Active

Contract Opportunity

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY. It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this sources sought must be in writing. The purpose of this sources sought announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses, 8(a), HubZone and other Small Businesses interested and capable of providing the services described below. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition. Responses to this notice shall include the following: (a) company name (b) address (c) point of contact (d) phone, fax, and email (e) DUNS number (f) Cage Code (g) Tax ID Number (h) Type of small business, e.g. Services Disabled Veteran Owned small Business, Veteran-owned small business, 8(a), HUBZone, Women Owned Small Business, Small disadvantaged business, or Small Business HUBZone business and (i) must provide a capability statement that addresses the organizations qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below.

Network Contract Office (NCO) 22 is seeking a qualified vendor to provide safe and comfortable door-to-door ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher transportation services to eligible beneficiaries that use VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (VALLHCS) located at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357. Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, facilities, equipment, supplies, materials, and vehicles to meet the needs of this solicitation. Prospective contractors must be authorized/certified to provide the required service and must show proof with any provided documents at the time of responding to this Sources Sought announcement of the capabilities stated below:

DRAFT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT DRAFT
Title: Non-Emergent Ground Transportation Services (VALLHCS)

Purpose: VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (hereafter VALLHCS), its associated Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), and affiliated healthcare clinics require contracted non-emergency ambulance transportation services. The contractor shall provide all vehicles, personnel, management, supplies, equipment, and necessary reporting for the provision of Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Critical Care Transport (CCT) services. The contactor shall make these ambulance services available to the VA as needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (24/7), including weekends and holidays.

Background: VALLHCS s main campus is located at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92357, serving over 80,000 veterans, primarily from the San Bernadino and Riverside County areas and its eight (8) CBOC locations. The hospital has 270 inpatient beds and sees approximately XXXX inpatient admissions and XXXXX outpatient visits a year. Veterans served within this facility live within the following counties and zip codes (See attachment for list of zip codes).

Acronyms
ALS Advanced Life Support
AOD Administrative Officers of the Day BLS Basic Life Support
CCT Critical Care Transport
CCTP Critical Care Transport Paramedic
CCEMTP Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport CO Contracting Officer
COR Contracting Officer s Representative CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
DOL Department of Labor
EMT Emergency Medical Technician IAW In Accordance With
OO Ordering Officer
PWS Performance Work Statement
QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control Plan
TB Tuberculosis
TJC The Joint Commission
VTS Veteran Transportation Service
Scope/Requirements

Types of Ambulance Service

Contractor shall provide non-emergent Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Critical Care Transport (CCT) Tier 1, 2, and 3 ambulance services on an as-needed basis in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Occasionally a veteran will need to be transported with VA staff and equipment; the contractor shall return VA Staff and equipment to the original place of pick-up.

Transport of Miscellaneous Items with the Patient
Contractor may also be required to transport patient luggage, medical records, medication, and comfort items from pickup points to destination at no additional cost to the Government. Luggage to be transported will be restricted to suitcase and valise types. When patients are transported to VALLHCS, it is deemed to be the ER, Admissions, a clinic or service within the hospital, or directly to the ward as instructed by VA Staff.
Contractor Personnel: Contractor personnel shall be courteous and always conduct themselves in a businesslike manner while providing services under this contract.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Critical Care Transport Paramedics (CCTPs) & Other Personnel

EMTs, CCTPs, and other medical personnel (as applicable) shall at all times meet the qualifications specified in this contract as well as all applicable federal, state, and local government laws, regulations, and standards. EMTs, CCTPs and other medical personnel (as applicable) shall be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state, or regional government or public entity where the emergency service is operated or by which it is governed.
If the contractor wishes to add or replace personnel throughout the life of the contract, it shall provide evidence of required training, certifications, licensing, and any other qualifications to the Contracting Officer s Representative (COR) for review.

All ambulance drivers shall have a valid driver s license in accordance with state requirements for their place of operation and the services they perform. If the contractor wishes to add or replace drivers throughout the life of the contract, it shall provide a valid driver s license to the COR.
CCTPs shall have met all state requirements for the tier in which they are performing services in (I, II, III). Proof in the form of a current certificate for the successful completion of such must be provided to the COR upon request.

Investigative Requirements for Contract Personnel: Contract personnel will be subject to the same investigative requirements as those for regular VA appointees and employees. The level of investigation commensurate with the level of access to perform the performance work statement is: Special Agreement Checks (SAC). Fingerprinting for contract personnel will be conducted at VALLHCS. Thereafter the contracted employees will be subject annually to the same requirement, with a 90-day window to complete such requirement as provided by VALLHCS. The VA Security and Investigation Center (SIC) is responsible for adjudicating all background investigations for contract employees.

EMTs, CCTPs, and other contractor personnel as applicable must pass the Contractor s background check and must not have been convicted of (or have any pending charges for) a felony for the past five years. Personnel (and Contractor) must report any new or additional charges or convictions if
they arise during the course of performance under this contract so VA can review them and determine whether the employee in question needs to be discharged of his or her duties until the matter is adjudicated.
Tuberculosis Exposure Control Policy
Contractor shall provide the VA with a policy on tuberculosis (TB) exposure and control, to include TB decontamination.

Contractor shall have its personnel tested for TB in accordance with state guidelines and provide written confirmation to the COR that all personnel (current employees and any new hires) performing services under this contract are current in their TB test by at the start of each Ordering Period.
Contractor Equipment, Vehicles, and Inspection

Ambulances shall meet all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and specifications, including but not limited to licensing, registration, and safety standards.

The VA reserves the right to inspect the contractor s equipment and vehicles or require documentation of compliance with state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines governing emergency medical transport vehicles (ambulances). VA inspections of contractor equipment do not constitute a warranty or guarantee that the contractor s vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. The VA reserves the right to restrict the contractor s use of equipment and vehicles in the performance of this contract which are not in compliance with contract requirements. The restriction of such equipment and vehicles shall not relieve the contractor from performance in accordance with the contract nor necessitate additional cost to the VA.
Vehicles shall be clean and maintained in good repair in accordance with manufacturer s instructions.

Contractor shall not borrow or exchange supplies, equipment, and/or medications with the VA. Equipment attached to or in use by the patient at time of pick-up may remain with the patient during transport to ensure continuity of care. Medical Control Authorities are responsible for maintaining and supplying medication during patient transport. All VA equipment and unused medications must be returned to VA during patient drop-off or as promptly as feasible within 24 hours.

Contractor shall furnish all linen required for patient transport at no additional cost. Linen shall not be exchanged with linen belonging to VALLHCS or its associated CBOCs.

Contractor must be capable of transporting the drugs and/or equipment as required by the patient as listed in Attachment A Critical Care Transport Capabilities Confirmation. The contractor shall have the appropriate medications, up to and including CCT Tier III if necessary, based on the EMS region the ambulance provider is functioning in.
Contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract.

Contractor personnel performing services for the VA, shall, at all times, conduct themselves in a professional manner, and be identified by having the company name, and employee name affixed to the uniform. The Contractor shall be responsible for furnishing all vehicles, uniforms, nametags and/or badges for performance of services under this contract. Employee identifications shall be worn in clear view above the waist. The contractor personnel shall not smoke/play loud music

originating from any device in vehicles while transporting VA patients.

Each driver shall possess a driver s license that is valid for the class of vehicle driven. Evidence of a special transportation service vehicle permit, or endorsement issued by the commissioner of public safety.
Be at least 18 years of age and have not less than one year of experience as a licensed driver; and
For the past three years:
Have not had a driver s license canceled or suspended.
Have a driving record clear of convictions for operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle without insurance.
Have a driving record clear of convictions for driving a motor vehicle without a valid current license for the class of vehicle driven.
Have a driving and criminal record clear of convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Contractor personnel will ensure that the patient is secured to the stretcher/cot and that the stretcher /cot is secure in the back of the ambulance before the vehicle moves.

Ambulance drivers shall have a valid driver s license, in accordance with Federal, State, and local government requirements for their place of operation for the services they perform, be capable of administering oxygen and shall have successfully completed the standard and advanced first aid course of the American Red Cross of U.S. Bureaus of Mines or equivalent, and be capable of providing necessary medical assistance to the attending emergency medical technician or paramedic.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic Qualifications: EMT s and Paramedic s providing services under this contract shall have the following qualifications, in additions to those required by Federal, State, and Local Government:

Have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of Health and Human Services with a minimum curriculum of 150 hours or equivalent including an in-hospital training period. Such training programs must also be acceptable under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by DHHS under PL 93-154, Federal Register 39:24304. (1974).
Shall be certified, licensed, or otherwise officially recognized by the local, state of regional government or public entity where the emergency ambulance service is operated or by which it is governed.

Transportation Request
VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization: Contractor agrees to utilize the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software with every patient transported under this contract.
Note: Invoices for government transportation contracts will transition from Tungsten to VetRide during the life of the contract. A modification will be provided with the start date and updated instructions from those listed above. Until the transition has been approved, Contractor shall use Tungsten to submit all invoices:

Department of Veteran Affairs will provide the software and access to the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software for the vendor/contractor in this contract. The Contractor will utilize the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software fully as instructed:

Receive and respond to electronic trip requests.
Receive, use, and ensure the use of the Vendor pass by the driver.
Submit claims via the electronic HCFA 1500 in the VetRide Vendor Portal or VA-Approved Transportation Software system.
All invoices must be submitted within 30 calendar days of date of service in accordance with 38 CFR 70 to be considered timely submission.
Contractor s invoice must be on the HCFA 1500 to include:
Contract Number
Date of Service (to include Box 24 A-J)
Authorization number(s)
Pick-up and drop-off location of the patient
Base Rate
Name (Last, First and Middle Initial (if any)) and Full Social Security number (Box 1a) of patient transported.
Date of Birth and Sex
Diagnosis Codes or Nature of Illness or Injury
Documentation of circumstances when billing for waiting time
Any miscellaneous charges for which the contractor is expecting reimbursement i.e., Tool charges, waiting time, etc.
VA authorizing official s name
Healthcare Procedure Coding System/National Level II (HCPCS)
Unauthorized charges will be reviewed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) as to the validity of the charges and as to whether the payment will be made. A final determination will be made within 30 days after notifying the Contractor of the charges, which are being suspended.
A transportation request is defined as one incidence of a request for one-way service (BLS, ALS, or CCT). No more than one patient will be transported per order unless approved by an authorized VA staff. Transportation requests will be made through VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization. Contractors must have the capability to receive orders, update ride status, and input trip costs and other required data through this portal. Contractors must have dedicated staff available to monitor this portal 24/7. VALLHCS Travel Program Staff will be available to assist with account setup and training for the Contractor s Staff. In the event VetRide or other VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization is down, other methods of communication (i.e., telephone, facsimile) will be used to place Transportation requests.

VALLHCS Travel Program Staff/or authorized VA employees will work with the Contractor the following business day to reconcile any transportation requests that were placed outside of VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization.

Contractor must update VetRide or VA-Approved Transportation Software Utilization with any data and/or notes in real time that deviate from the original order such as invoicing for additional mileage due to a road closure, wait time, reason for no load, etc. VALLHCS Travel Program Staff/or authorized VA employees may place a hold on payment of this order until it has been reconciled.
Only the following VA staff are authorized to place, cancel, or make changes to transportation requests:

Contracting Officer (CO) Ordering Officers (OO) Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) Beneficiary Travel Office Staff Contracting Officer s Representative (COR)

Contracting Officer will furnish the Contractor with the names of individuals above, who are authorized as Ordering Officers, by separate memorandum upon issuance of the contract. The Contracting Officer will update this list throughout the life of the contract as Ordering Officers change.
Ordering Officers are responsible for issuing and administering orders placed under this contract. Ordering Officers have no authority to modify any term of this basic contract. Any deviation from the terms of the basic contract must be approved in writing by the Contracting Officer responsible for this contract. The Contractor shall accept orders against this contract only from the Contracting Officer and/or authorized ordering officers. Fulfilling orders from persons other than the Contracting Officer or ordering officer may result in loss or delay in payment for supplies/services provided under such orders.
Non-authorized VA employees and private agencies (e.g., nursing homes) are not considered authorized to place transportation requests.

All patient pick-up(s) and drop-off(s) shall be authorized via orders which shall only be issued by the designated Ordering Officers. When placing orders for services, the Ordering Officer shall contact the designated contractor point of contact(s) to provide the following information:

Mode of transportation required,
Required time of arrival
Name of the beneficiary,
Pick-up and delivery point,
Type and number of additional medical care specialists required,
Type of equipment required,
Last four of the patient's Social Security Number, and
Any other special instructions

For ALL Transports an Audit system will be put in place by the VA to include the COR or designee, Beneficiary Travel Department staff, and clinical staff to ensure appropriateness of the order and
timeliness of the response.

The type of transportation service (BLS, ALS, or CCT) required will be discussed and determined by VA clinical personnel and the contractor. The Contractor shall transport the patient per its policies and standard industry practice. If the type of transportation service differs from what was agreed upon by the VA and Contractor, the Contractor shall submit documentation to the VA explaining its rationale.
The VA may authorize an escort (e.g., spouse, relative, guardian, etc.) to accompany the patient during medical transport if it is practicable and, in the patient s, best interest. The Contractor shall allow the escort to accompany the patient at no additional cost.

The Contractor shall have sufficient vehicles and personnel to provide services for up to four (4) simultaneous transportation requests. Transports required may be for any mix of BLS, ALS, or CCT transports. One of these four simultaneous transports may require CCT capability up to Tier III. If VALLHCS requires ambulance services exceeding four (4) simultaneous transportation requests, the vendor will be offered to provide the services if they have sufficient vehicles/personnel available; but may decline these additional orders if sufficient vehicles/personnel are unavailable.

The number of transports under normal operating conditions will typically range from zero to three (0 to 3) transports each weekday and significantly less on weekends and holidays. The number of actual transports may vary throughout the life of the contract.

The patient may bring with her or him up to three (3) liters of oxygen. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing adequate and safe storage of the oxygen tanks during transport.
Response Times*

Orders that are scheduled by 7 pm local time the day before the required services are defined as scheduled in advance. With the exceptions found below, the Contractor shall arrive on time for all orders scheduled in advance.

Emergent Transport (Originating from VA (Only): Contractor shall be required to provide Ground Ambulance arrangements within thirty (30) minutes of order/patient pick up call.

For all add-ons (not scheduled in advance) transportation requests, with pick up at VALLHCS: Contractor will be allotted up to a sixty (60) minute response time from time of order placement for transportation requests that are not previously scheduled in advance.
For an urgent transport request for a critical patient (as deemed by the physician) with pick up at VALLHCS: Contractor will be allotted up to a thirty (30) minute response time.

For transportation requests which do not have a pick-up at VALLHCS:
The contractor may be required, if requested by the VA, to dispatch ambulances on
short notice for transportation request not scheduled in advance; for these transportation requests the contractor shall dispatch ambulances within thirty (30) minutes of receiving the order.

Pick-up appointment times shall be agreed upon by the VA and contractor at time of order placement and be reasonable based upon travel distance, speed limits, and weather conditions.
Contractor s patient pick-up time cannot be more than 15 minutes prior to the schedule pickup time nor 15 minutes later than the scheduled pickup time for transportation requests scheduled in advance.

* Contractor shall not be held liable for nonperformance caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, and unusually severe weather. Contractor MUST notify the VA with as much advance notice as possible should any of these occur.
Cancellations

For trips in which the Contractor is notified of cancellation before the vehicle is dispatched, there shall be no charge to the Government.

A no show is defined as a transportation request which is cancelled after the contractor has dispatched a vehicle, the vehicle is enroute, or has arrived at the pick-up location, and there is no longer a requirement for patient transportation. The Contractor may request one-way reimbursement for no-shows. No-show reimbursement shall be based upon the base rate for the type of service requested (BLS, ALS, or CCT) and the one-way mileage (BLS, ALS, or CCT) accrued enroute to the pick-up location at time of cancellation. Mileage for no- show cancellations shall be confirmed by the Contractor and reported to the VA as soon as possible from time of cancellation.

For transportation requests OUT of VALLHCS ONLY Contractor will immediately dispatch a vehicle upon receipt of the order (including transportation requests in which the final destination may change prior to pick up due to the critical condition of the patient). When the Contractor is notified of a cancellation prior to arrival at the VALLHCS campus, there shall be no charge to the Government.
Pick-Up/Drop-Off/Reporting Procedures

Ambulance personnel shall pick-up and deliver patients at specified locations (e.g., front door of Main Entrance during regular business hours and Emergency Department entrance after-hours). These locations will be specified by VA staff when an order is placed and communicated to the transporting personnel.

When applicable, ambulance personnel shall report to the Veteran Transportation Service (VTS) Dispatcher or Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) to (1) announce his/her arrival to pick-up and transfer the patient and (2) obtain report of pertinent information regarding the patient s condition from the primary nurse/physician.

When delivering a patient, ambulance personnel shall give report to the appropriate VA healthcare staff and provide a copy of the run sheet which will be retained by the facility for inclusion to the patient s medical record.
In cases where ambulance personnel must divert to a local emergency department while performing a VA authorized transport, the contractor s dispatcher shall notify the VA Beneficiary Travel Department or Administrative Officer of the Day of the patient s location and status as soon as this information becomes available.

Patient Welfare

Contractor shall be responsible for the patient s welfare during transport. The Contractor shall be held responsible for patient and/or VA property during transport. Any damaged or lost wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or personal belongings shall be replaced at the contractor s expense.
The VA requires the Contractor to exercise extreme caution and care in the handling of patients.

If a VA beneficiary being transported declines to be properly secured or removed the securement devices himself/herself, the driver will notify the Contracting Officer s Representative (COR) of this fact prior to departure. The Contractor is not required to transport any VA beneficiary who refuses to be properly secured while being transported. In the event that the beneficiary refuses to be properly secured, they shall be returned back into the building which they came from.
Incident Reporting

Contractor shall notify the COR, Requestor, Program Manager, Beneficiary Travel Department, of any accidents and/or safety problems that occur while the patient is being transported. This notification shall occur within one (1) hour by telephone. A written report of the incident shall be delivered to the COR, Program Manager, or Beneficiary Travel Department, by the close of business of the next working day.

The COR will monitor the service provided. The Contractor shall cooperate with the COR in providing information and answering questions in a timely manner. The Contractor shall promptly inform the COR of any complaints received directly from patients. If warranted, the VA may conduct incident investigations and require written response from the contractor within 48 hours of request.
Invoicing

Each transport shall include thirty (30) minutes of wait time; the contractor may invoice for wait times in excess of this initial thirty (30) minutes. Wait time shall begin only once the Contractor has both reached the pick-up address location and the appointment time has elapsed. All wait times shall be itemized and invoiced in fifteen (15) minute intervals. For partial fifteen (15) minute intervals, zero (0) to seven (7) minutes shall be rounded down to zero (0) minutes and eight (8) to fifteen (15) minutes rounded up to

fifteen (15) minutes.

When invoicing for mileage, the Contractor shall round to the nearest mile. Mileage ending in .5 or higher shall be rounded up to the nearest mile. Mileage ending in .4 or lower shall be rounded down to the nearest mile. Payment for mileage to or from the point of care shall be limited to the VA s calculation according to the VA s Bing Maps API determination. Bing Maps API is optimized to determine mileage based on the shortest time of travel.
If unloaded mileage exceeds loaded mileage, the Contractor may invoice for a flat fee only if the following also occur:

Unloaded mileage exceeds 75 miles.
Contractor does not deviate from a route to intentionally make unloaded mileage exceed loaded mileage.

Except for no shows and trips when unloaded mileage exceeds loaded mileage in accordance with 4.9.3, the Contractor shall invoice for loaded (patient onboard) services and mileage only.
Upon notification of the Contracting Officer, the vendor must receive training and begin implementation of invoices via Vet Ride within 30 days versus VA Tungsten Network e-Invoicing network. Invoices must be submitted via the electronic HCFA 1500 in the VetRide Vendor Portal or other VA approved software. These invoices shall not include patient information, but shall include the following:
Contractor Name
Contract Number
Current Purchase Order Number
Date of service
Total amount invoiced including a summary of the total number of charges that align with the line items of this contract (i.e., total number of BLS Base Rate, total BLS Mileage incurred, etc.)
An itemized list of charges or services rendered that align with the line items of this contract (i.e., BLS Base Rate, BLS Mileage incurred, etc.)
Payment by VA under this contract to a provider of air ambulance transportation services authorized under this contract extinguishes any and all liability on the part of the VA BENEFICIARY for that transportation
service. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE VA BENEFICIARIES, THIRD PARTY INSURANCES, MEDICARE, OR MEDICAID TO BE BILLED FOR THE SERVICES PERFORMED UNDER THIS CONTRACT.

Period & Place of Performance

This contract s ordering period shall be effective from 10-01-2024 to 00-30-2029
Place of Performance: Ambulance services may be required to or from various locations including, but not limited to the following:

VALLHCS, includes specific Atrium Clinics, Emergency Department, pavilions, or out-buildings.
11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357

VALLHCS Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs):

Rancho Cucamonga
8599 Haven Avenue, Suite 102
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Murrieta
27278 Baxter Road, Suite 540
Murrieta, CA 92653

Palm Desert
41900 Cook Street
Palm Desert, CA 92211

Corona
2045 Compton Avenue, Building 7
Corona, CA 92879

Victorville
12138 Industrial Blvd.
Suite 120, Victorville, CA 92395

Blythe
1273 W. Hobsonway
Blythe, CA 92225

Sy Kaplan VA Clinic
72700 Dinah Shore Drive, Suite 20
Palm Desert, CA 92711

VALLHCS Ambulatory Care Center
26001 Redlands Blvd.
Redlands, CA 92373

North Loma Linda CA Clinic
10391 Corporate Drive
Redlands, CA 92374

Other Non-VA Medical facilities and Community Care facilities authorized by the VA.

Veteran s Residences.

Local Airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045

San Diego International Airport (SAN) 3225 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101

Ontario International Airport (ONT) 2900 E. Airport Dr.
Ontario, CA 91761

Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Donald Douglas Drive
Long Beach, CA 90808

John Wayne Airport (SNA)
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707

San Bernadino Zip Codes Include but not Limited To:

92336
92335
92345
92376
91710
92880
91709
91730
92407
92404
91761
92346
92392
92324
91764
91786
91762
92399
92374
92410
92395
92308
92307
91739
91701
91763
92394
92337
92311
92301
92373
93555
92405
92316
92411
91784
92371
86406
92277
92377
91737
92354
92887
92344
92408
92313
92314
91708
92364
92252
92359
92365
92356
91798
92325
92342
92372
92352
92315
92363
92285
92397
92256
93516
92382
93562
92391
89019
92322
92415
92401
92310
92305
92242
92347
92321
92350
92341
92386
92317
92385
92332
92368
92331
92284
92358
91759
92327
92333
92339
92398
92378
92268
92318
92304
92267
92326
92412
92414
92424
93528
92338
92278
92286
92309
92312
92323
92329
92334
92340
92357
92366
92369
92375
92393
92402
92403
92406
92413
92423
92418
92427
91743
91758
91785
91729

Riverside County Zip Codes Include but not Limited To:

92503
92509
92592
92880
92553
92563
92882
92201
92562
92571
92324
92530
92570
92507
92584
92223
92504
92544
92557
92505
92879
92234
92555
92506
92545
92236
92591
92596
92675
92240
92253
92508
92583
92543
91752
92551
92595
92373
92220
92883
92881
02203
92260
92262
92860
92284
92585
92211
92277
92532
92225
92501
92587
92586
92264
92582
92270
92274
92567
92320
92241
92276
92254
92590
92548
92210
92539
92536
92561
92282
92257
92230
92549
92518
92239
92292
92515
92521
92878
92877
92261
92263
92280
92502
92513
92514
91517
92516
92519
92522
92531
92546
92552
92554
92556
92564
92572
92581
92589
92593
92599
92202
92226
92235
92248
92247
92255
92258


Quality Control Plan

Quality Control

Contractor shall maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that contains, at a minimum, the following:

A description of the company s organizational structure including a description of the roles and responsibilities of management and supervisors.

A description of the methods to be used by the Contractor for identifying and preventing deficiencies or problems in the quality of service.

A description of the specific steps the Contractor will take for corrective action if needed if a deficiency or problem in the quality of service occurs.

A description of the company s records and tracking system used to identify up-to- date background checks, applicable certifications and tests, and training of each employee performing services under this contract.
A description of the method used to provide on-time ambulance services to meet the requirements of this contract (24/7 availability and up to 4 simultaneous transports in accordance with PWS 4.5.1.7).

A description of the methods used to identify and prevent radio communication breakdowns and a detailed procedure for alternative communications in the event of electronic and mechanical breakdown of vehicle two-way radios.

CONTENGENCY PLAN: (In case VetRide Vendor Portal is down) A description of the method/system used to log all requests for service. The contractor shall confirm that the log indicates the date and
time of service call, actual time of pick-up versus the scheduled time, name of patient requiring services, designated pick-up and delivery points, mileage, and actual waiting time at pick-up and delivery points if waiting charges are claimed. The contractor shall confirm the log will be sent to the COR monthly.

The Government will evaluate the Contractor s performance under this contract to ensure that the
Contractor s QCP is adequate, and that quality is achieved through a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

The Government shall prepare a QASP after contract award derived from the PWS and Contractor s submitted quality control plan. The QASP is a living document and the Government may review and revise it at any time. However, the Government shall coordinate changes to the QASP with the contractor.

The QASP will specify the work requiring surveillance and the Government s method of surveillance.
Minimum Performance Standards

Contractor shall maintain performance standards in accordance with the standards outlined in the table below. Failure to meet the Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL) may result in termination of the contract.

QASP will include the standards below as well as others derived from the successful offeror s quality control plan.
Task
PWS
Reference
Standard
Acceptable
Quality Level
Method of
Surveillance
Provide on- time ambulance
services
Section 4.5.1.8.3
Scheduled patient pick-ups shall not deviate more than 15 minutes past scheduled pick-up time for scheduled
orders
97%
Customer Feedback
Incident Reporting
Section 4.8
Contractor shall notify the Program Manager, Beneficiary Travel Department, of any accidents and/or safety problems that occur while the patient is being transported. This notification shall occur within one (1) hour by telephone. A written report of the incident shall be delivered to the Program Manager, Benefits Management, by the close of business of the next working day.
97%
Customer Feedback
Invoice Reports
Section 4.9
Provide a monthly invoice including secondary documentation in accordance with Section 4.10 of the PWS
95%
100% inspection of monthly
invoices/reports
COVID-19 Or Other Similar Infectious Diseases

Contractor shall not refuse transports of COVID-19 positive or other similarly infected patients.

Contractor shall abide by all additional procedures and precautions that may be implemented by the VA based on VA-issued guidance and/or CDC recommendations. These procedures are subject to change throughout the life of the contract and will be incorporated via attachment (See S03 VTS Patient Transport PPE and Vehicle Cleaning/Disinfection SOP).
Contractor shall have written policy of steps they will take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other similarly infectious diseases by their employees and/or vehicles. This policy shall, at a minimum, include procedures of screening drivers before each shift, deliberate decontamination of their vehicles and all other preventative precautions taken by Contractor employees.

Contractor shall furnish all required PPE throughout the life of the contract.
Conformity To Regulations

The contractor and his/her operators shall conform to all Federal, State, and local regulations governing the performance of contracted services.

VAMC facilities have been designated NO SMOKING areas in their entirety. Individuals found in violation of this no smoking policy may be subject to a $50.00 federal citation for disregarding posted safety rules and regulations. Furthermore, the contractor may be directed to stop work. The contractor is to notify all of his/her employees and/or sub-contractors of this strict enforcement policy.
Wage Rates
Wage Determination(s) as listed in Section D in this solicitation are applicable to any resulting contract.

Contractor certifies by signature on this offer that the salaries to be paid workers involved in the performance of the contract are equal to or greater than those specified in the attached Wage Determination(s).

9.3 The Department of Labor has held that contractors must pay their employees the Service Contract Act waged while they are driving both to and from destinations for the VA. The Wage Determination is attached in Section D.
Evidence of Coverage

10.1 Before commencing work under the contract, the contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with a certification from his/her insurance company indication that the coverage outlined in this contract has been obtained and that it may not be changed of canceled during the term of the contract.


Worker s Compensation

11.1 The Act of June 25, 1936, 42 Stat. 1938 (40 USC 290), authorized the constituted authority of the several states to apply their workmen s compensation laws to all lands and premises owned or held by the United States. The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain while the contract is in effect, Worker s Compensation and Employers Public Liability insurance. The policy shall provide coverage for Public Liability Limits of not less than the statutory

limitations for any one accident, and at least meet the statutory limitations if more than one person is involved. , Upon award of the contract, the contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer a certificate from its insurance company indicating that this coverage has been obtained and that such coverage may not be changed or canceled unless 30 day advance written notice is provided to the Contracting Officer.
Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

All Contractor employees who require access to the Department of Veterans Affair's computer systems or who come into contact with veteran/beneficiaries shall be the subject of a background investigation and must receive a favorable adjudication from the VA Office of Security and Law Enforcement prior to contract performance. This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. If the investigation is not completed prior to the start date of the contract, the Contractor will be responsible for the actions of those individuals they provide to perform work for the VA.
Position Sensitivity - The position sensitivity for this contract has been designated as LOW RISK.

Background Investigation - The level of background investigation commensurate with the required level of access for this contract is National Agency Check with Written Inquiries.
Contractor Responsibilities:

Contractor shall pre-screen all personnel requiring VA access to ensure they maintain a
U.S. citizenship and are able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
Contractor shall submit or have their employees submit the following required forms requested by Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Security and Law Enforcement, Security and Investigations Center, 2200 Fort Roots Drive Bldg. 104, North Little Rock, AR 72114 within 30 days of receipt:
-- All documents completed and submitted at the following website:
http://www.va.gov/SECURITYINVESTIGATIONSCENTER/

Contractor, when notified of an unfavorable determination by the Government, shall withdraw the employee from consideration from working under the contract. Failure to comply with the contractor personnel security requirements may result in termination of the contract or cause.
Contractor shall agree that all deliverables, associated working papers, and other material deemed relevant by the Contractor in the performance of this task order are the property of the United States Government. The Contractor shall agree that all individually identifiable health information shall be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Access to records shall be limited to essential personnel only. Records shall be secured when not in use. At the conclusion of the contract, all copies of individually identifiable health records shall be destroyed or returned to the VA. Any individually identifiable health records shall be deleted from computers not belonging to the VA. The contractor shall comply with the Privacy Act, 38 U.S.C. 5701, 38 U.S.C. 7332, and 5 U.S.C. 552(a) et. Seq.
Contractor staff shall sign confidentiality statements before the start date of the contract. The Contractor shall comply
with all provisions of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including but not limited to privacy, security of electronic health data, and adherence to standards and code sets as required by HIPAA. The Contractor shall ensure the confidentiality of all patient and employee information and shall be held liable in the event of breach of confidentiality. Any person, who knowingly or willingly discloses confidential information obtained from the VA with non-essential persons, may be subject to fines.

HIPAA COMPLIANCE. HIPAA compliance is required. The Contractor must adhere to the provisions of Public Law 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the National Standards to Protect the Privacy and Security of Protected Health Information (PHI). As required by HIPAA, the Department of Health, and Human Services (HHS) has promulgated rules governing the security and use and disclosure of protected health information by covered entities, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In accordance with HIPAA, the Contractor may be required to enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with VA.
BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS: Contractor and the employees provided, pursuant to this contract, shall comply with the effective VAMC Policy (and Occupational Health requirements in accordance with OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) Law and the OSHA Tuberculosis Compliance Directive, enforceable under OSHA s General Duty Clause) governing health care workers infected with a blood borne pathogen. If the contractor obtains information that a health care worker providing care pursuant to this agreement may be infected with a blood borne pathogen, the Contractor will advise the Contracting Officer immediately.
Medical Liabilities Insurance

13.1. Contractor shall carry required insurance (See VAAR Clause 852.237-7 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY INSURANCE) and vehicle insurance in accordance with the California Department of State Health Services.
Annual VHA Training

14.1 In accordance with VHA Directive 2003-028 "Compliance and Business Integrity Program", its updates or replacement directives, IG Guidance at 8994, Section II(C); Guidance at 4875, Section III (B)(4) Sentencing Guidelines, Section 8B2.1 (b) (4) (B) annual compliance training is to be provided to all contractors within the scope of their work. The medical center COTR s are to coordinate the annual training with their respective Contracting Officer and Compliance and Business Integrity Officers. A copy of the documentation of the completed annual training is to be provided to the Compliance and Business Integrity Officers for their files.
In accordance with VHA Directive 1605.1 Privacy and Release of Information , updates or replacement directives annual VHA Privacy Policy Training is to be provide to all contractors within the scope of their work. A copy of the documentation of the completed annual training is to be provided to the Contracting Officer and the facility Privacy Officer for their files.

In accordance with VA Directive 6500, Information Security Program , updates or replacement directives annual VHA Cyber and Security Information Training is to be provided to all contractors within the scope of their work. A copy of the documentation of the completed annual training is to be provided to the Contracting Officer and the facility Information Security Officer for their files.

Conformance with Environmental Management Systems

15.1 Contractor shall perform work under this contract consistent with the relevant policy and objectives identified in the agency, organizational, or facility environmental management system (EMS) applicable for your contract. The contractor shall perform work in a manner that conforms to all appropriate Environmental Management Programs and Operational Controls identified by the agency, organizational, or facility EMS, and provide monitoring and measurement information as necessary for the organization to address environmental performance relative to the environmental, energy, and transportation management goals. In the event an environmental nonconformance or noncompliance associated with the contracted services is identified, the contractor shall take corrective and/or preventative actions. In the case of a noncompliance, the Contractor shall respond and take corrective action immediately. In the case of a nonconformance, the Contractor shall respond and take corrective action based on the time schedule established by the EMS Site Coordinator. In addition, the Contractor shall ensure that their employees are aware of the roles and responsibilities identified by the environmental management system and how these requirements affect their work performed under this contract. All on-site Contractor personnel shall complete yearly EPA sponsored environmental training specified for the type of work conducted on-site. Upon contract award, the Contracting Officer's Representative will notify the facility-level Environmental Management Systems Coordinator to arrange EMS training for appropriate staff.
Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System (CPARS)
Required Registration with Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System (CPARS)

As prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 42.15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates contractor past performance on all contracts that exceed $1,000,000 and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database. The CPARS database information is shared with the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) database, which is available to all Federal Agencies.
A Contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed $1,000,000 is required to register with the Contractor Performance Assessment Rating System (CPARS) database at the following https://www.cpars.gov/
or by calling (207) 438-1690. Registration should occur no later than thirty days after contract award and must be kept current should there be any change to the contractor s registered representative.

For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the contractor s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in CPARS to the contractor s designated representative for comment. The contractor representative will have thirty days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the VA contracting officer.
Failure to have a current registration in the CPARS database, or to re-assign the report to the VA contracting officer within those thirty days, will result in the Government s evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the contractor failed to respond.

Surveillance Checklist (VALLHCS)

Contract: Ground Ambulance
Date/Time of Inspection:
Government POC Primary: Government POC Alternate:
Organization:
(VA Loma Linda Healthcare System)
Location: Bldg. Post

SS
Performance Objective
PWS Para
Performance
Threshold
Method of
Surveillance
Met
Not
Met
Remarks

SS 1
Contractor shall provide Ambulance service, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, as required in accordance with the terms and conditions contained
herein.

1

95%
Compliance

100%
Surveillance of each patient pick- up.



SS 2
The objective of Standards for Maintenance is to protect veterans and to cause no harm to all parties. The contractor shall maintain all vehicles in a clean and orderly condition, free from debris and accumulations which may create an accident, injury, or fire hazard.


4.4.3

95%
Compliance

100%
Surveillance




SS3
Contractor shall maintain (and furnish upon request) procedures that outline preventive maintenance and/or repairs on each vehicle in an individual vehicle file and in chronological order, latest service on top. A statement from the Contractor indication compliance of vehicle maintenance files is in place should be submitted
at time of offer for



4.4.3



95%
Compliance



100%
Surveillance


SS
Performance Objective
PWS Para
Performance Threshold
Method of Surveillance
Met
Not Met
Remarks

evaluation purposes. Requested submission and verification of these documentation requirements will be a quality assurance procedure during the contract period.



SS4
Contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract.

4.3.1
100%
Compliance
100%
Surveillance




SS5
Have completed training in accordance with the standards published by the Department of Health and Human Services with a minimum curriculum of 150 hours or equivalent including an in-hospital training period. Such training programs must also be acceptable under the regulating requirements for local EMS Systems supported by DHHS under PL 93-154,
Federal Register 39:24304.
(1974).



4.3.1


100%
Compliance


100%
Surveillance


SS6
A licensed MTO shall ensure that sanitation procedures are provided to all personnel in a written document that conforms with current standards as set forth in occupational safety and health administration- blood borne pathogens
protocol.

Attach ment B

100%
Compliance

100%
Surveillance


Attachment A
Critical Care Transport Capabilities Confirmation
If a transport is classified as a Critical Care Transport (CCT) the offeror must be capable of transporting the drugs and/or equipment as required by the patient (listed below), up to and including Tier III, if necessary, based on the EMS region the ambulance provider is functioning in. Prospective offerors must sign and return this form confirming they can meet these criteria for CCTs
ordered under this contract.

Drug Supply List: Equipment List:
Acetylcysteine (Acetadote, Mucomyst) Chest tubes
Amiodarone (Cordarone) Portable mechanical vents; including CPAP
Antibiotics All VADs
Blood and Blood Products CVP lines
Diltiazem (Cardizem) Swan-Ganz line
Dobutamine SmartPump Capability: up to 6 IV drips
Dopamine
*Any pump(s) capable for up to and including 6 infusion lines or IV drips as required by the patient. If the pumps are not compatible with VA supplied IV tubing, the contracted ambulance would need to provide their own tubing and be able to switch the tubing over prior to transport. *
Fentanyl (Sublimaze) Furosemide (Lasix) Heparin Hyperalimentation (TPN and lipids) Insulin
Zoll X Series Critical Care Monitor Capabilities: Continuous 12-lead EKG monitoring
2-Temperature Monitoring Automatic Blood Pressure Capnography
2 arterial lines monitoring
Labetalol (Trandate) Lidocaine Lorazepam (Ativan) Magnesium Sulfate Mannitol Midazolam (Versed)
Milrinone (Primacor) Nicardipine (Cardene)
Nitroglycerin (NitroStat, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid) Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Octreotide (Sandostatin) Ondansetron (Zofran) Pantoprazole (Protonix) Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) Potassium Chloride
Propofol
Sodium Bicarbonate Vasopressin (Pitressin) TPA* (Pending)

I hereby confirm that can meet the criterion for Critical Care Transports.
(Company Name)

Signature of Company Representative
Important information: The Government is not obligated to, nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this Sources Sought synopsis request. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. The Government will in no way be bound to this information if any solicitation is issued. The VA is mandated by Public Law 109-461 to consider a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set aside. However, if response by Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business firms proves inadequate, an alternate set-aside or full and open competition may be determined. No sub-contracting opportunity is anticipated. The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 485991 Special Needs Transportation ($19.0 Million).

Notice to potential offerors: All offerors who provide goods or services to the United States Federal Government must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov and complete Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). Additionally, all Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses or Veteran Owned Businesses who respond to a solicitation on this project must be registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Veterans Enterprise VetBiz Registry located at http://vip.vetbiz.gov. All interested Offerors must submit information by e-mail to michael.williams48@va.gov. All information submissions should be received no later than 3:00 pm Arizona Time on April 12, 2024. After review of the responses to this announcement, the Government intends to proceed with the acquisition and a subsequent solicitation will be published.

Attachments/Links