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FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF AUGUST 04, 2013 FBO #4271
DOCUMENT

Q -- Infustion Therapy - Attachment

Notice Date

8/2/2013
 

Notice Type

Attachment
 

NAICS

621610 — Home Health Care Services
 

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs;Network Contracting Office 20;5115 NE 82nd Ave, Suite 102;Vancouver WA 98662
 

ZIP Code

98662
 

Solicitation Number

VA26013I1249
 

Response Due

8/9/2013
 

Archive Date

11/7/2013
 

Point of Contact

Dean Umathum
 

E-Mail Address

dean.umathum@va.gov
(Dean.Umathum@va.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE for market research purposes only to determine the availability of potential businesses with capabilities to provide the services described below. Potential offerors are invited to provide feedback via e-mail to Dean Umathum at dean.umathum@va.gov. Responses will be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a potential future acquisition. The intended contract period is a one-year with the possibility of four (4) one-year option periods. Potential contractors shall provide, at a minimum, the following information to Dean Umathum at Dean.Umathum@va.gov. 1) Company name, address, point of contact, phone number, e-mail address, and DUNS. 2) Is your firm eligible for participation in one of the following small business programs? If so, please indicate the program. Anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 621610 - Home Health Care Services; the largest a firm can be and still qualify as a small business for Federal Government programs is no larger than $14.0 Million. [ ] yes [ ] no Small Business (SB) [ ] yes [ ] no HUBZone [ ] yes [ ] no Small Business 8(a) [ ] yes [ ] no Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) [ ] yes [ ] no Women-Owned (WO) Small Business [ ] yes [ ] no Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) [ ] yes [ ] no Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) [ ] yes [ ] no Other (please specify) 3) How far away from the Walla Walla VAMC. 77 Wainwright, Walla Walla, WA 99362 4) Comment on any current or potential technical, cost, schedule, or performance risks that you would like to make the Government aware of that concern the draft statement of work below. (i.e., problems or any other issues experienced with similar contracts). Include comments on the Draft SOW. 5) How is the service, as described in the draft SOW typically priced? How could it be priced for a Government contract? 6) Provide a brief capability statement with enough information to determine if your company can meet the requirement. The Capabilities Statement for this sources sought is not expected to be a Request for Quotations, Request for Proposals or Invitation for Bids, nor does it restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach, but rather the Government is requesting a short statement regarding the company's ability to provide the services outlined in the draft SOW below. Any commercial brochures or currently existing marketing material may also be submitted with the capabilities statement. Submission of capabilities statement will assist our office in tailoring the requirement to be consistent with industry standards. The capabilities will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining to Set-Aside for the Small Business (SB) Community or to conduct as an Unrestricted Procurement. Other than small businesses may respond to this notice in the event the market does not indicate SB interest. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. The DRAFT Statement of Work follows. Thank you for your participation. STATEMENT OF WORK The purpose of this contract is to provide Home Infusion Therapy supplies and services, as specified, in the homes of eligible veterans and for veterans placed in community nursing homes under the direct of Walla Walla VA Medical Center (WW VAMC) Home and Community Based Services staff. A. SERVICE AREA: The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center (Walla Walla VAMC) serves veterans within a 42,000 square-mile primary service area that encompasses 15 counties in portions of three states, including southeastern Washington, northeastern Oregon, and central Idaho. B. PRICING SCHEDULE B.1. SERVICE: IV HOME INFUSION SERVICES B.1.1.. The contractor shall provide all services and supplies related to and including equipment, drugs, patient assessment and monitoring, incidental, and training for patient and caregiver to provide Home Infusion Therapy services for eligible veterans as requested by the WW VAMC. All per diem charges include administrative services, professional pharmacy services, care coordination and all necessary supplies and equipment. Nursing visits related to infusing therapy and cost of drug will be billed separately. B.2. Definitions: B.2.1. AWP shall mean the average wholesale price of the designated pharmaceutical product as listed in the most recently published and available edition of Medical Economics Redbook guide to pharmaceutical prices. The AWP shall be that which corresponds to the National Drug Code (NDC) that represents the quantity used by the contractor to fill prescription. The contractor may report HCPC J-codes on claims. The J-code is independent of AWP and is not to be used in calculating AWP-based reimbursement. B.2.2. Per Diem shall mean the amount charged per day for services/supplies rendered. The per diem is billed every day the patient is on service from date of admission through date of discharge. The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) definition of per diem is as follows: Per Diem Definition. As related to reimbursement, the term "per diem" represents each day that a given patient is provided access to a prescribed therapy, beginning with the day the therapy is initiated and ending with the day the therapy is permanently discontinued. The term "permanently" shall not be construed to infer that a therapy shall never again be initiated, but rather that continuation of the therapy is simply not predicted or anticipated at the time of cessation. The expected course and duration of the treatment shall be determined by the plan of care as prescribed by the ordering physician. It shall not be necessary for the patient to receive an actual drug infusion each and every day in order to be considered covered under and existing per diem, so long as additional infusions are anticipated in the near future as prescribed in the physician plan of care. The fact that the health care provider anticipates continued responsibility for the patient and incurs costs related to such responsibilities, remains accountable for the provision of such anticipated care, and is responsible for the acquisition and allocation of resources that will be necessary to meet these obligations, shall deem the existing per diem to be current, valid, and in force. This definition is valid for per diem therapies of duration of up to and including every 72 hours. Therapies provided beyond this range (weekly, monthly, etc.) fall outside of the per diem structure, and should have separate reimbursement rates that are specified on a contractual or other basis. C.1. MINIMUM GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. Referrals generated from the WW VAMC will be coordinated through the Community Health Coordinator for the Home Infusion Program, under the direction of the Director/Chief, Home & Community Based Services. Required response time shall be within 24 hours of contractor notification from the WW VAMC Community Health Coordinator (CHC), or designee. Patient coverage will have the availability for continuation of service when the patient is "temporarily" traveling or relocates within the United States. Any "extended period" of performance (greater than 10 days), WW VAMC CHC will contact the patients home VA Medical Center for transfer of care. WW VAMC CHC staff will assist in the arrangements and transition with provider. Contractor shall provide the following supplies and services as listed in accordance with all HCPC Codes and Industry standards: C.1.1. Placement and maintenance of intravenous lines: a. Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) b. Peripheral IV C.1.2. Maintenance of any intravenous and/or epidural line. C.1.3. Home Infusion Therapies to include: a. Total parental nutrition (TPN) b. Anti-Infective Therapy c. Immunoglobulins d. Anticoagulation Therapy e. Antiemetic Therapy f. Chemotherapy g. Pain Management h. Hydration Therapy i. Steroid Therapy j. Inotropic Therapy k Iron Binding Therapy l. Alpha-1-Proteinase Inhibitor Therapy m. Other intravenous/subcutaneous (IV/SQ) drugs as requested. C.2. PHARMACY SUPPORT: Contractor shall provide the following as listed below in accordance with all HCPC Codes and Industry standards: C.2.1. Home Infusion Program: a. Medications and IV solutions, including pharmacy compounding use aseptic techniques in a laminar flow hood or equal device. b. Ancillary medical supplies (infusion pumps, syringes, dressings, tubing, flushes, etc.) c.Clinical pharmacy consultative and monitoring services. d.Delivery of medications, including all travel. e.Twenty-four (24) hours per day, 365/days per year nursing and pharmaceutical coverage for the patient including emergency services for replacement and/or back-up equipment/supplies when necessary. f.Ongoing inventory management and delivery service to the veteran's residence on a regular schedule. g.All required maintenance of equipment under a preventative maintenance plan which includes electrical safety. C.2.2. Community Nursing Home. a. Medications and IV solutions including pharmacy compounding using aseptic techniques in a laminar flow hood or equal device. b. Clinical pharmacy consultative and monitoring services. c.Delivery of medications and supplies, including all travel. d.Twenty-four (24) hours per day, 365-days per year, nursing and pharmaceutical coverage for the patient including emergency services for replacement and/or back-up equipment/supplies when necessary. e.Patient and Staff Education. C.3. NURSING: Contractor shall provide the follow supplies and services as listed below, and in accordance with all HCPC Codes and Industry standards: C.3.1. Home Infusion: a.Assessment of patient/caregiver readiness and ability to participate in home infusion. b.The plan of care as provided by WW VAMC will be received and reviewed by the Contractor for each patient. The Contractor will identify the individual responsible for implementing the plan of care, including reviewing and suggesting revisions to an individual plan of care. The Contractor will notify WW VAMC immediately in the event of any possible conflict or necessary revision to an individual plan of care, which will directly or indirectly impact patient care. c.Initial patient admission, reassessment and education as determined by patient needs performed by a trained and qualified Registered Nurse. d.WW VAMC will be notified of any problems that may arise. e.Scheduling of all patient's visits. f.Visits necessary to assure patient/caregiver understanding of required skills for independent treatment. As necessary, the Contractor will provide visits and required services for patients to receive infusion therapy. Labs ordered by a WW VAMC provider will be drawn by infusion nurse and transported to WW VAMC lab, when geographical feasible. g.Monitoring proper storage including space, cleanliness, temperature, etc. and disposal of supplies. h.A 1-800-number available 24-hours a days, 365 days a year, for patients/caregivers to call for problems that arise. Assistance will be given for any questions or concerns that patients/caregivers have during the course of their home therapy. i.Delivery, assembly and set-up of equipment and drug to patient/caregiver. Certified infusion nurse will provide instruction in the use of equipment and verify patient/caregiver's understanding. j.Discharge planning in conjunction with a WW VAMC physician and the CHC assigned to the Home Infusion Program. k.Services that will cover the aforementioned counties within Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will have the availability for continuation of service when the patient is "temporarily" traveling or relocates within the United States. WW VAMC will assist in the arrangements and transition with provider. l.The first dose of a medication must be administered in a controlled setting. C.3.2. Community Nursing Home: a.The plan of care as provided by WW VAMC will be received and reviewed by the Contractor for each patient. The Contractor will identify the individual responsible for implementing the plan of care, including reviewing and suggesting revisions to an individual plan of care. The Contractor will notify WW VAMC immediately in the event of any possible conflict or necessary revision to an individual plan of care, which will directly or indirectly impact patient care. b.Contractor will provide visits as indicated for emergency IV placement, staff education and consultation. c.A 1-800-number available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, for patients/caregivers to call for problems that arise. Assistance will be given for any questions or concerns that patients/caregivers have during the course of their therapy. d.Discharge planning, in conjunction with a WWV VAMC physician, CNH Social Worker, Community Nursing Home Program, and Community Health Coordinator. e.Services that will cover Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will have the availability for continuation of service when the patient is "temporarily" traveling or relocates within the United States. WW VAMC will assist in the arrangements and transition with provider. C.4. EDUCATION: Contractor shall provide the following supplies and services as listed below in accordance with all HCPC Codes and Industry standards: C.4.1. HOME INFUSION PROGRAM: a.Assessment of patient/caregiver readiness and ability to participate in home infusion. b.Instruction given to patient/caregiver that will include at a minimum: 1)Safe and appropriate use of the medical equipment and/or supplies, administration of medications and signs/symptoms of reactions 2)Basic home safety 3)Patient rights and responsibilities 4)When and how the patient can contract the contractor for problems and equipment maintenance or repair 5)An emergency preparedness plan to prevent interruption of services 6)Standard precautions 7)Cleaning, handling and storage of equipment c.Documentation of patient education will be provided to the CHC or designee upon request and will also be kept by the Contractor in a file accessible by the WW VAMC. d.Patient/caregiver education in the mechanics of all equipment and procedures prior to discharge from the acute care setting; and as necessary in the home environment. This will include all necessary teaching tools and materials that will meet the approval of the WW VAMC Patient Education Committee and be appropriate for our patient population. C.4.2. COMMUNITY NURSING HOME: Documentation of staff education will be provided to the CHC or designee upon request and will also be kept by the Contractor in a file accessible by the WW VAMC. C.5. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS: C.5.1. The home infusion agency shall develop and maintain written policies and procedures for credentialing, certification and continuing education of employees and/or subcontractors providing service under this contract in accordance with JCAHO or their appropriate professional accreditation agency and state rules and regulations. Subcontracting 1) Contractor must use accredited licensed subcontractors whenever possible. 2) If not accredited subcontractor is available in geographic area, WW VAMC CHC may approve use of non-accredited subcontractor. 3) The use of all subcontractors must be pre-approved by WW VAMC CHC. C.6. QUALITY MANAGEMENT: C.6.1. HOME INFUSION PROGRAM & COMMUNITY NURSING HOME: a. WW VAMC is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organization (JCAHO). As part of this accreditation, WW VAMC contractors must be Accredited by JCAHO or their appropriate professional accreditation agency or in the Process of obtaining the required professional accreditation. Contractor personnel shall be subject to the same quality assurance standards, meeting or exceeding current recognized national standards as all regular WW VAMC employees. If the contractor is re-surveyed by JACHO or re-accredited by their professional Accreditation agency during the contract term the contractor will notify the Contracting Officer or survey dates and the outcome of the survey. All issuing and follow-up care of Home Medical Equipment and patient services required By this contract will be provided in accordance with the most current Standards of the Contractor's Professional Accreditation. a.Assure licensure and competency of all employees according to JCAHO and/or other Regulatory/accrediting agency standards and provide proof of it to the WW VAMC upon request. These should include an annual update of the following: 1)Job/position description 2)Annual performance evaluation 3)Initial assessment of competence in providing IV therapy 4)On-going (at least annually) assessment of IV therapy skills 5)Copy of license, certification or registration 6)Documentation of initial and annual training/in-service to include specific training in treating elderly patients. In conjunction with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), WW VAMC Quality Management and Improvement Service may suggest periodic changes in the competency process and review requirements in order to maintain compliance with current JCAHO standards and/or other regulatory/accrediting agencies. b.Provide coordination, supervision, and evaluation of the care and services provided according to JACHO or equivalent standards. c.COR will be provided licensure and proof of competency on any healthcare provider who performs on-site of the WW VAMC prior to performance. d.Have an on-going quality improvement program designed to objectively and systematically monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of patient care, resolve identified problems and pursue opportunities to improve patient care. Documentation of such will be provided upon request of WW VAMC. e.Have patient satisfaction indicators in place and reported at least quarterly to the WW VAMC. The Contractor will maintain a record of patient complaints, to include problem/resolution in a file accessible by the WW VAMC. f.Have an emergency preparedness plan designed to provide continuing care and support, appropriate to the care provided, in the event of an emergency that would result in the interruption of patient services. This written plan will be provided to the VA for review and approval. g.Have a system in place to coordinate care with the WW VAMC and provide the referring physician with information following a patient/caregiver encounter including a note documenting the patients progress and lab results in a timely manner. h.Comply with standard precautions as required in the medication preparation, deliver and storage process. The Contractor is responsible for having a mechanism for evaluating, reporting, and maintaining records of infection among patients and staff as appropriate. Documentation shall be provided upon request. The WW VAMC will be notified if significant variances occur. i.Comply with all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. j.Document and immediately fax a report to the CHC any known incidents of death, accident, injury, or infections related to furnished medications, supplies or medical equipment and any life-threatening equipment malfunction or equipment recall and maintain a recall plan. k.The Contractor's employees will follow all applicable VA policies and procedures while on-site. C.7. ON-SITE INSPECITON The WW VAMC exercises the option to conduct at least an annual on-site inspection of the Contractor's local operating office. C.8. LABORATORY a.Laboratory specimens will be drawn according to appropriate medical standards. Whenever possible, laboratory tests will be run at the local VA facility, and when necessary, at the lowest cost at an outside source. Laboratory tests should be drawn as ordered and according to standard medical practice for the disease and medication. b.Government furnished materials as listed: Tube, Light Green Tube, Purple Tube, Gold Tube, Blue Needle-Pro, Devices Biohazard Bags c.A list of all lab supplies provided by WW VAMC must be faxed to the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) CHC assigned to infusion therapy duties. Fax to: 509-526-6223. This list must then be faxed to ATTN: SPD Home IV Supplies. C.9. HOSPITALIZATION OF VETERAN a.When a veteran needs to be hospitalized it should be at the nearest VA whenever possible but the closet hospital if a life threatening emergency occurs. b.The per diem stops after a patient is hospitalized or therapy is discontinued. C.10. RELOCATION OF VETERAN If the patient relocates permanently outside of service area of the WW VAMC the payment source will become the responsibility of the VA serving the new locality. If the VA is the only funding source, the company will arrange for alternative funding for long-term cases. C.11. WWVAMC/INFUSION AGENCY REFERRAL PROCESS a.Once a patient's need for care has been determined by a VA provider, an initial verbal referral will be provided to the home infusion agency by the CHC. Written information (H&P, medication list, initial payment authorization worksheet and referral form) will be faxed to the agency following the verbal referral. b.The infusion agency shall initiate services to the referral patient within 24 hours of receipt of the phone referral/discharge from hospital unless otherwise specified by the referring CHC. Referrals received by the CHC on Friday will be processed the follow business day. c.After receiving the initial referral, completing the admission assessment, formulating a plan of treatment, and making pre-authorized visits, the infusion agency shall request authorization for additional visits by faxing a request for payment authorization to the CHC prior to making additional visits. WW VAMC provider orders for the services requested must always be obtained prior to requesting authorization for payment. d.Referrals for services under this contract shall only be accepted by the primary infusion agency. If any services under this contract are subcontracted, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to make all arrangements for the provision of services with its subcontractors. Contractors shall notify the CHC when services are to be subcontracted and which agency will provide the service. C.12. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION: The infusion agency shall not provide any services without prior authorization from a VA CHC. Payment will not be made for services that were not authorized in advance by a VA CHC. If an emergent visit is needed, the home health agency will make the visit and then contact the CHC within 24 hours to request authorization. C.13. AUTHORIZED VISITS: The infusion agency shall provide services only within the dates of authorization and the number of authorized visits. The home health agency will not bill for visits that were not preauthorized. WW VAMC will not reimburse for visits that were not preauthorized. D.1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: The contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to the administration of the contract. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes which will affect price, quantity, quality, services, or deliver of this contract. The VA Contracting Officer will prepare the modification. D.2. REPONSIBILITY: The Government may evaluate the quality of professional and an administrative service provided, but retains no control over the medical, professional aspects of services rendered (e.g., professional judgments and/or diagnosis for specific medical treatment). D.3. LICENSES AND PERMITS: The Contractor shall, without additional expenses to the Government, be responsible for obtaining necessary licenses including current State Medical License and permits for complying with any applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations in connection to the performance of the type of service required. D.4. PERSONNEL POLICY: D.4.1.The parties agree that the Contractor is an "independent contractor." The Contractor's employees, agents and subcontractors shall not be considered VA employees for any purpose. D.4.2.The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting the personnel furnishing services under this contract. To carry out this responsibility contractor shall provide the following: a. Workers Compensation b. Professional liability insurance c. Income tax withholding d. Social Security payments and D.5. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE COVERAGE: D.5.1.Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit worker's compensation to be written by private carriers. D.5.2.Prior to award of the contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Contacting Officer a certificate of insurance evidencing that the required coverage has been obtained. D.5.3.The Contractor shall provide bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on the comprehensive form of policy at least $500,000 per occurrence. D.6. CONFIDENTIALITY OF PATIENT RECORDS: The Parties agree to hold all individually identifiable health information as that term is defined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations promulgated there under (collectively, "HIPPA") that is after April 14, 2003 shared with, transferred or transmitted to, or otherwise obtained by contractor on or from or on behalf of the VA in the course of contractor providing the services under the Agreement ("Protected Health Information") strictly confidential, and provide protections to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of such information, including, but not limited to the protection required by applicable federal, state and local laws and/or regulations regarding the security and the confidentiality of patient health care information including but not limited to, HIPPA. Specifically, contractor agrees as follows: (1) to maintain safeguard as necessary to ensure that the Protected Health Information is not used or disclosed except as required or permitted by law; (2) to ensure that any subcontracts or agents to whom it provides Protected Health Information agree to the same restrictions and conditions that apply with respect to such information; (3) to make available its internal practices, books and records relating to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information to the Department of Health and Human Services or it agents as required by HIPPA; (4) to incorporate any amendments or corrections to Protected Health Information when notified by the VA that the information is inaccurate or incomplete; (5) at termination of this Agreement, if feasible, to return or destroy all Protected Health Information that it still maintains in any form and not to retain any such Protected Health Information in any form; (6) to ensure that, as to any Protected Health Information held by contractor, contractor policies are in place to allow access to that Protected Health Information by the subject of that information as required by HIPPA; and (7) to report to the VA any use or disclosure of Protected Health Information which is not allowed under the terms of the Agreement. If at any time after the effective date of this Agreement it is determined that either party is in breach of this Section. DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/1e7ded236eea2baaa23293430fafec76)
 

Document(s)

Attachment
 

File Name: VA260-13-I-1249 VA260-13-I-1249_1.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=913970&FileName=VA260-13-I-1249-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=913970&FileName=VA260-13-I-1249-000.docx

 

Note: If links are broken, refer to Point of Contact above or contact the FBO Help Desk at 877-472-3779.
 

Place of Performance

Address: Walla Walla VAMC;77 Wainwright;Walla Walla, WA

Zip Code: 99362
 

Record

SN03136464-W 20130804/130802234827-1e7ded236eea2baaa23293430fafec76 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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