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FBO DAILY - FEDBIZOPPS ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 25, 2016 FBO #5481
DOCUMENT

G -- Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Residential Services for Northern Arizona VA Health Care System. - Attachment

Notice Date

11/23/2016
 

Notice Type

Attachment
 

NAICS

623220 — Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities
 

Contracting Office

Department of Veterans Affairs;Contracting Section;3601 S. 6th Avenue;Tucson AZ 85723
 

ZIP Code

85723
 

Solicitation Number

VA25817R0037
 

Response Due

12/5/2016
 

Archive Date

2/3/2017
 

Point of Contact

Sergio Valencia
 

E-Mail Address

SERGIO.VALENCIA@VA.GOV
(Sergio.Valencia@va.gov)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

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, other Small and Large 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. 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 623220 ($15.0). 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. 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 business (e.g. Services Disabled Veteran Owned small Business, Veteran-owned small business, Small Business, Large Business, etc.) (i) must provide a capability statement that addresses the organizations qualifications, facility readiness and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below. All interested Offerors should submit information by e-mail to Sergio.valencia@va.gov and should be received no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on December 5, 2016. Important information: The Government is not obligated to nor will it pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought 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. DRAFT PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform Health Care for Homeless Veterans as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as Government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract. Background: The central goal of the HCHV program is to reduce homelessness among Veterans by conducting outreach to those who are the most vulnerable and who are not currently receiving VA services, and then engaging them in treatment and rehabilitation as well as in other VA programs and non-VA community programs that provide prevention and support services. The HCHV program was developed from the original Homeless Chronically Mentally Ill (HCMI) Program, a six month pilot project, established February 12, 1987. In recent years, VA s effort to eliminate Veteran homelessness has led to the development of a range of additional programs and initiatives implemented by VHA Central Office, Office of Clinical Operations, and Homeless Programs Office. Because HCHV programs typically are the first to make contact with homeless Veterans, they frequently serve as the entry point for these services and thus, provide VA a way to outreach, assist, and offer homeless Veterans an Open Door to the continuum of VA services. In addition to this core mission, HCHV functions as a mechanism to contract with providers for community-based residential treatment for homeless Veterans. The HCHV program is vital for providing a gateway to VA and community-based supportive services for eligible Veterans who are homeless. This includes ensuring that chronically homeless Veterans and/or those with serious mental health diagnoses can be placed in community-based programs that provide quality housing and services that meet the needs of these special populations. Objectives: Clinical Assessment to provide determination of strengths needs abilities and preference of each Veteran. Initiation of case management to plan and coordinate the homeless Veteran s care. Scope: HCHV Services address the cause and effects of homelessness in a community-based setting that provides direct services in a safe environment that supports recovery and meets the needs of homeless Veterans. Services include short-term residential treatment to Veterans who need an immediate housing placement as they seek permanent housing and/or additional care and services. The Contractor will be required to provide a low-barrier therapeutic and rehabilitative milieu and attendant services targeting the underlying factors contributing to homelessness. The Contractor will not be required to provide detoxification or other hospital level treatment. Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract shall be performed at the contractor facility within Coconino, Mohave or Yavapai Counties of Northern Arizona. Period of Performance: The period of performance of this contract shall be for one base year of 12 months and two 12-month option periods. Hours of Operation: The Contractor shall conduct business at the residential facility 24 hours per day. Admissions will occur at any time as clinically needed from VA Social Work Staff with collaboration from the COR. The Contractor shall at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential. Facility: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to properly maintain its facility and the VA shall have no responsibility for paying or reimbursing the Contractor for such expenses. The Contractor facility must: Pass the VA National Fire Protection Act (NFPA) inspection within 60 days of the award of this contract if they have not been previously awarded a contract. Contract will be terminated if facility does not pass NFPA inspection within 60 days. Have current occupancy permit issued by the local and State governments in the jurisdiction where the facility is located. Be in compliance with existing standards of the NFPA, State and local safety codes, and/or State health and sanitation codes. Where applicable, be licensed under State or local authority. Where applicable, be accredited by the State. Be equipped with operational air conditioning/heating systems. Be kept clean free of dirt, grime, mold, or other hazardous substances and damaged noticeably detract from overall experience. Be equipped with first aid equipment and an evacuation plan in case of emergency. Have windows and doors that can be opened and closed in accordance with manufacturer standards. Have an aggressive on-going plan to address bed bug infestation. This policy must be part of written response to this solicitation. On-going bed bug infestation will be grounds for immediate discharge of Veterans from the facility. The Contractor facility must meet fire safety requirements as follows: The building must meet the requirements of applicable residential occupancy chapters of the current version of NFPA 101, National Fire Protection Association s Life Safety Code. Any equivalencies or variances must be approved by the Program Director. All residents in the facility must be mentally and physically capable of leaving the building, unaided, in the event of an emergency. Fire exit drills must be held at least quarterly. Residents must be instructed in evacuation procedures. A written fire plan for evacuation in the event of fire shall be developed and reviewed annually. The plan shall outline the duties, responsibilities and actions to be taken by the staff and residents in the event of a fire emergency. The plan shall be implemented during fire exit drills. A written policy regarding tobacco smoking in the facility shall be established and enforced. NFPA 10 portable fire extinguishers shall be installed at the facility and NFPA will be used as guidance in selection and location requirements of fire extinguishers. Requirements for fire protection equipment and systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 101. All fire protection systems and equipment, such as the fire alarm system, smoke detectors, and portable extinguishers shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the applicable NFPA fire codes and the results documented. The annual inspection by the VA team shall include a fire and safety inspection conducted at the facility unless a review of past Department of Veterans Affairs inspection or inspections made by local authorities indicates that a fire and safety inspection would not be necessary, in which case the fire and safety inspections may be waived by the VA. Contracted Emergency Residential Services (CERS)- Residential Care Facilities: The Contractor shall have site control of the residential care facility through ownership or valid lease upon award. VA will conduct an inspection that Contractor sites must pass prior to contract award and annually 60 days prior to an option period being exercised. VA reserves the right to inspect any facility and associated services at any time under the terms of this contract. Contractor shall ensure its facilities are licensed as required for the particular setting and meet all applicable local, state, and Federal requirements concerning licensing and health codes. Contractor shall provide copies of valid licenses to the VA at the time of pre-inspection and during annual inspection reviews. Where applicable, the facility must have a current occupancy permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction. Contractor shall meet all the standards referenced in the Health Care for Homeless Veteran (HCHV) Contracted Provider Inspection Form provided in ATTACHMENT 2 which is incorporated herein by reference. Contractor shall ensure its facilities meet the following standards: NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. This code can be located at http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=101# or within the published NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, 2012 edition Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to include facility safety and accessibility requirements of the disabled, see www.ada.gov. This also includes meeting standards for certified service dogs in the facility, see current standards at www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm. Service Dog owner is responsible for supervision, care and feeding of animal. Basic Services: Contractor shall provide the following to each Veteran referred and admitted to the Contract Residential Care facility: Room and Board: Shall be accessible to the Veteran seven (7) days a week and 24 hours per day and include: Sleeping accommodations that are safe and accessible to Homeless Veterans, particularly of vulnerable target populations such as the geriatric community that may have issues with things such as climbing stairs and ladders, along with a designated single standing bed with a mattress that is used exclusively by the individual Veteran from the time of admission to the time of discharge. This bed must be situated in a room that affords the Veteran safety, privacy and security. Appropriate linens/bedding for the bed including a pillow. A night stand for personal effects. Closet space sufficient to hang clothing. A Chest of Drawers with sufficient drawer space to hold Veteran clothing/personal effects. Towels for showering and personal hygiene A safe and securely locked place for each Veteran to store his/her belongings that is readily accessible to the Veteran (such as a locking closet, a locking armoire, a locker, etc.). This securely locked space must be of sufficient size to contain a 17 laptop and/or other valuables/ medications. The locked space must also be permanently mounted in the facility so as not be easily removed from the facility. Ability to store personal belongings for at least 72 hours after formal HCHV discharge. Laundry facilities (including detergent and dryer sheets/fabric softener) for Veterans to do their own laundry or laundry services provided as part of the Veteran s stay in the residential care program (at no cost to the Veteran). Referrals, Admissions and Eligibility: Contractor must utilize an admission process that includes written eligibility criteria that is fair, objective, and compliant with applicable State and Federal laws. Contractor will provide verbal and written notification that is readily accessible to all individuals, upon request, of reasons for non-acceptance. Notification of reasons for non-acceptance is not required to be given to those denied service/housing because of bed unavailability. The eligibility information must be made available to clients at intake and staff must provide answers to questions about the admission criteria and process. Contractor must have formal appeal procedures through which clients may appeal unfavorable admission or eligibility decisions and a copy of the policy for appeals is to be given to the Veteran at screening or intake. The VA is responsible for determining eligibility of Veterans prior to acceptance by the Contractor for services. After receipt of a Release of Information (ROI) a written pre-approval from VA Staff is required (hard copy, fax or e-mail are acceptable) and shall be provided to the Contractor for each Veteran referred for services under the contract. If there is an urgent need to admit a Veteran and VA Staff is not available to provide a written approval in a timely manner a verbal approval is acceptable. Any admissions that occur without written/verbal approval must be verified by VA Staff within 24 business hours in order for the Contractor to receive payment for time spent prior to approval (e.g. admission after hours or during the weekend). Written documentation of eligibility verification, signed by an authorized VA Staff, shall be obtained by the Contractor as soon as possible for each Veteran referred for services under the contract for inclusion in the Veterans program file. A list of authorized VA Staff for the contract shall be provided to the Contractor upon award of the contract. VA Staff may be added or deleted from the list during the term of the contract at the discretion of VA Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall be provided an updated list of authorized VA Staff whenever such changes are made. The Contractor shall not be paid for care provided to a referred Veteran beyond the period authorized in the referral, unless an extension of the authorization is provided in writing by the VA. The initial stay for a Veteran should be no longer than 60 days. Some Veterans may be considered for up to 90 days depending on the needs of the Veteran as mutually determined by the Veteran, the Contractor s staff, and HCHV Coordinator or Designee. Any extension of the stay after 90 days must be authorized by the VA Homeless Program Coordinator or Designee, provided that there is clear clinical indication and availability of funds. Only extraordinary circumstances will be considered in order to extend Service periods in excess of 6 months for individual Veterans and these must be authorized by the Medical Center Director or Designee. The type of Veterans to be cared for under this contract will require care and treatment services over and above the level of room and board. To be eligible for placement in emergency contract beds, all Veterans must be homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless and be eligible and registered for VA services. Contractor is encouraged to provide housing and or services to special Veteran populations, such as but not limited to the following: medically compromised Veterans, Veterans with young children, Veterans with sex offender status, seriously mentally ill Veterans, Veterans who have abused drugs or alcohol for many years, and/or Veterans who have been involved with the legal system. Discharge Planning: Securing permanent housing will be the primary discharge goal for every Veteran. All Veterans must have a discharge plan within two weeks of admission. Compliance with all VA regulations regarding discharges and timeliness of reporting discharges is required by Contractor. Case Managers will provide assistance with discharge planning for every Veteran and report all discharges via email within 24 business hours using a secured process (e.g. HOMES ID number). Paperwork required for discharging a Veteran from any HCHV program is required via fax within 24 business hours from known discharge. Housing needs will be assessed upon acceptance to the program (within 72 business) and resources will be coordinated for discharge to a successful community placement throughout the duration of the Veteran s stay. A negative discharge for undesirable behavior is a committee decision that must include the VA Liaison prior to discharge. All Veterans scheduled for discharge based on behavior must meet with the treatment team and work with team to determine most therapeutic option for Veteran. This does not include violations for safety reasons or verbal abuse. Please note: Profanity does not in and of itself constitute abuse and shall not exclusively be considered grounds for discharge. Any and all actual or threatened violence will be grounds for discharge. Veterans may be discharged for safety reasons at any time. All negative discharges will be subject to a full team debriefing, including VA Liaison, to look for opportunities missed to intervene sooner. All discharges are subject to the Contractor s grievance procedures and must allow clients the opportunity to be represented by the VA Liaison in the grievance process. Reasonable efforts must be made to coordinate with the Liaison in order to schedule an appeal. Lastly, all TQI measures must be met in order to receive the highest past performance rating. These include the following: HCHV1 (DC to Ind. Housing) - >50% HCHV2 (DC w/ Neg. Exits) - 85% Length of Stay 60 Days VA Benefit Applications Pending -15% Non-VA Benefit Applications Pending -8% SPECIFIC TASKS SPECIFIC TASKS: Contractor shall perform the following tasks: Obtain a Release of Information (ROI) from Veteran for any information requested by outside parties during the Veterans participation in the program if applicable. Ensure all documentation is in accordance with the current CARF standards-. Provide Clinical Assessments within seven days of admission to determine strengths, needs, abilities and preferences of each Veteran and/or services to include: History of homelessness Mental health history Physical health history Substance use history Social history Education, vocation, and income history Legal history Strengths and Needs Abilities and Preferences Barriers/Vulnerabilities Military History Trauma History Provide on-site drug or alcohol testing methods (i.e., urine drug screens, breathalyzers), when clinically appropriate or when requested by the COR. Provide Case Management to plan and coordinate the homeless Veteran s care. At a minimum Case Management Services will include the following: Working toward the rapid placement of the Veteran in a safe setting, with an emphasis on utilizing housing first approaches wherever possible. Arranging, coordinating, and/or providing direct clinical services (enrollment, assessment, treatment plan, reassessment) and support. Using Recovery Model principles. Provide the following clinical skills/interventions in an individual or group setting as appropriate: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CBT skills, Mind Body Stress Reduction (MBSR), MBSR skills, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducational tools, sober living skills, psychotropic medication education, or other clinically relevant interventions to assist Veterans in managing negative mental health symptoms. The goal in utilizing the above skills/interventions is to provide an environment in which Veterans can successfully transition into stable permanent housing after the Veteran has reduced the impact of negative mental health symptoms and improved their ability to successfully live independently. Provide Treatment Services and Documentation of Services provided in Veteran s record: Address the needs of special populations which may include women, OEF/OIF/OND,SMI, and chronically homeless. Provide routine updates to the Initial Treatment Plan developed in conjunction with the NAVAHCS Housing First Program. Individual treatment plan shall include specific goals, measurable objectives, targeted dates for completion, a designated responsible individual for addressing each goal. Plans may include goals that: Improve the Veteran s safety Assist the Veteran s overall physical and mental status and promote a healthy lifestyle Instill hope Increase employability or increase income, or improve income management Improve the Veteran s overall quality of life Improve the Veteran s self-esteem, self-efficacy, and independence Assist the Veteran in achieving an optimal level of psychosocial functioning Provide support services aimed at the prevention of homelessness Provide progress notes that document the following: Progress toward the Veteran s goals Veteran s participation in treatment Services provided Changes to treatment or service plan Provide program exit summary upon termination from the program for each episode of care. Medical care and services provided, and recommendations for follow-up care, shall be documented in this exit summary, which shall include at minimum: Date of Exit Type of Exit Veteran s perception of exit and agreement with exit Status of Treatment goals at time of exit Aftercare plan Provide incident report in writing to the COR by close of business on the day of the incident and a phone call immediately for any of the following: Death; Fire; Drug/police raid; Suicide/suicide attempt; 911 calls (police / fire dept. / paramedics / other); Drug overdose; Severe medical illness / emergency; Severe psychiatric illness / emergency; Sexual assault, harassment or attempt; Act of violence or abusive behavior by Veteran against other(s) or staff; Act of violence or abusive behavior by staff against Veteran; Accident with or without injury involving staff or Veteran(s); Medication problems or adverse drug reactions; Or any other clinical relevant incidents. Provide Treatment Planning: Individual treatment plans are developed through a joint effort of the Veteran, the Contractor, and the COR. Treatment plans shall be developed for each Veteran based on input from COR staff assessments, other VA clinical data, and the Veteran. The COR is expected to utilize the Mental Health Treatment Suite for the documentation of treatment plans in Computerized Patient Record System. NOTE: If clinically indicated and if staffing is available, interdisciplinary planning must be provided by the treatment team. HCHV program staff must monitor the quality of care provided by the contract facility through regular visits to the facility. This is accomplished with the weekly treatment group meetings. Provide Treatment Services: Contractor shall provide therapeutic and rehabilitative services as described in the Performance Work Statement and in the Individual treatment plan. In some cases, VA may complement the Contractor s program with added treatment services such as participation in VA Outpatient programs (e.g., CWT, Incentive Therapy, Mental Health Clinic, SUD treatment). Provide Exit/Discharge from Contract Residential Services: Exit or discharge planning for each Veteran starts at the time of admission into the Contracted program. Exit planning is for the Veteran to identify personal needs for obtaining housing, continuing recovery, care, treatment, and services after exit. Exit planning is addressed at each interdisciplinary treatment team meeting with the Veteran. Length of Stay is variable based on progress towards goals, objectives, and time frames listed in the treatment plan. The timing of transition to the community is negotiated between the Veteran and the team. Contractor s staff are responsible for ensuring that access barriers to continuing outpatient care (e.g., distance, transportation, scheduling) are reduced or eliminated. The Veteran exhibits dangerous and/or threatening behavior; The Veteran exhibits a pattern of relapse or unauthorized use of an addictive substance and a lack of engagement in treatment services. The Veteran refuses to engage in treatment planning. The Veteran has achieved maximum benefit from treatment in the program. The Veteran refuses to allow communication between VA and the Contractor that is necessary to ensure the safe and effective coordination of care.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/VA/TuVAMC/VASAHCS/VA25817R0037/listing.html)
 

Document(s)

Attachment
 

File Name: VA258-17-R-0037 VA258-17-R-0037.docx (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=3127121&FileName=VA258-17-R-0037-000.docx)

Link: https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov/FBODocumentServer/DocumentServer.aspx?DocumentId=3127121&FileName=VA258-17-R-0037-000.docx

 

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

Record

SN04335335-W 20161125/161123233723-f7f7e1e7bad3ae1cf10b3b73b053ef82 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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