PWS Albany Equine Assisted Services.pdf

Performance Work Statement Albany Equine Assisted Services

General Information

General: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide Equine Assisted Services (EAS) to Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center Veteran patients. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

Background: The VA Medical Center has identified Equine Assisted Services as benefiting, providing the best and most comprehensive rehabilitative treatment. With the goal of improving the Veteran’s quality of life and self-dependence, Veterans will voluntarily participate in the program. EAS is intended to address and decrease the symptoms associated with Mental Health and Chemical Dependency.

Performance: There will be up to 18 Veterans per week.

Period of Performance: Estimated performance period 05/01/2023-04/30/2024. Federal Holidays will be honored. No weekends.

Place of Performance: The vendor must be within a 55 miles range or 1 hour from the VA Medical Center Samuel S. Stratton Albany, NY.

Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price Contract.

The Contractor shall provide:

a. Staff to manage the program: certified Equine Specialists through Professional

Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl).

b. Coordination of housing and veterinary care for the horses: Contractor has sole responsibility for providing and caring for the horses.

c. Suitable training site, equipment, and supplies: Site shall be designed for equine riding

(indoor and outdoor), maintaining good repair of all riding equipment assuring all safety measures are followed.

d. Instruction using an approved outlined curriculum: equine assisted services/equine assisted learning to include at a minimum: program introduction and safety briefing/explanation of barn rules in preparation for large group and small group activities and at conclusion of activities, a group wrap-up/closing.

e. Appropriately match horses with Veterans to maximize the benefits of the program for each participate.

f. Traveling equine option to visit our CLC Veterans at Stratton VAMC.

g. Accommodation of up to 18 Veterans.

h. Opportunities for staff training.

i. Options for Veterans to continue attending equine services aftercare program post hospitalization.

j. Options for Veterans to become Veteran peer supports.

k. Must be premier accredited facility with Professional Association of Therapeutic

Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)

l. Maintain a Master Instructor Certificate.

m. Maintain a minimum of eight to ten horses in total to facility horsemanship/equine facilitated learning.

n. Work directly with Stratton VAMC staff to schedule and confirm classes.

1. Sessions may include two (2)-hour group session for Residential Substance

Abuse Program, outpatient PTSD program and traveling equine option.

o. Have minimum four (4) years’ experience work in EAS and work with individuals who are diagnosed with Mental Health and/or chemical dependency.

The Contractor shall provide an Occupational Therapist who works in conjunction with the VA Mental Health providers to develop individualized Veteran treatment plans and assess progress throughout the services provided.

a. Each participant (Veteran/Staff/Volunteers) will be given an orientation/barn rules and safety training preceding the introduction to the program.

b. Maintain the property and equipment in good operating condition.

c. Vendor will cover liability insurance for all participants to include Veteran patients, volunteers and staff members.

d. Allow VA staff to attend and work directly with Veterans in order to ensure equine services being offered are an extension of Veteran’s mental health care.

Evaluations: Treatment Plan, Pre and Post Assessments are completed by the Albany VAMC staff to specifically address: anxiety reduction, trust building, increase self-confidence, communication and social skills. Additional assessment include: development of problem solving skills, emotional awareness, nonverbal communication and teamwork. All information remains in the sole possession of the Albany

VAMC.

Performance Requirements Summary

Performance Objective Standard Method of Surveillance

Equine Assisted Services for Albany VAMC Veterans

-Participants actively involved, and attentive to instruction.

-Instructor demonstrates control of classes and conducts themselves in a professional manner

- Instructor will be evaluated through forms provided at conclusion of each riding session

- Unannounced visual surveillance will be conducted by VA point of contact included in contract.