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SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Contracted Residential Services (CRS) - Medical Respite (MR) Care Services Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital The Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC), on behalf of the Edward Hines,... SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Contracted Residential Services (CRS) - Medical Respite (MR) Care Services Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital The Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC), on behalf of the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital (Hines VA) located at 5000 S. 5th Avenue, Hines, IL 60141-3030, is seeking services for Contracted Residential Services (CRS) - Medical Respite (MR) Care Services. Contractor shall provide a clean, comfortable, sober, private, safe, and secure environment of care that is accessible to Veterans admitted in the Medical Respite Program 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and a facility that meets the conditions listed below. The facility must be within the Hines VA catchment area in order to be considered for a contract. The goal is to seek quality Medical Respite Care and housing services for the most vulnerable and at-risk homeless Veterans and provide a safe, healthy, and secure setting to promote their recuperative care goals and discharge them to permanent housing. Services will be provided to VHA healthcare-eligible Veterans who may be discharging from the VA or preparing for planned medical procedures, requiring stabilization prior to and after hospitalization. The Contractor shall provide a low-barrier therapeutic and rehabilitative milieu and attendant services to address medical rehabilitation, while targeting the underlying factors contributing to homelessness. The Contractor shall not provide detoxification or other acute level treatment. Hines VA sees a need for short-term respite care for Veterans experiencing homelessness for quicker recovery from minor ailment(s) or injuries. The goal is to prevent from worsening symptoms and/or rehospitalization as a result of being street homeless. For the purpose of this solicitation, respite is defined as short-term care that allows Veterans experiencing homelessness the opportunity to rest in a safe environment to recuperate while accessing medical care and other supportive services. Medical Recuperative Care Program is not a substitute for long-term care or skilled-nursing care. Contractor shall maintain site control of the housing facility through ownership or valid lease during the entire contract performance period. Contractor facility must conform to the requirements for all applicable local, State, or Federal licensing standards for residential board and care type occupancies or for the type of setting designated by local fire safety officials. The physical building must conform to the standards in the general chapters of the latest edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard No. 101, Life Safety Code referenced at https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=101 in effect on the date of contract award. It is important to note that typically the Life Safety Code is more stringent than local or state codes. No additional funds will be made available for Capital Improvements.    Contractor facility shall be licensed as required for the particular setting under State or Federal authority, and shall meet all applicable local, state, and federal requirements concerning licensing and health codes. Accreditation by Joint Commission, CARF, or COA is evidence of contractor s internal quality assurance mechanisms and is desirable but not required.  Contractor shall ensure that the facility meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for accessible accommodations for Veterans with physical limitations or impairments. This is also referred to as Architectural Barriers Act compliance. At least 5% 7% of a facility s HCHV Contracted Residential Care beds shall meet ADA accessibility requirements including entrances/exits, bathroom facilities, and common areas. For example, if a Contractor has 14 beds for the Medical Respite Program in the facility, 1 to 2 of those beds shall be accessible to Veterans with physical limitations or impairments. Veterans with physical disabilities shall not be segregated from the rest of the facility population; they must have full access to the physical facility as well as to the services and facility activities. Structurally sound facility that does not pose any threat to the health and safety of the occupants and protects them from the elements. Facility entries and exit locations that are capable of being utilized without unauthorized use and provide an alternate means of egress in case of fire.  Each resident is provided an acceptable room or space to sleep that complies with appropriate local, state, and Federal codes and regulations, and is free from contaminations and/or pests, insects, or vermin. Precautions from Infectious Diseases should be considered in general sleeping areas should be considered as a requirement. All rooms or spaces are ventilated either naturally or mechanically. The air shall be free of pollutants at levels that threaten the health of residents. Water supply is free from contamination and heating and/or cooling equipment is in proper operating condition to maintain safe temperatures. Natural and/or artificial illumination is adequate to permit normal indoor activities and to support the health and safety of residents.  Sanitary facilities are in sufficient number, in proper operational order, and in an acceptable sanitary condition; may be used in private; and are adequate for personal cleanliness and the disposal of human waste. Preventative measures, such as frequent use of 60% or greater alcohol-based sanitizers, increased cleaning of surfaces (ex: workstations) and communal areas, should be in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Sufficient electrical sources are available to permit use of small electrical devices while assuring safety from fire.  Housing facilities and equipment are maintained in a sanitary manner free from pests, insects and vermin.  Designated on-site private office space must be available for the Hines HCHV CRS Coordinator or Designee. The office space shall afford the Hines HCHV CRS Coordinator or Designee and Veterans privacy and confidentiality when meeting.  Functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) shall be available on-site at all times and contractor staff shall have the knowledge and ability to operate the device. Internal and external safety and security methods and procedures must be addressed minimally by the provision of:  Security staff or system on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   Secured, monitored entry into the facility. Operational cameras in common areas and at the entrance for better monitoring, especially at night. Sufficient lighting outdoors and around external perimeter of the facility.   Contractor shall provide an environment that supports the safety, security, and privacy of all Veterans. All Male and Female Veterans shall have separate accommodations for bathroom facilities to ensure an acceptable level of privacy for personal hygiene and grooming. Female residential rooms or sections shall be securely segregated or restricted from men to ensure safety and privacy. Privacy and confidentiality dictate that staff may not share any information about one patient with another without express permission. Residents should also sleep head-to-toe and use temporary barriers between beds, when possible.   Contractor must be able to show evidence that food is prepared, served, and stored under sanitary conditions. Sanitary procedures shall be established and maintained for washing dishes, cleaning equipment and work areas, and for proper waste disposal. Personnel responsible for food preparation, serving and storing food shall have either a license or other comparable certification to perform these duties.       SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED  I. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The contractor shall provide sufficient facilities to accommodate Veterans with residential placement which will involve:  Sufficient staff in number and position with the qualifications necessary to carry out the policies, responsibilities and programs of the facility. Qualified staff to implement recuperative care model such as Nurses on-site for no less than 35 hours per week. Additional hours may be necessary, commensurate with the needs of each Veteran. Safe, secure, housing that includes laundry, kitchen, activity room and restroom facilities that can accommodate gender and use of common areas Same day placements  Three meals a day including snacks which include alternative food for Veterans and dietary restrictions Linkage to Permanent and Transitional housing with the ability to step up or down Veteran s level of care Enhancement of independent living skills  Medical Services and oversight to include assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Harm Reduction Intervention and Housing First approach Staff member available 24 hours/7 days per week who is capable of medication management and education.  Case management services on-site for no less than 35 hours per week. Additional hours may be necessary, commensurate with the needs of each Veteran. Mental Health Services provider is available for assessment and provision of interventions, referrals, and monitoring of mental health conditions, as clinically indicated.  24/7 residential staffing on-site. Additional miscellaneous staffing structure for meeting this level of care, (i.e., nutrition, security, facilities, etc.) must be submitted with offers.              The contracted Medical Respite Program will offer services to male and female Veterans who require recuperative medical care stabilization due to sickness, injury preparation for and/or recovery from inpatient hospital care. It is understood that Veterans to be served under this contract will require care and services above the level of room and board.   The contractor s staff will provide therapeutic rehabilitative and recovery services, which shall be determined according to the needs of the Veteran through a nursing and biopsychosocial intake assessment. The intake assessment shall include the identification of the Veteran s biopsychosocial needs that will inform the development of the individual service plan (ISP) for the Veteran. Contractor shall be capable of same day placements. Unexcused absences of any Veteran from the facility in excess of forty-eight (48) consecutive hours will not be reimbursable except with prior approval of the COR. Hospital stays are reimbursable for up to seven (7) days. Negative drug screens will not be a requirement for admission.   II. RECUPERATIVE MEDICAL CARE: The contractor shall provide Veterans with recuperative medical and mental healthcare in accordance with the plan of care developed by VA referring healthcare providers. The contractor will provide an on-site Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse (RN/LPN) who is licensed by the state of Illinois and in good standing with the licensing board, no less than 35 hours per week assigned only to Veterans enrolled under this contract. Additional hours may be necessary, commensurate with the needs of each Veteran.    a. The RN/LPN will provide education and assistance with medication management and treatment compliance within the scope of practice for nursing. The RN/LPN will support coordination of care with VA providers and the VA CRS Liaison to ensure for continuity of care. Veterans will also receive health education in areas such as sleep, nutrition, coping with chronic illnesses and pain management. The RN/LPN will monitor vital signs and follow up with VA medical staff as appropriate. Veterans will be assisted with the use of VA telehealth as needed through the use of the contractor s equipment. The RN/LPN will oversee and assist with coordination of Veteran participation in in-home health care and outpatient services to address varying recuperative needs (i.e., Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Wound care, etc.).   III. CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES: The contractor shall have a Case Manager assigned to Veteran residents and on-site at least 35 hours per week. Additional hours may be necessary, commensurate with the needs of each Veteran. The contract Case Manager shall be responsible for the intake assessment of Veteran residents to develop a plan of care with consultation of the Veteran and VA staff. Therapeutic and rehabilitative services to be provided include but are not limited to the following:  a. A thorough written individual service plan (ISP) will be developed within 72 business hours of admission for each Veteran. This will include structured individual case management, at minimum, weekly referral to including counseling on self-care skills, adaptive coping skills, financial planning, long-term RN/LPN transitional and permanent housing referrals, written care plan, referral for financial benefits. Additional counseling may include professional and vocational rehabilitation counseling, in collaboration with VA programs and community resources.   b. Weekly scheduled visits with each Veteran resident and open office hours to discuss progress toward goals established at intake. Case Managers should possess the ability to respond to crisis situations with Veteran residents and provide access to emergency care as needed.  c. Structured group activities, as appropriate, shall occur two times per month examples include group therapy, life skills training, social skills training, financial workshops, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, vocational counseling and physical activities as appropriate. For the purposes of this contract, House Meetings and VA housing resource groups may not be counted as a structured group. Group activity should have a therapeutic value and facilitation, which may include guest speakers, and shall be the responsibility of the contractor. Should a Veteran have mental health, medical, family and/or employment obligations which directly conflict with this requirement, the RN/LPN will schedule alternative group activities and document efforts made to accommodate the Veteran.  d. All Veterans will be referred for follow-up to the VA for Primary Care and Mental Health appointments and the contractor will support Veterans in making initial and subsequent follow-up appointments. Efforts will be made for Veterans who are identified to be highly acute. Efforts will be documented in the Veterans ISP and reviewed in case consultation with the VA Liaison at least monthly.   e. Special attention will be made to address High Suicide Risk (HSR) Veterans, as identified by VA Medical or Mental Health Staff, the contracted Case Manager, and/or the Mental Health provider. On a weekly basis, the contracted Case Manager and/or Mental Health provider will be required to update the VA Liaison on Veteran progress, changes, and/or safety concerns RN/LPNs for HSR Veterans. The Contracted Case Manager will review HSR Safety Plans with the Veteran on a bi-weekly basis. HSR Safety plan reviews and a copy of the Veteran s Safety Plan will be documented in the chart.    f. Provision of intensive weekly case management services, including assistance with completing and submission of applications for benefits (both VA and non-VA) obtaining necessary identification and records (i.e., birth certificate, DD214, VA ID, state issued ID, etc.), referrals to transitional housing (both VA-GPD and non-VA transitional housing) and permanent housing resources such as Supportive Services to Veteran Families (SSVF), Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) and non-VA housing resources in the community.   g. Instruction in and assistance with health and person hygiene, establishment of income and or financial benefits, and strengthening budgeting skills to increase financial stability.  h. Discharge planning to appropriate transitional or permanent housing, including assistance with completing and submission of applications and referrals, as clinically indicated. This includes offer of referrals and linkages to Veterans that are asked to exit the program prior to successful completion, due to rule violation(s).   i. All contractor staff will maintain proper documentation verifying services and case management efforts by all team members including but not limited to housing, benefits, and employment services, Contracted Case Manager and RN/LPN interactions/interventions, and program management staff. There will be an expectation that notes are written professionally in a format that utilizes clear goal setting and progress towards those goals. Upon exit of the program, a discharge plan summarizing services provided during the Veteran s stay, including Veteran s engagement and achievement of goals, housing status, discharge placement and location, and aftercare plan will be placed in the Veteran record and available for VA Liaison to review.   j. Submission of required VA documentation to the VA Liaison, such as HOMES forms and incident reports, will be provided by the Contracted Case Manager or designee in accordance with VA policy.   The five-year period of performance is anticipated to be April 1, 2026 through May 31, 2031. The NAICS for this requirement is 624229 Other Community Housing Services, which has a small business size standard of $19.0 million. It is the VA s intent to establish a firm, fixed-price Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. To be considered a complete response, the following information shall be included: A brief description of the company background, experience in providing Contracted Residential Services (CRS) - Medical Respite (MR) Care Services, socioeconomic status, past performance with same or similar Government contracts, and contractor s UEI number. If company is a small business, indicate if able to comply with Limitations on Subcontracting at FAR 52.219-14 for these services. SAM Registration Verification A copy of current certificate of liability insurance. All-inclusive estimated per diem rates in the chart below. Rate to be used for Market Research purposes only. Year 1: April 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 LIN Description Estimated bed night Daily per bed night rate Estimated total   1001 Contracted Residential Services (CRS) Medical Respite Care 2190 $ $   Year 2: April 1, 2027 to May 31, 2028  1002 Contracted Residential Services (CRS) Medical Respite Care 2190 $ $  Year 3: April 1, 2028 to May 31, 2029  1003 Contracted Residential Services (CRS) Medical Respite Care 1825 $ $  Year 4: April 1, 2029 to May 31, 2030  1004 Contracted Residential Services (CRS) Medical Respite Care 1825 $ $  Year 5: April 1, 2030 to May 31, 2031  1005 Contracted Residential Services (CRS) Medical Respite Care 1806 $ $    Estimated Total Value: __________   This Sources Sought Notice will be used to identify potential businesses that would be interested and capable of providing qualified Contracted Residential Services (CRS) - Medical Respite (MR) Care Services. This notice and any responses are for market research purposes only and shall not be considered as a request for quote or as an obligation for services. The Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any contractor's input resulting from this Sources Sought Notice. No contractual arrangement will be made as a result of this announcement. All interested parties, regardless of socioeconomic status, capable of providing the required Contracted Residential Services (CRS) - Medical Respite (MR) Care Services shall submit a response via email to carrie.deswarte@va.gov no later than Monday January 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. central time. All information should be UNCLASSIFIED or NON-PROPRIETARY.