Seeking IEE vendors for the Great Plains Area supplemental staffing requirements

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Great Plains Area Office (GPAO) is seeking supplemental healthcare staffing services for its clinics and hospitals in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The contract, with a 60-month ordering period from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2032, requires a wide range of healthcare providers across various specialties. The contractor must recruit, credential, and manage personnel, ensuring they meet strict accreditation, licensing, and professional standards, including those from The Joint Commission (TJC) or Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Key requirements include providing a project and program manager, adhering to security and clearance protocols, submitting monthly status reports, and maintaining high customer satisfaction with minimal complaints. Telemedicine is not anticipated but may be allowed. The contractor is responsible for all personnel-related costs and ensuring continuity of services.

The Indian Health Service (IHS) requires offerors responding to solicitations, sources sought, or RFIs to self-certify their status as an “Indian Economic Enterprise” (IEE) under the Buy Indian Act (25 U.S.C. 47). This form, issued by the Department of Health & Human Services, ensures compliance with HHSAR 326.601, mandating IEE status at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. Contractors must notify the Contracting Officer immediately if they no longer meet eligibility requirements. While self-certification is required, Contracting Officers may request additional documentation for set-aside or sole source contracts, and awards are subject to protest if eligibility is questioned. Successful offerors must also be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). The document warns against submitting false or misleading information, citing penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001 for false information and 31 U.S.C. 3729 to 3731 and 18 U.S.C. 287 for false claims. The representation section requires the offeror to affirm whether they meet the IEE definition with “Indian Ownership,” including spaces for the owner's name, certifying signature, tribal entity, business name, and DUNS number.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), Great Plains Area (GPA), is conducting a Sources Sought Notice (SSN-IHS1524355) for supplemental healthcare staffing services. This notice, issued under the Buy Indian Act, aims to identify qualified Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) and Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) capable of providing various healthcare providers to IHS facilities across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The objective is to assess market capability and determine if the requirement can be set aside for these businesses. The anticipated NAICS code is 561320 (Temporary Help Services). The contract period is 60 months, from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2032. Contractors must meet stringent credentialing, privileging, and security clearance requirements, provide project and program managers, and comply with all IHS policies and patient safety standards. Telemedicine is not anticipated but may be allowed. The notice outlines detailed performance objectives, quality standards, and reporting requirements.