Contracting Officer (90C), VA Medical Center, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130

Q -- HOME HEALTH SERVICES SOL RFQ 523-2-99 DUE 110998 POC William Higgins (617) 232-9500 extension 5523 WEB: Click here to download full text of clauses mentioned, http://www.arnet.gov/References/References.html. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting officer via, william.higgins@med.va.gov. This combined synopsis/quotation for commercial items is prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6 of the FAR, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the final request for quotation; quotes are being requested and a written quotation will not be issued. This Solicitation Number RFQ 523-02-98, is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-05. The standard SIC code is 8082 and the small business size standard is $3.5M REQUIREMENTS: The Contractor shall provide Skilled Nursing, Homemaker, Home Health Aide, Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapies to DVA Boston beneficiaries in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for whom such care is specifically authorized by the Boston DVA Medical Center. The Boston VA Medical Center's catchment area includes the following Massachusetts counties: 1.Berkshire 2.Bristol 3.Essex 4.Franklin 5.Hampden 6.Hampshire 7.Middlesex 8.Norfolk 9.Plymouth 10.Suffolk 11.Worcester. The contractor may provide a separate price per visit for each county for all services except Homemaker and Home Health Aide which shall be priced per hour. Contractor shall provide a separate hourly or per visit rate for each of The required services. PERSONNEL: The following are minimum qualifications for personnel directly engaged in the work to be accomplished under the contract: Home health aide services shall be provided by persons who have successfully completed appropriate training and education consistent with Massachusetts State law and regulations. 2) Home health nurse visits shall be provided by a registered nurse currently licensed in the state of Massachusetts. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS C.1. Contractor shall provide home health care services in accordance with the terms and conditions herein for patients of the Boston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA) located in the following counties of Massachusetts: Berkshire, Middlesex, Bristol, Norfolk, Essex, Plymouth, Franklin, Suffolk, Hampden, Worcester and Hampshire. C.2. Skilled Nursing Care includes, but is not limited to: a) Skilled assessment/observation, b) Wound Care and management, c)Pressure ulcer, management and prevention, d)Restorative nursing, e)Venipuncture for lab services, f)Pulse Oximetry, g)Bowel/bladder training, h)Vitamin B12 administration, IM Injections, halide's prots, MS meds, etc., i)Intravenous therapy for antibiotics, chemotherapy, TPN, pain management, j)Teaching enteral feedings and management, k)Teaching tracheotomy care and management, l)Teaching inhalation treatment, m)Teaching total diabetic care and management, n)Holter monitoring, o)Teaching cast care, fixation device care, p)Teaching hypertension care and management, q)Teaching regarding specific cardiovascular disease care and management, r)Teaching Foley catheter care and management, s)Teaching regarding specific diseases including care and management in the home, t)Teaching care of post joint replacement patients in the home, u)Teaching ostomy care and management, v)Supervision C.3. Home Health Aid includes, but is not limited to: a)Bathing b)Dressing c)Toileting d)Personal hygiene e)Transfers f)Feeding g)Continence h)Active/passive exercise i)Assisting with medical equipment j)Routine health monitoring k)Length of visit will not exceed two hours daily unless authorized C.4. Physical therapy includes: evaluation, therapeutic exercises, transfer training, establishing home program, gait training, prosthetic training, ultrasound, TENS unit set-up and home safety programs. C.5. Speech therapy includes evaluation, voice disorders treatment, speech articulation disorders treatment, non-oral communication training and language disorder treatment. C.6. Occupational therapy includes evaluation, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training, muscle re-education, orthotics/splitting and adaptive equipment. C.7. The contractor shall select and assign qualified RN/LPN's/HHA to provide home health care services to home care patients of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center when so requested by the VA. No substitutions shall be made after assignments without permission of the VA. C.8. VA shall provide the Contractor with a plan of care that includes the services to be performed. Only the VA shall accept the patient for home health care, which will be responsible for the development and revision of the plan of care in accordance with applicable state and city policies and VA regulations. The contractor agrees that nursing services shall be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when indicated by the needs of the patients, the initial visit will be made within 24 hours of the receipt and acceptance of the referral at the rates listed. C.9. It shall be the sole responsibility of the VA to assess the need for nursing services and the resources of the of the patient and the patient's family or responsible party. C.10. RN/LPN's/HHAs shall meet the licensure requirements set forth in the Federal Conditions of Participation for the Medicare program. C.11. Contractor and Contractor's employees providing services to the patient must qualify in accordance with professional standards of their profession, Medicare and be JCAHO accredited contractor must also comply with all state and federal regulations. C.12. VA will determine the scope and duration of the RN/LPN's/HHAs activities on each assignment. C.13. The RN/LPN/HHA shall document care rendered on a visit basis in accordance with the VA plan of care. Such documentation shall be submitted to the VA within one week of services provided and shall reflect the care provided as specified by the VA nurse coordinator. In addition, any unusual situation or circumstances which impacts on the safe care of the patient, shall be transmitted verbally to the VA nurse coordinator by the RN/LPN/HHA as soon as is practical at a minimum, within twenty-four (24) hours. C.14. The Contractor shall evaluate the performance of each RN/LPN/HHA at least annually. The VA will participate in the evaluation of each RN/LPN/HHA assigned to VA cases. C.15. VA will have the right, at any time, to shorten, terminate, extend or change the assignment of an RN/LPN/HHA generally to a particular individual, for any reason whatsoever or no reason. C.16. All RN/LPNs/HHA to be assigned to VA patients by Contractor shall meet the requirements specified in the Massachusetts Hospital Code and/or other directives of the Massachusetts Department of Health, and in the policies, procedures and standards of the VA. These shall include, but not be restricted to, the wearing of a uniform acceptable to the VA and assurance by the Contractor that the RN/LPN/HHA personnel are in good health, have completed medical examinations and immunizations specified in the State Hospital Code in accordance with VA policy, and have character references and/or other appropriate proofs of satisfactory performance on file at the offices of the Contractor. Contractor shall submit the documentation of the RN/LPNs/HHA qualifications (i.e. date of physical exam, results and/or date of immunization) to the VA. C.17. Contractor must provide a brief summary of the agency's quality management program. C.18. The Contractor shall provide continuous in-service education to the RN/LPNs/HHA in accordance with a yearly plan of which is to be based on needs identified by the Contractor and the VA. The personnel will be oriented to the VA policies and procedures with respect to delivery care to our veterans including infection control. C.19. Contractor shall maintain a record of assignments for each RN/LPN/HHA and his complete personnel records. Their records should include competencies and performance evaluations. A copy of a job description, competencies and performance standards for each classification covered by this contract should be submitted to the VA. C.20. Contractor agrees that it has available to him/her sufficient qualified RN/LPNs/HHA capable of providing home health care services. Contractor must have a registered nurse case manger who provides and coordinates total patient care to ensure continuity of care. C.21. Contractor shall have the direct responsibility for payment of wages and other compensation, reimbursement of expenses and compliance with federal, state and local tax withholding requirements, pertaining to workman's compensation, social security, unemployment and other insurance requirements and obligations imposed on employers with regard to the RN/LPNs/HHA, who shall be deemed to be employees of the Contractor. Contractor shall maintain records of FICA and federal and state withholding from personnel for at least four years, and allow VA access to these records upon request. Under no circumstances shall any RN/LPN/HHA be considered an employee, agent or servant of VA while said individual is performing services pursuant to this contract. C.22. Contractor shall hold VA, its trustees, agents, and employees harmless from any and all liability which may be incurred by VA as a result of thenegligent performance of professional services rendered by individuals selected by the Contractor to provide services under this contract, regardless of the relationship between the RN/LPNs/HHA and Contractor. C.23. Neither Contractor nor the RN/LPN/HHA shall charge or accept any fee from the patient of patient's family for RN/LPN/HHA services provided under the VA's plan of treatment. C.24. Contractor shall maintain records of all financial transactions with the VA. Such records shall be kept in accordance with sound accounting practices and each transaction shall be fully documented. Such records shall be made available to the State Department of Health or VA for inspection or audit upon request. C.25. Contractor shall instruct each RN/LPN/HHA that the patient's right to confidentiality must be respected and that no information concerning the patient shall be released to anyone without written permission of the patient and VA. C.26. Contractor shall provide in-service education regarding the confidentiality requirements surrounding HIV related information in accordance with any employee whom will be assigned responsibilities for VA patients. C.27. Until the expiration of four years after the furnishing services pursuant to this contract, Contractor shall make available, upon written request of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, or written request, to the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representative, this agreement and book, documents and records and other data of Contractor that are necessary to certify the nature and extent of the costs of the services provided by the Contractor. C.28. If the Contractor carries out any of the duties of this contract through a subcontract, with a value of cost of $10,000 or more over a twelve (12) month period, with a related organization, such subcontract shall contain a clause to the effect that until the expiration of four years after the furnishing of such services pursuant to such contract, the related organization shall make available, upon written request of the Comptroller General, or any of their duly authorized representatives, this agreement and books, documents and records of the subcontractor that are necessary to certify the nature and extent of the costs of services provided by the subcontractor. C.29. VA and the Contractor agree to: Designate a person within their respective organizations who shall have the responsibility for coordinating RN/LPN/HHA assignments. Consult and cooperate with each other in establishing mutually acceptable standards and procedures for selection and assignment of RN/LPNs/HHA handling of requests including requests for emergency RN/LPN/HHA service, billing procedures and any other matters incidental to carrying out the provisions and purposed of the agreement. Make nursing services available to all persons without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, or source of payment or fiscal capability thereof. Not discriminate against any RN/LPN/HHA, homemaker, or patient because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, age, or source of payment by the patient. Attend and participate in patient care case conferences. C.30. This contract may be modified or amended only by mutual written consent of both parties. C.31. The VA shall furnish written documentation of the patient assessment, plan of care, clinical record entries and medical orders when requested by the Contractor to assure compliance by the Contractor with applicable statutes, rules and regulations. C.32. This agreement shall be for a term of three years from the day and year first above written. Evidence of annual review of the contract by both parties shall be available. C.33. Notwithstanding any other provision of this contract, the VA remains responsible for ensuring that any service provided pursuant to this agreement complies with all pertinent provisions of federal, state and local statutes, rules and regulations, planning, coordinating and ensuring the quality of all services provided; and ensuring adherence to the plan of care established for patients. C.34. Notwithstanding any other provision in this contract, the Contractor remains responsible for: (a) ensuring that any service provided pursuant to this contract complies with all pertinent provisions of federal, state and local statutes, rules and regulations; (b) ensuring the quality of all services provided by the agency; and (c) ensuring adherence by staff to the agency plan of care established for patients. C.35. In the performance of services under this contract, it is mutually understood and agreed that the Contractor is at all times acting and performing as an independent contractor, but shall provide all services in strict accordance with currently approved methods and practices of the profession, in accordance with Contractor's policies, in accordance with policies and requirements of the VA Medical Center and JCAHO standards. C.36. Contractor agrees to see the patient within 24 hours of discharge. Contractor shall provide the VA with a copy of the initial assessment within five (5) working days of the initial visit. Contractor must be able to visit the patient in the VA prior to discharge. C.37. Contractor shall notify the VA of the intent to subcontract visits and furnish a list of subcontractors prior to visit. C.38. Contractor shall notify the VA if a patient is not visited, along with the reason for non-visit. C.39. Contractor must provide a discharge summary on each patient upon discharge. C.40. Indigent patients If a patient qualifies for indigent care, the VA reserves the right to refer him/her as an indigent patient. Contractor will be afforded the opportunity to provide care for this patient. If the contractor refuses to accept this patient as indigent care, the VA reserves the right to refer the patient to other agencies. RESPONSIVENESS: 52.212-2 Evaluation -- Commercial Item applies with paragraph (a) completed as follows: Award will be made to the offeror that meets the solicitation's minimum criteria for technical acceptability at the lowest price. To be determined technically acceptable, the offeror must provide the following: 1) References from a minimum of (3) major, current accountsfor whom the offeror provides similar services. 2) Evidence that it is licensed to provide the services in the state of Massachusetts. 3) Evidence of JACHO Certification. 4) A copy of it's written policies and procedures regarding staff credentials. FAR clause 52.212-4, contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items applies with the following addendum provisions and clauses. FAR 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options; FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services; FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract, with Paragraph (a) completed as follows "The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days..." and Paragraph (c) completed as follows "The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed three(3) years"; and FAR 52. 232-18, Availability of Funds The addendum also establishes FAR 52.212-4 paragraph (t) which contains a continuation of the schedule of supplies/services from blocks 18 through 21 of the SF 1442 FAR clause 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Item (JUN 96) applies with the following applicable clauses for paragraph (c): FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended, FAR 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires, FAR 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act -- Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts). Bidders may obtain the latest Wage Determination NO. 94-2255 Rev. 13 dated 3/7/96 which establishes the prevailing wage guidelines for this acquisition by calling the contact number identified below. INSURANCE: Before commencing work under this contract, the contractor shall acquire a Certificate of Insurance in accordance with FAR clause 52.237-7 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE (SEP 1989) with the last paragraph "a" completed as follows: The contractor shall maintain during the term of the contract liability insurance issued by a responsible insurance carrier of not less than the following amount(s)per specialty per occurrence $1,000,000.00 NOTICE TO QUOTERS: SUBMISSION OF QUOTES: Quotes shall be received by U.S. Mail at Contracting Officer (90C) Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02126-4893 by email at william.higgins@med.va.gov or by fax at(617)278-4546. by 4:30pm local time November 9, 1998. All quotes shall be clearly marked with the company name and quote number. POINT OF CONTACT: For information, questions and availability of forms, addendum, wage determination, technical exhibits, etc. please contact Mr. William D. Higgins by email at william.higgins@med.va.gov or by fax at(617)278-4546. Posted 10/21/98 (W-SN264090). (0294)

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