Q--Intent to Sole Source: Cosultation & SUpport Services - Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Ingrastructure Program Design

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE This is a notice of intent to proceed with a sole source requirement above the simplified acquisition threshold. The contractor is B&F Consulting. This procurement if for the acquisition of nursing and veteran centric consulting services for the Department of Veteran Affairs Central Offices (VACO) Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC), Community Living Center s (CLC). The purpose of this effort is the completion of the current nationwide implementation of the Bright Spots Program at CLCs across the nation. The resulting acquisition will result in a quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) infrastructure to support the VA Central Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care (VACO GEC) vision for system-wide improvement in staff engagement, Veteran experience, resident-centered care, and quality outcomes through the CLC s Ongoing National Center for Enhancing Resources and Training (CONCERT). B&F Consulting were key participants in the preparatory pilot project that

resulted in the current nationwide implementation of the Bright Spots Program. In the six-month preparatory project, B&F Consulting served as key consulting partners on the use of the Leadership Development for Staff Engagement in Individualizing Care method that they developed called B&F Method . The nationwide implementation was the B&F Method. The implementation began in 2018-2019 and will resume and conclude in 2021. This period of performance will include a 12-month base period with one 12-month option periods. To meet the agency s ongoing need, the continued services of B&F Consulting are critical to the conclusion of 100% national implementation at CLCs and with headquarters program management director and staff. The resulting acquisition will secure assisted living, CLC nursing / non nursing staff, and program management staff consultation and implementation services that builds upon, supports, maintains, integrates, and extends the CONCERT work that was begun during FY17 and expanded and continued through FY18-19 by VACO GEC. Providing operational support for VACO GEC s CLC Program Office for the Bright Spot Program. They will provide headquarter consultation to the project team leaders and to the CONCERT Program Staff; provide consultation in the development in strategic planning; and work with project team leaders, CLC staff, to include nursing and non-nursing staff to assist in reinforcing information implemented in 2017-2019. This acquisition is expected to yield the creation of a high-functioning, relationship-based CLC staff and teaming processes across the enterprise; further improving staff effectiveness, efficiency, morale and refining focus and skill towards resident-centered care, thereby improving the Veteran experience. These services will be critical toward the completion of this community outreach program, expected to be completed within the next 18-24 months. Due to the unique level of involvement throughout the life of this program and their intrinsic knowledge and understanding of this requirement, B&F is the only vendor capable of executing these services without causing the government to expend time consuming delays, training on the programs, analysis of the implementation capabilities of the vendor, monies, and staffing resources required to properly position a new vendor to effectively pick-up where B&F consulting would exit the program. Continuity of B&F services is vital to completing the program in a timely and expeditious manner, ensuring national standards, and without creating additional Government burden and delaying veteran centric engagement / experience. Services to be provided are as follows: Provide ongoing guidance, material documentation development and maintenance, training, and support in maintaining the CONCERT activities that were set in motion FY17-FY19 through Vendor ongoing CONCERT team participation (mentoring and advising team regarding strategic planning, maintenance material development, and the team s roles as site support personnel for all the CLCs). Provide ongoing CLC veteran centric guidance and support to VACO GEC CLC Program Office regarding integrating/coordinating the CONCERT program efforts with: CLC Compare ratings, CLC surveys, CLC QAPI, MDS and other CLC field requirements, VACO GEC CLC Program Office technical support site visits, and other CLC-related VACO programs outside VACO GEC CLC Program Office (e.g., those in Office of Mental Health and Office of Nursing). Development and delivery of CONCERT Learning Intensive training and CONCERT team guidance and support for the CONCERT Learning Intensive site support Plan, development, lead and carry-out delivery of 2-day workshops at CLCs nationwide for the QMOs and GEC leads on CONCERT and Bright Spots using the B&F model. Consultation, development and delivery of CLC restorative nursing topics, Minimum Data Set (MDS) training, and Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) and impact of nurse staffing model. The Government intends to negotiate with only one source as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. B&F Consulting is a responsible and capable vendor, capable of providing services that meet the unique set of circumstances that VA GEC and CLC program and facility are currently undergoing. Vendors that believe they can meet these requirements in the future may respond to this notice. The response should contain a brief description of the vendor's capability. Please also include the socioeconomic status and size of your business (large or small) and a copy of your Capability Statement. Any vendor who wishes to submit information for this requirement should email their information to the attention of Marlon Nibbs at Marlon.Nibbs@va.gov by 1300 EST, 15 September 2019. Only email submissions will be accepted. Contracting Office Address: Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC) 10300 Spotsylvania Avenue Suite 400 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Primary Point of Contact: Marlon Nibbs Marlon.Nibbs@va.gov