Nurse Triage System - PIMC
ID: RFQ-25-PHX-014Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OFINDIAN HEALTH SERVICEPHOENIX AREA INDIAN HEALTH SVCPHOENIX, AZ, 85004, USA

NAICS

All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services (621999)

PSC

MEDICAL- OTHER (Q999)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Indian Health Service (IHS), is seeking a contractor to provide a Nurse Triage telephone system for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) in Arizona. The contractor will be responsible for delivering a 24/7 medical advice service tailored for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, which includes managing approximately 250 calls monthly, ensuring privacy, and adhering to quality control standards. This procurement is part of a broader initiative to enhance telehealth services and support diverse business ownership, as the solicitation is set aside for small businesses, particularly Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs). Interested parties must submit their technical, past performance, and price offers by the specified deadlines, with inquiries directed to Orlando Guerrero at orlando.guerrero@ihs.gov or by phone at 602-364-5021.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The file presents details related to the "PIMC Nurse Response Telephone Triage System," specifying pricing structures for contract line items across three time periods: Base Period, Option Year One, and Option Year Two. Each period outlines a quantity of 3,000 nurse response telephone triage calls per year; however, no unit prices or total prices are provided, leaving a gap in financial specifics. The document structures the pricing into separate sections for line items, fringe benefits, overhead, other direct costs (ODCs), and general and administrative expenses, culminating in a total cost overview. The absence of numerical data suggests that this might be a draft or incomplete submission, commonly seen in government RFPs, federal grants, and state/local RFPs, where precise financial estimations are crucial for evaluating proposals. The main purpose is to outline the projected costs associated with providing a nurse triage response service, indicating a potential government healthcare initiative aimed at improving telehealth services. The document illustrates the importance of meticulous financial preparation in competitive bidding contexts.
    The Business Associate Agreement outlines the responsibilities of the Indian Health Service (IHS) and its vendor (referred to as the Business Associate) regarding the safeguarding of Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with HIPAA regulations. It establishes the authority and definitions relevant to HIPAA, including roles such as Business Associate and Covered Entity. Key obligations include the Business Associate's commitment to ensure that PHI is used and disclosed only as authorized, the need for appropriate safeguards against unauthorized disclosures, and requirements for timely reporting of any breaches or security incidents. The agreement specifies procedures for handling PHI, including maintaining records, amendment responsibilities, and access rights for individuals to their PHI. Moreover, it outlines the termination conditions for the agreement and the obligations for data retention and destruction post-termination. The agreement emphasizes accountability, requiring the Business Associate to indemnify the IHS in case of violations related to HIPAA. Overall, this document is crucial for establishing necessary legal and operational frameworks for protecting sensitive health information while engaging with external vendors, relevant for government RFPs and grants.
    The Arizona Department of Revenue has issued an exemption letter to the Department of Health & Human Services, Phoenix Area Indian Health Service, granting a Transaction Privilege Tax and Use Tax exemption. This exemption is effective from January 1, 2025, for specific business classifications, such as utilities, job printing, and retail, based on relevant statutory references. The exemption applies both to state and local privilege taxes. The letter emphasizes that no deductions are available for transient lodging or other exemptions not specified by law. To validate the exempt status, the service must provide a Transaction Privilege Tax Exemption Certificate when transacting with vendors. Appendix A lists the locations eligible for these exemptions, including various health service units across Arizona. The exemption is contingent upon the accuracy of provided information and the organization’s continued status as an exempt entity. If requirements are not met, the Department may rescind the exemption. This document is pertinent to definitions and applications of tax exemptions in health services, illustrating the government's support for health initiatives in the region.
    The Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) seeks to contract a Nurse Telephone Triage System to provide 24/7 medical advice specifically for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. The contractor will deliver a toll-free service, featuring registered nurses who will assess calls, recommend care, and document encounters. Approximately 250 calls monthly are anticipated. Key responsibilities include maintaining privacy, offering health information library access, and ensuring prompt response times in line with URAC standards. Quality control, including monthly reports on call statistics and detailed triage activity, is mandated to identify trends and enhance services. The contractor must employ U.S.-licensed registered nurses with a minimum of three years of triage experience and must adhere to cultural sensitivity training tailored to the American Indian/Alaska Native populations. The contract spans a base period of 12 months, with four optional extensions, emphasizing the collaborative nature between the contractor and PIMC, while ensuring compliance with specified performance metrics and medical oversight. The contractor is required to implement a quality control program and must indemnify PIMC against liabilities arising from negligent actions.
    The Indian Health Service (IHS) establishes this Interconnection Security Agreement (ISA) to outline security procedures for data exchange and network interconnection between IHS and a partner organization. The ISA focuses on ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of shared information while detailing the responsibilities, safeguards, and compliance requirements for both parties involved. Key elements include the identification of data types exchanged, security responsibilities, and training for users accessing the interconnected systems. Both IHS and the partner must adhere to federal regulations, including FISMA and HIPAA, ensuring that personnel are vetted for security risks and that protocols for incident response and reporting are in place. The agreement emphasizes rigorous security measures, necessitating risk assessment, communication between technical leads, and reporting of security incidents. It also outlines the processes for modifications and compliance audits, highlighting mutual responsibility for costs and obligations related to the interconnection. Overall, the ISA serves to mitigate IT security risks while facilitating collaboration between the IHS and its partner, thereby enhancing the protection of sensitive health-related data shared across networks.
    The document outlines contractual provisions incorporated by reference in agreements related to government acquisitions, specifically for commercial products and services as offered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It details various clauses, including definitions, anti-lobbying, contractor obligations in employment investigations, safety regulations, and electronic payment requirements through the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for contractors to comply with federal statutes and executive orders, particularly regarding small business participation, labor standards, and anti-trafficking measures. Critical focus is placed on the process for submitting offers, the evaluation of technical capabilities, past performance, and pricing, all crucial for securing government contracts. The overarching purpose is to ensure compliance with legal standards and efficient operations while facilitating transparency and accountability among contractors, thus fostering an equitable procurement environment within the federal framework.
    This document is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for commercial items, aimed specifically at small business concerns, as per federal acquisition guidelines outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR). Offerers are required to submit written quotes on an all-or-none basis, as oral bids will not be accepted. The solicitation, reference number RFQ-25-PHX-014, falls under the NAICS Code 561320 with a size standard of $34 million. Acknowledgement of a 60-day acceptance period is necessary. Key requirements include the provision of a CAGE code, UEI number, tax identification, and specifics on FOB point and discount terms. Several attachments accompany the solicitation, including a rate schedule, performance work statement, and clauses. The acquisition will utilize Simplified Acquisition Procedures as stipulated in FAR, ensuring compliance and streamlined award processes.
    The Contractor Past Performance Questionnaire is a comprehensive assessment tool used by the Phoenix Area Indian Health Service (PAIHS) as part of federal contracting processes. It facilitates the evaluation of contractor performance through feedback from clients who assess contractors based on various criteria: quality of technical performance, timeliness, customer satisfaction, management effectiveness, cost control, safety, and overall performance. Contractors are required to provide detailed contract information, project descriptions, and specify their role (prime contractor, subcontractor, or joint venture). Clients then rate the contractor's performance using a standardized scale ranging from "Exceptional" to "Unsatisfactory". The questionnaire is designed to be completed by the client, who then submits it back to the contractor for inclusion in bids or proposals. This document serves to ensure accountability and provide a framework for measuring contractor performance in adherence to federal requirements, improving transparency and quality in government contracts. The systematic approach aims to enhance contract outcomes and ensure government resources are effectively utilized.
    This document outlines a solicitation for commercial products and services specifically targeting Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs). It details essential procurement information including requisition and contract numbers, award dates, and due dates for offer submissions. It specifies the method of solicitation (likely through RFQs, IFBs, or RFPs), the delivery terms, and various attachments pivotal for understanding the scope, including rate schedules and contract agreements. The solicitation indicates the program's dedication to empowering WOSBs and outlines that the contract may offer additional set-asides for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) and other designated categories. The document emphasizes compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and includes provisions for payment, reporting, and delivery obligations. The intent is to solicit competitive bids from eligible small businesses, promoting inclusivity while ensuring adherence to procurement regulations. This solicitation aligns with broader governmental goals to support diverse business ownership within federal contracting opportunities.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
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