S02_36C24623Q0900 (IONM).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

558-24-1-078-0001

36C24623Q0900 07-14-2023

David E. Smith, Contracting Officer 757-728-7156 08-04-2023

12:00 EST

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 6

100 Emancipation Drive

Hampton VA 23667

X 100

X

621399

$10 Million

N/A

Durham VA Medical Center

508 Fulton Street

Durham NC 27705

Network Contracting Office 6

Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

512-460-5049 512-460-5221

See CONTINUATION Page

Prospective offerors shall submit an offer that conforms to all requirements of this solicitation. Please refer to the

Performance Work Statement, Schedule, Addendums to 52.212-1 additional details.

All questions submitted in response to this solicitation shall be submitted via email by no later than 16:00

EST 7/24/2023 to David.Smith78@va.gov. The Government makes no assurance that questions received after the established date and time will be addressed. All answers in response to questions shall be published via solicitation amendment and no direct responses will be provided.

The period of performance is a twelve-month base period:

10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024 with (4) twelve-month options to be exercised at the Government's discretion.

See CONTINUATION Page

David E. Smith

Contracting Officer mailto:David.Smith78@va.gov

36C24623Q0900

Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.4 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

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

C.3 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.4 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.5 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984) ..43

C.6 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.7 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

C.8 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.9 VAAR 852.211-76 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES – REIMBURSEMENT FOR DATA

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

C.10 VAAR 852.215-70 SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED AND VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS EVALUATION FACTORS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

C.11 VAAR 852.215-71 EVALUATION FACTOR COMMITMENTS (OCT 2019)

C.12 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.13 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY

INSURANCE (OCT 2019)

C.14 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.15 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.16 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONAIRE

D.2 CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION: Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended

D.3 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

D.4 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) NATIONAL RULES OF BEHAVIOR

D.5 CONTRACTOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

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

1998)

E.3 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFEROR REGARDING QUOTE PREPARATIONS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUOTE SUBMISSION

E.4 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

E.5 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.6 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.7 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.8 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(OCT 2018)

E.9 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.10 VAAR 852.273-70 LATE OFFERS (NOV 2021)

E.11 VAAR 852.273-74 AWARD WITHOUT EXCHANGES (NOV 2021)

E.12 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.13 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

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: _____________________________________

Address: ______________________________

City/State/Zip: __________________________

Point of Contact: ________________________

Telephone Number: ______________________

Email Address: __________________________

SAM UEI NUMBER: ______________________

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C246, David E. Smith David.Smith78@va.gov

Network Contracting Office 6

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

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] NTE 1 Invoice Per Month

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.

https://authentication.tungsten-network.com/login

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

https://authentication.tungsten-network.com/login

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBE

R

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

ESTIMATED

QTY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

200.00

CS

Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring (IONM) Technician.

Durham, NC VAMC 27705 Monday through Friday 7:00 am 8:00 pm Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 10-01-2023 POP End: 09-30-2024

Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2024 POP End: 09-30-2025

Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026

Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027

4001 200.00 CS ____________ ____________

Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028

GRAND

TOTAL

Six (6) Month Extension: As indicated in FAR 52.217-8 the Government will have the option provision to extend the performance of the contract up to an additional six (6) months when the contractor is provided written notice. Six (6) month extension will be based on Medicaid rates and the percentage from the final ordering period. Thus, providing separate pricing (percentage) for the optional six-month extension period is not required.

Prior to exercising the six (6) month extension, (1) the Contracting Officer will ensure that it is still in the Government’s best interest, with price and other factors considered, and (2) the options do not extend beyond the period of the Schedule contract.

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring Technician for the Durham VAMC

1.0 Description of Services

The Durham, VAMC requires Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

Services (IONM) to assist in maintaining the medical centers standard of care for the Neurosurgery program. The contractor shall be responsible for providing a Certified Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring Technician with supplies and equipment. The estimated number of IONM services is estimated at 200 OR cases per year. Durham is the primary referral center for

VISN 6.

Place of Performance - Contractor shall furnish services at the Durham VAMC

508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705.

Period of Performance – The Government anticipates the award of a firm fixed price type contract for a base year plus four (4) option year periods. The based year Period of Performance is expected to begin on October 1, 2023.

1.1 Definitions and Acronyms

1.1.1 Definitions

1.1.2 Contracting Officer (CO) - The CO shall ensure performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensure compliance with the contract terms, and shall safeguard the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship. The CO shall also assure that the contractor receives impartial, fair, and equitable treatment under this contract. The CO is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the adequacy of the contractor’s performance.

1.1.3 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) - The COR is responsible for technical administration of the contract and shall assure proper Government surveillance of the contractor’s performance. The COR shall keep a quality assurance file. At the conclusion of the contract or when requested by the CO, the COR shall provide documentation to the

CO. The COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize any contractual changes on the Government’s behalf. The contractor shall refer any changes they deem may affect contract price, terms, or conditions to the CO for action. The COR shall be appointed via separate letter. The COR shall be responsible for the effective oversight of this contract to ensure satisfactory contractor performance and protect the public trust. A copy of the COR Appointment letter shall be provided to the

Contractor after contract award and shall contain detailed information in regard to the

COR and their associated duties, responsibilities, and authorities.

1.1.4 Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) - CPARS is a web-enabled application that collects and manages the library of automated Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs). A CPAR assesses a contractor's performance and provides a record, both positive and negative, on a given contractor during a specific period of time. Each assessment is based on objective facts and supported by program and contract management data, such as cost performance reports, customer comments, quality reviews, technical interchange meetings, financial solvency assessments, construction/production management reviews, contractor operations reviews, functional performance evaluations, and earned contract incentives

1.1.5 Government-furnished property - means property in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently furnished to the contractor for performance of a contract. Government-furnished property includes, but is not limited to, spares and property furnished for repair, maintenance, overhaul, or modification. Government-furnished property also includes contractor-acquired property if the contractor-acquired property is a deliverable under a cost contract when accepted by the Government for continued use under the contract.

1.1.6 Government Property - Means all property owned or leased by the

Government. Government property includes both Government-furnished property and contractor-acquired property. Government property includes material, equipment, special tooling, special test equipment, and real property. Government property does not include intellectual property and software.

1.1.7 Indefinite Quantity Contract - An indefinite-quantity contract provides for an indefinite quantity, within stated limits, of supplies or services during a fixed period. The Government places orders for individual requirements. Quantity limits may be stated as number of units or as dollar values.

1.1.8 Loss of Government Property - means unintended, unforeseen or accidental loss, damage, or destruction of Government property that reduces the

Government’s expected economic benefits of the property. Loss of

Government property does not include occurrences such as purposeful destructive testing, obsolescence, normal wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. Loss of Government property includes, but is not limited to—

(a). Items that cannot be found after a reasonable search.

(b). Theft:

(c). Damage resulting in unexpected harm to property requiring repair to restore the item to usable condition; or

(d). Destruction resulting from incidents that render the item useless for its intended purpose or beyond economical repair.

1.1.9 Nonpersonal Service Contract - means a contract under which the personnel rendering the services are not subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees.

1.1.10 Performance Work Statement (PWS) - means a statement of work for performance-based acquisitions that describes the required results in clear, specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes.

1.1.11 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) - provides the Government and contractor with evaluation criteria that determines whether or not the performance standards for a specific contract have been met. This does not detail how the contractor accomplishes the work. Rather, the QASP is created with the premise that the contractor is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. It is the

Government’s responsibility to be objective, fair, and consistent in evaluating performance.

1.1.12 “Services Summary” or “Acceptable Quality Levels” (AQL) The minimum level of acceptable performance that the contractor must meet and still be considered a satisfactory performer

1.1.13 “Task-Order Contract” means a contract for services that does not procure or specify a firm quantity of services (other than a minimum or maximum quantity) and that provides for the issuance of orders for the performance of tasks during the period of the contract.

1.1.14 Task Order (TO) - An individual requirement for services issued against an existing contract.

Note: additional definitions can be found throughout the FAR (2.101) and Sups,

1.2 Acronyms-list and spell out acronyms used in PWS

BAA- Business Associate Agreement

BLS- Basic life Support

CEU- Certified Education Unit (CEU)

CME- Continuing Medical Education

CNIM- Certified Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring

CO- Contracting Officer

COR- Contracting Officer Representative

COS- Chief of Staff

CPARS- Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System

CPRS- Computerized Patient Recordkeeping System

FAR- Federal Acquisition Regulation

FSMB- Federation of State Medical Boards

GFP- Government Furnished Property

GP- Government Property

HIPPA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

R.EEG T- Registered Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential

Technologist

PWS- Performance Work Statement

QASP- Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

VAMC- Veteran Affairs Medical Center

2.0 Services Summary

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing Intraoperative

Neurophysiologic Monitoring Technician Support Services to the Durham, VAMC. At a minimum, the contractor shall be responsible for providing all (to include, but not limited to) project management, labor, supplies, equipment, and supervision to ensure the successful performance of all requirements contained within this PWS VA. At a minimum, the contractor support personnel shall be required to:

2.1 Tasks to be Performed

Pre-surgical considerations:

2.1.1 Confirms procedure orders for surgical monitoring requested.

2.1.2 Obtain relevant patient history.

2.1.3 Verifies patient identity according to The Joint Commission Standards.

2.1.4 Explains IONM procedure to the patient.

2.1.5 Obtains or verifies informed consent for IONM.

2.1.6 Reviews all IONM contraindications based on patient history and surgeon orders.

2.1.7 Establishes and confirms an online HIPPA-compliant connection with the attending neurophysiologist.

2.1.8 Determines monitoring and anesthetic preferences of attending neurophysiologist.

2.1.9 Initiates pre-surgical communications with anesthesia team regarding these preferences.

2.1.10 Selects montage(s) appropriate for surgical procedure being performed.

Select the appropriate instrumentation and settings:

2.1.11 Maintains equipment in good working order and confirms bi-annual maintenance checks have been performed according to the hospital’s biomedical standards

2.1.12 If using preprogrammed templates, is sure that the template for the selected surgery to be performed has appropriately set parameters.

2.1.13 Ensure that averager and stimulator are functioning appropriately.

2.1.14 Ensure that all stimulators are delivering expected stimuli to the correct site.

Operating room environment:

2.1.15 Follows standard precautions for infection control per facility policy and procedures.

2.1.16 Avoids contamination of sterile drapes, personnel, and instruments, etc.

2.1.17 Passes sterile electrodes to the surgical personnel in an approved sterile fashion.

2.1.18 Places bloody or contaminated items in biohazard containers and sharps in a sharps container.

2.1.19 Follows hazardous material management guidelines.

2.1.20 Observes electrical and general safety precautions in connecting the patient to equipment by arranging cables and equipment to prevent injury.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring:

2.1.21 Confers with the surgeon regarding structures at risk, modalities to be monitored, and documents the conversation.

2.1.22 Communicates IONM preferences to the anesthesia team and other operating room personnel in a clear, definite, and collegial manner and documents conversation(s) before the patient enters the operating room suite, and/or during intubation and prepping:

a. Sets up and confirms proper operation of all equipment.

b. Applies electrodes (primary and backup) and secures placement.

c. Tests equipment and checks integrity of electrodes by checking and documenting impedances.

2.1.23 Arranges head box, cables, and electrodes for minimization of artifacts and electrical hazards preventing electrodes from being dislodged, dried out, or contaminated with fluids. Obtains initial responses and obligate peaks after induction and positioning prior to incision and sets baselines as appropriate to the procedure; marks waveforms and calculates the absolute latencies, amplitudes, or inter-peak intervals at baseline.

2.1.24 Sets or resets baselines as appropriate to the surgical procedure according to the facility policy and procedures, but in all cases prior to any part of the surgery that puts neural tissue at risk.

2.1.25 Obtains an interpretation of baselines from the attending neurophysiologist and communicates the information to the surgeon.

2.1.26 Throughout the surgery, reports any change in data which meets the alarm criteria outlined in the facility policy and procedure manual.

2.1.27 During the recording, changes methods of data collection as needed according to facility policies and procedures including:

a. Adjusting stimulus rate as needed to reduce time-locked artifacts.

b. Establishing and documenting that stimulating parameters are within safe limits.

c. Recording from additional electrode derivations in case of technical problems in order to allow continuous recording.

2.1.28 Use a montage that records obligate peak responses from peripheral nerve, spinal cord, subcortical structures, and the cerebral cortex as appropriate.

2.1.29 At the end of the procedure, removes and discards disposable supplies, especially sharps and contaminated items according to facility policies and procedures; cleans and disinfects equipment, cables, etc.

During and throughout the procedure:

2.1.30 Reports Modalities performed and areas monitored

2.1.31 Reports Surgical maneuvers and events

2.1.32 Documents levels of inhaled anesthetics, dosage of intravenous anesthetics, and use of muscle relaxants blood pressure, temperature, and other physiologic parameters as appropriate.

2.1.33 Documents any and all communications or warnings relevant to patient care:

a. With attending surgeon, surgeon replies, and corrective action taken

b. With attending neurophysiologist

c. With anesthesia team and/or other operating room personnel

2.1.34 Reports all technical problems and corrective troubleshooting steps performed and saves all data according to the practice of medical records retention in the state in which the surgery was performed.

2.1.35 Archives exact time, obligate waveform labels, latencies, and amplitudes for all printed traces as detailed in the facility policy and procedures and prepares the documentation for the attending neurophysiologist according to facility policy and procedures.

Intraoperative Communications/Data Analysis:

2.1.36 Recognizes significant changes, according to facility alarm criteria, and alerts the surgeon and attending neurophysiologist as detailed in facility policy and procedures.

2.1.37 If needed, notifies the surgeon that monitoring is momentarily interrupted for troubleshooting

2.1.38 Prepares technologist case report for the attending neurophysiologist according to facility policy and procedures.

Modalities: Contractor will provide required monitoring equipment and probes:

a. Intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG)

b. Spontaneous or evoked electromyography (EMG)

c. Motor cranial nerve recording

d. Spinal Screw and Direct Nerve Stimulation – Threshold Testing

e. Localization of sensorimotor cortex

f. Intraoperative brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP)

g. Transcranial Electrical Motor Evoked Potentials

2.2 Contractor Responsibilities

2.2.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for the following, to include but not limited to:

2.2.2 Providing IONM Technician(s) that are technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the requirements of this PWS. Additionally, candidates shall possess the ability to speak, understand, read and write English fluently.

2.2.3 IONM Technician (s) shall be responsible for signing in and out when in attendance. Time sheets will be used by the COR to confirm hours/day and services provided against the contractor’s invoices.

2.2.4 Providing documents upon request of the Contracting Officer (CO)/

Contracting Officers Representative (COR) to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contract IONM Technician. Shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By- Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.2.5 Communications with the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of

Quote and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of

Quote, the Contractor shall provide a statement which describes, in a concise manner, all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interest (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) or actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest relating to the services to be provided.

2.2.6 The Contractor shall provide statements containing the same information for any identified consultants or subcontractors who shall provide services. The

Contractor must also provide relevant facts that show how it’s organizational and/or management system or other actions would avoid or mitigate any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest. These statements shall be in response to the Veterans Affairs Acquisition

Regulation (VAAR) provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of

Interest (Jan 2008) and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.2.7 Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractor shall report CME hours to the credentials office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re- privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for contract IONM Technician.

2.2.8 Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for their staff within five

(5) calendar days after contract award and prior to the first duty shift to the

COR and Contracting Officer. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.2.9 TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative reaction to PPD testing for all Contractor staff. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive PPD results. The PPD test shall be repeated annually.

2.2.10 RUBELLA TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of immunization for all Contractor staff for measles, mumps, rubella, or a rubella titer of 1.8 or greater. If the titer is less than 1.8, a rubella immunization shall be administered with follow- up documentation to the COR.

2.2.11 OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: Contractors shall provide generic self-study training for all Contractor staff; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to the VA if they elect to receive it; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.2.12 The VAMC shall notify the Contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractors shall adhere to current

CDC/HICPAC Guideline for Infection Control in health care personnel ( as published in American Journal for Infection Control- AJIC 1998;

26:289-354 http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf) for disease control. Contractors shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.3 Support Personnel Requirements and Qualifications

The Contractor Shall only submit resumes of potential personnel who meet the minimum qualification requirements detailed within which include, but are not limited to:

2.3.1 All Contractor Personnel to perform work at the Durham VAMC, shall be US citizens and shall provide proof of citizenship/naturalization.

2.3.2 Licenses – IONM Technician assigned by the Contractor to perform the services covered by this contract, shall possess a current full and unrestricted license to practice as a IONM Technician, in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf)

Columbia. IONM Technician, who have current, full and unrestricted certifications in one or more states, but who have, or ever had, a license restricted, suspended, revoked, voluntarily revoked, voluntarily surrendered pending action or denied upon application will not be considered for the purposes of this contract.

2.3.3 Possess a certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring

Technologist (CNIM) and a Registered Electroencephalographic and

Evoked Potential Technologist certification (R.EEG T).

2.3.4 Possess two (2) year clinical experience within the Neurodiagnostics field.

2.3.5 IONM Technician, shall be certified in BLS and contractor personnel must complete any additional training required/Mandatory to work at the

Durham VAMC and or access Government computer systems. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be in accordance with the National Standards for the American Board of

Registration of Electrocephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists

(ABRET) and the Neurodiagnostics Society (ASET). Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA

COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance.

2.3.6 IONM Technician, will not be permitted to work until they have completed the Veterans Administration Orientation, have been fingerprinted and have a VA Identification (ID) Badge or Personal

Identity Verification (PIV) in process, pending issuance.

2.3.7 IONM Technician, shall be technically proficient in the skills necessary to fulfill the government’s requirements, including the ability to speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. Contractor shall provide documents upon request of the Contracting Officer (CO)/ Contracting

Officers Representative (COR) to verify current and ongoing competency, skills, certification and/or licensure related to the provision of care, treatment and/or services performed. Contractor shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all IONM Technician shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations

(referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

3.0 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QASP

3.1.1 Quality Management/Quality Assurance Surveillance: Contract personnel shall be subject to Quality Management measures, such as patient satisfaction surveys. Contractor performance will be monitored by the government using the standards as outlined in this Performance Work

Statement (PWS) and methods of surveillance detailed in the Quality

Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The QASP shall be attached to the resultant contract and shall define the methods and frequency of surveillance conducted.

Below is a matrix table listing a summary of the performance objectives and performance thresholds required by the government in contractor performance.

3.2 Measurable Terms

Performance Requirements Reference Output/Outcome

Key Personnel Para 2.3 95% Shall consistently provide personnel with qualifications outline in PWS.

Patient Safety Para 10.0 95% Shall report all incidents immediately or within 24hrs.

Maintains Licensing, Registration and

Certification

Para 2.3.2 95% Maintains Licensing and certifications.

Mandatory Training Para 2.3.5 90% Shall complete all required training on time per VAMC policy.

Privacy, Confidentiality and HIPAA Para 9.0

And

Special

Contract

Requirem ents

98% Comply with all laws, regulations, policies and procedures relating to Privacy, Confidentiality and HIPAA.

Timely Invoicing 8.0 100% All itemized invoices provided within 30 days of end of each month services delivered

4.0 Deliverables

Support Area Title Delivery Date/Description

Management Monthly Report Not later than submission of

Invoice

Management Quarterly Report No later than 10 business days after the end of the quarter

5.1 Monthly Reporting:

The contractor shall be required to submit a Monthly Report for each Active

Task Order. The Report shall be submitted to the COR via email no later than time of invoice. Failure to submit a complete and accurate report may result in invoice rejection. This may be submitted as a single report if it contains all required information. At a minimum, Monthly Reports shall include, but not limited to, the following:

a. Any billing/invoice issues

b. Reflect a Declining Balance on Delivery/Task Order Level

c. Invoice Log on Delivery/Task Order Level

d. A copy of all applicable invoices for reporting period that have been or will be submitted electronically for payment. This may be submitted for coordination prior to electronic submission for payment.

5.2 Quarterly/Annually

The contractor shall be required to submit quarterly reports, at the contract level to the COR via email no later than 10 business days at the end of the quarter. Failure to submit a complete and accurate report may result in invoice rejection and negative reflections in CPARS recordings. The 4th Quarter

Report shall also serve as the annual report. This may be submitted as a single report if it contains all required information. At a minimum, Quarterly Reports shall include, but not limited to, the following:

a. Summary of all Active Task Orders under the Basic Contract

b. Summary of all monthly reports for the applicable Quarter for each

Task Order.

c. Any billing/invoice issues

d. Reflect a Declining Balance on active Task Orders

e. Invoice Log for each active Delivery/Task Orders

5.3 Criteria for Acceptance. All deliverables shall be submitted in a draft format mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the Government

6.0 Hours

7.0 Normal working hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

7.1 Government agencies will not be available during scheduled holidays, inclement weather, weekends, after duty hours. All chargeable work will be directly attributable to the task being performed by the individual.

7.2 Scheduled Holidays. New Year’s Day; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Birthday; President’s Day; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day;

Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas

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

7.2.1 Contractor services may be required for holiday coverage. When required, specific services and tours will be requested by the VA with a minimum of

8 hours’ notice to the Contractor and at the rates specified. The Contractor will be paid holiday pay for this time.

7.2.2 In the event the assigned contract IONM Technician cannot report to duty, with or without prior notice, the contractor shall provide another IONM

Technician within 2 (two) hours.

7.2.3 Contractor employees shall not be permitted overtime without prior written approval from the contracting officer or COR.

7.2.4 Overtime will only be paid in emergency situations, with proper approval from program coordinator/ designee.

7.2.5 Adjustments to schedules may be coordinated by the VA and the Contractor with 24 hours’ notice to provide for normal workload variations and personnel practices.

8.0 Invoicing

The Contractor shall be responsible for timely invoice submissions not to excess 30 days after the invoicing cycle. Invoices submitted without aforementioned reports shall be immediately rejected. At a minimum, invoices shall contain the follow information:

a. Contract Number and Purchase Order Number (If applicable)

b. Name of IONM Technician

c. Hourly Rate

d. Total cases worked per Month

e. Weekly timesheets must be signed by COR

9.0 Other Regulations or Compliance Requirements

10.0 Patient Safety Compliance and Reporting: IONM Technician shall follow all established patient safety and infection control standards of care. Contract

IONM Technician (s) shall make every effort to prevent medication errors, falls, and patient injury caused by acts of commission or omission in the delivery of care. All events related to patient injury, medication errors, and other breeches of patient safety shall be reported to the COR VA Safety Policy.

As soon as practicable (but within 24 hours) Contractors shall notify COR of incident and submit to the COR the Patient Safety Report, following up with

COR as required or requested.

10.1 Policy/Handbooks- the contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance:

10.2 VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=347

10.3 VHA Directive 2006-041 “Veterans’ Health Care Service Standards”

(expired but still in effect pending revision) https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443

10.4 VHA Handbook 1100.18 Reporting and Responding to State Licensing

Boards -http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

10.5 VHA Handbook 1100.19 Credentialing and Privileging -

http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910

10.6 VHA Handbook 1907.01 Health Info Management and Health Records:

http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791

10.7 Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended

http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

10.8 Standards of Care: The contract IONM Technician (s)’ care shall cover the range of IONM Technician services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art civilian medical treatment facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by:

10.8.1 VA Standards: VHA Directive 2006-041 “Veterans’ Health Care Service

Standards” (expired but still in effect pending revision) https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_I D=1443

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

10.8.3 The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA) http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and; The requirements contained in this PWS

All contract administration functions will be retained by the VA.

B.4 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

1. Under the authority of Public Law 104-262 and 38 USC 8153, the contractor agrees to provide Health Care Resources in accordance with the terms and conditions stated herein, to furnish to and at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the services and prices specified in the Section entitled Schedule of Supplies/Services of this contract.

http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=347 https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2791 http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443 https://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1443 http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8

a. The services specified in Section B. - Schedule of Supplies/Services may be changed by written modification to this contract. The modification shall be prepared by the Contracting

Officer (CO) and, prior to becoming effective, shall be signed by both parties.

b. Contractor shall provide scheduled services throughout the contract period. Other necessary personnel for the operation of the services contracted for at the VA will be provided by the Contractor at levels mutually agreed upon which are compatible with the safety of the patient and personnel and with quality medical care programming.

c. If required providers must maintain current and active Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and provide copy of BLS certification to COR every two years.

d. The services to be performed by the contractor shall be performed in accordance with VA policies, procedures, and regulations of the medical staff by laws of the VA facility.

e. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of Contractor, if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction, or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patient.

Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) shall deal with issues raised concerning contract personnel’s conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the Contracting Officer.

f. The Contracting Officer shall resolve complaints concerning Contractor relations with the

Government employees or patients. The Contracting Officer is the final authority on validating complaints. In the event that the Contractor is involved and named in a validated patient complaint, the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. This does not preclude refusal in the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse.

g. Contractor shall, in writing, keep the Contracting Officer informed of any unusual circumstances in conjunction with the contract.

2. TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

The contract is effective from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 with four (4) one-year options. The contract is subject to availability of VA funds. The contractor shall perform no services after September 30, of each year unless the Contracting Officer authorizes such services in writing.

a. The Contracting Officer will be the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements under this contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the

Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract administration. Only the

Contracting Officer will be authorized to make commitments or issue changes that affect price, quantity, or quality of performance of this contract. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered unauthorized by the local VAMC, and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

b. The COR will be responsible for the overall technical administration of this contract as outlined in the COR Delegation of Authority.

3. KEY PERSONNEL

a. During the first thirty (30) calendar days of performance, the contractor shall make NO substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (3) below. After the initial thirty (30) calendar day period of the contract, the contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph

(3) to the Contracting Officer at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

b. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting

Officer shall notify the Contractor within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decisions on the proposed substitutes. The contract shall be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

c. For temporary substitutions where the key person will not be reporting to work for three

(3) consecutive workdays or more, the Contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. This substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person.

Any period exceeding two (2) weeks shall require the full credentialing and privileging procedure thru the Medical Staff Coordinator and voted on by the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff and approved by the Chief of Staff and signed off by the Medical

Center Director, as stated above.

d. Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC, the Contractor is to have a contingency plan in place 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. A copy of this contingency plan shall be submitted with the Quote.

Failure to submit contingency plan shall result in rejection of Quote.

e. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of Contractor if personal or professional conduct jeopardizes patient care or interferes with the regular and ordinary operation of the facility. Breaches of conduct include intoxication or debilitation resulting from drug use, theft, patient abuse, dereliction or negligence in performing directed tasks, or other conduct resulting in formal complaints by patients or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. The Contractor and

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall deal with issues raised concerning contract personnel’s conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the

Contracting Officer.

f. The Contracting Officer shall resolve complaints concerning Contractor relations with the

Government employees or patients. The Contracting Officer is final authority on validating complaints. If the Contractor is involved and named in a validated patient complaint, the Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of the services of such personnel. This does not preclude refusal in the event of incidents involving physical or verbal abuse.

4. CREDENTIALING AND PRIVILEGES

a. Contractor and/or applicant shall provide all necessary documents and complete the Vet

Pro application process (30) days in advance for full privileges-which requires three (3) current references, plus application for VA privileges to include a copy of privileges from most recent work assignment from another hospital. Contractor shall also provide a copy of current license and malpractice insurance certificate.

b. Name of individuals providing services under the contract and their applicable licenses must be submitted to the Contracting Officer with the Quote, including individual Social

Security Numbers, dates of birth, place of birth (city, state and country and addresses in order to comply with VA Credentialing and Privileging requirements.

5. PERSONNEL POLICY

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for the protection of its personnel furnishing services under this contract. To carry this out the Contractor shall provide the following for these personnel:

Worker’s compensation

Professional liability insurance

Health examinations

Income tax withholding, and

Social Security payments

6. MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISION AND TRAINING

a. Contracted agency shall be responsible for supervising the daily services provided under this contract.

b. The contracted agency shall have written policies and procedures regarding staff credentials.

c. The VAMC will provide to the Contractor policies, procedures, and processes necessary to allow cooperative functioning between the agency and VAMC. Updates and refreshers will be provided to the Contractor upon request and when policy procedures or process changes.

d. The Contractor shall complete background investigations to ensure that employees do not have a record of criminal offenses or substantiated incidents of patient abuse; and, if required to perform their duties, employees are properly licensed and insured to operate motor vehicles.

7. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

The Government may evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided, but retains no control over the medical, professional aspects of services rendered

(e.g., professional judgments, diagnosis for specific medical treatment), in accordance with

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.401(b).

8. QUALITY ASSURANCE

a. Contractor will provide evidence of participation and preparation in meeting or exceeding all Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospital standards.

b. The Department of Veterans Affairs is allowed according to public law 99-272 and 101-

508, to seek reimbursement from health insurance carriers for the cost of medical care and treatment provided to veterans for their non-service-connected conditions. The contractor is not allowed to bill health insurance carriers for the services provided to Veterans while employed by or working under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

c. The contractor may not bill any veteran or their health insurance carrier for care provided to a veteran while employed by or working under contract with the Department of

Veterans Affairs, nor may the contractor keep any reimbursement for the erroneous billing of a veteran or their Third-Party insurance. Such reimbursements or billing errors should such occur, must be returned to the Medical Care Cost Fund (MCCF) section for processing.

9. TORT LIABILITY

The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor. When a Contractor has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the Contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier.