RFQ 36C25626Q0949- HCHV rv 9 22 .pdf

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. UEI: EFT:

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

36C25626Q0949 09-23-2026

Karen Battie 318-990-5960 10-07-2026

12:00 pm CDT

36C256

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 16

1800 Buckner Street Suite C200

Shreveport LA 71101

X 0

X

623220

$34 Million

N/A

36C580

Department of Veterans Affairs

Overton Brook VA Medical Center

510 Stoner Ave.

36C256

Network Contracting Office 16

1800 Buckner Street, Suite C200

FSC e-Invoice Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp

Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135

Invoice must be submitted electronically

See CONTINUATION Page

Contractor shall provide Residential Housing for Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) in the catchment area of

Shreveport, LA in support of the Overton Brooks VA Medical

Center.

See Price/Cost Schedule of Services and Performance Work

Statement (PWS) for details.

NOTIFICATION TO OFFERORS: Required documents and instruction are on listed in - INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS.

This is a Full and Open Unrestricted Solicitation.

Wage determination 2015-5191 REV.32 Dated 08/21/2026 applies to this solicitation.

See CONTINUATION Page

X 1(one)

Corey Labbe

Contracting Officer

36C25626Q0476-SSN

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) ......... Error! Bookmark not defined.

B.4 IT Contract Security

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.2 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.3 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

C.4 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.5 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.6 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

C.7 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.9 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR

1984)

C.10 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

C.11 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

C.12 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.13 VAAR 852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (MAY 2020)

C.14 VAAR 852.204-72 PERSONNEL VETTING AND CREDENTIALING (DEVIATION)

(MAR 2026)

C.15 VAAR 852.211-76 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES – REIMBURSEMENT FOR DATA

BREACH COSTS (FEB 2023) ALTERNATE I (FEB 2023)

C.16 VAAR 852.222-71 COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 13899

(DEVIATION)(APR 2025)

C.17 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

(NOV 2018)

C.18 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

(OCT 2019)

C.19 VAAR 852.237-74 NON-DISCRIMINATION IN SERVICE DELIVERY (OCT 2019)

C.20 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.21 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) ..58

C.22 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

36C25626Q0476-SSN

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023) .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

E.2 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.3 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.6 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.7 52.252-5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (NOV 2020)

E.8 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020) .68

E.9 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(OCT 2018)

E.10 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

36C25626Q0949

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

Authorized person to sign:

Title:

Phone #:

E-mail:

Billing/Invoicing Contact Person:

Phone #:

E-Mail:

Tax ID No.:

SAM UEI:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer: 36C256 (station 520)

Corey Labbe, Contracting Officer (NCO16) Department of Veterans Affairs

5075 Westheimer Rd. STE 750 Houston, TX 77056 E-Mail: corey.labbe@va.gov

Karen Battie, Contract Specialist (NCO16)

1800 Buckner Street Shreveport, LA 71101 Email: Karen.Battie@va.gov

Contracting Officer Representative:

Will be designated and provided at time of award.

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds

Transfer- System for Award Management.

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] monthly mailto:corey.labbe@va.gov mailto:Karen.Battie@va.gov

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted according to Section B.3 PWS Payments will be made electronically by:

Department of Veterans Affairs

FSC

PO Box 149971

Austin, TX 78714-8971

SECURE FAX: Please review VA Handbook 6500 that requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets be included:

“This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.

5. Offerors in accordance with FAR clause 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special

Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans, which is incorporated in this solicitation by reference (under FAR 52.212-5), and Public Law 105-

359, section 1354 (enacted October 31, 1998), the successful offeror must meet the reporting requirement as required by the clause. The contracting officer may require the successful offeror to furnish evidence that it has complied with requirements to file a

VETS-4212 Federal Contractor Report (formerly VETS-100) with the Department of

Labor for the preceding fiscal year (30 SEP) until Title 38 Section 4212(d) (weblink http://www.dol.gov/vets/vets4212.htm). For questions and information on filing VETS-

4212 reports, contract the VETS-4212 Processing Center at (866) 237-0275 or visit the

Department of Labor’s web site at http://www.dol.gov/vets/contractor/main.htm. and/or for further assistance or questions VETS4212-customersupport@dol.gov.

6. Offerors in accordance with FAR clause 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification, which is incorporated in this solicitation by reference (under FAR 52.212-5), are required to enroll in and use the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) electronic employment eligibility verification program (E-Verify). The Federal government has a long-standing policy to only contract with businesses and other entities that abide by the immigration laws of the United States and to employ only individuals who are authorized to work. E-Verify is the best means to electronically confirm identity and employment authorization of employees working under covered Federal contracts, as required by clause 52.222-54. USCIS has enhanced the E-Verify website with resource information and outreach materials to assist with enrollment and use of E-Verify. USCIS routinely hosts free public webinars on E-Verify and has a detailed E-Verify guide specifically for federal contractors available at https://www.e-verify.gov/employers/federal-contractors.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fvets%2Fvets4212.htm&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cf77b9e64942848b4597a08dbe07d0072%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638350599721869128%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kR7UPfoDy9DARLsPqQUDjIKEptTj0C%2B5FTTa2T0ca10%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fvets%2Fcontractor%2Fmain.htm&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cf77b9e64942848b4597a08dbe07d0072%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638350599721869128%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NbyloxCiAVd8wIhH1xq3WoEF62%2BuHoXbAcSVGhKeKWo%3D&reserved=0 mailto:VETS4212-customersupport@dol.gov https://www.e-verify.gov/calendar-field_date_and_time/month/201910 https://www.e-verify.gov/employers/federal-contractors

7. Federal Acquisition Regulations require all contractors (to include Joint Ventures) conducting business with the Government be registered in the System Awards

Management System (SAM) online database for the provision of basic information relative to contract awards (see FAR Clause 52.212-4(t)). This may be accomplished at http://www.sam.gov. It is the responsibility of the contractor to renew this registration annually. Offerors are requested to ensure this information is the same as their W-9 filed by the contractor to the Internal Revenue System (IRS).

System updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in agency solicitations. Examples include 52.222-25, Affirmative Action

Compliance, and paragraph (d) of 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and

Certifications—Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Contracting officers will not consider these representations when making award decisions or enforce requirements. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.15, the Department of

Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates contractor past performance on all contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) as defined in FAR 2.101 and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Sea Logistics Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. CPARS has connectivity with the Past Performance Information Retrieval

System (PPIRS) database, which is available to all Federal agencies. PPIRS is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations and completed CPARS report cards transferred to PPIRS. CPARS also includes access to the federal awardee performance and integrity information system

(FAPIIS). FAPIIS is a web-enabled application accessed via CPARS for contractor responsibility determination information.

Each contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed the SAT is required to register with CPARS database at the following web address: https://www.cpars.gov/. Help in registering can be obtained by contacting customer support desk @ DSN: 684-1690 or

COMM: 207-438-1690. Registration should occur no later than thirty calendar days after contract award and shall be kept current should there be any change to the contractor’s registered representative.

For contracts with a period of one year or less, the CO will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the CO will evaluate the contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in

CPARS to the contractor’s designated representative for comment. The contractor representative will have thirty calendar days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the VA CO.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam.gov%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cf77b9e64942848b4597a08dbe07d0072%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638350599721869128%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=n1319MrvISbVWBrIBxuPryxZmSXvOC9%2BpTVo2Eu4wto%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cpars.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cafe528376e004ee0406808dd3586477a%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638725573015123451%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mdh%2Bz7VnWcCPDFb44aiRAMgPkBAEq2vXTTOeUndCWdM%3D&reserved=0

Failure to have a current registration with the CPARS database, or to re-assign the report to the VA CO within those thirty calendar days, will result in the Government’s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the contractor failed to respond.

The resultant contract is a nonpersonal services contract in accordance with FAR

37.401.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

Contractor is required to provide Community Based Health Care for Homeless Veterans, in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein and at the price stated below for the period of performance included below:

Contract Guaranteed Minimum and Contract Maximum

The fixed-price indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract will have a five (5) year period of performance with Ordering Periods of not more than 12 months. (FAR 52.217-8 is included). All quantities are estimated. The total guaranteed minimum quantity of services that the Government will acquire under this indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract is

$500.00, which also represents a bona fide need of the current fiscal year. The guaranteed minimum award amount is for the entire contract duration. The Contract maximum amount for the entire contract effort is $2,550,000.00.

Ordering Procedures:

Task orders within scope of the IDIQ contract will be issued unilaterally in accordance with the IDIQ Contract terms and conditions and bilaterally when change in terms and conditions is negotiated in accordance with contract clauses FAR 52.212-4 (c), FAR 52.216-18, FAR 52.216- 19 and FAR 52.216-22.

NOTE: Pricing from last order will apply to any extensions pursuant to FAR 52.217-8.

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services allows the CO to obtain additional services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract for a period up to six months if the award of a follow-on contract is delayed due to circumstances beyond the control of the CO. Examples of circumstances causing such delays are bid protests and alleged mistakes in bid.

Note: when FAR clause 52.217-8 is included in the solicitation and the contract is for services only, evaluate the six-month extension as part of the Government’s initial evaluation. The contract rates may be adjusted only because of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor or those published rate changes utilized to price the contract. The CO may exercise the option provision more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder should not exceed 6 months. The CO may exercise the option by written notice to the

Contractor within the period specified in the contract.

For purposes of award of this Contract, the Government intends to evaluate the option to extend services under FAR 52.217-8 as follows: The evaluation will consider the possibility that the option can be exercised at any time and can be exercised in increments of one to six months, but not for more than a total of six months during the life of the contract. The evaluation will assume that the prices for any option exercised under FAR 52.217-8 will be those rates in effect under the contract each time an option is exercised under this clause. The evaluation will therefore assume that the addition of the price or prices of any possible extension or extensions under FAR 52.217-8 to the total price for the basic requirement and the total price for the priced options has the same effect on the total price of all proposals relative to each other, and will not affect the ranking of proposals based on price, unless, after reviewing the proposals, the

Government determines that there is a basis for finding otherwise. This evaluation will not obligate the Government to exercise any option under FAR 52.217-8.

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

ESTIMATED

QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE

ESTIMATED

AMOUNT

1.00 DY _____________ _____________

HCHV PROGRAM, SALVATION ARMY MODEL. THIS

CONTRACT WILL SERVE HOMELESS VETERANS IN NEED OF

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH

ONSITE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

Contract Period: Ordering Period 1

POP Begin: 11-01-2026 POP End: 10-31-2027

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 623220 - Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: G004 - Social - Social Rehabilitation

1.00 DY _____________ ______________

CONTRACT WILL SERVE HOMELESS VETERANS IN NEED OF

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH

Contract Period: Ordering Period 2

POP Begin: 11-01-2027 POP End: 10-31-2028

1.00 DY ____________ _____________

CONTRACT WILL SERVE HOMELESS VETERANS IN NEED OF

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH

Contract Period: Ordering Period 3

POP Begin: 11-01-2028 POP End: 10-31-2029

1.00 DY _____________ _____________

CONTRACT WILL SERVE HOMELESS VETERANS IN NEED OF

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH

Contract Period: Ordering Period 4

POP Begin: 11-01-2029 POP End: 10-31-2030

1.00 DY ____________ _____________

CONTRACT WILL SERVE HOMELESS VETERANS IN NEED OF

IMMEDIATE PLACEMENT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITH

Contract Period: Ordering Period 5

POP Begin: 11-01-2030 POP End: 10-31-2031

ESTIMATED

GRAND TOTAL

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. PURPOSE.

The Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Medical Center (OBVAMC) in Shreveport Louisiana requires contractors to provide services as part of its Community Based Health Care for

Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program. The goal of the HCHV program is to remove homeless

Veterans from the street or habitation unfit for Veterans and place them in community-based, residential environments with sufficient therapeutic services to meet the needs of those

Veterans.

B. BACKGROUND.

Through the HCHV program, VA provides case management services to Veterans and facilitates their access to a broad range of medical, mental health, and rehabilitative services.

The purpose of this solicitation is to obtain offers from contractors who can provide housing, therapeutic treatment and rehabilitative services to veterans suffering from serious mental illness, including veterans who are homeless, in community-based treatment facilities offering a safe and secure environment that supports their rehabilitation goals. The Contractor will be required to provide therapeutic and rehabilitative services but will not be required to provide detoxification or other hospital level treatment – those services will be provided by the VA at VA facilities.

C. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

1. BASIC SERVICES. The Contractor will offer 24-hour staffed residential treatment basic services to include:

a. ROOM AND BOARD: Room and Board to include a bed and other furnishings such as a dresser, storage, and personal linens (towels and bed sheets). Meals to include at least three (3) nutritionally adequate meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) a day, 7 days a week and availability of nutritious snacks between meals and bedtime for those requiring or desiring additional food, when it is not medically contraindicated. Meal and snack choices must include foods appropriate options for diabetic and hypertension diets.

Monthly menus are to be submitted for approval by Healthcare for Homeless Veterans

Case Manager.

b. LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Laundry facilities for residents to do their own laundry or to have laundry done free of charge.

c. THERAPEUTIC AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES: Therapeutic and Rehabilitative

Services determined to be needed by each individual Veteran referred for treatment as stated in the plan developed by the contractor, with input from the Veteran and the VA

Homeless Program Coordinator (or designee). Services which the contractor must be able to furnish shall include:

i. Structured group activities as appropriate – examples include group therapy, social skills training, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, vocational counseling and physical activities as appropriate. Group activities should occur a minimum of two (2) to five (5) nights each week that are mandatory and transportation is provided. Signed attendance sheets are required and tracked by contractor staff as part of Veteran treatment plan.

ii. Collaboration with the VA program staff, which will provide supportive psychosocial services.

iii. Individual professional counseling, including counseling on self care skills, adaptive coping skills and, as appropriate, vocational rehabilitation counseling, in collaboration with VA program and community resources. Such counseling should be provided at regular, consistent intervals (weekly or bi-monthly).

iv. Recreational/Physical activities that are scheduled to occur daily and are under the supervision of contractor staff or their designee.

iv. Assistance to develop responsible living patterns, to maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene and grooming, and to achieve a more adaptive level of psychosocial functioning, upgraded social skills, and improved personal relationships. Regularly scheduled groups led by contractor staff to occur weekly that address all topics listed above. Veterans are required to attend unless engaged in employment or CWT/IT Program.

v. Support for an alcohol/drug abuse-free lifestyle provided in an environment conducive to social interaction and the fullest development of the resident’s rehabilitative potential.

vi. Assistance to gain and to apply knowledge of the illness/recovery process in an environment supportive of recovery models.

vii. A program that promotes community interaction. Contractor must submit written plan on how this will be accomplished.

viii. Transportation services to and from the VA Hospital as needed to address

Veteran healthcare needs. Assist with providing transportation to search for and applying for housing. Additionally, provider will provide transportation to and from support group meetings in the community.

d. The Contractor will provide transitional housing for Veterans enrolled in the HCHV Program.

Veterans will be provided transitional housing only as expressly authorized by HCHV Program staff. HCHV Transitional Housing provider must provide transitional housing in separated locations for male and female Veterans.

e. The Contractor will encourage Veteran to work towards permanent housing with 30–90 days, with the option to extend up to a total of 6 months based on clinical need. Veterans requesting an extension must submit a written request to the liaison explaining the reason for the extension. All extensions beyond 6 months will require VA approval.

f. In addition, the Contractor shall provide treatment and discharge planning reflecting a team assessment of health, social and vocational needs and the involvement of the Veteran, the VA staff and appropriate community resources in resolving problems and setting goals. Contractor is to document a weekly treatment/recovery plan meeting to include all relevant contractor staff and VA program staff.

g. An individual case record will be created for each referred Veteran. Case records shall be maintained in security and confidence as required by the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug

Abuse Patient Records (42 CFR part 2) and the Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records (38

USC 7332). Case records and data normally maintained and included in a medical record as a function of compliance with State or community licensing standards will be made available on a need to know basis to appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs staff members involved with the treatment program of the Veterans concerned. VA staff will not document in the case record nor will the case record include copies of any portion of the veterans VA record other than that which is required by state standards for placement. The certification and accreditation of the contractor system requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

h. The contractor shall comply with applicable requirements of the Confidentiality of Alcohol and

Drug Abuse Patient Records (42 CFR Part II) and the Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records

(38 USC 7332). Prior to the veteran’s consideration for placement or the release of any personal health information to the contractor, the patient must sign a VAF 10-5345 authorizing the release of medical information (including information protected by 38 USC 7332 – drug/alcohol, HIV, and sickle cell anemia) to the contractor. For the purposes of the release of information to the contractor, the contracted facility does not meet the criteria of a Business

Associate.

i. The contractor must perform all required work in compliance with requirements of the

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, the Joint Commission or other VA

Healthcare System accrediting entities as those requirements may apply to the services rendered under this contract. The contractor is not required to have JC Accreditation but shall meet or exceed JC standards.

j. The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a web based software application that has been implemented to monitor and report progress of all Federal partners and communities in abolishing homelessness among Veterans. It will be used to collect data, report on trends, service utilization and performance being provided to homeless individuals and families. The Continuum of Care (Coc’s) provider’s participation in HMIS is required in order to receive HUD funding. VA currently cannot release patient identifiable data to local Continuum of Care (Coc’s) facilities without a signed patient release. VACO is working towards a blanket authority that will allow VA homeless programs to share the basic information. This will occur, though it may not be in time for this year’s “point-in-time” (PIT) count A signed patient release form should acknowledge that information will be provided to the HMIS database and for PIT.

k. 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 or coercion.

l. Infractions: Veterans who violate shelter rules will be placed on a behavior plan rather than immediately discharged, unless the violation involves actual or threatened violence toward self or others, or the possession or introduction of drugs on the premises.

m. Contractor will conduct outreach efforts to increase census. Outreach will include, but not be limited to, street outreach and engagement with other shelters to promote collaboration and awareness of the CERS program.

2. SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES.

a. All services shall be provided at no additional charge to the stated daily fixed fee, except for those services specifically stated below to be Supplemental Services. Supplemental Services include:

i. Supplemental Services for Temporary Shelter

The facility agrees to provide temporary shelter for any homeless Veterans that the emergency room or Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) sends during off tours, weekends and holidays. This shelter will be provided until HCHV staff are back in the office and able to make other housing arrangements. The facility will be reimbursed for these homeless Veterans at the rate specified in Part B.3. PRICE/COST SCHEDULE—

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES for Supplemental Services Temporary Shelter.

Veterans funded by the VA will be permitted to remain in the emergency shelter even during periods when the shelter is closed to civilians. Humanitarians will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

D. ADDITIONAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENT

1. PERSONNEL

a. The contractor will employ sufficient personnel to carry out the policies, responsibilities, and the program for the facility. There must be, as a minimum, at least one administrative staff member, or designee of equivalent professional capability, on duty on the premises or residing at the house and available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

b. The Contractor shall assign to this contract personnel that by education and training (and, when required, certification or licensure) are qualified to provide the Basic Services and

Supplemental Services required by this SOW. The contractor’s employees shall not be considered government employees for any purposes.

c. The Contractor must identify each person functioning as “Key Personnel” under this contract, and provide to the VA a description of the services to be provided by such person, together with a resume summarizing that person’s relevant skills and experience.

d. During the first ninety (90) calendar days of contract performance, the Contractor shall make

NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. Within 14 days after substitutions necessitated by situations described above, the Contractor shall provide resumes for the substitute key personnel. For substitutions proposed by the Contractor after the initial 90 calendar day period, the Contractor shall provide resumes for the substitute personnel, together with any other additional information requested by the Contracting Officer, at least 15 days before the substitution is to occur. The Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of all required information if the VA refuses to accept the substitute key personnel. The

VA reserves the right to refuse or revoke acceptance of key personnel if personal or professional conduct, or lack of required skills or experience, jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility.

e. Temporary substitutions of key personnel shall be permitted in accordance with the

Contractor’s contingency plan. The Contractor’s contingency plan to be utilized if personnel leave Contractor’s employment or are unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract must be submitted as part of the Contractor’s offer.

f. All Contractor staff providing services to Veterans under this contract must undergo the appropriate background investigation as required by the VA. If a background investigation is required, before receiving an initial referral of Veterans under the contract, the Contractor shall submit a listing of all Contractor personnel proposed to provide services to Veterans under the contract. The VA will provide the necessary background information forms to the Contractor or to the Contractor’s employees after receiving a list of names and addresses.

2. REFERRALS

a. The VA is responsible for determining eligibility of Veterans prior to referral to the Contractor for treatment. A written referral (hard copy, fax or e-mail are acceptable) signed by an authorized VA ordering officer shall be provided to the Contractor for each Veteran referred for services under the contract.

b. A list of authorized VA ordering officials for the contract shall be provided to the Contractor upon award of the contract. Ordering officials may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of VA Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall be provided an updated list of authorized VA ordering officials whenever such changes are made.

c. It is understood that the Contractor will not be paid for care provided to a referred Veteran beyond the period authorized in the referral, unless an extension of the authorization is provided in writing by the VA.

d. The initial referral period for a Veteran may be up to 90 days, depending upon the needs of the Veteran as mutually determined by the Veteran, the Contractor’s staff, and VA Homeless

Program Coordinator or designee. An extension of the referral period up to a total of 6 months may be authorized by the VA Homeless Program Coordinator or designee, provided that funding is available. Treatment periods in excess of 6 months for individual Veterans must be authorized by the Medical Center Director or designee.

e. ID Requirements: Veterans without an ID may use the CPRS face sheet and/or a VIS in place of an ID which will be provided by the VA liaison and/or VA staff.

f. Veterans who are referred and admitted must complete both a urine drug screen (UDS) and a

TB test. The UDS must be negative upon admission and must be completed on the date of program entry.

3. ABSENCES AND CANCELLATION

a. The contractor shall notify the VA of unauthorized absences by a referred Veteran from the facility. Should a Veteran absent himself/herself from the Contractor’s facility in an unauthorized manner, payment for services for that Veteran shall be continued for a maximum period of two days, provided there is an active outreach attempt on the part of the Contractor’s staff to return the Veteran to the facility and there is a reasonable belief that the Veteran will return.

Management of program dropout will be an element of quality assurance review of this program.

Absences of the Veteran from the facility in excess of two days will not be reimbursable unless authorized in advance by the VA Homeless Program Coordinator.

b. Discharges will not occur on weekends to include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (and

Holidays) unless the Veteran is exhibiting threatening behavior.

c. VA reserves the right to remove any or all Veterans from the facility at any time, without additional cost, when it is determined to be in the best interest of the VA or the Veteran.

d. The contractor shall notify the authorizing VA facility immediately when a medical emergency occurs that requires hospitalization of a referred Veteran. It is agreed that the Veteran will be admitted to the appropriate VA facility. When such admission is not feasible because of the nature of the emergency, it is agreed that hospitalization in a non-federal hospital may be accomplished provided that VA authorization is obtained. If hospitalization of a non-emergency nature is required it is agreed that admission to the appropriate VA facility will be accomplished promptly.

e. The contractor shall notify the authorizing VA facility immediately of any incidents involving veterans residing in the residential program. The contractor shall notify the VA case manager by telephone during the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm. For all incidents that occur after normal business hours, the contractor should notify the Administrator on Duty (AOD). The contractor shall provide the HCHV case manager and the COTR with a copy of the incident report within

24 hours. The contractor shall maintain a copy of the incident report in the Veteran’s case record.

4. CONTRATOR STAFF CONDUCT/COMPLAINTS HANDLING

a. Contractor personnel shall be expected to treat referred Veterans with dignity and respect and abide by standards of conduct mirroring those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations.

The Contractor shall comply with the VA Patient's Bill of Rights as set forth in 38 CFR 17.34a (copy available upon request).

b. The VA reserves the right to exclude Contractor staff members from providing services to

Veterans under this contract based on breaches of conduct, including conduct that 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 Veterans or other staff members to designated Government representatives. The

Contractor and Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative shall deal with issues raised concerning contractor personnel conduct. The Contracting Officer shall be the final arbiter on questions of acceptability and in validating complaints.

5. TRANSPORTATION

The Contractor shall provide the Veterans with local transportation to scheduled meetings and appointments including drop off and pick up at the local VAMC and Knight Street annex Monday through Friday. The Contractor will be expected to help the Veteran access public transportation, including providing information and instructions necessary to enable Veterans to utilize public transportation. If VA staff determines that adequate public transportation is not available or appropriate for a Veteran, the Contractor shall arrange for alternative transport by car.

6. FACILITY

a. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to properly maintain its facilities and the VA shall have no responsibility for paying or reimbursing the Contractor for such expenses. The facility should be in close proximity of the Shreveport VAMC, within the city limits of Shreveport and have access to the city bus. The contract facility must:

i. have 12 beds that are in ADA compliance space for Veterans.

ii. have a current occupancy permit issued by the local and state governments in the jurisdiction where the facility is located.

iii. Be in compliance with existing standards of State safety codes and local, and/or State health and sanitation codes.

iv. Be licensed under State or local authority.

v. Where applicable, be accredited by the State, be equipped with operational air conditioning

/heating systems

vi. be kept clean free of dirt, grime, mold, or other hazardous substances and damaged noticeably detract from the overall appearance.

vii. be equipped with first aid equipment and an evacuation plan in case of emergency.

viii. have windows and doors that can be opened and closed in accordance with manufacturer standards.

b. The contractor facility must meet fire safety requirements, as follows:

i. The building must meet the requirements of the applicable residential occupancy chapters of the current version of NFPA 101, National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code.

Any equivalencies or variances must be approved by the appropriate Veterans Health

Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Director.

ii. All residents in the facility must be mentally and physically capable of leaving the building, unaided, in the event of an emergency.

iii. Fire exit drills must be held at least quarterly. Residents must be instructed in evacuation procedures when the primary and/or secondary exits are blocked. A written fire plan for evacuation in the event of fire shall be developed and reviewed annually. The plan shall outline the duties, responsibilities and actions to be taken by the staff and residents in the event of a fire emergency. This plan shall be implemented during fire exit drills.

iv. A written policy regarding tobacco smoking in the facility shall be established and enforced.

v. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed at the facility. Use NFPA 10, Portable Fire

Extinguishers, as guidance in selection and location requirements of extinguishers.

vi. Requirements for fire protection equipment and systems shall be in accordance with NFPA

101. All fire protection systems and equipment, such as the fire alarm system, smoke detectors, and portable extinguishers, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the applicable NFPA fire codes and the results documented.

vii. The annual inspection by a VA team required by paragraph 7 shall include a fire and safety inspection conducted at the facility unless a review of past Department of Veterans Affairs inspections or inspections made by the local authorities indicates that a fire and safety inspection would not be necessary, in which case the fire and safety inspection may be waived by the VA.

7. INSPECTION OF FACILITY AND PROGRAM

a. Prior to the award of a contract and annually during the contract term, a multidisciplinary

VA team consisting of a social worker, dietitian, registered nurse, a representative of the

VA Police, and a Facilities Management Safety Officer, and other subject matter experts as determined necessary by the medical center director or HCHV Coordinator shall conduct a survey of the Contractor’s facilities to be used to provide Veterans food, shelter, and therapeutic services to assure the facility

b. provides quality care in a safe environment. Inspections may also be carried out at such other times as deemed necessary by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

b. 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.

c. The inspection of the Contractor facilities will include inspection for conformity to the current

Life Safety Code as described in paragraph 6, and will also include the following:

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

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

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

iv. 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.

v. 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.

vi. Observation of staff behavior and interaction with residents to determine if they convey an attitude of genuine concern and caring.

vii. 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.

viii. Making a spot check of veterans’ records to ensure accuracy with respect to veterans’ length of stay and services provided to the veterans.

c. All Department of Veterans Affairs reports of inspection of residential facilities furnishing treatment and rehabilitation 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.

8. CONTRACT CHANGES/TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS.

a. The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements of this contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that shall affect price, quantity or quality of performance of this contract.

b. IN THE EVENT THE CONTRACTOR AFFECTS ANY SUCH CHANGE AT THE DIRECTION

OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN THE CONTRACTING OFFICER WITHOUT AUTHORITY, NO

ADJUSTMENT SHALL BE MADE IN THE CONTRACT PRICE TO COVER AN INCREASE IN

COSTS INCURRED AS A RESULT THEREOF.

c. The COR will be responsible for the overall technical administration of this contract as outlined in the COTR Delegation of Authority, including monitoring of the Contractor’s performance. The contractor shall sign and return the COTR Delegation of Authority Letter.

B.4 IT SECURITY

VA INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY/PRIVACY

1. GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

a. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

b. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information is subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

c. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

d. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S.

to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

e. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

a. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the…