Ground Ambulance Services -BLS, ALS and CCT Service

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. Responses to this sources sought notice 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 businesses interested and capable of providing the services described below. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System VA Medical Center (VA GLA), 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), 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. Scope/Requirements Types of Ambulance Service The contractor shall provide Non-Emergent, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Critical Care Transport (CCT) ambulance services on an as-need 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 The 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 the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System destination is deemed to be the ER, Admissions, the 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 VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Thereafter the contracted employees will be subject annually to the same requirement, with a 90-day window to complete such requirement as provided by VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. 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 The contractor shall provide the VA with a policy on tuberculosis (TB) exposure and control, to include TB decontamination. The 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. The 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. The contractor shall furnish all linen required for patient transport at no additional cost. Linen shall not be exchanged with linen belonging to VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System or its CBOC locations. The 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 if necessary, based on the EMS region the ambulance provider is functioning in. The contractor shall furnish qualified personnel as required by contract specifications to accomplish all services under this contract. The 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 ...