Combined Synopsis Solicitation.docx

Combined Synopsis-Solicitation for Commercial Items RFQ No. 36C26022Q0019 Description This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2021-07 / 2021-09-10.

This solicitation is set-aside 100% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). SDVOSBs must be VIP-verified to be considered for this requirement.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 621511, with a small business size standard of $35M. The FSC is Q301.

Network Contracting Office 20, 5115 NE 82nd Ave, Suite 102, Vancouver, WA 98662, is seeking to purchase Cytotechnologist Services (1 FTE).

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following:

Cytotechnologist Services for the VA Portland Health Care System Path & Lab Department Ordering Period 1 POP: 12-01-2021 to 11-30-2022

0001AA

Cytotechnologist Services Local Rate (Quote only if proposing a local candidate)

0001AB

Traveler Rate (Quote only if proposing a traveler candidate)

0001AC

Overtime Rate

Cytotechnologist Services for the

Ordering Period 2 POP: 12-01-2022 to 11-30-2023

1001AA

1001AB

1001AC

Cytotechnologist Services for the

Ordering Period 3 POP: 12-01-2023 to 11-30-2024

2001AA

2001AB

2001AC

Cytotechnologist Services for the

Ordering Period 4 POP: 12-01-2024 to 11-30-2025

3001AA

3001AB

3001AC

Cytotechnologist Services for the

Ordering Period 5 POP: 12-01-2025 to 11-30-2026

4001AA

4001AB

4001AC

5 Year Grand Total: $______________________

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0. General

1.1 Authority: This Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract is entered into under the authority of Public Law 104-262 and 38 USC 8153, and under FAR Part 12 and VAAR 873, the Contractor agrees to provide on-site Cytotechnologist Services (1 FTE) in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein for the VA Portland Health Care System Pathology and Laboratory Department.

1.2 The VA Portland Health Care System Pathology and Laboratory Department has an immediate need for 1 FTE Cytotechnologist. Locum technologist may be required to work overtime in support of the VA Portland Health Care System. Shift details are as follows:

Length of Shift: 8 Hours Type of Shift: Day Shift Workdays: Monday – Friday Department: Anatomic Pathology Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Total Hours Needed: 2,080 HR

2.0. Scope of Work

2.1. Personnel will work an eight (8) hour shift to be scheduled by the VA. Eight (8) hour shifts are typically five (5) days per week with 30 minutes for lunch/dinner. Overtime for this position may be required on occasion and in emergent situations.

2.2. Personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform the services shall be qualified and maintain their licensing, registrations, and certifications. Work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as long periods of standing, bending, reaching for supplies or materials, lifting moderately heavy items, 15-44 pounds (or occasionally lifting heavier items) and carrying moderately heavy items (15-44 pounds). The work may require specific physical characteristics and abilities such as dexterity (to perform intricate collection or analysis procedures), mental and emotional stability and color vision.

Services provided shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

2.2.1 Cytotechnologist Duties

2.2.1.1 The Technical Specialist works independently and is given freedom of action under the general guidance of a pathologist, physician or other laboratory practitioner.

2.2.1.2 Serves as an expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for ensuring the laboratory’s compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies requirements and standards, and prepares, analyzes and presents quality performance monitors.

2.2.1.3 Validates, optimizes and documents new procedures and revises existing procedures as needed.

2.2.1.4 Monitors abnormal cytologic findings and requests results of additional testing from clinicians to ensure the patients receive appropriate follow-up care.

2.2.1.5 Performs all cytological procedures including the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions.

2.2.1.6 These specimens consist of washings and brushings; urine and body fluids, cerebrospinal fluid; uterine, cervical and vaginal smears; fine needle aspirations; tumors and tissue imprints.

2.2.1.7 Will identify all abnormal findings in the tissue and cell preparations.

2.3. Location of Services

VA Portland Health Care System Pathology & Laboratory Department 3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Road Portland, OR 97239

3.0. Cytotechnologist Qualifications

3.1. The Contractor shall provide personnel who fulfill the following requirements:

3.1.1 Be certified as Cytotechnologist by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

3.1.2 Must have a minimum 3 years of hospital experience within the United States.

3.1.3 Must have worked within a hospital lab setting as a Cytotechnologist in the last six months.

4.0. General Requirements

4.1. The services to be performed by the Contractor shall be performed in accordance with VA policies and procedures and the regulations of the Medical Staff Bylaws of the VA Healthcare System.

4.2. The Contractor’s employees must be present at the VA facility during working hours and must be performing the required services identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), or the cost will be decreased accordingly during each billing cycle. The payments for any leave, including sick leave or vacation time, are the responsibility of the Contractor.

4.3. The Contractor employee shall be required to use the hospital computer system, to include but not limited to checking electronic reports daily for accuracy and completeness, writing orders (i.e. Lab, consults, and admission) and approving patient results via electronic signature. It is the responsibility of Contractor employee to ensure that all electronic health record entries are signed off before leaving the facility.

4.4. Employee may be exposed to surroundings which involve moderate risks or discomfort which require special precautions, e.g., infectious diseases, verbal and physical abuse from the emotionally disturbed patient. Ages of patients served may vary greatly and include young (20s and 30s years of age); middle-aged (40s and 50s years of age); and older patients (60 and upwards).

4.5. Employee may have personal contact with patients, family, visitors and other employees, including contract employees of various VA services.

4.6. Contact with physicians and other ancillary services personnel are required for information sharing and consultation.

4.7. Contractor shall participate in activities of the VAMC that are designed to meet the requirements of The Joint Commission (TJC) as they apply to the position.

4.8. Contractor personnel will ensure patient safety is a top priority at all times. All patient safety incidents must be reported immediately (within 24 hours) to the appropriate manager. Patient safety incidents must be reported using Patient Safety Report.

4.9. Contractors are required to dress in a professional manner.

4.10. The parties agree that providers of said services shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose and shall be considered employees of the Contractor.

4.11. The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting the personnel furnishing services under this contract. To carry out this responsibility, the Contractor shall provide the following for those personnel:

Worker’s compensation, Professional liability insurance, Health examinations, Income tax withholding; and Social security payments.

4.12. The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the Contractor during work hours as defined herein. The Contractor may be required to work outside of regular hours as directed by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officers Representative.

4.13. The following terms have the stated meanings:

4.13.1. Work Schedule: 8-hour shifts, not including lunch, and as established by the VA. Overtime may be required.

4.13.2. National holidays: The eleven holidays observed by the federal government are:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday President’s Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Plus any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a federal holiday.

4.14. The VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will maintain a record-keeping system of services/hours in conjunction with the VA Service Line. The COR will review this data monthly when invoices are received and certify all invoices for payment by comparing the hours documented on the VA record-keeping system and those on the invoices. Any evidence of the Contractor's non-compliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures shall be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer. The COR will review and certify monthly invoices for payment. If in the event the Contractor fails to provide the services in this contract, payments will be adjusted to compensate the Government for the difference.

4.15. The Government will evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided, but retain no control over the medical, professional aspects of services rendered (e.g., professional judgments, diagnosis of test results). The method by which services will be evaluated is described in the attached Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

4.16. If a Contractor locum decides to apply for and is offered a VA civil servant position, the VA will not pay recruitment placement fees to the Contractor.

4.17. All Contractor personnel shall be subject to VA’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. Personnel may receive a drug test and are subject to random drug testing thereafter. This includes situations of “reasonable suspicion” and “accident or unsafe practice testing”. Refusal to be tested or interfering with the testing process shall result in immediate termination of the employment contract. In addition, Contractor shall be subject to background check with local and county law officials to determine “suitability” for this sensitive position.

4.18. The Government is actively recruiting. The Government reserves the right to reduce and/or cancel the terms of a specific order with a 60-day notice if recruitment efforts prove successful.

4.19. 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 locum, s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said Contractor’s locum. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning Contractor’s locum’s conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

4.20. The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or Contractor’s locum(s). When a Contractor or Contractor’s locum 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 locum(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier.

4.21. 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.

4.22. 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. 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 locum(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. By signing this Purchase Order, the Contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the Contractor’s locum(s) are not listed as of the date the Purchase Order was signed.

5.0 Infection Control Compliance

5.1. Prior to the Contractor being compensated for work the Contractor shall provide written certification of training compliance to the COR for the Bloodborne Pathogens Standards, 29 CFR Part 1910.1030 (a copy shall be available on request).

5.2. MANTOUX TESTING

5.2.1. Contractor shall provide evidence to the COR:

a. Negative PPD test within fourteen (14) calendar days prior to employee beginning service. If an earlier PPD test was given over twelve (12) months previously, the current test shall be a 2-step Mantoux test;

b. Medical evidence that personnel are disease free for personnel having a positive PPD.

c. A regular annual re-testing program for TB shall be established and maintained by the Contractor. Contractor shall provide evidence of retests to COR within ten (10) calendar days of retest.

5.3 HEPATITIS B VACCINATION

5.3.1. The Contractor shall consider the need for Hepatitis B vaccine and vaccination series within ten (10) days of contract employment and follow-up if there has been an exposure incident. VA shall not provide the vaccine or vaccination series.

5.3.2. VA Form 10-5549c, Information About Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Consent Form, or VA Form 10-549d, Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination (Mandatory) shall be submitted to the COR within thirty (30) days of waiver, or completion of the first in the series of the Hepatitis B vaccine, and at completion of the vaccination series.

5.4. Training for Infection Control and Safety

5.4.1. VA shall provide training for infection control and safety including standard precautions, electrical safety, fire safety, and a general orientation of safe work practices.

5.4.2. VA shall provide personal protective equipment (PPE), as required, as well as training on use. Failure to return items issued to the Contractor’s employee following termination of employment shall result in a charge against payment of the Contractor’s invoice.

6.0 Medical Records

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

6.1.1. HIPAA: This Purchase Order 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 locum 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.

6.1.2. Disclosure: Contractor’s provider(s) may have access to patient medical records for the purpose of providing medical care and services to VA patients and performing services under the contract. VA authorizes the Contractor to discuss patient health information for coordination of care with community health care providers in compliance with VA regulations, HIPAA and VHA Directive 1605.01, Privacy and Release of Information. The VA will provide the Contractor with a copy of VHA Handbook 1907.01, Health Information Management and Health Records and VHA Directive 1605.1, Privacy and Release of Information. The penalties and liabilities for the unauthorized disclosure of VA patient information mandated by the statutes and regulations mentioned above, apply to the Contractor.

6.1.3. 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=3088 and all guidelines provided by the VAMC.

6.1.4. 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’s locum 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.

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

7.0 Performance Standards, Quality Assurance, and Quality Improvement

7.1.1 Quality Management/Quality Assurance Surveillance: Contractor locum(s) shall be subject to Quality Management measures, such as patient satisfaction surveys, timely completion of medical records, and Peer Reviews.

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

7.1.3 Performance Standards:

7.1.3.1 Measure: Provide Required Medical Service as Specified in PWS

Performance Requirement: Locum is available, on time, and in location as needed to properly perform tasks as specified.

Standard: All (100%) shifts are covered as assigned under this contract Acceptable Quality Level: 90% meet Standards Surveillance Method: Direct Observation Frequency: Continuous

7.1.3.2 Measure: Patient Safety

Performance Requirement: Patient Safety incidents shall be reported immediately (within 24 hours) using Patient Safety Report.

Standard: All (100%) incidents reported immediately via Patient Safety Report Acceptable Quality Level: 90% meet Standards Surveillance Method: Direct Observation Verification and Documentation Frequency: Continuous

7.1.3.3 Measure: Licensing, Registration, and Certifications

Performance Requirement: The Contractor shall provide locum(s) with updated, current licensing, registration, and certifications and provided as they are renewed.

Standard: All (100%) Contractor’s locum(s) have current licensing, registration, and certifications required to perform services in accordance with the PWS.

Acceptable Quality Level: 95% meet Standards Surveillance Method: Verification and Documentation Frequency: Continuous

7.1.3.4 Measure: Mandatory VA Training

Performance Requirement: Contractor locum(s) complete all mandatory VA training.

Standard: All (100%) mandatory VA training is complete and up to date.

Acceptable Quality Level: 85% meet Standards Surveillance Method: Verification and Documentation Frequency: Continuous

7.1.3.5 Measure: Privacy, Confidentiality and HIPAA

Performance Requirement: Contractor locums(s) are aware of all laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to Privacy, Confidentiality, and HIPAA, and locum(s) comply with all standards.

Standard: All (100%) Contractor’s provider(s) comply with all laws, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to Privacy, Confidentiality and HIPAA, with zero breaches Acceptable Quality Level: 90% compliance Surveillance Method: Direct Observation, Periodic Inspection, or Random Sampling; Contractor shall provide evidence of annual VAMC training, reports violations per VA Handbook 6500.6.

Frequency: Annually

7.1.3.6 Measure: Invoicing

Performance Requirement: Contractor shall provide itemized invoicing within 30 days of the end of each month services were provided.

Standard: All (100%) invoices are itemized correctly and provided within 30 days of end of each month services were provided.

Acceptable Quality Level: 90% meet Standards Surveillance Method: Verification and Documentation Frequency: Monthly

7.1.4 Registration with Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

7.1.4.1 As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates Contractor past performance on all contracts that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the Contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Sea Logistics Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. CPARS has connectivity with the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) database, which is available to all Federal agencies. PPIRS is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations and completed CPARS report cards transferred to PPIRS. CPARS also includes access to the federal awardee performance and integrity information system (FAPIIS). FAPIIS is a web-enabled application accessed via CPARS for Contractor responsibility determination information.

7.1.4.2 Each Contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold requires a CPARS evaluation. A government Focal Point will register your contract within thirty days after contract award and, at that time, you will receive an email message with a User ID (to be used when reviewing evaluations). Additional information regarding the evaluation process can be found at www.cpars.gov or if you have any questions, you may contact the Customer Support Desk @ DSN: 684-1690 or COMM: 207-438-1690.

7.1.4.3 For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the Contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in CPARS to the Contractor’s designated representative for comment. The Contractor representative will have sixty (60) days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the CO.

7.1.4.4 Failure for the Contractor’s representative to respond to the evaluation within those sixty (60) days, will result in the Government’s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the Contractor failed to respond; the Contractor’s representative will be “locked out” of the evaluation and may no longer send comments.

7.1.5 Contingency Plan

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

8. Government Responsibilities

8.1. After award of contract, all inquiries and correspondence relative to the administration of the Purchase Order shall be addressed to the Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative.

8.1.1. CO Responsibilities:

8.1.1.1. The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements of this Purchase Order. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue any modification to include (but not limited to) terms affecting price, quantity, or quality of performance of this Purchase Order.

8.1.1.2. The Contracting Officer shall resolve complaints concerning Contractor relations with the Government employees or patients. The Contracting Officer is final authority on validating complaints. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer without authority, no adjustment shall be made in the contract price to cover an increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

8.1.1.3. In the event that contracted services do not meet quality and/or safety expectations, the best remedy will be implemented, to include but not limited to a targeted and time limited performance improvement plan; increased monitoring of the contracted services; consultation or training for Contractor personnel to be provided by the VA; replacement of the contract personnel and/or renegotiation of the terms herein, or termination of the Purchase Order.

8.1.2. COR Responsibilities

The COR for this contract is: (contact information will be added to award)

8.1.2.1. The COR shall be the VA official responsible for verifying compliance. After Purchase Order award, any incidents of Contractor noncompliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures shall be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

8.1.2.2. The COR will be responsible for monitoring the Contractor’s performance to ensure all specifications and requirements are fulfilled. Quality Improvement data that will be collected for ongoing monitoring includes but is not limited to: Entering data that may be collected.

8.1.2.3. The COR will maintain a record-keeping system of services electronically. The COR will review this data monthly when invoices are received and certify all invoices for payment by comparing the hours documented on the VA record-keeping system and those on the invoices. Any evidence of the Contractor's non-compliance as evidenced by the monitoring procedures shall be forwarded immediately to the Contracting Officer.

8.1.2.4. The COR will review and certify monthly invoices for payment. If in the event the Contractor fails to provide the services in this Purchase Order, payments will be adjusted to compensate the Government for the difference.

8.1.2.5. All Purchase Order administration functions will be retained by the VA.

(End of Performance Work Statement)

Period of Performance

The contract period of performance is December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2026.

Place of Performance Department of Veterans Affairs VA Portland Health Care System Pathology & Laboratory Department 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Portland, OR 97239

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

1. FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors–Commercial Items (SEP 2021) (See Attachment 8 (Instructions for the Preparation of Quotes) for Addendum to FAR 52.212-1)

2. FAR 52.212-3 Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items (FEB 2021)

Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://www.sam.gov/portal in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

3. FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2018)

4. FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020)

5. FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (OCT 2020)

6. FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates a single award of a Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract resulting from this solicitation.

7. FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

8. VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (DEVIATION)

9. VAAR 852.273-73 Evaluation – Health-Care Resources (JAN 2003)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following information or factors shall be used to evaluate offers, and are listed in descending order of importance:

1. Evaluation Factor 1: Past Performance. The Contracting Officer will evaluate past performance on the following basis:

Past Performance is a measure of the degree to which you have satisfied your customers in the past and complied with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Our assessment of your past performance will be subjective and based on your reputation with your customers and others, and on our analysis of official public records, to include CPARS.

Past Performance assessments will evaluate the following:

i. Timeliness of Performance: responsiveness to technical direction and contract administration; adherence to schedules.

ii. Business Relations: effective management; reasonable and cooperative relationship with Government Program and Contract Management offices; flexible, reasonable, proactive, compliant, and an overall concern for Government’s interest.

iii. Customer Satisfaction: Satisfaction of end users with the Contractor’s services, to include interface and responsiveness to technical direction.

Preference will be given to Offerors with positive past performance for the same, or similar medical staffing services, on VA-awarded contracts.

2. Evaluation Factor 2: Technical Capability. The Technical Evaluation Team will evaluate the Offeror’s overall technical capability based on the following subfactors (subfactors are of equal importance):

Subfactor A: Proposed Cytotechnologist Candidate.

Offeror shall submit a minimum of one (1) Cytotechnologist that meets the minimum qualifications of the Performance Work Statement. A local candidate is preferred; however, traveler candidates will also be considered.

Subfactor B: Contingency Plan.

In accordance with Paragraph 7.1.5 of the Performance Work Statement, Offeror’s quote shall demonstrate a Contingency Plan for maintaining Cytotechnologist Services due to circumstances such as turnover, illness, or unavailability, ensuring continuity of services provided under the awarded contract.

3. Evaluation Factor 3: Price. The Contracting Officer will conduct a price analysis to determine that quoted prices are fair and reasonable.

The evaluation will consider the possibility that the Option under FAR Clause 52.217-8 can be exercised at any time and can be exercised in increments of one to six months, but for no more than a total of six months during the life of the contract. The evaluation will assume that the prices for any option exercised under FAR 52.217-8 will be at the same rates as those in effect under the contract at the time the option is exercised. The evaluation will therefore assume that the addition of the price or prices of any possible extension or extensions under FAR 52.217-8 to the total price for the basic requirement and the total price for the priced options has the same effect on the total price of all quotes relative to each other and will not affect the ranking of quotes based on price, unless, after reviewing the quotes, the Government determines that there is a basis for finding otherwise. This evaluation will not obligate the Government to exercise any option under FAR 52.217-8.

A Best Value Determination process will be utilized, trading off price and other evaluation factors. Factors 1 – 3 are listed in descending order of importance. Subfactors A and B are of equal importance. All evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are significantly more important than price.

10. VAAR 852.273-74 Award Without Exchanges (JAN 2003)

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition:

1. FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions–Commercial Items (OCT 2018)

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

a. FAR 52.216-18 Ordering (AUG 2020)

Orders may be issued from 12/01/2021 to 11/30/2026.

b. FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations (OCT 1995)

Minimum Order: 320 hours Maximum Order: 2,160 hours

c. FAR 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (OCT 1995)

Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after 11/30/2026.

d. FAR 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year (APR 1984)

e. VAAR 852.212-70 Provisions and Clauses Applicable to VA Acquisition of Commercial Items (APR 2020) The following provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference:

852.203-70 Commercial Advertising 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests 852.237-70 Indemnification and Medical Liability Insurance 852.273-70 Late Offers 852.273-74 Award Without Exchanges 852.237-74 Nondiscrimination in Service Delivery

f. VAAR 852.219-74 Limitations on Subcontracting – Monitoring and Compliance (JUL 2018)

2. FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders (JAN 2021) (DEVIATION)

The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

(b)(8) 52.209–6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (JUN 2020)

(b)(21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (MAR 2020)

(b)(22)(i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (NOV 2020)

(b)(27) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003)

(b)(29) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015)

(b)(30)(i) 52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016)

(b)(32)(i) 52.222–36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020)

(b)(33) 52.222–37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020)

(b)(35)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (OCT 2020)

(b)(36) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (OCT 2015)

(b)(44) 52.223–18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020)

(b)(51) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008)

(b)(55) 52.229–12, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements

(b)(58) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

(c)(1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018)

(c)(2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014)

GS-11 $68,992.00 to $89,695.00

(c)(7) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (NOV 2020)

(c)(8) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017)

All quotes shall be legible and prepared in the following format to be properly evaluated. Submit quotes via email to angela.tucker2@va.gov and NCO20HCRGroup@va.gov with Subject: 36C26022Q0019 Cytotechnologist Services Quote. Offers shall be complete, self-sufficient, and respond directly to the requirement of this RFQ.

On page 16, VAAR 852.273-73 Evaluation – Health-Care Resources (JAN 2003) lists evaluation factors for this requirement. A Best Value Determination process will be utilized, trading off price and other evaluation factors. Factors 1 – 3 are listed in descending order of importance. Subfactors A and B are of equal importance. All evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are significantly more important than price.

The award will be made to the response most advantageous to the Government.

Responses should contain your best terms, conditions.

Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at VAAR 852.273-70 Late Offers.

Questions shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist by email (angela.tucker2@va.gov). The deadline for questions is 10:00AM CT, October 15, 2021. An RFQ Amendment will be issued to provide answers to questions submitted, if any.

VHAPM Part 813.106 SAP: Soliciting Competition & Evaluation of Quotations SOP Page 3 of 5 Original Date: 10/12/17 Revision 04 Date: 06/10/20