RFQ 36C24722Q0540.docx

36C24722Q0540

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

619-22-3-3119-0319

4-15-2022

JONES, SONYA

Sonya.jones3@va.gov 04-29-2022 4:00 p.m.

EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia SC 29209-1639

X

624229 $15 Million

N/A

See Delivery Schedule

W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia SC 29209-1639

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page This is a new requirement for:

Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans- Safe-Haven Model

Prior to quote submission, all contractors must be registered in

In SAM; and all SDVOSB/VOSBs, must be verified in VIP.

Base plus Option Base: One Year Option 1: One Year

Quote submissions are due by email only to VA POC:

Sonya.Jones3@va.gov no later than: April 29, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Questions are due by email only to the above POC no later April 21, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE: This section must be completed.

See CONTINUATION Page

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C247

W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia SC 29209-1639

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

Department of Veterans Affairs

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION (Note: 365 days per year x 6 veterans = 2190 Units)

Contractor shall provide an adequate living environment for homeless veterans during the veterans stay at the indicated facility. The veterans will be provided nutritional food, education and resources needed to obtain independent living. This will support the residential contract beds at the facility for transitional housing in Columbus area.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD

Contractor shall provide an adequate living environment for homeless veterans during the veterans stay at the indicated facility. The veterans will be provided nutritional food, education and resources needed to obtain independent living. This will support the residential contract beds at the facility for transitional housing in Columbus area.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

Contract Residential Services Safe Haven Model 6 Beds

1. GENERAL

1.1 SERVICE REQUIRED

Contract Residential Services is a 24-hour/7-days-a-week community-based early recovery model of supportive housing that serves hard-to-reach, hard-to-engage homeless individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. The program places no treatment participation demands on residents but expects them to transition from unsafe and unstable street life to permanent housing and re-engage with treatment services. In July 2010, under the leadership and direction of the VA National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, the National Homeless Program Office funded four Safe Haven model development projects to develop and implement a model that could be replicated throughout the VA, broadening the agency’s homeless continuum of care. The Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) anticipates award of a contract, based on the contents of this solicitation.

1.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

On the basis of needs assessment VAMC is looking for Contract Residential Service site in the Central Alabama Veteran Healthcare System (CAVHCS) within 15 miles of a VA facility located at 2100 Comer Avenue, Columbus, GA 31904.

A. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this contract is for Central Alabama Veteran Healthcare Systems CAVHCS Medical Center (VA) to engage a community provider(s) (Contractor) who will provide Contract Residential Services program to Veterans along with services consistent with Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)program objectives and Safe Haven Model (see below). The goal of this contract is to remove homeless Veterans from the street or places unfit for human habitation and place them in community-based, residential environments. These residences must have sufficient services to meet the needs of the Veterans served. The anticipated period of performance for this contract is May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023, plus one option year.

B. BACKGROUND.

Ending homelessness among Veterans by 2015 is a national priority. The goal and plan for achieving it were introduced by the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in November 2009 at the National Summit on Ending Veterans Homelessness. In June 2010, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) released Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, which is fully aligned with this goal. There are three years remaining to achieve this goal.

Safe Haven Model is one of evidence-based practices to help homeless attain safe and stable housing.

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) plan to end Veteran homelessness calls for enhancing current homeless service capacity as well as developing new programs and initiatives in concert with community and federal partners. The intent of this Statement of Work (SOW) is for VAMC to engage community provider(s) to offer homeless Veterans services through a “Safe Haven” model of residential care.

Through its HCHV program, CAVHCS provides case management and outreach services to Veterans and facilitates their access to a broad range of medical, mental health, and rehabilitative services. HCHV’s goal is to engage homeless Veterans in treatment and place them in a safe and secure environment that supports their rehabilitation goals.

CAVHCS ’s HCHV Program, an essential and critical part of VHA, is vital for providing a gateway to VA and community supportive services for eligible Veterans who are homeless. The HCHV Contract Residential Program for homeless Veterans is a vital program focused on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and at-risk homeless Veterans. Ensuring that Veterans can be placed in community-based programs which provide quality housing and services that meet the needs of this special population is a particular focus of the HCHV program.

Recent national trends in service provision for the homeless outside of the VA system include the utilization of Safe Haven model as an alternative to shelter care or as a placement post unsuccessful discharge from an inpatient or residential treatment program due to relapse-related issues. The Safe Haven model is a form of supportive housing that serves hard-to-reach homeless persons with severe mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders who are on the streets and have been unable or unwilling to participate in more traditional supportive services. VA is limited by current grant authorities and existing program structures and practices and cannot fund harm-reduction treatment models. VA has been unable to provide the types of services focused on shelter diversion and early stabilization in community-based environments.

C. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES

The Contractor will admit Veterans to residential beds as agreed upon admission dates between Contractor and CAVHCS Liaison.

The Safe Haven model will provide case management services utilizing the Recovery Model incorporating, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and critical time intervention case management to target hard-to-reach, hard-to-engage homeless individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders.

Facility Requirements:

Contractor must be in legal possession of the facility at the time of application.

Hours of Operation:

The Safe Haven model is a transitional Housing program open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Safe Haven Design:

· The Safe Haven model must comply with all Supportive Housing Program requirements in addition to specific requirements:

· Must serve hard-to-reach homeless persons with severe mental illnesses who are on the streets

· and have been unable or unwilling to participate in supportive services

· Must allow 24-hour residence for an unspecified duration

· Must have private or semi-private accommodations

· Must limit overnight occupancy to no more than 6 persons

· May include a drop-in center as part of outreach activities; and

· Is a low demand facility where participants have access to needed services, but are not required to

· utilize them

· Is compliant with the American with disabilities act, referred to as architectural barriers act compliant

· Ensures the records kept on homeless veterans are kept confidential, (if family violence prevention or treatment services are provided see regulations pertaining to confidentially of records)

· Must have written policies and procedures regarding safety, security, and privacy which are regularly communicated to participants and staff and routinely enforced

· Must have adequate policies and procedures which are enforced to ensure that illicit drugs, weapons, and other similar items are not permitted on the premises

· Emergency contacts for medical, law enforcement, fire department and agency are prominently posted in the facility

· Screening system for sex offenders

· Must have written procedures that address storage and handling of medications, safe disposal, and documentation of medication use

Specific tasks are as follows:

Task 1: Housing Available for Rapid Placement Contractor will be responsible for identifying sufficient residential capacity to place Veterans in safe, community-based residences. Identification of suitable residential placement must require:

a) Sufficient personnel to assure security;

b) Staffing available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Requirements and rates will be evaluated based on geographic location and types of services provided by the Contractor (Contractor will provide services in their specific coverage areas);

c) Access to 3 healthy meals per day;

d) Available laundry facilities;

e) The ability to place a Veteran on the same day of a referral from HCHV staff.

f) Before referring/admitting any patient, the VAMC shall have provided the contracted agency with a CAVHCS, approved, signed Release of Information (ROI) from the Veteran patient as well as that Veteran’s clinical assessment, physical and laboratory studies, and confirmation of chronic mental illness by a VA staff.

g) Contractor shall be responsible for planning and coordinating all activities associated with providing safe and appropriate residential care. This includes, but is not limited to, the elements described in this Task 1. Unless specifically excluded in this contract, the per diem rate established will include the services listed in the document and will also include all services normally provided other patients by the facility without extra charge.

Program characteristics:

The Low Demand/Safe Haven Model:

Targets chronically homeless with mental illness and substance use problems Targets Veterans who have failed in traditional programs Does not require sobriety or compliance with MH TX as a condition of admission Does not require sobriety or compliance with MH TX as a condition of continued stay Demands are kept to a minimum Environment of care is non-intrusive as possible Rules focus on staff and resident safety:

No dealing or use of illicit drugs in the facility No buying or selling of alcohol or drugs in the facility No sexual activity between residents No violence or threats of violence House Rules and Expectations:

Rules are kept to a minimum Simple and easily understood Focus on safety of residents and staff Infractions are used to engage residents Demands are Minimal But Expectations Are High:

Focus on Keeping the Resident Stably Housed Carries the expectation that veterans and their families will transition to permanent housing Privacy (private room) is desired by both residents and staff Fully occupied 80% of time Admission Practices:

-Staff assist residents with admission forms -Facility allowed trial visits to see if there is a “good fit” Admission Criteria:

-Will not accept unless truly homeless -Target dually diagnosed chronic homeless -Targets those who cannot or will not be served by other homeless programs Services Available to Residents:

-Case Management Services -Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment -Vocational Services Daily Life:

-Opportunities available for residents to participate in program governance -Senior residents provide mentoring and positive support to new residents -Facility provided programs of general interest (personal development programs, team socialization and team building classes) -Facility provided incentives for doing daily chores

Task 2 Deliverables:

Contractor will provide an accommodation for homeless veterans. CAVHCS will be responsible for per diem payment for each admitted veteran but not less than six per diem beds at a time. Contractor is responsible for providing VA a written description of room size, location, and condition of the available residential beds. Schematic drawings and photographs should be provided if available. Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System will arrange a Site visit before award and periodically to assure that the housing available for placement meets VA standards and regulations.

Task 3: Delivery of Support Services Contractor must show documentation and provide supportive services to Veterans that will assist the Veterans during their contract residential stay (See Program Characteristics in Task 1). These services will continue throughout their authorized stay, generally not to exceed six months. The Contractor will determine therapeutic and recovery services needed by the Veteran resident in a plan developed by the Contractor with consultation by the Veteran resident and appropriate VA staff.

Task 4 Deliverables:

Contractor will provide a detailed staffing and service plan.

Task 5: Status Reports Contractor shall be responsible for billing the invoice that identifies contract number, purchase order number, Veterans by name, dates of service and contracted daily fee. Contractors must maintain their own records related to program performance that may be reviewed as part of the performance quality monitoring system (attached is the Contract Housing Review Form). Performance will be based on the Contract.

Task 6 Deliverables:

a) The Contractor shall make available to the VA, documentation deemed necessary by the VA to conduct:

1) Quarterly quality assurance audits.

2) Utilization review audits for the mandated national evaluation study as required by Section 2 of Public Law 100-6-32; to verify quality of patient care for Veterans, to assure confidentiality of care for Veterans, to assure confidentiality of patient record information, and to determine the completeness and accuracy of financial records.

3) The Contractor shall comply with the VA Patient’s Bill of Rights as set forth in Section 17.34a, Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations.

b) Provider will maintain a daily census. Provider will inform HCHV staff about discharge within 24 hours and provide any required discharge forms within 72 hours.

c) Service and housing plans will be required to be completed with each Veteran placed in transitional housing within 1 week of admission. The HCHV provider will encourage Veteran to work towards transitional or permanent housing within six months of admission. All extensions beyond six months will require approval of VA.

d) Contractor will provide HCHV staff with regular reports on changes in Veteran’s status, including all changes and observations concerning the Veteran’s needs.

e) Monthly case notes monitoring the Veterans progress are required by the contractor and must be stored in a locked file cabinet.

f) Adverse health and safety events of program residents should be reported immediately to the designated HCHV staff.

Specifics:

REFERRALS:

A. Contracted facility personnel authorized by the CAVHCS to order service shall make requests for service via telephone. A faxed information sheet shall follow each telephone authorization as soon as possible after completion by Clinical Staff.

B. Orders, requests, or changes shall only be made by the Clinical staff, or authorized party specified by the Chief, Mental Health Service. Under no circumstances shall there be any deviation of any other party.

In addition, the Contractor shall make no deviation and is responsible for providing direction to its staff.

C. A list of authorized ordering personnel shall be made available upon award of the contract.

Employees may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of CAVHCS. The Service Provider shall be notified to such changes as they occur.

ABSENCES AND CANCELLATION:

A. The contractor shall notify CAVHCS of absences from the facility. Absences of the patient from the facility in excess of forty-eight (48) hours will not be reimbursable except those with the prior approval of the VAMC coordinator. Should a patient referred to a residential treatment facility, absent himself/herself in an unauthorized manner, payment for services for that Veteran to the contract facility would be continued for a maximum period of two days provided there is an active outreach attempt on the part of the contractor facility staff to return the Veteran to the residential treatment program and a strong likelihood that the patient will return. Management of program dropout will be an element of quality assurance review of this program.

B. It is understood that Veteran may be provided facility care at the contracted amount for a period not to exceed that of the stated length of treatment plan contracted (generally six months), unless an extension of the authorization is provided in writing by the CAVHCS.

C. CAVHCS reserves the right to remove any or all patients from the facility at any time without additional cost, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the CAVHCS or the patient.

CONDUCT

A. The contractor shall make available to CAVHCS documentary information, such as data requests from the Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC), and any other information deemed necessary by the CAVHCS to conduct utilization review audits for the mandated national evaluation study as required by the Section 2 of Public Law 100-6; to verify quality of patient care for veterans, to assure confidentiality of patient record information, and to determine the completeness and accuracy of financial records.

B. The contractor shall conduct treatment and discharge planning reflecting a team assessment of health, social and vocational needs and the involvement of resident and appropriate community resources in resolving problems and setting goals.

C. The contractor shall comply with the principles listed in 38 CFR 17.707(b) to provide housing and supportive services in a manner that is free from religious discrimination.

D. The contractor shall notify CAVHCS immediately when a medical emergency occurs that requires hospitalization of a patient receiving care at VA expense. It is agreed that the Veteran will be readmitted to the appropriate VA facility. When such readmission is not feasible because of the nature of the emergency, it is agreed that hospitalization in a non-federal hospital may be accomplished provided the CAVHCS authorization is obtained. If hospitalization of a non-emergency nature is required it is agreed that readmission to the CAVHCS will be accomplished promptly.

E. The contractor shall notify the CAVHCS through Safe Haven staff of any high risk situation including veterans with suicidal and/or homicidal threats or ideation, episodes of physical or sexual violence, sexual activities, safety concerns, drug activities so that appropriate coordination of care can be facilitated.

COMPLAINTS HANDLING:

The Liaison/Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall monitor the service provided. Contractor shall cooperate with the Liaison/COR in providing information and answering questions in a timely manner when requested. Contractor shall refer complaints received directly from the customer(s) to the Liaison/COR. All complaints received by the Liaison/COR and forwarded to the Contractor shall be investigated promptly. After investigation and disposition, Contractor shall respond to the Liaison/COR within five (5) working days after receipt by the Contractor.

D. DELIVERABLE TIMETABLE.

E. TRAVEL:

The Contractor shall provide the Veterans with local transportation to scheduled meetings and appointments. The Contractor shall provide transportation to Veterans to and from the 2100 Comer Avenue, Columbus, GA 31904 for scheduled and unscheduled appointments for medical and mental health services from the hours of 7:00am-6:00pm. Occasional transportation is also needed from local hospitals in Columbus, GA for Veterans being admitted into a Contract Emergency Residential Service bed between the hours of 6:00pm-7:00am and must be available after a two hour notice.

F. INVOICES AND PAYMENTS:

The Contractor shall invoice monthly for services a month in arrears. Invoices will be paid at the fixed daily contract rate for days of residential placement already completed with services provided as described in the Contract. The monthly invoice is computed at the daily rate multiplied by the census of Veterans at midnight on each date included in the term. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the assigned Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and to the Austin Automated Payment Center for approval. Invoices must accurately reflect services to Veterans before payment will be approved or certified. If invoices are determined to be incorrect, new corrected invoices must be submitted to Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and to the Austin Automated Payment Center.

G. SECURITY

a) The Contractor must store, transport or transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form.

VA approved public key infrastructure (PKI) shall be deployed on Contractor’s network computers to securely and privately exchange data with the CAVHCS.

b) Contractor shall complete and submit the required Business Associate Agreement (BAA) form.

The Contractor and CAVHCS acknowledge that each party will be responsible for the medical records of Veterans when treated at their respective facilities.

c) Adequate security measures, e.g., bars on windows and doors and area fenced, in order to provide optimum safety for residents.

d) This requirement does not require any contracting owned devices connection to a VA internal (non-public) trusted network. IT requirements for IT security requirements for certification and accreditation (authorization) (C&A) do apply and a Security Accreditation Package is required.

e) Contractor and any subcontractors must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This includes both Privacy and Security Rules published by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). As required by HIPAA, HHS has promulgated rules governing the use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities. The covered entity component of VA is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor shall be required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement.

f) Employees involved in patient care shall have a current background investigation – The level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access is Special Agreement Checks (SAC).

g) To ensure that the individuals providing services under the contract have not engaged in fraud or abuse regarding Sections 1128 and 1128A of the Social Security Act regarding federal health care programs, the Contractor is required to check the Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, List of excluded individuals/entities on the OIG website (www.hhs.gov/oig) for each person providing services under the contract. Further the Contractor is required to certify in its proposal that all persons listed in the Contractor’s proposal have been compared against the OIG list and are not listed. During the performance of this contract the Contractor is prohibited from using any individual or business listed on the List of Excluded Individual/Entities.

h) It is agreed that the CAVHCS readily has access to all records concerning the Veteran's care in the facility. It is agreed that duly authorized representatives of the CAVHCS will provide follow-up supervision visits to Veterans placed to assure the continuity of care and to assist in the Veteran's transition back into the community. It is understood that these visits do not substitute nor relieve the facility in any way of the responsibility for the daily care and treatment of the Veteran. Upon discharge or death of the patient, records on all CAVHCS beneficiaries will be retained by the facility for a period of at least three years (or such other length of time as defined from time to time by CAVHCS) following termination of care.

The following acts are not permissible by staff personnel who provide services under this contract while on facility premises:

Use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics or controlled substances of any kind (excluding doctors’ prescriptions which do not impair driver’s driving ability) while on duty, or reporting for duty while under the influence of liquors, narcotics or controlled substance of any kind (excluding doctors’ prescriptions which do not impair driver’s driving ability).

Gambling in any form.

Carrying of pistols, firearms or concealed weapons.

Resorting to physical violence to settle a dispute with a fellow employee, customer(s) or the general public while on duty.

Spitting in prohibited places or any other unsanitary, offensive or insensitive practices or behavior.

Use of loud, indecent or profane language and/or making threatening or obscene gestures toward customers or other employees.

Stopping for personal business, including use of restroom facilities, while vehicle is occupied by a Veteran passenger. The driver shall not leave the vehicle with the key in the ignition at any time.

Engaging customer in a verbal confrontation in an attempt to settle a disagreement.

Soliciting or accepting tips from customer, companions or others at any time.

Refrain from utilizing resident Veterans for labor on or around the property/facility. Assign light duty if Veteran is physically capable; e.g. washing dishes and keeping personal items and room tidy and clean.

H. INSPECTION OF FACILITY AND PROGRAM

1. Prior to the award of a contract and annually during the contract term, a multidisciplinary VA team shall conduct a survey of the Contractor’s facilities to be used to provide Veterans’ food, shelter, and therapeutic services to assure the Contractor provides quality care in a safe environment. Inspections will also be carried out at least quarterly as part of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) as attached and at such other times as deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer.

2.The Contractor will be advised of the findings of the inspection team. If deficiencies are noted during any inspection, the Contractor will be given a reasonable time to take corrective action and to notify the Contracting Officer that the corrections have been made. A contract will not be awarded until noted deficiencies have been eliminated. Failure by the Contractor to take corrective action within a reasonable time will be reported to the VA Contracting Officer. If corrections are not made to the satisfaction of the VA, the Contracting Officer will consult with the appropriate officials so that suitable arrangements can be made to discontinue plans to award a contract, or to discharge or transfer patients and to terminate the existing contract, as appropriate.

3.The inspection of the Contractor facilities will include inspection for conformity to the current Life Safety Code and will also include the following:

a) General observation of residents to determine if they maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and grooming.

b) Assessment of whether the facility meets applicable fire, safety and sanitation standards.

c) Determining whether the facility is in attractive surroundings conducive to social interaction and the fullest development of the resident's rehabilitative potential.

d) Observation of facility operations to see if appropriate organized activity programs are available during waking hours (including evenings) and degree to which a high level of activity is observed in the facility, such as individual professional counseling, physical activities, assistance with health and personal hygiene.

e) Seeking evidence of facility-community interaction, demonstrated by the nature of scheduled activities or by information about resident flow out of the facility, e.g., community activities, volunteers, local consumer services, etc.

f) Observation of staff behavior and interaction with residents to determine if they convey an attitude of genuine concern, caring and safety.

g) Inspecting the types of meals and other nutrition provided to residents to see if appetizing, nutritionally adequate meals are provided in a setting, which encourages social interaction and if nutritious snacks between meals and bedtime are available for those requiring or desiring additional food, when it is not medically contraindicated.

h) Making a spot check of Veterans’ records to ensure accuracy with respect to Veterans’ length of stay and services provided to the Veterans.

I. All Department of Veterans Affairs reports of inspection of residential facilities furnishing transitional housing services to eligible Veterans shall, to the extent possible, be made available to all government agencies charged with the responsibility of licensing or otherwise regulating or inspecting such institutions.

J. Veterans served through VA’s HCHV Safe Haven model must have client level data entered into the local Community Continuum of Care’s (CoC) HMIS. Data entered must include, at a minimum, the Universal Data Elements from the 2010 HMIS Data Standards.

K. PAYMENTS

a. Payment to the Contractor shall be made monthly, in arrears, per patient upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. Payment for any leave, including sick leave, holiday, or vacation time, shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. VA will pay only for “fixed daily charge.”

b. Contractor employee(s) shall be actually performing the services specified in the contract in order to receive reimbursement.

c. The Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Service Center (FSC) is the designated agency office for invoice receipt in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (5 CFR Part 1315). FSC or its designated representative may contact the vendor to provide specific instructions for electronic submission of invoices. The vendor shall be responsible for any associated expenses. FSC may utilize third-party Contractors to facilitate invoice processing. Prior to contact by FSC or its designated representative for electronic invoicing submissions, the vendor shall continue to submit all invoices to the designated VA office who, after reconciling bed census and invoice, shall submit them to FSC at the mailing address below:

Payment Address:

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center P.O. Box 149971 Austin, TX 78714-8971 Fax Number: (512)460-5440

L. The contractor and their personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards and VA policies as VA personnel, regarding information and information system security. These include, but are not limited to Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), Appendix III of OMB Circular A-130, and guidance and standards, available from the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This also includes the use of common security configurations available from NIST’s Web site at:

http://checklists.nist.gov

M. To ensure that appropriate security controls are in place, Contractors must follow the procedures set forth in “VA Information and Information System Security/Privacy Requirements for IT Contracts” located at the following Web site :

N.

http://www.iprm.oit.va.gov/Security_and_Privacy_Requirements_for_Contractors.asp

The contract period shall be for one base year plus one option year. A contract is formed, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this requirement, when VA agrees to place a patient in the home and the home agrees to accept the patient. Upon acceptance by the contractor of beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), all terms and conditions of this agreement shall apply during such time as a VA patient remains in the facility at the expense of the VA.

Upon acceptance of a VA patient by the facility, if and when requested by the Contracting Officer or authorized representative, the contractor shall furnish all supplies and services herein described, at the established per diem rates. VA is obligated only to the extent authorized placements of patients are made under this requirement. The facility agrees to provide to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Central Alabama Veteran Health Care System Montgomery, AL, veteran home services of Department of Veteran Affairs patients/clients in accordance with all terms, provisions, general conditions, and requirements as listed herein.

36C24722Q0540

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract…