C03 36C25926C0013 Cardiothoracic Services signed.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. 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

36C25926C0013

EFFECTIVE: 02-01-2026

Valaria Juarez, Contract Specialist 303-202-8118

36C259 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111

X

622110

$47 Million

N/A

36C554

Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center

1700 N. Wheeling Street Aurora CO 80045

36C259

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300 Greenwood Village CO 80111

1L7B8

UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS, INCORPORATED

13199 E MONTVIEW BLVD

AURORA CO 80045

Christian Scott

CHRISTIAN.SCOTT@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

303-724-2802 RHL3SKDB2GV1

36C554

Department of Veterans Affiars Tungsten Support Website:

https:// www.tungstenautomation.com/

1-877-489-6135

Cardiothoracic Services Affiliate for the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center

a. Period of Performance base year 02/01/2026 to 01/31/2027.

b. Reference PO 554-C60120 on all invoices submitted for payment of these services.

Base Year Total: $1,034,411.85 Total contract value if all option years are exercised: $5,172,059.25

554-C60120 554-26-2-065-0002 554-3660160-065-820200-2560 0100202E5

X X

X 1 X UPI, INC.

11-18-2025

Claudia Coria Contracting Officer

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 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT………………………………………………15

B.4 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

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

C.3 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

C.4 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)…………………………………………………….55

C.5 52.216-4 ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT—LABOR AND MATERIAL (JAN

2017)

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

C.7 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...57

C.8 52.228-5 INSURANCE—WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN 1997)

C.9 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

C.10 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.11 VAAR 852.211-76 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES – REIMBURSEMENT FOR DATA

BREACH COSTS (FEB 2023) ALTERNATE I (FEB 2023)

C.11 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

(OCT 2019)

C.13 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) ..61

C.14 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION FEB 2025)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

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: University Physicians, Inc.

Christian Scott

303-724-2802

CHRISTIAN.SCOTT@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Office 36C259

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office

NCO 19

6162 South Willow Drive, Suite 300

Greenwood Village CO 80111

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] 30 days in arrears.

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

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

0001 02/07/2025 0002 07/02/2025 0003 10/31/2025

6. POST AWARD ORIENTATION: The Contracting Officer may schedule a Post Award Orientation for contract orientation purposes in accordance with FAR 42.501(c).

SECURE FAX: Please review VA Handbook 6500 that requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets to 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 privilege or exemption for disclosure that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the email address listed above.

7. MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES: Mandatory written disclosures required by FAR clause 52.203-13 to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (OIG) must be made electronically through the VA OIG Hotline at OIG Hotline (va.gov) and clicking on "FAR clause 52.203-13 Reporting." If you experience difficulty accessing the website, call the Hotline at 1-800-488-8244 for further instructions.

8. FAR DEVIATION FEB 2025 Instructions: System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations. Examples include 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance, and paragraph (d) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

Contracting officers will not consider these representations when making award decisions or enforce requirements. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

9. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) require all contractors doing business with the Government to register and maintain registration in two separate and individual online databases:

a. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS) -as prescribed in FAR Part 42.15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates contractor past performance on all contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additional information is found in section 4.9 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

b. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) - all prospective awardees shall be registered and maintain active registration in the SAM database prior to award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation.

After initial registration, the contractor is required to update registration data as changes occur and must re-register annually. Noncompliance will preclude the exercising of any option periods that may be included herein and may be cause for termination of the contract. Refer to FAR Clause 52.212-4(t) for more details.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall furnish key to provide services necessary to perform onsite Cardiothoracic Physician Services and Mid-level Provider Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Rocky Mountain Regional (RMR) Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The contractor’s physician(s)’ care shall cover the range of Cardiothoracic 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 Association of Thoracic Surgeons (AATS) http://www.aats.org/.

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site, Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, 1700 North Wheeling St, Aurora, CO 80045.

Pricing Instructions: The offeror is instructed to edit the number of sub-line-item number (SLIN) to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the line-item number (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 certified price and cost information supporting the proposed price as directed in Instructions to Offerors addendum to 52.212-1 and Section D - Contract Documents, Exhibits, or attachments.

The Contractor shall propose a minimum of 3 key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

Economic Price Adjustment: The affiliate may submit a request for Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) using the format outlined by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR 52.216-4 and this paragraph up to 1 time per performance period. The cost elements that are subject to requests for economic price adjustment will be finalized at the time of award.

The affiliate shall request the EPA within 30 days of the requested effective date of the adjustment.

Requests for adjustment under this clause cannot include indirect costs, profit, or fees. The affiliate must provide source documentation to the contracting officer at the time of the EPA request in support of all cost elements that are being requested for economic price adjustment.

Submitting documentation to support an EPA request does not guarantee that the proposed EPA will be approved. The contracting officer will review the request and supporting documentation and evaluate it in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and the terms and conditions of the contract to determine allowability of the contractor’s proposed changes. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to request additional or alternative forms of documentation to support proposed changes.

Once the Contractor’s documentation is reviewed and evaluated, the Contracting Officer will notify the contractor of the status of the EPA request and what proposed costs (if any) were found to be unallowable. Should there be any disagreement with the Contracting Officer’s evaluation of the EPA request, the contractor must submit a response outlining those areas in which the contractor disagrees.

The response must be provided to the Contracting Officer within seven (7) calendar days of notification of the anticipated unallowable costs. The CO is the approving authority for all EPA requests. All EPA requests are subject to availability of funds.

TASK ORDER PROCEDURES: Task orders shall be placed against this IDIQ contract at the time of contract award and at the time of option period exercise annually thereafter if option periods are exercised by the Contracting Officer. The Task Orders shall specify quantities of services for each period of performance and shall comply with FAR 52.216-18 and FAR 52.216-19.

In accordance with FAR 16.504, the guaranteed minimum contract quantity of services the Government will acquire under the contract for the base period of performance, and any option years exercised, is $50,000. The maximum quantity/amount of services the Government will acquire under the contract for the base period of performance and all exercised option years shall not exceed $6,414,773.08.

http://www.aats.org/

Period of Performance:

Base Year: February 01, 2026, to January 31, 2027

LIN SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

0001 None Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Services

2,346 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

0001a Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Michael Cain 646 Hours $245.20/HR $158,399.20

0001b Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Muhammad Aftab 1,200 Hours $252.43/HR $302,916.00

0001c Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jordan Hoffman 100 Hours $355.19/HR $35,519.00

0001d Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Joseph Cleveland 100 Hours $456.65/HR $45,665.00

0001e Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Nicholas Teman 100 Hours $325.63/HR $32,563.00

0001f Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jessica Rove 100 Hours $316.35/HR $31,635.00

0002g Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Brett Reece 100 Hours $528.70/HR $52,870.00

0002 None Board Certified Mid-Level Providers 532 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

0002a Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Michael Wells 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

OPTION YEAR 1: February 01, 2027, to January 31, 2028

0002b Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Daniel Connolly 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

0003 None 24/7 On-Call 8,760 Hours $23.00/HR $201,480.00

0004 None Incentive Bonus Pay 1 Each $122,824.65 $122,824.65

TOTAL FOR BASE Hours $1,034,411.85

LIN SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

1001 None Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Services

2,346 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

1001a Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Michael Cain 646 Hours $245.20/HR $158,399.20

1001b Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Muhammad Aftab 1,200 Hours $252.43/HR $302,916.00

1001c Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jordan Hoffman 100 Hours $355.19/HR $35,519.00

1001d Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Joseph Cleveland 100 Hours $456.65/HR $45,665.00

1001e Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Nicholas Teman 100 Hours $325.63/HR $32,563.00

1001f Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jessica Rove 100 Hours $316.35/HR $31,635.00

1001g Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services 100 Hours $528.70/HR $52,870.00

NAME: Brett Reece

1002 None Board Certified Mid-Level Providers 532 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

1002a Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Michael Wells 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

1002b Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Daniel Connolly 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

1003 None 24/7 On-Call 8,760 Hours $23.00/HR $201,480.00

1004 None Incentive Bonus Pay 1 Each $122,824.65 $122,824.65

TOTAL FOR OPTION YEAR 1 Hours $1,034,411.85

OPTION YEAR 2: February 01, 2028, to January 31, 2029

LIN SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

2001 None Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Services

2,346 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

2001a Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Michael Cain 646 Hours $245.20/HR $158,399.20

2001b Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Muhammad Aftab 1,200 Hours $252.43/HR $302,916.00

2001c Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jordan Hoffman 100 Hours $355.19/HR $35,519.00

2001d Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Joseph Cleveland 100 Hours $456.65/HR $45,665.00

2001e Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Nicholas Teman 100 Hours $325.63/HR $32,563.00

2001f Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jessica Rove 100 Hours $316.35/HR $31,635.00

2001g Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Brett Reece 100 Hours $528.70/HR $52,870.00

2002 None Board Certified Mid-Level Providers 532 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

2002a Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

OPTION YEAR 3: February 01, 2029, to January 31, 2030

2002b Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Daniel Connolly 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

2003 None 24/7 On-Call 8,760 Hours $23.00/HR $201,480.00

2004 None Incentive Bonus Pay 1 Each $122,824.65 $122,824.65

TOTAL FOR OPTION YEAR 2 Hours $1,034,411.85

LIN SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

3001 None Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Services

2,346 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

3001a Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Michael Cain 646 Hours $245.20/HR $158,399.20

3001b Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Muhammad Aftab 1,200 Hours $252.43/HR $302,916.00

3001c Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jordan Hoffman 100 Hours $355.19/HR $35,519.00

3001d Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Joseph Cleveland 100 Hours $456.65/HR $45,665.00

3001e Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Nicholas Teman 100 Hours $325.63/HR $32,563.00

3001f Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jessica Rove 100 Hours $316.35/HR $31,635.00

3001g Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services 100 Hours $528.70/HR $52,870.00

NAME: Brett Reece

3002 None Board Certified Mid-Level Providers 532 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

3002a Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Michael Wells 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

3002b Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Daniel Connolly 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

3003 None 24/7 On-Call 8,760 Hours $23.00/HR $201,480.00

3004 None Incentive Bonus Pay 1 Each $122,824.65 $122,824.65

TOTAL FOR OPTION YEAR 3 Hours $1,034,411.85

OPTION YEAR 4: February 01, 2030, to January 31, 2031

LIN SLIN Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

4001 None Board Certified Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Services

2,346 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

4001a Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Michael Cain 646 Hours $245.20/HR $158,399.20

4001b Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Muhammad Aftab 1,200 Hours $252.43/HR $302,916.00

4001c Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jordan Hoffman 100 Hours $355.19/HR $35,519.00

4001d Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Joseph Cleveland 100 Hours $456.65/HR $45,665.00

4001e Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Nicholas Teman 100 Hours $325.63/HR $32,563.00

4001f Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Jessica Rove 100 Hours $316.35/HR $31,635.00

4001g Board Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services

NAME: Brett Reece 100 Hours $528.70/HR $52,870.00

4002 None Board Certified Mid-Level Providers 532 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

4002a Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

Total for base performance period and all option years: $5,172,059.25

4002b Board Certified Mid-Level Provider

NAME: Daniel Connolly 266 Hours $95.00/HR $25,270.00

4003 None 24/7 On-Call 8,760 Hours $23.00/HR $201,480.00

4004 None Incentive Bonus Pay 1 Each $122,824.65 $122,824.65

TOTAL FOR OPTION YEAR 4 Hours $1,034,411.85

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Physician Services and Board-Certified Mid-Level Provider Services onsite in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the VA and the Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at the Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, 1700 N Wheeling St, Aurora, CO 80045.

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

1.4. Policy/Directives/Handbooks. The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance. The policies listed below can be accessed electronically at the following: VA Publications VHA Publications

1.4.1. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources (HCR) Contracting – Buying Title 38 U.S.C. 8153

1.4.2. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy

1.4.3. VHA Directive 1065: Productivity and Staffing Guidance for Specialty Provider Group Practice

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1088(1): Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1100.20 Credentialing of Health Care Providers

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1100.21 Privileging

1.4.8. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Health Care Personnel

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

1.4.10. VHA Directive 1400.01: Supervision of Physician, Dental, Optometry, Chiropractic, and Podiatry Residents:

1.4.11. VHA Directive 1605.01: Privacy and Release of Information

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

1.4.13. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Reports

1.4.14. VHA Handbook 1400.04: Supervision of Associated Health Trainees

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

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

1.5. Acronyms/Definitions: 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.

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

1.5.1. AATS: American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://www.aats.org/

1.5.2. ABTS: American Board Thoracic Surgery http://www.abts.org/

1.5.3. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.4. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.5. AJIC: American Journal for Infection Control

1.5.6. AQL: Acceptable Quality Level

1.5.7. BAA: Business Associate Agreement

1.5.8. BBA: Balanced Budget Act

1.5.9. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.10. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.11. CDR: Contract Deficiency Report

1.5.12. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.13. Clinical Privileging: Clinical 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, and within available resources.

1.5.14. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.15. CMP: Civil Monetary Penalty

1.5.16. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.17. CO: Contracting Officer: 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.

1.5.18. COI: Conflict of Interest

1.5.19. COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative: A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the Contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.5.20. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.21. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.22. Credentialing: Credentialing is the process of obtaining, verifying, and assessing the qualifications of a health care provider to provide care or services in or for the http://www.aats.org/ http://www.abts.org/

VA health care system. Credentials are documented evidence of licensure, education, training, experience, or other qualifications.

1.5.23. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.24. EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

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

1.5.26. FAPIIS: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System

1.5.27. FAR: Federal Acquisition Regulation

1.5.28. FOIA: Freedom of Information Act

1.5.29. FPPE: Focused Provider Practice Evaluation

1.5.30. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.31. FTE: Full Time Equivalent: VA’s standard definition is for full time working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. However, providers may propose using their standard FTE definition.

1.5.32. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.33. HICPAC: Hospital Infection Practices Advisory Committee

1.5.34. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.35. IGRA: Interferon-gamma Release Assays

1.5.36. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.37. Key Personnel: The individuals specified in this contract who are essential to work performance.

1.5.38. MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

1.5.39. MST: Military Sexual Trauma

1.5.40. NPI: National Provider Identifier: NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The VHA must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers).

1.5.41. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.42. NSO: National Surgery Office

1.5.43. OGC: Office of General Counsel

1.5.44. OIG: Office of Inspector General

1.5.45. OPPE: Ongoing Provider Practice Evaluation

1.5.46. OR: Operating Room

1.5.46.1. ON-CALL: On-call coverage is defined as “on-call availability”. The provider is available to the VA in case of urgent need and shall respond to contact from the VA as required in the performance work statement; and, if clinically necessary, be available for being “called back” onsite to provide services. On-call availability also includes being available by phone/pager to respond to questions from fellows, residents, or VA employees.

1.5.46.2. CALL BACK: Call back coverage occurs when the on-call provider physically reports onsite at the VA to provide patient care. Reimbursement will be made at the contract rate established on the schedule for onsite services.

1.5.46.3. CONCURRENT ON-CALL: Concurrent on-call occurs when the attending physician is part of a “call pool” available to multiple facilities simultaneously.

Concurrent on-call must be approved by facility and Veterans at VA have priority for care.

1.5.46.4. DEDICATED ON-CALL: Dedicated on call occurs when an identified attending physician is on-call and available ONLY to the VA and not available to other facilities.

1.5.47. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.48. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.49. PPIRS: Past Performance Information Retrieval System

1.5.50. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.51. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.52. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.53. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.54. RFP: Request for Proposal

1.5.55. SCS: Specialty Care Services

1.5.56. SSAC: Sole Source Affiliate Contract

1.5.57. TJC: the Joint Commission

1.5.58. TST: Tuberculosis Skin Test

1.5.59. USC: United States Code

1.5.60. VA: Department of Veterans Affairs

1.5.61. VA-FSC: VA Financial Services Center

1.5.62. VAAR: VA Acquisition Regulation

1.5.63. VETPro: is VHA’s mandatory credentialing software platform to document the credentialing of VHA health care Providers. This system facilitates completion of a uniform; accurate and complete credentials file.

1.5.64. VHA: Veterans Health Administration

1.5.65. VistA: Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1 Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: The Contractor’s physician(s) assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia when services are performed onsite on VA property.

All licenses held by the key personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor’s physician(s) who have current, full, and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action, or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Board Certification: All contractor’s physician(s) shall be Board Certified by the ABTS http://www.abts.org/, and be currently certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or equivalency. 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.

Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive

1100.21 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges.

No services shall be provided by any Contractor’s physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Facility Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1. If a Contractor’s physician(s) and/or other contract provider(s) are 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.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s physician(s) shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational https://vaww.vashare.vha.va.gov/sites/PLOMSO/MSO%20Staff/MSO%20MGMT%20ANALYST%20PROGRAM%20FOLDER/VABIT/Updated%20Documents/Feb%20-%202021/%20http:/www.abos.org/ history for all contractor’s physician(s) and contractor’s physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the facility. Contractor’s physician(s) registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credential’s office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for contractor’s 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 contractor’s physician(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 ACLS/BLS Annual 4.5

Active Threat Training Annual 1

Blood Administration:

Complications

Annual 1

EHR Annual 1

Government Ethics Annual .5

Hospice and Palliative Care for VA Clinicians

Annual .5

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) for Medical Providers

Annual 1

Moderate Sedation In- Service Training

Annual 2

PACT Act 2022 Toxic Exposure Screening (TES)

Annual 1

Patient Abuse Annual 1

Patient Rights Annual 1

Patient Safety Annual 2

Prevention/Management of Disruptive Behavior/Violence Prevention Level I

Annual 1

Prevention of Workplace Harassment/No Fear Act

Annual 1.5

Suicide Prevention: Suicide Risk Management Training for Clinicians

Annual 1

SUX Infection Control and Blood Borne Pathogens

Annual 1

VA Core Values Training (ICARE Recommitment)

Annual .5

VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior

Annual 1

VHA MRI Safety Training Level 1 Training (all who enter MRI suites)

Annual 1

VHA Privacy and HIPAA Focused Training

Annual 1

VistA Imaging Annual 1

2.1.7. STANDARD INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES (PPD, IMMUNIZATIONS,

ETC.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following for physicians within five (5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR and (CO). Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.7.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s physician(s) upon hire in accordance with CDC guidance.

(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.

2.1.7.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor physicians {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.7.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor physicians have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor physician 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}.

2.1.7.6. COVID-19: Contractors shall comply with VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19 {This is applicable to all health care workers}. – See Section D attachment.

2.1.7.7. 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 physician(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.

2.1.7.8. The facility 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.

2.1.8. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The VHA 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 CO with the proposal.

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

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

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 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf contract or subcontract for the Contractor while providing services to VA patient referrals.

2.1.11.2. While performing services for the VA, 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 FAR.

2.11.3. If the Contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the VA 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 VA patient referrals; or other place where the Contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the VA; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.11.4. 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 OIG Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the HHS 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 contractor’s physicians (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.

2.1.12.2. 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 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 Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the facility COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

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

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

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

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

2.7. No Employee status: The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting Contractor’s physician(s) furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or contractor’s physician(s). When a Contractor or contractor’s physician(s) has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier. Any settlement or judgment arising from a Contractor’s (or contractor’s physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalent (FTE) for the services required is 1.1276 for Cardiothoracic Surgeon and .2558 for Board Certified Mid-Level Provider.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeons required to be onsite daily is 1 to be onsite at the same time as defined in paragraph Hours of Operation in this section.

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

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

After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

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

2.9.4.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for 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.

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

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

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING:

3.1. VA Business Hours:

Clinic or OR Schedule: The VA operating room hours are Monday 0830 to 1530, Tuesday, and Thursday 0800 to 1500. Clinic hours are Monday Through Friday 0800 to 1630.

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

3.1.2. Contractor’s physician(s) shall be available and present in clinic during normal facility clinic hours, which will be established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the COS. Currently, normal clinic hours are 0830 to 1630.

3.1.3. Off-hours Coverage: Contractor must make the Board-Certified Cardiothoracic physician(s) available on-call during all hours when the facility clinic is closed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

3.1.3.1. On-call contractor’s Board-Certified Cardiothoracic physician(s) must be always available for phone consultations with VA residents and physicians.

3.1.3.2. On-call providers must be available within 15 minutes by phone and onsite within 60 minutes.

3.2. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the VA:

• New Year’s Day