36C24226Q0560.docx

SUBJECT*

Lease/Service SPS Reverse Osmosis Brooklyn & Manhattan VAMC

GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 2 3495 Bailey Avenue Building 3, 2nd floor Buffalo NY 14215

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Dolores Sachuk-Thompson Dolores.Sachuk-Thompson@va.gov 716-862-7461 x22383

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Brooklyn and Manhattan VAMC see notice for addresses

NY NY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources Sought Notice Sources Sought Notice

DESCRIPTION

Sources Sought Notice

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 Buffalo, New York for the purpose of collecting information about a requirement where the Contractor shall provide, install and maintain; under lease agreement, a reverse osmosis water treatment system for the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System – Manhattan Campus - 423 E. 23rd St., New York, NY 10010 and the Brooklyn Campus – 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209. The VA is seeking to provide for this requirement as of July 1, 2026, to combine two (2) requirements to better coordinate maintenance and repair for the two (2) facilities. The NAICS code identified for this requirement is NAICS Code 221310 - and NAICS Size standard of $41.0 Million. 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 Dolores.Sachuk-Thompson@va.gov and reference 36C24226Q0560.

- 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, SAM UEID 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:

Set aside requirements have limitations on subcontracting. This service is located in Manhattan, NY and Brooklyn, NY. 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?

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?

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 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?

- Contractors shall also identify any Federal Supply Schedules that may carry the desired services.

- Contractors shall identify pertinent point of contact for company, contractor SAM UEID number for size standard and socioeconomic verification in SAM and SBA certification database (VetCert), 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.

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

- Contractor shall supply proof of any applicable certification or training required to meet the regulatory requirements, if applicable.

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

Below is the Limitation on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance Clause. Please complete this as part of your response.

852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction.

As prescribed in 819.7011(b), insert the following clause:

VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(l)(2), the offeror certifies that—

(1) If awarded a contract (see FAR 2.101 definition), it will comply with the limitations on subcontracting requirement as provided in the solicitation and the resultant contract, as follows: [Contracting Officer check the appropriate box below based on the predominant NAICS code assigned to the instant acquisition as set forth in FAR 19.102.]

(i) [ X] Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6.

(ii) [ ] General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDBOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 85% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted.

(iii) [ ] Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, the contractor will not pay more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-73 or certified VOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDBOSB/VOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 75% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Cost of materials are excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. (2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(2) The offeror acknowledges that this certification concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an Agency of the United States. The offeror further acknowledges that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and, as such, a false, fictitious, or fraudulent certification may render the offeror subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution.

(3) If VA determines that an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127 did not act in good faith, such SDVOSB/VOSB shall be subject to any or all of the following:

(i) Referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee;

(ii) A fine under section 16(g)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 645(g)(1)); and

(iii) Prosecution for violating 18 U.S.C. 1001.

(b) The offeror represents and understands that by submission of its offer and award of a contract it may be required to provide copies of documents or records to VA that VA may review to determine whether the offeror complied with the limitations on subcontracting requirement specified in the contract. Contracting officers may, at their discretion, require the contractor to demonstrate its compliance with the limitations on subcontracting at any time during performance and upon completion of a contract if the information regarding such compliance is not already available to the contracting officer. Evidence of compliance includes, but is not limited to, invoices, copies of subcontracts, or a list of the value of tasks performed.

(c) The offeror further agrees to cooperate fully and make available any documents or records as may be required to enable VA to determine compliance with the limitations on subcontracting requirement. The offeror understands that failure to provide documents as requested by VA may result in remedial action as the Government deems appropriate. (d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

(d) Offeror completed certification/fill-in required. The formal certification must be completed, signed and returned with the offeror’s bid, quotation, or proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

Certification I hereby certify that if awarded the contract, [insert name of offeror] will comply with the limitations on subcontracting specified in this clause and in the resultant contract. I further certify that I am authorized to execute this certification on behalf of [insert name of offeror].

Printed Name of Signee:_________________________ Printed Title of Signee: ____________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _______________________ Sources Sought Notice

Company Name and Address:____________________________________________________ Page 1 of

STATEMENT OF WORK (abridged)

STERILE PROCESSING CRITICAL WATER SYSTEM/WATER QUALITY TESTING

BROOKLYN VAMC & MANHATTAN VAMC

1.) Introduction: The contractor shall provide, install and maintain, under lease arrangement, a critical water treatment system in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) located at the Brooklyn VA Medical Center & Manhattan VA Medical Center. The system shall have a built-in means of redundancy, such that the backup system can be operated should the primary system be out of service. Additionally, the contractor shall test utility water used in both the Brooklyn VA SPS department and Manhattan VA SPS department as well as steam (as condensate), and the final rinse water of the Automated Endoscope reprocessors.

2.) Special Conditions: The facility has an existing critical water system leased by the VA which will be removed once the contract elapses for the new contract. During the removal process of the old system, the vendor must install and operate a temporary critical water system meeting all contract requirements, to include testing and monitoring, until vendor’s permanent system can be installed.

3.) Privacy: All contractor employees and subcontractors participating under this contract are required to complete the VA's Privacy training requirement - “VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access to or the Use of VA Sensitive Information” Contractors must provide certifications of completion to the COR during each year of the contract. Training expires 365 days after the training is taken. This requirement is in addition to any other training that may be required of the contractor and subcontractor(s). The COR for the contract is responsible for ensuring the contractor takes the training and to follow up with the annual requirements.

4.) Critical Water System Requirements: The system must produce water meeting all requirements of the American National Standard Institute/Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (ANSI/AAMI) ST108:2023 “Water for the processing of medical devices”, including but not limited to:

· At a minimum, the system shall incorporate the following technologies: appropriate pre-treatment including multi-media filter to remove suspended solids, water softener, carbon filter, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light disinfection, deionization, and endotoxin filtration.

· System shall have sufficient capacity to provide 30 gallons per minute of treated water and be equipped with a minimum 125-gallon treated water storage tank. The system shall provide recirculation at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per second as stipulated by ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023.

· System dimensions shall not exceed 72” length, 36” depth and 72” height and shall fit within the designated room.

· System shall provide acceptable quality Critical Water (as defined by ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023) to various outlets in the existing SPS suite including decontamination sinks, washer-disinfectors, ultrasonic equipment, spray nozzles and other devices designated.

· Systems shall be on a fully recirculating loop to allow for full and effective disinfection of the system piping and have a fully drainable tank for complete and faster disinfection.

· The system shall have a properly sized final loop filter of ≤0.2 micron or tighter/smaller (absolute rated, not nominal rated), with endotoxin removal capabilities necessary to achieve endotoxin specification as defined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 Table 2. Not included. This filter should be located at the point of connection to the loop supply and sized to meet or reasonably exceed the intended flow rate of the loop.

· Vendor shall install sanitary water sampling ports at all critical locations including loop out after final filtration, right before re-entry into the storage tank, and before all individual points of use (e.g. immediately before the inlet to the washer-disinfectors, before inlet to the ultrasonics, etc.).

· The system shall provide Critical Water meeting the quality requirements outlined in Table 2. This includes, but is not limited to, specified quality requirements for pH, Conductivity/Resistivity, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) Bacteria, Endotoxin, Color and Turbidity, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Endotoxin, and Ionic Contaminants (Aluminum, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulfate, Silicate and Zinc).

· The vendor shall provide delivery, uncrating, assembly, final electrical and plumbing connections and all required commissioning of the critical water system.

· Critical alarms, such as those associated with deionizer exhaustion or low water levels in a storage tank, should be configured to be audible and/or visual both in the water treatment area and in the area where the water is used or monitored to alert operators to faults or failures of the supplied utilities. Alarms must be installed for the continuous monitoring of conductivity as well as low level tank alarms.

5.) Critical Water System Maintenance Requirements

· The vendor shall conduct a training plan for all necessary VA personnel on the operation and basic troubleshooting of the new system to include any system assessments required by the end user per manufacturer’s instructions.

· The Vendor shall perform routine maintenance of the system at a minimum frequency of once per month and as outlined in the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for use. Additional service visits shall be made at whatever frequency is needed to ensure that the system is operational and produces water at the specified rate and quality standards.

· Monthly service visits shall include loop and tank sanitization using procedures stipulated by ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023. Additional service visits shall be made for loop disinfection and related services at whatever frequency is required to ensure that the system is operational and producing water at the specified rate and quality standards.

· Post construction or extended shutdown, vendor shall perform all procedures as outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 Section 13.1 “Post construction or extended shutdown”.

· When the piping is replaced, or system modification is completed on the Critical Water system, the vendor shall disinfect the system piping and storage.

· Disinfection shall be performed after installation, expansion, major repairs, non-compliant bacterial levels, or other changes to the system (e.g., nearby building construction or water supply interruptions).

· Emergency Service Visits: the vendor shall respond on-site to all emergency service calls within a maximum of 4 hours.

6.) Critical Water System Installation and Operation Qualification Requirements

· The installation and operation qualification requirements are specific to the treatment methods selected. The vendor shall establish the acceptance criteria for quality characteristics of the water and operating parameters of the water treatment system.

· The vendor shall define the water treatment system installation acceptance criteria and document that the installation meets those criteria.

· The vendor shall perform protocols that verify that the water treatment equipment and system alerts and controls are functional.

7.) Critical Water System Performance Qualification. Determining the dependability of a water treatment system requires a period of monitoring and observation. After the installation and qualification of a water treatment system or when the system has been modified or undergone significant maintenance/repair, the vendor will perform a validation program consisting of intensive daily sampling and testing at post water treatment system test points and at the point-of-water-use and then performance qualification testing resumes at a reduced frequency for at least one calendar year to identify seasonal changes.

· After installation or existing system modifications (any changes to the system that may affect either the operating conditions or otherwise disrupt the steady state of operation), the vendor will test for the water quality measurements shown in Table 2 for three days. Not included. Ideally, vendor will test on three consecutive days.

· The vendor shall test for the water quality measurements according to the daily schedule in Table 3. Not included

· The vendor shall demonstrate that the system has achieved a stable operation when three consecutive samples all test within range.

· When three consecutive samples all test within range, the frequency of testing will be reduced to the frequencies outlined in Table 4. Not included

· During performance qualification, the entire water treatment system shall be assessed by the vendor. The number of sample sites for daily sampling may be reduced, provided that all sample sites are examined at some point during the performance qualification. When all sample sites are examined, routine monitoring can be reduced when approved by the facility, on the basis of the results of the performance qualification.

· The following sample sites will be evaluated by the vendor during the performance qualification:

1. The incoming water

2. Following each treatment step; and

3. At the point-of-water-use including:

a. Critical Water at point-of-use or as close to the point at which the water will be representative of water that will contact the device 8.) Critical Water System Routine Monitoring Requirements (After One Year)

· After the performance qualification period (one year), the vendor shall perform routine testing of the critical water system at the point of critical water generation as well as testing at the point of use. The locations and frequencies shall be completed according to Table 1. This table was developed from the AAMI requirements found in Tables 5 and 6 from ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023. Not included

· The routine monitoring tests shall be based on the acceptance criteria defined in Table 2. Not included

· The recommendations for frequency of testing in Table 1 are the recommended minimum frequency. When problems or issues arise with the water quality, it is necessary to increase the frequency until they are resolved.

· RO systems and Deionizers should be monitored using continuous reading monitors that measure conductivity (or total dissolved solids).

· Analyses for chemical contaminants should be performed upon installation of the RO system, when membranes are replaced, and at least annually thereafter to ensure that established limits are met.

· Other than pH analysis (which may be done via appropriate field instrumentation), all samples shall be analyzed by a New York State Department of Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) certified laboratory with experience in microbial and chemical testing of potable water. The lab shall also possess American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) accreditation under the Environmental Microbiological Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP).

· Bacterial tests must be performed via the “Heterotrophic Plate Count” (HPC) methodology as outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023. Note: in the event that bacterial results exceed the recommended threshold of 10 Colony Forming Units Per Milliliter (CFU/ml), the outlets exceeding the threshold should be evaluated for potential sources of contamination. The frequency of sampling should be increased to weekly, until the situation is resolved (as indicated by a minimum of two consecutive rounds of testing with acceptable results).

9.) Sampling Procedure

· The vendor shall adhere to strict quality control procedures to ensure sample integrity, as outlined hereafter. The Contractor must furnish all sample collection equipment. The vendor should be escorted by facility water management personnel during all sample collections. Bottles must be sterile, appropriate for the analysis, properly preserved and promptly transported to the laboratory after sample collection under strict chain of custody procedures. When taking any test, the vendor should carefully follow the manufacturer’s written IFU for accurate results.

· The consultant performing sampling shall collect samples utilizing the nomenclature and from locations stipulated by the VA.

· Samplers shall utilize dedicated sterile bacteriological sampling bottles provided by the certified laboratory. Bottles must have a plastic tamper evident seal to ensure that they are sterile. The seal shall only be removed immediately before sample collection. The volume of the sample container should be in the range of 100 to 300 milliliters.

· The sampler shall don a clean pair of nitrile gloves prior to sampling. Sanitize the gloves with Purell or other alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

· Samples shall always be collected before disinfection of the water treatment system. If repeat cultures are performed after the system has been chemically disinfected (e.g., with hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, or peracetic acid), the system should be flushed completely before samples are collected.

· Locations to be sampled for bacterial analysis must be flushed for a minimum of five (5) minutes prior to sample collection.

· Following the initial flushing period, immerse the distal point tap/faucet/outlet/sprayer in a solution of minimum 70% alcohol for at least five (5) minutes. Following the alcohol immersion, run the tap again for at least 30 seconds prior to sample collection.

· The collection container should not be made of polypropylene.

· When opening the sampling bottle for sample collection, take care to ensure that the “sample contact area of the cap” does not come in contact with any surface. The caps should be set down on a clean surface, topside against the clean surface.

· Fill the bottle without allowing the bottle to come into contact with the faucet/distal point in question. Do not overflow.

· Following sample collection, immediately seal the bottle with the cap. Ensure the bottle is labeled in accordance with stipulated sampling nomenclature as well as filling in any information required by the laboratory such as collection time.

· As stipulated by ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, lab analysis should begin within 8 hours of sample collection. By no means should more than 24 hours elapse between sample collection and analysis. Exceeding the 24-hour threshold will invalidate the results.

· Immediately upon sample collection, samples shall be put on ice or refrigerated such that temperature is maintained between 2°C and 8°C (35.6°F and 46.4°F). Samples should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as feasible following collection.

10.) Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER) Water Testing

· The vendor shall take a sample of the final rinse water from the automated endoscope reprocessor in accordance with the steps outlined in the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for use. The sample shall be taken using aseptic technique.

· The vendor shall test the AER’s final rinse water per the locations and frequencies outlined in Table 1. Not included

· The routine monitoring tests shall be based on the critical water acceptance criteria defined in Table 2. Not included

· The recommendations for frequency of testing in Table 1 are the recommended minimum frequency. When problems or issues arise with the water quality, it is necessary to increase the frequency until they are resolved.

11.) Steam Quality Testing

· The vendor shall test the steam condensate per frequency and sample locations outlined in Table 1. Not included

· The routine monitoring tests shall be based on the acceptance criteria defined in Table 2. Not included

· The recommendations for frequency of testing in Table 1 are the recommended minimum frequency. When problems or issues arise with the steam condensate quality, it is necessary to increase the frequency until they are resolved.

12.) Utility Water Testing

· The vendor shall test the utility water per frequency and sample locations outlined in Table 1. Not included

· The routine monitoring tests shall be based on the acceptance criteria defined in Table 2. Not included

· The recommendations for frequency of testing in Table 1 are the recommended minimum frequency. When problems or issues arise with the steam condensate quality, it is necessary to increase the frequency until they are resolved.

13.) Analytical Reporting:

· The consultant shall provide complete laboratory reports including VA stipulated sampling location nomenclature, results summary, chain of custody and original laboratory reports to the Engineering Chief, Safety Manager, SPS Chief and other designated VA representatives.

· Exceptions (Water Quality Issues/Exceedances of the AAMI guidelines) shall be promptly reported to the SPS Chief, Engineering Chief and Safety Manager.

14.) Response Actions for Water Quality Exceedances

· When water quality leaving the vendor’s treatment system is found to be “out of range” as defined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, the vendor is responsible for promptly (within 24 hours) making all needed corrections at no cost to the VA. This may include but is not limited to flushing and resampling, filter changes, sanitization and other preventative measures. Following response actions, the vendor shall perform resampling to verify that acceptable water quality is being provided.

· When microbial quality levels exceed specifications, a repetition of the disinfection and sampling should occur at the location to confirm the results. Upon confirmation of the exceedance, immediate action is required to reduce the microbial contamination. The distribution loop shall be disinfected using methods described in Annex E in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 to ensure the microbial contamination is not being introduced through the distribution system.

· Automated instrument reprocessor (e.g., washer–disinfectors, washer–decontaminators, AERs) should be flushed with 1,000 ppm of a chlorine-releasing agent after the first instance of persistent unacceptable microbial levels is detected. Other agents that could be considered for flushing include chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and super oxidized water.

· During the period between the receipt of the “out or range” results and the verification of restoration of compliant water quality, the vendor shall activate the redundant (backup) critical water system as referenced herein.

· When water quality at outlet (distal) points is found to be out of range as defined in ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023, while water quality leaving the vendor’s system is in range, the vendor shall make specific recommendations to the VA in order address the nonconformance. When the exceedance results from contamination in the VA’s piping distribution system, the vendor shall advise the COR of the result and offer suggestions to the VA as to how to respond. The COR may request that the vendor perform additional distribution system sanitization (in addition to the monthly routine sanitization) and flush out (additional sanitization, if required, will be covered under the designated contract CLIN for “Unscheduled Maintenance”). Upon completion of sanitization, the vendor will be requested to resample as stipulated in contract CLIN 15.) Hours of coverage:

a.) Will be from 8:00 am through 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays; all work done outside the normal coverage time should be coordinated through the COR. Preventive maintenance should be scheduled, during normal hours, with at least two weeks advance notice to the VA COR. Preventive maintenance will be done at the manufacturer’s recommended frequency or greater (at a minimum, monthly).

b.) Hardware and software upgrades will be scheduled and performed during normal working hours, at no additional charge to the VA. These upgrades are those required for the correct function of the system; not those purchased to enhance function.

c.) The contractor will provide all hardware and software necessary for unscheduled repairs. The contractor’s field service engineer will respond by phone within 2 hours and respond on site within 4 hours to correct the problem.

d.) The Contractor shall be responsible for all routine maintenance and sampling and testing to ensure acceptable quality of the treated water supplied by the Reverse Osmosis system. The Contractor is responsible for all scheduled maintenance in accordance with manufacturers’ schedule for maintenance. All replacement parts for normal wear and tear items shall be covered by this contract and provided and installed at no additional charge to the VA.

e.) The contractor must have trained personnel within a 90-mile radius of Brooklyn VA Medical Center and Manhattan VA Medical Center, New York, with an adequate spare parts inventory in some area office and proof of manufacturers or equivalent maintenance training of field service personnel. Each scheduled and unscheduled visit will result in the production of a written report, by the contractor’s representative, in a format negotiated between the VA-COR and the contractor.