26CS0012_-_Questions_and_Answers_Document.pdf

This is a Questions and Answers document for California Department of Veterans Affairs solicitation 26CS0012, addressing inquiries regarding fire alarm system inspection, testing, and certification services. The solicitation seeks qualified vendors to provide quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspection, testing, and certification services for a Simplex Fire Alarm System with approximately 1,300 devices located at the Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista (700 E. Naples Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911) across Buildings A through F. Services are scheduled for March (annual), June (quarterly), September (semi-annual), and December (quarterly) during standard business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The quote deadline was August 26, 2026, and the procurement is designated as a DGS Certified Small Business set-aside, restricting participation to vendors holding California small business certification. The anticipated award and contract issuance timeline could take 3 or more weeks following the bid deadline closure, with the contract designated as a priority on an expedite list. Contract term and renewal options are marked as to be determined (TBD), with the state reserving the right to terminate with thirty days' written notice or immediately for cause.

Vendors must meet stringent qualification requirements including a California C-10 Electrical Contractors License, appropriate fire system service licenses or certificates, and compliance with prevailing wage requirements under California Labor Code Section 1770. All work must comply with Title 22 and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, the California Health and Safety Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, and NFPA 25 standards. Insurance requirements mandate Commercial General Liability coverage of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and Workers' Compensation coverage for all employees. The awardee must maintain a minimum of two factory-trained technicians on-site during inspections—one at the central fire alarm system monitor and one performing field testing. A minimum 3% DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) participation goal applies unless exempted or an alternative percentage is specified, with incentive adjustments applied during evaluation. Compensation shall be provided according to rates specified in Exhibit B-1, with monthly invoicing to the CalVet Contract Manager and CalVet Accounting Office in Sacramento. Repair services outside scheduled visits are compensated at the contractor's hourly repair rate, while parts replacement is reimbursed at actual cost plus 10 percent, plus shipping and applicable taxes, subject to CalVet Contract Manager approval.