Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 FBO #5417
DOCUMENT

G -- Readjustment Counseling Services in support of the Escanaba Vet Center, Escanaba, MI - Attachment

Notice Date

9/20/2016
 

Notice Type

Attachment
 

NAICS

621330 — Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)
 

Contracting Office

Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC);Department of Veteran Affairs;115 S 84th Street, Suite 101; WI 53214-1476
 

ZIP Code

53214-1476
 

Solicitation Number

VA69D16N1334
 

Response Due

9/24/2016
 

Archive Date

10/24/2016
 

Point of Contact

Roberta J. "Bobbie" DeWeese, Contracting Officer
 

E-Mail Address

414-844-4829<br
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business
 

Description

Network Contracting Office 12 (NCO 12) is seeking sources to furnish Readjustment Counseling Services to reach veterans in a remote area of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan and served by the Escanaba Vet Center, Escanaba, Michigan. That Vet Center has responsibility for veterans located in the outlying communities of Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft. Contractor and Service providers submitting offers in response to this request shall be physically located within the geographic boundaries for which the contract award is made. BACKGROUND As specified in §38 U.S.C. Section 1712A, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is authorized to provide readjustment counseling services to veterans for psychological and/or social problems arising from their military service if the problems impair the veteran's post-war, readjustment to civilian life. Public Law 104-262 amended §38 U.S.C. Section 1712A to expand eligibility for readjustment counseling at Vet Centers to any veteran who served in the active military in a theater of combat operations during a period of war, or in any other area during a period in which hostilities occurred in such area. The law specifies that the term "hostilities" means any armed conflict in which the members of the Armed Forces are subjected to danger comparable to a period of war, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Secretary of Defense. Under the amended law, veterans who served during the Vietnam era but not in a theater of combat operations will continue to be eligible for readjustment counseling if they seek or are furnished such counseling before January 1, 2001. 1.DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT WORK The contractor shall furnish readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans referred by Vet Center staff members. Under most circumstances referrals will be made only by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), other Vet Center counselors designated by the COR, the Regional Manager, the Deputy Regional Manager and/or Associate Regional Manager for Counseling. Readjustment counseling, for purposes of this contract, is counseling provided by social workers, psychologists, or other qualified counselors, individually or in groups, specifically directed at social, psychological, or behavioral difficulties specifically related to the post-war readjustment to civilian life. Such difficulties may interfere with a veteran's job performance, educational pursuits, family and other interpersonal relations, or overall ability to cope with daily life. Modalities of readjustment counseling include individual, group, and family counseling. All modalities must have their central purpose be the post-war readjustment of war zone veterans. This service does not include general mental health services, bereavement services, and sexual trauma. It only provides for readjustment counseling for psychosocial difficulties related to post-war readjustment from military duty. Examples of these include: a.Exposure to combat-related war trauma. b.Exposure to other aspects of war zone stress. c.Post-traumatic stress disorder (as defined by DSM-IV-R or latest revision) and/or other war-related social and psychological difficulties. d.Stressors unique to military duty for eligible veterans. e.Psychological concern over a possible service-connected condition. f.Substance abuse connected with military duty and/or post-war homecoming and readjustment. g.Difficult post-war experiences, including disrupted homecoming and unsuccessful re- entry into civilian roles. h.Concern over possible Agent Orange, biological or chemical agent exposure or ramifications thereof. i.Generalized alienation from society manifested by lack of expectable familial, educational and/or vocational activities. j.Psychosocial difficulties related to type of military discharge for other than a dishonorable discharge. 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 mechanism. Nonetheless, the contractor should have the capability through referral to arrange for needed physical examinations, prescriptions, medications and/or medical treatment. Veteran beneficiaries should be advised that the VA will not reimburse through this service for physical examinations, drugs or other medical treatments. In all such cases, VA medical facilities should be the priority referral for the veteran's medical care. When this is not feasible due to geographical distance, VA Fee Basis providers should also be considered. The contract provider should coordinate with the COR for assistance in facilitating referrals to the VA medical providers. Psychodiagnostic Testing: Administration and interpretation of individual testing can be authorized on an individual case-by- case basis by the Escanaba Vet Center. The COR or his/her designee is the authorizing agent. Services not properly authorized will not be paid for by VA. Prior approval is required. Costs for tests, administration and interpretation should be all inclusive of the flat rate bid submitted. Tests include: WAIS-R, MMPI II, and Suicide Probability Scale. 2.PROCEDURE FOR SERVICE INITIATION Service initiation under this contract will be limited to referral only by Escanaba Vet Center staff members. The number, type, and frequency of readjustment counseling services provided to the veteran and/or significant others (i.e., members of the veteran's immediate family, legal guardian, or individual with whom the veteran lives or certifies an intention to live with) will be as specifically authorized by the Vet Center COR. Upon determination of eligibility, completion of psychosocial assessment, and determining the need for readjustment counseling services, a referral will be made by completion of Contract Services Authorization Form (VAF 10-5565b). Copy one (1) will be mailed or given to the veteran or significant other - who will present it to the designated contract service provider. Copy two-(2) will be mailed to the designated contract service provider. Copy three-(3) will be maintained on file at the Vet Center. 3.DUTIES OF CONTRACT PROVIDERS Contractors will provide readjustment counseling services to eligible veterans in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Mechanism, Fee/Contract Program Handbook and VA Authorization Form VAF 10-5565b. Contractual duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: a.The contractor shall be responsible for the administration and management of all services associated with this contract including, but not limited to: responsibility for all contractor employees, billing duties, and appropriate documentation submissions within required timeframes. Documentation should be typed, but may be handwritten. If handwritten, it must be legible. b.Contractors will schedule the initial veteran counseling session within three (3) working days from the time he/she receives the authorization. c.Contractors must provide, in writing, an initial comprehensive psychosocial and military history assessment in accordance with the Fees/Contract Program Handbook to the COR no later than the completion of (3) three initial visits. Alternatively, the COR may perform necessary assessments. An updated counseling/treatment plan must be submitted to the COR at least (2) weeks prior to completion of each authorized block of visits, which addresses the continuing need for readjustment counseling (faxes are allowed). Coordination of the counseling/treatment plans by the COR must occur at least two (2) weeks prior to authorization of subsequent blocks of sessions, so that there will be no disruption in the continuation of readjustment counseling. Determination of adequacy of counseling/treatment plans will be based on the professional judgment of the COR in each case. After reviewing the plan, the COR, or other authorized ordering officials, may authorize the Veteran up to a block of 15 additional visits for ongoing counseling. d.To assure quality clinical oversight of case progress, additional blocks of up to 15 sessions may be authorized contingent upon clinical indication as reflected in the contractor's updated treatment plans. Updated treatment plans shall be submitted upon the completion of each block of 15 sessions, and are subject to evaluation and approval by the COR, or other authorized ordering officials prior to further authorization. e.COR will specify on VA Form 10-5565b a time period within which the block of authorized visits will be delivered. For example, a Veteran may be authorized a block of 15 weekly sessions to be used within a three month period. If the Veteran does not access services for all 15 sessions during the specified time, he may be reviewed and re- authorized for additional visits at the beginning of the next quarter. f.Immediate family members, legal guardian of a Veteran, or individual in whose household such Veteran certifies an intention to live, may be seen conjointly with a Veteran in couple or family counseling by a contract service provider for military related problems as necessary for the readjustment of the Veteran, and as approved by VA. 1)This will be limited to counseling for problems which have a distinct relationship to the Veteran's readjustment from military duty. 2)For couple or family counseling, billing and reimbursement will be at the established per session couple/family therapy rate. 3)Immediate family members, legal guardian of a Veteran, or individual in whose household such Veteran certifies an intention to live, 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, are limited to 1 visit per 10 couple or family sessions. Exceptions may be granted to the limitation on significant other visits only when clinically approved by the COR. g.Contractors will conduct periodic evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of services provided as required herein (refer to Contract Monitoring Section). h.Referrals for group counseling will be encouraged whenever clinically or logistically feasible as this method is both clinically indicated for most Veterans with readjustment difficulties and the most efficacious and economic treatment modality. i.At the completion of each individual or group counseling session, the contractor will obtain acknowledgement of services as documented through the Service Verification form. This form must include the name of veteran or client, counselor's name and professional degree, length of session, date, and specific modality of the counseling session. This verification form will be presented to the client for his/her signature. j.The contractor will make a follow-up contact within sixty (60) days after the last contact with the client and document it in the client's folder. k.The contractor will complete a case closing summary and place client files in inactive status after ninety (90) days of inactivity unless there is a documented clinical reason to keep the file active. A closing summary which spells out the degree of success (or lack thereof), treatment plan/goals, and prognosis will be completed and a copy forwarded to the COR at the Escanaba Vet Center. l.The contractor shall meet periodically with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at the COR's discretion to discuss clients and administration of the program. The contractor shall not bill VA for this meeting. m.Authorizations for readjustment counseling are limited to one (1) year from the time of the Veteran's first visit. n.If longer term extension of authorization is necessary, the following procedures will be followed: 1)The COR will interview the Veteran (in person or by telephone) to conduct an updated comprehensive psychosocial assessment to ensure continuing clinical need for readjustment counseling. 2)All requests for readjustment counseling beyond 1 year must be review and approved by VA RCS Regional Manager or Deputy Regional Manager, reported to the Contracting Officer, and documented in the Veteran's clinical record. o.Contractor shall have the capability through referral to arrange for emergency medical backup services as clinically indicated for the care of the Veteran's readjustment problems. However, medical health care services are not part of Readjustment Counseling and contractors are prohibited from billing for such services provided to Veteran referrals. p.Veterans demonstrating incidents of suicidal or homicidal ideation, gestures, or completion shall be referred to the appropriate medical center care immediately. The contractor shall notify COR of such referral as quickly as feasible. q.Contractors are specifically prohibited from the following: 1)Commercial advertising of their services to Vietnam Era and/or other eligible war zone veterans under this contract program in such a way as to indicate or imply VA endorsement or promotion of services. 2)Providing general mental health services for problems not directly related to war zone military service and post-military readjustment. 3)Billing for physical examinations, prescriptions and/or dispensing medication, other medical treatment, telephone calls with veterans or significant others, consultation between contract counselor and other individuals, veterans' travel, veterans not keeping appointments (no-shows), or services not specifically authorized in the contract or the VA referral form (10-5565b). 4)Referring to themselves as "Veterans Outreach Center(s)", "Outreach Center(s)", "Vet Center(s)", "Readjustment Counseling Center(s)", "Veterans Outreach Program," or similarly misleading the public regarding this relationship to the VA. 5)Contractors will not actively outreach or solicit clients. 6)Contractors will refrain at all times from personal, financial, or business relationships with clients, family members or significant others of such clients or former clients, insofar as such personal relationships might compromise the professional neutrality and effectiveness of the counseling relationship. Contractors will adhere to the professional standards of their relevant licensing body. 4.LICENSURE It is preferred at least one of the following providers is on the contractor's core staff: Psychiatrist, doctoral level Psychologist, or MSW level Psychiatric Social Worker. In lieu of the above, the contractor may have a mental health- related master's level Counselor and one of the following: a Psychiatrist, doctoral level Clinical Psychologist, MSW Psychiatric Social Worker, or Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist serve as a consultant who is on-call during contractor's regular working hours or is otherwise reasonably available to perform services under the contract. This will be at no additional cost to the VA. Contractors, to include all staff providing counseling services under this program, and are required to obtain all Federal, State and/or local professional license(s) and certification(s) applicable to the provision of offering readjustment counseling services. Contractor is responsible for ensuring all contractor employees and/sub-contractor's licenses and certifications are current. The current licenses may be requested by the COR or other designated VA official. 5.USUAL & CUSTOMARY FEE The VA will only enter into Contracts, which are based on a rate schedule (amount charged by contractor for each client visit as proposed in the Services and Price Schedule) that falls within the range of usual and customary fees for the specific geographical area in which services are provided. The CO in consultation with the COR is responsible for determining the usual and customary fee. In determining the appropriate fee range, it should be noted that different usual and customary fees prevail for different types of therapy; i.e., individual, group, and family, and the fee range should be for a specific type of therapy, as well as for professional discipline. 6.REIMBURSEMENT & LIMITATIONS ON SERVICE Offerors are to propose a per-session rate for services to be rendered. Reimbursement will be based on the number of visits multiplied by the per-session rate approved by the Contracting Officer for a specific clinical specialty. Group sessions will be reimbursed at the accepted rate on a per-session per veteran basis. Reimbursement will only be made for authorized, in- person counseling sessions. 7.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE & ESTIMATED ANNUAL VOLUME/PRICE SCHEDULE Contract will be issued for three (3) years funded in annual increments (October 1st through September 30th), commencing October 1, 2016 and expiring September 30, 2019. Estimated annual volume of sessions is: Individual Counseling166 sessions Group Counseling986 sessions 8. FACILITIES & SERVICES: ACCESSIBILITY & AVAILABILITY Contractor and Service provider facilities must be handicapped accessible per rehabilitation Act 29 U.S.C. Section 791 et. seq. Contract must be available to see clients in the contractor's offices during contractor's normal business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and Federal holidays. The contractor should have availability for emergency telephone calls 24/7/365. The contractor shall make services, service locations, and service sites available and accessible in terms of timeliness, amount, duration, and personnel sufficient to provide the covered services. The contractor is to provide all services required by this contract on a non-discriminatory basis to VA beneficiaries in a manner, similar to and within the same time availability, in which the contractor provides these services to any other individual unless otherwise required by VA regulations or this contract. Changes of any of these aspects of the service must have prior approval of the Contracting Officer. Site inspections of contractor facilities may be performed prior to contract award and periodically during contract performance to ensure statutory, regulatory and contractual compliance. 9.CONTRACTOR ELIGIBILITY / CONTENT OF RESPONSE All interested firms shall submit a response demonstrating their capabilities with regard to the above requirement. As stipulated in FAR 15.201, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely with the Government discretion. Firms responding should indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, veteran owned small business/service disabled veteran owned small business or a woman owned business. The NAICS code to be used for this acquisition is 621330 ($7.5M). The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses hereto for any subsequent acquisition. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a foreign-owned/foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort. Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis is voluntary. This sources sought notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government reimburse any costs associated with the submission of information in response to this notice. Respondents will not individually be notified of the results of any Government assessments. The Government's evaluation of the capability statements received will factor into whether any forthcoming solicitation will be conducted as a full and open competition or as a set-aside for small businesses, or any particular small business designation (e.g. SDVOSB, HUB Zone, 8(a), WOSB, VOSB, etc). All prospective vendors must be registered and current within the System for Award Management (SAM). Visit www.sam.gov for details. In addition, all SDVOSBs and VOSBs must be registered and current within VetBiz. Visit www.vetbiz.gov for details. Responses must be emailed to the Contracting Officer (CO), Roberta "Bobbie" DeWeese @ roberta.deweese@va.gov. All responses must be received by 9-24-2016 by 5:30 pm Central Time (CT).
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/VAGLHS/VAGLHCS/VA69D16N1334/listing.html)
 

Document(s)

Attachment
 

File Name: VA69D-16-N-1334 VA69D-16-N-1334.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=3015614&FileName=VA69D-16-N-1334-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=3015614&FileName=VA69D-16-N-1334-000.docx

 

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

Record

SN04279402-W 20160922/160920234852-237355cfd0864eab01c77d91db4964e4 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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