S02_36C25721Q0183_rk.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. DUNS: DUNS+4:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 52

36C25721Q0183 12-03-2020

ROBERT KELLEY 210-694-6312 12-18-2020

9AM

36C257

Department of Veterans Affairs VISN17 Network Contracting Activity 5441 Babcock Rd., Ste. 302 San Antonio TX 78240-3993

X 100

X

621910

$22 Million

NET 30 N/A

36C674

Department of Veterans Affairs Dallas Veterans HealthCare System Fiscal (04) 4500 S. Lancaster Rd.

Dallas TX 75216

36C257

VISN17 Network Contracting Activity 7400 Merton Minter Blvd. (10N17/90C) San Antonio TX 78229

This is accomplished through the Tungsten Network located at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp This is mandatory and the sole method for submitting invoices.

(877) 353-9791 (512) 460-5540

See CONTINUATION Page

DESCRIPTION: COVID 19 AMBULANCE SERVICE

IAW: STATEMENT OF WORK

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Base + 1 Option Year

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

X 1

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.2 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2020)

C.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.4 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.5 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ... 40

C.6 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND

COMPLIANCE (JUL 2018)

C.7 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 WAGE DETERMINATIONS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

1998)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (OCT 2020)

E.3 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.4 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2020)

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)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C257

VISN17 Network Contracting Activity

7400 Merton Minter Blvd. (10N17/90C)

San Antonio TX 78229

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] Monthly

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.

This is accomplished through the Tungsten Network located at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp This is mandatory and the sole method for submitting invoices.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. The Government intends to make award without discussions. However, it may be determined necessary to conduct discussions if award cannot be made on the initial proposals submitted.

2. Contract award will be made based on both price and technical considerations most advantageous to the Government IAW FAR Part 13.5

FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY (Minimum Requirements)

a. Provide a written plan detailing your firm’s experience and capability of performing work similar to what is being required in the Statement of Work. No more than three (3) full pages. Your firm shall address the minimum requirements as follows: Contractor shall have at a minimum three (3) years of experience relevant to the required work.

b. Submit your firm’s registration info/certification and license/or documents showing that your firm is an approved/certified for Ambulance Service.

c. Provide Proof of Liability Insurance.

d. Provide information on how your firm will meet the Limitations on Subcontracting.

FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE

a. This factor considers the quality of the Offeror’s past performance in carrying out relevant work. Emphasis will be on recent, relevant past performance. Recent is defined as work performed within the last 3 years. Relevant is defined as work similar in size and scope of the work described in the Statement of Work.

b. Provide (2) references of work, similar in scope with contact information, brief description of the work completed, and contract # (if relevant). References will be checked by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officers Representative to ensure your company can perform the Statement of Work.

c. Provide a list of all agencies/companies/firms with whom the offeror is performing or has performed relevant work within the last 3 years.

d. The following information should be included. (a) Agency/Company name. (b) Contract Dollar Value. (c) Period of Performance. (d) Name, Address, e-mail address, telephone & fax number of the reference.

e. Past performance information shall also be obtained from other sources available to the Government to include, but not limited to, CPARS (contractor performance retrieval system) or other databases; interviews with Program Managers, and other Contracting Officers.

FACTOR 3: PRICE

In this factor, price will be evaluated for reasonableness, completeness, and fairness by comparing the proposed prices with the Independent Government Estimate and prices posed by other offerors.

Base Year price, each Option Year Price, and Total price will be evaluated by the Government. In evaluating the offeror’s proposed price for this project. The techniques and procedures described under FAR 12.209, Determination of Price reasonableness, will be the primary means of assessing proposal reasonableness.

“Evaluations of Options"

For purposes of award of this Contract, the Government intends to evaluate the options and option to extend services under FAR 52.217-8 and FAR 52.217-9 as follows: The evaluation will consider the possibility that the options can be exercised per FAR 52.217-9 and option to extend per 52.217-8 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.

Provide prices on all line items listed on the Price/Cost Schedule.

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

COVID-19

AMBULANCE SERVICE

ALS/BLS – Special Mode Transportation Services

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTRACTOR

The contractor shall provide all required labor, material, supplies, equipment, and supervision of contractor personnel necessary to perform Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance services to/from the following locations:

Authority for the award of this effort is FAR Part 13.5 (Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items).

• Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 S. Lancaster Dallas Texas, 75216

• Garland VA Medical Center 2300 Marie Curie Dr.

Garland Texas, 75042

The contractor shall transact business as described herein , with the Contracting Officer (CO) and/or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as appropriate. The contractor shall under no circumstances correspond or directly interact with any patient (or beneficiary) or solicit from any patient (or beneficiary) of the VA.

1. DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS:

ACO – Administrative Contracting Officer – An individual designated by the Contracting Officer who is authorized to commit and obligate the government through the life of the contract, with consent from the Contracting Officer.

MAA – Medical Administrative Assistant – VA official that works in the admissions area during evenings and nights, and monitors hospital activities during other than normal working hours. This person acts as hospital administrator during off-hours.

ALS – Advanced Life Support - Advanced Life Support shall be provided by ambulance vehicles containing at a minimum an on-board Paramedic, Cardiac monitoring, Advanced Life Support drugs and procedures, Advanced airway management and Medication monitoring and administration, and provide restraint and seclusion management when needed.

• Reference: Texas Administrative Code- Title 21, Part 1, Chapter 157, Emergency Medical Care.

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tacview=5&ti=258pt=18ch=157&sch=A &rl=Y http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tacview=5&ti=258pt=18ch=157&sch=A&rl=Y

Base Rate – Base Rate is defined as the rate paid for one-way transportation and handling of a patient, from a designated pick-up point to a designated delivery point. This rate will be paid for all authorized one-way trips ordered under this contract action up to 20 miles.

Beneficiary – Veterans and others determined to be eligible for benefits by the VA.

BLS – Basic Life Support- Basic Life Support shall be provided by ambulance vehicles containing at a minimum, an on-board Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Basic airway management and IV keeping vein open (KVO) without additives. The contractor shall also provide restraint and seclusion management when needed.

• Reference: Texas Administrative Code- Title 21, Part 1, Chapter 157, Emergency Medical Care.

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tacview=5&ti=258pt=18ch=157&sch=A &rl=Y

Class D Operators License – Defined by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles as a driver’s license issued to a person to operate a motor vehicle, or motor driven cycle, other than a commercial motor vehicle and includes probationary license, restricted license, and any operators or chauffeurs license issued before January 1, 1990.

CO - Contracting Officer, VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings, and is a member of the vehicle inspection team.

CBOC - Community Based Outpatient Clinic

Contractor - The term “contractor” as used herein refers to both the prime contractor and his employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The contractor shall be responsible for assuring that his subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative – VA official responsible for providing technical guidance to the contractor and Contracting Officer. Responsibilities include certification of invoices, providing technical guidance, overseeing technical aspects of the contract and are a member of the vehicle inspection team.

Emergency Medical Technician - a person who is specially trained and certified to administer basic emergency services to victims of trauma or acute illness before and during transportation to a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Excusable delays – The contractor shall respond to all calls for ambulance transport service by being on-site at the designated VA facility within 1 hour after notification. STAT notifications require a 20-minute response time. Should the time period for pick-up, stated herein, be physically impossible due to location of veteran beneficiary, the contractor shall contact the appropriate individual at the VA (from a list of extensions which shall be provided to the contractor from the PBS department and the CBOC locations) and proceed to inform him/her of the anticipated time required for pick-up and delivery of said patient.

Full Service – 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, including all holidays.

KVO – Keeping vein open- a rate for infusing IVs.

North Texas - Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (hereinafter called the VAMC) – Dallas VA Medical Center, 4500 S. Lancaster Road, Dallas, Texas 75216.

Not to Exceed (NTE) – The price and/or quantity that the contract or purchase order shall not exceed.

Nursing Home Care Unit - (NHCU)

No Patient–Invoicing and payment is allowed to the contractor for scheduled pick-ups for circumstances beyond the contractor’s control (patient refuse pick-up, patient not home, patient not medically/mentally suitable for transportation, or other extenuating patient circumstances). This charge shall only be assessed on actual trips to the patient pick-up point, and shall not be accessed on scheduled pick-ups that are cancelled in advance by the VA and/or the patient. Immediate notification to the COR within 15 minutes is required.

Medical Transportation Organization (MTO) - MTO has the same meaning as emergency medical service organization as defined in division (H) of section 4766.01 of the Revised Code.

Paramedic - a specially trained medical technician licensed to provide a wide range of emergency services (as defibrillation and the intravenous administration of drugs) before or during transportation to a hospital

Patient Business Service (PBS)-, an administrative department which processes patients' medical records, appointments, etc.

Quality Assurance – Those actions taken by the Government to assure the services provided by the contractor meet the requirements of the contract.

Quality Control – Those actions taken by the Contractor to monitor/control the production of goods or services so they will meet the requirements of the contract.

Run sheet – Clinical documents showing what occurred during the ambulance trip. PBS requires a copy for the patient's chart.

Scheduled Trip(s) – The term "scheduled trip" as used in this solicitation/contract, refers to those trips in which the contractor has been given advance notice (advance notice is defined as a notice given by 4:30 p.m. the prior business day) of required services and a specific pick-up time.

The Joint Commission – A national organization dedicated to improving the care, safety, and treatment of patients in a health care facility and environment.

Same Day Trip(s) - Trips scheduled the same day as used in this solicitation/contract refer to those trips required on an as needed basis with little notice. The cost shall be the same for same day and prescheduled trips.

Task Orders – Award of a funded task order for the appropriate period of performance is required prior to the commencement of any/all work in accordance with FAR part 16.506 as specified herein.

Universal Precautions – Standard precautions when it's anticipated that an individual may come into contact with a blood or body fluid while performing normal duties, requiring the individual to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves).

Waiting – Waiting, as used in this solicitation/contract, is defined as the time required and verified by authorized medical facility personnel for the contractor to wait at designated pick-up and/or delivery points commencing after the required arrival check-in with the individual(s) scheduling the travel.

Waiting Grace Period – The Waiting Grace Period is defined as fifteen (15) minutes prior to the time waiting charges commence. The base rate for ambulance services shall include a fifteen (15) minute waiting grace period at origin and destination. After the 15-minute grace period charges are applied in 15 minute increments.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

The contractor shall provide ambulance transportation services for patients (or beneficiaries) of the Department of Veterans Affairs as established herein. The contractor shall provide all services necessary to execute the full range of paramedic and ambulance services as provided in the local community.

Performance shall be continuously compliant with the requirements contained within this PWS to include the standards established by the Joint and the Division of Emergency Medical Services, Texas Emergency Medical Services and all applicable Federal, State and local rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Reference: Texas Administrative Code- Title 21, Part 1, Chapter 157, Emergency Medical Care.

http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tacview=5&ti=258pt=18ch=157&sch=A &rl=Y

3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The contractor shall provide all Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance service and all Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance service, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, as required in accordance with the terms and conditions contained herein. The contractor shall furnish vehicles sufficient to provide full and complete coverage for pick-up and delivery of all veteran patients requiring transport by ambulance to/from the major VA locations in this region: Dallas VA Medical Center, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd., Dallas, Texas 75216 and the Garland VA Medical Center, 2300 Marie Curie Dr., Garland Texas, 75042.

Pick-up and deliveries will also be required from community hospitals and VA facilities within and outside the service area to include patient’s residence as requested by the COR in accordance with the procedures specified within this PWS. The trip rate provided in any category shall be all-inclusive regardless of time of day as agreed to in the price schedule of the resultant award

4. VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

a) Ambulance vehicles and equipment with which the contractor renders all services must meet Federal and State of Texas (or equal) requirements for insurance, licensing, registration, and equipment. All vehicles used to provide Ambulance vehicles (ALS/BLS) transportation services shall meet the following requirements:

• Texas Health & Safety Code-Chapter 773.Emergency Health Care Act.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.773.htm http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tacview=5&ti=258pt=18ch=157&sch=A&rl=Y

• Texas Administrative Code- Title 21, Part 1, Chapter 157, Emergency Medical Care.

b) Have functioning mechanisms which ensure that all access doors are capable of being opened from the inside and remain closed and secure during travel.

c) Be equipped with operational air conditioning/heating systems.

d) Meet all safety and mechanical standards established by Local, State and Federal statutes and regulations

e) Be equipped with an operable two-way radio and/or cellular telephone communication system, which afford contact with the vehicle during all hours of operation. Beepers are not an acceptable substitute.

f) Be equipped with stretcher tie down straps and effective secure devices to secure both stretcher and wheelchair beneficiaries.

g) The lift shall incorporate an emergency method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails and have a backup for all lift capacity.

h) A fixed seat position or a fixed secured floor or sidewall stretcher lock must be approved for each ambulatory, wheelchair, or stretcher restricted passenger being transported, per the passenger’s needs.

i) Driver shall ensure stretcher locks are secured and seat belts and shoulder harnesses are in place before the vehicle is driven.

5. STANDARDS FOR MAINTENANCE

a) The contractor shall maintain all vehicles in a clean and orderly condition, free from debris and accumulations which may create an accident, injury, or fire hazard.

b) The contractor shall ensure they are in compliant with the CDC Coronavirus guidance:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html

c) The contractor shall maintain vehicles in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule or an improved schedule based on actual vehicle operation conditions.

d) The contractor shall correct any deficiency that might interfere with safe operation of vehicle before vehicle is placed in service.

e) The contractor shall ensure vehicle windows are free of obstructions and lights are kept clean so that they can be easily seen when in operation.

f) The contractor shall keep the interior of vehicles clean and in good repair.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html

g) The contractor shall maintain (and furnish upon request) procedures that outline preventive maintenance and/or repairs on each vehicle in an individual vehicle file and in chronological order, latest service on top. A statement from the Contractor indication compliance of vehicle maintenance files is in place should be submitted at time of offer for evaluation purposes. Requested submission and verification of these documentation requirements will be a quality assurance procedure during the contract period.

h) Maintenance procedures shall adhere to all requirements listed for the state the contractor is based out of herein Texas Medical Transportation Board Administrative Code, SECTION 380.501. Standards for Motor Vehicles.

(1) All motor vehicles used to provide transportation services must:

(A) meet or exceed warranty and component standards for both state and federal safety mechanical operating and maintenance standards;

(B) be identified with the transportation provider name and vehicle number using letters that are at a minimum six inches in height; and

(C) be equipped with:

(i) functioning, clean, and accessible seat belts for each passenger seat position that must be stored off the floor when not in use;

(ii) an operating speedometer and odometer;

(iii) working interior lights within the passenger compartment;

(iv) adequate interior sidewall padding and ceiling covering;

(v) two exterior rear view mirrors, one on each side of the vehicle;

(vi) an interior mirror, which should be used for monitoring the passenger compartment;

(vii) a clean interior and exterior (which must be free of broken mirrors or windows, excessive grime, rust, chipped paint, and major dents);

(viii) a functional fire extinguisher (which must be secured within reach of the motor vehicle operator and visible to passengers);

(ix) a first aid kit (which must include at a minimum latex glove, hazardous waste disposal bags, scrub brush, disinfectant, and deodorizer);

(x) working heating and cooling systems adequate for the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of both the motor vehicle operator and the passengers; and

(xi) signage posted within the vehicle that reads: "No Smoking, Eating or Drinking." "All passengers must wear seat belts." "Concealed Weapons Prohibited."

(2) All motor vehicles used to provide transportation services must comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles (36 C.F.R. 1192), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (49 C.F.R. 571), and Chapter 547 of the Texas Transportation Code.

6. Driver Qualifications

a) The Texas Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) reserves the right to restrict any contractor employee from performing services under this contract who does not meet the required qualifications for the services they are required to perform, and who violates Federal regulations or are identified as a potential threat to the security, safety, health and/or operational mission of the VA and its veteran population. The restriction of such contractor personnel shall not relieve the contractor from performing all the required services, in accordance with all terms, conditions, and schedule contained herein.

b) The contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract.

c) The contractor personnel performing services for the VA, shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner, and be identified by having the company name, and employee name affixed to the uniform. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all vehicles, uniforms, nametags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. The contractor personnel shall not smoke/play loud music originating from any device in vehicles while transporting VA patients.

d) The company will employ personnel, who are fluent in English. They need to be able to speak and understand English in order to transport the patients successfully.

e) Staff will ensure that the patient is secured to the stretcher/cot and that the stretcher /cot is secure in the back of the ambulance before the vehicle moves.

f) Each driver shall:

i) Possess a driver’s license that is valid for the class of vehicle driven and, if required under

Texas Statutes (or other state equal), evidence of a special transportation service vehicle permit or endorsement issued by the commissioner of public safety.

ii) Be at least 18 years of age and have not less than one year of experience as a licensed driver;

and

iii) For the past three years:

• Have not had a driver’s license canceled or suspended under Texas Statutes, (or other state equal);

• Have a driving record clear of convictions for operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle without insurance as required by Texas Statutes, (or other state equal);

• Have a driving record clear of convictions for driving a motor vehicle without a valid current license for the class of vehicle driven; and

• Have a driving and criminal record clear of convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance under Texas Statutes (or other state equal)

• Have a record clear of criminal convictions of crimes or pending criminal indictments against persons, and crimes or anticipatory crimes reasonably related to providing special transportation services. This must be documented by a formal background check.

g) Ambulance drivers shall have a valid driver’s license, in accordance with Federal, State and local government requirements for their place of operation for the services they perform, be capable of administering oxygen and shall have successfully completed the standard and advanced first aid course of the American Red Cross of U.S. Bureaus of Mines of equivalent and be capable of providing necessary medical assistance to the attending emergency medical technician or paramedic.

h) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic Qualifications: EMT’s and Paramedic’s providing services under this contract shall have the following qualifications, in additions to those required by Federal, State, and Local Government:

• https://dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/Certinfor.shtm

i) Have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of

Health and Human Services with a minimum curriculum of 150 hours or equivalent including an in-hospital training period. Such training programs must also be acceptable under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by DHHS under PL 93-154, Federal Register 39:24304. (1974).

ii) Shall submit evidence of equivalent training program, which has been successfully completed, to the Contracting Officer.

iii) Shall be certified, licensed or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state of regional government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

iv) Shall attend all refresher continuing education, or advanced training programs as required by the local or state government entity in which service is rendered. In no instance shall this be less frequent than every two (2) years. Such refresher training shall be equivalent to that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration.

http://search.usa.gov/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=dot-nhtsa&query=refresher+training+&searchCommit=Search

7. PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION

a) It is understood that the patient plus one (1) additional passenger, family member or care giver at the discretion of the transport crew to be transported on a trip will be based on the size of the vehicle and authorization by VAMC.

b) Passengers should be transported in compliance to CDC standards:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html

c) Drivers and passengers shall use seat belts/securement devices at all times.

d) There shall be no smoking by the driver, attendants, or passengers while in the vehicle or on the Medical Center Campus unless in a designated smoking area.

e) The contractor is required to provide “through the door service” for patients to and from their designated appointments. Through the door service” is defined as patients being picked up either on the ward, in their homes, in their clinic or at other stated areas and taken to their stated destination or appointment with proper transfer of patient care to an equal or higher level of care. On the return trip, https://dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/Certinfor.shtm http://search.usa.gov/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=dot-nhtsa&query=refresher+training+&searchCommit=Search http://search.usa.gov/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&affiliate=dot-nhtsa&query=refresher+training+&searchCommit=Search https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/infection-prevention-control-faq.html the contractor will return the patient to either the designated ward, inside his/her home, or to other stated areas.

f) No unauthorized stops shall be permitted. An unauthorized stop is any stop not necessary for patient care. In the event an emergency arises while in transit, the contractor shall transport the patient to the closest facility that can mitigate the emergency.

g) The contractor shall be required to transport non-ambulatory veterans on gurneys and litters who are not in need of emergency transportation or medical attention.

h) Upon delivery or pick-up of a patient, the contractor shall log in the patient on a log sheet at the location designated at the facility. The contractor shall provide the following information on the log sheet:

1. Patient name,

2. Last four of the patient's Social Security Number,

3. Time of delivery or pick-up,

4. Point of origin or destination, and

5. Name of Contractor personnel picking or delivering patient.

i) If a VA beneficiary being transported declines to be properly secured or removed the securement devices himself/herself, the driver will notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of this fact prior to departure. The contractor is not required to transport any VA beneficiary who refuses to be properly secured while being transported. In the event that the beneficiary refuses to be properly secured, they shall be returned back into the building which they came from.

j) An authorized official of the VA Medical Center, the COR or the Mobility Manager may, in the best interest of the patient, allow one (1) relative of concerned other to accompany the patient at no additional cost to the Government. The relative or concerned other only is to be transported home with the beneficiary if approved by an official of the VA Medical Center. The beneficiary will also be allowed to carry with her or him one (1) bag of luggage during his or her transport. Prior to contract performance, the COR shall provide the contractor with a list of names (or position titles) and phone numbers of authorized Government personnel who may request services. This list will be updated and submitted to the contractor as changes occur. Services rendered in response to requests from other than authorized personnel shall be at the risk of the contractor and any costs related thereto shall be borne by the contractor.

k) The contractor is required to notify the COR of any unusual events, including but not limited to accidents, safety problems and deviations in transportation that occur and involve any VA beneficiary being transported under this contract. This notification will be made within 15 minutes by telephone to the COR and AOD during normal working hours. A written report using email or company letterhead of the event will be delivered to the COR within 24 hours. Failure to comply with this provision may be grounds for default.

l) The patient pick-up/drop-off location at the North Texas VA Medical Center will be the South Entrance of the medical center scheduled appointments. The patient pick-up/drop-off location for any CBOC will be the main entrance of that the respective CBOC. If waiting time is necessary, the vehicle must park in the appropriately designated general parking lot areas.

m) The patient may bring with her or him up to three (3) liters of oxygen. The contractor shall be responsible for providing adequate and safe storage of the oxygen tanks during transport.

n) If or when patient’s medical records are transported, the contractor shall ensure that Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) guidelines are followed.

o) Patients will be entitled to transport one certified trained service animal. No pets are to be transported at any time. A. VHA Directive 1188, Animals on Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Property, dated August 26, 2015.

9. CALLS

a) All patient pick-up(s) and drop-off(s) shall be authorized via “calls” which shall only be issued by the designated primary or alternate Contracting Officers Representative (COR). When placing calls for services, the COR shall contact the designated contractor point of contact(s) to provide the following information:

1. Mode of transportation required,

2. Required time of arrival and/or within 20-minute timeframe.

3. Name of beneficiary,

4. Pick-up and delivery point,

5. Type and number of additional medical care specialists required,

6. Type of equipment required,

7. Last four of the patient's Social Security Number, and

8. Any other special instructions.

10. HOURS OF PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSE TIMES

a) Hours of Performance: This is a full-service contract, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The contractor shall provide all ALS/BLS services as stated in the performance work statement for veteran beneficiaries, when requested by the VA.

(i) The contractor shall furnish and maintain vehicles so as to ensure timely pick-up and delivery service to all veterans serviced by the VA.

b) Response Time:

(i) The contractor shall respond to all calls for ambulance transport service by being on-site at the designated VA facility within 1 hour after notification. STAT notifications require a 20-minute response time. Should the time period for pick-up, stated herein, be physically impossible due to location of veteran beneficiary, the Contractor shall contact the appropriate individual at the VA (from a list of extensions which shall be provided to the Contractor from the PBS department and the CBOC locations) and proceed to inform him/her of the anticipated time required for pick-up and delivery of said patient.

(ii) The contractor shall provide and respond to each call-in accordance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations governing dispatch of emergency medical (ambulance) vehicles and medical care of on-board patients, to include the use of sirens and other measures to ensure timely arrival at the designated location.

c) Electronic Transmissions: The contractor shall, at all times during the contract period, have on his/her premises both the ability to receive, read, and transmit emails to and from the VA and a functioning fax machine to communicate with the VA. If PII or PHI is to be transmitted, an approved encrypted email must be used.

11. CONFORMITY TO REGULATIONS

a) The contractor and his/her operators shall conform to all Federal, State and local regulations governing the performance of contracted services.

b) VAMC facilities have been designated NO SMOKING areas in their entirety. Individuals found in violation of this no smoking policy may be subject to a $50.00 federal citation for disregarding posted safety rules and regulations. Furthermore, the contractor may be directed to stop work. The contractor is to notify all of his/her employees and/or sub-contractors of this strict enforcement policy.

c) The contractor must have the appropriate permits/licenses to perform the required services.

d) All services provided by the contractor shall comply with applicable current laws, regulations and standards of the appropriate regulatory body.

12. EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE

Before commencing work under the contract, the contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with a certification from his/her insurance company indication that the coverage outlined in this contract has been obtained and that it may not be changed of canceled during the term of the contract.

13. WAGE RATES

a) Wage Determination(s) as listed in Section D in this solicitation are applicable to any resulting contract.

b) The contractor certifies by signature on this offer that the salaries to be paid workers involved in the performance of the contract are equal to or greater than those specified in the attached Wage Determination(s).

c) The Department of Labor has held that contractors must pay their employees the Service Contract Act waged while they are driving both to and from destinations for the VA. The Wage Determination is attached in Section D.

14. INSPECTIONS

a) The VA reserves the right to inspect the contractor's equipment and vehicles and/or require documentation of compliance with contract specifications, and State laws, rules, regulations and guidelines governing emergency medical transport vehicles (ambulance). VA inspections of Contractor facilities shall in no way constitute a warranty by the VA that the Contractor's vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. Inspections shall take place at the outset of the contract and on an as needed basis thereafter. To be in and remain in compliance, the contractor shall adhere to the Texas Department of

State and Human Service and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The VA reserves the right to restrict the contractor’s use of equipment and vehicles which are in need of repair, unclean, unsafe, damaged on the interior or exterior body, and are not in compliance with contract specifications. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the Contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the contract without additional cost to the VA.

b) The VA reserves the right to have VA personnel, such as Contracting Officer and Contracting Officer's Technical Representative, or their designee, observe and inspect contractor operations at any time during the term of this contract. The VA shall conduct scheduled or unscheduled site visits to observe and inspect contractor operations. A scheduled site visit is defined as a visit that the contractor is made aware of in advance. An unscheduled site visit is defined as a visit without advance notice.

15. PATIENT RIGHTS

a) The contractor shall be courteous to VA beneficiaries and shall not smoke/play loud music while transporting patients. Patients may bring a reasonable amount of equipment, such as folding wheelchair, consumable medical supplies and personal suitcase.

b) The contractor shall immediately notify the VA of any incidents involving injury to a VA patient during transport. The contractor shall complete and submit to the COR, the form entitled, Report of Accident within 24 hours. http://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA2162.pdf

c) The contractor shall notify the COR, in writing, within 24 hours of any complaints made by the patients with regards to the ambulance service. http://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA119.pdf. The contractor may provide recommendations for improved services along with the patient complaints for the VA’s review. No recommendation shall be construed as being effective until a written modification to the contract is executed by the Contracting Officer.

d) Upon delivery or pick-up of a patient, the contractor shall log in the patient on a log sheet at the location designated at the facility. The contractor shall provide the following information on the log sheet:

1. Patient name,

2. Last four of the patient's Social Security Number,

3. Time of delivery or pick-up,

4. Point of origin or destination, and

5. Name of Contractor personnel picking or delivering patient.

16. REQUIRED REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS

Within fifteen (15) days after contract award, the contractor shall provide the following:

a) Contractor Personnel Roster: In this document, contractor shall identify the employee

1. Name,

2. Position,

3. Title, and

4. Work assignment area.

http://vaww.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA119.pdf

Thereafter, all changes shall be submitted to the COR within two (2) business days after the change(s) occur.

b) At the time of delivery, the contractor shall provide a patient care report as part of the patient's permanent record. This patient care report shall include a record of the patient’s vital signs, medications used, oxygen use, and any changes in the patient’s condition. The list stated here shall not be construed as all inclusive, and the contractor shall provide all pertinent information.

17. NUMBER OF PATIENTS

The contractor shall not exceed vehicle capacity for the patient and one (1) passenger transported in vehicles.

18. WAITING TIME

a) Waiting charges shall commence 15 minutes from the time the contractor actually arrives at the designated pick-up and/or delivery points. For scheduled trips, waiting charges shall commence 15 minutes from the scheduled pick-up time.

b) If the designated pick-up/delivery points are at other than the Medical Centers and waiting beyond the required 15-minute grace period is anticipated, the contractor shall notify the individual requesting the travel as defined by the lists of points of contact stated in the solicitation. This call is only for the purpose of verifying the contractor's time of arrival at pick-up and/or delivery points and is not necessary if the contractor does not anticipate a delay for which waiting charges will be claimed.

20. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

(a) In the performance of this contract, the contractor shall take additional safety precautions as determined necessary by the CO or COR. If the contractor is advised of noncompliance issues, the Contractor shall take immediate corrective action. Such notice shall be administered in writing to the Contractor. If the contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the CO may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work and hold the contractor in default.

(b) When ambulance services are required, the contractor shall use universal precautionary measures for the prevention and control of the spread of infectious agents to all persons.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/univprec/univ.html

(c) Safety practices shall adhere to all requirements listed herein as well as those set forth by the

• Texas Health & Safety Code-Chapter 773.Emergency Health Care Act.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.773.htm

• Texas Administrative Code- Title 21, Part 1, Chapter 157, Emergency Medical Care.

(d) Each licensed Medical Transportation Organization (MTO) shall comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA) blood borne pathogens regulations as defined by 29 C.F.R. 1910.1030.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/hospital/hazards/univprec/univ.html

(e) A licensed MTO shall ensure that sanitation procedures are provided to all personnel in a written document that conforms with current standards as set forth in occupational safety and health administration-blood borne pathogens protocol.

(f) A licensed MTO shall maintain and follow a written sanitation plan that conforms with the latest blood borne pathogen standards as written by the occupational safety and health administration. The following documentation shall be maintained for each vehicle:

(1) Sanitation schedule;

(2) Date the sanitation was completed;

(3) Documentation of who performed sanitation.

(g) All licensed MTOs shall establish a written policy governing the use of emergency lights and audible warning devices pursuant to: https://dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/Certinfo.shtm

21. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY

(a) Scheduled Trips are trips requested in advance by a schedule, telephone, encrypted email, or fax; and are requested before 4:00 pm on the prior day. Scheduled patients are required to be brought to the location of their appointment no more than one hour prior to their scheduled appointment time and no later than their scheduled appointment time. Scheduled patients that have a round trip scheduled need to be transported within thirty (30) minutes for their return trips once they have notified the contractor that they have completed all their appointments. In the cases of inclement weather and/or traffic, the COR of the contract or the designee needs to be informed of each situation in which the patient will be brought in past his or her appointment time.

(b) Response time is within one hour of notification of need for a new not prescheduled trip. The contractor would be responsible for providing a vehicle to transport the patient home within one hour of the trip notification.

(c) When unforeseeable or uncontrollable conditions occur, such as, but not limited to severe storms, flooding, or other hazardous road and travel situations, time and distance qualifications shall be considered secondary to safety precautions. Any delays or exceptions to the required quality of services, due to such substantial difficulties, shall be reported to the Travel Office during normal business hours.

Outside normal business hours, the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) for the medical center is to be contacted. The Contracting Officer will make a determination as to whether any such delays in service will be excused. VA will not be charged for trips canceled due to conditions listed within this paragraph.

(d) The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or Alternate COR shall be responsible for verifying contract compliance. Any incidents of contractor noncompliance, as evidenced by the monitoring procedures in the Performance Requirement Summary, shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer within one business day:

Required Services (Tasks)

Performance Standard Acceptable Quality Level

(AQL)

Method of Monitoring

Incentive (Positive and/or Negative

Impact on https://dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/Certinfo.shtm

Contractor Payments)

1) ALS/BLS SMT

Service

The Contractor for ALS/BLS service will provide patient pickups within 45 minutes of receiving a request or within 45 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time.

100% 100% review of each patient pick-up

5% deduction of monthly payment if > 15 minutes late

2) Certifications and Training/Customer Service

Contractor/employee to maintain current proper licenses and ensure all attendants are properly trained and competent to provide service

100% Random Surveillance/ Customer Complaint record

2% deduction of monthly payment if 1 or more employees do not have current licenses or > 1 customer complaint on attendant competence

3) Submit Monthly Reports

All monthly reports submitted within 5 calendar days of due date.

90% 100% inspection of all monthly deliverables

1% deduction of monthly payment for deliverables >5 calendars late

4) ALS/BLS

Vehicle Maintenance/Safety

Ensure all ALS/BLS Vehicles are in proper…