SPECIAL NOTICE
R -- Single Stop USA INC
- Notice Date
- 7/18/2023 6:39:29 AM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 561990
— All Other Support Services
- Contracting Office
- 262-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 22 (36C262) Gilbert AZ 85297 USA
- ZIP Code
- 85297
- Solicitation Number
- 36C26223Q1455
- Response Due
- 7/21/2023 12:00:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 08/20/2023
- Point of Contact
- Alfreda Hunter, Contract Specialist, Phone: 562-766-2235
- E-Mail Address
-
Alfreda.Hunter@va.gov
(Alfreda.Hunter@va.gov)
- Awardee
- null
- Description
- The Network 22 Contracting Office intends to negotiate a sole source procurement in accordance with FAR 13 with Single Stop USA Inc. The NAICS code is 561990, All Other Support Services with a size standard of $14.5 million. Single Stop USA Inc will provide assistance to VA staff assisting eligible homeless Veterans and Veterans at-risk for homelessness obtain mainstream benefits, including those that provide income supports and access to local services that provide legal assistance and credit counseling. The Contractor must have experience in developing and organizing web-based applications designed to assist individuals and families in poverty obtain a range of entitlements and benefits. Additionally, the Contractor will provide direct assistance to Veterans applying for a range of benefits through a help desk. Veterans will be identified through a screening conducted by VA staff. Interagency cooperation and community collaboration is considered vital in meeting the objectives of these programs as Contractor will need to facilitate access to a range of non-VA benefits. Contractor will: Develop a web-based application to facilitate application for non-VA benefits (heretofore described as the Benefits Assistance and Support System (BASS). Develop and provide training for VA staff so they have the skill to effectively employ BASS. Create program materials including a manual and educational materials to support use of the BASS. Develop a Help Desk to assist Veterans referred by VA staff working to obtain benefits on behalf of Veterans. SPECIFIC TASKS AND QUALIFICATIONS: The Contractor shall assist the VA in its goal to end and prevent homelessness among Veterans by assisting in the development and implementation of BASS a web-based application that will aid Veterans in applying for benefits for which they are eligible. BASS will include access to a help-desk with trained staff knowledgeable about use of the web-based application used to obtain benefits. These benefits will include, but not be limited to, mainstream benefits available through national programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, Medicaid, Medicare, various Social Security programs, the Child Health Insurance program, as well as locally administered legal aid, credit counseling, vocational, income, and benefits assistance including the TANF program. The Contractor shall work with VA to provide a system that will enable VA staff and the Veterans they refer simplified one-stop access to national and local entitlements assistance to homeless and Veterans at-risk for homelessness. This will include instructions on establishing eligibility, completing required forms, and documentation requirements for all appropriate entitlement and benefit resources. The Contractor staff shall instruct and help VA staff assess Veterans for entitlement and benefit eligibility and assisting Veterans so that they can help Veterans complete applications for eligible resources. One challenge to the establishment of BASS is the need for the Contractor to reach out to community organizations and government offices in the cities and states identified to ensure that Veterans get current, accurate information about entitlements and benefits. The Contractor is expected to regularly review and update BASS, ensuring that information provide through the application is current. Web-based application to facilitate application for non-VA benefits. BASS will be maintained by the Contractor and will assist the user in identifying potential benefits for which he/she may be eligible, including all relevant national entitlement program. While the website may include existing external resources, such as www.benefits.gov, it must also include locally informed resources specific to the state of California and specific resources that may be available in Los Angeles and the wider VA Greater Los Angeles catchment area. The web-based application will be accessible through an off the shelf personal computer or smart phone that has internet access. BASS will allow VA staff and the Veterans they refer access to download forms and instructions for various benefits. These benefits will include locally specific resources as well as national entitlement programs. BASS will provide a help desk that, by appointment, can be used to assist Veterans applying for benefits The help desk will identify potential benefits for which the Veteran is eligible Help desk staff will assist the Veteran in completing and assembling required paperwork Case Management Support Services: Contractor staff shall review necessary information and answer questions pertaining to the application process for various benefits programs, such as healthcare, social assistance, food assistance, tax assistance, and veterans' benefits for individuals referred by their VA Case Manager. Contractor staff shall conduct follow-ups with individuals who have been referred by their VA Case Manager to provide guidance on the next steps and ensure they are making progress toward their goal. Contractor staff shall maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions and, benefit outcomes within the system. They ensure confidentiality and compliance with relevant privacy regulations. Contractor shall not be privy to or maintain any sensitive patient information. Contractor shall reach out to the assigned Veteran within (1) business days of being assigned by the VA. The contractor staff shall make a minimum of (3) follow-up attempts in each of the below benefit application steps before being marked as outreach unsuccessful: Starting but not completing a Single Stop screening Upon Completion of Single Stop screening Post Benefit application (for outcome collection purposes) A minimum customer satisfaction level of 80% as it pertains to the case management services received among Veterans who respond to client surveys and have received Case Management Support Services. Training: Contractor will develop educational materials that will help VA educate potential consumers on accessing BASS assistance. Contractor will be responsible for planning and coordinating all activities associated with the trainings. All training can take place virtually. This training will offer detailed instruction on how to assess eligibility for a range of benefits and how to assist Veterans in applying for eligible benefits. Create program materials including a manual and educational materials to support use of BASS. This manual will review key elements of training topics agreed upon by both VA and the Contractor and be a reference source for all training participants. All materials must be reviewed no less than quarterly to ensure that all web-based information and documentation id up-to-date and accurate. Help Desk Support: Contractor shall operate a Help Desk to assist VA staff employing BASS. Objective is to assist staff with the application used to both identify benefits and complete applications for Veterans they refer. Contractor shall provide help desk assistance to VA staff and the Veterans they refer. Assessments/Reports: The Contractor shall participate in discussions and conduct analysis to determine the impact of BASS. The contractor shall produce reports that addresses the following. Effectiveness of implementation and training Ability to target services to those who require them Ability to secure benefits and services in a timely fashion CONTRACT MONITORING: The COR will monitor the Contractor's performance. Performance deficiencies or poor performance identified during the term of the contract will be reported to the Contractor. If determined appropriate, the Contracting Officer, COR and/or other VA staff members shall meet with representatives of the Contractor to review performance and resolve issues. HIPPA COMPLIANCE Contractor and any subcontractors must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This includes both Privacy and Security Rules published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As required by HIPAA, HHS has promulgated rules governing the use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities. The covered entity component of VA is the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor may be required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VHA. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirements by submitting their capability statement in writing with complete name, address, telephone, email address, and a point of contact. The Government will consider all capability statements received by 12:00 PM PST, July 21, 2023. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Inquires will only be accepted in writing by email only at Alfreda.Hunter@va.gov .
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/3fa6354ea83b4ff8a1cc97ed5cb02f5d/view)
- Record
- SN06752827-F 20230720/230718230044 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
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