1. Responses to this Sources Sought must be in writing. The purpose of this Sources Sought Announcement is for market research purposes only, to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of Small Businesses, Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), including Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), interested and capable of providing Electrocardiograph Technician (ECG) Staffing Services, per paragraph five (5) below, for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS). 2. The NAICS for this requirement is 561320, Temporary Help Services. The product service code is Q502, Medical Cardiology. 3. Interested and capable Contractors shall respond to this notice no later than August 1, 2024 10:00 AM PST by providing the following via email only to solly.kim@va.gov. (a) company name (b) address (c) point of contact (d) phone and email of primary point of contact (e) UEI number (f) A capability statement that addresses the organization s qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor specifically for the work described in paragraph 5 below. Respondents are also encouraged to provide specific examples (e.g. contract number, point of contact information) of the Contractor s experience providing the same or similar services described in paragraph 5 below. (g) If your company possess a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract that offers a SIN for this category of services, please identify your FSS contract number. 4. SDVOSB/VOSB respondents. SDVOSB/VOSB respondents are encouraged to provide proof of registration in the Veteran Information Pages at https://www.va.gov/osdbu/. Further, SDVOSB and VOSB Contractors are asked to acknowledge that they understand the limitations on sub-contracting pursuant to FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Sub-Contracting, which will be included in the impending solicitation. 5. REQUIREMENT: 5.1 BACKGROUND Contractor shall provide two (2) Electrocardiograph Technicians, to support existing staff, on an as needed basis, at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073. 5.2 WORK HOURS Contract Electrocardiograph Technicians normal tour of duty of 8 hours per day is from 0730 to 1600 Monday through Friday. All holidays are observed. Lunch or dinner meal periods: Each Contractor employee that works an 8-hours shift shall be entitled to two 15 minutes break and one 30 minutes meal break. Tours of duty are not to exceed 40 hours per week. 5.3 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Electrocardiograph Technicians shall: Be assigned to the VA Medical Center located in West Los Angeles or the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Clinic, serving both inpatient and outpatient veteran populations. Operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving resting ECG, exercise stress testing, and ambulatory ECG monitoring of arrhythmias on both inpatients and outpatients. Carry a pager in line with ECG Tech duties; responds to pages immediately; communicates the needs of ECG support to team members. ECG Techs may be called to provide ECG service on both outpatients and inpatients in West Los Angeles and/or in the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care clinic. Evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results and communicate with physician of any abnormal or questionable results. Adapt equipment and accessories as necessary to fit patient needs and provide safe, comfortable care. Protect patient health information (PHI) in accordance with local policy and HIPAA privacy laws. Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate using electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and notify the provider if something appears abnormal. Explain testing procedures to patients to obtain cooperation and reduce anxiety. Observe gauges, recorder, and video screens of data analysis system during imaging of cardiovascular system. Monitor patients' comfort and safety during tests, alerting providers to abnormalities or changes in patient responses. Obtain and record patient identification, medical history, or test results. Attach electrodes to the patients' chests, arms, and legs, connect electrodes to leads from the electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, and operate the ECG machine to obtain a reading. Adjust equipment and controls according to provider s orders or established protocol. Prepare and position patients for testing. Check, test, and maintain cardiology equipment, making minor repairs to ensure proper operation and inform Biomedical Engineering, when necessary Possess customer service abilities including effective, active listening and be familiar with patient-centered care principles and practices and implement such methodologies into daily practices. 5.4 QUALIFICATIONS Competency requirements are defined in paragraph 4, Duties and Responsibilities, and the criteria below. Only personnel approved by VAGLAHS shall be allowed to perform under this contract. Electrocardiograph Technicians shall meet the following qualifying criteria: Must be able to operate instruments used to record electrocardiograms and exercise tolerance tests, and support ambulatory ECG monitoring. Must be knowledgeable of typical patient reactions and signs of medical/physical/ psychological distress including ability to recognize report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. Must be knowledgeable of common ECG equipment settings and standardized operating procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures. Must have ability to demonstrate proper ECG lead placement. Must have knowledge of medical terminology. Must have ability to modify procedure/lead positioning to obtain correct results with patients with complicated conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, and structural defects (e.g. scarred tissue). Experienced in Operation Monitoring Watches gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Must have basic computer skills. Must be knowledgeable with Microsoft Office Software (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook). 6. The intended contract period will be for a 12-month contract with the period of performance anticipated to be from September 1, 2024 August 31, 2025. 7. Please note that if VA s pending market research establishes that two or more VOSB or SDVOSB, who are certified in SBA VetCert can perform the required services, the VA will set aside the underlying solicitation per 38 U.S.C. §8127.
