2-20-25 SOW Safety Valve Replacement on 3 Boilers revised.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

as of 2-20-2025

1. Contract Title.

Replace Boiler Safety Valves.

2. Background.

A. On February 13th, 2025, a contractor performing 1810 Directive semi-annual Safety Device

Testing requirements failed Boiler #1 safety valve test. During the test boiler 1 safety valves popped per requirement but never reseated after popping per requirement – this is a catastrophic failure and the whole reasoning behind testing safety devices semi-annually.

These tests are to recognize failures before they happen in real time. Consequently, due to this failure, the Boiler was left down as inoperable, and an ISM Internal Safety Measure was put into place for corrective action. The VA 1810 Directive requires us to maintain N +1 at all times of operational boilers, which is one boiler or two supplying steam demand and one on standby in case of failure to one unexpectantly. Due to the cold weather and campus additions, it is taking two boilers to satisfy steam demand currently, with the 3rd boiler being down and offline we are in a crucial position without much leeway. This is not allowing for unexpected malfunctions or failures on either of the two-running boiler having the 3rd boiler incapacitated.

B. Safety Valves identified in VHA 1810 Directive can no longer be made of bronze which is what all three boilers have on them, including boiler 1 where the safety valves failed. Cast iron or bronze valves will be prohibited to be used in any new builds or replacement projects. All valves must be replaced with cast steel. Erie VA Medical Center currently has three boilers, with two safety valves on each, totaling six safety valves that are noncompliant and must be compliant by year 2026. This is why we have chosen to replace all 3 boilers safety valves at this time to be compliant and to replace the recently failed ones on boiler 1 and get the boiler back to operational status. The mandated use of cast steel is also referenced in dAlert 151 Cast Steel. Requirements: New Construction, new rules of measurement, or any repair or replacement project must not use cast iron fittings and components or malleable fittings anywhere in the high-pressure and medium pressure steam system (15psi or above). All new construction must use cast steel or forged steel fittings only. All valves should be compliant by 2026-year end, either by replacement or repair.

3. Scope.

Erie VA Medical Center is requesting a vendor to replace all the safety valves on all 3 boilers (6) total and use Cast Steel compliant material as per 1810 Directive requirement. This project will also re-pipe the vents to the roof and the drip pans for the operation of the safety valves. It is anticipated the project will perform the work on one boiler at time and will not hinder the capability to maintain steam demand to the entire campus. Daily monitoring will be performed by the VA Boiler Plant staff to assure interruption of steam to the facility.

4. Specific Tasks.

• Ensure all tag out procedures are in place and verified with Boiler Plant staff.

• Ensure safe working environment by monitoring gas and oxygen levels.

• Replace Two (2) 2” 120 psi and two (2) 2” 125 psi safety valves with cast steel valves.

• Replace one (1) 1 ¼” 120 psi and 1 ¼” 125 psi safety valves with cast steel valves.

• Reconfigure vent piping for six (6) safety valves through the roof. All 90’s must be eliminated and replaced with 45’s.

5. Performance Monitoring (if applicable).

Performance monitoring to be determined. Daily and weekly debriefing status with Utility Plant Supervisor and updates to Facilities Management Services, Chief.

6. Privacy and Security Requirements.

2) The contractor employees shall not have access to VA sensitive or computer information and will not require routine access to VA Facilities. The contractor employees shall require intermittent access only and will be escorted by VA employees while at VA Facilities. No background investigation is required.

7. Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE)/Government-Furnished Information (GFI).

N/A

8. Other Pertinent Information or Special Considerations.

N/A

a. Identification of Possible Follow-on Work.

N/A

b. Identification of Potential Conflicts of Interest (COI).

N/A

c. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria.

Boiler Plant Supervisor and Chief Engineer will inspect work and give acceptance.

9. Risk Control

N/A

10. Place of Performance.

Erie, PA VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504

11. Period of Performance. Total job to be performed within 60 days after award.

12. Delivery Schedule.

To be determined.

13. Points of Contact:

Robert Petrone; Robert.petrone@va.gov Dennis Auer; dennis.auer@va.gov Curt Slinger; Curt.slinger@va.gov mailto:Robert.petrone@va.gov mailto:dennis.auer@va.gov mailto:Curt.slinger@va.gov