R499--Histopathology Technician and Medical Technologist
ID: 36C25624Q1317Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFVETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF256-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 16 (36C256)RIDGELAND, MS, 39157, USA

NAICS

Temporary Help Services (561320)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER (R499)

Set Aside

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) (SDVOSBC)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is soliciting proposals for a five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide one Medical Technologist and one Histopathology Technician at the G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The contract, valued at approximately $34 million, is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and includes specific requirements for staff qualifications, training, and compliance with health and safety regulations. This procurement is crucial for enhancing healthcare services for veterans, ensuring that qualified personnel are available to meet medical laboratory needs. Interested vendors must submit their proposals by October 21, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Contract Specialist Nathan A. Carver at Nathan.Carver@va.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Nathan A CarverContract Specialist
    (479) 444-5035
    Nathan.Carver@va.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Department of Veterans Affairs for contracting services at the G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The RFP is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and includes the provision of one Medical Technologist and one Histopathology Technician over a five-year term, with five twelve-month ordering periods. The contract, valued at approximately $34 million, will be governed by specific Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and includes comprehensive requirements for staff qualifications, training, credentialing, and operational standards. Detailed guidelines are provided regarding health and safety compliance, including mandatory training for contractor personnel and adherence to privacy regulations under HIPAA. The document emphasizes the importance of quality assurance and performance monitoring, mandating contractors to maintain high standards of service delivery consistent with established medical practices. The summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the RFP, highlighting its target audience, contract requirements, and performance expectations aimed at enhancing healthcare services for veterans.
    The file discusses Amendment 001 to solicitation 36C25624Q1317 issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly regarding a five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The amendment extends the proposal due date to 10/21/2024 and includes responses to vendor questions, clarifying requirements related to certifications, licenses, and documentation expected from bidders. Highlights include confirmation that histotechnician licensure is not required, amendments to the contractor's immunization documentation requirements, and the establishment of a clearer timeline for the contract’s performance period starting on 11/01/2024. The amendment also adjusts the submission requirements around past performance documentation, emphasizing that Contractors must provide CPARs only as applicable under certain thresholds. Additional queries from bidders resulted in altered or clarified specifications in various sections, especially surrounding personnel qualifications and documentation regarding health tests or licensing. These changes illustrate an effort to streamline the bidding process while ensuring compliance with necessary standards. This document exemplifies the complexity and thoroughness required in government RFP processes while aiming to accommodate vendors’ concerns about operational feasibility within the procurement timeline.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing a presolicitation notice for services related to histopathology and medical technology at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. The solicitation number is 36C25624Q1317, with a response deadline set for October 17, 2024. The VA is specifically looking to contract with service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) for up to one full-time equivalent (FTE) of each position: medical technologist and histopathology technician. These roles are to provide needed services to VA beneficiaries beginning November 1, 2024, contingent upon the completion of background checks for the contracted staff. The presolicitation notice indicates that the corresponding Request for Quotes (RFQ) will be posted on SAM contract opportunities around October 9, 2024, and specifies that inquiries should be deferred until the RFQ is published. For further information, contact Nathan Carver, the contract specialist, via email or phone.
    The document outlines a pricing schedule for a government Request for Proposal (RFP) related to Temporary Help Services, specifically within the medical field, under the service code for pathology. It details estimated costs for five contract periods spanning from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2029. Each contract period anticipates a total of 2,080 hours of service for two full-time positions: Medical Technologist and Histopathology Technician. The principal North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified is 561320, indicating the service's classification as Temporary Help Services. This RFP structure aims to ensure the acquisition of qualified personnel to meet medical laboratory needs while adhering to federal regulations for staffing and budgeting in healthcare services. Overall, the document serves to facilitate the procurement process for necessary medical staffing through clear pricing and allocated timeframes.
    The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) outlines a systematic approach to evaluate a contractor's performance under a federal contract. It defines the monitoring objectives, methods, responsible personnel, and documentation procedures. The Government ensures that the evaluation is objective and consistent, while the contractor manages their own quality control to meet contract terms. Key personnel include the Contracting Officer (CO), tasked with ensuring compliance and fairness, and the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), who oversees technical administration and surveillance. Performance metrics assess crucial elements such as personnel quality, billing accuracy, and adherence to privacy laws. Surveillance methods like direct observation, periodic inspections, and random sampling are specified to ensure compliance with standards. Ratings for contractor performance range from exceptional to unsatisfactory, impacting future assessments and potential corrective actions. The QASP is considered a living document, subject to revisions in coordination with the contractor, ensuring continuous improvement of service delivery. This plan emphasizes both accountability and quality assurance for Federal projects and aligns with standard practices in grant management and contract oversight.
    The Contractor Certification under Attachment D2 outlines the obligations of contractors working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding the employment of foreign nationals. It mandates compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act and related laws enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Contractors must ensure that they do not knowingly employ illegal aliens or foreign nationals who violate their immigration status while providing services to VA patient referrals. They are also required to adhere to "E-Verify" requirements as specified in Executive Order 12989. Non-compliance may result in the prohibition of the individual in question from working on VA contracts and could lead to contract termination for breach. Additionally, contractors must obtain similar certifications from their subcontractors. The document emphasizes legal accountability, stating that false certifications can result in prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001, thereby underscoring the importance of lawful compliance in federal contracting contexts, particularly within the VA framework.
    The document serves as a declaration by a contractor regarding potential conflicts of interest for key personnel involved in a solicitation for services at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center. It asserts that the listed individuals do not possess any current or planned interests—financial, contractual, or otherwise—that might lead to conflicts concerning their roles. Additionally, it specifies that none of the personnel have a history of such conflicts relating to the contract. The document also requires the identification of whether the listed individuals are employees of the prime contractor or subcontractor, reinforcing transparency in the procurement process. This ensures compliance with ethical standards in federal solicitations and seeks to promote integrity in the services provided to the VA Medical Center.
    The document outlines a preferred equipment list for a staffing contract focused on various areas of laboratory testing, indicating the candidate's qualifications and experience. The equipment specified includes items from renowned manufacturers across multiple categories: Chemistry (e.g., Unicel DXC 860i), Hematology (e.g., DXH 900), Urinalysis (e.g., IRIS iQ200 Elite), Serology (e.g., Alinity i), Microbiology (e.g., GeneXpert), and Histology (e.g., Tissue Tek products). The structure lists the equipment type followed by specific tools, demonstrating a comprehensive selection tailored for laboratory functions. The mention of candidate expertise alongside these instruments suggests readiness to meet the demands of related government RFPs and grants, focusing on the acquisition or utilization of this equipment. This document serves as a critical component in evaluating relevant staff qualifications and operational capabilities in compliance with federal and state/local funding initiatives for health and laboratory services.
    The document outlines Wage Determination No. 2015-5153 under the Service Contract Act (SCA), highlighting wage rates and requirements for federal contractors in Mississippi. It specifies compliance with Executive Orders 14026 and 13658, mandating minimum wages of $17.20 and $12.90 per hour respectively, depending on the contract's start or renewal date. The wage determination includes specific rates for various occupations, such as administrative roles, healthcare positions, and maintenance jobs, alongside required fringe benefits including health and welfare rates, vacation, and paid holidays. Additionally, it outlines procedures for classifying unlisted jobs and requests for wage adjustments. The document's purpose is to provide federal contractors clear guidelines on wage standards that ensure fair compensation for labor, thereby promoting compliance with labor laws and protecting workers’ rights within the context of government contracts and grants. It emphasizes the importance of adherence to wage regulations to avoid penalties and ensure equitable treatment for employees engaged in government-funded projects.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through Network Contracting Office 16 (NCO 16), has issued a sources sought announcement for market research to identify vendors capable of providing specialized laboratory staff for the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The positions sought include a Histopathology Technician with at least three years of experience and a Medical Technician certified by recognized authorities with a minimum of one year of relevant experience. The VA is particularly interested in responses from Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), but all interested vendors can respond. The anticipated contract will be an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) type, with a five-year duration and set to begin on November 1, 2024. Vendors are requested to submit details regarding their capabilities, business classification, and whether they meet the criteria under the North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) 561320 for Temporary Help Services. Responses should be sent to a specified email by August 23, 2024, and the announcement clarifies it does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. This market inquiry aims to assist the VA in determining suitable acquisition methods for these essential services.
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