Linen Services PWS.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR LAUNDRY SERVICES

FOR

Ralph H. Johnson VA MEDICAL CENTER- Fisher House

SUPPLIES AND SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS:

DESCRIPTION: Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, management, supplies, bulk delivery carts, transportation, and facilities (except as identified elsewhere in this solicitation) necessary to perform contractor owned/contractor operated bulk laundry/linen services and tasks required under this contract for the Department of Veterans Affairs Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center / Fisher House. All services are to be performed in accordance with standard industry practices and quality control measures. Services shall include pick-up and delivery of items by contractor personnel. These services are in support of a patient care programs.

Services are required every Tuesday. Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center / Fisher House. is required to provide 24-hour support operations essential to patient care and contractor services turn-around shall be performed accordingly to support VAMC operations.

All services shall be provided FOB at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Fisher House.

Located at:

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center / Fisher House 150 Wentworth St.

Charleston, SC 29401

CONTRACTOR PICK-UP AND DELIVERY HOURS: Pick-up and delivery will be every Tuesday between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Schedule modification/alteration opportunities, which would improve operations and turn-around time, without major interruption to either contractor or the Government, shall not be implemented until all parties have concurred.

ESTIMATED QUANTITIES: The estimated quantity for the Fisher House is approximately 983 lbs. a month for an estimated total of 11,796 lbs. of linen a year.

CONTRACT AWARD: Firm Fixed Price Base + 4 Option Year Contract

Base Year anticipated to begin 2/15/2021 – 2/14/2022

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Table of Contents

Safety and Fire Prevention.

Damage and Equipment loss.

Linen Control.

Delivery Requirements.

Phase-out Plan.

Circumstances to be reported.

Contingency Plan.

Acronyms/Abbreviations

Performance Requirements Summary………………………………………

Section 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. Scope of Work

1.1.1 This document contains the technical provisions for laundry/linen services that are to be provided to Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center / Fisher House.

1.1.1.1. The work required by this Performance Work Statement (PWS), consists of furnishing the physical laundry plant (at an off-site location), all labor, supervision, management, management support, supplies, ancillary equipment, vehicles and materials necessary for accomplishment of complete laundry/linen services, as described in Section 5.

1.1.1.2. All workmanship shall be in accordance with practices established by the Association of Linen Management (ALM) www.almnet.org, Dry cleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI) www.ifi.org (formally International Fabricate Institute), and accepted industry standards. It is intended that services shall include all processes necessary for the laundering of the articles even though every step involved is not specifically mentioned. All work shall be performed under sanitary conditions as specified by The Joint Commission (TJC). Physical separation, through the presence of a barrier wall and the use of pass-through equipment is required to maintain positive air pressure in the clean section relative to a negative air pressure in the soiled section. In no case shall clean and soiled linen share the same physical space. * Plants in which the work is done shall be open to inspection of sanitary conditions by Government representatives. After processing, laundered articles shall be in serviceable and sanitary condition, meeting established quality and performance requirement standards as shown in Section 7.

*The Laundry Plant layout/design should incorporate a “design for asepsis” where by clean linen does not come into contact with soiled linens nor share the same physical space, thus avoiding cross-contamination or reintroduction of bacteria once processed.

1.1.2. Any change of function by the Government, which may affect this contract as contemplated by this paragraph, and which requires permanent adjustments in frequency or type of performance, will be coordinated with the Contractor by the COR and CO prior to initiation of such a change to assure adequate contractual coverage.

1.1.3. Notwithstanding the provisions of the contract covering inspection, acceptance, and deduction from payment, any items found to have been unsatisfactorily cleaned according to quality and performance standards established in Section 7, shall be re-cleaned at no additional cost to the Government. Such items shall be identified, for contractor recognition, by the COR when they are returned on the next scheduled pickup after an unsatisfactory condition is discovered. These items are to be kept separate from the normal laundry items for separate processing. Re-cleaned items will be identified separately and not charged to the Government.

1.1.4. Scheduled services are to be accomplished subject to emergency situations, which may require alteration of schedules. Emergency situations will be defined by the COR. In the event of Medical Facility emergencies, disaster, or drills, the Contractor shall perform all laundry/linen services required by the Medical Facility.

1.1.5. This specification is intended to produce minimal acceptable level of performance. The Government does recognize the possibility of the Contractor achieving the same or improved results due to innovative approaches, advances in the state-of-the-art materials, equipment and supplies. Accordingly, provision is hereby made for alterations when a Contractor demonstrates the ability to maintain the standards established herein through use of improved techniques, materials, scheduling, etc. All changes are contingent upon the recommendations of the COR and the approval of the CO or other management official as may be deemed appropriate.

1.2. Contractor Experience.

The Contractor shall have experience in providing Medical Center laundry/linen services. The firm must have gained this experience as a result of being primarily engaged in the business of providing laundry/linen services in Medical Center environments (e.g., inpatient and outpatient medical treatment facilities) for a minimum of three consecutive years prior to submitting proposal.

1.3. Supervision by Contractor:

1.3.4. CPM or alternate shall respond in person, or by telephone, within 1 hour of notification by the COR. The CPM and any designated alternate shall have full authority to contractually commit the Contractor for prompt action on matters pertaining to the contract.

1.4. Personnel Qualifications and Requirements for Contract Service:

1.4.1. Employment:

1.4.1.1. The CPM and qualified alternate must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

1.4.1.2. The Contractor shall provide sufficient and adequately trained personnel, who are paid at the prevailing rate, as necessary to perform the services required by this contract and shall meet all variations, shift schedules, and changes as may be required to assure prompt response to the requirements of contract.

1.4.2. Training:

1.4.2.1. No contractor personnel may be assigned to work under the contract until initial orientation and training, as specified in the Contractor’s procedures manual is completed. Documentation verifying the content of the training and a list of the personnel who attended shall be maintained by the Contractor. When the Government exercises one or more of the option years to the contract, the Contractor shall provide, to the COR documentation that personnel have had refresher training.

1.4.2.2. Initial intensive training covering the topics below shall be completed prior to initial start-up for all personnel. Initial training plan, including topics, with a brief statement of content and method of training shall be available for review. Initial training will include but not limited to the following topics:

1.4.2.2.1. A general orientation of basic bacteriological concepts, including the basics of how disease is caused and transmitted.

1.4.2.2.3. Proper use and handling of supplies and equipment.

1.4.2.2.4. Care and maintenance of Contractor and Government-furnished property.

1.4.2.2.5. Familiarization with local fire prevention and safety procedures.

1.4.2.2.6. Familiarization with equipment operational manuals.

1.4.2.2.7. Individual duties and responsibilities.

1.4.2.2.8. Procedures for replenishing supplies and obtaining equipment repair.

1.4.2.2.10. Techniques or methods for measuring the quality of work performance.

1.4.2.2.11. A general orientation of laundry operating procedures and policies.

1.4.2.2.12. Hazard communication, including location and access to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

1.4.2.2.13. Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, which covers Universal precautions and use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

1.4.2.3. Safety or protective clothing or equipment shall be provided and maintained by the contractor at the Contractor’s own expense.

1.4.2.4. Personal Hygiene. Contractor personnel shall be clean and neat in appearance.

1.4.2.5. Exposure to Hazardous Working Conditions. Contractor personnel are required to perform work under potentially hazardous conditions. Contractor personnel shall be informed of potentially hazardous situations by Contractor, trained by Contractor in techniques required to recognize and deal with potentially hazardous situations in a manner which will minimize personal risk, and required to adhere to standard techniques for personal who become injured or ill on the job at no cost to the Government.

1.4.2.6. Physical Examinations:

1.4.2.6.1. The contractor will be responsible for any physical examinations and emergency medical care of personnel.

1.4.2.6.2. Contractor’s personnel who acquire a communicable illness must not perform service under the contract and must be free of illness before returning to work.

1.4.2.7. Miscellaneous:

The Contractor is responsible for compliance with all appropriate TJC, FDA, VA, and other regulatory agencies record keeping requirements.

1.5. Quality Control and Quality Assurance for Contract Service:

1.5.1. Quality Control. The Contractor shall have a Quality Control program to assure that the requirements of the contract are provided as specified. One copy of the Contractor’s basic Quality Control Program shall be available for review by the COR. Subsequent changes to the approved Quality Control Program must also be reviewed and approved by the COR. The program shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1.5.1.1. An inspection system covering the performance indicators given in Section 7, of the Quality Assurance/Performance Requirements summary.

1.5.1.2. A method for identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

1.5.1.3. A file of all quality control inspections, inspection results, and any corrective action required shall be maintained by the Contractor throughout the duration of this contract. This file shall be the property of the Government and shall be available to the COR during normal working hours. The file shall be turned over to the Government within 14 days of completion of termination of the contract.

1.5.2. Quality Assurance. The Government will monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract using the Quality Assurance Procedures outlined in Section 7. Assessments may be made monthly by the Government in accordance with stated limits on discrepancies.

1.5.3. Pre-Award Survey. The Contractor shall have management officials, of an appropriate level, represent the firm. The Contractor shall also be prepared to present a briefing regarding the manner in which these contractual obligations are to be accomplished. As a minimum, the Contractor shall address the following items of information in the presentation:

1.5.3.1. Start-up and phase-in schedule.

1.5.3.2. Procedures to secure Government property while under Contractor’s jurisdiction.

1.5.3.3. Availability of labor force (manning chart), plan for recruiting, type and extent of training.

1.5.3.4. The role of the CPM and extent of authority.

1.5.3.5. A copy of the Contractor’s Policy and Procedure Manual.

1.5.3.6. Plans and management procedures for logistical administrative support of all functions; that is receipt, processing, packaging and delivery of clean linens.

1.5.3.7. Procedures to be used to ensure contract requirements are met (Quality Control Program).

1.5.3.8. Certification that Contractor’s scales used for weighing soiled and clean linens have been calibrated on a regular basis (i.e., quarterly).

1.6. Government Representative. The COR is responsible for providing technical assistance to the CO in administration of the contract. This responsibility involves quality assurance inspection, surveillance reporting and monthly certification of the Contractor’s performance by the COR. The CO will furnish the name of the COR prior to the start date of the contract. The Contractor shall be advised of the extent of the authority of the COR. The COR shall have access to plant facilities, without necessity of prior notification to Contractor. Each phase of the services rendered under this contract is subject to Government inspection during both the Contractor’s operation and after completion of tasks. The Government’s program is not a substitute for quality control by the Contractor.

1.7. Performance Evaluation Meetings:

1.7.1. The CPM shall meet with the COR on a minimum frequency of once each month according to schedule established by the COR.

1.7.2. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) may be cause for the scheduling of additional meeting(s) between the CPM and the COR. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The COR will prepare written minutes of these meetings. Should the CPM not concur with the minutes, a written statement will be presented to the CO, and the CPM will be notified of the decision in writing by the CO.

1.8. Correspondence. All correspondence relative to this contract shall bear the VA contract number, title, and name of the VA medical center, and shall be addressed to the COR with a copy to the CO.

1.9. Security. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all extraneous articles, except trash, found in linens or in areas under the jurisdiction of the Contractor (i.e., medical instruments and personal items) are turned in to the COR daily (M - F). A note will accompany the articles returned identifying the area or origination, and the type of linen or item it was found on (ex: general, OR, special).

1.10. Safety and Fire Prevention:

1.10.1. In the performance of this contract, the Contractor must take such safety precautions as necessary to protect the lives and health of individuals within the laundry plant and transportation vehicles.

1.10.2. Fire and safety deficiencies, which exist and are part of the responsibility of the Contractor, must be corrected immediately. If the Contractor fails or refuses to correct deficiencies promptly, the CO may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work, and hold the Contractor in default of the contract.

1.10.3. The Contractor will comply with Federal, State, and local safety and fire regulations and codes. The Contractor shall keep abreast of and comply with changes in these regulations and codes.

1.10.4. Contractor’s personnel shall follow policies concerning fire/disaster programs.

1.10.5. The Contractor shall display approved warning devices in all areas where operations may cause traffic obstruction or personnel hazard.

1.11. Damage and Equipment loss:

1.11.1. All tasks accomplished by Contractor’s personnel shall be performed to preclude damage or disfigurement of Government-owned furnishings, fixtures, equipment, and architectural or building structures. The Contractor shall verbally report immediately to the COR, any damage or disfigurement to these items when caused by Contractor’s personnel. A follow-up written report will be given to the COR and a copy forwarded to CO.

1.11.2. When the Contractor has caused damage or loss of government property, or performance is determined to be unsatisfactory; the COR will issue a CDR. The Contractor will reply in writing, to the COR within 10 working days, stating the reason for the unsatisfactory condition, the corrective measures which have been taken, and preventive procedures initiated.

1.11.3. Any damage caused to Government property during the course of the Contractor’s performance of work under the contract shall be repaired or replaced to preexisting conditions at Contractor’s own expense.

1.12. Linen Control

1.12.1. Contractor shall comply with all Government request and policies relative to linen control.

1.12.2. Contractor shall participate, as required by VA policy, in inventories of Government-provided specialty linen.

1.12.3. Any articles billed for, but missing, shall be supplied by the Contractor in the next regularly scheduled delivery at no additional cost to the Government.

1.12.4. VA owned items lost or badly damaged while under the control of the Contractor must be replaced within a 30-day period at the Contractor’s cost.

1.12.5. Unusual losses, including suspected pilferage, shall be reported at once to the COR, who will take immediate action to investigate the loss. If the loss is not recovered, the cost of replacement will be negotiated with the Contracting Officer, along with the approval of the COR, on a quarterly basis. The Vendor will supply an itemized list (by location) of linen that will be replaced, (including item description, quantity and unit cost).

1.13. Delivery Requirements:

1.13.1. The Contractor shall provide the COR with a written report of all soiled linen processed and all clean linen delivered, showing cart number and weights. The information must be recorded on a daily basis and delivered to the COR at the end of the current workweek.

1.13.2. The COR will verify the deliveries daily and discuss any discrepancies with the CPM.

1.13.3. The Contractor shall disinfect carts after removing soiled linen from them and before placing clean linen in them, with a Tuberculocidal Germicide, which has been approved by the COR. Carts containing clean linen being returned shall be covered with clean covers to protect them against contamination while in transit between the laundry plant and the Medical Center. Laundry bags or liners, used to transport soiled laundry, must be laundered after use.

1.13.4. Clean linen and specialty items shall be available for transport on Tuesday. Soiled linen and specially items will be available for processing on Tuesday. Deliveries will be made on Tuesday.

1.13.5. Clean linen will be processed and packaged as specified in Section 5.

1.13.6. Contractor’s personnel shall clean the linen transport vehicle with a tuberculocidal germicide/disinfectant, which has been approved by the COR.

1.13.7. Clean linen delivery and soiled linen pickup shall be between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Tuesday as established by the COR at the following Medical Center location:

1.15. Circumstances to be reported. The Contractor shall report any circumstances, which may affect the performance of the work and unhealthy or hazardous conditions or any delays or interference with work. Such reports shall be made immediately upon discovery by the Contractor to the COR by phone and a follow-up fax/email.

0. Contingency Plan, Contractor shall furnish with his proposal a written Contingency Plan indicating that services can be continued in the event of Contractor’s equipment and /or production facility failure. This Contingency Plan must also include transportation vehicle failure.

Section 2 - Definitions/Acronyms

2.1. Definitions. Definitions used throughout this Performance Work Statement shall have the following meanings as set forth below:

Ancillary Equipment. Equipment required for Contractor’s operations but not directly related to laundry production, e.g., cleaning equipment.

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level). The maximum percent of defective work, or number of defects that will be allowed before work is considered unsatisfactory. An AQL does not imply that the Contractor has knowingly performed in an unsatisfactory way. It implies that the Government recognizes that unsatisfactory performance sometimes happens unintentionally. As long as unsatisfactory performance does not exceed the AQL, the service will not be subject to payment reduction by the Government. The Contractor, however, must correct all unsatisfactory work unless excused by the COR.

CDR (Contract Discrepancy Report). Government formal documentation of Contractor’s failure to provide services as required under the terms of the contract. The CDR requires the Contractor to explain in writing why performance was unsatisfactory, how performance will be returned to satisfactory levels, and how recurrence of the problem will be prevented in the future.

Clean. Laundered articles are dry and free of visible soil, lint and objectionable odor. Spots and stains are removed where practical without fabric damage. No residual harmful chemicals are present.

Consumable Supplies. Those supplies used in the day-to-day operation of the laundry, e.g., detergent, bleach, and alkali.

Contractor. An individual, partnership, or organization having a contractual relationship with the Government for provision of service.

CO (Contracting Officer). The person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative). Any person or persons authorized to act for the Contracting Officer within authority limits. (Lead/Facility)

CPM (Contractor’s Plant Manager). Contractor’s representative having supervisory responsibility and authority for total performance of work under the contract.

Cure Notice. A formal notification to Contractor to correct a deficient situation or risk termination of contract.

Defect. Each instance of noncompliance with a contract requirement. A defect may be caused by either nonperformance or poor performance. Each defect is subject to deductions, as set forth in Section VII.

Delivery Point. Point which soiled linen is picked up for processing by the Contractor and clean linen delivered to the Medical Facility.

Department of Veterans Affairs. Government agency requiring services under the terms of the contract.

Emergency. An unforeseen combination of circumstances, or the resulting state, which requires immediate action. An emergency situation shall be declared by the COR and/or the COR.

Fair Wear and Tear Condition. That which is worn out by normal usage with no negligent misuse involved and cannot be used for its intended purpose.

Federal Holidays. The date of observance by the Federal Government of the following holidays: New Year’s Day (1 January), King’s Birthday (3rd Monday in January), Washington’s Birthday (3rd Monday in February), Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October), Veteran’s Day (11 November), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (25 December). When such holiday falls on first non-workday, the preceding workday will be considered a holiday. When such holiday falls on the second non-workday, the next workday will be considered a holiday.

General Linens. Linens which are commercially available, such as, sheets, towels, blankets, bedspreads, pillowcases, washcloths, bath blankets, pajamas, bathrobes, mattress pads, bed pads, fitted sheets, surgical linen and other items identified in Attachment 1.

Government. The United States Government, Headquarters, VA, VAMC, and the term used to refer to the officials designated to administer the contract or their designated representatives.

Infection Control Committee. The group designated for implementation and monitoring of the infection control program for the Medical Center as prescribed by TJC and the VA.

Launder. To clean by chemical and mechanical action materials composed of natural or synthetic fibers. For the purposes of the contract the terms include tumble-drying, ironing, folding, and all other industry standard processes, which textile products undergo while in the laundry.

Linen. Reusable textile items composed, in whole or in part, of natural, synthetic or blended fibers.

Linen Inventory. An itemized listing of quantities and values for accounting purposes of linen items in circulation at the Medical Center(s).

Manning Chart. A survey chart or inventory for scheduling manpower requirements in an industrial plant showing each operation with number of workers.

Medical Center Director (s). The person with final responsibility for the mission of the Medical Center. A Medical Center Director may have final authority over more than one Medical Center.

Must. This word is used in connection with the Contractor and specifies that the provision is binding.

Packaging. Packaging is the process by which cleaned garments and linen are returned to the Medical Center. Linen is delivered in linen carts by quotas according to established arrangement agreed upon by the COR, CPM, and COR. All linen is packaged securely to prevent possible contamination.

Patient Clothing. Personal property of patients, e.g., pants, shirts, underwear.

Personal Property. All Government property, except real property and expendable property.

Procedures Manual. A Contractor’s written document describing in detail the methods normally used to accomplish tasks required by the contract, proper operation of equipment, and normal fire/ safety precautions.

PWS (Performance Work Statement). A document that describes accurately the essential technical requirements for services, including the standards used to determine whether the requirements have been met.

Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the government to check goods or services to determine that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Quality Assurance Evaluator. Government employee(s) assigned to monitor and evaluate the quality and compliance with the Performance Work Statement requirements.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the production of goods or services so that they will meet the requirements of the PWS.

Sanitary. In a clean state, protected from the contamination of pathogenic organisms.

Satisfactory Performance. Within limits of the AQL, adherence to the requirements of the PWS.

Separation. Physical separation of contaminated materials from other materials or personnel to prevent the spread of contamination.

Service. A job performed to the standard and within the acceptable quality level. The Contractor must do the specific job, meet the standard, and meet the acceptable quality level before performance is acceptable and the Contractor is paid.

Serviceable Articles. Articles usable in their current condition, or restorable by economically justified repair methods to usable condition.

Shall. This word is used in connection with the Contractor and specifies that the provision is binding.

Specialty Items. All textile items not classified as general linens. Example – soap free linen, restraints, cubicle curtains, etc.

Standard. A Government acknowledged measure of comparison.

Start Date. The date work under the contract is scheduled to begin.

Surgical Linen. Linen utilized by surgical and / or specialized units. Normally blue or green linen.

Surveillance Plan. An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance.

Task and Frequency Chart. Displays the required tasks and the minimum frequencies of performance.

Textile Care Processing Facility. A facility designed to render soiled linens clean, sanitary and aesthetically acceptable for reuse, in an efficient and non-damaging manner.

TJC (The Joint Commission). A national organization dedicated to improving the care, safety, and treatment of patients in health care facilities.

Trash. Rubbish or refuse.

Uniforms. Government owned clothing worn by VA employees as a means of identification.

Unsatisfactory Performance. Failure to meet the AQL.

Unserviceable Item. An item, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose.

VA (Department of Veterans Affairs). The Government agency requiring services under the terms of the contract.

VAMC. Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Headquarter. Veterans Affairs Central Office.

Will. This word is used in connection with the Government and specifies that the provision is binding.

2.2. Commonly used Acronyms

Section 3 - Government Furnished Property and Services

3.1. Materials:

0. The Government will provide forms, publications and services specifically identified in this contract as Government furnished.

0. Fair/wear/tear or unserviceable condition of specialty items will be determined by the COR.

0. The Government will provide restroom and hand washing facilities for Contractor employees to wash their hands following exposure to blood or other body fluids while at the Medical Facility.

0. The Government will provide facility passes for Contractor’s employees as necessary to fulfill provisions of this contract.

0. The Government will provide a detailed list of specialty items to be laundered.

Section 4 - Contractor Furnished Items

4.1. Materials. Contractor shall furnish all materials necessary to perform the tasks specified in the contract except to the extent specified in Section III. The Contractor shall secure all materials and supplies that comply with Local, State and Federal environmental laws.

4.2. Vehicles. The Contractor shall provide all required vehicles, vehicle fuels, lubricants, and repairs necessary to perform services under this contract. All vehicles to be used under this contract must be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition during duration of this contract. In addition, the vehicles must be kept clean (exterior and interior) with no unsightly residue of dirt, mud, trash, and other debris. Vehicle efficiency is solely the responsibility of Contractor and Contractor shall not be relieved of his contract responsibilities due to vehicle breakdown or failure of vehicles to operate.

Section 5 - Specific Tasks

5.1. The Contractor shall accept for processing all soiled linens. After processing all items are to be finished and delivered to the Medical Center in accordance with the terms outlined below.

5.1.2. Items that must be tumbled dried and folded: