36C26318Q0385-029.docx

36C26318Q0385

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

437-18-3-751-0048 36C26318Q0385 03/22/2018 Daniel Reinke 651-293-3037 04/05/2018

3:00PM CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

316 Robert Street N.

St. Paul MN 55101 X X 561320 $27.5 Million X N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Fargo VA Medical Center 2101 Elm St N Fargo, ND 58102 Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

316 Robert Street N.

St. Paul MN 55101

Y Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 See CONTINUATION Page

- Neurologist services for Fargo VAHCS.

- Estimated period of performance is June 1. 2018 through November 30, 2018, with the possibility of one (1) option period.

- Reference section B.2 Schedule of Service and B.3 for pricing.

- Reference section B.4 Performance Work Statement for performance objectives and standards.

- Reference section E.1 for submittal instructions and E.2 for evaluation factors.

All questions are due by email NLT 3:00PM CDT 03/29 /2018.

X X X

ONE

Chara Collins Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CONTRACTOR BEFORE AWARD. https://www.sam.gov

1. ADMINISTRATION DATA

0. Contractor information: List below responsible party that may be contacted during the term of this agreement for matters pertaining to the agreement or resulting orders:

0. Government:

Contracting Officer Network Contracting Office 23 316 North Robert Street St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone (651) 293-3037

1. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management, [X] Invoices shall be submitted in arrears: Monthly

1. BILLING FOR SERVICES:

2. Payments shall be made monthly in arrears upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice.

2. In order to comply with the Improper Payment Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA), the VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC). VAFSC has partnered with Tungsten Corporation e-Invoicing network for submissions of all electronic invoices to VA. Tungsten Network electronic invoicing is free to all VA vendors. In order to submit electronic invoices, all VA vendors must register with Tungsten Network by submitting an email to VA.Registration@tungsten-network.com or calling 1-877-752-0900 option 2 for Enrollment.

2. Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice by the tenth (10th) of the following year services were performed to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) e-Invoice through the website at https://portal.tungsten-network.com/Login.aspx. For questions regarding the submission of VA electronic invoices, OB10 customer service may be contacted at 1-877-489-6135.

2. All invoices shall reference the vendor name and address, customer name, contract number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services provided, quantity, unit price, and total invoice amount. Invoices shall also include any payment discount terms.

2. For questions regarding invoice receipt or payment, please call VAFSC directly at 1-877-353-9791 or email vafsccshd@va.gov.

1. SERVICES: The services specified may be changed by written modification to this contract. Services performed by the contractor will be in accordance with VA policies and the regulations of the medical staff by laws of the VA facility.

1. TERMS OF CONTRACT: This contract is effective for one year from date of award plus four annual option years that may be exercised by the VA. The contract is subject to availability of funds.

1. TYPE OF CONTRACT: FTE Hourly -- Fixed Price. Competed under VA Directive 1663.

1. RECORD KEEPING: The VA Medical Center shall establish a record keeping system that will record the hours worked by the contractor employee(s). Employee(s) shall report to the Administrative Contractor, or designee upon arrival at the facility.

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor will provide 1.0 FTE Neurology Physician Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Fargo, ND (hereinafter referred to as VAHCS). The Contractor’s physician care shall cover the range of Neurology services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by The American Academy of Neurology (AAN): https://www.aan.com/ Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site, Fargo VAHCS, 2101 Elm Street North, Fargo, ND, 57102.

Pricing Instructions: Commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted.

The Contractor shall propose one (1) key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

One FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

B.3 PRICE SCHEDULE

Period of Performance: BASE PERIOD: June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018

Annual Cost

Tour of duty is Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. On Call: Physician will provide shared on-call services 4:30pm-8am Monday through Thursday and 4:30pm Friday through 8am Monday, on a rotating basis.

KEY PERSONNEL

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

TOTAL FOR BASE PERIOD

1040 Hours

OPTION PERIOD 1: December 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019

Annual Cost

Tour of duty is Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. On Call: Physician will provide on-call services 4:30pm Friday through 8am Monday, on a rotating basis.

KEY PERSONNEL

NAME: ____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE: ____________

TOTAL FOR OPTION PERIOD

1040 Hours

TOTAL FOR BASE AND OPTION PERIOD: ________________________

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B.4 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified /Board Eligible Neurology Physician services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Fargo VA Health Care System.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at the Fargo VAHCS, 2101 Elm Street North, Fargo, ND, 57102.

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. Definitions/Acronyms- Terms used in this contract 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. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.2. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.3. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.4. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.5. 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.

1.5.6. 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.

1.5.7. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.8. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

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

1.5.10. 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.

1.5.11. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.12. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.13. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.14. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.15. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.16. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.17. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.18. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.19. 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, etc.; 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.

1.5.20. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.21. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.22. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.23. 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).

1.5.24. Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States. The VHA is in Washington, D.C.

1.5.25. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers.

1.5.26. VISTA (Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture): A PC based system that will capture and store clinical imagery, scanned documents and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record and with the hospital information system.

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

1.5.28. 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 Fargo VAHCS.

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. 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 United States or the District of Columbia when services are performed onsite on VA property.

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.

2.1.2. Board Certification - All Contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board Certified /Board Eligible by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) by the American Heart Association. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date always. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging –Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 referenced above. 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 Fargo VAHCS Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.4. If a 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.

2.1.5. Technical Proficiency - 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. 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.

2.1.6. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VAMC. 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 Contractor’s physician(s).

2.1.7. Training (BLS 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 the VA.

2.1.8. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): 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 Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.9. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative reaction to PPD testing for all Contractor’s physician(s). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive PPD results. The PPD test shall be repeated annually.

2.1.10. RUBELLA TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of immunization for all contract physicians (s) for measles, mumps, rubella or a rubella titer of 1.8 or greater. If the titer is less than 1.8, a rubella immunization shall be administered with follow-up documentation to the COR.

2.1.11. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide generic self-study training for all Contractor’s physician(s); provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to the VA if they elect to receive it; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident. The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care 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 their return.

2.1.12. 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.

2.1.13. DEA: - Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

2.1.14. 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 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.

2.1.15. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.15.1. 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 that are 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;

2.1.15.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, because of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. 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.

2.1.15.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States 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 Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

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

2.1.15.5. The Contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFP using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.16. 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.

2.1.16.1. Therefore, 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.

2.1.16.2. 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.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, 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.

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

2.4. 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.

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

2.6. Inherent 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.

2.7. 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 certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or Contractor’s 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 Contractor’s physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is 1.0. FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Board Certified /Board Eligible Neurology physicians required to be on site daily is 1 as defined in paragraph Hours of Operation in this section.

2.9.3. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing coverage to the VA during periods of vacancies of the Contractor’s personnel due to sick leave, personal leave, vacations and additional coverage as required. In the event a scheduled physician is unable to complete an assigned shift, the contractor shall provide replacement physician coverage within 2 hours and notify the Contracting Office Representative (COR) at the Fargo VAHCS immediately of the schedule change.

2.9.4. 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 15 calendar day (s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.9.4.1. 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 15 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.

2.9.4.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three 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 weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

2.9.4.3. 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 facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any Contractor’s physician (s), s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Contractor’s physician (s). The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s physician (s) conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.9.4.4. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the Contractor’s physician (s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. HOURS OF OPERATION:

3.1. VA Business Hours: The Neurology Department is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. The Fargo VAHCS is closed on all Federal holidays.

3.1.1. Patients must be seen by a Contractor’s physician(s) on-site at Fargo VAHCS in a timely manner in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on clinic wait times and consult completion. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.1.2. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be available and present in clinic during normal Fargo VAHCS clinic hours, which will be established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Chief of Staff. Currently, normal clinic hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

3.1.3. Off-hours Coverage: On call hours will be approximately Monday-Thursday 1630-0800 and Friday-Monday 1630-0800. On call duties will be appropriately and equally divided with two (2) other staff neurologists. On-call coverage generates an estimated 2-4 phone consultations and may require in person evaluation of patients, but could be greater depending on hospital and emergency department census and acuity. Contractor must make the Contractor’s physician(s) available during scheduled on call hours, which includes evenings, weekends and holidays.

3.1.3.1. On-call contractor’s physician(s) must be available always for phone consultations with VA residents and physicians. Pages should be returned promptly in general, but no later than 15 minutes. Patients must be seen promptly, as dictated by the clinical situation, based on general recognized standard of care.

3.2. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

3.3. Cancellations: The Contractor shall ensure that qualified backup providers are available to provide coverage during scheduled and unscheduled absences of primary contract provider. Contractor will ensure that all backup providers participate in the Credentialing and Privileging and training processes. Disaster/emergency Coverage: The Standard of Care should be equal to that provided by the VA if the VA can provide the services required at their location. The Contractor shall provide competent, quality Neurology services to all patients of the Fargo VAHCS, in the performance of contract requirements. Contractor shall provide all services specified in this contract for any VA beneficiary, regardless of the race, color, religion, sex, or national origin of the person for whom such services are ordered. The Contractor further warrants that s/he shall not resort to subcontracting as means of circumventing this provision.

3.3.1. Unless a state of emergency has been declared or clinics are otherwise cancelled by the VAMC, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide Contractor’s physician(s) who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

4.1.1. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. Time sheets will be used by the COR to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

4.2. Standards of Care: The Contractor’s physician(s)’ care shall cover the range of Neurology services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by:

4.2.1. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN): https://www.aan.com/

4.2.2. VA Standards: 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

4.2.3. The professional standards of The Joint Commission (TJC) http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/hap_requirements.aspx

4.2.4. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA) http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

4.2.5. The requirements contained in this PWS

4.2.6. Attending Physician: All procedures, inpatient admissions and consults shall be the responsibility of an attending physician.

4.3. MEDICAL RECORDS

4.3.1. Authorities: Contractor’s physician(s) providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with the U.S.C.551a (Privacy Act), 38 U.S.C. 5701 (Confidentiality of claimants records), 5 U.S.C. 552 (FOIA), 38 U.S.C. 5705 (Confidentiality of Medical Quality Assurance Records) 38 U.S.C. 7332 (Confidentiality of certain medical records), Title 5 U.S.C. § 522a (Records Maintained on Individuals) as well as 45 C.F.R. Parts 160, 162, and 164 (HIPAA).

4.3.2. HIPAA: This contract and its requirements meet exception in 45 CFR 164.502(e), and do not require a BAA for Covered Entity to disclose Protected Health Information to: a health care provider for treatment. Based on this exception, a BAA is not required for this contract. Treatment and administrative patient records generated by this contract or provided to the Contractors by the VA are covered by the VA system of records entitled ‘Patient Medical Records-VA’ (24VA19). Contractor generated VA Patient records are the property of the VA and shall not be accessed, released, transferred, or destroyed except in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Contractor shall ensure that all records pertaining to medical care and services are available for immediate transmission when requested by the VA. Records identified for review, audit, or evaluation by VA representatives and authorized federal and state officials, shall be accessed on-site during normal business hours or mailed by the Contractor at his expense. Contractor shall deliver all final patient records, correspondence, and notes to the VA within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the contract expiration date.

4.3.3. Disclosure: Contractor’s physician(s) may have access to patient medical records: however, Contractor shall obtain permission from the VA before disclosing any patient information. Subject to applicable federal confidentiality or privacy laws, the Contractor, or their designated representatives, and designated representatives of federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over Contractor, may have access to VA ‘s records, at VA’s place of business on request during normal business hours, to inspect and review and make copies of such records. The VA will provide the Contractor with a copy of VHA Handbook 1907.1, Health Information management and Health Records and VHA Handbook 1605.1, Privacy and Release of Information. The penalties and liabilities for the unauthorized disclosure of VA patient information mandated by the statutes and regulations mentioned above, apply to the Contractor.

4.3.4. Professional Standards for Documenting Care: Care shall be appropriately documented in medical records in accordance with standard commercial practice and guidelines established by VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791 and all guidelines provided by the VAMC.

4.3.5. Release of Information: The VA shall maintain control of releasing any patient medical information and will follow policies and standards as defined, but not limited to Privacy Act requirements. In the case of the VA authorizing the Contractor to release patient information, the Contractor in compliance with VA regulations, and at his/her own expense, shall use VA Form 3288, Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Individual’s Records, to process “Release of Information Requests.” In addition, the Contractor shall be responsible for locating and forwarding records not kept at their facility. The VA’s Release of Information Section shall provide the Contractor with assistance in completing forms. Additionally, the Contractor shall use VA Form 10-5345, Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information, when releasing records protected by 38 U.S.C. 7332. Treatment and release records shall include the patient’s consent form. Completed Release of Information requests will be forwarded to the VA Privacy Officer at the following address: Privacy Officer, 701-239-3700, ext. 9-3978.

4.4. Direct Patient Care: 95% of the time involved in direct patient care. Contractor shall be responsible for

4.4.1. Scope of Care: Contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for providing inpatient and outpatient Neurology consultative services, which may include, but not limited to, lumbar puncture, electroencephalography (EEG) interpretation, interpretive and other specialized skills acquired during an ACGME recognized residency program and/or additional post-resident training/experience.

4.4.2. Medications: Contractor’s physician(s) shall follow all established medication policies and procedures. No sample medications shall be provided to patients.

4.4.3. Discharge education: Provide discharge education and follow up instructions that are coordinated with the next care setting for all emergency department patients.

4.4.4 Consults:

4.4.4.1. Routine outpatient consults: Will be addressed within seven (7) calendar days with a recommendation for appointment and/or treatment. Consultations will be in accordance with Network Policy V23-CMO-031. In the event the Contractor fails to respond to a request within required timelines, the Primary Care and Specialty Medicine Service Line Leader, COR, or the CO will contact the Contractor to determine the reason for the delay. Stat/urgent outpatient consults are to be seen by the Contracted physician, and a consult report signed and available to the requesting party within 24 hours of consult request.

4.4.4.2. On-Call Consultation: The Contractor shall provide after-hour Neurology service and consultative coverage, on an equal rotation with Fargo VAHCS Neurology physician staff on a seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day basis for VA beneficiaries present in the Fargo VAHCS. This may include urgent care and consultations for medical, surgical, and psychiatric inpatients. Stat/urgent telephone calls/pages shall be returned within five (5) minutes and routine telephone calls/pages shall be returned within fifteen (15) minutes. If needed, patients shall be seen within two (2) hours or sooner as medically required. Fargo VAHCS MOD and nursing support will be available during call hours. Emergency intra-facility and inter-facility consultation services are to be negotiated between the requesting and receiving facility physicians, and responded to as quickly as possible, as deemed appropriate, commensurate with the level of urgency and/or patient transport and transfer requirements.

4.4.4.3. Inpatient Consults: During normal duty hours, Stat/urgent consults will be seen by the Neurologist as soon as possible, but no more than three (3) hours after receipt of consult request. In addition to completion of a Stat/urgent electronic consult, direct communication between the requesting provider and receiving service must take place and that communication must be documented in the medical record by the Contract physician.

Routine inpatient consults will be seen by the Contracted physician and a consult report will be signed and available to the requesting provider preferably within 24 hours but no longer that within 72 hours of being requested.

4.4.4.5. Contractor will adhere to all applicable organizations policies, laws, regulations, and JC standards.

4.4.4.6. Deviations from the contract requirements must be approved by the Contracting Officer.

4.4.5. ADMINISTRATIVE: 5 % of time not involved in direct patient care

4.4.5.1. Staff Meetings: The Contractor’s physician(s) shall attend staff meetings as required by the VAMC Chief of Service, Chief of Staff, or designee. Contractor to communicate with COR on this requirement and report any conflicts that may interfere with compliance with this requirement.

List all meetings, associated time and frequency.

4.4.5.2. QA/QI documentation: The Contractor’s physician(s) shall complete the appropriate QM/PI documentation pertaining to all procedures, complications and outcome of examinations.

4.4.5.3. Training (ACLS, BLS and VA MANDATORY): All VA required training, as identified in 2.1.6.

4.4.5.4. Patient Safety Compliance and Reporting: Contractor’s physician(s) shall follow all established patient safety and infection control standards of care. Contractor’s physician(s) shall make every effort to prevent medication errors, falls, and patient injury caused by acts of commission or omission in the delivery of care. All events related to patient injury, medication errors, and other breeches of patient safety shall be reported to the COR VA Safety Policy. As soon as practicable (but within 24 hours) Contractors shall notify COR of incident and submit to the COR the Patient Safety Report, following up with COR as required or requested.

4.5. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT(QI)

4.5.5. Quality Management/Quality Assurance Surveillance: Contract personnel shall be subject to Quality Management measures, such as patient satisfaction surveys, timely completion of medical records, and Peer Reviews. Methods of Surveillance: Focused Provider Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Provider Practice Evaluation (OPPE). Contractor performance will be monitored by the government using the standards as outlined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) and methods of surveillance detailed in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The QASP shall be attached to the resultant contract and shall define the methods and frequency of surveillance conducted.

4.5.6. Patient Complaints: The CO will resolve complaints concerning Contractor relations with the Government employees or patients. The CO is final authority on validating complaints. If the Contractor is involved and named in a validated patient complaint, the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. This does not preclude refusal in the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse.

4.5.7. 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 facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

4.5.8. Performance Standards:

4.5.8.1. Measure: Provider Quality Performance

Performance Requirement:

Standard: OPPE documentation for all (100%) staff providing services under the contract. All staff (100%) meet Standards.

Acceptable Quality Level: Standards met at 90% threshold…