36C26322R0014.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. DUNS: DUNS+4:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 115

36C26322R0014 10-22-2021

Steven Porwoll 651-293-3049 11-19-2021

11:59AM EST

36C263 Department of Veterans Affairs Network 23 Contracting Office Attention: Daniel Vagts 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St Paul MN 55101

X 100

X

621320

$30 Million

N/A

X

Rochester VA Clinic 3551 Commercial Drive South West Suite 400

Rochester MN 55902

Department of Veterans Affairs Network 23 Contracting Office Attention: Steven Porwoll 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St. Paul MN 55415

Y

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

Services will be provided for the MVAHCS at the Rochester VA Clinic for Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician Services.

See Section B.4 Schedule of Services (pg. 7)

See Section B.5 Performance Work Statement (pg. 11)

See CONTINUATION Page

X ONE

Daniel Vagts Contract Officer

36C26322R0014

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

B.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

B.4 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.6 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

C.2 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

C.3 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (JUN

2016)

C.4 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.5 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.6 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)

C.7 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.8 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.9 VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2019) (DEVIATION)

C.10 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE

(JUL 2018)

C.11 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

C.12 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (OCT 2019) ... 69

C.13 VAAR 852.237-72 CRIME CONTROL ACT—REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE (OCT 2019)

C.14 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.15 VAAR 852.270-1 REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS (JAN 2008)

C.16 VAAR 852.273-74 AWARD WITHOUT EXCHANGES (JAN 2003)

C.17 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR

EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2020)

C.18 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. (OCT

2021) (DEVIATION)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

E.2 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

E.3 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

E.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.6 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.7 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020)

E.8 VAAR 852.252-70 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS OR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(JAN 2008)

E.9 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (OCT 2018) ... 94

E.10 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.11 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

EVALUATION FACTORS

E.13 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV

2020)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 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 Daniel Vagts at daniel.vagts@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:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or [] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly

See Billing Instructions, PWS 6.2. Billing:

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:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

mailto:daniel.vagts@va.gov

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 January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 with four (4) available 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 will schedule a post award orientation for contract orientation purposes as required by Procurement Policy Memorandum (PPM) 2019-01.

B.2 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.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 52.228-5, the following minimum coverage shall apply to this contract:

(a) Workers' compensation and employer’s liability: Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability: $500,000.00 per occurrences.

(c) Automobile liability: $200,000.00 per person; $500,000.00 per occurrence and $20,000.00 property damage.

(d) The successful bidder must present to the Contracting Officer, prior to award, evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage.

(End of Clause)

B.4 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform onsite Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis VA Health Care System (hereinafter referred to as MVAHCS). The contractor’s provider(s)’ care shall cover the range of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician 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 Ophthalmology https://www.aao.org/technicians-and-nurses.

Place of Performance: Services will be provided for the MVAHCS at:

o Rochester VA Clinic, 3551 Commercial Drive South West, Suite 400, Rochester, MN 55902

Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of Sub-Line item Numbers (SLIN) to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the LIN. 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 SLINs 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, Other Than Cost And Pricing Information.

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: BASE PERIOD: January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022

LIN

No.

SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

0001 None Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician Services

2180 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

https://www.aao.org/technicians-and-nurses https://www.aao.org/technicians-and-nurses

OPTION PERIOD 1: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023

LIN

No.

SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

1001 None

None 1001a

Technician Services (Rochester)

NAME:____________

TITLE: ____________

Hours $__/hr $__

TOTAL FOR Option Period 1 Hours $___________________

OPTION PERIOD 2: January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

No.

SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

2001 None

None 0001a

TOTAL FOR BASE PERIOD Hours $___________________

None 2001a

TOTAL FOR Option Period 2 Hours $___________________

OPTION PERIOD 3: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025

No.

SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

3001 None

None 3001a

TOTAL FOR Option Period 3 Hours $___________________

OPTION PERIOD 4: January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026

No.

SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

4001 None

None 4001a

TOTAL FOR Option Period 4 Hours $___________________

Total for base performance period and all option periods: $_________________________

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The contractor shall provide Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician

Services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS).

1.1.1. Scope of Services: Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) assist Ophthalmologists and/or Optometrists with eye exams and refractions, vision testing, screening, and diagnostic imaging. Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technicians will room patients, stock, and clean exam rooms.

1.1.1.1. Rochester VA Clinic Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician to provide

Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician services for the Technology-based Eye Care Services Program (TECS) and support the Eye Clinic.

https://www.aao.org/Assets/2f74bebb-f24d-4eaf-a9ac- 3913e3b8ac5f/636589766568530000/va-tecs-program-issue-brief-2018-final-pdf?inline=1

1.2. Place of Performance: Services will be provided for the MVAHCS at the Rochester VA Clinic, 3551 Commercial Drive South West, Suite 400, Rochester, MN 55902

1.3. Period of Performance: Services are required for a base period of twelve-months with four (4) twelve-month options.

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

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

1.5.1. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.5.2. VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting And Responding To State Licensing Boards:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.5.3. VHA Handbook 1100.19: Credentialing and Privileging:

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

1.5.4. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy:

https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970

1.5.5. VHA Directive 1088: Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients:

https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148

1.5.6. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948 https://www.aao.org/Assets/2f74bebb-f24d-4eaf-a9ac-3913e3b8ac5f/636589766568530000/va-tecs-program-issue-brief-2018-final-pdf?inline=1 https://www.aao.org/Assets/2f74bebb-f24d-4eaf-a9ac-3913e3b8ac5f/636589766568530000/va-tecs-program-issue-brief-2018-final-pdf?inline=1 https://www.aao.org/Assets/2f74bebb-f24d-4eaf-a9ac-3913e3b8ac5f/636589766568530000/va-tecs-program-issue-brief-2018-final-pdf?inline=1 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910 https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970 https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948

1.5.7. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures In Any Clinical Setting:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

1.5.8. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying:

https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.5.9. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

1.5.10. VHA Directive 2012-030 Credentialing of Health Care Professionals:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815

1.5.11. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended:

http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.6. 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.

1.6.1. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.6.2. BLS: Basic Life Support

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

1.6.4. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.6.5. CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.6.6. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.6.7. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.6.8. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.6.9. COA: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

1.6.10. COMT: Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

1.6.11. COT: Certified Ophthalmic Technician

1.6.12. 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.

1.6.13. 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 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365 https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815 http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm http://www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation

Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.6.14. COS: Chief of Staff

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

1.6.16. 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.

1.6.17. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.6.18. ED: Emergency Department

1.6.19. EHR: Electronic Health Record - electronic health record system used by the VA

1.6.20. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

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

1.6.22. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.6.23. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.6.24. HR: Human Resources

1.6.25. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.6.26. JCAHPO: Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology

1.6.27. 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.

1.6.28. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.6.29. 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).

1.6.30. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.nlnac.org http://www.nlnac.org/

1.6.31. 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.

1.6.32. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.6.33. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.6.34. PA: Provider Assistant

1.6.35. POP: Period of Performance

1.6.36. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.6.37. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.6.38. 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.

1.6.39. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.6.40. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.6.41. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.6.42. TECS: Technology Based Eye Care Services

1.6.43. 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.

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

1.6.45. VetPro: A federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.6.46. 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).

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility:

2.1.1. Certification: Contract personnel must be certified as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical

Technologist (COMT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), or Certified Ophthalmic

Assistant (COA) with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology

(JCAHPO).

2.1.2. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 2012-030 referenced above. The contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed provider(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contractor’s provider(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Minneapolis VAHCS Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.2.1. If a contractor’s provider(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.

2.1.3. 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 credentialing 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 (BLS, EHR 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.

Training Frequency Annual Hours

VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior – TMS course # 10176

Once a Year 1 hour

Mandatory Training for Trans itory, Part-t ime and Intermittent C linical Staff # 20152

Once a Year 1 hour

BLS - TMS course # 324129 Every 24 months 4 hours EHR Once 4 hours VISTA Imaging Once 1 hour Scheduling Training Once Two weeks TECS Training Once Additional training may be required per VHA or Medical Center directives

Unknown Unknown

2.1.6. 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.

2.1.6.1. 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 completed at start of contract.

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 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 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.

2.1.7. 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 and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.8. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.8.1. 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;

2.1.8.2. 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.

2.1.8.3. 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.

http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf

2.1.8.4. 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.

2.1.8.5. 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.

2.1.9. 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

2.1.9.1. 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.

2.1.9.2. 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 and VHA Directive 2012-030.

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.

http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp

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. 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 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 contract 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 all qualifications, training, and all requirements’ s as stated in Section 2.1.

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is equivalent of up to 2,180 (1.0) FTE. One FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two (2) weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technicians required to be on site on a daily basis is one (1).

2.9.3. The contractor shall be responsible for providing six (6) weeks’ notice for leave to provide 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. The contractor’s personnel will report to the MVAHCS Clinic Eye Manager or designee.

2.9.5. The contract personnel will also work independently with TECS.

2.9.6. 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 day(s) 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.

2.9.6.1. 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.

2.9.6.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive workdays 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.

2.9.6.3. 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.

2.9.6.4. 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. The Rochester VA Clinic are open from 7:30am to 4:30pm. 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 provider(s) on-site at the Rochester VA Clinician 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.

3.2. Daily staffing needs:

3.2.1. Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technician will need to be onsite at the Rochester VA Clinic, Monday - Friday. Tour will be 7:30am – 4:00pm.

3.3. Work Schedule: Contractor’s personnel will be scheduled to work on-site at the Rochester VA Clinic, Monday – Friday with the exception of Federal Holiday’s.

Current daily work schedule consists of the following:

3.3.1. Clinic Schedule/Tour of Duty: It is estimated that each contract personnel will be required to provide services 40 hours a week.

3.3.2. Contractor’s personnel shall be available and present in clinic during normal Rochester VA Clinic hours, which may be revised as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Service Chief, or his/her designed. The contract personnel may not work for another facility during scheduled VA tour of duty. Currently, normal clinic hours are:

Work Schedule: Varies depending on needs of assigned service:

• Monday – Friday

• Clinic hours are eight (8) hour shifts between 7:30am to 4:00pm

• Eight and a half hour tours including a 30-minute unpaid lunch

3.3.2.1. If clinic hours run over, the contract personnel will be paid at the current hourly rate.

3.3.2.2. All daily tours will include a 30-minutes un-paid lunch break.

3.3.2.3. Contractor will be provided a work schedule 30-days in advance.

3.4. 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.

3.5. Cancellations: Requests for clinic cancellations will be made in writing to the clinic director and the COR with no less than six (6) weeks’ notice accompanied by an appropriate justification, with provisions made to ensure effective implementation of patient notification and a rescheduling plan to ensure that patient access and continuity of care issues is addressed. This six-week notice policy applies to continuing education, meetings or conferences, vacations days, or other than non-emergency reasons. 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 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.

4.1.2. Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technicians are required to possess knowledge, skills, and abilities in lensometry, ocular motility, visual fields, retinoscopy, refraction, and tonometry and will be required to provide the following services:

4.1.2.1. Room patients, stock and cleans rooms

4.1.2.2. Administers eye drops

4.1.2.3. Pupil examinations

4.1.2.4. Fundus Photography

4.1.2.5. Anterior segment photography

4.1.2.6. Performs visual acuity testing

4.1.2.7. Determines the power of glasses for the patient using the lensometer

4.1.2.8. Measures intraocular pressure for each patient

4.1.2.9. Performs corneal pachymetry

4.1.2.10.Performs basic ocular motility testing

4.1.2.11.Performs refractions

4.1.2.12.Performs visual field testing using both the Humphrey Visual Field machine

4.1.2.13.Performs color vision testing and glare/brightness testing

4.1.2.14.Records and updates current eye medications and eye history/medical history in the patient’s health record

4.1.2.15.Performs OCT testing

4.1.2.16.Measures for glasses

4.1.2.17.Orders glasses 4.1.2.18.Fits glasses 4.1.2.19.Other duties as required

4.2. Standards of Care: The contractor’s provider(s)’ care shall cover the range of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmic) Health Technicians 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. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC):

http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx

4.2.2. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA):

http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

4.2.3. Contract personnel shall provide optical services in addition to clinical duties. These include fitting, ordering, repairing, and adjusting glasses for patients during clinical hours.

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 5 U.S.C.552a (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 of VA patients. Based on this exception, a BAA is not required for this contract. Health records generated by this contract or provided to the contractors by the VA are covered by the VA Privacy Act system of records entitled http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8

‘Patient Medical Records-VA’ (24VA10A7). 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 provided to VA patients are captured in the VA electronic health record system as required by VA.

4.3.3. Disclosure: Contractor’s provider(s) may have access to patient medical records for the purpose of providing medical care and services to VA patients and performing services under the contract. VA authorizes the contractor to discuss patient health information for coordination of care with community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA and VHA Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information. The VA will provide the contractor with a copy of VHA Handbook 1907.01, Health Information Management and Health Records and VHA Directive 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…