The Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Caribbean Health Care System (VACHS), is issuing this combined synopsis/solicitation for a commercial item prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.102 (c). The announcement constitutes the only solicitation; Proposals are being requested. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 923140. *****The contractor may be any for-profit or non-profit organization that has demonstrated expertise and experience in the provision of assistance and training to Veterans in readjustment and transition assistance that is preemptive, proactive, and principle-centered**** ***Contractor must be locally based in Puerto Rico in order to perform the requirements on this procurement**** The contractor will provide all plant, labor, materials, and equipment necessary to provide readjustment and transition assistance necessary for the soldiers , sailors, and airmen of the National Guard, Reserves, and active duty such as: Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, etc., in the Island of Puerto Rico to receive the highest level of service and benefits available to the combat Veteran in coping with the challenges associated with making the transition from military to civilian life. The services and deliverables as required in the Scope of work of the Solicitation shall be carried out in close coordination with the San Juan Vet Center. These services are intended to have a significant positive impact on the lives of these combat Veterans. The contractor will be required to interact with Military, Reserve, National Guard, Community Agencies, and Service Organizations as well as Vet Center staff. Basic policies and procedures are outlined in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Manual M-12, “Readjustment Counseling Service Vet Centers,� Part I & II, VA Handbook 5021, and the Vet Center Policy Manual. This provides overall direction at the Vet Centers. However, due to the nature of the services and the unique considerations of the Veterans of Puerto Rico, the contractor may be required to develop additional procedures. Public Law 110-387, Section 302 requires VA to conduct a three (3) year pilot program, in coordination with the Vet Center program, to provide readjustment services and transition assistance in helping Veterans and families cope with the challenges associated with the transition from military to civilian life. VA plans to implement this program as a natural extension of the Vet Center’s mission to promote access and early intervention through outreach and preventive education. The program will target rural and minority combat Veterans within the Island of Puerto Rico at greater risk due to geographical and cultural barriers to access. The primary objective of this program is to assist combat Veterans within the Island of Puerto Rico for National Guard, Reserve, and active duty, to overcome obstacles for care through provision of Veteran peer services that are culturally competent. The period of performance of this pilot program shall be for three years. one (1) base year plus two (2) one year option periods from the date of award. Please refer to the solicitation packet attached for complete information. Interested Oferrors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database to be considered for Award. Vendors may register with CCR by calling 1-888-227-2423 or (269) 961-5757, or by accessing www.ccr.gov. In addition, all before award offerors must also have a completed, Offeror Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) as per FAR provision 52.212-3. VA Caribbean Health Care System (VACHS) intends to award a Performance Based Contract firm-fixed price agreement. The proposals will be evaluated to determine which proposal provides the Best Value to the Government. Evaluation and award will be made on the basis of the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable source selection process, as per FAR part 15.101-2. All offerors shall comply with the evaluation factors stated in this solicitation. All offerors shall submit a proposal in accordance with the Statement of Work. *** Responses will be due on 10/15/2010 4:00 PM EST. *** Proposals submitted in response to this notice; shall include the solicitation number in the subject line shall be duly signed, dated and submitted via email to
[email protected]. Hard copy solicitations will not be furnished. Proposals will not be accepted through electronic mail. All proposals shall be delivered in hardcopy form to the Contracting Office Address stated below. No telephone requests will be accepted. Questions regarding this solicitation notice can be e-mailed to the attention of Victoria Robles at
[email protected].