SOW - Sources Sought - TBHCE.pdf

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Project Title: Tele-Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (TBHCE)

Small Business - Native American Owned business - Sources Sought Notice Number: 75H70423Q00061sol

This Sources Sought Notice is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation, an obligation or commitment by the Indian Health Service. This notice is intended strictly for

Market Research to determine if a 100% Set Aside for Indian Small Business Economic (ISBE) Enterprise or if a 100% Set Aside for Small business concerns can fulfill the requirements set forth in this request for information.

Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business or Indian owned firm under the applicable NAICS code should NOT submit a response to this notice. The applicable NAICS code for this acquisition is 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and

Technical Services with a size standard of $17M.

I. Mission

The mission of the Indian Health Service (IHS) is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) to the highest level.

II. Background

The IHS Tele-Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (TBHCE) provides, promotes, and supports the delivery of high-quality, culturally sensitive tele-behavioral health and tele-education services to AI/AN people through clinical services, provider education, and support.

The TBHCE telebehavioral health program provides direct, ongoing care via televideo to patients of all ages at IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian Health (I/T/U) operated facilities across the country. Current clinical services include:

Adult Psychiatry

Addictions Psychiatry

Geriatric Psychiatry

Child/Adolescent Psychiatry

Adult Therapy

Family, Couples, and Group Therapy

Child/Adolescent Therapy

Trauma/PTSD Therapy

The TBHCE tele-education program equips, connects, and encourages healthcare providers (including non-clinical staff when appropriate) working in the I/T/U system and those serving AI/AN people and communities. The tele-education program aims to:

Equip healthcare providers with the culturally sensitive education and training they need to provide excellent behavioral health patient care, Connect healthcare providers by providing a space to learn from one another, and share best practices and solutions to challenges, and;

Encourage healthcare providers by celebrating and sharing successes.

The TBHCE tele-education program currently provides a variety of services including: live webinars, live https://www.ihs.gov/telebehavioral/ https://www.ihs.gov/teleeducation/

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IHS will provide the virtual learning systems/web-based training platform to host trainings. IHS currently uses Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Department of Health & Human Services Learning Portal (LMS), etc. IHS will also provide all required technical support to presenters and attendees. Any registration or learning management systems will be handled by IHS.

TBHCE also utilizes tele-education to equip healthcare providers treating AI/AN youth patients with Autism

Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and other Neurodevelopmental disorders through the

Indian Children’s Program.

The TBHCE tele-education program partners with the IHS Clinical Support Center to provide continuing education credits for trainings.

III. Purpose

The purpose of this contract is to provide telebehavioral health services for I/T/U operated facilities across the country and to provide tele-education trainings to I/T/U healthcare providers on behavioral health topics.

IV. Period of Performance/Place of Performance

The period of performance shall be for a base period of twelve (12) months from 11/01/2023 – 10/31/2024, or from the effective date of the contract, with four (4) twelve (12) month option periods. The work shall be performed remotely.

V. Specific Tasks:

Task 1: Kickoff Meeting

The Contractor shall:

Task 1.1 Schedule and host a kickoff meeting with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and TBHCE leadership via video teleconference within 7 business days from the Effective

Date of the Contract (EDOC). The base year kick off meeting shall be held virtually. For the option year, the kickoff meeting shall be held virtually, to be held within 7 business days of the EDOC for the option year.

Task 1.2 Submit the draft agenda to the COR and TBHCE leadership 5 business days before the kickoff meeting for review and comments. The agenda for the kick off meeting shall include:

a) A review of contract tasks and requirements.

b) Contractor’s proposed approach to fulfill the contractual requirements.

c) Review of the deliverables and reporting.

d) Clarification of any questions on specific tasks and procedures.

e) Identification of potential challenges and proposed solutions to ensure the schedule of deliverables is completed on time and of the highest quality.

Task 1.3 Develop and submit final agenda following receipt of comments from COR and TBHCE leadership.

Task 1.4 The Contract shall submit meeting minutes to the COR and TBHCE leadership within 3 business days after the kick-off meeting for review and comments. The meeting minutes https://www.ihs.gov/icp/ https://www.ihs.gov/csc/

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a) Date of the meeting

b) Names and organization of attendees

c) Summary of all discussion topics

d) Action items to be addressed

e) Person(s) responsible for completing each action item

f) Due dates of action items

g) Materials and any link to materials, if any, distributed at the meeting

h) Date of follow-up meetings (if any)

Task 1.5 Submit final revised kickoff meeting notes following receipt of comments from COR and

TBHCE leadership, 2 business day after receipt of comment.

Task 2: Contractor Meetings

Task 2.1 Host meetings with TBHCE staff on a scheduled quarterly basis via video teleconferencing to discuss telebehavioral health tasks. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss contract tasks, progress, and challenges.

Task 2.2 Host meetings with TBHCE staff on a scheduled basis (amount TBD based on need) via teleconferencing to discuss tele-education tasks. The purpose of the meetings is to identify future training topics, continuing education requirements, challenges, etc.

Task 2.3 Submit draft agenda to TBHCE leadership for all meetings, 5 business days prior to scheduled meeting.

Task 2.4 Submit meeting notes to TBHCE leadership, 3 business days after each meeting for review and comments.

Task 2.5 Submit final revised meeting notes following receipt of comments from TBHCE leadership, 2 business day after receipt of comment.

Task 3: Tele-Education Trainings

Task 3.1 Develop the curriculum and present a minimum of 30 live webinars and up to 50 live behavioral health web-based trainings per year:

a) Training will include a broad array of behavioral health-related topics as determined by IHS.

b) Training topics may address screening, how to appropriately diagnosis a variety of behavioral health disorders (based on DSM-5-TR and ICD-10), how to provide specific evidence-based behavioral health interventions and psychotherapy.

Instruction on providing individual, group, and family therapy, etc.

c) The TBHCE may assign webinars by series. A series consists of a number of webinars under one broad topic area.

d) The TBHCE may assign virtual workshops which may be more than 1 hour of instruction time to focus on a specific topic.

e) Training focus may be profession specific or interprofessional focus (the entire

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f) Curriculum must address AI/AN cultural consideration. Examples may be:

historical trauma, regional and tribal differences, communication styles, spirituality, traditional healing, cultural practices, strengths in AI/AN communities, healthcare provider self-awareness, healthcare etiquette, health and wellness challenges.

g) Curriculum should address if AI/AN specific data exists on the topic(s).

h) Curriculum must address rural and remote area considerations pertaining to the training topic. Examples may be: staffing or service shortages limiting access to services.

i) Curriculum must identify any factors/barriers that could prevent implementation of changes in practice and strategies to overcome barriers.

j) If the training is interprofessional focus (the entire healthcare team), it must address collaborative practice competencies. For example, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, teams and team work, and values/ethics for interprofessional practice.

k) Trainings must be of national focus and will have attendees from many states.

l) Training references, resources and websites must be appropriately cited using

American Psychological Association (APA) format.

m) Presenters must follow the TBHCE webinar presenter best practices:

https://www.ihs.gov/teleeducation/traininghosting/presenters/

n) Create or provide any associated training materials/handouts (toolkits, provider handouts, etc.) to support curriculum (if applicable)

o) Complete IHS continuation education (CE) provider paperwork, and adhere to CE provider requirements.

p) Submit all required training information to TBHCE staff for review and approval well in advance of the live event time frame (deadline will be identified by

TBHCE).

o Training information includes: proposed training titles, training descriptions, objectives, content levels, presenter names and credentials, presenter disclosures, presenter biographies, and presenter professional photos.

q) All PowerPoints and training materials must be submitted one week before live training date to TBHCE.

r) PowerPoints and any handouts needed for attendee download, will need to be 508 compliant.

s) Schedule a walk-through (all training presenters) of the webinar platform prior to live presentation date with TBHCE. To ensure sound, camera, etc. work during the live presentation.

t) In the event that an unexpected scheduling conflict occurs, contractor will let

TBHCE Staff know at least 48 hours prior to the event, when reasonable.

Unforeseen emergencies will be accepted.

Task 3.2 Develop the curriculum and present a minimum of 8 and up to 15 live web-based trainings per year related to Indian Children’s Program specific topics:

a) Training will include a broad array of topics such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and other neurodevelopmental issues as determined by IHS.

b) Training topics may address screening, how to appropriately diagnosis a variety of neurodevelopmental issues (based on DSM-5-TR and ICD-10), how to provide appropriate evidence-based behavioral health interventions for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and other https://www.ihs.gov/teleeducation/traininghosting/presenters/

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c) The TBHCE may assign webinars by series. A series consists of a number of webinars under one broad topic area.

d) The TBHCE may assign virtual workshops which may be more than 1 hour of instruction time to focus on a specific topic.

e) Training focus may be profession specific or interprofessional focus (the entire healthcare team).

f) Curriculum must address AI/AN cultural consideration. Examples may be:

historical trauma, regional and tribal differences, communication styles, spirituality, traditional healing, cultural practices, strengths in AI/AN communities, healthcare provider self-awareness, healthcare etiquette, health and wellness challenges.

g) Curriculum should address if AI/AN specific data exists on the topic.

h) Curriculum must address rural and remote area considerations pertaining to the training topic. Examples may be: staffing or service shortages limiting access to services.

i) Curriculum must identify any factors/barriers that could prevent implementation of changes in practice and strategies to overcome barriers.

j) If the training is interprofessional focus (the entire healthcare team), it must address collaborative practice competencies. For example, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, teams and team work, and values/ethics for interprofessional practice.

k) Trainings must be of national focus and will have attendees from many states.

l) Training references, resources and websites must be appropriately cited using

American Psychological Association (APA) format.

m) Presenters must follow the TBHCE webinar presenter best practices:

https://www.ihs.gov/teleeducation/traininghosting/presenters/

n) Create or provide any associated training materials/handouts (toolkits, provider templates, etc.) to support curriculum (if applicable)

o) Complete IHS continuation education (CE) provider paperwork, and adhere to CE provider requirements

p) Submit all training information to TBHCE staff for review and approval well in advance of the live event time frame (will be identified by TBHCE). Webinar series title and description. Proposed training titles, training descriptions, objectives, content levels, presenter names and credentials, presenter disclosures, presenter biographies, and presenter professional photos.

q) All PowerPoints and training materials must be submitted one week before live training date to TBHCE.

r) PowerPoints and any handouts needed for attendee download, will need to be 508 compliant.

s) Schedule a walk-through (all training presenters) of the webinar platform prior to live presentation date with TBHCE. To ensure sound, camera, etc. work during the live presentation.

t) In the event that an unexpected scheduling conflict occurs, contractor will let

TBHCE Staff know at least 48 hours prior to the event, when reasonable.

Unforeseen emergencies will be accepted.

Task 3.3 Update curriculum and re-record presentation (if needed) to enable conversion to online on-demand courses (related to Tasks 3.1 and 3.2). Amount to be determined, but not to exceed

20 re-recordings.

a) Update curriculum to incorporate feedback from live attendees.

b) Develop test questions and answers for on-demand trainings (at appropriate education level).

https://www.ihs.gov/teleeducation/traininghosting/presenters/

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c) Complete all associated paperwork required by the continuing education provider for on-demand training.

Task 4: Provider Consultation Services

Task 4.1 Provide provider consultation to I/T/U healthcare providers on pediatric neurodevelopmental and behavioral health issues in support of the Indian Children’s

Program.

a) The purpose of the consultations is to provide recommendations to the healthcare provider on diagnoses, and to provide recommendations for additional supports and resources for the family.

b) Consultations will be scheduled for 20 minutes, on an as needed basis based on provider request. The Contractor will find a mutual time to meet with the provider via phone call or virtual meeting. The contractor will coordinate host the meeting and send meeting information to the provider.

c) The Contractor will provide a write up after the consultation to the provider with resources and recommendations for their records.

Task 5: Telebehavioral Health Services

Task 5.1 Where applicable, be credentialed and privileged at each originating site.

Task 5.2 Provide culturally-appropriate behavioral health services including evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, counseling and treatment planning to IHS eligible AI/ANs.

a) Provide behavioral health services using IHS or tribally provided telehealth modalities to connect with patients in various settings (e.g., clinics, schools, homes, etc.).

b) Provide telebehavioral health from an office, clinic, home, etc. within the U.S. with adequate internet bandwidth for high-definition tele-video connections.

Task 5.3 Document patient treatment and case information in originating site’s Electronic Health

Record (EHR) in accordance with the originating site policies and procedures.

a) Document care and patient encounters in a manner compatible with originating site’s policies and procedures.

Task 5.4 Demonstrate ethical conduct with patients and site staff, in accordance with IHS policies and the contractors’ specific professional ethics codes.

Task 5.5 Coordinate care with originating site staff and other available, local resources.

Task 5.6 When requested, provide clinical consultation to originating site staff.

Task 6: Guidance and Policy

Task 6.1 Act as Subject Matter Expert(s), the contractor will be asked to advise IHS on guidelines, policies, initiatives, etc. related to telehealth and behavioral health issues.

Task 7: Contractor Reports:

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Task 7.1 Submit quarterly telebehavioral health reports documenting number of patient contacts, provider hours, and other agreed upon metrics.

Task 7.2 Submit quarterly reports documenting contractor progress to meeting the objectives, and other agreed upon metrics related to training and consultation activities.

Task 8: Mandatory Trainings:

The Contractor Shall:

Task 8.1 Complete all required mandatory trainings for telebehavioral health providers (see mandatory trainings list, section VIII). Training list is subject to change.

Task 9: Optional Tasks: Clinical Experiences and Resource Materials:

The Contractor Shall:

Task 9.1 Coordinate with TBHCE to establish standing telebehavioral health training sites for interns, residents, and other students.

Task 9.2 Provide clinical supervision for the student clinical experiences.

Task 9.3 Develop materials to support and promote the TBHCE tele-education program, Indian

Children’s Program, and TBHCE tele-behavioral health program. Materials may include service information, toolkits, handouts, infographics, and other resource materials. All materials will need be 508 compliant.

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Capability Statement/Information Instructions:

Interested parties are expected to review this notice to familiarize itself with the requirements of this project.

Failure to do so will be at your firm’s own risk. The following information shall be included in the capability statement:

1. Information in sufficient detail of the respondent’s (a) staff subject matter expertise, including their experience, formal and other training; (b) current capability and capacity to perform the work; (c) prior completed projects of similar nature; (d) organizational experience and management capability; and (e) examples of prior completed Government contracts and other related information.

2. Documented experience in the following:

Tele-Education:

Subject matter expertise in behavioral health, substance use disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) cultural, health and behavioral health issues by clinical experience, training, and/or publications.

Subject matter expertise to train a variety of healthcare disciplines including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurse practitioners, nurses, physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, dietitians, dentists, and non-clinical staff on behavioral health topics.

Experience in providing trainings on topics of psychiatry, psychotherapy best practices, AI/AN cultural competency, working in rural/remote areas, trauma informed care, behavioral health ethics, etc.

Must have the ability to partner with other organizations, such as: universities, AI/AN training organizations, or subject matter experts from other organizations to address behavioral health topics that the contractor may not be an expert at, or may not have ownership of the curriculum.

Telebehavioral Health:

Qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, training, independent licensure/certification and experience to provide direct patient behavioral health care via telehealth platforms.

Ability to provide Adult Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry, Adult Therapy, and Child Therapy.

Ability to provide specialty behavioral health care such as, Family, Couples, and Group Therapy, Child/Adolescent Therapy and Trauma/PTSD Therapy, Addictions Psychiatry, or Geriatric

Psychiatry preferred.

Ability to provide culturally-appropriate and trauma-informed behavioral health services to AI/ANs.

3. The respondents’ DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, etc.) Pursuant to the North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS) code: 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services with a size standard of

$17M.

4. Any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the requirements of the potential acquisition.

5. The capability statement shall not exceed 10 single-sided pages (including all attachments, resumes, charts, etc.) presented in single-space and using a 12-point font size minimum, in either Microsoft Word or

Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), with 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper size, and 1 inch top, bottom, left and right margins.

6. All proprietary information should be marked as such. Statements should also include an indication of current certified small business status; this indication should be clearly marked on the first page of your capability statement (preferably placed under the eligible small business concern’s name and address).

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Responses will be reviewed only by IHS personnel and will be held in a confidential manner.

7. Point of Contact: Darryl Smith, Contracting Officer at Darryl.Smith@ihs.gov . Must include Sources

Sought Number 75H70423Q00061sol in the Subject Line. The due date for receipt of statements is July 20, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered.

This notice is for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as obligation on the part of IHS.

IHS does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted. As a result of this notice, IHS may issue a Request for Quote (RFQ).

THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. However, should such a requirement materialize, no basis for claims against IHS shall arise as a result of a response to this notice or IHS’s use of such information as either part of our evaluation process or in developing specifications for any subsequent requirement.

Disclaimer and Important Notes. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in SAM.gov. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation.

Confidentiality. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response.

mailto:Darryl.Smith@ihs.gov