Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant Staffing

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation.

• Incumbent Contractor Information: The government clarified that there is no current contract in place for this requirement, indicating it is a new requirement.
• Proof of Insurance Submission: Clarified that proof of indemnification and medical liability insurance should be submitted "Upon proposal" (as per Section 6.1.1) and that evidence of general liability insurance is required "prior to award" (as per Section C.10). The government further clarified that proof of insurance should be submitted within the quote and within Volume 1 (Technical).

This amendment clarifies submission requirements for proof of insurance, specifying it should be included in both the quote and the technical volume of the proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (CTPA) Services to be provided on-site at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SFVAHCS). The services are required to support cardiothoracic surgeries and related procedures.

• Provide 1.0 FTE Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant.

• Services to be performed two days per week, for 6 hours per day.

• Critical services include: endoscopic radial and saphenous vein harvesting (>100 documented procedures), ultrasound-guided arterial and venous access for central line placement, chest tube and pigtail insertion/removal, Swan-Ganz catheter removal, pacing wire removal, cardioversion, first and second assistant in cardiothoracic surgery (operating room), and bedside assistant for robotic procedures.

• Contractor personnel must possess current licenses, certifications, and meet specific technical proficiencies.

• Adherence to VA Directives, Handbooks, and policies related to healthcare, credentialing, and patient care.

• Contract Period of Performance: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031 (Base Year + 4 Option Years).

• NAICS Code: 561320 (Temporary Help Services).

• Size Standard: $34 Million.

• Offerors must submit quotes electronically via email to cynthia.diezel@va.gov.

• Quotes must be submitted in PDF format, readable by Microsoft Office or Adobe PDF, and limited to 5MB per email.

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required.

• Questions must be submitted via email no later than seven (7) business days prior to the quote due date.

• Evaluation will be based on technical capability, past performance, and price, with a comparative evaluation to determine the best offer.

• The Government reserves the right to consider quotes offering more than the minimum requirements.

• Offerors are encouraged to submit their best technical and pricing quote in their initial submission.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and VAAR clauses covering contract administration, security, personnel vetting, quality assurance, reporting, and other requirements.

• Specific training, testing, and certification requirements are detailed for CTPA personnel.

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines detailed responsibilities and standards of care.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a certification required for contractors to comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended. It ensures that contractors will not knowingly employ illegal aliens or foreign nationals who are in violation of their visa status while performing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Compliance: Contractors must adhere to all legal provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and related laws enforced by Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Prohibition: Contractors shall not knowingly employ, contract, or subcontract with illegal aliens or non-immigrant foreign nationals who are not maintaining their legal status in the U.S.
• E-Verify: Contractors must comply with "E-Verify" requirements consistent with "Executive Order 12989" and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply may result in the VA prohibiting the non-compliant foreign national from working on VA contracts and may be grounds for contract termination due to breach.
• Subcontractor Certification: Contractors must obtain similar certifications from their subcontractors.
• Certification Fields: The form includes spaces for signature, date, typed name and title, and company name.
• False Certification Penalty: A warning is included stating that false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may subject the maker to prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

Bidders must understand and be prepared to complete and sign this certification. It signifies a commitment to legal employment practices related to foreign nationals working on VA contracts. Failure to comply with these immigration and nationality laws can have serious consequences, including contract termination.

Wage Determination

This document is a Wage Determination (WD) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing contract work in specific geographic areas.

• Geographic Area: The determination covers the Counties of San Francisco and San Mateo in California.
• Occupational Listings: It provides a comprehensive list of occupations, each with a corresponding code, title, and minimum hourly wage rate. These range from administrative and clerical roles to various skilled trades and technical occupations.
• Fringe Benefits: All listed occupations receive specific fringe benefits, detailed as follows:
  • Health & Welfare: $5.55 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, or $222.00 per week or $962.00 per month.
  • Health & Welfare (EO 13706): $5.09 per hour, up to 40 hours per week, or $203.60 per week, or $882.27 per month (applicable to contracts covered by Executive Order 13706).
• Executive Orders:
  • EO 13706 (Paid Sick Leave): Applies to contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2017. Contractors must provide 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually, for employee illness, injury, or preventive care, and for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
  • EO 13658 (Minimum Wage): Generally applies to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022 (and not renewed/extended after Jan 30, 2022). Contractors must pay covered workers at least $13.30 per hour (or the applicable wage determination rate, if higher) for hours worked in 2025. This rate is adjusted annually.
• Specific Occupation Notes:
  • Janitor: The listed rate applies only to San Mateo County. A separate WD (1974-1257) is referenced for San Francisco County.
  • Computer Employees: The determination may not apply to bona fide executive, administrative, or professional computer employees as defined by regulations.
• Vacation: 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year of service, 3 weeks after 5 years, and 4 weeks after 12 years.
• Holidays: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year are required.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for contractors to request classification and wage rates for occupations not listed in the determination.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant (CTPA) services to beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the San Francisco Health Care System (SFVAHCS).

• Services Provided: On-site CTPA services including, but not limited to:

  • Endoscopic radial and saphenous vein harvesting (>100 procedures each required)
  • Ultrasound-guided arterial and venous access for central line placement
  • Chest tube and pigtail insertion/removal
  • Swan-Ganz catheter insertion/removal
  • Pacing wire removal
  • Cardioversion
  • First and second assistant in cardiothoracic surgery (OR)
  • Bedside assistant for robotic procedures

• Place of Performance: San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 4150 Clement Street, SF, CA 94121.

• Contractor performance will be monitored via a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Key performance measures include Provider Quality Performance (OPPE), Qualifications of Key Personnel, Scope of Practice/Privileging, Patient Access, Patient Safety, Licensing/Registration/Certification, and Mandatory Training.

• Specific acceptable quality levels (AQLs) are defined for each measure.

• Deductions may be applied for failure to meet AQLs.

• Contractor must register with CPARS.

• Services required 2 days per week, 6 hours per day.

• No off-hours coverage required.

• Performance occurs at the SFVAHCS.

• Qualifications: CTPAs must possess full, unrestricted licenses, board certification, and documented experience. Specific procedural experience requirements are detailed.

• Training: Mandatory training includes Prevention of Workplace Harassment, VA Privacy and Information Security Awareness, and VHA Privacy and HIPAA Training. ACLS and BLS certifications are also required.

• Testing: Proof of negative TB testing, immunity for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Tdap vaccination are required.

• Medical Records: Compliance with HIPAA and VA regulations for medical record documentation and release of information is mandatory.

• Security: Contractors must comply with VA information security and privacy requirements, including PIV access and training.

• Conflict of Interest: Contractors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

• Citizenship: Compliance with immigration and nationality laws is required.

• OIG Exclusions: Contractors must ensure proposed CTPAs are not on the HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.

• Insurance: Professional liability insurance is required.

• Reporting: Monthly reports summarizing services rendered and procedures performed are required.

• Billing: Invoices must be submitted electronically via Tungsten, with specific supporting documentation required.

Sources Sought Announcement

This is a Sources Sought Announcement only; no solicitation is currently available. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 21 is seeking information from contractors capable of providing Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant services for the VA San Francisco Health Care Service (VASFHCS). The information gathered will help the Government determine its procurement strategy.

• Provide Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant services.

• A draft Statement of Work (SOW) is attached for reference.

• Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• SDVOSB and VOSB firms must be registered and verified.

• The NAICS Code is 561320 (Temporary Help Services) with a size standard of $34 Million.

• The anticipated contract structure includes 5 option years.

• A draft SOW indicates services may involve approximately 624 hours per year for each of the 5 option years.

• Response Deadline: Email responses to Cynthia.Diezel@va.gov by Monday, April 13, 2026, 10:00 AM PST.

• Required Information:

  • Company’s Socioeconomic Status (Small Business, Large Business, SDVOSB, VOSB, etc.).
  • If SDVOSB or VOSB, SBA registration status.
  • Company legal name and Unique Entity ID (SAM).
  • Primary point of contact (phone and email).
  • Capabilities Statement.
  • Description of experience providing Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant services.
  • List of similar Government and Commercial projects.
  • Responses to specific questions regarding prime performance vs. subcontracting (Limitations on Subcontracting requirements apply per FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-27).
  • GSA Contract Number (if applicable).
  • Completed price estimate for 5 Option Years (attached).

• Failure to provide requested information will be considered non-responsive.

• This announcement is to gauge contractor capability and will inform the Government's business type decision. Specific set-aside information is not provided at this stage.

• All information submitted is preliminary and subject to modification.

• The Government will not pay for information submitted.

• This is not a solicitation or a commitment to award a contract.