S02 SOLICITATION - 36C25726Q0522_1.docx

36C25726Q0522

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

none

36C25726Q0522 08-19-2026 Noel "Rick" Ramirez, Contracting Officer 915-217-1245 09-15-2026

2:00 PM

MT

36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs VHA RPO West - NCO 17 Health Care Resources Branch 11495 Turner Road El Paso TX 79936 Noel Ramirez, Contracting Officer noel.ramirez2@va.gov

X

621512 $16 Million

N/A

36C674 Department of Veterans Affairs Olin E. Teague VA Medical Center Radiology Services 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple TX 76504 36C257 See block # 9

36C104 Department of Veterans Affairs

IAW VAAR 852.232-72

Financial Services Center (FSC) P.O. Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-8971 877-353-9791 512-460-5540

See CONTINUATION Page The Contractor shall provide Board Certified Teleradiology Physician Services in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System (STVHCS), Olin E. Teague VA Medical Center.

Authority: 38 U.S.C. §8153- Sharing of Health-Care Resources

Procedures: VAAR 873 Simplified Acquisition Procedures for Health-Care Resources.

All services provided shall be in accordance with the Schedule of Services starting on pg 6 and Performance Work Statement starting on pg 13.

See CONTINUATION Page To be funded by individual task orders

Noel "Rick" Ramirez Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

E.3 ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES………………………………………………..72

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:

Contractor Name

Address

Point of Contact

Title

Phone

Email

Tax ID Number

SAM UEI

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer (90C)

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor should be mailed to the following address:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted 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. Invoicing shall be in accordance with the requirements of The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Financial Services Center (VAFSC). The latest information shall be used for invoicing and payments and may change during the Period of Performance of this acquisition. Currently Invoicing information is located at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

For inquires only:

Mailing Address: Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

FMS-VA-2 (621)

P.O. Box 149971 Austin, TX 78714-8971 FSC e-Invoice Phone: (877) 353-9791 FSC Facsimile: (512) 460-5540 FSC e-Invoice Email: vafsccshd@va.gov

5. CHANGES/MODIFICATIONS TO THE CONTRACT: The Contracting Officer will be the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements under this resultant contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract administration. Only the Contracting Officer will be authorized to make commitments or issue changes that affect price, quantity, delivery or quality of performance of this resultant contract. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered unauthorized by the local VAMC, and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in cost incurred as a result thereof.

6. System for Award Management: Federal Acquisition Regulation requires contractor registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to the award of a contract. Offerors and Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the internet at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/.

7. POST AWARD ORIENTATION: The Contracting Officer will schedule a post award orientation conference for contract orientation purposes as required by required by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 42.503.

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

(End of Contract Administration Data)

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall furnish all key personnel to provide services necessary to perform Tele-Radiology Physician Services to eligible beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System (CTVHCS).

The VA Radiology Services follow the standards & guidelines set forth by American College of Radiology (ACR). A contractor providing Tele-radiology services shall provide services that meet or exceed the American College of Radiology Guidelines Practice Parameters and Technical Standards | American College of Radiology (acr.org).

Contracted Teleradiology health care professionals (providers) must be compliant with state licensure requirements identical to that of VA staff, which currently require the provider to continuously hold at least one active and unrestricted license in any state, the absence of restrictions on any other license held, and all inactive licenses relinquished in good standing. (Note: supporting documentation can be found at Legal Opinion - Federal Supremacy and State Medical Licensing Issues in Telemedicine Contracts).

Place of Performance: Services shall be provided for the CTVHCS at 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive; Temple, Texas; 76504.

Pricing Instructions:

Offerors must fill out the cells in the following columns in the Price Schedule for each Line-Item Number (LIN). For pricing and evaluation purposes, a per modality reading rate should be used in completing each LIN for the base year. The same rates may be entered for the option years.

This basis of the contractor’s proposed firm fixed rate will be used by the Government for future pricing of additional procedures and for reimbursement under the contract. The basis of estimate used for your fixed price, i.e. the way that your price is calculated, shall remain the same throughout the life of the contract and may be validated by post award audits.

The Offeror shall complete the attached price schedule for the performance location proposed. No LINs should be left blank.

The Offeror shall base pricing on the cost of performing each modality reading.

Period of Performance: BASE: 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2027.

B.3 ITEM INFORMATION

QTY

PRICE

ESTIMATED

ANNUAL COST

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 01-01-2027 POP End: 12-31-2027

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 01-01-2028 POP End: 12-31-2028

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 01-01-2029 POP End: 12-31-2029

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 01-01-2030 POP End: 12-31-2030

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 01-01-2031 POP End: 12-31-2031

Estimated Quantities:

Quantities on the Schedule of Services are the yearly projected amounts for each contract line item. Contractual minimum and maximum: the guaranteed minimum contract amount, including the base year and any option years exercised, is $200,000.00 and the maximum contract amount, including the base year and any option years exercised, shall not exceed $16,000,000.00. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amounts.

Orders and Ordering Procedures:

The following information is in conformance with FAR 16.504 (a)(4): Written Task Orders shall be placed against this IDIQ contract at the time of contract award, and as needed during the term of the contract. The Task Orders shall specify the estimated quantities of services for the period of performance and shall comply with FAR 52.216-18 and 52.216-19. Only the Contracting Officer may place task orders against resultant IDIQ contracts following this solicitation. Any changes to the above schedule of services shall only be made via written modification that is formally executed by the Contractor and Contracting Officer.

(End Schedule of Services)

B.4 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT – Teleradiology Physician Services

1. GENERAL:

1.1. Services Provided: The Contractor shall provide Board Certified / Board Eligible Teleradiology Physician Services in accordance with the specifications contained herein to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare Services (CTVHCS) Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center. The VA Radiology Services follow the standards & guidelines set forth by American College of Radiology (ACR) Practice Parameters and Technical Standards | American College of Radiology (acr.org). A contractor providing teleradiology services shall provide services consistent with TJC and that meet or exceed VA and the American College of Radiology Guidelines and/or the American Board of Nuclear Medicine Scope of Practice” https://www.abnm.org/wp-content/uploads/Components_Professional_Competence.pdf as defined in this document.

1.2. Place of Performance: Contractor shall furnish teleradiology services for CTVHCS located at 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Temple, Texas, 76504.

1.3. Authority: Title 38 USC 8153, Health Care Resources (HCR) sharing Authority, RFO Part 12 and VAAR 873 procedures.

1.4. Policy/Directives/Handbooks. The contractor shall be subject to the following policies, including any subsequent updates during the period of performance. The policies listed below can be accessed electronically at the following: VA Publications VHA Publications

1.4.1. VA Directive 1663: Health Care Resources (HCR) Contracting – Buying Title 38 U.S.C. 8153VHA Directive 1003.04: VHA Patient Advocacy

1.4.2. VHA Directive 1065: Productivity and Staffing Guidance for Specialty Provider Group Practice

1.4.3. VHA Directive 1088(1): Communicating Test Results to Providers and Patients

1.4.4. VHA Directive 1100.18: Reporting and Responding to State Licensing Boards

1.4.5. VHA Directive 1100.20: Credentialing of Health Care Providers

1.4.6. VHA Directive 1100.21: Privileging

1.4.7. VHA Directive 1192.01: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Health Care Personnel

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

1.4.9. VHA Directive 1605.01: Privacy and Release of Information

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

1.4.11. VHA Handbook 1100.17: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Reports

1.4.12. VHA Directive 1129, Radiation Protection for Machine Sources of Ionizing Radiation

1.4.13. VHA Directive 1105.05, Magnetic Resonance Safety

1.4.14. VHA Directive 1417, Lung Cancer Screening

1.4.15. Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) as amended: http://www.justice.gov/oip/foia_updates/Vol_XVII_4/page2.htm

1.4.16. 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 482 Conditions of Participation Hospitals: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?node=pt42.5.482&rgn=div5

1.5. Acronyms/Definitions: 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.

1.5.1. ACGME: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

1.5.2. ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support

1.5.3. BLS: Basic Life Support

1.5.4. CCN: Community Care Network

1.5.5. CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1.5.6. CEU: Certified Education Unit

1.5.7. Clinical Privileging: Clinical Privileging is the process by which a practitioner, licensed for independent practice; e.g., without supervision, direction, required sponsor, 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, and within available resources.

1.5.8. CME: Continuing Medical Education

1.5.9. CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

1.5.10. CO: Contracting Officer: 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.

1.5.11. COR: Contracting Officer’s Representative: 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.

1.5.12. COS: Chief of Staff

1.5.13. CPARS: Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

1.5.14. Credentialing: Credentialing is the process of obtaining, verifying, and assessing the qualifications of a health care provider to provide care or services in or for the VA health care system. Credentials are documented evidence of licensure, education, training, experience or other qualifications.

1.5.15. DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency

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

1.5.17. FSMB: Federation of State Medical Boards

1.5.18. FTE: Full Time Equivalent VA’s standard definition is for full time working the equivalent of 80 hours every two weeks, 2080 hours per year. However, providers may propose using their standard FTE definition.

1.5.19. HHS: Department of Health and Human Services

1.5.20. HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

1.5.21. ISO: Information Security Officer

1.5.22. Key Personnel: The individuals specified in this contract who are essential to work performance.

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

1.5.24. POP: Period of Performance

1.5.25. PPD: Purified Protein Derivative

1.5.26. PWS: Performance Work Statement

1.5.27. QA/QI: Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement

1.5.28. QASP: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.5.29. QM/PI: Quality Management/Performance Improvement

1.5.30. VETPro: is VHA’s mandatory credentialing software platform to document the credentialing of VHA health care providers. This system facilitates completion of a uniform, accurate, and complete credentials file.

1.5.31. VHA: Veterans’ Health Administration

1.5.32. VISN: Veterans Integrated Services Network

1.5.33. VISTA: Veterans Information Systems Technology Architecture

2. QUALIFICATIONS:

2.1. Staff/Facility

2.1.1. License: Contracted Teleradiology health care professionals (providers) must be compliant with state licensure requirements identical to that of VA staff, which currently require the provider to continuously hold at least one active and unrestricted license in any state, the absence of restrictions on any other license held, and all inactive licenses relinquished in good standing. (Note: supporting documentation can be found at Legal Opinion - Federal Supremacy and State Medical Licensing Issues in Telemedicine Contracts).

2.1.2. Board Certification: All contract physician(s) shall be Board Certified / Board Eligible. All continuing education courses required for maintaining certification must be kept up to date at all times. Documentation verifying current certification shall be provided by the Contractor to the VA COR on an annual basis for each year of contract performance. Contract providers shall be currently successfully fulfilling the requirements of the American Board of Radiology Maintenance of Certification program

2.1.3. Credentialing and Privileging: Credentialing and privileging is to be done in accordance with the provisions of VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21 referenced above. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that proposed physician(s) possesses the requisite credentials enabling the granting of privileges. No services shall be provided by any contract physician(s) prior to obtaining approval by the Facility Medical Executive Board and Medical Center Director.

2.1.3.1 If a contract physician(s) is 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.

2.1.3.2 When telemedicine services are being provided by contract physician(s) who direct, diagnose, or otherwise provide clinical treatment to a patient via a telemedicine link, the contract physician(s) must be appointed, credentialed, and privileged at the VA facility which receive the telemedicine services (patient site), as well as at the site providing the services as well as by proxy at the VA facility (facilities) which receive the telemedicine services (patient site). The following requirements apply:

2.1.3.3 Contract licensed independent practitioners must be credentialed and privileged through the VA facility’s Medical Staff Office in accordance Credentialing and Privileging Directives 1100.20 and 1100.21 and VHA Directive 1914

2.1.3.4 Separately delineated privileges for telemedicine services must be requested and assigned in this process.

2.1.3.5 In general, the credentialing process should be started at least 60-90 days in advance of estimated entry on duty. The time required for this process may be expedited when patient care needs are urgent.

2.1.3.6 The VA’s Medical Staff Office or Human Resources Management Service will provide an instruction packet containing forms and a detailed listing of required documentation, including curriculum vitae, current references, signed release of information from the candidate, and statement that the candidate does not have any physical or mental health condition that would adversely affect his/her ability to carry out the assigned duties, and additional credentialing forms. The candidate will also be required to make applications through the VetPro internet-based process. The candidate will need to be enrolled in VetPro by the Credentialing Coordinator at the VA or by the Human Resources Management Service designee. The website address is: https://fcp.vetpro.org/Admin/Login/Index

2.1.3.7 It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact Susan Ness in the credentialing office at Susan.Ness@va.gov to request a package and instructions.

2.1.3.8 When contract physician(s) provide only teleconsultation by offering advice that supports care provided by VA’s on site licensed independent providers, the Contractor must furnish VA with a copy of the contract physician(s) credentials, verification of credentials, and current clinical privileges. The contract physician(s) providing teleconsultation services do not have to be separately privileged at the VA facility.

2.1.3.9 The Contractor must furnish a copy of its policy and procedures for credentialing and privileging to the Contracting Officer and COR for review to ensure these meet the VA’s requirements for establishment of competence through these mechanisms.

2.1.4. Technical Proficiency - Contract physician(s) 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. Contractors shall provide verifiable evidence of all educational and training experiences including any gaps in educational history for all contract physician(s) and contract physician(s) shall be responsible for abiding by the Facility's Medical Staff By-Laws, rules, and regulations (referenced herein) that govern medical staff behavior. Contractor must establish and maintain compliance with all requirements for full access to the electronic health record, PACS, and Voice Recognition systems.

2.1.5. Continuing Medical Education (CME)/ Certified Education Unit (CEU) Requirements: Contractor shall provide the COR copies of current CMEs as required or requested by the Facility. Contract physician(s) 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 credential’s office for tracking. These documents are required for both privileging and re-privileging. Failure to provide shall result in loss of privileges for contract physician(s).

2.1.6. 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 contract physician(s) as required by the VA.

2.1.7 STANDARD INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES (PPD, IMMUNIZATIONS, ETC.): Contractor shall provide statements that all required infection control measures are current and that the contractor is compliant with OSHA regulations concerning occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. The Contractor shall also notify the VA of any significant communicable disease exposures, and the VA will also notify the contractor of the same, 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. Contractors shall provide follow-up documentation of clearance to return to the workplace prior to their return. Tests shall be current within the past year.

2.1.8 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 facilities). The Contractor shall have or obtain appropriate NPI and if pertinent the Taxonomy Code confirmation notice issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) be provided to the Contracting Officer with the proposal.

2.1.9 Conflict of Interest: The Contractor and all contract physician(s) 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.

2.1.10 Citizenship related Requirements:

2.1.10.1 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;

2.1.10.2 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.

2.1.10.3 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.

2.1.10.4 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.

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

2.1.11 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 Healthcare program payments due to fraud and/or abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

2.1.11.1 Therefore, Contractor shall review the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS OIG web site at http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/index.asp to ensure that the proposed contract physician(s) 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.

2.1.11.2 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 Direction: The qualifications of Contractor personnel are subject to review by VA Medical Facility COS or his/her clinical designee and approval by the Medical Facility Director as provided in VHA Directive 1100.20 and VHA Directive 1100.21. Clinical/Professional direction of all clinical personnel covered by this contract for quality purposes will be provided by the Facility 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.

2.3 Non-Personal Healthcare Services: The parties agree that the Contractor and all contract physician(s) 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 physicians are prohibited from referring VA patients to contractor’s or their own practice(s)

2.6 Inherent Government Functions: Contractor and Contract physician(s) 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 Contract physician(s) 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. Professional liability insurance

2.7.3. Health examinations

2.7.4. Income tax withholding, and

2.7.5. Social security payments.

2.8. Tort Liability: The Federal Tort Claims Act does not cover Contractor or contract physician(s). When a Contractor or contract physician(s) 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 contract physician(s)) action or non-action shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and/or insurance carrier. Contractor must confirm and provide documentation that they are covered by professional liability insurance that would cover the health care services they provide to VA.

2.9. Contingency Plan: Because continuity of care is an essential part of the Facility’s medical services, The Contractor shall have a contingency plan in place to be utilized if the contract physician(s) leaves Contractor’s employment or is unable to continue performance in accordance with the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

2.9.1. Contractor shall submit a listing of proposed key personnel performing technical delivery of services in the following format:

Provider Name: ___________________ Title/Rank: __________________.

Curriculum Vitae and qualification documents of each key personnel shall be submitted with the proposal.

2.10 Emergency 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 (15) calendar day (s) after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required below. After 90 days, the Contractor shall submit the information required below to the CO at least (15) calendar days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

2.10.1 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 (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.

2.10.2 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 weeks will require the procedure as stated above.

3. VA HOURS OF OPERATION/SCHEDULING

3.1. Business Hours: Normal Business Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Central Time, Monday – Friday. The Contractor shall also provide teleradiology services after hours, on weekends, and holidays.

3.2. Contractor shall be available to the facility for consultation and interpretation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year for stat, urgent, and routine exams.

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

· New Year’s Day

· President’s Day

· Martin Luther King’s Birthday

· Memorial Day

· Juneteenth

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Columbus Day

· Veterans Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

· Any day specifically declared to be a national holiday.

In addition to the days designated as holidays, the Government observes the following days:

· Any other day designated by Federal Statute

· Any other day designated by Executive Order

· Any other day designated by the President's Proclamation It is understood and agreed between the Government and the Contractor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement of compensation. In the event the Contractor's personnel work during the holiday, they may be reimbursed by the Contractor, however, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for the time worked.

3.4. Continuity of services under contact:

3.4.1. Contractor is responsible for providing qualified personnel to read images. The VA must be informed at least 48 hours in advance if there will be a significant change in contractor’s ability to perform to allow for planning of service coverage and workload distribution.

3.4.2. The contractor shall maintain open and professional communication with members of the Veteran Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and Facility Diagnostic Imaging staff. The contractor shall provide up-to-date points of contact to facilitate communication on clinical, technical and administrative issues. Clinical staff will be available by phone and pager 24/7. The Contractor will provide a schedule of radiologists with telephone numbers for consultation by VA technologists and referring physicians. The contractor will provide a FAX number for the transmission of radiographic orders.

3.4.3. The Contractor shall provide a single phone number with a list of individuals who could be contacted to immediately resolve any difficulties experienced during the hours of teleradiology services and STAT studies after hours. The COR will ensure up-to-date rosters of staff are provided to the Contractor.

3.4.4. The Contractor will need to have a PACS system that utilizes standard DICOM and HL7 messaging formats to send and receive studies back and forth.

3.4.5. Tele-Communications

3.4.5.1. The contractor will secure and maintain the communications link between the contractor’s facility and the VAMCs’ facilities at the contractor’s expense. These expenses may be included in contractor’s proposal as a separate item. The cost to establish and maintain this communication link may be provided if the Government deems it is more cost effective to the Government.

3.4.5.2. In the event of telecommunications failure, the Government shall package, hard copy film or alternative media in Government-provided shipping containers, and ship to the contractor’s facility; using Government provided pre-paid shipping documentation. The contractor’s place of business must be within the confines of the continental United States.

3.4.5.3. The contractor shall make provisions for the proper maintenance and functioning of all imaging, teleradiology and associated equipment, facilities and fixtures as may reasonably be required by Contract Physicians to perform services hereunder.

4. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. Clinical Personnel Required: The Contractor shall provide contract physician(s) who are competent, qualified per this performance work statement and adequately trained to perform assigned duties.

4.2. Management and Supervision:

4.2.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for supervising the daily services provided under this contract by the Contractor’s staff.

4.2.2. The Contractor shall have written policies and procedures regarding staff credentials and privileging.

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

4.2.4. The Contractor shall complete background investigations to ensure that employees do not have a record of criminal offenses or…