Q--Columbia - On-site Dialysis - Interim contract

The VA Heartland Network 15 has an urgent requirement to establish a short term 6 month (with the option to extend an additional six months if necessary) interim contract while it works on a long term contract to provide on-site dialysis services for the VA Columbia, MO. The interim contract is essential for continuity of health care to eligible veterans and is critical to support the VA mission. The current contract with Dialysis Clinic, Inc. expires May 21, 2009. Their contract performance is rated outstanding and they have agreed to provide continued services under an interim contract at no change to the previous contract rates for a period of six months or longer if necessary. The interim contract is important to provide on-site dialysis services for the in-house dialysis department at Columbia, MO. If the VA does not have a contract to provide these services, veterans will not be able to receive the necessary dialysis treatments. This will have health implications for veterans as well as significant financial implications for the VA. It will take the VA several months to solicit and award a long term contract. Information regarding estimated quantities and types of procedures for the new long term contract are being established and provided to the contracting office. It is expected that there will not be major change to the previous estimates and types of procedures required. The interim contract will help to establish accurate estimates and procedures necessary for a competitive bid process.