The Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center is conducting this Sources Sought to identify contractors who possess capabilities to provide the services described in the Statement of Work below. As permitted by the FAR Part 10, this is a market research tool being utilized for the informational and planning purposes. Your responses will assist the Government in the development of its acquisition strategy. Response is strictly voluntary it is not mandatory to submit a response to this notice to participate in formal RFQ process that may take place in the future. However, it should be noted that information gathered through this notice may significantly influence our acquisition strategy. All interested parties will be required to respond separately to any solicitation posted as a result of this sources sought notice. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. We appreciate your interest and thank you in advance for responding to the sources sought. This service will be implemented using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 611692. If a small business is interested in this procurement, they must provide at least 51 percent of the services rendered. NOTES All Capability Statements/Responses to this Sources Sought Notice shall be submitted via email only to
[email protected]. Telephone, Fax, or any other form of communication inquiries will not be reviewed or accepted. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice must be received no later than January 4, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). This Sources Sought Notice may or may not assist the VA in determining sources only. A solicitation is not currently available. If a solicitation is issued, it may or may not be announced at a later date, and all interested parties shall respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this Sources Sought Notice. DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked a proprietary will be handled accordingly in accordance with (IAW) Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), RFIs may be used when the Government does not presently intend to award a contract, but wants to obtain price, delivery, other market information, or capabilities for planning purposes. Responses to these notices are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses incurred associated with responding to this RFI. Statement of Work Driver Rehabilitation Training The Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is seeking to procure an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for driver rehabilitation services to cover a five-year period. Definition Driver rehabilitation for the disabled, within the Department of Veterans Affairs is designed to provide professional evaluation and instruction for eligible veterans in the safe, competent utilization of special add on equipment, and mastery of specific skills and techniques to effectively drive a motor vehicle, independently, and in accordance with State Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) regulations. The following objectives shall be accomplished: The patient will acquire specific knowledge in all areas of the driver training course including didactic theory and practical experience. Psychomotor improvements in handling segments of the driver training task will be noted by comparison of function before and after completion of the training course The patient will maximize independence in all aspects of driving Supporting adaptive equipment will enable patients to mainstream themselves into society. Staff Qualifications It is required that at least one contract driver rehabilitation specialist in the organization be licensed, registered or certified by their professional organization. All specialists must have a minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree in adapted physical education, kinesiotherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy or a specifically related rehabilitation therapy area. Completion of the National Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Examination is preferred. Components of Driver Training Services Pre-driving Testing Evaluation will be completed on all patients and will be comprised of the following components: Vision evaluation-evaluate visual acuity, field of vision, depth perception, glare recovery and reaction time. Basic perceptual testing Functional muscle testing Range of motion of all extremities Coordination testing Hearing (subjective) Sitting tolerance Activity tolerance and susceptibility to fatigue Spasticity Precautions to be taken for patient without bowel and/or bladder control Upon completion of the Driving Evaluation, the contractor shall report the recommended driver training services to the Contracting Officer s Representation (COR) at the appropriate facility site for review and/or approval of the recommended driver training services for the referred veteran. Adapted Driver Training Shall include the following activities: Transfer to and from conveyance Stowage and retrieval of wheelchair or ambulatory aid Orientation to vehicles controls Proper body positioning and alignment Mirror references, including blind spot checks and tests Passenger responsibility (for example; seat belts, door locks) Pre-driving checks, including external considerations (for example; lights, tire pressure), and internal (for example, gas supply) Starting and stopping the vehicle Right and left turns, U-turns and 3 point turnabouts Centrifugal forces Backing up Parking, parallel parking Lane changes Emotional stability behind the wheel Hill driving, uphill and downhill parking Passing other vehicles Hazardous driving situation (i.e. inclement weather, brake failure, flat tire, stuck accelerator) Changing traffic flows Pedestrian hazards Freeway entry and exit Night driving Vehicle Needs Assessment: Adapted Equipment Evaluation -evaluate the need for assistive devices, equipment adaptations and vehicle modification. A copy of all evaluations will be provided to the COR for inclusion in their files. Vehicle Inspection -inspect vehicle after modification to insure that equipment was properly installed and the patient can operate the adaptations. A copy of all evaluations will be provided to the Contracting Officer s Technical Representative for inclusion in their files. Vehicle Consultation and Selection- assist the patient in the selection of an appropriate vehicle that best suits the needs of the particular patient. Equipment Qualifications Adaptive Equipment for driver rehabilitation training shall include the following: Hand controls (reversible with optional dimmer switch & horn button) Ignition key adapter Dimmer switch on steering column Transfer bar inside (portable) Steering devices (spinner knob, V-grip, tri-pin, and amputee ring) Assorted seat belts Panavision rear view mirrors Parking break extension Left-foot gas pedal Right-Turn signal adapter Shift lever extension Spinner mount receivers for various assistive devices Driver training sign Slide boards-varied designs Instructor rear view mirror Instructor eye-check mirror Van Modification and Adaptive Equipment. Van modification and adaptive equipment shall include: Power doors and switches in the steering area and right rear fender; A side-mount lift and/or side-ramp system; A dropped-floor with leveling and appropriate wheelchair flooring; A raised roof with structural support and insulation (a full-size van must have, in addition, a headliner); A removable 6-way power transfer seat base; An occupant-restraint system with wheelchair tie-down system in the driver station; An occupant-restraint system with wheelchair tie-down in the passenger area; A variable steering and braking system with backup; An extended-steering column, as applicable; A key extension; An electric emergency brake; A dual back-up battery system; Hand control (reversible) with dimmer switch and horn button; Spinner mount receivers for various assistive devices; Steering devices such as: spinner knob, v-grip, tri-pin, and amputee ring; An instructor and/or dual steering system for high-tech driving systems; An instructor and/or dual braking system; A turn signal extension; A gear shift extension; A secondary control system for high-tech driving systems, e.g., touch-pad, voice-activated system, etc.; An instructor rear-view mirror; and An instructor eye-check mirror Maintenance and Safety. Routine maintenance and weekly safety checks of all adaptive equipment shall be scheduled and documented. Clinical Evaluation for Adaptive Equipment: The following areas of clinical evaluation are defined: Vision. Portable vision devices provide an evaluation of certain vision factors necessary to perform a safe driving task. Equipment must be available to measure the following: visual acuity, color perception, field of vision, depth perception, glare recovery, and night vision. Reaction Time. A device is used to measure reaction time from acceleration to braking. Cognitive and Perceptional Screening. In screening of basic cognitive and perceptional motor materials, identification and/or verification of a potential problem must be referred to the appropriate professional for a more in-depth evaluation. Neuromotor Assessment. This is a physical assessment of range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, and endurance. Evaluations Types of Disabilities that are treated in the VA Driver Rehabilitation Program: Paraplegia; Tetraplegia; Brain dysfunction; Hemiplegia; Neurological disorders; Amputation, i.e., upper and lower extremities; Orthopedic problems; Psychiatric disorders; Disabilities associated with aging. Pre-driving Assessment and Evaluation: The Driver Rehabilitation Specialist shall address the following areas as part of the initial assessment and evaluation: Initial Contact. Have the initial contact with patient (driver rehabilitation candidate) in an interview atmosphere. VA Form 10-9028, Driver Training Functional Evaluation Record. Prepare patient s VA Form 10-9028, for each patient s continual use throughout training period. History. Obtain from patient the history of the patient s driving record, including any citations, accidents, or suspensions. Medical Clearance. Inform patient of steps to be taken to obtain medical clearance, if such is required from the State medical authority. Pre-driving Testing: Visual acuity, depth-perception, color-vision, peripheral-vision, night acuity, and glare recovery (tests may be administered by use of visual screening tools) Functional muscle testing. Basic perceptual test (e.g., dynamic figure-ground). Range of motion of all extremities, plus neck, if feasible. If lower extremities are non-functional, emphasis on exactness of upper extremity range of motion becomes greater. Coordination testing. Hearing (subjective). Balance (static and dynamic). Activity tolerance and susceptibility to fatigue. Spasticity. Bowel or bladder control. Reaction time, i.e., response time from accelerator to brake. Sensation and proprioception. Functional activities of daily living (ADL). Educational training Verification of Driver s license On Road Testing: Pre-Driving Skills Knowledge of controls (turn signals, etc.) Basic Driving Skills (low traffic area) Complex Driving Skills (high traffic area) Reaction time in real-world situations Navigation skills Parking skills Overall driving skills Scheduling & Documentation: COR will contact contractor when consult for driver rehabilitation training is ordered. Veteran will be scheduled by contractor within seven days of referral. Training will be completed within 14 days of contractor s initial contact with veteran unless, veteran prefers a later time. Contractor will attempt to schedule the Veteran within 7 days of referral, based on Veteran availability. In some cases, contractor is required to see the patient at the Clarksburg VAMC. Under some circumstances, the contractor may be required to go to the veteran s home for the evaluation if the veteran is unable to drive to the Clarksburg VAMC.