S02 - 36C26322R0119.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

36C26322R0119 06-08-2022

Steven Porwoll 651-293-3049 07-11-2022

11:59 EST

36C263 Department of Veterans Affairs Network 23 Contracting Office Attention: Daniel Vagts 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St Paul MN 55101

X 100

X

621399

$8 Million

N/A

Department of Veterans Affairs

NCO 23

One Veterans Drive, Building 70 Minneapolis MN 55417

Network 23 Contracting Office Attention: Steven Porwoll 316 Robert Street N. STE. 506 St. Paul MN 55415

Y

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Services for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

See Section B.4 Schedule of Services (pg. 7)

See Section B.5 Performance Work Statement (pg. 9)

See CONTINUATION Page

X ONE

Daniel Vagts VA-VHA-SAOC-2019-161D3612 Contract Officer

36C26322R0119

Table of Contents

SECTION A

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

B.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

B.4 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.6 IT CONTRACT SECURITY

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

C.2 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

C.3 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(NOV 2021)

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)

C.6 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.7 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.8 VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2019) (DEVIATION)

C.9 VAAR 852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE

(JUL 2018)

C.10 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

C.11 VAAR 852.237-70 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (OCT 2019) ... 69

C.12 VAAR 852.237-72 CRIME CONTROL ACT—REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE (OCT 2019)

C.13 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.14 VAAR 852.270-1 REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS (JAN 2008)

C.15 VAAR 852.273-74 AWARD WITHOUT EXCHANGES (NOV 2021)

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

EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2022)

ALTERNATE II (JAN 2022)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

E.2 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 VAAR 852.209-70 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (OCT 2020)

E.7 VAAR 852.252-70 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS OR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(JAN 2008)

E.8 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (OCT 2018) ... 89

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

E.10 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.11 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer

Contracting Officer is Daniel Vagts at daniel.vagts@va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs

NCO 23 – St. Paul

316 Robert Street N.

St. Paul MN 55101

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

See Billing Instructions, PWS 6.2. Billing:

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.

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

mailto:daniel.vagts@va.gov

6. TYPE OF CONTRACT: Resultant contracts shall be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract effective for the period stated in the Schedule of Services.

7. TERM OF CONTRACT: The contract period is effective October 20, 2022 through April 19, 2023 with one (1) available 6-month option period.

8. POINT OF CONTACT: The Contractor shall provide a point of contact (POC) who shall be responsible for the performance of the work under this contract. The POC shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all matters relating to the daily operation of this contract. The POC may be a contract health care provider performing under this contract. An alternate may be designated, but the Contractor shall identify, in writing, those times when the alternate shall act as the POC. The Contractor shall identify the POC and alternate in writing to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO). The Contractor shall give written notification to the COR and CO of the time when the alternate will act as the POC. The POC shall be available by telephone Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM, excluding Federal holidays.

9. SECURE FAX: VA Handbook 6500 requires the following statement on all fax cover sheets be included: “This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribute on, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.”

10. POST AWARD ORIENTATION: The Contracting Officer will schedule a post award orientation for contract orientation purposes as required by Procurement Policy Memorandum (PPM) 2019-01.

B.2 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN--MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and VAAR 852.219-9, VA Small Business Subcontracting Plan Minimum Requirement. Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include these clauses. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the plan, including reviewing the contractor's accomplishments in achieving the subcontracting goals in the plan. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to the contractor's business records or other proprietary data to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor compliance with the subcontracting plan.

B.3 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 52.228-5, the following minimum coverage shall apply to this contract:

(a) Workers' compensation and employers liability: Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability: $500,000.00 per occurrences.

(c) Automobile liability: $200,000.00 per person; $500,000.00 per occurrence and $20,000.00 property damage.

(d) The successful bidder must present to the Contracting Officer, prior to award, evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage.

(End of Clause)

B.4 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all personnel to provide services necessary to perform onsite Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Minneapolis VA Health Care System (hereinafter referred to as MVAHCS). The contractor’s provider(s) care shall cover the range of Anesthesiology 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: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Guidelines: https://www.aana.com/

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided on site at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

Pricing Instructions:

The offeror is instructed to edit the number of sub-clins to correspond with the number of key personnel submitted for the contract line item number (CLIN). Affiliate Offerors shall include the “title” of the personnel submitted. Other commercial health care Offerors shall identify by title/position or level of experience the key personnel submitted. Also, renumber SUB-CLINs if adding or removing Key Personnel.

The offeror is instructed to include all other than price and cost information supporting the proposed price as directed in Instructions to Offerors addendum to 52.212-1 and/or Section D- Contract Documents, Exhibits, or attachments, VA Directive 1663.

The contractor shall propose a minimum of two (2) key personnel to be credentialed and be available for scheduling to meet the requirements of the contract.

Period of Performance: Base 6-Month Period: 10-20-2022 to 04-19-2023

CLIN

No.

SUB-

CLIN

Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

0001 None Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Services

2080 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

None 0001a

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

NAME:____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF

EXPERIENCE:____________

1040 Hours $__/hr $__ https://www.aana.com/

Period of Performance: Option One, 6-Month Period: 04-20-2023 to 10-19-2023

Total for Base Period and Option Period One: $_________________________

None 0001b

NAME:____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF

EXPERIENCE:____________

TOTAL FOR Base Period

Hours

No.

SUB-

Description Qty. Unit Unit Cost Total

Annual Cost

1001 None

Services

2080 Hours

KEY PERSONNEL

None 1001a

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

NAME:____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF

EXPERIENCE:____________

1040 Hours $__/hr $__

None 1001b

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

NAME:____________

TITLE/LEVEL OF

EXPERIENCE:____________

TOTAL FOR Option Period

Hours

B.5 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Performance Work Statement for Onsite Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Services

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The contractor shall provide up to two (2.0 FTE) Certified Registered Nurse

Anesthetist, on site in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System

(MVAHCS).

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish services at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

1.3. Period of Performance: Services are required for six-months with one (1), six-month option.

1.4. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority and FAR 12 in combination with 15.

1.5. Policy/Handbooks: The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance. This contract incorporates the below attachments by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text:

1.5.1. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank Reports:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135

1.5.2. VHA Handbook 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364

1.5.3. VHA Handbook 1100.19: Credentialing and Privileging:

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

1.5.4. VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy:

https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970

1.5.5. VHA Directive 1088: Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients:

https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148

1.5.6. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948

1.5.7. VHA Directive 1220(1): Facility Procedure Complexity Designation Requirements to Perform Invasive Procedures In Any Clinical Setting:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365

1.5.8. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources Contracting – Buying:

https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2

1.5.9. VHA Directive 1907.01: VHA Health Information Management and Health Records:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2135 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1364 http://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2910 https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5970 https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=3148 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8948 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=8365 https://www.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=969&FType=2 https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=9235

1.5.10. VHA Directive 2012-030 Credentialing of Health Care Professionals:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815

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

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

1.5.12. VHA Directive 2012-030 Credentialing of Health Care Professionals:

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815

1.6. Definitions/Acronyms: Terms used in this contract shall be interpreted as follows unless the context expressly requires a different construction and/or interpretation. In case of a conflict in language between the Definitions and other sections of this contract, the language in this section shall govern.

1.6.1. ABA: American Board of Anesthesiology http://www.theaba.org/

1.6.2. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.6.3. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.6.4. AOD: Admitting Officer of the Day

1.6.5. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.6.6. CCNE: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation

1.6.7. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.6.8. CR: Contract Discrepancy Report

1.6.9. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.6.10. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.6.11. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.6.12. Contracting Officer (CO): The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts and make related determinations and findings.

1.6.13. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A person appointed by the CO to take necessary action to ensure the contractor performs in accordance with and adheres to the specifications contained in the contract and to protect the interest of the Government. The COR shall report to the CO promptly any indication of non-compliance in order that appropriate action can be taken.

1.6.14. COS: Chief of Staff

1.6.15. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815 http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=2815 http://www.theaba.org/ http://www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation

1.6.16. Credentialing: Credentialing is the systematic process of screening and evaluating qualification and other credentials, including licensure, required education, relevant training and experience and current competence and health status.

1.6.17. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

1.6.18. ED: Emergency Department

1.6.19. EHR: Electronic Health Record - electronic health record system used by the VA

1.6.20. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.6.21. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.6.22. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.6.23. HR: Human Resources

1.6.24. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.6.25. Medical Emergency: A sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably result in: Permanently placing a patient's health in jeopardy, causing other serious medical consequences, causing impairments to body functions, or causing serious or permanent dysfunction of any body-organ or part.

1.6.26. MOD: Medical Officer of the Day

1.6.27. NBCRNA: National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

1.6.28. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers).

1.6.29. NLNAC: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. www.nlnac.org

1.6.30. Non-Contract Provider: Any person, organization, agency, or entity that is not directly or indirectly employed by the contractor or any of its subcontractors

1.6.31. NP: Nurse Practitioner

1.6.32. NPPES: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System

1.6.33. PA: Physician Assistant

1.6.34. POP: Period of Performance

1.6.35. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.6.36. Privileging (Clinical Privileging): Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, http://www.nlnac.org/ preceptor, mandatory collaboration, etc.; is permitted by law and the facility to practice independently, to provide specific medical or other patient care services within the scope of the individual’s license, based upon the individual’s clinical competence as determined by peer references, professional experience, health status, education, training and licensure. Clinical privileges must be facility-specific and provider-specific.

1.6.37. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.6.38. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.6.39. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.6.40. Veterans Health Administration (VHA): The central office for administration of the VA medical centers through throughout the United States. The VHA is located in Washington, D.C.

1.6.41. Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN): The regional oversight for the VA medical centers.

1.6.42. VISTA (Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Architecture): A PC based system that will capture and store clinical imagery, scanned documents and other non-textual data files and integrates them into patient’s medical record and with the hospital information system.

1.6.43. VetPro: A federal web-based credentialing program for healthcare providers.

1.6.44. Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC): Unless identified with the name of a different

VA medical Center, for purposes of this contract, this term shall mean the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility:

2.1.1. License: Graduate from an approved School of Nursing and hold an unencumbered current state licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.

The contractor’s personnel assigned by the contractor to perform the services covered by this contract shall have a current license to practice medicine in any State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia) when services are performed onsite on VA property.

All licenses held by the personnel working on this contract shall be full and unrestricted licenses.

Contractor’s personnel who have current, full and unrestricted licenses 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.

2.1.2. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 2012-030 referenced above. The contractor is responsible to ensure that proposed personnel possess the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contractor’s personnel prior to obtaining approval by the Minneapolis VAHCS Professional Standards Board, Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.2.1. If a contractor’s personnel are not credentialed and privileged or has credentials/privileges suspended or revoked, the contractor shall furnish an acceptable substitute without any additional cost to the government.

2.1.3. Technical Proficiency: Contractor’s personnel 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 CO/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 contractor’s personnel and contractor’s personnel shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior.

2.1.4. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements:

Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the VAMC. Contractor’s personnel registered or certified by national/medical associations shall continue to meet the minimum standards for CME to remain current. 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 contractor’s personnel.

2.1.5. Training (ACLS, BLS, EHR and VA MANDATORY): Contractor shall meet all VA educational requirements and mandatory course requirements defined herein; all training must be completed by the contractor’s personnel as required by the VA. Other training may become required. VA will communicate any changes to the training requirement to the contractor.

Training Frequency Annual Hours VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior – TMS course # 10176

Once a Year 1 hour

Mandatory Training for Transitory, Part-time and Intermittent Clinical Staff # 20152

Once a Year 1 hour

ACLS/BLS - TMS course # 324129 Every 24 months 4 hours

EHR Once 4 hours Additional training may be required per VHA or Medical Center directives

Unknown Unknown

2.1.6. Standard Personnel Testing (PPD, etc.): Contractor shall provide proof of the following tests for personnel 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.

2.1.6.1. TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all contractor’s personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}. A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results. The TST or IGRA testing shall be completed at time of contract.

2.1.6.2. MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all contractor personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.3. VARICELLA: Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all contractor personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.4. ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all contractor personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.5. INFLUENZA: Contractors shall provide proof that all contractor personnel have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the contractor personnel has a medical contraindication to the vaccine, they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.

2.1.6.6. OSHA REGULATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOODBORNE

PATHOGENS: Contractor shall provide evidence of completing and passing generic self-study blood-borne pathogen training for all contractor’s personnel {This is applicable to all health care workers}; provide their own Hepatitis B vaccination series and Hepatitis B surface antigen test results following the Hepatitis B vaccination series; maintain an exposure determination and control plan; maintain required records; and ensure that proper follow-up evaluation is provided following an exposure incident.

2.1.6.7. The VAMC shall notify the contractor of any significant communicable disease exposures as appropriate. Contractor 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. Contractor shall provide follow up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return.

2.1.7. National Provider Identifier (NPI): NPI is a standard, unique 10-digit numeric identifier required by HIPAA. The Veterans Health Administration must use NPIs in all HIPAA-standard electronic transactions for individual (health care practitioners) and organizational entities (medical centers). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/InfectControl98.pdf

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

2.1.8. Conflict of Interest: The contractor and all contractor’s personnel are responsible for identifying and communicating to the CO and COR conflicts of interest at the time of proposal and during the entirety of contract performance. At the time of proposal, 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. The contractor shall also 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 VAAR provision 852.209-70 Organizational Conflicts of Interest and fully outlined in response to the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.9. Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.9.1. The contractor certifies that the contractor shall comply with any and all legal provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, As Amended; its related laws and regulations that are enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor as these may relate to non-immigrant foreign nationals working under contract or subcontract for the contractor while providing services to Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals;

2.1.9.2. While performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the contractor shall not knowingly employ, contract or subcontract with an illegal alien; foreign national non-immigrant who is in violation their status, as a result of their failure to maintain or comply with the terms and conditions of their admission into the United States. Additionally, the contractor is required to comply with all “E-Verify” requirements consistent with “Executive Order 12989” and any related pertinent Amendments, as well as applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.

2.1.9.3. If the contractor fails to comply with any requirements outlined in the preceding paragraphs or its Agency regulations, the Department of Veterans Affairs may, at its discretion, require that the foreign national who failed to maintain their legal status in the United States or otherwise failed to comply with the requirements of the laws administered by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S Department of Labor, shall be prohibited from working at the contractor’s place of business that services Department of Veterans Affairs patient referrals; or other place where the contractor provides services to veterans who have been referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and shall form the basis for termination of this contract for breach.

2.1.9.4. This certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States and the making of a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the maker subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.1.9.5. The contractor agrees to obtain a similar certification from its subcontractors. The certification shall be made as part of the offerors response to the RFP using the subject attachment in Section D of the solicitation document.

2.1.10. Annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) Statement: In accordance with HIPAA and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1977, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) has established a list of parties and entities excluded from Federal health care programs. Specifically, the listed parties and entities may not receive Federal Health Care program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.1.10.1. Therefore, contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at https://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contractor’s personnel are not listed. Contractor should note that any excluded individual or entity that submits a claim for reimbursement to a Federal health care program, or causes such a claim to be submitted, may be subject to a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) for each item or service furnished during a period that the person was excluded and may also be subject to treble damages for the amount claimed for each item or service. CMP’s may also be imposed against the contractor that employ or enter into contracts with excluded individuals to provide items or services to Federal program beneficiaries.

2.1.10.2. By submitting their proposal, the contractor certifies that the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities has been reviewed and that the contractors are and/or firm is not listed as of the date the offer/bid was signed.

2.2. Clinical/Professional Performance: The qualifications of contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Center COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Center Director as provided in VHA Handbook 1100.19 and VHA Directive 2012-030.

Clinical/Professional performance monitoring and review of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the VAMC COS and/or the Chief of the Service or his designee. A clinical COR may be appointed, however, only the CO is authorized to consider any contract modification request and/or make changes to the contract during the administration of the resultant contract.

The Minneapolis VAHCS Anesthesia Service provides veteran patients with anesthesia procedures for both ambulatory and inpatient surgical procedures. The services include rendering patients insensate for surgical procedures (general anesthesia), major neuraxial blocks for surgical procedures (spinal and epidural anesthesia), nerve block for surgical procedures, monitored anesthesia care, procedures to alleviate post-operative pain and resuscitation services. Anesthesia services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The department utilizes anesthesiologists (physicians who specialize in anesthesiology) and nurse anesthetists (nurses who specialize in anesthesia). We work in an anesthesia team to provide https://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp anesthesia and critical care services to the patients who are undergoing surgical procedures at the Minneapolis VAHCS. At the Minneapolis VAHCS, the physician anesthesiologist directs the anesthesia care team.

2.3. Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the contractor and all contractor’s personnel shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose.

2.4. Indemnification: The contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government against, all actions or claims for loss of or damage to property or the injury or death of persons, arising out of or resulting from the fault, negligence, or act or omission of the contractor, its agents, or employees.

2.5. Prohibition Against Self-Referral: Contractor’s personnel are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s).

2.6. Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and contractor’s personnel shall not perform inherently governmental functions. This includes, but is not limited to, determination of agency policy, determination of Federal program priorities for budget requests, direction and control of government employees (outside a clinical context), selection or non-selection of individuals for Federal Government employment including the interviewing of individuals for employment, approval of position descriptions and performance standards for Federal employees, approving any contractual documents, approval of Federal licensing actions and inspections, and/or determination of budget policy, guidance, and strategy.

2.7. No Employee status: The contractor shall be responsible for protecting contractor’s personnel furnishing services. To carry out this responsibility, the contractor shall provide or certify that the following is provided for all their staff providing services under the resultant contract:

2.7.1. Workers’ compensation

2.7.2. Vacation time

2.7.3. Sick leave

2.7.4. Professional liability insurance

2.7.5. Health examinations

2.7.6. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.7. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover contractor or contractor’s personnel.

When a contractor or contractor’s personnel has been identified as a provider in a tort claim, the contractor shall be responsible for notifying their legal counsel and/or insurance carrier.

Any settlement or judgment arising from a contractor’s (or contractor’s personnel) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the contractor and/or insurance carrier.

2.9. Key Personnel: Contractor will be responsible to ensure that the contractor personnel providing work on this contract are fully trained and fully competent to perform the required services for the duration of the contract period. Contractor’s personnel provided under this contract must meet the qualifications, training, and all requirements as stated in Section 2.

2.9.1. The VA Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for the services required is up to two (2.0) FTE. One FTE is defined by VA as a minimum of 80 hours every two (2) weeks and does not include holidays.

2.9.2. The minimum number of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists required to be on site on a daily basis is 2.0 FTE as defined below in section 3 – Hours of Operation.

2.9.3. Personnel Substitutions: During the first ninety (90) 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 CO, in writing, within fifteen (15) calendar day(s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After ninety (90) days, the contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.9.3.1. 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 CO. Proposed substitutes shall have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The CO will notify the contractor within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the proposed substitutes. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

2.9.3.2. For temporary substitutions where the key person shall not be reporting to work for three (3) consecutive workdays or more, the contractor shall provide a qualified replacement for the key person. The substitute shall have comparable qualifications to the key person. Any period exceeding two (2) weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

2.9.3.3. The Government reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any contractor personnel at any time after performance begins, 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 patient or other staff members to designated Government representatives. Standards for conduct shall mirror those prescribed by current federal personnel regulations. Should the VA COS or designee show documented clinical problems or continual unprofessional behavior/actions with any contractor’s personnel, s/he may request, without cause, immediate replacement of said contractor’s personnel. The CO and COR shall deal with issues raised concerning contractor’s personnel conduct. The final arbiter on questions of acceptability is the CO.

2.9.3.4. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of VAMC’s medical services, the contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the contractor’s personnel leaves contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

3. HOURS OF OPERATION:

3.1. VA Business Hours: The Minneapolis VA Medical Center is open 24 hours per day 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Administrative offices, clinics and the O.R. general hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7:00am – 4:30pm, excluding Federal Holidays. The services covered by this contract shall be furnished by the contractor as defined in the work schedule below.

3.2. Work Schedule:

3.2.1. The contract personnel shall provide services on-site at the Minneapolis VAHCS an estimated 40 hours per week with the exception of weeks with Federal Holidays. The schedule and tour of duty is defined by the Chief Nurse Anesthetist and may vary based on the nature of the workload, needs of the service, and patient care requirements.

3.2.2. Schedules of Duty: Daily schedules will be weekdays, Monday through Friday, with the exception of Federal Holidays. Contractor’s personnel shall be available and present during scheduled hours which will be established, and may be revised, as deemed appropriate for patient care by the Chief CRNA or designee.

3.2.2.1. Daily Schedule of Duty may vary as follows:

Tours include: 07-1530, 07-1730, or 07-1930

3.2.2.2. Contract personnel are required to stay until all patient care needs are completed. If schedule hours run over, the provider will be paid at the current hourly rate.

Note: All daily tours will include a 30-minute non-paid lunch break.

3.2.3. Patients must be seen by a contractor’s provider(s) on-site at the Minneapolis VAHCS in a timely manner in accordance with VA Rules and Regulations on clinic wait times and consult completion. Contractor shall notify the COR at least monthly about any obstacles to meeting this performance measure.

3.3. Federal Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

• New Year’s Day

• Martin Luther King’s Birthday

• President’s Day

• Memorial Day

• Juneteenth

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Columbus Day

• Veterans Day

• Thanksgiving

• Christmas

• Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

3.4. Cancellations: Requests for clinic cancellations will be made in writing to the Chief Nurse Anesthetist and the COR with no less than six (6) weeks’ notice accompanied by an appropriate justification, with provisions made to ensure effective implementation of patient notification and a rescheduling plan to ensure that patient access and continuity of care issues is addressed.

This six-week notice policy applies to continuing education, meetings or conferences, vacations days, or other than non-emergency reasons

3.4.1. Unless a state of emergency has been declared, the contractor shall be responsible for providing services.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The contractor shall provide contractor’s personnel who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

4.1.1. Contractor’s personnel 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.

The Minneapolis VHACS requires the services of up to two (2) full-time (2.0 FTE) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Nurse Anesthetist Functions:

• Provision of care in the most complex surgical procedures

• Perform and document a preanesthetic evaluation of the patient before surgery including requesting consultations, additional diagnostic and/or laboratory studies in consultation with the anesthesiologist.

• After concurrence with the plan by the anesthesiologist, initiation of the planned anesthetic technique that may include general, regional, MAC, or local anesthesia.

Interventions include administration of fluids, medications, ventilator support, provision of homeostasis, provision of adequate pain relief and management of anesthesia and surgical side effects.

• Induction of general anesthesia and initial airway management.

• Endotracheal intubation for surgical or procedural cases.

• Placement of endobronchial tubes or blockers for procedures requiring one lung ventilation or lung isolation.

• Central line placement; Pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheter placement

• Peripheral nerve blocks.

• Central neuraxial blocks.

• Epidural blood patches.

• Adjustment of anesthetic drugs and techniques utilized in the maintenance of anesthesia.

• Sedation for field blocks or MAC as discussed in the anesthetic care plan.

• Manages emergence from anesthesia after discussion and concurrence from the anesthesiologist.

• Provide anesthetic for: electroconvulsive therapy not requiring intubation; elective cardioversions; ICD checks.

• Participates on the Code Blue Team, primarily to manage the patient’s airway, but also to perform other tasks which they are qualified to perform, as directed by the Code Team Leader.

• Emergency airway management throughout the facility, following the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm and department protocols, as requested.

• Administer sedation or local anesthesia to facilitate urgent/emergent endotracheal intubation.

• Placement of intravenous lines throughout the facility, as requested.

• Management of epidural catheters for post-op pain relief within a protocol guideline ordered by the anesthesiologist.

• Placement of arterial lines as requested by the ICU’s.

• Initiation of an anesthetic in an emergency that threatens the patient with loss of life or limb prior to the arrival of the anesthesiologist on-call

• Participation in staff meetings, mortality and morbidity conferences and other committees as assigned by the Chief Nurse Anesthetist or Chief Anesthesiologist.

• Maintains anesthesia equipment in constant readiness and cleans equipment in accordance with hospital guidelines, SOPs, manufacturer’s recommendations and CDC guidelines.

• Prepares drugs properly for use in anesthesia administration per department SOP

• Precepts CRNA students

• Ensures that OR/anesthesia safety regulations and procedures and infection control policies and procedures are observed.

• Complies with Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals

• Fully complies with medical center Correct Site/Universal Protocol requirements, including pausing activities during pre-operative time-out

• Complies with VA and Joint Commission documentation requirements

• Label’s specimens according to medical center policy

• Participates in continuous improvement activities

• Participates in outcomes evaluation and recommendations for practice improvements

• Conducts in-service programs for the department and other services within the medical center

4.2. Standards of Care: The contractor’s personnel care shall cover the range of Anesthesiology services as would be provided in a state-of-the-art health care facility and the standard of care shall be of a quality, meeting or exceeding currently recognized national standards as established by:

4.2.1. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Guidelines:

https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-guidelines

4.2.2. The professional standards of the Joint Commission (TJC):

http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx https://www.asahq.org/standards-and-guidelines http://www.jointcommission.org/standards_information/standards.aspx

4.2.3. The standards of the American Hospital Association (AHA):

http://www.hpoe.org/resources?show=100&type=8 and;

4.2.4.