PWS.docx

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE | GREAT PLAINS AREA

75H70627R00002

Standing Rock Service Unit (SRSU) Performance Work Statement (PWS) Emergency Department Nursing Services Fort Yates Hospital Standing Rock Service Unit Great Plains Area Indian Health Service

1.0 GENERAL

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) describes the requirements for non-personal healthcare services to provide Emergency Department nursing services in support of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Standing Rock Service Unit (SRSU), Fort Yates Hospital (FYH).

The Contractor shall provide all management, supervision, labor, personnel, credentialing, scheduling, administrative support, and other resources necessary to perform the requirements identified in this PWS, except for those items specifically identified as Government Furnished Information, Property, or Services.

The Contractor shall maintain responsibility for the supervision, management, scheduling, and control of Contractor personnel performing under this contract. Contractor personnel shall not be considered employees of the Federal Government and shall not be subject to Government supervision or control normally exercised over Federal employees.

The Contractor shall perform all services in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; Indian Health Service policies and procedures; healthcare accreditation standards; and the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

The Contractor shall provide qualified Emergency Department nursing personnel necessary to ensure continuous Emergency Department operations at Fort Yates Hospital, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, including holidays.

The Contractor shall be responsible for recruitment, credentialing, privileging, scheduling, supervision, replacement personnel, and overall management of Contractor employees necessary to fulfill the requirements of this contract.

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for providing Federal healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

The provision of healthcare services to members of federally recognized Tribes is based upon the special government-to-government relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.

IHS is the principal Federal healthcare provider and health advocate for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The mission of IHS is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.

The Standing Rock Service Unit (SRSU), located within the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service, provides healthcare services to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries.

The Fort Yates Hospital (FYH) is a rural critical access hospital and Level IV Trauma Center located in Fort Yates, North Dakota. The facility provides emergency medical services requiring continuous nursing support to ensure safe, effective, and timely patient care.

Due to ongoing healthcare workforce shortages and recruitment challenges, the Government requires contracted Emergency Department nursing services to maintain continuity of healthcare operations.

1.2 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide professional Emergency Department nursing services to support the healthcare mission of the Standing Rock Service Unit.

The Contractor shall provide qualified registered nursing personnel necessary to support emergency patient care, including patient assessment, treatment support, monitoring, documentation, care coordination, and other nursing services within the scope of practice.

The Contractor shall provide sufficient qualified personnel to maintain continuous Emergency Department coverage throughout the period of performance.

The Contractor shall provide complete nursing services as described herein. The Government is purchasing the required nursing service capability and availability and is not purchasing individual labor hours.

The Contractor shall maintain responsibility for staffing, scheduling, supervision, and management of Contractor personnel while ensuring compliance with all requirements of this PWS.

1.2.1 Duties and Responsibilities

The Contractor shall provide Emergency Department nursing services in accordance with Section 5.0, Performance Requirements.

Contractor nursing personnel shall perform duties consistent with the requirements of a rural critical access hospital Emergency Department and shall support inpatient nursing services when necessary to ensure continuity of patient care.

The Contractor shall ensure all personnel performing services under this contract possess the required qualifications, licenses, certifications, experience, and credentials identified in Section 6.0.

1.2.2 Place of Performance

The primary place of performance shall be:

Standing Rock Service Unit Fort Yates Hospital 10 Standing Rock Avenue Fort Yates, ND 58538 The Contractor may be required to perform services within other designated areas of the facility when necessary to support patient care operations.

1.2.3 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall consist of a four (4)-month Base Period plus fourteen (14) four-month Option Periods, for a total potential period of sixty (60) months (five years).

· The anticipated start of performance is approximately forty-five (45) calendar days after contract award.

· The actual dates for the Base Period and each Option Period will be established in the resulting contract.

· The Government reserves the right to exercise Option Period RN CLINs in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

1.2.4 Base Period and Option Period Structure

The requirement consists of up to eight (8) separately exercisable RN positions. Each RN position has a four-month Base Period CLIN and fourteen separately exercisable four-month Option Period CLINs. All RN position CLINs within the same performance period shall be priced using the common RN/MOS unit price established for that performance period.

The Base Period provides for up to thirty-two (32) MOS, representing a maximum of eight RN positions for four months each. The actual number of RN position CLINs awarded or funded for the Base Period will be identified in the resulting contract.

The Contractor shall complete all required credentialing, privileging, background investigations, facility orientation, Electronic Health Record (EHR) access requirements, and applicable training requirements prior to providing independent patient care services.

The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government during the approximately forty-five (45)-calendar-day mobilization period to ensure assigned personnel are qualified, credentialed, oriented, and prepared to perform services at the start of the Base Period.

Each Option Period RN CLIN, if exercised, shall be exercised for its full quantity of four (4) MOS, corresponding to one RN position for one complete four-month Option Period. Option CLINs may be exercised independently by RN position.

A Month of Service (MOS) under an individual RN CLIN represents one calendar month of Contractor-provided Emergency Department Registered Nurse services for one RN position. Each RN MOS includes the labor for that RN position and the Contractor's associated supervision, management, scheduling, credentialing, administrative support, replacement personnel, and other resources necessary to satisfy the requirements of this PWS.

The Contractor shall maintain sufficient staffing capability to meet the following potential maximum performance requirement when required by operational needs:

· Eight (8) Registered Nurses;

· Up to sixty (60) hours per nurse per week; and

· A potential aggregate of approximately 24,960 nursing hours annually when all eight RN positions are required at that level.

The staffing-hour requirements above establish required service capacity and performance expectations. They do not change the contract unit of issue or pricing basis: the Government is purchasing RN Months of Service under the applicable CLINs and is not purchasing individual labor hours.

The Government may experience fluctuations in staffing requirements based on operational needs, patient volume, permanent staffing levels, and mission requirements. The Contractor shall maintain sufficient qualified personnel to ensure uninterrupted Emergency Department operations.

1.2.5 Contract Transition Upon Expiration or Non-Exercise of Options The Government reserves the right not to exercise any or all option periods.

If services are transitioned to another contractor or acquisition method, the Contractor shall cooperate with the Government to support an orderly transition of services.

The Contractor shall continue performance through the end of the applicable contract period unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall provide reasonable transition assistance necessary to support continuity of patient care.

1.3 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The Contractor shall comply with applicable standards, regulations, policies, and guidance, including but not limited to:

1.3.1 The Joint Commission (TJC)

Applicable accreditation standards established by The Joint Commission.

1.3.2 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Applicable CMS Conditions of Participation and healthcare facility requirements.

1.3.3 Indian Health Service Policies

Applicable Indian Health Service manuals, policies, procedures, healthcare standards, and facility-specific requirements.

1.3.4 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 Applicable HIPAA privacy and security requirements governing protected health information.

1.3.5 Privacy Act of 1974

Applicable Federal requirements governing the protection of patient information.

1.3.6 American Nurses Association Standards

Applicable American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and standards of nursing practice.

1.3.7 State Nurse Practice Act

Applicable nursing licensure requirements for the State where services are performed.

1.3.8 Standing Rock Service Unit Policies and Procedures

Applicable SRSU policies, procedures, protocols, safety requirements, infection control standards, and clinical practice guidelines.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

2.1 Acceptance

Acceptance constitutes acknowledgement by the Government that the Contractor’s services conform to the applicable contract requirements.

2.2 Approval

Approval is the Government’s acknowledgement that submitted documents, deliverables, or administrative requirements comply with contractual requirements. Government approval does not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for contract compliance.

2.3 Code of Ethics

The professional ethical standards established by the American Nurses Association governing nursing practice.

2.4 Contracting Officer (CO)

A Government employee with authority to enter into, administer, modify, and terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

2.5 Contractor

The individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity awarded the contract to provide required services.

2.6 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

A Government employee designated by the Contracting Officer to assist with technical monitoring, contract administration support, and performance oversight within the authority delegated by the Contracting Officer.

The COR does not have authority to change contract terms, conditions, price, scope, or schedule.

2.7 Cooperative Attitude

Professional behavior demonstrating teamwork, communication, respect, and willingness to support patient care activities.

2.8 Cultural Awareness

Recognition and respect for American Indian and Alaska Native cultures, traditions, and healthcare perspectives.

2.9 Customer

Patients, visitors, healthcare personnel, and individuals receiving services or interacting with the Standing Rock Service Unit.

2.10 Customer Evaluation/Input

Documented feedback regarding Contractor performance, quality of services, professionalism, and patient care.

2.11 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

The primary regulation governing Federal acquisition activities.

2.12 Month of Service (MOS)

A Month of Service (MOS) under an individual RN CLIN represents one calendar month of Contractor-provided Emergency Department Registered Nurse services for one RN position.

Each RN MOS includes the labor for that RN position and the Contractor's associated supervision, management, scheduling, credentialing, administrative support, replacement personnel, and other resources necessary to satisfy the requirements of this PWS. The potential hourly staffing requirements in this PWS are performance-capacity requirements and do not convert the MOS unit of issue into an hourly-priced arrangement.

2.13 Non-Personal Services

Services performed by Contractor personnel where the Government does not exercise supervision or control over Contractor employees as it does over Federal employees.

The Contractor retains responsibility for management, supervision, scheduling, and control of Contractor personnel.

2.14 Orientation

Facility-specific activities designed to familiarize Contractor personnel with operational procedures, policies, systems, and requirements necessary to perform contract services.

2.15 Past Performance Information

Relevant information regarding a Contractor’s previous performance, including quality of work, compliance with requirements, timeliness, customer satisfaction, and business practices.

2.16 Patient Outcome

The result of healthcare services provided to a patient.

2.17 Performance-Based Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) A Government-developed plan identifying performance standards, surveillance methods, and evaluation criteria used to assess Contractor performance.

2.18 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment used to protect healthcare personnel from exposure to biological, chemical, or other hazards.

2.19 Service Unit

The local administrative healthcare delivery organization within the Indian Health Service.

2.20 Standards of Practice and Standards of Care

Professional requirements and guidelines establishing expectations for safe and effective nursing practice.

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION, PROPERTY, AND SERVICES

3.1 Information

Government unique information necessary for Contractor performance shall be made available to the Contractor.

The Contracting Officer or designated representative shall be the point of contact for identification and release of Government information required for contract performance.

The Contractor shall safeguard all Government information and use such information only for purposes directly related to contract performance.

3.2 Joint Use by the Government and Contractor

Except as otherwise identified in this PWS, the Government shall provide, for joint use by Government and Contractor personnel, necessary facility space, equipment, supplies, and clinical resources required for performance of the Emergency Department nursing services.

Government-furnished resources shall remain the property of the Government and shall be used only for authorized contract performance.

3.3 Contractor Access to Government Facilities

The Government shall provide reasonable access to Fort Yates Hospital facilities necessary for Contractor personnel to perform required services.

Contractor personnel shall comply with all applicable facility access requirements, security procedures, infection control requirements, safety policies, and operational procedures.

3.4 Government Furnished Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Government shall furnish appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for Contractor personnel while performing healthcare services at the facility, except for items normally considered personal equipment or uniforms.

The Government shall be responsible for maintenance and inventory of Government-furnished PPE.

3.5 Government Furnished Identification Badges

The Government shall provide facility-specific identification badges for Contractor personnel performing services under this contract.

The Contractor shall ensure Contractor personnel wear Government-issued identification badges while performing duties within the facility.

A minimum fee of $100 may be assessed for lost or damaged Government-issued identification badges.

3.6 Government Furnished Training

The Government shall provide facility-specific orientation and training necessary for Contractor personnel to perform required duties, including applicable:

· Facility procedures;

· Electronic Health Record (EHR) access and requirements;

· Information technology security requirements;

· Operational procedures; and

· Mandatory facility training.

Government-provided training is limited to requirements necessary for contract performance and does not include continuing education, professional development, or individual career development.

4.0 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

4.1 General

Except for property specifically identified as Government Furnished Property, the Contractor shall provide all resources necessary to perform the requirements of this contract.

The Contractor shall provide all uniforms, personal equipment, administrative resources, management support, and other items necessary for Contractor personnel to perform required services.

4.2 Uniforms and Professional Appearance

Contractor personnel shall wear appropriate professional attire consistent with healthcare industry standards and any applicable facility requirements.

The Contractor shall ensure personnel maintain a professional appearance and comply with facility identification requirements.

4.3 Personal Medical Equipment

Contractor personnel shall provide personal medical instruments and equipment normally required for nursing practice, including but not limited to:

· Stethoscope;

· Scissors; and

· Other standard nursing equipment.

Contractor-provided equipment shall be safe, functional, and appropriate for intended use.

The Government reserves the right to prohibit the use of unsafe or inappropriate equipment.

5.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide Emergency Department nursing services necessary to support the mission of the Standing Rock Service Unit and Fort Yates Hospital.

The Contractor shall provide qualified nursing personnel capable of delivering safe, effective, culturally appropriate, and professional patient care.

The Contractor shall maintain responsibility for the management, supervision, scheduling, and control of Contractor personnel.

5.1 Contract Management Requirements

5.1.1 Contractor Point of Contact

The Contractor shall provide, at contract award and throughout the contract period, a primary point of contact and alternate point of contact responsible for contract administration activities, including:

A. Coordination of credentialing and privileging requirements;

B. Coordination of staffing schedules;

C. Coordination of staffing records and timesheet verification for performance-monitoring purposes; such records do not alter the MOS-based FFP pricing arrangement.

D. Invoice review and payment-related questions;

E. Management oversight of Contractor nursing personnel;

F. Submission of staffing reports and required documentation.

5.1.2 Contract Kickoff Meeting

The Contractor shall participate in a contract kickoff meeting with the Contracting Officer, COR, and designated Government personnel within five (5) business days after contract award.

The Contractor shall identify:

· Key Contractor personnel;

· Staffing approach;

· Credentialing status;

· Implementation milestones;

· Potential performance risks; and

· Actions necessary to successfully begin contract performance.

5.1.3 Contract Performance Meetings

The Contractor shall participate in periodic performance meetings with Government personnel as required to discuss:

· Staffing status;

· Performance issues;

· Operational concerns;

· Quality improvement opportunities; and

· Contract requirements.

The Contractor shall provide requested updates and supporting information necessary for effective contract administration.

5.1.4 Emergency Staffing Contact

The Contractor shall provide twenty-four (24) hour contact information for staffing-related emergencies, including:

· Name;

· Telephone number; and

· Email address.

5.1.5 Staffing Management Plan

The Contractor shall submit an Emergency Department Nursing Staffing Management Plan within five (5) business days after contract award.

The plan shall describe the Contractor’s approach for:

· Recruitment;

· Credentialing;

· Scheduling;

· Personnel replacement;

· Continuity of operations; and

· Maintaining required Emergency Department coverage.

5.1.6 Staffing and Recruitment

The Contractor shall maintain sufficient qualified personnel to meet contract requirements.

When additional or replacement personnel are required, the Contractor shall initiate replacement actions immediately and provide qualified replacement personnel sufficiently in advance to prevent interruption of required services.

All replacement personnel shall meet the qualification requirements identified in Section 6.0 prior to performing services.

5.2 Nursing Services Requirements

5.2.1 Emergency Department Nursing Services

The Contractor shall provide professional nursing services consistent with the operations of a rural critical access hospital Emergency Department.

Services shall include, but are not limited to:

· Patient assessment;

· Emergency nursing care;

· Patient monitoring;

· Medication administration;

· Treatment support;

· Documentation;

· Care coordination; and

· Patient education.

5.2.2 Standards of Practice

Contractor nursing personnel shall perform services in accordance with:

· Professional nursing standards;

· Applicable Nurse Practice Act requirements;

· IHS policies;

· Facility procedures;

· Joint Commission standards;

· CMS requirements; and

· Applicable healthcare regulations.

5.2.3 Patient Care Responsibilities

The Contractor shall provide nursing services including:

A. Providing emergency nursing care to patients presenting to the Fort Yates Hospital Emergency Department.

B. Applying nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and assessment skills to provide individualized patient care.

C. Recognizing changes in patient condition and initiating appropriate nursing interventions.

D. Administering medications and treatments consistent with physician orders, nursing standards, and facility protocols.

E. Monitoring patient response to treatments and reporting significant changes in patient condition.

F. Supporting emergency procedures, stabilization activities, and transfers as required.

G. Working collaboratively with Government healthcare providers and facility personnel.

H. Completing all required documentation in the Standing Rock Service Unit Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

I. Complying with facility policies, procedures, safety requirements, infection control requirements, and accreditation standards.

J. Supporting quality assurance activities and maintaining required clinical documentation.

5.3 WORK SCHEDULE AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

5.3.1 Emergency Department Hours of Operation

The Fort Yates Hospital Emergency Department operates twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, including holidays.

The Contractor shall provide sufficient qualified nursing personnel to maintain continuous Emergency Department coverage throughout the period of performance.

5.3.2 Scheduling and Staffing Requirements

The Contractor shall retain responsibility for scheduling, assigning, supervising, and managing Contractor personnel.

The Government shall communicate required operational coverage needs and facility requirements; however, the Contractor shall determine the appropriate staffing approach necessary to satisfy the requirements of this contract.

The Contractor shall ensure assigned nursing personnel are available and qualified to perform required duties during scheduled coverage periods.

The Contractor shall maintain the capability to provide up to sixty (60) hours of nursing service per week for each exercised RN position when required by operational needs. The RN/MOS unit price shall include all costs necessary to satisfy this potential level of service. No additional payment will be made solely because an exercised RN position requires up to sixty (60) hours of service in a particular week.

5.3.3 Work Flexibility

Contractor nursing personnel may be required to support other patient care areas, including inpatient nursing services, when necessary to support continuity of patient care and when duties are within the individual’s qualifications and scope of practice.

Such support shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to maintain Emergency Department coverage.

5.3.4 Absence and Replacement Personnel

The Contractor shall provide replacement personnel when assigned Contractor employees are unavailable due to illness, personal leave, emergency circumstances, or other absences.

The Contractor shall ensure replacement personnel meet all qualification, credentialing, licensing, and facility access requirements before performing services.

5.3.5 Continuity of Services

Continuity of patient care is essential to Fort Yates Hospital operations.

The Contractor shall maintain a contingency plan to address unexpected staffing shortages, personnel departures, or other circumstances that may affect contract performance.

The Contractor’s contingency plan shall include procedures for:

· Identifying staffing risks;

· Recruiting replacement personnel;

· Maintaining qualified backup personnel;

· Communicating staffing issues to Government representatives; and

· Preventing disruption of patient care services.

5.3.6 Key Personnel

The Contractor shall identify key personnel responsible for successful contract performance.

Key personnel may include, but are not limited to:

· Contract Manager;

· Staffing Coordinator; and

· Designated clinical leadership personnel.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of proposed changes to identified key personnel when such changes may impact contract performance.

5.4 Conduct Requirements

5.4.1 Professional Conduct

Contractor personnel shall maintain professional conduct consistent with healthcare standards and Federal facility requirements.

Contractor personnel shall:

· Treat patients, families, visitors, and staff with professionalism and respect;

· Maintain cultural awareness and sensitivity;

· Follow applicable facility policies and procedures;

· Protect patient privacy and confidentiality; and

· Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

5.4.2 Background Investigations and Security Requirements

The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal security and background investigation requirements.

Contractor personnel shall provide all information necessary for required background investigations, credentialing, and security reviews.

The Contractor shall ensure personnel complete required fingerprinting and investigation requirements before performing duties when required by the Contracting Officer.

The Government reserves the right to deny facility access or require removal of Contractor personnel when unfavorable information is identified that impacts suitability, security, patient safety, or contract performance.

5.5 Performance Evaluation

5.5.1 Performance Monitoring

The Government shall evaluate Contractor performance in accordance with the requirements of this PWS and the Performance-Based Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

The Government may use various surveillance methods, including:

· Review of documentation;

· Customer feedback;

· Performance reviews;

· Facility observations;

· Quality assurance reviews; and

· Other appropriate monitoring methods.

5.5.2 Patient Safety and Quality Concerns

Substantiated reports involving patient safety concerns, infection control violations, failure to follow established procedures, or other actions that adversely affect patient outcomes may constitute failure to meet contract requirements.

The Contractor shall immediately address identified performance deficiencies.

5.6 Identification of Contractor Personnel

Contractor personnel shall wear Government-issued identification badges while performing duties at the facility.

Contractor personnel shall clearly identify themselves as Contractor employees when interacting with patients, Government employees, and visitors.

5.7 Management of Medical Information

The Contractor shall manage all patient information in accordance with:

· Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);

· Privacy Act requirements;

· IHS policies;

· Facility procedures; and

· Applicable Federal healthcare information security requirements.

5.7.1 Reporting Privacy or Security Incidents

The Contractor shall immediately report suspected or confirmed privacy, security, or information management incidents to the COR and Contracting Officer.

5.8 IHS Information Technology Systems

5.8.1 Electronic Health Record Access

Contractor personnel shall utilize the Standing Rock Service Unit Electronic Health Record (EHR) system as required to perform assigned duties.

Contractor personnel shall complete required training and demonstrate competency prior to independent system use.

5.8.2 Information Technology Security Requirements

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable:

· HHS information security requirements;

· IHS information technology policies;

· HIPAA security requirements;

· Privacy Act requirements; and

· Facility-specific IT procedures.

6.0 CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide qualified registered nursing personnel who meet the requirements of this section.

6.1 Education Requirements

Contractor nursing personnel shall possess a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited professional nursing program approved by the applicable licensing authority at the time of completion.

6.2 Experience Requirements

Contractor nursing personnel shall possess a minimum of thirty-six (36) months of nursing experience.

Personnel shall possess a minimum of twelve (12) months of Emergency Department nursing experience unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer.

Experience shall demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform Emergency Department nursing services successfully.

6.3 Licensure Requirements

All Contractor nurses shall possess a current, valid, unrestricted nursing license issued by a State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or United States Territory.

The license shall remain active throughout the period of contract performance.

6.4 Required Certifications

Contractor nursing personnel shall maintain current required certifications, including:

· Basic Life Support (BLS);

· Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS);

· Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); and

· Other certifications required by the facility or applicable professional standards.

6.5 Health Requirements

Contractor personnel shall meet applicable occupational health requirements necessary to perform duties safely within a healthcare environment.

6.5.1 Immunizations and Health Documentation

Contractor personnel shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable healthcare worker requirements, including:

· Hepatitis vaccination requirements or approved declination;

· Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR);

· Varicella;

· Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap/Td);

· Tuberculosis screening;

· Influenza vaccination; and

· Other requirements established by the facility.

6.6 Language Requirements and Cultural Awareness

Contractor personnel shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to communicate effectively with patients, families, healthcare personnel, and Government representatives.

Contractor personnel shall demonstrate respect and awareness of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures.

6.7 Information Technology Skills

Contractor personnel shall possess sufficient computer skills to utilize electronic healthcare systems, including Electronic Health Record systems.

6.8 Orientation Requirements

Contractor personnel shall complete required facility orientation and training prior to performing independent duties.

6.9 Background Checks

The Contractor shall provide all information necessary to complete required background investigations.

Contractor personnel shall comply with applicable security investigation requirements established by the Government.

7.0 FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT (FTCA) AND MEDICAL LIABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage does not extend to non-personal service contractors performing services under this contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate professional liability insurance coverage for all Contractor personnel performing services under this contract.

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements identified in the resulting contract, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions and clauses concerning medical liability insurance requirements.

The Contractor shall provide evidence of required insurance coverage upon request by the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes, licensing fees, professional expenses, travel expenses, transportation expenses, meals, lodging, and other costs associated with Contractor personnel performing under this contract unless otherwise stated in the resulting contract.

8.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Contracting Officer Authority

The Contracting Officer is the only Government official authorized to:

· Enter into, modify, or terminate the contract;

· Make changes to contract terms and conditions;

· Make determinations regarding contract disputes; and

· Issue binding direction affecting price, scope, schedule, or performance requirements.

The Contractor shall not rely upon instructions or direction from Government personnel unless authorized by the Contracting Officer or delegated representative.

8.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

The COR is responsible for assisting the Contracting Officer with technical monitoring and evaluation of Contractor performance.

The COR may:

· Monitor Contractor performance;

· Review deliverables and documentation;

· Provide technical clarification regarding requirements;

· Coordinate facility access and operational matters; and

· Provide performance feedback to the Contracting Officer.

The COR does not have authority to:

· Modify contract terms;

· Increase contract funding;

· Change contract scope;

· Direct Contractor employees; or

· Create obligations for the Government.

8.3 Contractor Management Responsibility

The Contractor shall maintain full responsibility for the management and supervision of Contractor personnel.

The Contractor shall:

· Recruit and assign qualified personnel;

· Establish work schedules;

· Monitor employee performance;

· Provide corrective actions when necessary;

· Ensure compliance with contract requirements; and

· Maintain continuity of required services.

Nothing in this contract shall be interpreted as creating an employer-employee relationship between the Government and Contractor personnel.

9.0 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY AND COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

9.1 Compliance with Laws, Regulations, and Standards

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable:

· Federal laws and regulations;

· State licensing requirements;

· Healthcare accreditation standards;

· IHS policies and procedures;

· Facility safety requirements; and

· Professional nursing standards.

9.2 Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor personnel maintain confidentiality of patient information.

Contractor personnel shall not access, disclose, or use patient information except as necessary to perform authorized duties under this contract.

9.3 Safety Requirements

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable workplace safety, infection prevention, and occupational health requirements.

Contractor personnel shall immediately report safety hazards, incidents, or patient care concerns through appropriate channels.

10.0 PERFORMANCE-BASED QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP) MATRIX

The Government will evaluate Contractor performance using a performance-based approach.

The purpose of surveillance is to ensure the Contractor provides high-quality Emergency Department nursing services consistent with contract requirements.

Failure to meet established performance standards may result in corrective action, reduced performance ratings, or other remedies available to the Government under the contract.

Performance-Based QASP Matrix

10.1 Contractor Performance Assessment

The Government may evaluate Contractor performance through the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

Performance evaluations may consider:

· Quality of services provided;

· Compliance with contract requirements;

· Management effectiveness;

· Staffing reliability;

· Professional conduct;

· Responsiveness to Government concerns; and

· Patient care outcomes.

Performance information may be considered in future Federal acquisition decisions.

11.0 PWS AUTHORITY

The following authority provisions apply to this PWS and the resulting contract:

11.1 No person other than the Contracting Officer has authority to bind the Government with respect to this contract.

11.2 No action or omission of any Government employee or representative other than the Contracting Officer shall increase or decrease the scope of this contract or otherwise modify the terms and conditions of this contract.

11.3 In no event shall any of the following be effective or binding on the Government or imputed to the Contracting Officer with respect to this contract:

11.3.1 An understanding or agreement between the Contractor and anyone other than the Contracting Officer;

11.3.2 A purported modification or change order issued by anyone other than the Contracting Officer;

11.3.3 A promise by anyone other than the Contracting Officer to provide additional funding or make payments; or

11.3.4 An order, direction, consent, or permission from anyone other than the Contracting Officer to:

11.3.4.1 Incur costs in excess of a specified estimated cost, allotment of funds, or other ceiling; or

11.3.4.2 Expend hours in excess of a specified level of effort.

PWS 2

Emergency Department Nursing Services