36C25022Q0023.docx

36C25022Q0023

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

515-22-1-390-0002 36C25022Q0023 11-09-2021 Martin, Jeffrey 317-988-1510 11-16-2021 14:00

EST

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 10 8888 Keystone Crossing Suite 1100 Indianapolis IN 46240 X X 238220 $16.5 Million N/A X Battle Creek VA Medical Center (BCVAMC) 5500 Armstrong Rd Battle Creek MI 49037 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 10 8888 Keystone Crossing Suite 1100 Indianapolis IN 46240

See website at:

https://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp for instructions & for invoicing website at:

https://www.tungsten-network.com/ customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs See CONTINUATION Page The Battle Creek VA Medical Center (BCVAMC) requires maintenance and chemical treatment of the Combined Heating and Power (CHP) plant Boiler and Cooling Towers, Building 22 Cooling Tower, and for the Boiler plant boiler water/feedwater and steam to be maintained at specified results in accordance with the statement of work.

This requirement is a 100% set aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

This procurement is being procured under FAR Part 12 and 13 as a firm fixed price contract.

Quoters that do not submit all required information may not be considered for award. Quoters are encouraged to submit a quote in accordance with the Instructions to Quoters included in Section E of this solicitation.

See CONTINUATION Page 515-3620162-390-854100-2548 0100555X9 X X X Sally L. Leitch Contracting Officer Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration will be handled by the following individuals:

a. Contractor: _______________________ Address: _______________________

Contractor Point of Contact (POC) for Contract: __________________________

Alternate POC for Contract: ______________________ Title: ______________________ Phone: ______________________ Email: ______________________

PRIME DUNS NUMBER: __________ TAX ID: _________ Business Size: __________ SUB DUNS NUMBER: __________ TAX ID: ___________ Business Size: ___________

b. GOVERNMENT:

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

c. Other [x] Monthly to: https://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

Tungsten Network: https://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs

5. SECURE FAX: All faxes regarding this contract shall contain the following on the coversheet:

This fax is intended only for the use of the person or office to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or protected by law. All others are hereby notified that the receipt of this fax does not waive any applicable privilege or exemption for disclosure and that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please notify this office immediately at the telephone number listed above.

6. QUOTE SUBMISSION: Follow the submission instructions provided in the Instructions to Quoters.

7. LATE QUOTE SUBMISSION: Late submissions shall not be considered.

8. QUESTIONS: All questions shall be submitted no later than the 3rd calendar day at Noon, Eastern Time, after the issuance of the solicitation to Jeffrey.Martin8@va.gov. Phone calls shall not be accepted.

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS: Contractor shall acknowledge any and all amendments and include a signed copy with their quote submission. List of Amendments are listed below

B.2 ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION AND INVOICING

VENDOR ELECTRONIC INVOICE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND METHODS

Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests. Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods below:

1. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – the FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten Network (referred to OB10), to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to website: https://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs to enroll in the program and begin submitting the electronic invoices, free of charge.

1. A system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The X12 EDI website is: http://www.x12.org

1. Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. If you have questions about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

2. Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

2. Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

2. FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

2. FSC e-Invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

BILLING AND INVOICING

1. In accordance with this contract, all services shall be billed in arrears on a monthly basis.

2. Contractor shall only bill for services rendered and for line items delivered.

3. A proper invoice that is submitted for payment, shall be accepted and certified for payment if:

i. Monthly invoice is submitted in arrears, no later than the 20th business day of the following month that services were rendered.

ii. Invoice contains in addition to the information required for submission of a ‘proper’ invoice in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(g) the following information:

a. Name and Address of the Contractor

b. Invoice Date and Invoice Number

c. Contract Number

d. Contract Order Number

e. Purchase Order Number

f. Date Range of Services Provided

g. Description of Services Provided

h. Line/Sub-Line-Item number(s) of services provided

i. Quantity of each Line/Sub-Line Item

j. Unit Rate for each Line/Sub-Line Item

k. Total Cost for each Line/Sub-Line Item

l. Total Invoice Cost

4. The Certifying Official will confirm the information in the submitted invoice to the contract and invoice to ensure it is correct and valid.

i. If the invoice submitted is not a proper invoice, the certifying official shall refuse the invoice with a detailed statement as to why the invoice was refused.

ii. Contractor shall make corrections and resubmit using a separate invoice number, notating the invoice number it is replacing.

B.3 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (CPARS)

As prescribed in FAR Part 42.15, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) evaluates contractor past performance on all contracts and contracts that exceed $250,000.00 and shares those evaluations with other Federal Government contract specialists and procurement officials. The FAR requires that the contractor be provided an opportunity to comment on past performance evaluations prior to each report closing. To fulfill this requirement VA uses an online database, CPARS, which is maintained by the Naval Seal Logistics Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. CPARS has connectivity with the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) database, which is available to all federal agencies. PPIRS is the system used to collect and retrieve performance assessment reports used in source selection determinations and completed CPARS report cards transferred to PPIRS. CPARS also includes access to Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS). FAPIIS is a web-enabled application accessed via CPARS for contractor responsibility determination information.

Each contractor whose contract award is estimated to exceed $250,000.00 requires a CPARs evaluation. A government Focal Point will register your contract within 30 days after award and, at that time, you will receive and email message with a User ID (to be used when reviewing evaluations). Additional information regarding the evaluation process can be found at www.cpars.gov or if you have any questions you may contact the Customer Support Desk at DSN: 684-1690 or COMM: 207-438-1690.

For contracts with a period of one year or less, the contracting officer will perform a single evaluation when the contract is complete. For contracts exceeding one year, the contracting officer will evaluate the contractor’s performance annually. Interim reports will be filed each year until the last year of the contract, when the final report will be completed. The report shall be assigned in CPARS to the contractor’s designated representative for comment. The contractor representative will have 60 days to submit any comments and re-assign the report to the CO.

Failure for the contractor’s representative to respond to the evaluation within those 60 days will result in the governments evaluation being placed on file in the database with a statement that the contractor failed to respond. The Contractor’s representative will be locked out of the evaluation and may no longer send comments.

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Water Treatment Services Battle Creek VA Medical Center In accordance with the Statement of Work

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 12-01-2021 POP End: 11-30-2022

PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: Z1NB - Maintenance of Heating and Cooling Plants

0001AA

Maintain Automated CHP Cooling Tower Feed System

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 12-01-2021 POP End: 11-30-2022

0001AB

Maintain Continuous Monitoring System.

0001AC

Waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank.

0001AD

Provide/maintain Storage Tanks.

0001AE

Monthly testing, calibration, inspection, maintenance of boiler water, reverse osmosis, and Softener Systems.

0001AF

Annual Cleaning of Tower Sump, Fill and Basin.

0001AG

Training

0001AH

Inspect reverse osmosis system.

0001AJ

Legionella testing of CHP cooling tower.

0001AK

Chemicals (*based on estimated annual 1,100,000 make-up for Cooling Tower treatment.)

Water Treatment Services

In accordance with the Statement of Work

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 12-01-2022 POP End: 11-30-2023

1001AA

Maintain Automated CHP Cooling Tower Feed System

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 12-01-2022 POP End: 11-30-2023

1001AB

Maintain Continuous Monitoring System.

1001AC

Waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank.

1001AD

Provide/maintain Storage Tanks.

1001AE

Monthly testing, calibration, inspection, maintenance of boiler water, reverse osmosis, and Softener Systems.

1001AF

Annual Cleaning of Tower Sump, Fill and Basin.

1001AG

Training

1001AH

Inspect reverse osmosis system.

1001AJ

Legionella testing of CHP cooling tower.

1001AK

Chemicals (*based on estimated annual 1,100,000 make-up for Cooling Tower treatment.)

Water Treatment Services

In accordance with the Statement of Work

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 12-01-2023 POP End: 11-30-2024

2001AA

Maintain Automated CHP Cooling Tower Feed System

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 12-01-2023 POP End: 11-30-2024

2001AB

Maintain Continuous Monitoring System.

2001AC

Waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank.

2001AD

Provide/maintain Storage Tanks.

2001AE

Monthly testing, calibration, inspection, maintenance of boiler water, reverse osmosis, and Softener Systems.

2001AF

Annual Cleaning of Tower Sump, Fill and Basin.

2001AG

Training

2001AH

Inspect reverse osmosis system.

2001AJ

Legionella testing of CHP cooling tower.

2001AK

Chemicals (*based on estimated annual 1,100,000 make-up for Cooling Tower treatment.)

Water Treatment Services

In accordance with the Statement of Work

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 12-01-2024 POP End: 11-30-2025

3001AA

Maintain Automated CHP Cooling Tower Feed System

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 12-01-2024 POP End: 11-30-2025

3001AB

Maintain Continuous Monitoring System.

3001AC

Waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank.

3001AD

Provide/maintain Storage Tanks.

3001AE

Monthly testing, calibration, inspection, maintenance of boiler water, reverse osmosis, and Softener Systems.

3001AF

Annual Cleaning of Tower Sump, Fill and Basin.

3001AG

Training

3001AH

Inspect reverse osmosis system.

3001AJ

Legionella testing of CHP cooling tower.

3001AK

Chemicals (*based on estimated annual 1,100,000 make-up for Cooling Tower treatment.)

Water Treatment Services

In accordance with the Statement of Work

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 12-01-2025 POP End: 11-30-2026

4001AA

Maintain Automated CHP Cooling Tower Feed System

Contract Period: Option 4

4001AB

Maintain Continuous Monitoring System.

4001AC

Waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank.

4001AD

Provide/maintain Storage Tanks.

4001AE

Monthly testing, calibration, inspection, maintenance of boiler water, reverse osmosis, and Softener Systems.

4001AF

Annual Cleaning of Tower Sump, Fill and Basin.

4001AG

Training

4001AH

Inspect reverse osmosis system.

4001AJ

Legionella testing of CHP cooling tower.

4001AK

Chemicals (*based on estimated annual 1,100,000 make-up for Cooling Tower treatment.)

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.5 STATEMENT OF WORK

Part I: General Information

A. Introduction The Department of Veterans Affairs Battle Creek VA Medical Center (BCVAMC) in Battle Creek, MI requires water treatment maintenance for the Boiler/Combined Heating and Power Plants at the Medical Center in Battle Creek, MI.

B. Background BCVAMC is a medical facility providing both inpatient and outpatient services to Veterans. The Boiler/Combined Heating and Power plants utilize chemically treated water to enhance Boiler Operation and Optimization. Boiler water treatment focused on the removal or chemical modification of substances potentially damaging to the boiler. Varying types of treatments are used to remedy scale, corrosion, or foaming problems. BCVAMC utilizes boiler steam for food preparation, heating, and humidification. The goals are safety, reliability and longevity of the steam and condensate piping and equipment in the boiler plant, in the steam distribution system and in the various buildings of the VA facility.

C. Scope Contractor shall provide all necessary chemicals, test kits, test reagents, corrosion coupons, test equipment, labor, supplies and technical services for maintenance and chemical treatment of the Combined Heating and Power (CHP) plant boiler and Cooling Towers, Building 22 Cooling Tower, and for the Boiler plant boiler water/feedwater and steam to be maintained at specified results at the BCVAMC in Battle Creek, MI. VAMC boiler plant employees will be responsible for continuous feeding of chemicals and performing water tests with oversight by the contractor. Chelant-based chemicals are not permitted. Currently there are three 110-gallon bulk chemical containers and one 75-gallon chemical container with required secondary containments in the natural gas plant. There are two 110-gallon bulk chemical containers with requirement secondary containments in the CHP plant.

D. Applicable Documents CFR 21.173.310, BOILER WATER ADDITIVES PERMITED IN PLANTS WHERE STEAM CONTACTS FOOD. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) All chemicals utilized must conform to FDA guidelines. In addition, the chemicals shall conform to all local, state, and federal government regulations on water pollution and have appropriate EPA registration.

VHA Directive 1061 Prevention of Health Care-Associated Legionella Disease and scald Injury from Water Systems Standard

Engineering Standard ES -2019-001 - Cooling Tower Water Systems

VHA Directive 2008-062 Boiler Plant Operations

E. Period of Performance This contract will provide a base year with four (4) one-year option periods to extend services.

Part II: Work Requirements

A. Technical Requirements -

1. Contractor shall provide all necessary chemicals, test kits, test reagents, corrosion coupons, test equipment, labor, supplies and technical services for maintenance and chemical treatment of the Combined Heating and Power (CHP) plant Cooling Towers, Building 22 Cooling Tower, Pump House RO and Softener System, and for the Boiler plant feedwater and steam. CHELANT-BASED CHEMICALS ARE NOT PERMITED.

a) Total hardness in feedwater shall be less than one part per million (ppm). Advise VA personnel on proper softener //and reverse osmosis// monitoring and operation.

b) Dissolved oxygen in the feedwater shall be 7 parts per billion (ppb) maximum with oxygen scavenger treatment temporarily suspended. If it exceeds 12 ppb, provide recommendation to boiler plant supervisor that deaerator must be inspected and repaired.

c) Prevent embrittlement of boiler pressure vessels.

d) Condition the boiler sludge to obtain effective bottom blowoff.

e) Boiler residual of sodium sulfite, 30-60 ppm.

f) Boiler phosphate residual, 20-40 ppm.

g) Total dissolved solids (TDS) in boilers as high as possible, but not to exceed 4000 ppm.

h) Total alkalinity in boilers 800 ppm maximum (1/5 x solids TDS).

i) Maximum suspended solids in boilers 350 ppm, maximum silica 250 ppm.

j) Boiler polymer dispersant residual as recommended by supplier.

k) There shall be no "pitting" corrosion.

l) There shall be no scale and deposit formation in the boilers.

m) Moisture content of the steam shall not exceed one percent. Perform condensate conductivity tests at a steam trap near the boiler steam outlet (at a point with no amines) to evaluate the moisture content of the steam. If necessary, utilize an antifoam agent to limit solids carryover in the steam from the boilers and to control boiler priming, foaming, and misting.

n) Control boiler water chemistry to minimize blowdown and thus improve efficiency.

o) Provide steam amine treatment to provide condensate pH of 8.0 - 8.5 at each condensate receiver throughout the facility and in the condensate storage tank in the boiler plant. Feed the amines into the boilers instead of the steam header to achieve even dispersal throughout the distribution system.

p) Control corrosion rates. Steel corrosion rates shall be less than 2.0 mils per year. Copper corrosion rates shall be less than 0.2 mils per year.

q) Establish layer of magnetic iron oxide (black or dark gray in color) on all steel surfaces as a corrosion barrier.

2. Contractor shall perform the following tests monthly, at a minimum, provide complete written reports with all test results and recommendations, and review reports with plant supervisor:

a) Condensate return systems: pH, hardness, dissolved iron and copper, total dissolved solids (conductivity), amine. Condensate conductivity at a steam trap near the boiler steam outlet. Test the condensate for pH at representative samples of condensate receivers throughout the facility at least twice per year. Vary the sample sites every year.

b) Make-up water including soft water, water from reverse osmosis, water from dealkalyzer: pH, alkalinity, hardness, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, and silica.

c) Boiler feedwater: Dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, hardness, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, and silica. Feedwater dissolved oxygen shall be tested twice per year with oxygen scavenger chemical treatment temporarily suspended so that feedwater deaerator performance can be evaluated.

d) Boiler water: Total dissolved solids, suspended solids, sulfite, phosphate, and alkalinity.

e) Continuous blowdown systems: Check calibration and settings monthly.

f) Chemical feed systems: Advise plant supervisor on adjustments to maintain proper chemical dosage and feed rates and blowdown rates.

3. Contractor shall periodically verify the proper operation of non-chemical water treatment systems which serve the boiler plant including: Feedwater, deaerator, water softener, reverse osmosis (RO), dealkalyzer, continuous blowdown, and condensate vacuum system water softener and RO systems. This shall include inspecting salt level and RO filter conditions.

4. Contractor shall provide complete written reports with all test results and recommendations, and review reports with plant supervisor:

5. Contractor shall visit the plant weekly during the first three months of a new contract. After three months, visit the plant monthly, perform tests listed above and review daily logs of tests performed by boiler plant personnel and discuss the test results with the plant supervisor. Contractor shall provide recommendations on treatment methods and consult on boiler plant and steam and condensate distribution systems problems as requested.

6. Contractor shall operate (or continuously maintain a contract with) a state certified laboratory to perform complete scientific analyses of water chemistry, deposits, metallic materials affected by corrosion and provide recommendations for correction of problems related to the chemical and mechanical water treatment program. A Professional Chemist shall supervise the laboratory.

7. Contractor shall send water samples to the laboratory as necessary to resolve problems and questions. Contractor shall make additional visits at the request of the plant supervisor to handle problems.

8. Contractor shall conduct waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank at least once per year. Contractor shall coordinate the boiler and feedwater deaerator inspection with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), to coincide with an inspection by the Qualified Professional Inspector (boiler inspector). VA personnel will prepare equipment for inspection.

9. Contractor shall provide recommendations on wet and dry boiler lay-up procedures, including monitoring, of boilers not in service.

10. Contractor shall provide recommendations on proper operation of continuous boiler blowdown systems and boiler bottom blowoff procedures.

11. Contractor shall test corrosion coupons from condensate lines once per year and provide report to the COR. VA personnel will install, remove, and deliver the coupons to the water treatment specialist.

12. Contractor shall provide on-site chemical storage containers with secondary containment and provide bulk delivery service which delivers the chemicals directly into the onsite storage containers with no assistance necessary from VA employees other than to provide access. All suitable existing chemicals shall be utilized prior to the use of any new chemicals.

a) Submit MSDS sheets for all chemicals utilized during the performance of services under this contract. The MSDS sheets will accompany delivery of the chemicals.

b) All chemical containers shall be labeled with complete information on contents and shall be returnable. Containers with missing labels shall be removed from the site.

c) All containers remain the property of the contractor and must be immediately removed from; the site when they are no longer needed at the site.

13. Contractor shall provide complete written instructions, supplemented by oral instructions and demonstrations, to boiler plant personnel for their performance of routine water tests and for feeding the chemicals into the systems. The instructions shall cover all aspects of safe chemical handling and safe and accurate testing, and proper chemical feed quantities and methods to suit the plant operating parameters and water treatment performance requirements.

14. Contractor shall provide three two-hour training sessions within two months of the start of a new contract. The first session shall be within one week of the start of the contract. Contractor shall provide one two-hour training session annually.

15. Contractor shall report any deficiencies or problems noted with VA test results or with the water treatment specialist's test results immediately to the COR. If problems are found, corrective actions must be recommended immediately to the COR, within two hours, and with COR's concurrence provide chemicals as necessary, and perform tests as necessary to confirm that desired results are achieved.

B. General Requirements

1. Contractor shall assign a water treatment specialist who has a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from an accredited college or university.

2. Contractor shall respond to routine communications within 48 hours.

3. Contractor shall provide emergency response, including a site visit if requested, within 4 hours of request, 24 hours a day, and 365 days per year. Contractor shall maintain a toll-free (800) telephone number, e-mail, and pager system for 24-hour access.

4. All on site work shall be coordinated with the COR at least seven (7) days prior to performance of services.

5. Situations requiring more frequent analysis and/or special testing other than the specified requirements may arise. Contractor shall not perform any extra cost work without written authorization from the contracting officer.

6. Provide information on the normal time delivery time for chemicals. Provide method for emergency chemical deliveries.

7. The plant personnel will perform routine testing for chemical residuals, conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chloride, silica, iron and copper, and other tests as recommended by the water treatment specialist

8. BCVAMC will arrange for an internal inspection of each boiler by the boiler plant supervisor and the contractor's (chemical supplier) field representative. A visual and written record of the condition of each of the boilers shall be signed by the contractor and the COR. Upon completion/termination of the contract, a similar inspection will be conducted. Any deterioration in the boiler conditions attributable to the contractor's program shall be corrected by the contractor at no additional cost to VA.

9. The COR/Boiler Plant Supervisor will monitor contractor performance by:

a) Direct observation of contractor performance

b) Direct observation of equipment operation

c) Results of water testing

C. Deliverables

1. Provide complete written reports with all test results and recommendations, and review reports with plant supervisor.

2. A written report of each analysis and inspection shall be submitted immediately upon completion of each analysis and/or inspection to include a summary report of treatment recommendations based on the analysis report. Each report shall be submitted in duplicate to the boiler plant supervisor and the COR.

Part III: Supporting Information

A. Security

1. The C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

2. On Site personnel are required to complete the VA Privacy Training for Personnel without Access to VA Computer Systems or Direct Access or Use to VA Sensitive Information. A copy of the signed training must be submitted to the COR and uploaded into VA Talent Management System (TMS). Contractor shall be required to complete VA Privacy Training.

B. Travel: None

C. Place of Performance:

Battle Creek VA Medical Center, 5500 Armstrong Road, Building 300, Battle Creek, MI 49037

D. Government-Furnished Property: None

E. Qualifications of Key Personnel: Contractor's staff shall be fully qualified Field Service Representatives to work on the equipment. "Fully qualified" is based upon training and on experience in the field. The Field Service Representatives must have successfully completed a formalized training program

F. Hours of Work:

Hours of work are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Federal holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

G. VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors (Amended October 25, 2021)

1. Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following:

a. Documentation requirements:

1) If fully vaccinated, shall show proof of vaccination.

a. NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

2) If unvaccinated and granted a medical or religious exception, shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test.

3) Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

4) Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

2. Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19 Screening Tool. Check regularly for updates.

a. Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance, each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces. Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

1) Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal, or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include—

(i) Name and address of the Contractor

(ii) Invoice date and number

(iii) Contract number, line-item number and, if applicable, the order number

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of persons to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment)

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractors point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on—

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in 32.608-2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the…