SOLICITATION NOTICE
Q -- AUDIOLOGIST - FAR provision 52.212-3
- Notice Date
- 11/14/2011
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 621340
— Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Billings Area Office, 2900 4th Avenue North, PO Box 36600, Billings, Montana, 59107
- ZIP Code
- 59107
- Solicitation Number
- RFQ-10-12-010-REL
- Archive Date
- 12/13/2011
- Point of Contact
- Rita E Langager, Phone: 406.247.7293
- E-Mail Address
-
rita.langager@ihs.gov
(rita.langager@ihs.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Total Small Business
- Description
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (MAY 2011) that must be completed and submitted with the offer. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This procurement is being conducted under Simplified Acquisition procedures pursuant to the authority of FAR Subpart 13.5, Test Program for Certain Commercial Items (10 U.S.C. 2304(g) and 2305 and 41 U.S.C. 253(g) and 253a and 253b); FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items (Title VIII of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-355)); FAR 37.4, Nonpersonal Health Care Services Contract (10 U.S.C. 2304 and 41 U.S.C. 253); and FAR 37.6, Performance-Based Acquisition. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; therefore, a written solicitation will not be issued. The Billings Area Indian Health Service (IHS) intends to award a fixed-price performance-based, non-personal health care contract in response to Request for Quotation (RFQ)-10-12-010-REL. The solicitation is restricted to 100% Small Business concerns. The solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-54. The associated North American Industry Classification System code is 621340 and the small business size standard is $7.0 million. The proposed daily rates must be inclusive of transportation, food, lodging, et cetera. PRICE SCHEDULE - AUDIOLOGY SERVICES FOR CROW / NORTHERN CHEYENNE / WIND RIVER SERVICE UNITS / BILLINGS AREA OFFICE: BASE YEAR: CROW SERVICE UNIT: 24 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; NORTHERN CHEYENNE SERVICE UNIT: 32 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; WIND RIVER SERVICE UNIT: 36 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; BILLINGS AREA OFFICE: 52 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; ADDITIVE/OPTION ITEM: 38 CLINICAL DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; TOTAL: $________________________. OPTION YEAR ONE: CROW SERVICE UNIT: 24 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; NORTHERN CHEYENNE SERVICE UNIT: 32 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; WIND RIVER SERVICE UNIT: 36 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; BILLINGS AREA OFFICE: 52 DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; ADDITIVE/OPTION ITEM: 38 CLINICAL DAYS @ $___________________ per day = $________________________; TOTAL: $________________________. GRAND TOTAL: $________________________. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 12 months with one 12-month option. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT: The services are to be provided at the Crow Service Unit, PHS Indian Hospital, Crow Agency, Montana; Northern Cheyenne Service Unit, PHS Indian Health Center, Lame Deer, Montana; Wind River Service Unit, PHS Indian Health Center, Fort Washakie, Wyoming; and Billings Area Office. The purpose of the contract is to acquire direct diagnostic and rehabilitative audiologic services. The procurement is a nonpersonal health care service contract, as defined in FAR 37.101, under which the Contractor is an independent contractor. The Government may evaluate the quality of professional and administrative services provided, but retains no control over the medical and professional aspects of services rendered (e.g., professional judgments, diagnosis for specific medical treatment). The Contractor shall indemnify the Government for any liability producing acts or omissions by the Contractor, its employees and agents occurring during contract performance. The Contractor shall maintain medical liability insurance, which is not less than the amount normally prevailing within the local community for the medical specialty concerned. The Contractor is required to ensure that its subcontracts for provisions of health care services contain the requirements of the clause at 52.237-7, including the maintenance of medical liability insurance. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR CROW AND NORTHERN CHEYENNE SERVICE UNITS: (1) The Audiologist will provide 56 days of direct diagnostic and rehabilitative audiologic services to the Crow and Northern Cheyenne, audiology services will be coordinated with the ENT schedule each month. (2) The Audiologist will provide screenings for the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Head Start Programs and Schools, as needed. Screenings will be coordinated with Head Start and School personnel. (3) The Audiologist is responsible for the selection, provision and interpretation of comprehensive audiologic evaluations to include but not limited to the following: Air and bone conduction testing; Otoacoustic Emissions testing; Soundfield testing; Play Audiometry; and other Site-of-Lesion tests. (4) The Audiologist is responsible for providing comprehensive audiologic rehabilitation services to include: Hearing aid evaluations; Hearing aid orientations; Aural rehabilitation; hearing aid fittings and follow-ups; counseling the hearing impaired person, his/her family and other pertinent persons to help alleviate the effects of the hearing impairment. (5) The Audiologist will participate in the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program by providing training for the nurses, reporting data to the State of Montana, scheduling re-screenings and appropriate referrals for further diagnostic evaluations. (6) The Audiologist is responsible for maintaining inventory and accessories needed to provide a fully functioning hearing aid practice at each Service Unit. (7) The Audiologist will provide the necessary paperwork required to the Area Audiologist Program such as hearing aid repairs, hearing aid and ear mold order forms; requesting hearing aid and audiology supplies; completing vouchers for hearing aids; and completing a "Hearing Aid File" card on each hearing aid dispensed. (8) The Audiologist will properly record audiology services in the patients' medical record or electronic health record or EHR to assess audiology needs and provide the required audiology care. (9) The Audiologist will prepare the patient for otologic examinations, audiologic testing and treatment. (10) The Audiologist will maintain inventory and calibration of audiologic equipment. (11) The Audiologist will provide audiologic services for specialty clinics such as Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) and provide all necessary pre- and post-operative evaluations on all otologic surgical patients. (12) The Audiologist will establish hearing conservation programs, in-service training to nurses, physicians, and other appropriate staff; Maintenance Department; Dentists; and serve as a consultant to the Head Start program, all when necessary. (13) The Audiologist will act as an intermediary between the patient, Service Unit personnel, Tribal personnel, Area Audiology Program personnel, State and Federal agencies. (14) The Audiologist will maintain a current state license, as required, by continuing education activities (CEUs). (15) The Audiologist will participate and provide the Area Audiology Program an invoice after delivery of services every month. (16) The Audiologist will participate and provide quarterly chart reviews as randomly selected by the Service Unit to evaluate audiology services. The evaluation should be given to the Project Officer by the end of each quarterly month. See attached schedule for chart evaluations. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR THE WIND RIVER SERVICE UNIT: (1) The Audiologist will provide 36 days of direct diagnostic and rehabilitative audiologic services to the Wind River Service Unit, which will include travel and clinics coordinated with the Service Unit. (2) The Audiologist will receive referrals and serve as consultant to the Wind River Head Start Programs, Early Intervention Program and Schools, as needed. (3) The Audiologist is responsible for the selection, provision, and interpretation of comprehensive audiologic evaluations to include but not limited to the following: Air and bone conduction testing; Speech and Reception and Discrimination testing; Immittance testing; Otocacousic Emissions testing; Soundfield testing; Play Audiometry; and other Site-of-Lesion tests. (4) The Audiologist is responsible for providing comprehensive audiologic rehabilitation services to include: Hearing aid evaluations; Hearing aid orientations; Aural rehabilitation; hearing aid fittings and follow-ups; counseling the hearing impaired person, his/her family and other pertinent persons to help alleviate the effects of the hearing impairment. (5) The Audiologist is responsible in maintaining inventory and accessories needed to provide a fully functioning hearing aid practice at the Service Unit. (6) The Audiologist will provide the necessary paperwork required to the Area Audiologist Program such as hearing aid repairs, hearing aid and ear mold order forms; requesting hearing aid and audiology supplies; completed vouchers for hearing aids; and complete a "Hearing Aid File" card on each hearing aid dispensed. (7) The Audiologist will properly record audiology services in the patients' medical record or electronic health record or EHR to assess audiology needs and provide the required audiology care. (8) The Audiologist will prepare the patient for otologic examinations, audiologic testing and treatment. (9) The Audiologist will maintain inventory and calibration of audiologic equipment. (10) The Audiologist will provide audiologic services for specialty clinics such as Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) and provide all necessary pre- and post-operative evaluations on all otologic surgical patients. (11) The Audiologist will act as an intermediary between the patient, Service Unit personnel, Tribal personnel, Area Audiology Program personnel, State and Federal agencies. (12) The Audiologist will maintain a current state license, as required, by continuing education activities (CEUs). (13) The Audiologist will participate and provide the Area Audiology Program an invoice after delivery of services every month. (14) The Audiologist will participate and provide quarterly chart reviews as randomly selected by the Service Unit to evaluate audiology services. The evaluation should be given to the Project Officer by the end of each quarterly month. See attached schedule for chart evaluations. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES AT BILLINGS AREA OFFICE: (1) The Audiologist will provide professional leadership and program direction in administrative practices related to audiology services to insure fulfillment of the Billings Area goals and objectives by setting and maintaining standards for the clinical practice of Audiology. In addition, provides program consultation to assist Service Units; and other Federal, State and local agencies. (2) The Audiologist has the responsibility to act as an intermediary between patients, Service Unit personnel, Tribal personnel, and Billings Area Office personnel, as well as the expert resource for referring patients to other facilities, and local, State and Federal agencies. (3) The Audiologist is the authoritative expert and program consultant to assist and evaluate the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program at the Crow Service Unit and Public Health Nurses at the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Service Units. This includes, but is not limited to, yearly training and observations of screening procedures with the OB nursing staff for compliance documentation; assisting in tracking and reporting data to the State of Montana; and receiving referrals from the Program and PHN's to confirm possible hearing loss. (4) The Audiologist has the responsibility to design, initiate and evaluate audiological services at the request of the Service Units or Health Care Supervisor. This may include quality assurance peer review of medical records/EHR, establishing criteria for services, coordination of services, developing policies and standards, assessing the needs, program trends and the effective use of services for the highest achievable quality of services. (5) The Audiologist has the responsibility for maintaining an inventory of accessories for a fully functioning area dispensing hearing aid practice. Maintain a calibration schedule for all Area Audiologic equipment. The Audiologist will review Area audiologic equipment regularly for replacement and updating. Submit request of supplies or recommendation of equipment to the Service Unit or Billings Area Office with estimate of cost as needed. (6) The Audiologist will participate in professional societies to keep abreast of new developments in audiology, review current literature, and view demonstrations of new equipment and procedures. Be able to integrate policies and procedures from ASHA, AAA and other accreditation organizations such as Joint Commission with the Billings Area mission, vision and goal by strategic planning, budgeting, and conducting meetings with Communication Disorder Program to keep staff abreast of work requirements, methods and procedures as needed. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION: (1) Knowledge of established professional audiologic concepts, principles, and practices; and otologic diseases necessary to assess the extent of a hearing disorder and its effect upon communication, health, vocation, and socialization for appropriate treatment or referral. (2) Knowledge of Communication Disorders Program policies and practices as well as cultural, social and economic characteristics of the Native population relative to adapting, redesigning or modifying audiology principles to the varied population. (3) Knowledge of the relative value for audiologic evaluations and the principles and practices that govern the evaluations to serve as technical authority, expert advice and direction about the audiological aspects of the health care delivery system. (4) Knowledge of the current VA hearing aids on contract, standards and advances in hearing aid fittings, earmold modifications, frequency response, and other electro-acoustics modifications. Knowledge of aural rehabilitation procedures to provide appropriate amplification and counseling to the hearing impaired. Also familiar with ANSI standards for calibration. (5) Knowledge of Privacy Act and HIPAA regulations of patient confidentiality. (6) Skills in oral and written communication to maintain effective working relationships at the Service Units, Billings Area Office, Tribal personnel, vendors, contractors, and other Federal, State and local agencies. (7) Must possess and maintain a current State license and ASHA certification. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY: The following will be provided by the Government: Specialized audiology equipment and supplies needed to perform and deliver audiology and hearing aid services at each Service Unit. The Department will provide orientation to the Contractor as to their specific duties and responsibilities. The Department is responsible for getting the Contractor access and clearances to all pertinent computer services necessary to carry out his/her duties. PERFORMANCE-BASED SERVICE DELIVERY SUMMARY: The contract Audiologist's performance will be measured based on the following Performance Requirements: (1) Quality of Performance; (2) Documentation of Medical Records or EHR; (3) Customer Service; and (4) Adherence to Contract Schedules. The Performance Requirements will be measured against the following Government Performance Standards: (1) Provide direct diagnostic and rehabilitative audiologic services as specified in the Performance Work Statement; (2) Appropriately completes and reviews medical records to assess audiology needs and provide the required audiology care; and (3) Reasonable, cooperative, and a commitment to customer satisfaction; and (4) Scheduling of Audiology and Hearing Aid Clinic. The Method of Government Surveillance to determine compliance with the Performance Requirements are as follows: (1) Peer Reviews - 10 randomly selected medical record PCC's sent to the project officer or his/her designee by the 10th of each quarter and reviewed by the 20th (see attached evaluation); (2) Peer Reviews - 10 randomly selected medical record PCC's sent to the project officer or his/her designee by the 10th of each quarter and reviewed by the 20th (see attached evaluation); (3) Validated call-in patient complaints; and (4) Misses 3 scheduled clinics per contract year. Deduction Schedule: A 5% deduction shall be assigned to each Performance Requirement. Deductions shall be assessed as follows: (1) 5% deduction from quarterly invoices if 10 PCC's are not sent for review and has 25% or more inadequate marks; (2) 5% deduction from quarterly invoices if 10 PCC's are not sent for review and has 25% or more inadequate marks; (3) 5% deduction of 5 or more patient complaints; and (4) 5% deducted from the following months' invoice. CONTRACTING OFFICER AUTHORITY: Authority to negotiate changes in the terms, conditions or amounts cited in this contract is reserved for the Contracting Officer. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE (COTR): The COTR shall be responsible for: (1) Monitoring the Contractors technical progress, including surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending technical changes; (2) Interpreting the Statement of Work; (3) Technical evaluation as required; (4) Technical inspections and acceptance; and (5) Assisting the Contractor in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance of this contract. INVOICE SUBMISSION AND PAYMENT: The Contractor shall submit its invoice to the COTR at the Billings Area Office, P.O. Box 36600, Billings, Montana 59107. The Contractor agrees to include the following information on each invoice: (1) Contractor's name, address and e-mail address; (2) Contract Number; (3) Invoice number and date; (4) Cost or price; (5) Dates of Service; and (6) Remit to address. The Billings Area Financial Management Branch, P.O. Box 36600, Billings, Montana 59107, shall make payment. COMPUTER SECURITY: Pursuant to the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA), the contractor will be required to complete a course in Computer Security Awareness Training (CSAT). This training must be completed annually by all employees including contractors, volunteers, students, and summer externs. The Contractor will be required to comply with the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201, "Personal Identity Verification of Federal Employees and Contractors," and the associated Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implementation guidance for personal identity verification for all affected contractor and subcontractor personnel. Access/clearance to all pertinent computer systems, including completing a Business Partner Interconnection Security Agreement (BPISA), should be coordinated with the Site Manager. PRO-CHILDREN ACT OF 1994: The Contractor certifies that it will comply with the provisions of Public Law 103-227, Pro-Children Act of 1994, which imposes restrictions on smoking where federally funded children's services are provided. CHILD CARE NATIONAL AGENCY CHECK AND INVESTIGATION (CNACI). A CNACI must be completed for all Indian Health Service (IHS) contractor personnel within the Billings Area. Public Law (P.L.) 101-630, Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and P.L. 101-647, Crime Control Act of 1990, require the IHS to conduct a character and criminal history background investigation on all contractors performing services in IHS facilities. The Administrative Officers at the Service Units will conduct the character and background investigations. Fingerprints must also be taken as part of the pre-employment process and must be completed before the Audiologist is allowed to work. The fingerprint check should be coordinated with the Administrative Specialist, Office of Human Resources, Billings Area Office. PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES: The following provisions and clauses apply to this acquisition. The FAR provision 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items, and 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications Commercial Items are incorporated by reference. The provision at 52.212-2 applies to this acquisition and is provided in full text. FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999): (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers for award purposes: (1) PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION (The proposal must include a copy of a diploma from an accredited University) = 10 POINTS; (2) AUDIOLOGY EXPERIENCE (The proposal must include a resume of experience and a narrative reflecting information in sufficient detail of possessing necessary experience and technical skills to perform the scope of work)= 20 POINTS; (3) HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS (The proposal must include hospital affiliations in the résumé) = 5 POINTS; (4) PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE (The proposal must include a copy of all professional certifications and licenses) = 20 POINTS; (5) PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS (The proposal must include professional affiliations in the resume) = 5 POINTS; (6) PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION (The proposal must include two reference letters reflecting knowledge of the person directly involved under the contract including their work ethic, technical skills, and ability to provide positive customer service. The proposal must include a copy of two Quality Assurance reviews or peer reviews in the past two years.) = 20 POINTS; and (7) SUITABILITY (Identify those items that apply to you/your Company and include an explanation) (i) Professional liability claims and judgments made against the offeror; (ii) Previous denial or revocation of medical staff membership at another facility; (iii) Previous reduction, suspension, revocation, voluntary relinquishment, or non-renewal of privileges at another facility; (iv) Problems with alcohol or drug abuse; (v) Previous loss, suspension, restriction, denial, or voluntary relinquishment of professional licensure or professional society membership; (vi) Problems with health; (vii) Revocation or suspension as a Medicare or Medicaid provider; (viii) Professional liability cancellation within the past five (5) years; (ix) DEA licensing investigations or actions; (x) More than five (5) percent ownership of any medical facility, joint ownership or medical service, or equipment with a facility to which patients may be referred. = 20 POINTS. Technical and past performance, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price. (b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). (c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. The following FAR and Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) clauses are applicable: 52.204-4, 52.204-9, 52.212-4, 52.212-5, 52.215-5, 52.217-8, 52.217-9, 52.223-5, 52.223-6, 52.224-1, 52.224-2, 52.227-14, 52.227-17, 52.228-5, 52.229-3, 52.232-18, 52.237-2, 52.237-3, 52.237-7, 52.242-15, 52.242-17, 52.245-1, 52.251-1, 52.251-2, 352.201-70, 352.202-1, 352.203-70, 352.215-1, 352.215-70, 352.222-70, 352.223-70, 352.224-70, 352.227-70, 352.231-71, 352.237-70, 352.237-71, 352.237-72, 352.239-73, 352.242-71, 352.242-72, 352.242-73, 352.270-2 and 352.270-3. The following FAR clauses cited in 52.212-5 are applicable to the acquisition: 52.203-6 with Alternate I, 52.204-10, 52.209-6, 52.209-10, 52.219-6, 52.219-8, 52.219-28, 52.222-3, 52.222-21, 52.222-26, 52.222-35, 52.222-36, 52.222-37, 52.222-40, 52.222-54, 52.223-18, 52.225-13 and 52.232-33. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will provide full text copies of the FAR and HHSAR provisions and clauses. The provisions and clauses may also be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/ and http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3524d214210697effd2fd5c77848a806&rgn=div5&view=text&node=48:4.0.1.8.33&idno=48. Contractors intending to conduct business with the Federal Government must register with the Department of Defense Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior to award. The CCR is the primary Government repository, which retains information on Government contractors. You may register via the Internet at https://www.bpn.gov/CCR/default.aspx or by calling (888) 227-2423 or (269) 961-5757. All responsible offerors may submit a proposal, which shall be considered by the Agency. Offers shall be submitted to the Billings Area Indian Health Service, 2900 Fourth Avenue North, Room 304, Billings, Montana 59101, no later than 2:00 p.m., on November 28, 2011. The offer must be submitted in a sealed envelope, addressed to this office, showing the time specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and your company's name and address. Offers will also be accepted by e-mail at Rita.Langager@ihs.gov or by fax at (406) 247-7108. ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: Your proposal must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ. In addition, it must contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for a period of at least 90 days from the date of receipt by the Government. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: The Contractor shall provide evidence of, or submit a written response to, the technical evaluation factors in FAR 52.212-2. In addition, the Contractor shall submit a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 with its offer.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/IHS/IHS-BILLINGS/RFQ-10-12-010-REL/listing.html)
- Record
- SN02622487-W 20111116/111114234013-f337a85edafc309e06e58bffa21e7d9d (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |