36C24226Q0364.docx

Sources Sought Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

Network Contracting Office 2 James J. Peters VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Road Bronx NY 10468-3904

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Tiffany Vazquez-Simon tiffany.vazquez-simon@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

EAST ORANGE AND LYONS VAMC

385 TREMONT AVE

EAST ORANGE NJ

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

Sources Sought Notice

1. This is a Sources Sought Notice.

(a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this Sources Sought or to otherwise pay for the information solicited.

(b) Although "proposal," "offeror," contractor, and "offeror" may be used in this sources sought notice, any response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. The Government is seeking information for market research purposes only.

(c) Any information received from a contractor in response to this Sources Sought may be used in creating a solicitation. Any information received which is marked with a statement, such as "proprietary" or "confidential," intended to restrict distribution will not be distributed outside of the Government, except as required by law.

(d) This Sources Sought is issued by VISN 2 Contracting Office in Network Contracting Office 2 for the purpose of collecting information about VA New Jersey Healthcare System for ANNUAL BOILER CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES. The VA is seeking to provide for this requirement as of APRIL 2026 to establish a new service contract. THE NAICS CODE IDENTIFIED FOR THIS REQUIREMENT IS 238220 - PLUMBING, HEATING, AND AIR-CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS. The requirement is detailed in the Statement of Work section of this document.

(e) Cursory market research has identified small businesses that may be able to provide for this requirement. Contractors that are able to meet the requirements in the attachment and possess an interest in performing these service, are encouraged to email a capability statement and full information to Contract Specialist, Tiffany Vazquez-Simon at tiffany.vazquez-simon@va.gov.

- Part of the purpose of this sources sought is to determine the viability of set aside to a specific socio-economic category(service-disabled veteran owned small business, veteran owned small business, women owned small business, HUB Zone, 8(a), small business). Interested parties MUST provide company/individual name, a capability statement, examples of same or similar work performed at other facilities, DUNS/UEI number and address, point of contact and social-economic.

- If contractor is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), or any other special category of contractors, then contractor is responsible for providing documentation in support of this. This information will be used to determine the viability of a set aside for this requirement. If any of the requested information is not supplied with the response, this may result in the contractor not being considered in the Government’s Procurement Strategy.

The following information is required for determining procurement strategy and viability of sources:

· Contractors shall identify pertinent point of contact for company, contractor SAM UEI number for size standard and socioeconomic verification in SAM and VIP, as well as for any intended subcontractors.

· Contractor shall provide 2 to 3 instances of past experience which demonstrate that they are a firm regularly engaged in this type of work, to include subcontractors for those jobs.

· This service is located in New Jersey. Provide your site location and supporting documentation. Given your location and proximity to the service site, how do you plan to accomplish self-performance of this work?

· How many years’ experience does your company have in performing tasks of this nature, of this scope and this complexity? How many years of service do your proposed technicians have performing tasks of this nature, this scope, and this complexity? How many years does your proposed subcontractor have in performing tasks of this nature, this scope, and this complexity?

· How many jobs of this of this nature, of this scope and this complexity have you performed in the past five years?

· How many certified/licensed technicians does your company currently employ? Contractor shall supply proof of any applicable certification or training required to meet the regulatory requirements, if applicable.

· Set aside requirements have limitations on subcontracting If your intention is to subcontract work, what tasks will be performed by you as the prime contractor? What tasks will require a subcontractor due to your inability to perform them within your company?

· Contractor shall provide a listing of any teaming agreements they intend to employ in the performance of this requirement if awarded.

· Contractors shall also identify any Federal Supply Schedules that may carry the desired services. Please indicate what services are on schedule or open-market.

· Contractors shall include any relevant comments about the Attachment(s) if applicable.

VA NEW JERSEY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Annual Boiler Cleaning and Maintenance Services Statement of Work (DRAFT)

1. BACKGROUND:

The VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS) requires a service contract for the annual cleaning and maintenance of nine (9) Cleaver Brooks fire tube boilers located at the East Orange and Lyons Campus. Both VA medical centers have a central boiler plant to provide steam for heating and air conditioning, domestic hot water, kitchens and sterilization. Boiler plant safety, reliability, efficiency and equipment longevity are paramount concerns of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) management. Boilers are extremely dangerous if not maintained properly. This contract will also provide for tube replacement and hydrostatic testing of the boilers. The boiler cleanings are required as routine maintenance for the safety and longevity of the equipment and to remain compliant with VA Directive 1810.

2. OBJECTIVE:

This service contract is an annual boiler cleaning and maintenance services at the VANJHCS East Orange and Lyons VA Medical Center to meet the requirements for the cleaning and inspection of boilers in accordance with VA Directive 1810.

3. SCOPE OF WORK:

The contractor will furnish all labor, materials, parts, supplies, equipment, supervision and transportation necessary to accomplish the services contained within this contract. The selected contractor will perform annual cleaning of nine (9) Cleaver Brooks fire tube boilers located at the VANJHCS. The selected contractor personnel will also adjust combustion of all nine (9) of the boilers once each boiler is operating for optimum combustion efficiency and reliable operation. The following PM procedures are required to be performed by the contractor.

4. PM PROCEDURES:

1) Secure the boiler from all utilities, gas, oil, electrical, steam and feed water also lock out and tag out all valves with companies locking devices

2) Open the front and rear doors of the boiler.

3) Secure the boiler doors from moving while in the open positions

4) Inspect the boiler refractory; this includes the front door refractory, rear door refractory, burner throat and liner tile. Make repairs to refractory as needed. If extensive work is needed a quote will be provided to VA boiler supervisor for contracting approval.

5) Cover refractory with a very light coating of refractory wash coat.

6) Check boiler tubes for visible signs of leaks.

7) Clean boiler fireside using the appropriate size tube brushes and vacuum to clean up debris while brushing the tubes and tube sheets.

8) Clean and inspect burner assembly.

9) Clean and inspect pilot ignition electrode; adjust gap for ignition electrode.

11) Perform hydrostatic test when the boiler or pressure vessel integrity is in doubt. Hydrostatic pressure must be limited to 150 percent of normal operating pressure of the boiler or pressure vessel. Consult with VA boiler supervisor before any testing.

12) If necessary, dye-check the boiler rear tube sheet for ligament cracks.

13) Repair or replace tubes as needed. Limited to 40 replacement tubes per plant. Hydrostatic test and “R” stamp required if tubes were replaced. A quote will be provided to the boiler supervisor for contracting approval.

14) Drain the boiler and open all hand holes, remove all plugs in the boiler trim piping to allow access for the boiler inspector.

15) Open the boiler water level controls and low water cutouts for the boiler inspector. Utilize new gaskets when reinstalling. Mark all wiring for Warwick probes to ensure correct location.

16) Flush the boiler waterside from top to bottom and clean out any loose scale accumulations taking care to not get scale into floor drains.

17) After the boiler passes inspection by a certified AMSE Boiler inspector replace all waterside and fireside gaskets with new gaskets. Teflon gaskets are required for all handholes.

18) Remove and reinstall safety relief valves if requested by VA.

19) Fill the boiler with water to the operating level.

20) Fire the boiler and bring the boiler up to operating pressure, check for leaks on both fireside and water side. Repair any leaks found.

21) Check boiler combustion on all fuels. (Natural Gas and Fuel Oil) Adjust as necessary using portable electronic flue gas analyzers and other test instruments necessary for the required tests and calibrations. Results of testing, e.g. printout from analyzer will be left with the boiler operator.

22) Clean the work area of all debris and safely dispose of all garbage.

NOTE - CONFINED SPACE: The contractor must have their own confined space program and drop off a copy of the permit to the VA Safety Office in advance of entry, they also need to have all their own equipment (meters, rescue etc.). The program and equipment must meet VA's requirements before starting work.

NOTE – INSPECTIONS: Inspection by a separate qualified third-party contractor of the boilers shall occur prior to closing the boiler. This contractor is hired by the VA separately. All coordination between contractors shall be done by the COR.

NOTE - DAMAGES: If during service and maintenance the technician damages any part of the boiler unit or any parts that encompass, it will be the responsibility of the contractor to replace the damage or broken items at their expense.

5. WORK REQUIREMENTS:

Work will be conducted professionally and timely. Contractor will issue detailed reports within 3 days of cleaning and clearly log all adjustments and discoveries during maintenance. Each boiler will be cleaned and certified operational prior to taking another boiler out of service unless facility determines two boilers can be taken out of service simultaneously.

6. EQUIPMENT LIST: The following Equipment is included in the annual service contract:

A. VA NJ HealthCare System East Orange Campus:

1. Boiler #1 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200X-600 Serial# OLO88369 SWP 200 20700 lbs/hr Input 25,106,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas

2. Boiler #2 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200X-600 Serial# OLO88368 SWP 200 20700 lbs/hr Input 25,106,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas

3. Boiler #3 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200X-600 Serial# OLO88367 SWP 200 20700 lbs/hr Input 25,106,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas

4. Boiler #4 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200X-600 Serial# L99715 SWP 200 20700 lbs/hr Input 25,106,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas

B. VA NJ HealthCare System Lyons Campus:

5. Boiler #1 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200-700 Serial# OLO94344 SWP 200 20000 lbs/hr Input 29,290,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas 209 GPH Oil

6. Boiler #2 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200-700 Serial# L-90891 SWP 200 20000 lbs/hr Input 29,290,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas 209 GPH Oil

7. Boiler #3 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200-700 Serial# L-90892 SWP 200 20000 lbs/hr Input 29,290,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas 209 GPH Oil

8. Boiler #4 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200-700 Serial# L-90890 SWP 200 20000 lbs/hr Input 29,290,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas 209 GPH Oil

9. Boiler #5 Cleaver Brooks Model CB 200-700 Serial# OLO94345 SWP 200 20000 lbs/hr Input 29,290,000 BTU/HR Nat Gas 209 GPH Oil

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

a. (ESTIMATED) 3/16/2026 - 3/15/2027 with the provision for (4) four option years. Services are expected to be completed during the months of April through August, as scheduled.

b. Scheduling and hours of work: All work in areas involved shall be scheduled with the COR, the boiler plant supervisor or the VA Chief of Operations Supervisor. Work shall be scheduled for proper execution to completion of this contract. The work will be conducted during normal working hours 0800-1630 Monday – Friday excluding Federal Holidays.

c. The 11 holidays observed by the Federal Government, are New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas or any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

8. QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

Technicians shall have completed at least a 1 year of trade school and have 5 years of successful experience in this field. The experience shall be largely with institutional and industrial boiler plants similar in design to the VA boiler plant. Technicians shall have a work history of at least 5 years working on installation and cleaning of Cleaver Brooks fire tube boilers.

Contractor shall hold a current Mechanical Contractors License and be familiar with New Jersey requirements. The VAMC facility manager/engineer may define and accept equivalent qualifications.

Technicians shall demonstrate familiarity with and ready access to the current versions of the following references:

· National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 85

· Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code

· VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Edition

Technicians shall be equipped with portable electronic flue gas analyzers and other test instruments necessary for the required tests and calibrations, all calibrated within 1 month of the site visits. At facilities with programmable digital controls, the technicians must be capable of programming the controls and have the appropriate hardware and software for this.

The contractors who perform the annual cleaning shall in no way be associated with contractor who performs the annual inspection and certification of the boilers and safety devices. Contractors are to be completely independent and shall not share a prime contractor.

9. SAFETY REGULATIONS:

a. All applicable safety regulations shall be observed during all work of this contract.

b. VA Police will issue identification badges to contractors, employees and subcontractors which must be worn at all times when on VA property

c. Contractor shall keep the area cleaned daily and haul away all debris to a designated container

d. The VA Safety Officer shall have full authority to see that the contractor obeys all safety rules and regulations relative to the fulfillment of this contract.

e. Provide the necessary barricades/signage where required.

10. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements under this contract. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that will affect price, quantity or quality of performance of this contract. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof. All changes to the contract will be issued via an amendment and/or modifications in writing from the Contracting Officer to the Contractor.

11. IT SECURITY:

The C&A requirements do not apply; a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

Sources Sought Notice _ VA NJHCS ANNUAL BOILER CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Page 1 of