S02. 36C24924R0007.pdf

PAGE 1 OF

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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

36C24924R0007 12/28/2023

James Moore james.moore20@va.gov 01-15-2024

1400 EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129 x 2 awards x

621910

$22.5 Million

N/A

X

Department of Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System York Campus 3400 Lebanon Pike Murfreesboro TN 37129

90C

Network Contracting Office 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (90C) 1639 Medical Center Parkway Suite 204 Murfreesboro TN 37129

90C

FSC e-Invoicing Payment http://www.fsc.va.gov/fsc/einvoice.asp Invoice Setup Information 1-877-489-6135 Invoice must be submitted electronically

Setup 1-877-489-6135

See CONTINUATION Page

This solicitation seeks to establish multiple single award IDIQs, up to six, for the purpose of ambulance transportation for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System:

These are five-year contracts with ordering periods as follows:

Ordering Period 1:02/01/24 - 01/31/25 Ordering Period 2:02/01/25 – 01/31/26 Ordering Period 3:02/01/26 – 01/31/27 Ordering Period 4:02/01/27 – 01/31/28 Ordering Period 5:01/01/28 – 01/31/29

Contractor may place offers on one, multiple, or all regions. If an offer is the lowest for multiple regions their award shall include all the regions for which they were the lowest price technically acceptable. The VA may award more than one contract for a region. In this case it would award from lowest to next lowest and so forth. See provision 52.212-2.

52.217-8 PRICING EVALUATION The evaluation will consider the possibility that the option can be exercised at any time and can be exercised in increments of one to six months, but not for more than a total of six months during the life of the contract. The evaluation will therefore use the cost of the highest option years pricing to evaluate cost. Any option exercised under FAR 52.217-8 will be at the same rates as those in effect under the contract at the time the option is exercised.

N/A

X X

36C24923R0156

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 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

C.2 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.3 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.4 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.5 52.216-32 TASK-ORDER AND DELIVERY-ORDER OMBUDSMAN (SEP 2019) ... 50

C.6 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.7 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

C.8 52.232-35 DESIGNATION OF OFFICE FOR GOVERNMENT RECEIPT OF

ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER INFORMATION (JUL 2013)

C.9 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.10 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) . 52

C.11 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.12 INFORMATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY (FEB 2023)

C.13 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JUN 2023)

C.14 MANDATORY WRITTEN DISCLOSURES

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

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

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAR 2023)

E.2 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

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 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.7 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.9 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (DEC 2022)

E.9 52.215-22 LIMITATIONS ON PASS-THROUGH CHARGES—IDENTIFICATION OF

SUBCONTRACT EFFORTS (OCT 2009)

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 36C249

Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 9 (90C)

NCO 9

1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 204

Murfreesboro TN 37129

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 in arrears

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

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

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Ambulance Service

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this requirement is to furnish 24-hour ambulance transportation service for the beneficiaries of the Tennessee Valley Health Care System VA Medical Center (TVHS). This will involve trips to and from any location within the Primary Service Area (PSA) of the Tennessee Valley Health Care System VA Medical Center and beyond, as appropriate. Trips are generally confined to within the PSA; however, they may encompass travel to points as far away as Georgia, Kentucky, or beyond, if necessary. The Offeror and resultant contract awardee, by signing the offer and contract, is acknowledging they have reviewed the clause 52.222-41and will fully comply throughout the contract period. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine and pay the appropriate prevailing wage rate and fringe benefits for the location. The Government will not be held responsible for any mistakes in applying the Service Contract Labor Standard (SCLS).

1. TASKING

(a) The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, which encompasses Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Tennessee and Kentucky and affiliated healthcare clinics require, contracted ambulance transportation services. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, insurance, licenses, and equipment to provide safe and comfortable ambulance litter/stretcher transportation on an as-needed basis. To avoid delays in getting performance started as soon as possible, our office advises that ALL required licensing be required to be submitted at the time of offers due. Proposals that do not contain the required licensing at the time of offers due shall automatically be rendered technically unacceptable and will not be eligible for award.

(b) Ambulance services shall be provided seven (7) days a week, as detailed including holidays, to and from locations (i.e., clinics, ward locations, inpatient floors, ICU, patient homes, hospitals, pre-approved fee basis appointments) designated by the TVHS, Nashville or Murfreesboro Beneficiary Travel Office, in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions, and schedules set forth in this solicitation.

(c) Contractor shall assist the patient as needed to access the vehicle for transportation.

This may include but is not limited to bed to stretcher or stretcher to bed transfer when necessary.

2. BACKGROUND

(a) The TVHS is an integrated healthcare system comprised of Medical Centers, the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro, TN, and the Nashville Campus in Nashville, TN, and all CBOCs located in Tennessee and Kentucky. For purposes of this requirements, any future reference to "TVHS" shall be interpreted as included all facilities referenced within this PWS. Specifically, all facilities referenced within section 3(e) below. Historically, the TVHS has relied upon contacted ambulance services to transport some patients to and from its facilities and other locations. This procurement will establish a new five-year Indefinite-Quantity contract(s) for ambulance services.

3. SCOPE/REQUIREMENT

(a) Beneficiary privacy and confidentiality. The contractor shall maintain the confidentiality of all beneficiary information and records associated with the performance of this contract.

The contractor shall be required to sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) as mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

(b) All contractor personnel should be compliant per TVHS infectious disease policies.

(c) The contactor shall provide the following Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance services on an as-needed basis:

i. BLS — Emergency/Non-Emergency - Defined as transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medical care that is rendered to a sick, disabled, or injured individual, based on signs, symptoms, or complaints, prior to the individual's hospitalization or while transporting the individual between healthcare facilities and that is limited to use of the knowledge, skills, and techniques received from trainings required for licensure as an emergency medical technician. BLS includes a basic level of pre-hospital and inter-hospital care and medical services that includes, but is not limited to, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), control of shock and bleeding, and splinting of fractures, as outlined in/by the Basic Life Support national curriculum of the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Centers for Medicare and Medical Services (CMS).

ii. Staffing for BLS services: Each ambulance shall be staffed by licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) or its State of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia equivalent, as appropriate, and in accordance with the state, local or regional government or public entity where the ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

(d) The contractor shall provide the following EMT-Paramedic ambulance service on an as-needed basis:

i. EMT Paramedic— Non-Emergency. EMT-Paramedic service is defined as prehospital or interfacility transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of advanced life support and at least one EMT-Paramedic intervention such as the placement of advance airway adjuncts, intravenous infusions, manual defibrillation, electrocardiogram interpretation, administration of approved drugs, cardiac monitoring, and other advanced skills identified within the state, local or regional government, or public entity (i.e. CMS and NHTSA) where the ambulance services is operated or by which it is governed.

ii. EMT Paramedic — Emergent Unscheduled Transportation - When medically necessary, the provision of EMT-Paramedic services, as specified in 3(c)(i), on an emergency basis is defined in section 3(v.) below.

iii. EMT Paramedic services, Level 2 - EMT-Paramedic services, Level 2, is the transportation by ground ambulance vehicle and the provision of medically necessary supplies and services including (l) at least three separate administrations of one or more medications by intravenous push/bolus or by continuous infusion (excluding crystalloid fluids) or (2) ground ambulance transport, medically necessary supplies and services, and the provision of at least one of the EMT-Paramedic services listed: manual defibrillation/cardioversion, endotracheal intubation, central venous line, cardiac pacing, chest decompression, surgical airway, or intraosseous line.

iv. Staffing for EMT-Paramedic services: Each ambulance shall be staffed by licensed EMT-Paramedics, or it's State of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia equivalent, as appropriate, in accordance with the state, local or regional government or public entity where the ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

v. Emergency unscheduled transportation, for the purpose of this contract, is defined as a medical emergency that requires ambulance transportation immediately, therefore being unable to be scheduled with the Contractor the day prior to transportation.

Emergent unscheduled transportation shall be available at the pick-up location within 30 minutes from the time transport is requested. When calling in the run, the Transportation Assistant or Administrator on Duty (AOD) will specifically state that the request is an emergent unscheduled transportation request. Under no circumstances shall the Contractor fail to meet the emergent unscheduled transportation timeliness requirement.

(e) Emergency unscheduled transportation includes holidays:

New Year’s Day

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr

Washington’s Birthday

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

National Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

(f) Emergent unscheduled transportation shall be available at the pick-up location within 30 minutes from the time transport is requested. When calling in the run, the Transportation Assistant or Administrator on Duty (AOD) will specifically state that the request is an emergent unscheduled transportation request.

(g) NON-EMERGENCY unscheduled transportation, for the purpose of this contract, is defined as a non-emergent transportation request that was arranged without providing the Contractor with prior day notice. Non-emergent, unscheduled transportation, shall be at the pick-up location within 1 hour from the time the transport is called in, providing place of pick-up is within local mileage limits of the TVHS facilities. For pick up locations outside the local mileage limits from the TVHS facilities, transportation must dispatch to the pick-up location within 60 minutes. If patient is to be picked up at or delivered to a CBOC, transportation must arrive during business hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Central Time Zone.

(h) Ambulance services shall be provided to all healthcare facilities under the jurisdiction of:

TVHS, the Nashville VA Medical Center (1310 24th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212), the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center (3400 Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37129), and the following CBOCs:

Albion Street VA Outpatient Clinic at Meharry

1818 Albion Street

Nashville, TN 37208

Phone: 615.873.6700

Bowling Green VA Outpatient Clinic

600 US 31 West Bypass, Suite 12

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 270.782.0120

Charlotte Avenue VA Outpatient Clinic

1919 Charlotte Avenue

Nashville, TN 37203

Phone: 615.873.6503

Gallatin VA Outpatient Clinic

419 Steam Plant Road

Gallatin, TN 37066

Phone: 615.230.4600

International Plaza VA Outpatient Clinic

2 International Plaza, Suite 300

Nashville, TN 37217

Phone: 615.367.5928

Women Veterans Healthcare Center (Nashville)

1919 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 300

Nashville, TN 37203

Phone: 615.327.4751

Cookeville VA Outpatient Clinic

851 South Willow Ave, Suite 108

Cookeville, TN 38501

Phone: 931.284.4060

Columbia VA Outpatient Clinic

800 S James Campbell Blvd. Suite 100

Columbia, TN 38401

Phone: 931.981.6930

McMinnville VA Outpatient Clinic

1410 Sparta Street, Suite 6

McMinnville, TN 37110

Phone: 931.474.7700

Tullahoma VA Outpatient Clinic

225 Von Karman Road Arnold Air Force Base

Tullahoma, TN 37389

Phone: 931.454.6134

Clarksville VA Outpatient Clinic

782 Weatherly Drive

Clarksville, TN 37043

Phone: 931.645.3552

Clarksville VA Outpatient Dental Clinic

2292 Dalton Drive, Suite F

Clarksville, TN 37043

Phone: 931.503.1111

Dover VA Outpatient Clinic

1406 Donelson Pkwy

Dover, TN 37058

Phone: 931.232.1300

Hopkinsville VA Outpatient Clinic

4000 Ft. Campbell Blvd. Suite G-4

Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Phone: 270.885.2106

Athens VA Outpatient Clinic

1320 Decatur Pike

Athens, TN 37303

Phone: 423.746.1410

Chattanooga VA Outpatient Clinic

6401 Shallowford Road

Chattanooga, TN 37421

Phone: 423.893.6500

Pointe Centre VA Outpatient Clinic

1208 Pointe Centre Drive, Suite 100

Chattanooga, TN 37421

Phone: 423.893.6500

Roane County [Harriman] VA Outpatient Clinic

2305 North Gateway Ave, Suite 2

Harriman, TN 37748

Phone: 865.882.2010

Counties in Georgia: No CBOCS located only patients residences Catoosa, Dade, Murray, Walker, Whitfield

See the map for the four regions of the area. An offer can be made of the entire area, or one or more of the regions.

(i) Contractor shall be able to meet the timeliness response requirements to and from the above referenced facilities, with most of the ambulance runs at the CBOCs being scheduled non-emergent transports from the residence or unscheduled emergent transports to TVHS or a local community hospital when medically indicated.

(j) Contractor must possess sufficient ambulances to remain compliant with all timeliness response requirements as determined within sections n and o below. The outlying CBOCs in different states require VA patients to be retrieved from their residence and transported to the local CBOC and possibly for further transfer to one of the TVHS Medical Centers or CBOCs referenced above for further treatment, as necessary.

Contractor shall comply with all state rules and regulations and have proper licensing to conduct such transportation.

(k) Scheduled transportation, for the purpose of this contract, is defined as transportation arranged with the Contractor on the day prior to the date transportation is needed.

Scheduled transportation requests will be either called in or faxed to the Contactor.

(l) Mileage will be based on the latest edition of readily available online commercial mileage calculator Bing (www.bing.com) for online driving directions. No payment will be made for the contractor's mileage to the pick-up location or return to dispatch station (without VA patient being transported). Any distance with whole mileage above five tenths is rounded up, below is rounded down, e.g. 10.4 = 10 Miles, 10.6 = 11.

(m)Contractor shall provide a dispatcher/supervisor who has no driving duties at all during duty times. All materials and equipment required by the dispatcher to conduct the business of the contract will be provided by the Contractor. The dispatcher must be able to contact and communicate at all times with all staff engaged in patient transport.

(n) Requests for service will be made in writing or by telephone or VET Ride by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or AOD. Contractor will be provided with patient's pick-up and delivery points, appointment time and location, and vehicle requirements.

(o) To the extent possible, transportation requests will be scheduled; however, Contractor must be able to accept requests for same day service if the minimum number of required vehicles for the awarded area are not yet being utilized and shall schedule them in a manner that meets the arrival time needs. On scheduled transports, the Contractor shall arrive at the pick-up point on time and shall deliver the patient on-time for appointments.

(p) Contractor's performance shall be in conformance with the contract and all applicable Federal, State and Local laws to include Department of Transportation 49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38, 571, Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Title Ill and VA standards. All regulations of the State Public Service Commission (PSC) (of which Contractor's facility is located) governing the control, operation of, and licensing of the transportation provider are incorporated herein by reference. All records submitted to and/or compiled by the PSC regarding inspections, safety, records, and manifests, etc. may be reviewed prior to awarding a contract and on request throughout the contract term.

(q) Contractor shall provide ambulance service under this contract as set forth. This requirement is defined as in use or in route exclusively for Nashville or Murfreesboro VA

Medical Center and CBOC patients under the jurisdiction of the TVHS including the 5 GA counties. Any assigned transport the contractor is unable to accommodate internally it is the responsibility of the contractor to sub-contract the transport.

4. AMBULANCE SPECIFICATIONS

(a) Vendor must ensure that there are sufficient ambulances to respond within the specified time frames outlined in 3 (f) and 3 (g).

(b) If the Contractor is unable to provide transportation within the specified timeframes, TVHS will contact a third party to obtain these services. The Contractor will be responsible to cover the cost of the third-party bill.

(c) Each ambulance shall have patient compartment facilities, oxygen and suction systems and environmental climatic supplies as required by Federal Specification for Ambulances, KKK-A-1822F dated August 01, 2007. All ambulances shall meet the standards of KKK-A-1822F dated August 01, 2007.

(d) Contractor shall ensure that all stretchers receive a quarterly safety inspection (See S02 Stretcher Checklist) of all working parts including belts and straps. Contractor shall maintain records of safety inspections and shall provide a current inspection certificate, when requested by the COR for vehicles used in transporting TVHS patients.

(e) Ambulance proposed to be furnished under this contract shall meet the specification enumerated in KKK-A-1822F dated August 01, 2007 including but not limited to the following for adults:

i. IV supplies, including pumps — when required

ii. Monitors, defibrillators, mounting brackets

iii. First aid kit with Band-Aids, gauze, elastic bandages, sterile gauze pads, triangular bandages, cleansing wipes, tape scissors, eye pads, ammonia inhalants, sterile gloves, etc.

iv. Two-way radio or portable phone

v. Face masks/nasal cannula

vi. Splints

vii. Blood tubes

viii. Oxygen. Expected to be needed on 25% of jobs.

(f) The ambulances (emergency medical care vehicles) under the terms of this contract shall be licensed and meet the minimum vehicle requirements for basic life support as mandated by the Tennessee Department of Public Health and Department of Transportation pertaining to ambulance service.

(g) Federal specifications are mandatory as minimal requirements for such vehicles, but chassis or compartment modifications are permissible when they clearly exceed the minimal specifications.

(h) Each ambulance used to provide services under this contract shall be a Type I, Type II or Type Ill ambulance.

(i) The contractor shall only provide stretchers that have at least three functioning safety belts. TVHS reserves the right to refuse services from the contractor if the stretcher does not meet this minimum specification. TVHS will not incur any cost associated with the contactor providing inadequate or faulty equipment. All vehicles used in this contract shall:

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

ii. Have a functioning speedometer indicating speed in miles per hour and a functioning odometer correctly indicating distance in tenths of a mile.

iii. Be equipped with operational air conditioning/heating systems. If the air conditioning system becomes inoperable or is unable to maintain temperatures between 68-79 degrees, Fahrenheit in the patient compartment, the vehicle must be immediately pulled from service at the termination of the current trip and shall not be used again for service under this contract until the air conditioning/heating system has been repaired.

iv. Have exterior free of grime, oil, or other substances and free from cracks, breaks, dents, and damaged paint that noticeably detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle.

v. Be equipped with hubcaps or wheel covers and have all vehicle body molding in place, or if removed, holes must be filled and painted.

vi. Have passenger compartment that shall be clean of dirt and free from torn upholstery or floor coverings, damaged or broken seats, protruding sharp edges and vermin or insects. Have unobstructed vision on all sides.

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

viii. Meet all safety and mechanical standards established by State and Federal statutes and regulations

ix. Have windows and doors that can be opened and closed in accordance with manufacturer standards.

x. No leaks of any kind.

xi. Be equipped with a functioning horn.

xii. Have operable seat belts on all seats.

xiii. Have fully charged, certified, and non-expired fire extinguisher(s).

(j) The Contractor shall provide the COR with a list of all vehicles to provide services under this contract, including vehicle identification numbers, and insurance certificates prior to initiating service. An updated list shall be provided upon request by the COR or before a new ambulance is brought into the service of this contract.

(k) All vehicles shall be made available for inspection at any time when ordered by the COR., at the VA's discretion. Any vehicle found not in conformity with the above standards or any vehicle receiving two or more complaints within a five-day period concerning cleanliness or other deficiencies shall be removed from service immediately until subsequent inspections verify correction of deficiencies. The VA reserves the right to order the immediate removal from service any vehicle not in compliance with any vehicle standards referenced herein.

5. MISCELLANEOUS AMBULANCE SPECIFICATIONS

(a) The Department of Veterans Affairs will not be responsible for providing items that normally would be used or required for comfort, safety, or necessity of the patients being transported. These items include but are not limited to wrist restraints, disposable gloves, large pampers, linens, blankets, bedpans, urinals, emesis basins, pillows, and all other items normally stocked in ambulances.

6. ATTENDANTS

(a) A record of each employee as to character, mental, and physical capabilities of performing the duties of an ambulance driver or attendant must be maintained and made available for inspection upon the COR's request. An additional record of each employee showing that the employee performing transportation service for or coming in contact with patients of TVHS is screened and found to be free of any infectious or communicable diseases on an annual basis and updated during the month of April of each contracted year. Qualifications of the attendants shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer prior to award. The COR reserves the right to obtain copies of all qualification records for TVHS local files. New driver records shall be made available to the Contracting Officer and/or COR along with proposal. Any offeror failing to submit proof of these records with its proposal shall be deemed technically unacceptable and that offeror shall not be considered for the award. An actual document or other proof is required. Any mere reference by an offeror in its proposal stating that it has such certification is not proof and the proposal shall still be rendered technically unacceptable and shall not be considered for award.

(b) Contractor may allow, upon authorization from an authorized official of TVHS, a VA clinician, relative, or other appropriate person to accompany the veteran at no extra charge.

(c) Only employees of the Contractor, who meet the qualifications of number 7 below, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and number 8 below, Paramedics, shall be allowed to accompany the attendant/driver on trips provided for the TVHS.

(d) For airport trips, attendant shall remain with the patient until patient safely boards aircraft. It is estimated that 1 trip per quarter will be to an airport.

(e) Psychiatric patient transports require one medical attendant, not the driver, to be fully dedicated to patient care during the transport.

7. EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT):

(a) Contractor Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who perform emergency services on ambulances servicing the Nashville and Murfreesboro VAMCs and CBOCs shall have the following qualifications. Any offeror failing to submit proof of these certifications with its proposal shall be deemed technically unacceptable and that offeror shall not be considered for the award. An actual document or other proof is required. Any mere reference by an offeror in its proposal stating that it has such certification is not proof and the proposal shall still be rendered technically unacceptable and shall not be considered for award.

(b) EMTs must have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Tennessee Department of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services.

Such training programs must be acceptable under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by DHHS under PL 93-154 or qualifying state requirements.

(c) The "equivalent" training program successfully completed by the EMT must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for appropriate action/review with the proposal.

(d) The EMT must be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by the Local, State, or Regional Government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated, or by which it is governed. Certificate shall be submitted with proposal.

(e) The EMT must be enrolled periodically in "refresher" continuing education, or advanced training programs as required by the Local or State government entity in which the service is rendered to veterans, but in no instance shall this be less frequently than every two years. Such "refresher" training must be equivalent of that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. Proof of such refresher training must be submitted to the COR when updated periodically as required by the governmental entity.

8. PARAMEDICS

(a) Paramedics providing emergency services on ambulances servicing the Nashville or Murfreesboro VAMCs and CBOCs shall have the following qualifications. Any offeror failing to submit proof of these certifications with its proposal shall be deemed technically unacceptable and that offeror shall not be considered for the award. An actual document or other proof is required. Any mere reference by an offeror in its proposal stating that it has such certification is not proof and the proposal shall still be rendered technically unacceptable and shall not be considered for award:

(b) Complete training in accordance with the standards published by the Tennessee Department of Public Health to be licensed in the state of Tennessee.

(c) The paramedic must be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by the Local, State, or Regional Government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated, or by which it is governed. Proof of such certification must be submitted with proposal.

(d) The paramedic must be enrolled periodically in "refresher" continuing education, or advanced training programs as required by the local or state government entity in which the service is rendered to veterans, but in no instance shall this be less frequently than every three years. Such "refresher" training must be equivalent to that developed by the Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. Proof of such refresher training must be submitted to the COR for appropriate action / review as required by governmental entity.

9. NUMBER OF PATIENTS

(a) It is understood and agreed that only one (1) patient will be transported on a trip.

10. ORDERS

(a) For purposes of the CLINS and invoicing/payments only, "orders" are referred to as “jobs.”

(b) Personnel authorized to order service will make unscheduled requests for service via telephone. Scheduled runs will be faxed and/or phoned in the day before the scheduled pick-up date.

(c) Orders, requests, or changes will only be made by an authorized party specified by the COR who is the Supervisor VTS, Business Office, TVHS.

(d) Contractor will be provided with patient's pick-up and delivery points, appointment time and location, and vehicle requirements. Under no circumstances shall orders or changes be accepted by any other party. In addition, Contractor shall make no deviation and shall provide direction to its staff during transport to specified locations.

(e) A list of authorized ordering personnel will be made available upon award of the contract. Employees may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of the TVHS. The Contractor will be notified of such changes in writing as they occur.

(f) Verification and acknowledgment of next day orders scheduled shall be made by Contractor between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, on the day BEFORE the service is to be performed. Verification is to be made with the Transportation Assistant. Travel Office/AO shall be notified of any delays or cancellations.

11. REPORTING (PICK-UP, DELIVERY, DEPARTURE)

(a) All drivers are required to report to the Transportation Assistant or AOD on duty any time a pick-up, delivery, or departure is made at the medical center main campus. Drivers shall assist patients to/from vehicle as necessary.

12. RATES

(a) For all one-way trips under the contract, the Contractor will receive the rate awarded for any trip with the mileage. The Contractor shall also receive the mileage charge awarded for any one-way trip the flat rate plus the mileage. In no event shall the Contractor receive reimbursement for the mileage charge for any mileage in excess of the mileage allowed for the trip.

(b) Payment for mileage will be limited to the distance, over which the patient is transported, using the shortest route and street address to street address. No mileage will be charged for any period of time when the patient is not being transported unless charging one way for a "dry run" as discussed below.

(c) The Government shall not pay for inbound services when the patient misses his/her appointment and/or must be rescheduled due to unexcused Contractor delay.

(d) The Government reserves the right to cancel any patient pick-up due to late response time at any time after the specified or latest pick-up time ordered. Government may either reschedule the pick-up for another time or employ the services of another source, contracted or non-contracted, for same day service. Contractor will be responsible for all additional costs incurred by the Government if another source is utilized.

(e) The Government reserves the right to cancel, change or substitute any patient pick-up.

13. DRY RUNS

(a) For the purposes of this contract, dry runs are defined as trips made by the Contractor when the VA beneficiary is not available for pick-up.

(b) The Contractor will be reimbursed one way at the full contact amount for dry runs. This charge will not be allowed if the trip is canceled by authorized VA personnel within one

(1) hour before the scheduled pick-up time.

14. WAITNG TIME

(a) For time lost in waiting on either end or both ends of a trip due to causes beyond the Contractor's control such as but not limited to severe storms, flooding, hazardous road and travel conditions, the Contractor will be reimbursed at the rate identified within CLIN 0008. Time waiting will be rounded to the next 6-minute time frame (i.e. Contractor wait 7 minutes. Contractor is paid for waiting 12 minutes).

(b) The Contractor shall call the Transportation Assistant or AOD on duty as soon as it is anticipated that a delay may develop for which they expect to claim reimbursement. This call is only for the purpose of verifying their arrival time at the pick-up point and is not necessary if the Contractor anticipates no time delay for which they will claim reimbursement. Only VA ordering officials may authorize waiting time. Unauthorized waiting time will not be reimbursed.

(c) All waiting time charges must be supported by notification to the Transportation Assistant or AOD that the vehicle is in a waiting status. At this point, information concerning reason for wait must be provided, and documentation must accompany the invoice.

15. RESPONSE TIME

(a) If Contractor fails to furnish ambulance services within the specified delivery time for the order; TVHS reserves the right to obtain the service from another source and to charge the Contractor with any excess cost which may result, there-from. Contractor shall provide signed documentation with an explanation when contract services are unavailable. TVHS will issue Bill of Collections for any excess costs incurred when service must be obtained from another source. Failure to pay as charged within timeframes specified in the Bill of Collections will result in cost deduction from the next month's invoice.

(b) TVHS is solely responsible for determining when to order service from another source.

When all contract vehicles are in use and the VA requires additional vehicles, the Contractor will be contacted first to respond to. In the event the patient is not picked up or delivered as scheduled or agreed to, TVHS will be allowed a late credit equal to the rate charged by Contractor for waiting.

16. SCHEDULED PICK-UPS

(a) Adherence to schedules is of the utmost importance. Contractor shall pick-up the customer as near to the scheduled pick-up time as possible. If Contractor arrives earlier than the scheduled pickup, the driver must wait at the pick-up location until fifteen (15) minutes past the scheduled pick-up time before calling the dispatcher for instructions.

17. TOLL CHARGES

(a) Pricing referenced within the CLINs do not include any ferry, bridge, tunnel, or road charge. Any such legitimate toll charges incurred shall be limited to one way only and shall be listed separately on Contractor's invoices.

(b) The Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred from the services provided under this contract to include ferry, bridge, tunnel, and toll road charges subject to reimbursement when invoiced as per Paragraph A above. Contractor shall be responsible for all county, city, local or state fees imposed on the Contractor during performance of this contract.

18. LINENS/MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

(a) Contractor shall furnish all linen required for patient transport at no additional cost to the government. Linen shall not be exchanged with linen belonging to the Nashville or

(b) Murfreesboro VAMC or its CBOCs.

(c) Medical equipment, such as IV pumps, shall routinely be furnished by the Contractor.

(d) However, if TVHS agrees that its equipment (such as IV pump) can be used by the

Contractor to expedite the patient's transfer, the Contractor shall return the equipment to the department that issued the equipment as soon as possible but no later than three calendar days from date of issue at no expense to TVHS. The Contractor shall not leave TVHS's equipment at another facility. This is not subjected to transfers between campuses.

19. PATIENT TRANSPORTATION

(a) The Contractor will check in with the Transportation Assistant or AOD upon arrival and departure at TVHS. Patients receiving treatment in the outpatient clinics will be dropped off and picked up in their respective clinic areas. Patients being transported to TVHS for inpatient treatment will be presented to Admissions where further instruction on where the patient is to be taken will be provided. Patients will not be left at the Travel Department, Admissions desk, or with the AOD.

(b) Contractor shall not release the patient from his/her custody, unless custody is released to charge nurse on duty at the facility to which the patient is being transported, to a designated point of contact at the patient's residence when ordered, or to the patient's residence if patient lives alone, or if patient is to be moved. Contractor shall take every reasonable measure to assure the well-being of the patient at their destination and verify that the patient has all their personal belongings. In the event personal items are not delivered with the patient, contractor shall bring them to the patient immediately when found aboard the vehicle.

20. MEDICAL REPORTS

(a) When a patient is delivered to a medical facility, the patient shall be delivered to personnel as explained above and a full medical report shall be made to the facility medical staff receiving the patient. Report shall be made about any changes in patient status during transport, whether Contractor's oxygen, monitor or infusion pump was used, whether an IV was started, or any medical intervention was provided in route.

21. EMERGENCIES

(a) The contractor shall notify the Transportation Assistant (or AOD during non-administrative hours) as soon as reasonably possible in the event of any patient emergency and patient transport to a community hospital vice the trip destination. Note instructions in paragraph 28 below, Special Requirements.

22. TRAINING PROGRAM

(a) The Contractor shall provide documentation of training on transporting and assisting disabled passengers for all personnel who will be to perform any transportation for VA patients under this contract. Training should be in place covering Blood Borne Pathogens, Age-Related Personal interactions and communication, and Body Mechanics. Copies of this documentation of training shall be submitted along with proposal. Any failing to submit proof of these certifications with its proposal shall be deemed technically unacceptable and that offeror shall not be considered for the award.

An actual document or other proof is required. Any mere reference by an offeror in its proposal stating that it has such certification is not proof and the proposal shall still be rendered technically unacceptable and shall not be considered for award.

23. DRIVER LIST

(a) Contractor shall provide the VA Contracting Officer a complete list of all drivers, utilized for this contract upon award of the contract. Updates must be submitted to the VA Contracting Officer via the VA COR.

24. DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS

(a) A record of each employee as to character, qualifications, and physical capabilities of performing the duties of ambulance care driver or attendant must be maintained and made available for inspection upon request. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to request qualifications prior to award.

(b) All drivers employed by the contractor shall possess a safe driving record and a valid state driver's license. The Contractor shall ensure that all drivers providing services under this contract shall have less than five (5) current points on their Tennessee driver's license or six (6) points on their Kentucky driver's license, none of which were assessed for "Reckless Driving" or "Driving under the Influence (DUI)." The applicability of licensing points is dependent upon what state ambulance services are being provided by each respective driver. Contactor shall provide copies of driver licenses to the VA Contracting Officer or COR who may independently verify the driving record of drivers at any time. The VA reserves the right to order the removal from service under this contract, any driver who violates the provisions of this section.

25. DRIVER DUTIES

(a) Contactor will ensure that its drivers shall:

i. Perform their duties with due regard for the safety, comfort and convenience of customers and their property.

ii. Comply with all applicable Federal and State laws, regulations and licensing requirements, including drug testing.

iii. Have and maintain a current Driver's License, valid in the State in which

Contractor's facility is located, with less than five current points for TN or 6 for KY, none of which were assessed for "Reckless Driving" or "DUI."

iv. Contact the Contactor's dispatcher before leaving the designated location without picking up the customer(s) and when encountering problems such as customer(s) not being ready, incorrect addresses, or medical emergencies.

v. Drivers shall be required to dress in a professional manner at all times when transporting VA patients and display approved name tag stating the driver's name and Contractor's company name.

vi. No passengers other than the patient and/or their attendant shall be allowed in the vehicle during transport without approval by an authorized official of the TVHS.

vii. Ensure smoking, eating and/or drinking in vehicles is not permitted by passengers or drivers.

viii. Ensure that no playing of audio/visual equipment in vehicles shall be allowed without the approval of all customers aboard.

ix. Ensure its personnel comply with 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Parts 40, 653 and 654 on Substance Abuse Prevention, which are respectively incorporated herein by reference and thus made part of this contract.

26. DRIVER CONDUCT

(a) The following acts are not permissible by drivers, which provide services under this contract or while on VA premises:

i. Use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics, or controlled substances of any kind

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

ii. Gambling in any form.

iii. Smoking and other uses of tobacco while on duty.

iv. Carrying of pistols, firearms, or concealed weapons.

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

vi. Using unsanitary, offensive, or insensitive practices or behavior.

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

viii. Stopping for personal business while vehicle is occupied by a passenger. The driver shall not leave the vehicle with the key in the ignition at any time. Patient must be attended at all times by at least one contractor staff member.

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

Should a disagreement arise, the driver shall contact his dispatcher/supervisor via the radio system.

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

xi. Use of loud music.

27. COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

(a) Contractor's Communication System shall consist of:

i. Telephone and Facsimile System as well as a Computer capable of internet connection.

ii. Contractor shall make available sufficient telephone capacity to ensure immediate communication access between the TVHS Travel Offices and the Contractor's facility for the purposes of canceling trip requests as well as handling other emergencies.

iii. The Contractor must be able to be contacted at all times when patient transporters are on duty for the TVHS.

iv. The Contractor Administration must have telephone coverage to accept calls from TVHS COR during all federal regular business days from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

v. Contractor shall ensure the availability of mobile radio and/or cellular telephone communication with all vehicles providing transportation service at all times in the event of an emergency or to be able to be contacted in the event a change in the order is needed while transporting a VA patient.

28. SPECIAL REOUIREMENTS

(a) When conditions, not foreseeable and/or controllable by the Contractor occur, such as but not limited to severe storms, flooding, hazardous road and travel conditions, time and distance requirements shall be considered secondary to safety precautions. Delays or exceptions to the required quality of services shall be reported to the Transportation Assistant or AOD. The COR will make a determination as to whether such delays in service will be excused.

(b) Contractor shall immediately report all medical incidents and…