the Contractor and VAGLAHS.

16 Transportation. The contractor shall provide transportation for Veterans to attend appointments at or off campus of the VA Medical Center (including local VA clinic or community providers) , and appointments for potential housing placements, benefits agencies, and meetings with landlords. The Contractor shall be expected to help the Veteran access public transportation, including providing information and instructions necessary to enable Veterans to utilize public transportation. Transportation may include assistance in obtaining Metro-cards, bus fare, or local subsidized transportation services such as Access, Lyft, etc., however if not in place or until in place, the Contractor is responsible for providing transportation service. If GLA staff determines that adequate public transportation is not available or appropriate for a Veteran, the Contractor shall arrange for alternative transport by car or taxi at Contractor’s expense.

Structured group activities, as appropriate, shall occur at least FOUR (4) times per month – examples include group therapy, life skills training, social skills training, financial workshops, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, vocational counseling, and physical activities as appropriate.

Should a Veteran have mental health, medical, family and/or employment obligations which directly conflicts with this requirement, alternate group activities will be arranged and/or the Contractor shall clearly document efforts made to accommodate the Veteran. Contractor shall coordinate provision of group activities with VA HCHV Liaison. Groups shall have sign in logs and brochures or other materials of what was discussed; these should be saved for liaison review.

Contractor shall facilitate a “House Meeting” once per month. For the purposes of this contract “House Meetings,” (or GLA Housing Resource Groups) may not be counted as a structured group activity as these should have a therapeutic value and facilitation shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. Also, the house meeting will be converted to a monthly newsletter/flyer to include what would have been the updates and information provided during the monthly House meetings to the Veterans in the event of a pandemic or social distancing is required and shall be distributed to the Veterans.

17.2 GLA Coordination: Collaboration and coordination with GLA program staff, as needed, will include coordination of supportive psychosocial services and housing. In particular, coordinated efforts must be made with the GLA Liaison around medical, mental health, admission and discharge needs.

17.3 Case Management: This will include structured individual case management, at minimum, weekly including counseling on self-care skills, adaptive coping skills, financial planning, permanent housing search, written care plan, referral for financial benefits. Additional counseling may include professional and vocational rehabilitation counseling in collaboration with GLA programs and community resources.

Discharge planning shall begin at time of admission and reviewed at least monthly.

A thorough written Individualized Service Plan (ISP) will also be developed within one week of admission for each Veteran placed in residential services and shall be updated every 30days thereafter to discharge.

ISPs are developed through a joint effort with the Veteran, the contracted provider, and the HCHV staff. ISPs must be developed for each Veteran by the Veteran in collaboration with and based upon input from HCHV program staff assessments, and other GLA clinical data. ISPs will reflect SMART goals.

In addition, special attention will be made to address High Suicide Risk (HSR) Veterans as identified by GLA Liaison, GLA Mental Health Staff, or contracted case manager.

17.3.1 On a weekly basis, the contracted case manager will be required to update the GLA Liaison on Veteran progress and/or safety concerns for HSR Veterans.

17.3.2 Contracted case manager will review the HSR Safety Plans with the Veteran on a bi-weekly basis. HSR Safety plan reviews and a copy of the Veteran’s Safety Plan will be documented in the chart.

17.4 All Veterans will be referred to GLA for Primary Care and Mental Health appointments and Contractors will support Veterans in making initial and subsequent appointments. Efforts will be documented in the Veteran’s program records and reviewed by the GLA Liaison at least monthly. If the Veteran refuses such referral, the Contractor shall assist the Veteran with appropriate community-based services and documentation efforts and appointments within the Veteran’s Client Record.

17.4.1 All Contractors will provide proper documentation verifying services and case management efforts by all team members including, but not limited to housing, benefit and employment specialists, and program management staff.

17.4.1.1 There will be an expectation that notes are written professionally in a format that utilizes the clear settings of goals and documents progress towards those goals.

17.5 The Contractor shall provide treatment and discharge planning reflecting a team assessment of health, social and vocational needs and the involvement of the Veteran, the VA staff and appropriate community resources in resolving problems and setting goals.

17.6 Case Conference: The Contractor is expected to provide HCHV staff with regular reports on changes in Veteran’s status, including all changes and observations concerning the Veteran’s needs, monthly or as needed basis.

17.7 Permanent Housing Search: Programs are required to provide Veterans with direct and ongoing assistance in achieving permanent housing. Permanent Housing is a primary goal of the HCHV CRS contracts, therefore plans for Veterans’ transition to permanent housing placements must be clearly reflected in each ISP and in weekly case management notes.

17.7.1 As part of this plan, Veterans’ housing history and needs must be assessed through a formal and thorough Housing Assessment completed within 3 business days of program admission. Housing Assessments must identify Veterans’ housing history, strengths (i.e., positive prior rental history), and barriers (i.e., Unlawful Detainers).

17.7.2 Should Veteran refuse to engage with program staff regarding plans for permanent housing transition, motivational interviewing and other therapeutic techniques will be used to address Veteran’s ambivalence.

17.7.3 All efforts to engage Veteran regarding housing plans, options, and resources shall be clearly documented and include any therapeutic techniques utilized. Contractor staff must provide direct assistance to Veterans in developing permanent housing plans and accessing appropriate housing resources. It is expected that as part of their housing plan, Veterans will be co-enrolled in either HUD-VA Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) or Supported Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)/Rapid Rehousing services.

17.7.3.1 These services shall be provided weekly through one-to-one case management. Examples of expected housing services include:

17.7.5 Mere communication with Veterans regarding housing, without subsequent Contractor staff action and follow-up, shall not on its own meet the above requirements.

17.8 Financial Planning: Referral to and follow up on all potential financial resources the Veteran may be eligible for (e.g., SSI, SSDI, Food Stamps, NSC pension, GA, etc.).

17.8.1 Case Managers will document all structured activities that support Veteran in developing a short- and long-term plan to understand and address their current financial situation and how to improve it. Financial planning efforts may be accomplished in group but preferably through one-on-one case management services.

17.8.1.1 At minimum four financial…