36C26323Q0379.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE 3/01/2023

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

TIME

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

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

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

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

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

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

SEE ADDENDUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

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

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C263-22-AP-0176

36C26323Q0379

Joshua Imdacha 3193397017 4/03/2023 4pm CDT

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

1303 5th St, Suite 300 Coralville IA 52241

X 100

X

621112

$12 Million

N/A

X

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

CENTRAL IOWA HCS

3600 30TH ST. BLDG 10

DES MOINES IA 50310

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

1303 5th St, Suite 300 Coralville IA 52241

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

X

See CONTINUATION Page

VISN 23 plans to award a 5 year, Single Award, IDIQ Commercial Services Contract for Telepsychiatry & Telephone Psychiatric Services For the Central Iowa VAHCS This solicitation uses simplified acquisition procedures This is a total SDVOSB set aside

FOR CONSIDERATION ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED 72 HOURS

BEFORE DATE STIPULATED IN BLOCK 8 OF THE SF1449 FORM.

EMAIL ALL QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES TO JOSHUA.IMDACHA@VA.GOV

SIGN SF1449 AND RETURN ALL PAGES WITH OFFER SUBMISSION

See CONTINUATION Page N/A

X X

X 1

Joshua Imdacha Contracting Officer

36C26323Q0379

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 Performance Work Statement

B.3 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

C.2 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

C.3 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.4 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.5 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.6 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.7 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984) 51

C.8 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

C.9 VAAR 852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (MAY 2020)

C.10 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

C.11 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED SERVICE-

DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

C.12 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING--

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (NOV 2022) . 56

C.13 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.14 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

(OCT 2019)

C.15 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.16 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

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

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 Attachment - Key Personnel Tracker D.2 Attachment - ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST D.3 Attachment -Immigration Certification D.4 Attachment – QASP Telepsychiatry

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.7 VAAR 852.273-73 EVALUATION - HEALTH-CARE RESOURCES (NOV 2021)

ADDENDUM to 852.273-73 EVALUATION - HEALTH-CARE RESOURCES

E.8 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C263

Department of Veterans Affairs

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

1303 5th St, Suite 300 Coralville IA 52241

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

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.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 Performance Work Statement Performance Work Statement for Telepsychiatry and Tele-rounding Physician Services

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Central Iowa Health Care System (VA-CIHCS) requires a contract for telepsychiatry and telephone psychiatric rounding services for an acute inpatient unit and Emergency Department after hours weekdays, weekends, and holidays, as well as tele rounding by telepsychiatry or telephone for inpatient Veterans on weekends and holidays. The Contractor shall provide Board Certified or (a physician graduating from a psychiatric residency and having a valid license to practice medicine). Psychiatrist(s) in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA Central Iowa Health Care System, Des Moines, Iowa.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services remotely for:

VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VA-CIHCS)

3600 30th Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50310

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority and VA Directive 1663.

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

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

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

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

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9174

1.4.3. VHA Handbook 1100.19: Credentialing and Privileging:

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

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy:

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

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

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

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9174 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

1.4.7. 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

1.4.8. VHA Directive 1232(3); Consult Processes and Procedures: 1232(3)_D_2016-08-24.pdf

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

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

1.4.10. VHA Directive 1907.09; Identity Authentication for Health Care Services:

1907_09_D_2019-06-06.pdf

1.4.11. VHA Directive 1100.20 Credentialing of Health Care Providers:

https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9444

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

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

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

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

1.4.14. 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 482 Conditions of Participation Hospitals:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt42.5.482&rgn=div5

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. ACEP: American College of Emergency Physicians

1.5.2. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.3. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.4. APA: American Psychiatric Association

1.5.5. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.6. CARF: Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

1.5.7. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.8. CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.5.9. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.10. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.11. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.12. 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.

1.5.13. 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 Government.

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

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235 https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9444 https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2 http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt42.5.482&rgn=div5

1.5.14. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.15. COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019

1.5.16. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.17. 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.

1.5.18. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

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

1.5.20. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.21. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.22. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.23. HR: Human Resources

1.5.24. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.25. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.5.26. 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).

1.5.27. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.28. OPPE: Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation

1.5.29. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.30. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.31. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.32. 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.

1.5.33. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.34. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.35. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.36. 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.

1.5.37. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers. The facility covered under this requirement falls under VISN 23, headqurtered in Eagan, MN.

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

1.5.39. 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 VA- Central Iowa Health Care System.

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility: The VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VA-CIHCS) provides service to Veterans from all over Central Iowa bringing together quality care and services designed to meet the needs of our nation’s Veterans. The main medical center is in Des Moines, Iowa, with six Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)s, and one CRRC (Community Resource and Referral Center) that deals with local homeless populations. Our Mental Health program provides consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues that can impact emotional well-being.

Staffing: The Mental Health Department has various mental health professionals to perform daily operations of the service line.

Needs: This contract is for video teleconference (VTC) and telephone psychiatry services needed after hours, on call and rounding for the Acute Inpatient unit and on call for the Emergency Room. Patients from the Domiciliary, Med Surg, and Community Living Center would be a rare occurrence.

2.1.1. License: Contract physician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia where services are being performed.

All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Information on state licensing in psychiatry and controlled substance may be found at this site: Practitioner's State License Requirements (usdoj.gov) . Contract physician(s) who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Board Certification: All contract physician(s) shall be Board Certified or (a physician graduating from a psychiatric residency and having a valid license to practice medicine).

All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 1100.20 referenced above. This VHA Handbook provides updated VHA procedures regarding credentialing https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg/reg_apps/pract_state_lic_require.htm and privileging, to include incorporating: VHA policy concerning VetPro; the Expedited Medical Staff Appointment Process; credentialing during activation of the facility Disaster Plan; requirements for querying the FSMB; credentialing and privileging requirements for Telemedicine and remote health care; clarifications for the Summary Suspension of Privileges process in order to ensure both patient safety and practitioner rights; and the credentialing requirements for other required providers. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contract physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the (VA-Central Iowa Health Care System) Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1. If a contract physician(s) is not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the Contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.3.2. When telemedicine services are being provided by contract physician(s) who direct, diagnose or otherwise provide clinical treatment to a patient via a telemedicine link, the contract physician(s) must be appointed, credentialed, and privileged at the VA facility (facilities) which receive the telemedicine services (patient site), as well as at the site providing the services. The following requirements apply:

2.1.3.3. Contract licensed independent practitioners must be credentialed and privileged through the VA facility’s Medical Staff Office in accordance with VHA Handbook 1100.19, Credentialing and Privileging and VHA Directive 1100.20.

2.1.3.4. Separately delineated privileges for telemedicine services must be requested and assigned in this process.

2.1.3.5. In general, the credentialing process should be started at least 60-90 days in advance of estimated entry on duty. The time required for this process may be expedited when patient care needs are urgent. The process of credentialing and privileging is a lengthy process that could take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to complete. The contracted company shall ultimately be responsible for providing to the VA, the necessary paperwork for this process (that includes credentialing, privileging, and security paperwork).

2.1.3.6. The VA’s Medical Staff Office will provide an instruction packet containing forms and a detailed listing of required documentation, including curriculum vitae, current references, signed release of information from the candidate, and statement that the candidate does not have any physical or mental health condition that would adversely affect his/her ability to carry out the assigned duties, and additional credentialing forms.

The candidate will also be required to make application through the VetPro internet-based process. The candidate will need to be enrolled in VetPro by the Credentialing Coordinator at the VA. The website address is: http://fep.vetpro.org/ It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact the COR for the most current instructions to request a package.

2.1.3.7. When contract physician(s) provide only teleconsultation by offering advice that supports care provided by VA’s on site licensed independent providers, the Contractor must furnish VA with a copy of the contract physician(s) credentials, verification of credentials, and current clinical privileges. The contract physician(s) providing teleconsultation services do not have to be separately privileged at the VA facility.

2.1.3.8. The Contractor must furnish a copy of its policy and procedures for credentialing and privileging to the Contracting Officer and COR for review to ensure these meet the VA’s requirements for establishment of competence through these mechanisms.

http://fep.vetpro.org/

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency - Contract Psychiatry physician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed.

Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contract physician(s) and contract physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements:

Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VA-CIHCS. Contract physician(s) registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credentials office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for contract physician(s).

2.1.6. Training (ACLS, 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 contract physician(s) as required by the VA. This training consist of, but not limited to:

Training Frequency (once a year, etc)

Annual Hours

VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior

Completed by each candidate before computer access, completed annually.

1.0

Privacy and HIPAA Completed by each candidate before computer access, completed annually.

1.0

Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior

Completed by each candidate before computer access, refresher completed annually.

1.5

CIH Clinic to Clinic Telehealth Provider Training, Three modules taken once. 3.0

CVT Telehealth Skills Assessment

One time module for each candidate.

1.0

Suicide Risk Management Training for Clinicians

Annually 1.0

2.1.7. Standard Personnel Testing/Infection Control: Not required for telehealth psychiatry providers.

2.1.7.1. COVID-19: Not required for telehealth psychiatry providers. Contractors shall comply with VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19 {This is applicable to all health care workers}. – See Section D attachment.

2.1.8. 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. The Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated the adoption of standard unique identifiers for health care providers and health plans. The purpose of these provisions is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the electronic transmission of health information. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed the National Plan and Provider enumeration system (NPPES) to assign these unique identifiers. If you are a health care provider, you must have an NPI number. The NPI number is a part of credentialing process that the Des Moines VA Credentialing department will access to look up provider numbers.

2.1.9. DEA: Contractor shall provide copy of current DEA certificate.

2.1.9.1. DEA Number: Each contract provider must have their own non-Exempt DEA number. Contract providers must be able to prescribe Schedules 2-5 medications.

2.1.9.2. Controlled Substance License: Psychiatrist must have a controlled substance license according to the regulations of the state in which they are licensed. For more information on licensing and controlled substances, the credentialing coordinator of Central Iowa is the best resource for questions of this nature.

2.1.10. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all contract physician(s) are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The Contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

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

2.1.11. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.11.1. 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;

2.1.11.2. 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.

2.1.11.3. 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.

2.1.11.4. 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.

2.1.11.5. 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.

2.1.12. 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.

2.1.12.1. 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 contract physician(s) are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.12.2. 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 Direction: 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 1100.20.

Clinical/Professional direction 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 contract physician(s) shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the Contractor, its agents, or employees.

2.5. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contract physician(s) shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.6. No Employee status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contract physician(s) providing 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:

2.6.1. Workers’ compensation

2.6.2. Professional liability insurance

2.6.3. Health examinations

2.6.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.6.5. Social security payments.

2.7. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or contract physician(s).

When a Contractor or contract physician(s) has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or contract physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

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

2.8. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of VA-CIHCS’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the contract physician(s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract. A copy of this contingency plan shall be submitted with the proposal and updated throughout the period of performance.

2.8.1. Contractor shall submit a listing of proposed key personnel performing technical delivery of services in the following format:

Provider Name: ___________________ Title/Rank: __________________.

Curriculum Vitae and qualification documents of each key personnel shall be submitted with the proposal.

2.9. Emergency Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) calendar days of performance, the Contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within 15 calendar day (s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 90 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions

2.9.1. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes.

The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

2.9.2. 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 in para 2.8.1.

3. HOURS OF OPERATION

3.1. Business Hours: The operational hours of the Des Moines VA Mental Health Outpatient Department are Monday – Friday 0800-1630. Inpatient and Emergency issues are 24/7.

3.2. Schedule: Contractor shall be available to provide psychiatry services for VA-CIHCS.

Psychiatrist telehealth and telephone services to be available the below hours specified and will see patients by video (telehealth) or phone when called or when rounding, whichever is deemed appropriate by VA Staff based upon Patient considerations.

3.2.1. On-Call services:

Monday through Friday 1600-0830 the next day (weekdays)

Weekends 0800 Saturday through 0800 Monday

Holidays 0800 through 0800

3.2.2. Tele-Rounding Services:

Saturdays, Sundays, 0800 start estimated 8 hours

Holidays 0800 start estimated 8 hours

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

• New Year’s Day

• President’s Day

• Martin Luther King’s Birthday

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

• Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.4. Continuity of services under contact: Unless a state of emergency has been declared, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing on call and rounding services by telehealth or phone as scheduled. If the contractor cannot perform the duties needed for a particular day or time, the Nurse Manager of the acute unit will be notified and contractor will be responsible for finding a replacement that has been credentialed and privileged here at VA-CIHCS.

3.4.1. Contractor is responsible for providing qualified personnel to respond to on-call requirements. The VA must be informed at least 48 hours in advance if there will be a significant change in contractor’s ability to perform services to allow for planning of service coverage and workload distribution.

3.4.2. The contractor shall maintain open and professional communication with members of the Facility Mental health staff. The contractor shall provide up-to-date points of contact to facilitate communication on clinical, technical and administrative issues.

3.4.3. Tele-Communications

3.4.3.1. The contractor will secure and maintain a communications link between the contractor’s facility and the VA-CIHCS facilities at the contractor’s expense for all contractor staff supporting the requirement.

3.4.3.2. In the event of a telecommunications failure longer than one hour, the Government shall assume the scheduled duties until communications are restored. The contractor’s place of business must be within the confines of the continental United States.

3.4.3.3. The contractor shall make provisions for the proper maintenance and functioning of all associated equipment and facilities as may reasonably be required by Contract Physicians to perform services hereunder.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

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

4.2. Management and Supervision:

4.2.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for supervising the daily services provided under this contract by the Contractor’s staff.

4.2.2. The Contractor shall have written policies and procedures regarding staff credentials and privileging.

4.2.3. The VA-CIHCS will provide to the Contractor policies, procedures and processes necessary to allow cooperative functioning between the agency and VA-CIHCS. Updates and refreshers will be provided to the Contractor upon request and when policy procedures or process changes.

4.2.4. The Contractor shall complete background investigations to insure that employees do not have a record of criminal offenses or substantiated incidents of patient abuse; and, if required to perform their duties, employees are properly licensed and insured to operate motor vehicles.

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

4.3.1. The American Psychiatric Association Guidelines: https://psychiatryonline.org/guidelines

4.3.2. Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF):

http://vaww.oqsv.med.va.gov/functions/integrity/accred/carf.aspx

4.3.3. VA-CIHCS Standards:

4.3.3.1. On-Call Services: Contract psychiatrists supporting on-call will respond to call from the hours of 1600 to 0830 the next day for weekdays, and 0800 Saturday to 0800 Monday for weekends. Areas using the on-call services include VA-CIHCS inpatient units (3A, 3B, CLC, Domiciliary, ICU/ Tele), and the Emergency Department. Calls will be initated by the VA AOD for patients requiring on-call services, or instances requiring admission, discharge, or health and welfare check determination. If the contract https://psychiatryonline.org/guidelines http://vaww.oqsv.med.va.gov/functions/integrity/accred/carf.aspx psychiatrist needs to contact the VA, calls will be through the AOD. All patient interactions require documentation when a patient is seen. A contract provider is expected to respond to a call request within 15 minutes. Contract providers will be subject to OPPE for review and following care guidelines. All charting will be complete within 24 hours, with the exception of time sensitive information requiring additional communication with VA psychiatry or other follow on staff.

4.3.3.2. Tele-Rounding services will be conducted via video teleconference for VA- CIHCS inpatient units (3A, 3B, CLC, Domiciliary, ICU/ Tele), and the Emergency Department. Contract psychiatrists will be expected to be available for patient rounding from 0800 to 1600 for weekends and holidays. The tele-rounding schedule will be in the scheduled contract providers account in the medical record, as well as as any consults in CPRS view alerts. The contract provider will call the nurses station for the patinets call/ conference. For bed bound patinets, the nurse can take an iPAD to the patient for the visit. All charting will be complete within 24 hours, with the exception of time sensitive information requiring additional communication with VA psychiatry or other follow on staff.

4.3.3.3. Contract psychiatrists shall be responsible for keeping their own call sheet/consultation count for attendance and turning them in to their company representative timekeeper. Sheet must at minimum include the name of the patient, last four of the social security number, day and time work was performed. Company will send time sheets to the COR to review. COR will sign the sheets and will send back to the company. Company will submit information to the payment center for payment. See section 6.2. Billing. Sheets will be used by the COR to confirm services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

4.3.3.4. Psychiatrists designated to be present daily will be identified before shift starts.

See section 3.2 for work schedule. Credentialing and Privileging will be completed before candidate will be allowed to start work under this contract. See section 2.1.3.

4.3.3.5. A Contractor employee must be available for call and present for tele-rounding for the hours specified, on time, and must perform the required services for payment.

Contractor employee will be paid for actual performance of duties. Payment for any type of leave will be responsibility of the Contractor. The VA has the right to refuse to accept any Contractor employee who does not meet requirements or who fails to perform adequately or adapt to VA work environments.

4.3.3.6. Contract staff will use contractor provided automation and access VA medical systems using VA remote access. Staff must be familiar with electronic medical records.

4.3.4. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC):

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

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

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

4.3.6. The requirements contained in this PWS

4.4. Resident Supervision and Teaching: Not applicable to this contract requirement.

http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/hap_requirements.aspx http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8

4.5. MEDICAL RECORDS

4.5.1. Authorities: Contractor’s physician(s) providing healthcare services to VA patients shall be considered as part of the Department Healthcare Activity and shall comply with the 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).

4.5.2. 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 ‘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 policy as discussed in 4.5.4.

4.5.3. Disclosure: Contractor’s physician(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.

4.5.4. 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:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235 and all guidelines provided by the VA-CIHCS.

4.5.4.1. Medical record entries shall be maintained in detail consistent with good medical and professional practices so as to facilitate internal and external peer reviews, medical audits and follow-up treatments. Copies of received medical information shall be authenticated (signed) copies. Only medical abbreviations from The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals, current edition, will be used for documentation of the patient health record.

4.5.4.2. The quality of medical practice shall meet or exceed reasonable standards of professional practice for the required services in health care as determined by the same authority that governs VA-CIHCS medical professionals and will be audited by the Medical Center, Service Line or other processes established for that purpose. Contract providers will be subject to OPPE (Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation) for review and following care guidelines.

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

4.5.4.3. Charting and information hand off.

4.5.4.3.1. All charting will be complete within 24 hours, with the exception of time sensitive information requiring additional communication (as determined by the contract provider) with VA psychiatry or other follow on staff. This can be done through instant message, VTC, or phone.

4.5.5. Release of Information: The VA shall maintain control of releasing any copies of patient health information or health records and will follow policies and standards as defined, but not limited to Privacy Act requirements. Contractor will not release or disclose copies of records and will refer all such requests to the Release of Information Department at the VA facility were assigned.

VA-CIHCS Privacy Officer:

Laurel S. Williamson, Privacy Officer

VA Medical Center Des Moines, Iowa

3600 30th Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50310

Phone: 515-699-5999 Extension 4465

Laurel.Williamson@va.gov

4.5.6. Management for Medical Records: National Archives and Records Administration record disposition requirements are found in RCS 10-1 Chapter 6, 6000 series.

4.5.7. MEDICAL RECORDS/COMPUTERIZED RECORD SYSTEMS/ DISCLOSURE/

RECORD RETENTION All records created from these actions shall be managed per Record Control Schedule (RCS) 10-1. Close attention shall be given to disposition schedule found in RCS 10-1 Chapter 4, 4000 series (General Record Schedule 1.1) .