Sharing Specialized Medical Resources (64.018)
Program
64.018 Sharing Specialized Medical Resources
Federal Agency
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Authorization
Public Laws 89-785, 91-496, 93-82, 96-151, 101-366 and 103-210; 38 U.S.C. 8151-8153.
Program Number
64.018
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To receive and share the most advanced medical techniques; to secure the use of healthcare resources which otherwise might not be feasibly available to the VA and to provide services to the community through resources which are not being utilized to their maximum effectiveness within the VA. (These medical resources are underutilized resources in the sense that they are unique in the medical community or can have maximum utilization only through mutual use.)
Types of Assistance
Provision of Specialized Services.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To provide for the exchange of or mutual use of specialized medical resources when such an agreement will obviate the need for a similar resource to be provided in a VA facility, or for the mutual use, or exchange of use, of specialized medical resources in a VA facility which have been justified on the basis of veterans' care, but which are not utilized to their maximum effective capacity. Such agreements must be made with health care facilities including hospitals, medical schools, clinics, research centers, and blood and organ banks. VA may also enter into sharing agreements with State Veterans Homes for the purpose of sharing health care resources which include inpatient and outpatient care, rehabilitation services, and other health care support services.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
(For sharing of medical resources) Health care facilities including medical schools, hospitals, clinics, research centers and blood and organ banks. ("Hospitals" include any Federal, State, local, or other public or private hospital.)
Beneficiary Eligibility
Patients of VA medical facilities or patients of health care facilities including hospitals, medical schools, clinics, research centers and blood and organ banks.
Credentials/Documentation
Written authorization from the VA (or other party to the agreement or contract, as provided) by the terms of the agreement or contract.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Negotiated between VA and the applicant. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Competitive sharing agreements greater than $1.5 million and non-competitive contracts greater than $500,000 must be approved by the Director, Sharing and Purchasing Office (175), Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, prior to contract execution. Proposed contracts less than these thresholds may be negotiated and awarded without prior VA Central Office reviewed approval.
Award Procedure
None.
Deadlines
None.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Sharing contracts may include the exercise of 4 one- year, pre-priced options beyond the first year of the contract.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Annually as required by Title 38 U.S.C. 8153(e).
Audits
As required by contract terms.
Records
Maintain records in accordance with the contract or agreements which will facilitate an effective audit.
Program Accomplishments
There were approximately 2200 contracts for resources purchased and provided in fiscal year 2002.
Financial Information
Account Identification
36-0160-0-1-703.
Obligations
(Salaries and Expenses) FY 02 $412,000,000; FY 03 est $475,000,000; and FY 04 est $525,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not applicable.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
38 CFR 17.210; VA Manual M-I, Part I, Chapter 34, Section II; VA Acquisition Regulations VAAR 815.7.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Contact nearest VA Facility listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog under Veterans Health Administration.
Headquarters Office
Director, Sharing and Purchasing Office (175), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Telephone: (202) 273- 8406.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
