RFQ-10-20-025-KN.FBSU Mental Health.docx

GENERAL INFORMATION:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for Mental Health Services in accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS AND CONTACT

Billings Area Indian Health Service Jameson Building Room 404 2900th Avenue North Billings, Montana 59107 Contract Specialist – Kenny Nicholson Email: Kenneth.Nicholson@ihs.gov / Tel.: (406) 247-7071

DESCRIPTION:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” and FAR 13.5, Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Certain Commercial Items; and FAR 37.101 – Non-Personal Services Contracts. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation is a Request for Quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2020-05. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is: 621112 – Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists, with a small business size standard of $12.0 million.

The Billings Area IHS intends to award multiple Indefinite Delivery – Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts in response to RFQ-10-20-025-KN.The Government reserves the right to award multiple contracts. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative proposals to satisfy the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately. Offerors are requested to propose an all-inclusive unit rate when submitting a quote.

PART I – SCHEDULE

PRICE SCHEDULE: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Minimum of Hours = 520; Maximum of Hours = 2,080

Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)

CLIN 1: Base Year

CLIN 2: Option Year One

CLIN 3: Option Year Two

CLIN 4: Option Year Three

GRAND TOTAL ……………………..…………………$______________________.

(Amount of minimum hours and the rates each year combined)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Performance of this contract will be from Award Date through September 30, 2020 with three (3) 12-month option years.

If the Government exercises the options pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000), the period of performance shall be extended in accordance with the following schedule:

INTRODUCTION:

The overall scope of this contract is to temporarily recruit and hire a contractor(s) to provide qualified behavioral health services to the Fort Belknap Service Unit (FBSU), Harlem, Montana. The contractor will be expected to have the necessary education, training, licensing, previous work experience and competence in being able to provide the services at the service unit. Performance will be conducted in accordance of the requirements and conditions contained in this Statement of Work.

The contractor shall allow the Government to evaluate both the professional and administrative quality of services provided by the contractor, but retains no control over the personal and professional aspects of the services that are rendered.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Contractor will provide licensed, trained, credentialed, and culturally sensitive providers to the FBSU to assist with management of recent suicide crisis and mental health services.

1. PSYCHOLOGIST SERVICES:

Applies advanced knowledge of psychopathology and provides professional therapeutic techniques in conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations of patients with extremely complex psychological and behavioral health disorders. Evaluations will guide appropriate diagnosis as delineated in the standard psychiatric diagnostic classification of emotional and mental disorders with consideration for possible cultural influences/factors. Provides therapeutic services based on comprehensive treatment plans that outline the therapeutic goals, methods, and modality to meet the individualized treatment needs of each patient in accordance with established standards of care and approved clinical privileges. This may include individual, family, and/or group therapy to all age groups including children and adolescents utilizing therapy methods or techniques designated as best practices. Periodically evaluates the overall effectiveness of therapeutic efforts and modifies treatment to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment and facilitate recovery of health and stability. Conducts psychological testing and comprehensive psychological assessments of referred patients to guide diagnosis and treatment planning. Administers, scores, and interprets psychological tests using expert knowledge of psychological testing and psychometrics; collects information from personal/clinical interviews; gathers collateral information as appropriate: and provides summary, recommendation, and diagnosis. Coordinates with primary care provider to monitor and manage high utilization, at-risk, and chronic patients. Supports primary care provider decisions and recommendations by reinforcing/elaborating on provider-patient interventions. Establishes and maintains liaison with other related professional services to ensure that recommended clinical services are provided for patients. Duties may also include travel, outreach, and direct-service delivery to community locations out of the clinic including, but not limited to: schools, corrections facilities, nursing homes, patient residences, places of employment, etc. Provides indirect patient care through telephonic interventions, consultation with collateral resources, and referral to specialty services/external resources. Coordination of services with a variety of service providers, agencies, families, and individuals will be ongoing in the management of acute and chronic disease. Participates in mental health case staff meetings, hospital and medical staff meetings, and community health program meetings as directed by the BH supervisor. Community collaboration is encouraged and required by performance appraisal standards, however patient care is of primary priority. The incumbent is responsible for learning about local traditions, tribal history, and community values for providing services which are sensitive to the culture and utilize the strengths in families and the community. Prepares and maintains complete and current case records. This includes the proficient utilization of the Electronic Health Record with electronic documentation completed within the time frame specified by medical staff by-laws, policy, performance appraisal standards, and/or supervisor. Demonstrates commitment to Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QA/PI) programs and to excellent patient care by participation in the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data for improvement of documentation, processes, and patient outcome. Provides training and supervision for students/trainees as assigned. Coordinates activities in this regard with the appropriate university faculty as needed. Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills, following appropriate lines of authority.

Provides emergency on-call crisis intervention to assist and serve as a consultant to the medical staff in dealing with patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. On-call intervention may require reporting to the Emergency Department (ED) or hospital ward during afterhours to assess suicidal, homicidal, and psychotic patients, facilitate inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, involuntary commitments, and safety planning. Immediate completion of an electronic chart note is required to ensure appropriate continuity of care.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Perform direct patient care of pediatric and adult patients and families within the scope of the psychology license, education, and experience

· Conduct an array of psychological assessments including cognitive, academic, personality, and neuropsychological assessments

· Ability to conduct individual, group, and family therapeutic services either directly to patients or possess expertise to provide consultation about interventions, techniques, and therapeutic engagement

· Willingness to be a leader and provide suggestions, insight, and direction concerning the psychological makeup of patients with severe mental disorders

· Ability to supervise master's level therapists and provide clinical direction to the clinical teams throughout the hospital

· Ability to give feedback about the results of the psychological assessments administered in an understandable and complete manner to patients, families, and other staff throughout the hospital directly involved in the patient's care

· Ability to be an important member of the interdisciplinary team providing care for children and adults throughout the hospital

· Ability to provide training to the staff at Fort Belknap Indian Health Center and Hays Clinic or the community at large concerning psychological and psychiatric disorders, interventions, and therapeutic techniques or strategies

· Ability to manage the department budget relating to operation costs and assessment supplies

· Ability to manage other staff effectively and provide guidance, supervision, and leadership in terms of the departments operations, functionality, and team dynamics.

· Comply with all applicable policies, procedures, practices, requirements and standards Fort Belknap Indian Health Service, Indian Health Service, Medical Staff bylaws, CMS, Joint Comission, HIPAA, Safety,and Privacy.

· Comply with all directives of the Medical Director relating to Psychologists employment;

· Comply with all applicable laws and canons of professional ethics;

· Comply with all other requirements of the standard employment agreement.

· May participate in teaching students

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

· Possession of Psychology degree

· One year of clinical experience in a clinic environment

· Hold & maintain current, valid & unrestricted professional license to practice

· Must be insurable for liability as a Psychologist

· Knowledge of practices and principles of surgery, psychology medicine and neurology.

· See patients that register at Fort Belknap and Hays Clinic. Thorough knowledge to effectively apply principles and methods essential to psychiatry and the diagnosis and treatment of common medical disorders and in the assessment and response to emergency situations. Thorough knowledge of local, State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to the medical field and Psychology. Thorough knowledge of applicable professional ethics and standards, which include but not limited to the Indian Health Service. Ability and specialized skills to serve as a mentor and resource consultant for other health center personnel and establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of practitioners and specialists, as well as students, faculty, and staff.

2. MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST:

The position involves professional counseling requiring the exercise of mature professional judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of clinical skills in providing mental health services to patients experiencing a variety of psychiatric illnesses and emotional/psychological problems. The mental health specialist carries full professional responsibility and must work effectively with serious and complicated cases while requiring a minimum of supervisory control and guidance.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Applies advanced knowledge of psychopathology and provides professional therapeutic techniques in conducting comprehensive evaluations of patients with a range of mental health issues.

· Evaluation will guide appropriate diagnosis as delineated in the standard psychiatric diagnostic classification of emotional and mental disorders with consideration for possible cultural influences/factors.

· Provides therapeutic services based on comprehensive treatment plans that outline the therapeutic goals, methods, and modality to meet the individualized treatment needs of each patient. This may include individual.

· Family, and/or group therapy to all age groups including children and adolescents utilizing therapy methods or techniques designated as best practices. Periodically evaluates the overall effectiveness of therapeutic efforts and modifies treatment to increase the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment and facilitate recovery of health and stability.

· Provides emergency on-call crisis intervention to assist and serve as a consultant to the medical staff in dealing with patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. On-call duties are shared equally among the behavioral health unit providers. On-call intervention may require reporting to the Emergency Department (ED) or hospital ward during after-hours to assess suicidal. Homicidal, and psychotic patients, facilitate psychiatric hospitalization, and safety planning.

· Develops and manages case management services for the IHS outpatient programs for patients requiring intensive treatment and referral services. Coordinates the referral of patients to non-HIS facilities and health care providers.

· Completes case documentation which meets accepted professional standards utilizing the Electronic Health Record (EHR) according to established policies and procedures.

· Demonstrates commitment to Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAIPI) programs and to excellent patient care by participation in the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data for improvement of documentation, processes, and patient outcome.

· Provides training and supervision for students/trainees as assigned. Coordinates activities in this regard with the appropriate university faculty as needed.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

· This incumbent must be licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and must consent to a criminal history background investigation.

· Advanced knowledge of professional counseling principles and practices gained through completion of a Master's Degree in counseling. Psychology, or social work is required along with intensive clinical training in the assessment of emotional and mental disorders and counseling principles and practices.

· Knowledge, skill, and demonstrated abilities in the appropriate application of therapeutic models to assess diagnose and treat complex emotional and mental disorders in children, adolescents, and adults.

· Knowledge of crisis intervention and ability to respond to high risk situations such as suicidal, homicidal and psychotic behavior.

· Knowledge of professional counselor or social work principles practices and procedures in order to assess patient needs provide assistance and service refer patients to community resources and other organizations as indicated and to provide appropriate interventions to patients of all ages.

· Knowledge of Federal, State, County, and Tribal resources for appropriate referrals.

· Knowledge relative to the cultural, political, and socio-economic conditions of the Blackfeet

· Reservation and the influence these factors have on the patients.

· Knowledge in the use of personal computers to utilize the Electronic Health Records.

3. PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with patients, families, health care professionals, such as other nurses and physicians; and numerous ancillary/support health care personnel.

4. PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

To obtain, exchange, and provide information. Contact with patients and their families are to assess, plan, and evaluate patient needs and outcomes.

5. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Prolonged periods of walking and standing are required. Ability to bend, stoop, and lift in assisting patients and moving supplies and equipment.

6. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment includes exposure to communicable diseases. Personal protective equipment and guidelines to prevent disease transmission are provided. There is some exposure to violence in treating patients with bizarre and predictable behavior to alcohol, drug abuse, or psychiatric problems.

7. DELIVERY/TASK ORDERS:

This contract type allows the Service Unit to place orders with the Contractor on an as needed basis. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.216-18, Ordering (OCT 1995), the Indian Health Service (IHS) will obligate the funding and order the services by issuing task orders against the contract. The IHS will process the task orders through the Agency’s automated accounting and procurement systems, iProcurement/UFMS and PRISM.

8. ORDERING PROCEDURES:

Delivery/Task orders will be processed through the automated procurement system PRISM. The Medical Services Department at the Fort Belknap Service Unit will be responsible for generating the requisition in iProcurement/UFMS. Once the requisition is approved the procurement/supply office will process the requisition into a task order in PRISM. Once the task order is approved it should be faxed or e-mailed to the Contractor.

The following steps illustrate the ordering procedures for delivery/task orders:

Step 1: The Medical Services Department contacts the Contractor to coordinate the services (e.g., requests candidates and profiles, discusses starting and ending dates, etc.). Estimates are based on upcoming schedules. If the Contractor is unable to fulfill the request, these hours will count against the minimum requirement.

Step 2: The Medical Services Department generates a requisition, both manual and in UFMS requesting a task order against the contract. The requisition should include: (1) the name of the contractor; (2) reference the contract number (3) a description of the services to be performed (e.g., Radiologic Technologist services); (4) the quantities and unit prices; and (5) the delivery or performance time frames (e.g., starting and ending dates).

Step 3: Once the requisition is approved the procurement/supply department will process the requisition into a delivery/task order in PRISM.

Step 4: The delivery/task order is faxed or e-mailed to the Contractor.

9. SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Contractors cannot serve as expert witnesses in any suit against the Federal Government. Many of the IHS patients receiving services may only speak a native language and/or reside on a Native American Reservation, therefore, the Contractor must demonstrate sensitivity to cross-cultural and language differences.

The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the Contractor maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violation of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action. All IHS regulations and policies applicable to these Acts shall be enforced.

The Contractor shall comply with IHS facility infection control and safety procedures, practices, and standards.

Federal Tort Claims Act coverage for medical related claims is extended to the individual providing the mental health services. However, the services must have been performed within the scope of the contract.

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: https://www.acquisition.gov/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2020) These additional clauses cited in 52.212-5(b) or (c) are applicable to this acquisition:

(b) - (7) 52.204-15, (9) 52.209-9, (27) 52.222-3, (32) 52.222-36, (35) 52.222-50, (47) 52.224-3,

(57) 52.232-33; (c) – (7) 52.222-53.

52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 2 days of contract expiration.

(End of Clause)

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed four (4) years.

(End of Clause)

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ACQUISTION REGULATION

(HHSAR) CLAUSES

Opportunity Investigations

Checks

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(See Attached Document: 52.212-3) This provision provides a single, consolidated list of representations and certifications for the acquisition of commercial items and is attached to the solicitation for offerors to complete. The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov.

If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v)) of this provision.

OFFER SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Contractors intending to conduct business with the Federal Government must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is now the primary Government repository, which retains information on Government contractors. You may register via the Internet at www.sam.gov.

PROPOSAL/OFFER

All responsible offerors may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the Agency. Offers shall be submitted to the Billings Area Indian Health Service, 2900 Fourth Avenue North, Room 406, Billings, Montana 59101, no later than 5:00 p.m. MST, on April 27 , 2020. The offer must be submitted in a sealed envelope, addressed to this office, showing the time specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and your company's name and address. Offers will also be accepted by e-mail at Kenneth.Nicholson@ihs.gov. Please reference the solicitation number in the subject line.

ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Your offer must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ. In addition, it must contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for a period of at least 90 days from the date of receipt by the Government.

BASIS FOR AWARD:

The quotations will be evaluated and a contract awarded under the Best Value Continuum approach to permit tradeoffs among cost or price and non-cost factors. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The offers must contain a technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. TECHNICAL: Offeror must submit a technical proposal, not to exceed 3 pages, that addresses the following sub-factors:

Sub-Factor 1: Technical Capability The offeror must demonstrate their knowledge and competence with regard to the Government’s requirements and program objectives, relevant capabilities, and understanding of the work required to perform in accordance to the Statement of Work.

Sub-Factor 2: Management Approach The offeror must demonstrate their plan to manage personnel and resources in order to execute the award. Offeror should specify the applicable background and experience of key staff for their work in areas relevant to this project.

2. PAST PERFORMANCE: Offerors must demonstrate their record of successful performance in past contracts and/or jobs. Each offeror will be evaluated on the following sub-factors:

Sub-Factor 1: Relevance Offeror must submit at least 2 and no more than 5 past performance records of contracts/jobs that are related to this project. Please submit the most recent contract/jobs, within the past 4 years. Include references for each of the records submitted.

Sub-Factor 2: Performance Confidence Will be evaluated and based off the past performance information. It is an assessment of the offeror’s probability of meeting the requirements of the project.

NOTE: The Government reserves the right to contact any reference provided by the offeror in evaluating the offeror’s past performance. Furthermore, the Government reserves the right to use any information that comes to the attention of the Government in evaluating the offeror.

3. COST/PRICE: Price is not assigned an adjectival rating or scored. It will be evaluated to determine whether it is reasonable and if the quotation reflects an understanding of the requirement. This factor will be evaluated utilizing price analysis techniques identified in FAR Part 15.404-1. Analysis will include review of price reasonableness and balanced pricing. Offerors are cautioned that "materially unbalanced" prices and/or unreasonably high or low prices may cause your quotation to be deemed unacceptable and rejected.