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FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF JANUARY 19, 2014 FBO #4439
DOCUMENT

Q -- Readjustment counseling services for referred veterans located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming - Attachment

Notice Date

1/17/2014
 

Notice Type

Attachment
 

NAICS

621112 — Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists
 

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs;Network Contracting Office;NCO 19;4100 E. Mississippi Avenue, Suite 900;Glendale CO 80246
 

ZIP Code

80246
 

Solicitation Number

VA25914R0180
 

Response Due

1/28/2014
 

Archive Date

3/29/2014
 

Point of Contact

Adina Torberntsson
 

E-Mail Address

Barnes<br
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business
 

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement will not be issued. The solicitation VA259-14-R-0180 is issued as a request for proposal (RFP). This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-72, effective December 31, 2013. No telephone requests will be accepted. Only written requests received directly from the offeror are acceptable. The associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 621112, with a small business size standard of $7 million. IF OFFEROR IS A GSA SCHEDULE HOLDER, ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED IN THIS NOTICE MUST BE PROVIDED, NOT JUST THE OFFEROR'S SCHEDULE NUMBER. This solicitation is set-aside for small businesses; service disabled veteran owned small businesses, veteran owned small businesses, women owned small businesses, and other small disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to submit offers. The following is a list of the contract line item numbers, quantities, and units of measure including options. This contract will be effective for a base period of one year with the option to extend the contract for four (4) additional 1 year option periods for a total of 5 years from the date of award. Base Year: February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 Line Item NumberDescription UnitEstimated QuantitiesUnit Cost Total Cost Option Year 1: February 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016 Line Item NumberDescription UnitEstimated QuantitiesUnit Cost Total Cost Option Year 2: February 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017 Line Item NumberDescription UnitEstimated QuantitiesUnit Cost Total Cost Option Year 3: February 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018 Line Item NumberDescription UnitEstimated QuantitiesUnit Cost Total Cost Option Year 4: February 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019 Line Item NumberDescription UnitEstimated QuantitiesUnit Cost Total Cost DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ITEMS TO BE REQUIRED: SCOPE OF WORK: Contractor shall provide readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans located in rural communities where the veterans reside (greater than 50 miles from the nearest Vet Center) within the following counties Teton, in the city/s of Jackson. These services are performed for the Readjustment Counseling Services, Vet Center located at 1030 N. Poplar St. Ste. B, Casper, WY 82609. The Contractor must provide readjustment counseling services to veterans who are assigned to their care. The term "readjustment counseling" means: individual counseling, employment counseling, bereavement, benefits counseling, and referral services for eligible veterans who have psychosocial problems as part of readjustment to civilian life after military duty during the specified conflicts. The Contractor must develop treatment plans for veterans in their care that document the progress to the veteran readjusting to society after serving in a combat zone. The counseling may include traditional psychotherapeutic modalities, but the purpose of psychotherapy (or any modality) must be, as a primary task, to address readjustment difficulties derived from military duties and the homecoming experience. 1. BACKGROUND Public law authorizes the Department of Veterans Affair (VA) to provide readjustment counseling to combat veterans and guarantees readjustment counseling as a lifetime entitlement to war zone veterans under Readjustment Counseling Services. The Vet Center mission is to provide outreach and counseling to assist all combat veterans of any conflict to resolve war-related psychological difficulties and to help them achieve a successful post-war readjustment to civilian life. Legislation authorized VA to augment Vet Center services through contracts with private sector providers for provision of readjustment counseling to veterans who served during a period and in the theater of armed hostilities. 2. POLICY AND AUTHORITY In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 1712A, Department of Veteran Affairs, Readjustment Counseling Services (RCS) is authorized to furnish readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans by contract with approved private sector providers, where the VA cannot provide such services. 3. ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTRACTED READJUSTMENT COUNSELING SERVICES A.Determination of full eligibility for services is when the veteran provides a certified copy of their DD-214 and is verified by the Team Leader/COR. B.Eligibility will be verified by the Team Leader/COR by reviewing the DD214 submitted by the Veteran, specifically noting combat service. C.Eligibility for readjustment counseling services is limited to war zone veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions. Individuals with other than honorable, but more than dishonorable discharge may also be eligible as determined by the VA (see 38 CFR, Section 3.12). D.In an emergency, if clinically determined that a crisis exists that requires immediate readjustment counseling services are necessary, the contractor shall immediately contact the Team Leader/COR to provide presumptive eligibility and authorization for services via phone. In such cases, the Team Leader/COR will inform the veteran that if eligibility is not substantiated, the veteran may be billed for the counseling services. E.Bereavement services for parents, spouse, children, and immediate family members of active duty Armed Forces personnel, to include Reservist and National Guard members, who have died in the line of duty and service to their country, are eligible for services under this contract. F.Veterans possessing a Dishonorable Discharge are not eligible for services provided under this program. G.Sexual trauma/harassment regarding veterans of both sexes, all eras are not covered by this contract. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT WORK A.The Contractor shall furnish readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans referred by the Vet Center staff. B.Readjustment counseling, for purposes of this contract, is counseling provided by licensed mental health providers; clinical social workers, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified counselors that will provide services specifically directed at social, psychological, or behavioral difficulties explicitly related to the post-war readjustment to civilian life. Such difficulties may interfere with a veteran's job performance, education pursuits, family and other interpersonal relations, or overall ability to cope with daily life. C.Modalities of readjustment counseling include individual, group and family counseling; all of which must have as their central purpose the post-war readjustment of war zone veterans. This service does not include general mental health services, but only provides readjustment counseling for psychosocial difficulties related to post-war readjustment from military duty, for example: 1.Exposure to combat-related war trauma. 2.Exposure to other aspects of war zone stress. 3.Post-traumatic stress disorder (as defined by the current DSM) or other war-related social and psychological difficulties. 4.Stressors unique to military duty for eligible veterans. 5.Psychological concern over a possible service-connected condition. 6.Substance abuse connected with military duty and/or post-war homecoming and readjustment. 7.Difficult post-war experiences, including disrupted homecoming and unsuccessful re-entry into civilian roles. 8.Concern over possible Agent Orange, biological or chemical agent exposure or ramifications thereof. 9.Generalized alienation from society manifested by lack of expectable familial, educational or vocational activities. 10.Psychosocial difficulties related to type of military discharge for other than a dishonorable discharge. D.The provision of medications and physical examinations are not to be considered a component of readjustment counseling, and therefore, will not be provided under this contract as a reimbursable service to the contractor. E.Nonetheless, offerors should have the capability through referral to arrange for needed physical examinations, prescription medications or other medical treatment. When this is not feasible due to geographical distance, the contract provider should coordinate with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) for assistance in facilitating referrals to VA medical providers. 3. GEORGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF ELIGIBLE SERVICE PROVIDERS Contractor and Service providers submitting offers in response to this request for proposal (RFP) shall be physically located within the geographical boundaries for which the contract award is made. 4. PROCEDURE FOR SERVICE INITIATION A.Service initiation under this contract will be limited to referral only by Vet Center personnel, RCS Regional Managers (RMs) or designees. The number, type and frequency of readjustment counseling services provided to the veteran or significant others (i.e., members of the veteran's immediate family, legal guardian, or an individual with whom the veteran lives or certifies an intention to live with) will be a specifically authorized by referring Vet Center or RCS RMs or designees. B.If a veteran visits the contractor's office prior to contacting the Vet Center, the contractor shall provide the veteran the Vet Center contact information, so required interview, record, and official authorization is initiated and approved. C.Upon determination of eligibility and completion of psychosocial assessment, determining the need for readjustment counseling services, a referral will be made by completion of contract Services Authorization Form (VA Form 10-5565B). The original shall be maintained within the client's file maintained at the Vet Center. Copy 1 shall be mailed or given to the veteran or significant other, who will maintain and present it to the designated service provider, if the contractor has not received a copy of the authorization. Copy 2 shall be mailed to the designated contract service provider and maintained in the client's records within the contractor's records. 5. REFERRALS FOR CONTRACT COUNSELING SERVICES A.Referrals to readjustment counseling contract providers are made by qualified Vet Center staff. B.Prior to making a referral to the contract provider, the veteran must be interviewed by the Vet Center Team Leader (TL)/COR or designee. C.Veterans Health Administration (VHA) qualified mental health professionals can make referrals to the Vet Center. All referrals made by VHA mental health professionals who are not Vet Center staff, will be facilitated by the Vet Center TL/COR, as the latter will assume responsibility for monitoring the case once the referral to the contract provider is made. D.Contract readjustment counseling includes the same mix of social and psychological services as provided at the Vet Centers, with the exception of community outreach, which the contractor is unauthorized and prohibited to perform. E.The contract for fee program, as intended by Congress and implemented by VA, is for the provision of readjustment counseling and not for general mental health services. F.Contract readjustment counseling may include social services and/or psychotherapy, but the services provided must address readjustment difficulties deriving from military duties and/or homecoming experiences. The provision of services for problems not having a clear and distinct relationship to military duty and readjustment to civilian life from military duty is not authorized. G.Specifically, the difficulties, which comprise war-related readjustment difficulties referable to a contract provider are the following: 1.Psychosocial problems related to exposure to war trauma. 2.Psychosocial problems related to other stressful experiences of military duty in a war-zone. 3.Psychosocial problems related to post-war adjustment to civilian family and work roles. 4.Psychosocial problems related to type of military discharge. 5.Psychosocial problems related to substance abuse clinically associated with military duty or post-military readjustment. 6.Psychosocial problems related to post-war homecoming experiences. 7.Psychosocial concern over possible exposure to chemical and/or biological agents in the war-zone. 8.Generalized alienation from society related to interruptions in the normal post-war readjustment process. H.Prior to making a referral, the veteran must be interviewed by the VA referrer. 1.Although this may be either in person or by telephone, the referrer is responsible for ensuring that eligibility definitions and clinical assessment requirements are met. The clinical evidence should establish that the veteran's problems are clearly related to the military experience, be reflected in the reason for referral, and be documented in the veteran's record. 2.Self-referrals and referrals of veterans who were or are in the private contract provider's caseload cannot be authorized, unless the assessment described above is carried out. In no event may VA be billed or required to pay for services delivered prior to authorization for care. I.After eligibility has been verified and the need for readjustment counseling clinically established, the Vet Center TL/COR will complete and sign VA Form 10-5565B, which officially effects a referral to the contract service provider. The completion and disposition of VA Form 10-5565B is to be implemented according to the instructions on the form. 6.DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS A."CO" Contracting Officer B."Contractor" Provider of Readjustment Counseling Services. C."COR" Contracting Officer Representative D."FMS" Facilities Management Services E. "RCS" Readjustment Counseling Services F."TL" Team Leader G."VA" Department of Veterans Affairs H."VAMC" Veterans Administration Medical Center I."VA patients" Veteran beneficiaries, inpatient and outpatient 7.SPECIFIC TASKS Referrals and ongoing assessment of counseling cases will be managed, as to ensure the availability of services to the largest number of eligible veterans within the limits of available resources. A.The Contractor shall provide group and/or brief therapy whenever clinically feasible to facilitate serving the largest number of eligible veterans. Theater veterans exposed to war-zone stress will be considered the highest priority recipients for contract readjustment counseling. B.Group counseling will be encouraged whenever clinically feasible as this method is both clinically indicated and cost effective for Veterans with readjustment difficulties. The composition of such groups must include at least 50 percent eligible war-zone Veterans for a contact provider to be reimbursed for the group counseling session. Exceptions to this may be granted by the Vet Center TL/COR when clinically indicated. C.Contractor employees shall not be considered Government employees and shall not at any time identify themselves as such or perform community outreach in the name of or as the Vet Center or VA. D.In accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract, the Professional Services Letter IL -11-82-26, and the VA Form 10-5565B, contractors shall be required to perform as follows: 1.All initial referrals to a contract provider will be for up to 3 visits for clinical assessment and brief counseling. The TL/COR will specify on VA Form 10-5565B, one, two, or three visits and the type of counseling to be provided (individual). 2.The contractor shall schedule the initial veteran counseling session (visit) within 10 working days from the date the veteran was first referred under the contract. 3.If additional visits are required upon completion of the 3 initial visits, the TL/COR will obtain from the contract provider a counseling plan documenting the need for continuing readjustment counseling. In addition, the TL/COR will ensure a verified DD-214 is provided by the veteran and inserted in the client's file. a.After reviewing the plan, the TL/COR may authorize the veteran for up to a block of 15 additional visits within a specified period. In similar fashion, subsequent re-authorizations are established (up to 15 visits) and updated case counseling plans are subject to evaluation prior to further authorization. b.In an emergency situation and/or veteran crisis, additional visits may be authorized over the phone by the TL/COR. The contract provider updated counseling plan may be presented to the COR orally, but must be documented in the veteran's file and followed with a written copy within forty-eight (48) hours. c.Effective management of case progress and available funding requires that the TL/COR specify on the VA Form 10-5565B a time period within which a block of authorized visits must be delivered. For example, a veteran does not use all 13 sessions during the specified time, he may be reviewed and re-authorized for additional visits at the beginning of the next quarter. A visit will last a minimum of 45 minutes for an Individual/Family session and a minimum of 90 minutes for Group sessions. d.The initial written counseling plan will be presented to the TL/COR no later than five working days from the completion of the third initial visit. This plan shall be documented in the veteran's record by the TL/COR and contract provider. e.The VA reserves the right to modify the treatment plan submitted by the Contractor. Coordination of the counseling plans to the VA referrer must occur in a timely manner, so there will be no disruption in the continuation of readjustment counseling. An updated treatment plan must be submitted and approved by the TL/COR before subsequent client visits are authorized for the upcoming quarter. f.While up to one visit per week is usually authorized, the TL/COR is under no obligation to authorize that frequency. (1)Frequency of visits of less than one time per week (e.g., once per two weeks, once per month) is clinically indicated in a substantial number of cases. It is the responsibility of the TL/COR to ensure that such frequency is obtained when indicated. (2)Visits of twice per week may be permitted in exceptional cases when authorized by the COR on the basis of clinical assessment. g.Resource allocation per facility, overall needs of the total eligible veteran population in a particular locality, sound clinical practice, and the needs of an individual veteran will usually dictate a frequency of visits of one per week or less 4."Significant Others" defined as, members of the Veteran's immediate family, legal guardian, or individual with whom the Veteran lives of certifies an intention to live. May be seen conjointly with a Veteran in couple or family counseling by the contract service provider. a.This will be limited to counseling for problems, which have a distinct relationship to the Veteran's readjustment from military duty. b.For couple or family counseling, billing and reimbursement will be at the established per session rate as specified in the contract. c.Significant others may be seen without the Veteran present only when clinically required as an integral part of couple or family counseling. Such visits by significant others without the Veteran present, however, are limited to one visit per ten couple or family sessions that include the Veteran. Exceptions may be granted to the limitation on significant other visits only when clinically approved by the TL/COR. 5.As stipulated in the contract, there is a provision, which limits eligibility for readjustment counseling through a contract provider to 1 year from the time of the veteran's first visit. a.This provision is based upon existing knowledge regarding the etiology and longitudinal course of war-related readjustment difficulties to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and upon program experience, which indicates that most veterans referred complete services within 1 year. b.This provision should not be implemented in an arbitrary manner nor should it be applied in isolation from other indicators for clinical case progress. c.In most cases authorization beyond 1 year should be short-term extensions designed to facilitate completing services or appropriate referral. d.Determination for extension of eligibility for contract services beyond 1 year, will be determined by a clinical report and plan submitted by the contractor, that will be reviewed by the TL/COR, and approved by the Regional Manager or designee. e.To determine and approve a veteran for an extension, the following procedures will be followed: (1)The contract provider will submit a request with a report and plan, with clinical significance of need for additional services beyond one year. This is not an authorization for service, but report of further readjustment counseling need. (2)The Vet Center TL/COR will review this report, determine if extension is clinically significant, and will interview the veteran (in person or by telephone) to conduct an updated, comprehensive psychosocial assessment to ensure continuing clinical need for readjustment counseling. (3)If there is clinical indication for continuing readjustment counseling beyond 1 year, the Vet Center TL/COR must consult with the RCS Regional Manager or designee prior to authorizing continuing visits. (4)All requests for readjustment counseling beyond 1 year, for more than brief transitioning purposes, must be reviewed and approved by the RCS Regional Manager or designee and documented in the veteran's clinical record. 6.If a veteran currently receiving services from a contract provider resides in a closer proximity to a newly selected contract provider or newly established Vet Center, the veteran may be transferred to the new contract provider or newly established Vet Center, in order to continue uninterrupted counseling from the most convenient service provider. E.Deliverables 1.Psychological Assessment a.Psychological assessment shall be completed after the third counseling session and shall contain as a minimum the following information, which shall be submitted prior to requesting further re-authorizations from the COR. (1)Presenting problem/history - to include frequency, duration, and severity of the problem. History of psychotherapeutic treatments received or sought as well as services being sought at the facility. (2)Social history- to include family composition, employment, life style, alcohol/drug use, friends, support systems, medical problems, current psychological/medical treatment, typical day, recreation, client's therapeutic goals. (3)Pre-military history - to include family of origin, school involvement, substance abuse, acting out, legal problems, trauma. (4)Military history - to include (pre/during/post deployment) adjustment, draft or volunteer, disciplinary actions, duties, injuries, disabilities, trauma, homecoming. (5)Post-military history - to include social/interpersonal functioning, schools, jobs, marriages, children, etc. (6)Observations - to include appearance, behavior, speech, affect, and mood. (7)Assessment - to include assessment of veteran and presenting problems. Discussion of the veteran's strengths, assets, motivation, support systems, and counselor's conceptualization and impression of the veteran. The relationship of the presenting problems to military history. (8)Critical issues - to include assessment of suicidal/homicidal ideation, history of and the need for intervention. (9)Plan - to include specific actions/steps to be pursued by counselor, referral, consultation, length of treatment anticipated. (10)Completion - shall include counselor's signature, date, and the signature of the reviewing person (clinical coordinator) and the date reviewed. 2.Treatment Plans a.Treatment plans content shall contain the following data/information (1)Specific actions/steps to be pursued by the counselor (2)Problems to be addressed (3)Identification of goals for therapy (4)Type of counseling or therapy recommended (5)Anticipated duration of counseling or therapy (6)Counselor's signature and date 8.GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF CONTRACTOR/SERVICE PROVIDERS A.Contractor and service providers must be physically located within the geographical boundaries for which the contract award is made. The boundaries described herein are determined by RCS and local VA officials, based upon "geographical areas of need" (e.g., a given city, county, or locality where a Vet Center is present but, because of a large veteran population, cannot adequately provide services). 9. RECORD KEEPING A.The TL/COR will define the exact counseling record information to be included by the contract provider upon each veteran counseling session(s). 1.A verification form is to be completed by each veteran for each therapy session. The verification form with the clients' original signature will be attached to the monthly bill/invoice submitted to the TL/COR. 2.The Contractor shall secure a signed acknowledgment of services from each client and for each visit for which they are invoicing the VA. The verification form must include the following: a.Name of client/veteran b.Name of the counselor, professional degree, and title c.Date of service d.Length of treatment e.Treatment modality (Individual, Family, or Group) f.Original client/veteran signature 3.Provide only those services identified on the VA referral form. 4.Client numbers and records for significant others, will be maintained in the name of the veteran; however, counseling case notes/progress notes on visits by significant others shall be maintained as discrete and separate from the veteran's notes for continuity of notation, and so they can be easily extracted, if a request for the veteran's counseling record is made. B.Contractor shall maintain accurate and complete counseling records, which comply with the confidentiality requirements of Public Law 93-282 and the Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law 93-579. Contractor shall ensure the physical security of records and the prevention of disclosure of the records, reports, or other private information of clients except with the client's informed, written consent. C.Counseling records are considered the property of the VA. Within one year following client case closing from contract provider services, the Contractor shall turn the client folder over to the authorizing Vet Center, or contact the Regional Manager of the Vet Center to determine to which Vet Center the folder should be sent. D.The same procedures will apply when the contract between the VA and the Contractor terminates/expires/or is not renewed. 10.CONTRACT MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT MANAGEMENT A.Quality control and administrative oversight of the overall contract agreement and basic processes of contract operations are the primary responsibilities of the Vet Center TL/COR. B.Representatives of the VA and other Government agencies are authorized to visit premises of service contractors during business hours for purposes of evaluation and auditing which may include inspection of clinical records. C.Site visits will be conducted on at least an annual basis to the facilities of all contract providers by the TL/COR and/or RCS Regional Manager or designee, or other Government employees designated by the Contracting Officer and will include, but shall not be limited to, evaluation verification of the following: 1.Actual performance versus scheduled and reported performance regarding the number and type of visits provided and the amount billed. 2.Changes in technical performance which may affect financial status, personnel assigned to the contract, over extension of resources, etc. 3.The numbers of employees charged to the contract are actually performing work under the contract. D.Site visits will be conducted in accordance with program standards and in compliance with monitoring guidelines developed and approved by VA Central Office. 11.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE A.The Contract period of performance is for the base period and four (4) one-year option periods. B. In renewing existing contracts, the Contracting Officer will request a current list of those employees working for the contractor under the contract. This listing will be compared with the existing contract. Any changes in personnel or employees proposed by the contractor will be brought to the attention of the Vet Center TL/COR. C.The TL/COR will review the information on the new personnel to ensure that the clinical credentials, level of licensing, and quality of service is consistent with the initial proposal and the terms of the original contract. D.If readjustment counseling beyond the contract period is indicated, and if the contract is not renewed, the Contractor shall make appropriate referral to another counseling resource, in consultation with the original referrer. Exceptions to this requirement may be made, upon authorization, based on determination of the continuing need by the VA referring official. Requests for such exceptions shall be presented to the VA referrer. E. The Government will reimburse the Contractor for completion of cases started during the period of the agreement, but duly authorized to extend beyond the legal termination date of the contract. All payment for work under this contract beyond September 30th of each year will be contingent on the availability of funds. Therefore, no work shall take place after that date unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer. F.The Government will be the sole judge as to whether a contract will be renewed, based on the determination of need. The VA reserves the right to allow this contract to expire and to issue a new Request for Quote (RFQ) if determined to be in the best interest of the Government. 12. INVOICE PROCEDURES A.Reimbursement will only be for in-person counseling sessions. Reimbursement is not authorized, for example, for telephone calls with the veteran or significant others, or for consultation between the Contractor and other individuals. B.Reimbursement for veteran's travel in connection with contract readjustment is not authorized. C.A visit, for reimbursement purposes, will last a minimum of 45 minutes and will be deemed a single visit regardless of length beyond 45 minutes. A group counseling visit, for reimbursement purposes, will be a minimum of 90 minutes in length. Participation in group counseling sessions constitutes one visit, regardless of length beyond 90 minutes. D.Payments made under this agreement shall constitute the total cost of readjustment counseling services. The Contractor understands and agrees that no additional charges shall be billed to the veteran or his family, either by the Contractor or any third party furnishing required services, unless and until specific prior written authorization is obtained from the VA TL/COR who initially authorized the provision of services. 1.All invoices shall be submitted monthly, in arrears. 2.Invoices shall be electronically submitted to Austin and the original veteran service verification and duplicate copy of invoices mailed to the TL/COR for billing verification and accounting. E.All invoices shall include the information shown in subparagraphs (1) through (9) below, and shall be accompanied by the receipt of services (VA Form 10-5565B) specifying the information shown in subparagraphs (10) through (12) below: 1.Contract number (and purchase order number, if applicable); 2.Vet Center or Station Number of Referring Unit; 3.VIF/Client number; 4.Number of both individual visits and group visits; 5.Total number of individual visits; 6.Total number of group visits; 7.Basic contract rate (per type of counseling provided and per type of counselor), in accordance with bid schedule pricing in Section B of the contract; 8.Total dollar amount billed; 9.Month in which counseling services were provided; 10.Copies of the verification form including the Veteran's original signature certifying receipt of services for each session provided, along with the Vet Center copy of the VA Form 10-5565B. 11.Counselor's name, professional degree (or name, if applicable); and the type of therapy provided for all sessions. The clinician who provided service must be identified. Reimbursement will based on costs for that clinician; 12.Veteran's name and VIF number. 13.All invoices must be received by the 5th of the month following services rendered. F.Failure to include all the above documentation (which constitutes a proper invoice) will result in delay of payment. Invoices will not be processed if there are any omissions. 13. ADDRESS FOR INVOICES See SF 1449 Block 18a. SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 1. LICENSURE Contractor and all staff members providing counseling services under this program shall be licensed in accordance with Federal, State, and/or local requirements and certification(s) applicable to the performance of this type of counseling service. Contractor will provide official verification or credentials from the educational institution awarding the contractor's professional degree, to the Contracting Officer at the time of the contract award. 2. VA OBLIGATIONS This contract will be used only upon a determination by the VA that Governmental facilities that are not capable of furnishing needed readjustment counseling services, or cannot do so economically because of geographical inaccessibility. 3. PRE-AWARD SITE VISIT Upon determination by the contracting officer that a contract should be awarded, a pre-award site visit to the accepted contractor should be conducted. This site visit should be conducted by the Team Leader/COR and RCS Manager designee to determine whether the contractor has the capacity and capability to perform the contract with reference to the contracting officer minimally addressing the following: A.The correlation between the contractor's proposal and his actual resources. B.The correlation between those resources and the evaluation criteria in the RFP. C.The adequacy of space for individual and group counseling. D.Confidentiality, security, and adequacy of recordkeeping. 4. POST-AWARD ORIENTATION A post-award orientation shall be conducted prior to the referral of any Veteran to the new contract service providers. The orientation shall include the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or alternate, at least one RCS staff member. All contract administrative, clinical and program duties and responsibilities shall be discussed. 5. KEY PERSONNEL A.The personnel specified in the offeror's proposal (and incorporated as an attachment or by reference herein) are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the program. No diversion shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer: Provided: That the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting officer required by this clause. B.The listing of key personnel may be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or delete personnel as appropriate. If the continued commitment of any key personnel is beyond the control of the Contractor, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately, and shall recommendations for the substitution of another person. 6. CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE MEDICATIONS AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS While the provision of medications and physical examinations are not considered a component of the readjustment counseling services required by this contract, and will not be provided, offerors must have the capability to provide such services directly or to arrange physical assessments, medical treatment and therapy through referral. 7. PROHIBITIONS A.Contract providers are strictly prohibited from the use of commercial advertising of their readjustment counseling services under this contract in such a way as to imply that VA is endorsing or promoting the services. B.Contract providers and/or their employees are strictly prohibited from performing community outreach as or for the Vet Center program. 8. THERE IS NO OBLIGATION UNDER THIS PURCHASE ORDER FOR VA TO PROVIDE ANY SPECIFIC NUMBER OF REFERRALS TO ANY CONTRACTOR. 9. REIMBURSEMENT AND LIMITATIONS ON SERVICE A.Offerors are to quote a per-session rate for services to be rendered. Remuneration will be based on the number of visits multiplied by the per-session rate quoted by the offeror. A counseling session must last a minimum of 45 minutes and will be deemed a single visit. Longer visits will be deemed a single visit regardless of length. A maximum of up to three visits will be authorized for the initial assessment by the official VA referrer. Additional blocks of up to fifteen visits can be authorized for continued counseling after the initial 1-3 visits have been exhausted. All fees presented in proposals, and included in contracts, must be within the customary, usual, and services charged in the area where services will be provided. The Contracting officer will determine the applicable prevailing fee ranges from standard sources within the community; e.g. professional society, being assisted in this determination by the TL/COR. 10. PRICING OF PROPOSALS A.Offerors are to submit proposals wherein costs associated with readjustment counseling are identified by clinical specialty; e.g., if a psychologist is identified as a clinician who will provide services, the hourly rate for the clinician must be listed. When invoices are submitted to VA, the clinician who provided services must be identified. Reimbursement will be based on the costs for that clinician. DisciplineIndividual TherapyGroup TherapyCouples or Family Therapy aPsychiatrist bLicensed Clinical Psychologist cLicensed Clinical Social Worker dLicensed Mental Health Professional eLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist fLicensed Professional Counselor In all cases, fees allowed for category (f) above will be no higher than any of categories (a)-(e). Further, if the contracting officer determines that there is a prevailing range of fees for practitioners in category in the area being served which is lower than any of (a)-(e), only fees in that range will be allowed. B.Group counseling shall be at least 90 minutes in length or may last longer: individual, family and couples counseling shall be at least 45 minutes in length or may last longer with the veteran and/or significant others, and shall be deemed a single visit (regardless of length). Groups to which veterans are referred must include a minimum of 50% Vietnam Theater and /or post-Vietnam war zone veterans. Exceptions to the requirement of 50% Vietnam Theater and/or post-Vietnam war zone veteran composition of groups to which veterans are referred may be granted by the VA referrer, if deemed clinically appropriate. C.The contract service provider is authorized to provide only those specified on VA referral forms (VA Form 10-5565B). Under this contract, an individual veteran will be authorized no more than one visit per week, per case: i.e., whether the visit is with a veteran or a significant other (i.e., members of the veteran's immediate family, legal guardian, or individual with whom the veteran lives or certifies an intention to live). Visits twice per week may be permitted in exceptional cases when authorized by the TL/COR on the basis of appropriate clinical assessment. VA reserves the right to modify the treatment plan submitted by the contractor. The provision at FAR 52.212-1, INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS- COMMERICAL ITEMS, applies to this acquisition with the following addendum: FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984): The Government anticipates the awarding of a single firm-fixed price indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract to fulfill this requirement: FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (SEP 2006); VAAR 852.233-70 (JAN 2008) Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution; VAAR 852.233-71 Alternative Protest Procedure (JAN 2008) and VAAR 852.270-1 (JAN 2008) Representatives of Contracting Officers. The provision at FAR 52.212-2, EVALUATION -COMMERCIAL ITEMS, applies to this acquisition. (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: (a) The lowest price technically acceptable source selection process is appropriate when best value is expected to result from selection of the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. (b) When using the lowest price technically acceptable process, the following apply: (1) The evaluation factors and significant sub-factors that establish the requirements of acceptability shall be set forth in the solicitation. Solicitations shall specify that award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price of proposals meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for non-cost factors. If the contracting officer documents the file pursuant to 15.304(c)(3)(iii), past performance need not be an evaluation factor in lowest price technically acceptable source selections. If the contracting officer elects to consider past performance as an evaluation factor, it shall be evaluated in accordance with 15.305. However, the comparative assessment in 15.305(a)(2)(i) does not apply. If the contracting officer determines that a small business' past performance is not acceptable, the matter shall be referred to the Small Business Administration for a Certificate of Competency determination, in accordance with the procedures contained in subpart and U.S.C. 637(b)(7)). (2) Tradeoffs are not permitted. (3) Proposals are evaluated for acceptability but not ranked using the non-cost/price factors. (4) Exchanges may occur TECHNICAL FACTORS 1)Contract Implementation/Qualifications: A. Offeror's Implementation Plan of Program Requirements, as described in the Performance Work Statement as to how will provide Readjustment Counseling Services. B. Key Personnel/Qualifications-Offeror shall provide names personnel who will be providing readjustment counseling services. Offeror shall provide current licensure for the State of Wyoming. Offeror shall provide resumes of personnel to provide these services showing experience and training in readjustment counseling. C. Licensing/Certification-Offeror shall provide current license information (state, number, issue and expiration date) for all counselors providing services under this contract, provide certification that all personnel are fluent in reading, writing and speaking English, provide a copy of current professional liability insurance. D. Competencies-Offeror shall provide their process for clinical competency review of counselors, including documentation of reviews. E. Offeror's price shall be evaluated to determine if it is fair and reasonable. 2.) 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). 3.) 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 (End of Provision) A completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS - COMMERICAL ITEMS shall be submitted with the offer. The clause at FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS- COMMERCIAL ITEMS, applies to this acquisition, with the following addendum: FAR 52.216-18 Ordering (OCT 1995): (a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from February 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015. (b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control. (c) If mailed a delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when the Government deposits the order in the mail. Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule (End of Clause) FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations (OCT 1995) (a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $3000.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish those supplies or services under the contract. (b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor (1) Any order for a single item in excess $149,999.00; (2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $149,999.00; or (3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 365 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section. (c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e. includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Government is not required to order a part or any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceed the maximum order limitations in paragraphs (b) of this section. (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within one (1) days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the government may acquire the supplies or services from another source. (End of Clause) FAR 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (OCT 1995): a) This is an indefinite- quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and the effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. (b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the schedule as the "maximum." (c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations. (d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after January 31, 2019. FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999) The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than one, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within sixty (60) days of the expiration date of the current contract period. (End of clause). FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000); a.) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within thirty (30) days of the expiration date of the current contract period; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least sixty (60) days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension (b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause. (c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years. (End of Clause) VAAR 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (JAN 2008); VAAR 852.216-70 Estimated Quantities (APR 1984); VAAR 852.228-71 Indemnification and Insurance (JAN 2008); VAAR 852.237-70 Contractor Responsibilities (APR 1984). The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He/She shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He/she shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and shall maintain personal liability, and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of Wyoming. Further, it is agreed that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, shall not be the responsibility of the Contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there from. (End of Clause0 and VAAR 852.273-76 Electronic Invoice Submission (Interim - October 2008). The clause at FAR 52.215 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS- COMMERCIAL ITEMS applies to this acquisition including the following clauses: FAR 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEPT 2006); FAR 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First Tier Subcontract Awards (FEB 2012); FAR 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors, Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (DEC 2010); FAR 52.209-10; Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (MYA 2012); FAR 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011); FAR 52.219-8 utilization of Small Business Concerns (JAN 2011); FAR 52.219-13 Notice of Set Aside of Orders (NOV 2011); FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011); FAR 52.219-28 Post-Award Small Business Program Re-representation (APR 2009); FAR 52.222-3 Convict Labor (JUNE 2003); FAR 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999)/ FAR 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007); FAR 52.222-35Equal Opportunity for Veterans (SEP 2010); FAR 52.222-37 Employment Reports for Veterans (SEP 2010); FAR 52.222-40 Notice of Employees Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010); FAR 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (JAN 2009); FAR 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011); FAR 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUNE 2008); and FAR 52.232-34 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer- Other than Central Contractor Registration (MAY 1999); FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965 (NOV 2007); FAR 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 1989) Employee Class Monetary Wage-Fringe Benefit _______ ________________ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WAGE DETERMINATIONS: Department of Labor Wage Determination 1995-0222, Revision Number 32, dated June 13, 2011; and Department of Labor Wage Determination 2005-2317, Revision Number 12, dated June 13, 2012, and any revisions will be incorporated into the resulting contract in their entirety. The full text of a solicitation provision or contract clause may be accessed electronically at the address(es) below: http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oamm/oa/ars/policyreg/vaar/index.cfm
 

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