Questions and Answers.docx

Solicitation Number: 36C24226Q0944 General Questions

1. When is the bid due? SAM.gov has two dates: September 23 and September 25 @ Noon EST. This solicitation is being reopened and extended. The new date to submit all proposals will now be October 20th, 2026, at 12PM EST.

2. If SAM.gov and the solicitation package contain conflicting dates, requirements, or attachments, which source controls, and will the VA issue an amendment confirming the final bid due date and requirements? This amendment being implemented is addressing the final bid due date.

3. Is the $20 million Comprehensive General Liability negotiable? Can it be reduced to $10 million? Negative, the Comprehensive General Liability price is set to what the government wants implemented.

4. Does an existing contract exist for Lifeguard and Pool Maintenance? Yes, but additional information can be provided.

5. What issues does the James Park VA Center currently have with lifeguard staffing and pool maintenance? The only issue is adequate staffing coverage in the event of a call out.

6. What is the anticipated award date, contract start date, transition period, onboarding schedule, and expected date for the contractor to assume full lifeguarding and pool maintenance responsibilities? December 1, 2026.

7. Will a site visit be authorized to view the pool? A site visit is being scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 10 AM EST.

Lifeguarding Services

8. What hourly rate does the current lifeguard earn? Unknown.

9. Is the lifeguard currently employed directly by the VA Center, or by a contractor? Contractor.

10. Does the VA want the current lifeguard staff to remain, or are there staffing concerns to address (not violating any privacy concerns)? Contractor to determine staffing

11. Does the current staff receive the SCA benefit? Unknown

12. How do swimmers currently check into the pool area? Patients require a consult from their physician, once the consult has been submitted they are scheduled for therapy. Everything is appointment based.

13. Will the lifeguard be responsible for checking swimmers in and out of the pool area, or will someone else do this? The therapists check patients in and out of the pool.

14. How many swimmers use the pool per day? Up to 20 to 30 patients per day is possible.

15. What emergency action plan, incident reporting process, rescue equipment, AED location, communication method, and escalation procedure must the lifeguard follow during medical emergencies, rescues, injuries, behavioral incidents, or pool closures? The VA will provide AED locations, and incident reporting procedures, however, the vendor shall provide an emergency action plan and rescue equipment, procedures and a reporting protocol as well.

16. Have any major lifeguarding issues occurred in the past five years that would require $20 million in Comprehensive General Liability insurance coverage? None have been reported.

17. What certifications, licenses, background checks, badging, medical clearance, training, and site-specific orientation are required for lifeguards and pool maintenance staff before work begins? See section of PWS 1.5.2 PERSONNEL

Pool Maintenance

18. Which equipment, tools, chemicals, testing supplies, personal protective equipment, rescue equipment, first-aid supplies, signage, and maintenance materials will be provided by the VA, and which items must be supplied by the contractor? The contractor is responsible for supplying all necessary chemicals and equipment aside from the pool cleaning robot supplied by the VA.

19. Who is the current pool vendor? Currently we cannot release that information the current.

20. How much is the current pool maintenance contract per year? Not at liberty to disclose.

21. How much did the current pool vendor spend on maintenance per year over the last 5 years (replacing major parts and such)? Unknown

22. How much did the current pool vendor spend on supplies in 2025 to maintain the pool? Unknown

23. Is pricing expected to be firm-fixed-price for the full scope, separately priced by lifeguarding and pool maintenance, or structured with reimbursable materials, emergency repair allowances, or separate line items for parts and supplies? The price schedule is already established and that’s what will be followed. This requirement is for lifeguards & pool maintenance services.

24. What model filters does the pool use, and how many filters are currently being used? See pictures

25. What model pump does the pool use, and how many pumps are currently being used? See pictures

26. What form of sanitizer is currently being used, and how many sanitizers are on site? Standard sanitizers are being utilized for a requirement of this type.

27. Is the pool one continuous pool, or is it divided into two smaller pools? One continuous pool.

28. Is the pool system fed by an automatic chlorine system? Yes

29. What days and times will the pool maintenance have access to the physical pool? Access can be provided at any time if needed however, the pool is not scheduled for patient use on Fridays.

30. Is there a location to store chemicals on-site in the pool area? Yes, there is space in the mechanical room which is locked and will need authorized personnel to access the area.

31. Can the client provide recent photos or videos of the pool, pump room, chemical storage area, filtration equipment, and any visible problem areas? Vendors are welcome to conduct a site visit.

32. Can the client provide pool dimensions, approximate gallonage, depth profile, and surface type? See section 1.2 of PWS.

33. When was the pool last drained, cleaned, resurfaced, painted, or otherwise renovated? Unknown

34. Are there any known leaks, cracks, plaster issues, tile issues, coping issues, or deck drainage concerns? The pool is currently in safe working condition.

35. What are the most recent water chemistry readings, including chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and total dissolved solids? The pool is currently in safe working condition.

36. Can the client provide copies of recent service logs, chemical logs, inspection reports, repairs, and any health department notices or violations. The pool is currently in safe working condition.

37. What is the normal maintenance schedule, including vacuuming, brushing, skimming, backwashing, filter cleaning, and chemical testing?

See section 1.5.1 of PWS.

38. Are there any recurring maintenance problems, equipment failures, cloudy water issues, algae issues, or chemical balance problems? None reported.

39. Are there manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance tasks for pumps, filters, feeders, valves, controllers, heaters, drains, covers, or other pool systems that must be included in the contractor’s routine scope? Refer to the equipment manufacturers provided in questions 23-25.

40. Who is responsible for emergency repairs, after-hours response, replacement parts, and approval of additional work outside routine maintenance? CO/ COR should be contacted in the event of emergency repairs and any work outside of the original scope of work.

The picture provided above are pictures of the pool located at the James J. Peters VA. Medical Center.

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