Dental Hygienists for the White Earth Health Center

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for Dental Hygienist Services for the White Earth Service Unit in Ogema, MN. The objective is to provide quality care and attain positive health outcomes for patients, with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and human dignity. The services are needed to fill staffing shortages in the Dental Department and ensure uninterrupted direct patient care.

• Provide routine cleaning services for eligible patients (children, adults, and elderly) at the White Earth Health Center, Naytahwaush Health Center, and Pine Point Dental Clinics.

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate preventive oral health programs.

• Develop and revise oral health instructional materials.

• Administer local anesthesia under the direct supervision of a dentist.

• Perform procedures such as recording medical/dental histories, dietary reviews, caries prevention, root planing, sealant application, and taking impressions.

• Develop patient treatment plans and ensure proper referral for necessary medical evaluation.

• Overtime is NOT authorized.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but includes a Base Year and four Option Years.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

• Offers are due by 03/21/2026.

• Evaluation will be based on Past Performance (60%) and Price (40%). Past Performance is weighted more heavily when combined with price.

• Offerors must provide relevant past performance, including contracts, period of performance, and professional references.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• NAICS Code: 561320 (Temporary Help Services/Contract Staffing Services).

• Size Standard: $34M.

• Contractor must ensure Dental Hygienists are U.S. citizens or meet other applicable requirements.

• A criminal history background check and fingerprints are required prior to start date.

• Individuals providing services involving regular contact with Indian children are subject to a character investigation.

• The contractor must provide uniforms.

• Electronic invoicing and payment requests must be submitted through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• Federal holidays observed by the facility will not be scheduled for the Contract Dental Hygienist.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Dental Hygienist Services required by the White Earth Health Center. The procurement is set aside exclusively for 100% Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE).

• The anticipated award will be a Firm Fixed Price contract with a base period and four (4) one-year options.

• Proposals must be complete and include specific items identified in the document.

• The Government intends to award without discussions, making it imperative that proposals include relevant experience, past performance, and price.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: Base year plus four (4) one-year options.

• Proposal Due Date: March 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT.

• Required Proposal Components:

  • Standard Form 1449 (complete sections 12, 17, & 30)
  • Section B.1, Contract Administration Data
  • Section B.5, Schedule of Price/Costs
  • Section E. 52.212-2 Evaluation Past Performance and Price: Include a word document with three (3) current and available references for past performance. Each reference must include a Contract Number, Total Dollar Amount, Point of Contact, Telephone number, and email address.
  • Verification of Contractor Registration in SAM.gov.
  • Acknowledgment of Business Associate Agreement (Attachment 1).
  • Completed/Signed IEE Representation (Attachment 2).

• Proposals must be clear and legible.

• Complete proposals should be emailed. The office is not responsible for incomplete transmissions.

• This procurement is set aside for 100% Indian Economic Enterprise (IEE).

• All submitted documents are subject to the Privacy Act and become property of the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).

• Agency Contacts: Mary Simon (Contract Specialist) and Jennifer Richardson (Contracting Officer).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) that is attached to and incorporated into a contract. It outlines the terms and conditions under which a "Business Associate" must safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI) when performing functions, activities, or services for the Indian Health Service (IHS), which is the "Covered Entity."

• Definitions: Defines terms such as PHI, Business Associate, Covered Entity, and HIPAA Rules.
• Obligations of Business Associate: Details requirements for compliance with HIPAA Rules, safeguarding PHI (including electronic PHI), reporting unauthorized uses/disclosures and breaches, providing individual access to PHI, accounting for disclosures, and amending PHI.
• Permitted Uses and Disclosures: Specifies how the Business Associate may use or disclose PHI, generally limited to performing services for the Covered Entity, with individual authorization, or for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
• Obligations of Covered Entity: Outlines what the IHS will provide to the Business Associate, such as its Notice of Privacy Practices and notification of limitations or changes.
• Termination: Defines the term of the agreement and the conditions for termination, including "Termination for Cause." It also details the Business Associate's obligations upon termination, such as returning or destroying PHI.
• Indemnification and Miscellaneous: Includes provisions for indemnification, incorporation into the contract, notices, regulatory references, amendment, interpretation, successors and assigns, and severability.

This BAA is a critical component for any vendor awarded a contract that involves handling Protected Health Information (PHI) for the Indian Health Service. Bidders must understand these obligations to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations. The terms dictate how PHI can be used, stored, disclosed, and protected, and outline responsibilities in case of breaches or upon contract termination. Failure to comply can result in penalties and legal action.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Indian Health Service Buy Indian Act Indian Economic Enterprise Representation Form." It serves as a self-certification for offerors to confirm they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" as required by the Buy Indian Act. This form is to be submitted in response to a Sources Sought Notice, Request for Information (RFI), or Solicitation.

• Eligibility Requirements: Offerors must meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" at the time of offer, contract award, and throughout the contract performance period. Immediate notification to the Contracting Officer is required if eligibility is lost.
• Documentation: Contracting Officers may request documentation of eligibility before awarding contracts under the Buy Indian Act.
• Registration: Successful Offerors must be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM).
• Representation Section: Offerors must indicate whether they meet the definition of an "Indian Economic Enterprise" with "Indian Ownership."
• Required Fields: Name of Federally Recognized Tribal Entity, Name of the 51% owner of IEE Firm, Business Name, DUNS Number, Certifying Signature, and Print Name.

This form is critical for any bidder intending to participate in opportunities designated for or influenced by the Buy Indian Act. Bidders must accurately complete this self-certification to demonstrate their eligibility. Failure to meet these requirements or provide false information can lead to penalties and disqualification.