PWS DRAFT2 NYH Multi-Modality DRT.docx

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Certified Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, Sonographers, Registered Vascular Technologists and Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Contract staff shall perform services on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Positions include the following modalities:

1.1.1. General Radiography (X-ray, fluoroscopy, DEXA)

1.1.2. Computer Tomography (CT) Technologist

1.1.3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (MRI)

1.1.4. Mammography Technologist (M)

1.1.5. Vascular Interventional Radiography Technologist (VIR), Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CIR)

1.1.6. Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NM)

1.1.7. PET/CT Technologist,

1.1.8. Sonography/Ultrasound Technologist (including small parts, abdomen, breast, OB/GYN, vascular)

1.1.9. Registered Vascular Technologist

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at any campus operated by the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System:

1.2.1. Manhattan Campus

423 East 23 Street New York NY 10010 Tele (212)-686-7500

1.2.2. Brooklyn Campus

800 Poly Place Brooklyn NY 11209 Tele (718)836-6600

1.2.3. St. Albans Community Living Center

179-00 Linden Blvd Jamaica, NY 11425 Tele (718) 526-1000

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

1.4. Policy/Handbooks:

1.4.1. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.4.2. VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.4.3. VHA Handbook 1100.20: Credentialing and Privileging:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9444

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

www.va.gov/vhapublications/viewpublication.asp?pub_id=3148

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5472

1.4.6. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting - Buying: https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

1.4.8. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended: http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.5. Definitions/Acronyms- Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.5.1. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.2. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.5.3. ARDMS: American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

1.5.4. ARRT: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

1.5.5. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.6. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.7. CDR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.5.8. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.9. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.10. CE: Continuing Education

1.5.11. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.12. Contracting Officer (CO): The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make related determinations and findings.

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

1.5.14. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.15. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.16. CPRS: Computerized Patient Recordkeeping System- electronic health record system used by the VA.

1.5.17. Credentialing: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

1.5.18. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.5.19. ED: Emergency Department

1.5.20. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.21. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.22. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.23. HR: Human Resources

1.5.24. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.25. Medical Emergency: A sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, causing impairments to body functions, or causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.5.26. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

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

1.5.28. Non-Contract Provider: Any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the Contractor or any of its subcontractors

1.5.29. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.5.30. NMTCB: Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board

1.5.31. PA: Physician Assistant

1.5.32. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.33. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.34. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.35. Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific.

1.5.36. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.37. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.38. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.39. RDMS: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

1.5.40. RVT: Registered Vascular Technologist

1.5.41. Veterans Health Administration (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States. The VHA is located in Washington, D.C.

1.5.42. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers.

1.5.43. VISTA (Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture): A PC based system that will capture and store clinical imagery, scanned documents and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record and with the hospital information system.

1.5.44. VetPro: a federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers

1.5.45. Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC): Unless identified with the name of a different VA medical Center, for purposes of this contract, this term shall mean the New York Harbor Medical Center.

2. QUALIFICATIONS

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: Contractor’s personnel shall be licensed to practice Radiologic Technology in a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses. Contractor Radiologic Technologist(s) who have current, full and unrestricted licenses in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.1.2. Certification:

a. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRTs) must be certified in general radiologic technology ( R ) by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

b. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) that provide specialty coverage must have advanced certification from the ARRT in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography (M), Vascular Interventional Radiography (IR) and/or Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CIR).

c. Nuclear Medicine Technologists must be certified in Nuclear Medicine Technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, RT (N).

2.1.2.c.1. Nuclear Medicine Technologists who work in PET/CT must be certified in Computed Tomography (CT) by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board or by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology.

d. Sonographers (medical instrument technicians) must hold an RDMS certificate (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (in abdomen, breast and/or obstetrics & gynecology depending on the services provided).

e. Vascular Sonographers (medical instrument technicians) must hold a RVT certificate (Registered Vascular Technologist) from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

f. Cardiac Catheterization Technologists must have at least 3 years of experience in Interventional Radiology or in Cardiac Catheterization and/or hold a Cardiac Interventional Radiography Certificate (CIR) or a Vascular Interventional Radiography Certificate (VIR) from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.20 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that proposed all Radiologic Technologist and/or Technician possess the requisite credentials. No services shall be provided by the Contractor’s Imaging Technologist and/or Technician (radiologic, sonographic, nuclear medicine) prior to obtaining approval by the (630) New Harbor Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

a. If the contractor’s Imaging Technologist and/or Technician is not credentialed or has credentials suspended or revoked, the Imaging Technologist will immediately stop providing services at the medical center and the contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency: The contractor’s Imaging Technologist and/or Technician shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the CO/COR to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history. All contractor’s Radiologic Technologists and/or Technicians shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

a. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all education, training, and level of experience for all contracted techs.

b. All contracted technologists shall also comply with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) qualification standard for the appointment of Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647, appointed under 38 U.S.C. § 7401(1) and 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B) (see VA handbook 5005/119 Appendix G25).

c. The VA has the right to refuse any candidate submitted by the contractor.

2.1.4.c.1. Newly contracted imaging technologists will be subject to a pre-assessment before formal selection. This will include but is not limited to review of cases performed during the first two weeks of work at the VA hospital by radiologist. Newly contracted candidate’s assessment will include on-site assessment for evaluation of clinical skills. Contractor is expected to provide experienced technologists, with a minimum of three years of experience on advanced modality or minimum number of cases for each type of procedures performed. Contracted techs will not be trained by VA staff, they will only receive a two week familiarization training with protocols, SOP, and equipment.

2.1.4.1 Vascular Technologists require:

2.1.4.1.1 A Registered Vascular Technologist certificate from the ARDMS (RVT)

2.1.4.1.2 Phillips EPIQ 7, Hologic Siemens experience preferred

2.1.4.1.3 Experience performing vascular studies which include, but not limited to: Upper and lower extremity venous, Carotid, ankle brachial index (ABI)/Segmental Pressures, Aorta, Renal Artery, Lower Extremity Arterial, including stents and bypasses.

2.1.4.2 Sonography Technologists require:

2.1.4.2.1 A Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) Certificate in abdomen, OB/GYN, and/or breast) depending on the services provided

2.1.4.2.2 Experience performing ultrasound studies which include, but not limited to: Abdomen and retroperitoneum, small parts, gynecology, male pelvis, obstetrics, vascular imaging, miscellaneous: breast sonography, breast biopsies.

2.1.4.3 Diagnostic Radiology and Computed Tomography Technologists require:

2.1.4.3.1 Certification in Computed Tomography and Diagnostic X-ray with the ARRT.

2.1.4.3.2 Computed Tomography (CT) requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.

2.1.4.3.3 Specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.]

2.1.4.3.4 Experience in procedures such as IVP, GI series, Modified Barium Swallow, barium and air contrasted barium enema exams.

2.1.4.3.5 Experience with sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are presented properly for the attending radiologist(s).

2.1.4.3.6 Experience with interoperative portable and portable c-arm cases.

2.1.4.3.7 Experience with portable c-arm cases in Pain Management.

2.1.4.3.8 Experience on 320 slice, 64 Slice Light Speed Computed Tomography Scanners.

2.1.4.3.9 Experience in Cardiac CT exams with retro and prospective gating, Interventional/CT Procedures with CT Fluoro such as Lung biopsy, RFA’s, Cryo-Ablations and Microwave ablations.

2.1.4.3.10 Experience with general x-ray and be responsible for performing a full range of CT exams. This will consist of both contrasted and non-contrasted exams in both areas, and tracking of reportable CT doses.

2.1.4.3.11 Experience and knowledge of Intravenous Contrast Agents used in Radiology and Hydration Procedures.

2.1.4.4 Cardiac Catheterization Lab Technologists require:

2.1.4.4.1 Experience in vascular interventional radiography and/or cardiac interventional radiography procedures including: LHC, RHC, PCI, Stent placement, IABP, IVUS, OCT, pressure wires, pericardiocentesis, temporary pacemakers, and radial artery procedures, brachial procedures and electrophysiology studies.

2.1.4.4.2 Ability to work with the physician to complete both diagnostic and therapeutic electrophysiology procedures including electrophysiological studies, ablations, pacemaker implantation, AICD implantation, BiV pacemaker/AICD implantation, intracardiac ultrasound.

2.1.4.4.3 Ability to monitor the progression of procedures requiring independent judgment and anticipate need to provide specific instrument and/or catheters.

2.1.4.4.4 Intimate knowledge of vascular and coronary anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function.

2.1.4.5 General Radiologic Technologist (R) DRTs require:

2.1.4.5.1 The ability to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body.

2.1.4.5.2 Experience assisting with fluoroscopy and performing imaging

2.1.4.5.3 Experience preparing and administering contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

2.1.4.5.4 Knowledge in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR),] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

2.1.4.5.5 Experience with Bone Densitometry (BD)/DEXA examinations on the lumbar spine, hips and forearms.

2.1.4.6 Mammography (M) Technologist requires:

2.1.4.6.1 Specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast.

2.1.4.6.2 Experience with specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast.

2.1.4.6.3 Familiarity with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements.

2.1.4.6.4 Adherence to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.]

2.1.4.7 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) Technologist requires:

2.1.4.7.1 Knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging.

2.1.4.7.2 Education in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter.

2.1.4.7.3 Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body.

2.1.4.7.4 Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged.

2.1.4.7.5 [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties.] Knowledge in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.]

2.1.4.8 Interventional Radiography (IR) Technologists (may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists) requires:

2.1.4.8.1 Experience with specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures.

2.1.4.8.2 Knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy.

2.1.4.8.3 Knowledge in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures.

2.1.4.8.4 Knowledge of digital imagining and PACS.

2.1.5. Continuing Education: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CEs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractor’s Imaging Technologist and/or Technician registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CE to remain current. Contractor shall report CE hours to the credentials office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for Imaging Technologist and/or Technician.

2.1.6. Training (BLS, CPRS and VA Mandatory): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by contract providers as required by the VA. Other training may become required. VA will communicate any changes to the training requirement to the contractor.

2.1.7. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for all contract staff within five calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the COR. Tests shall be current within the past year.

a. Tuberculosis Testing: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contract staff {This is applicable to all health care workers}. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be repeated annually.

b. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Testing: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all contract staff {This is applicable to all health care workers.}

c. Varicella: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all contract staff {This is applicable to all health care workers.}

d. Acellular Pertussis: Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all contract staff {This is applicable to all health care workers.}

2.1.8. Influenza: Contractors shall provide proof that all contract staff have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If a contract staff person has a medical contraindication to the vaccine they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers.}

2.1.9. OSHA Regulation Concerning Occupational Exposure To Bloodborne Pathogens: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all contractor’s staff {This is applicable to all health care workers}; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

a. The VAMC shall notify the contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor shall adhere to current CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel (as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998; 26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.1.10. COVID-19

a. Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following:

2.1.10.a.1. Documentation requirements:

2.1.10.a.1.1. If fully vaccinated, contractors shall show proof of vaccination.

2.1.10.a.1.2. NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

2.1.10.a.2. If unvaccinated, contractors shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test that includes an affiliated telehealth service.

2.1.10.a.3. Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

2.1.10.a.4. Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

b. Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19 Screening Tool. Check regularly for updates.

2.1.10.b.1. Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance, each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces. Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

c. Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities.

d. For indefinite delivery contracts: Contractor agrees to comply with VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for any task or delivery orders issued prior to this modification when performance has already commenced.

2.1.11. Conflict of Interest: The contractor and all contractor’s staff are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, the contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided. The contractor shall also provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest (Jan 2008) and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.12. Citizenship Related Requirements:

a. The contractor certifies that the contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals;

b. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. Additionally, the contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

c. If the contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

d. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

e. The contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFP using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.13. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: 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.

2.1.13.1. Therefore, contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed Contractor Radiologic Technologist (s) are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the Contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.13.2. By submitting their proposal, the contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19. Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

2.3. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the contractor and all contract staff shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

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

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

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

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

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover contractor or contractor’s staff. When a contractor’s personnel 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 personnel action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel:

2.9.1. VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE): FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Certified Radiologic Technologist and/or Technicians are required to be on-site on a daily basis for a full tour of duty as defined in the paragraph on Hours of Operation in this section.

2.9.2.1. Computed Tomography (CT): 1.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.2. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist/DEXA: 2.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.3. MRI Technologist: 2.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.4. PET/CT Technologist 1.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.5. Mammography Technologist 2.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.6. Ultrasound Technologist: 2.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.7. Cardiology Technologist: 1.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

2.9.2.8. Vascular Sonography Technologist: 1.0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section.

2.9.3. The following Certified Technologists may be required to be on site dependent on Service requirements, not to exceed 12.0 FTEE limit of position.

2.9.3.1. Nuclear Medicine Technologist: 0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section.

2.9.3.2. Interventional Radiology Technologist: 0 FTE is required to be onsite 5 days per week as defined in the Hours of Operation in this section

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

2.9.5. Personnel Substitutions: During the first 90 calendar days of performance, the contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death or termination of employment. The contractor shall notify the CO, in writing, within 15 calendar day(s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least 15 calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

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

b. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three consecutive workdays or more, the contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

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

d. Contingency Plan: 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 Radiologic Technologist and/or Technician leaves contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. HOURS OF OPERATION

3.1. VA Business Hours: The VA New York Harbor Health Care System requires DRT staffing support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm for 8 hours. However, clinic hours require coverage outside of regular business hours, on weekends and Federal Holidays.

3.1.1. Patients must be seen by a contractor’s Radiologic Technologist and/or Technician on-site at New York Harbor Healthcare System in a timely manner in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on clinic wait times and consult completion. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.1.2. Contractor’s Radiologic Technologist and/or Technician shall be available and present in clinic during normal New York Harbor Healthcare System clinic hours, which will be established and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Chief of Staff. Currently, normal clinic hours are from 8 am to 4:30 pm. However, this may change as needed to meet the clinical needs of veterans.

3.1.3. Shift-Hours/Schedule Coverage: These positions are subject to rotating tours of duty (days, evenings, weekends and holidays).

· Morning Shift: 7:30 am to 4 pm

· Afternoon Shift: 3:30 pm to 12 am

· Evening Shift: 11:30 pm to 8 am

3.1.4. Contractor will have a ½ hour unpaid break each shift.

3.1.5. There may be occasional overtime, pre-approved, at the discretion of the Chief DRT.

3.1.6. The VA will provide shift confirmations to the contractor and contract staff 14 days in advance.

3.1.7. Contract staff may be scheduled to work on Federal Holidays.

3.1.8. The VA reserves the right to move contractor staff to other locations within the same hospital depending on the coverage required by the VA.

3.1.9. Contractor shall provide exclusive/dedicated full time staff coverage to the Government for all scheduled shifts enumerated above. Contractor should have available backups to provide coverage for contracted staff on leave. Schedules for contract personnel shall be established by the COR and Radiology Service Chief two weeks prior to start date. Shift schedules could change per government needs. Prior to any scheduling changes, the Government will give the contractor two weeks’ notice. Based on staffing level, contractors may be subjected to rotating to any campus operated by the VANYHHCS.

1.4 Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

1.5 Cancellations: Unless a state of emergency has been declared or clinics are otherwise cancelled by the VAMC, the contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The contractor shall provide Radiologic Technologist(s) and/or Technician(s) who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

4.1.1. Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist

4.1.2. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (to include DEXA)

4.1.3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

4.1.4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

4.1.5. PET CT Technologist

4.1.6. Mammography Technologist

4.1.7. Interventional Radiologist Technologist

4.1.8. Ultrasound Technicians or Technologist

4.1.9. Medical Instrument Technician Cath Lab

4.1.10. Peripheral Vascular Laboratory Technician or Technologist (to include ABIs)

4.2. Contractor’s Radiologic Technologist and/or Technician shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. Outlook emails for signing in and out will be used in addition to timesheets. Contracted technologist is responsible for signing in/out within 10 minutes from the arrival or departure time. Timesheets and Outlook messages will be used by the COR to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices. In addition, contracted staff will include list of cases performed for the day.

4.3. Contractor is responsible for providing coverage when their contract staff are on leave (including emergency, illness or vacation). Contractor must inform the COR of the schedule change. Contracted technologists leave should not impact VA operations as vendors should be readily available to provide back coverage.

4.4. Contracted staff are responsible for reviewing all pending cases on the daily basis and entering CPRS notes for pending cases not completed on the same date of request, stating reason for delay. Note will include addition of requesting provider for acknowledgement.

4.5. Standards of Care: The contractor’s Radiologic Technologist and/or Technician shall cover the range of Radiologic services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by:

4.5.1. VA Standards: VHA Directive 2006-041 “Veterans’ Health Care Service Standards” (expired but still in effect pending revision): https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443

4.5.2. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC): http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx

4.5.3. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA): http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

4.5.4. Adhere to the ARRT and ARDMS Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards

4.5.5. Contract personnel shall perform services in accordance with ethical, professional, and technical standards of the healthcare industry consistent with VA policy, regulations, procedures, and protocol. Contractor personnel shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the requirements stated herein including the ability to understand, speak, read, and write the English language.

4.6. Responsibilities: Technologists/technicians shall provide patient care and technical skills in the operation of diagnostic radiographic equipment for diagnostic and evaluation purposes. The general duties and requirements applicable to all technologists/technician positions are as follows:

4.6.1. Prepare the patient for radiographic or sonographic procedures by assessing patient’s needs and providing pretest patient education, explaining procedures and answering questions; provide reassurance and support to patient throughout procedure; assure understanding of discharge instructions before patient leaves care area.

4.6.2. Perform diagnostic imaging examinations according to the service’s procedures. Locate and record internal elements of the body, including blood vessels and organs.

4.6.3. Perform quality control measures for the purpose of ensuring optimal quality images; adjust equipment and position patient to eliminate test artifacts, protect patient from unnecessary radiation exposure by positioning lead shields or limiting the size of x-ray beams.

4.6.4. Monitor the patient for potentially dangerous physical and emotional changes during the examination; recognize abnormal changes and immediately notify the physician.

4.6.5. Prepare contrast agents.

4.6.6. Record pharmaceutical doses accurately (Technologists)

4.6.7. Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare doses of radioactive pharmaceuticals and non-radioactive pharmaceuticals.

4.6.8. Technologists follow all national and local guidelines including those of the Veterans Administration National Health Physics Program.

4.6.9. Evaluate test results for clarity and accuracy; take corrective action where appropriate.

4.6.10. Log data into patient information systems, and update file systems for tests performed.

4.6.11. Clean and disinfect equipment and workspace per standard operating procedure.

4.6.12. Recognize equipment malfunctions and readjust equipment or refer for repair.

4.6.13. Prepare digital images for interpretation by the radiologist. Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS); this eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve, or transport films.

4.6.14. Practice accurate and timely completion of scheduled and unscheduled work to maximize productivity.

4.6.15. Practice safety measures in radiography, radiation safety, infection control and environment of care.

4.6.16. Apply the profession’s code of ethics in all aspects of practice.

4.6.17. Demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional tolerance and even temperament when dealing with patients, families and co-workers, using tact, sensitivity, sound judgment and professional attitudes.

4.6.18. Communicate with customers (e.g., veterans, family members, and the general public), co-workers and supervisors in a courteous, tactful, friendly and cooperative manner.

4.6.19.