36C26319R0124-000.docx

36C26319R0124 FedBizOpps Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

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* = Required Field FedBizOpps Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Rev. March 2010 Q Dental Hygienist - MPLS 55101 36C26319R0124 08-02-2019 N 561320 Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St. Paul MN 55101 Steven Yale Minneapolis VA Health Care System Building 70 1 Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417

USA

Department of Veterans Affairs

VA.GOV

steven.yale@va.gov

VA.GOV

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, proposals are being requested. Solicitation number 36C26319R0124 is issued as a request for proposals (RFP).

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-101.

The VA anticipates one firm-fixed-price contract award for all resources and labor necessary to provide Dental Hygienist Services for the VA Minneapolis Health Care System, 1 Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN. 55417. Additional requirements are listed within the attached solicitation documents. A list of the contract line items, quantity, and unit of measure are listed within the attached solicitation document(s).

This procurement is being solicited as total set aside for SDVOSB. Prospective offerors must be registered and current in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to submitting a proposal: (https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/). Any Contractors claiming to be SDVOSB’s must be registered and certified in the Vendor Information Pages www.vip.vetbiz.gov by the RFP closing date. Proposals will only be accepted from responsible contractors. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 561320 and the small business size standard is $27.5 million. The Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS) does not apply to this solicitation.

Proposals are due to the Contracting Office by Friday, August 02, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. CST. Proposals are required to be emailed to Andrew Schoenecker at steven.yale@va.gov prior to the solicitation closing date and time. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure their proposal is received in full by the Contracting Officer before solicitation closing.

Areas to complete when submitting your quote: SF1449 completed and signed in blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c. Section B1 – Contractor information completed on the top half of the Contract Administration Data page. Section B2 - Pricing information in the Price Schedule.

A separate narrative must be submitted with your proposal to address the technical and past performance evaluation criteria (See Section E, 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items).

All questions must be submitted in writing via email to steven.yale@va.gov. Questions must be received by July 26, 2019, by 10:00 A.M. CST.

See attached document: 36C26319R0124.

See Attachment 1 - Quality Assurance Surveillance Program.

See Attachment 2 - Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.

See Attachment 3 - Organizational Conflicts of Interest.

See Attachment 4 - Contractor Rules of Behavior.

See Attachment 5 - Business Associate Agreement.

See Attachment 6 - Past Performance Questionnaire.

See Attachment 7 - 6500.6 App C Security Language.

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1. REQUISITION NO.

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8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

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10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

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WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

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SIZE STANDARD:

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13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

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13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

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16. ADMINISTERED BY

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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

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ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

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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

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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

618-19-4-4002-0333 36C26319R0124 07-22-2019 Steven Yale

(651) 293-3043 08-02-2019

10 AM EST

Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 23 - St Paul 316 Robert Street N.

Attention: Andrew Schoenecker St Paul MN 55101 X X 561320 $27.5 Million X N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Minneapolis VA Health Care Center One Veterans Drive, Building 70 Minneapolis MN 55417 Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 23 - St Paul Attention: Steven Yale 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 This requirement is to procure the services of a 1.0(FTE) Full Time Equivalent - Dental Hygienist. This position this position will be located at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

See CONTINUATION Page 618-369160-4002-820200-2581 010041152 X X

ONE

Andrew Schoenecker Contract Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer Contracting Officer is Andrew Schoenecker at andrew.schoenecker@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs NCO 23 – St. Paul 316 Robert Street N.

St. Paul MN 55101

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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

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

6. TYPE OF CONTRACT: Resultant contracts shall be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract effective for the period stated in the Schedule of Services.

7. TERM OF CONTRACT: The contract period is effective September 15, 2019 through September 14, 2020 with no option periods.

8. POINT OF CONTACT: The Contractor shall provide a point of contact (POC) who shall be responsible for the performance of the work under this contract. The POC shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to the daily operation of this contract. The POC may be a contract health care provider performing under this contract. An alternate may be designated, but the Contractor shall identify, in writing, those times when the alternate shall act as the POC. The Contractor shall identify the POC and alternate in writing to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO). The Contractor shall give written notification to the COR and CO of the time when the alternate will act as the POC. The POC shall be available by telephone Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM, excluding Federal holidays.

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

10. POST AWARD ORIENTATION: The Contracting Officer shall follow the guidance in FAR Subpart 42.5 and note Information Letter (IL) 003A3-12-04 that provides documentation requirements for orientation conducted for such awards. A hyperlink to the IL is provided for your information. http://www.va.gov/oal/docs/library/ils/il12-04.pdf

B.1 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and VAAR 852.219-9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirement. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include these clauses. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the plan, including reviewing the contractor's accomplishments in achieving the subcontracting goals in the plan. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor compliance with the subcontracting plan.

B.2 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform onsite Dental Hygienist services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis VA Health Care System (hereinafter referred to as VAMC). The contractor’s provider(s)’ care shall cover the range of Dental Hygienist 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 Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) https://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site at:

· Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417; or

· Northwest Metro VA Clinic, 7545 Veterans Drive, Ramsey, MN 55303.

Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of sub-clins to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the contract line item number (CLIN). Affiliate Offerors shall include the “title” of the personnel submitted. Other commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. Also, renumber SUB-CLINs if adding or removing Key Personnel.

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

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

Period of Performance: ONE YEAR: September 15, 2019 to September 14, 2020

Annual Cost

KEY PERSONNEL

NAME:____________

TITLE

TOTAL FOR BASE

Hours

Total for performance period: $_________________________

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The contractor shall provide one (1) full time Dental Hygienist in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

1.1.1. Place of Performance: Services will be provided for the Minneapolis VAHCS at:

1.1.1.1. Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

1.1.1.2. Northwest Metro VA Clinic, 7545 Veterans Drive, Ramsey, MN 55303.

1.2. Period of Performance: Services are required for a period of 12-months.

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority and FAR 12 in combination with 15.

1.4. Policy/Handbooks: Contractor personnel providing services in a VA Health Care facility shall provide services in accordance with the following U.S. Government statutes, and VHA/VA Regulations, Directives, Handbooks, and Policies implementing these statues. Electronic copies may be obtained at the websites listed below. This contract incorporates the below attachments by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.

1.4.1. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting - Buying https://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

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 Directive 2010-018 “Facility Infrastructure”

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2227

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1192 “Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program” https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5472

1.4.5. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports - https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.6. VHA Handbook 1100.18 Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards - https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

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

1.4.8. VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3088

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

1.4.10. Minneapolis VA Health Care System Policy: The Minneapolis VAHCS policies are only available on the Minneapolis VA Intranet site. This site is not available to the general public. Copies of these policies Will be provided:

1.4.10.1. EC-14D – PIV Card Policy (Personnel Identification Verification – ID Badge)

1.4.10.2. IC-01F – Infection Precautions

1.4.10.3. IM-01K – Medical Records (Management of Information)

1.4.10.4. IM-06D – Information Security Policy/Procedures

1.4.10.5. Vendors (Contractors)

1.4.10.6. PE-01G – Assessment of Patients

1.4.10.7. PF-02L – BLS and ACLS Requirements for Staff

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. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.2. BLS: Basic Life Support

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

1.5.4. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.5. CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.5.6. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.7. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.8. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.9. 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.

1.5.10. 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.

1.5.11. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.12. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

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

1.5.14. 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.

1.5.15. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.16. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.17. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.18. Full Time Equivalent (FTE): VA’s definition for full time- working the equivalent of 80 hours every two (2) weeks, 2080 hours per year. In calculating FTE, any hours not worked on national holidays shall not be included.

1.5.19. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.20. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.21. HR: Human Resources

1.5.22. ISO: Information Security Officer

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

1.5.24. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.5.25. 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).

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

1.5.27. Non-Contractor’s provider(s): Any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the contractor or any of its subcontractors

1.5.28. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.5.29. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.30. PA: Provider Assistant

1.5.31. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.32. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.33. 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.

1.5.34. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.35. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.36. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

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

1.5.38. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

1.5.39. VetPro: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.5.40. 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 Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS).

1.5.41. 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.

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. Education: Contractor’s personnel assigned by the contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have at least one year of specialized experience in this field related to the position of Dental Hygienist.

2.1.2. 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 personnel possess the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contractor’s personnel prior to obtaining approval by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.2.1. If a contractor’s personnel 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.

2.1.3. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s provider(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 provider(s) and contractor’s provider(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.4. 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 provider(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 credential’s 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 provider(s).

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

2.1.6. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for provider(s) 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.

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

2.1.6.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all contractor provider(s) {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all contractor provider(s) {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of one (1) dose of Tdap vaccination for all contractor provider(s) {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all contractor provider(s) have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the contractor provider(s) has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

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

2.1.6.7. 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.

2.1.6.8. Drug Testing: All contractor provided providers shall be subject to the VA’s policy in regard to a Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. Personnel may receive a drug test and are subject to random drug testing thereafter. This includes any situation of “reasonable suspicion” and “accident or unsafe practice testing.” Refusal to be tested or interfering with this process will result in immediate termination of the contract.

2.1.7. 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.

2.1.8. DEA (as required): Reserved

2.1.9. Conflict of Interest: The contractor and all contractor’s provider(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.

2.1.10. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.10.1. The contractor certifies that the contractor shall comply with any and 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;

2.1.10.2. 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, as a result 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.

2.1.10.3. 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.

2.1.10.4. 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.

2.1.10.5. 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.

2.1.11. 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.

2.1.11.1. 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 provider(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.

2.1.11.2. 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 provider(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 provider(s) are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s).

2.6. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and contractor’s provider(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 provider(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. Sick leave

2.7.5. Vacation time

2.7.6. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.7. Social security payments.

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

2.9. Key Personnel: Contractor will be responsible to ensure that the contractor personnel providing work on this contract are fully trained and fully competent to perform the required services for the duration of the contract period. Contractor’s personnel provided under this contract must meet the qualifications, training, and all requirements as stated in Section 2.1.

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is one (1) full time Dental Hygienist. One FTE is defined by the VA as a person working a minimum of 80 hours every two (2) weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Dental Hygienists required to be on site on a daily basis, Monday – Friday (excluding holidays) is one (1) FTE. The work schedule is defined below in Section 3 - Hours of Operation.

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.

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 fifteen (15) calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After ninety (90) days, the contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least fifteen (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 fifteen (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 (3) consecutive work days or more, the contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two 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 provider(s), s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said contractor’s provider(s). The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning contractor’s provider(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 provider(s) leaves contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING:

3.1. VA Business Hours: The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the contractor as defined in the work schedule below.

3.1.1. Patients must be seen by a contractor’s personnel on-site at the Minneapolis 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 personnel shall be available and present in clinic during normal Dental clinic hours, which will be established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Chief of Surgery or designee. Currently, the tour of duty is:

Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm

Note: All daily tours will include a 30-minute non-paid lunch break

The schedule and tour of duty may vary based on the nature of the workload, needs of the service and patient care requirements. All daily tours will not end until all patient care has been completed. Once all clinical responsibilities are completed, contract provider does not need to remain onsite; contractor will only be paid for onsite time.

3.1.3. Off-hours Coverage: Reserved

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

· New Year’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· President’s Day

· Memorial Day

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.3. Cancellations: Unless a state of emergency has been declared, the contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

4.1.1. Contractor’s provider(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 provider(s)’ care shall cover the range of Dental Hygienist 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 TJC, VA and national standards as established by:

4.2.1. 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

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

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

4.2.4. The requirements contained in this PWS

4.3. MEDICAL RECORDS:

4.3.1. Authorities: Contractor’s provider(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 in order 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 provider(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:…