SPECIAL NOTICE
R -- American College of Surgeons Inc, Commission on Cancer Accreditation
- Notice Date
- 9/18/2024 2:15:24 PM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 813920
— Professional Organizations
- Contracting Office
- 257-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 17 (36C257) ARLINGTON TX 76006 USA
- ZIP Code
- 76006
- Solicitation Number
- 36C25724Q1001
- Response Due
- 9/20/2024 10:00:00 AM
- Archive Date
- 10/20/2024
- Point of Contact
- Oneka Robertson, Contract Officer, Phone: (210)992-4129
- E-Mail Address
-
Oneka.Robertson@va.gov
(Oneka.Robertson@va.gov)
- Awardee
- null
- Description
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 17, is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to inform industry contractors of the Government s intent to execute a Sole Source Award under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures, specifically FAR 13.106-1(b) The intended Contractor is College of Surgeons., a Large business, headquartered at 633 N. Saint Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611. The Nuclear Medicine Service at the North Texas Veterans Health Care System (NTXVHS), 4500 S. Lancaster Rd., Dallas, Texas 75216 is in need of the uninterrupted provision of Cancer Program Accreditation only to include all the necessary equipment, transportation, materials, supplies and training to perform the services as specified herein. The Contractor shall provide accreditation for NTXVHCS, Dallas, TX, in accordance with the SOW. This requirement is necessary to ensure the seamless transition to a new agreement signed on 10/01/2023, during which the (NCO) 17 contracting offices will bring the new accreditation service procedures into full operation. Retaining the Cancer Program Accreditation is of utmost importance to ensure the well-being of our patients while we work towards the complete functionality of the new instrumentation. (See Attachment A - Statement of Work (SOW)). College of Surgeons is the only contractor that is capable to provide these services, due to the highly specialized services required under this contract, discontinued use would result in substantial duplication of cost to the government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and will result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency s requirements. This procurement is being conducted using commercial items procedures pursuant to FAR Part 13, specifically FAR 13.106-1(b) allowing the Contracting Officer (CO) to solicit from one source in the interest of urgency. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this requirement is, 913920 Professional Organizations. Product/Service Code for this requirement is R420 Professional: Certifications and Accreditations. The Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for this sector is $23.5 Million. This notice of intent is neither a formal solicitation nor a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document is available and telephone requests will not be honored. No award will be made on the basis of unsolicited quotations or offers received in response to this notice. Any response to this notice must show clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that competition will be advantageous to the Government. The intent of this synopsis is for informational purposes only. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete this action based on this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All inquiries and concerns must be addressed in writing via e-mail to Oneka Robertson at Oneka.Robertson@va.gov with the following information referenced in the subject line, 36C25724Q1001 CoC Cancer Accreditation. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed procurement based on the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. All interested parties who are responsible, certified, and capable may identify their interest and may submit capability statement which shall be considered by the agency no later than 12:00 PM, Central Time on September 20, 2024 to Oneka Robertson at Oneka.Robertson@va.gov. The interested parties bear full responsibility to ensure complete transmission and timely receipt. Attachment A - Statement of Work (SOW) SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES SCOPE OF CONTRACT The intent of this Request for Proposal is to enter into a contract to provide Mobile CT Services only to include all the necessary equipment, transportation, materials, supplies and training to perform the services as specified herein. Services shall be performed at the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHS), Austin Outpatient Clinic (AOPC), 7901 Metropolis Drive, Austin, Texas 78744. DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK STATEMENT OF WORK: NUCLEAR MEDICINE SERVICE CANCER PROGRAM ACCREDITATION CONTRACT Introduction: VANTHCS requires the VA North Texas Cancer Program to maintain accreditation to ensure continued compliance with current best practices for multi-disciplinary Cancer Programs and supporting services. Cancer Program accreditation demonstrates program quality and dedication to excellence through strict standard requirements and periodic surveys. Accreditation from a reputable organization with longevity in their respective field has an strong impact on public perception and trust. Qualifications of Bidders: Bids will only be considered from those who are regularly involved in the business called for, and who in the judgment of the Contracting Officer are financially responsible and able to show evidence of the reliability, ability, experience, and personnel directly employed or supervised by them to render prompt and satisfactory service. 1. Contractor must have a reputable accreditation program and be recognized by industry experts as a leader in Cancer Care Accreditation. Contractor must have significant experience in accrediting large, high quality, multi-specialty cancer programs. Must have the ability to monitor and audit VA North Texas Cancer Program data and operations to ensure current best practices in cancer care are followed across service lines. Please note that the Offeror must provide copies of all relevant licenses, certifications, and/or partnering agreement(s), along with their proposal to the Contracting Officer. 2. The contractor shall meet maintain good standing in the Cancer Program and healthcare industry 3. The contractor must provide monthly updates to the Cancer Program based on synthesized Cancer Registry data. Must have the ability to analyze and securely display Cancer Program specific data metrics to Cancer Program leadership. 4. Contractor shall provide a highly qualified consultant and/or surveyor to respond to Cancer Program questions and concerns. Contractor shall ensure on-site or virtual surveys are completed on a triennial basis by a qualified consultant with expertise in cancer care and/or cancer program management. 5. Pricing: will be an annual set amount with no other fees or surcharges 6. Invoicing: Contractor shall invoice at least once per year showing period covered, billing date, quantity and amount. Offeror must provide a secure online portal, that allows Cancer Program leadership to upload documents and to view VA North Texas Cancer Program data. Contractor will take necessary steps to ensure any issues with existing infrastructure are corrected prior to start of the contract. The vendor is expected to provide as-needed support for accreditation-related software, questions and assistance during normal business hours. Contracting Officer Technical Representatives: Prior to contract award, the Contracting Officer shall designate a VA Medical Center employee as the COR. All work coordination shall be made through the COR. The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the letter of delegation authorizing the COR at the commencement of the term of the contract. No other person shall be authorized to act in such capacity unless appointed in writing by the Contracting Officer. Information technology security requirements: The contractor, their personnel, and their subcontractors shall be subject to the Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks regarding information and information system security as delineated in this contract. The contractor shall comply with all Federal laws and regulations the VA has developed when VA sensitive information is accessed, used, stored, generated, transmitted, or exchanged by and between VA and a contractor. The information made available to the contractor by VA for the performance of this contract will be used only for the purposes of performance under this contract. The certification and accreditation requirements do not apply to this requirement and a security accreditation package is not required. The C&A requirements do not apply and a Security Accreditation Package is not required. RECORDS MANAGEMENT STATEMENT 1. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion. 2. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation. 3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data. 4. [VA NORTH TX] and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of [VA NORTH TX] or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to [VA NORTH TX]. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230. 5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the [contract vehicle]. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to [VA NORTH TX] control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4). 6. The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and [VA NORTH TX] guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information. 7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with [VA NORTH TX] policy. 8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public [VA NORTH TX] information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract. 9. The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act. 10. The [VA NORTH TX] owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which [VA NORTH TX] shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20. 11. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take VHA-provided records management training, Talent Management System (TMS) Item #3873736, Records Management for Records Officers and Liaisons. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training. PRIVACY 1. Contractors 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 the Privacy and Security Rules published by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 2. As required by HIPAA, HHS has promulgated rules governing the use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities, Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor may be required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VHA. 3. Business associates must follow VHA privacy policies and practices when applicable. All Contractors and business associates must receive privacy training annually. 4. For Contractors and business associates who do not have access to VHA computer systems, this requirement is met by completing VHA National Privacy Policy training, other VHA approved privacy training or Contractor furnished training that meets the requirements of the HHS Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information as determined by VHA. 5. For Contractors and business associates who are granted access to VHA computer systems, this requirement is met by completing VHA National Privacy Policy training or other VHA approved privacy training. Proof of training is required upon request. U. General Security Contractors, Contractor personnel, Subcontractors, and Subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS 1. A Contractor/Subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees, sub-Contractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order. 2. All Contractors, Subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for Contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures. 3. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness. 4. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be in the U.S. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the Contractor/Subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor. 5. The Contractor or Subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the Contractor or Subcontractor s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the Contractor or Subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE 1. Information made available to the Contractor or Subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the Contractor/Subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the Contractor/Subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data - General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1). 2. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the Contractors/Subcontractor s information systems or media storage systems in order to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the Contractor must ensure that VA s information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA s sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct onsite inspections of Contractor and sub-Contractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with VA directive requirements. 3. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, Contractor/Subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the Contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a Contractor/Subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the Contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract. 4. The Contractor/Subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use, disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies in this contract. 5. The Contractor/Subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on Contractor/Subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the Contractor/Subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed. 6. If VA determines that the Contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality, privacy, and security provisions of the contract, it shall be enough grounds for VA to withhold payment to the Contractor or third party or terminate the contract for default or terminate for cause under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12. 7. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business Associate Agreements. Absent an agreement to use or disclose protected health information, there is no business associate relationship. 8. The Contractor/Subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, FIPS 140-2 validated. 9. The Contractor/Subcontractor s firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable, shall meet or exceed VA s minimum requirements. VA Configuration Guidelines are available upon request. 10. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for performance of the contract, the Contractor/Subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) with VA s prior written approval. The Contractor/Subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA contracting officer for response. 11. Notwithstanding the provision above, the Contractor/sub-Contractor shall not release VA records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. 5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus. If the Contractor/Subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, that Contractor/Subcontractor shall immediately refer such court orders or other requests to the VA contracting officer for response. 12. For service that involves the storage, generating, transmitting, or exchanging of VA sensitive information but does not require C&A or an MOU-ISA for system interconnection, the Contractor/sub-Contractor must complete a Contractor Security Control Assessment (CSCA) on a yearly basis and provide it to the COTR. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES & SERVICES The Department of Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System, Nuclear Medicine Service Center for PET Imaging requires the contractor to provide accreditation services which include cancer data synthesis, ongoing support and triennial accreditation surveys to ensure compliance with current best practices for cancer programs. Note: Item # Description/Part Number Estimated Cost 1 Year Qty Est 1 Annual CoC Accreditation Base Year $0.00 1
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