STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENT
1. Background
Mental Health Staff and Community Workers are Required to travel frequently throughout the community which increases the risk of encountering situations that places them at risk for harm (Bussing & Hoge, 2004). Civil unrest, violence in a home environment or entering environments where other VA staff or police are not present increases the likelihood of delayed awareness when a staff member is harmed or in danger. Staff are dependent on the ability to grab a VA issued smart phone, unlock the phone and then dial 911 while trying to flee from an unsafe situation. The SoloProtect device allows staff to push button on device which is located on lanyard or on a badge holder on the outside of their shirt. The silent alarm does not emit an audible signal which prevents others from being aware that help was activated and does not further escalate the situation. The monitoring company will listen in and call for help when signs of struggles, distress or silence is detected.
With expanding demand for increased in-home care, little research and evidence is available that demonstrates proven techniques to increase personal safety. KCVA and Community Worker programs currently report to various service lines and information on safety events is not well known outside of individual programs. The KCVA is comprised of front-line staff and leadership representation. This committee is working towards standardization of processes, policies and safety precautions.
2. Scope
KCVA is requesting contractors provide specific equipment due to the listed salient characteristics in this section that meets the safety requirements of home care and community worker programs.
A Base plus 4-Year Option.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Equipment must have the physical characteristics needed for utilization with SoloProtect device. The implementation of safety device for lone workers in the community will have far reaching implications for direct care staff. This project impacts multiple services that will experience increased staff satisfaction related to enhanced personal safety. There may be an opportunity to use data to better understand the number of safety events occurring on an on-going basis.
FUNCTIONAL AND PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS: Equipment must provide the following functional and performance capability based on evidenced based research on personal safety standards, using recommendations from home care and emergency management experts, and endorsed by local end-users. Additional function, performance and salient characteristics include:
• Must come with 24/7/365 monitoring.
• Check-in/Check-out feature.
• Incapacitation/Man-Down detection.
• Silent notification signal.
• GPS/GNS dual signal detection and reporting.
• Badge holder appearance to the public.
• Immediate notification to emergency services.
• Escalation notification to VHA when safety alert sent or man-down detected.
• Ongoing customer support.
SPECIFIC NEED/SALIENT CHARACTERISTIC’S:
Manufacturer: SoloProtect
Model Number(s): SoloProtect ID with lanyard and clip
PERFORMANCE MONITORING: SoloProtect safety device will operate on charge and allow for GPS/GNS location detection when powered on.
PLACE OF DELIVERY AND PERFORMANCE: Kansas City Veteran Medical Center, 4801 East Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64128.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE: All Items to be delivered within 30 days of purchase order processing and order placement.
WARRANTY OF EQUIPMENT: Contractor must provide any manufacturer(s) warranty on devices. Picture of manufacturer SoloProtect ID.
• SoloProtect, LLC shall provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with fifty-one (51) 977 Touch Badge ID devices to include the following:
o Check In/Check Out
o Man-Down (Incapacitation)
o Monthly Monitoring
• The Department of Veterans Affairs employees who depart the VA will return the device to supervisor and/or Management and Program Assistant (MAPA)
