36C25224Q0295.docx

36C25224Q0295

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.

UEI:

EFT:

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)

c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

None 578-24-2-6134-0254 36C25224Q0295 02-23-2024 Pasholk,Susan 414-844-4846 03-08-2024 10:00

CST

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 115 S 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 X X 561210 $47 Million N/A X 36C252

EDWARD HINES JR. VA HOSPITAL

Department of Veterans Affairs

5000 SOUTH 5TH AVENUE

HINES IL 60141-5000

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 115 S 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 877-353-9791 512-460-5540 See CONTINUATION Page

BOILER/PLANT OPERATOR SUPPORT STAFF FOR HINES VAH

PER THE STATEMENT OF WORK

SERVICE CONTRACT LABOR STANDARDS APPLY AND ARE ATTACHED

DOL WD

2015-5017 REV-25 DATED 12.26.2023 APPLIES

THIS REQUIREMENT IS 100% SET-ASIDE FOR SDVOSB

VA POC; JASON SARENY 708-506-4329

CO: SUSAN PASHOLK 414-844-4846

See CONTINUATION Page 578-3640162-6134-851100-2543 0100501X3 X X X

SUSAN PASHOLK

CONTRACTING OFFICER

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA (continuation from Standard Form 1449) OFFERORS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ALL INFORMATION DESIGNATED HEREIN PRIOR TO THE TIME SPECIFIED IN BLOCK 8 OF SF 1449 IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

CONTRACTOR NAME _____________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________

CITY-STATE-ZIP ______________________________________

POINT OF CONTACT/TITLE ______________________________________

SAM UEI NO. ______________________________________

CAGE CODE ______________________________________

b. GOVERNMENT: SUSAN PASHOLK, CONTRACTING OFFIER

CONTRACTING OFFICE CODE: 36C252

MILWAUKEE WI 53214

2. ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS:

This Request for Quote (RFQ) solicitation is issued under the authority of FAR Part 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items in which simplified acquisition procedures in FAR Part 13 will be used. FAR Part 14 and 15 will not be used. From this RFQ, the Government intends to award a firm fixed price contract where the contractor provides a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. (Note: The terms “offeror” and “quoter” are both used in this Solicitation. For the purposes of this Solicitation, these terms are interchangeable; there is no difference in meaning between the two.)

3. SET-ASIDE (If any): See box 10 of STANDARD FORM 1449

4. SOLICITATION TIMELINE SUMMARY:

A. SITE VISIT:

It is strongly suggested and expected that the offeror inspect the campus to be serviced to fully understand the nature of the work and the conditions under which the work is to be performed. In no case shall failure to inspect the campus constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

TO SCHEDULE A SITE VISIT, CONTACT CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO) SUSAN PASHOLK AT SUSAN.PASHOLK@VA.GOV. SITE VISITS NEED TO BE SCHEDULED AND TAKE PLACE NO LATER THAN CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON MARCH 1, 2024.

B. RFQ QUESTIONS:

In order to maintain integrity of this solicitation and subsequent award date, all offerors are advised that any question and answer requests must be submitted in a written form via e-mail to the Contracting Officer SUSAN.PASHOLK@VA.GOV no later than MONDAY MARCH 4, 2024 AT 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME. Contracting will issue a consolidated response via solicitation amendment to https://sam.gov Contract Opportunities within 2 business days to all parties

C. SOLICITATION CLOSES/QUOTES DUE:

See box 8 of STANDARD FORM 1449 or most recent Amendment.

D. SUBMISSION OF QUOTE:

See 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services and addendum for specific instructions to offerors.

5. CONTRACTING OFFICER AUTHORITY:

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 commitment 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 cost incurred thereof.

6. INVOICES:

0. All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with: FAR 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER – SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

0. Invoices shall be submitted monthly in arrears in accordance with: 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

0. Payments shall be made in arrears upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice

0. Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests.

0. The VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC). VAFSC has partnered with Tungsten Network e-Invoicing network, for submissions of all electronic invoices to VA. Tungsten Network electronic invoicing is free to all VA vendors. In order to submit electronic invoices, all VA vendors must register with Tungsten Network by submitting an email to VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com or calling 1-877-489-6135 for Enrollment.

0. Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice by the tenth (10th) of the following month services were performed to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) e-Invoice through the website at https://portal.Tungsten-Network.com/Login.aspx. For questions regarding the submission of VA electronic invoices, Tungsten Network customer service may be contacted at 1-877-489-6135.

0. All invoices shall reference the vendor name and address, customer name, contract number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services provided, quantity, unit price, and total invoice amount (any additional info). Invoices shall also include any payment discount terms.

0. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten Network e-Invoice, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veteransaffairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

0. As of July 1, 2020, the VA10091 form has been eliminated and the VAFSC is requiring our vendors to update and add their information in the Customer Engagement Portal (CEP) at https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/. This is for new vendors being added to FMS only.

0. For assistance setting up e-Invoice, the below information is provided:

* Tungsten Network e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

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

* FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

* FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

7. FACILITY REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to any other requirements set forth in this Contract, the Contractor, including its employees, agents, and subcontractors (collectively “the Contractor”), shall comply with the following facility requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be considered a material breach of this Contract and may be a violation of Federal law resulting in charges answerable in the United States District Court.

1. Contractor is responsible to follow all on site facility policies

1. All VA property is considered Federal property and all Federal laws are applicable.

1. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the VA Police Section. The VA will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions.

1. All VA facilities are drug free. Possession of drugs, to include Marijuana and all Marijuana bi-products are prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

1. All contractor personnel are required to adhere to all VA rules and regulations.

1. Smoking is prohibited on the entire campus, both inside and outside the VA Facility.

1. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

1. VHA DIRECTIVE 1192: This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directive establishes policy and provides guidance for the prevention of seasonal influenza in VHA facilities through the vaccination or masking of health care personnel (HCP). AUTHORITY: Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 7301(b), 7318(b). Contractor is responsible in ensuring that all aspects of this directive are implemented, including providing face masks and influenza vaccines for all employees working at a VA facility.

8. SECURITY & PRIVACY CONTROL:

The Authorization & Accreditation (A&A) requirements of VHA Handbook 6500.6 do not apply to this requirement, therefore, a Security Accreditation Package is not required. No A&A or MOU/ISA is required. Sensitive information exposure as part of this contract involves applicable security controls within the facility as part of the VA Information Security.

If there are any questions related to privacy, please have a member of your staff contact the VA Privacy Service at (202) 461-6309. If there are any questions related to the information security, please have a member of your staff contact the Office of Cyber Security at (304) 262-7733.

All contractors are required to obtain government issued Identification Badge (referred to as a flash badge or PIV-i). Contractors are subject to finger printing and background investigation. The procedure to follow is:

1. Contractors must FIRST coordinate a time with the Hines Engineering Badging Coordinator at Building 2 room 129 Project Planning during regular work hours to fill out the proper documentation which includes multiple forms and the sharing and release of personal information within the course of the investigation process. All forms available in advance upon request.

2. Next, Contractor personnel must have their fingerprints scanned by Human Resources PIV office located in Building 17 on Hines campus.

3. It takes between 5-7 days for fingerprints to clear.

4. Once fingerprints have cleared the person requesting a badge can be sponsored by the Hines Engineering Badging Coordinator.

5. Once contractor has been sponsored, they arrangements must be made for a scheduled badge pickup. Confirm with PIV personnel for further identity documents required at time of badge pickup.

9. DAILY FACILITY CHECK IN/OUT

Check In/Out to facility is mandatory.

· Contractor personnel assigned to perform work under this contract shall check in with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Plant Supervisor at the beginning of each shift.

· Contractor personnel shall check out at the end of each shift with the COR or Plant Supervisor.

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

PROVIDE QUALIFIED BOILER PLANT OPERATOR #1

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561210 - Facilities Support Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: R425 - Support - Professional: Engineering/Technical

PROVIDE QUALIFIED BOILER PLANT OPERATOR #2

POP Begin: 04-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2024

PROVIDE QUALIFIED BOILER PLANT OPERATOR #3

POP Begin: 04-01-2024 POP End: 07-31-2024

Contractor shall include all administrative costs into hourly price listed in price schedule.

STATEMENT OF WORK

BOILER/PLANT OPERATORS

EDWARD HINES JR. VA HOSPITAL

1.0. GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The contractor shall provide qualified boiler/plant operator to perform industrial level Boiler and Plant Operation services at the Hines Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Campus located in Illinois. The Hines Boiler Plant houses four Cleaver Brooks 35,000 lb./hr. water tube, boilers with a normal header pressure of 125psi.

The contractor shall provide qualified Boiler Operator/s to operate the campus Boiler Plant (125PSI normal header pressure) with all the associated equipment to produce and distribute high pressure steam at the Hines VA Medical Campus, Illinois. Coverage to include various rotating shifts which includes days, evenings, and nights as well as weekdays and weekends (to include Holidays).

The plant typically remains in operation 24 hours of every day. Operation of the VA Boiler Plant must be in a safe manner. Boiler safety must not be compromised to maintain service (see Section 3.3 - Reporting Emergency Operation issues below). Operators must understand and follow ATTACHMENT A - VHA Directive 1810 regarding boiler plant safety and operations, ATTACHMENT B - 578-12-138A-078 Boiler Plant Operations (Hines Directive), and ATTACHMENT C - Boiler Device Safety testing manual revision V.

VA personnel will be operating the plant with the Contractor’s personnel in cooperation to cover all three daily shifts. The plant must have a minimum of 1 qualified operator for each shift. These shifts may be covered by any combination of contractor’s staff or VA staff. The designated Operator on Duty whether that is VA or Contracted will be responsible for the safe operation of the plant during their shift.

1.1. Performance Location: All services shall be performed on site at Building 205, Edward Hines VA Hospital at 5th Ave. & Roosevelt Road, Hines IL 60141.

1.2 Period of Performance: This contract shall include 12 week period of performance. Up to three operators at a time may be needed; however, there may be times when only one, two, or none are deployed based on the staffing requirements of the VA. COR will coordinate with Contractor number of operators and days to be worked with two-week notice .

2.0. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

a. Contractor shall provide fully qualified personnel. At a minimum, a boiler Operator who has a valid City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License, and 5 years’ experience with high pressure boilers.

b. Contractor shall work with Qualified VA operator for 40 hours prior to standing shift alone. This cost can be billed as normal time against this contract up to 4 times (4 different Operators). The expectation is the contractor will provide stable and consistent personnel. If for any reason more than 4 contracted operators are brought in to stand shifts the labor time of training the new operators shall be covered by the Contractor. This time period may be more or less depending on experience and demonstrated skills of contract operators. Operator will be deemed qualified based on completion of training and demonstration of ability to execute required tasks for the chief engineer or delegate.

c. All operators that provide services on this contract shall also complete the VA training course Safe Steaming 1 & 2 prior to starting work and is provided at no cost to the contractor. The course takes approximately 8-10 total hours to complete and can be taken online from a computer terminal provided by the VA.

d. Contractor shall be responsible for their own quality and safety. Specific Personal Protective Equipment - Contractor workers shall wear (provided by contractor):

· Arc rated or natural fiber long pants and long sleeve shirt.

· Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved steel toed foot gear (work boots) - OSHA's foot protection standard 29 FR 1910.136 which requires that the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard for Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967 be met.

· Hearing protection

· Eye protection

e. OSHA Training - Contractor workers shall be trained by contractor in the following procedures as defined by:

· OSHA Hazard Communication Training including Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

· OSHA Lockout/tagout procedures (VA will provide training in site and equipment specific requirements)

· National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 70E (latest edition) Standard for electrical safety in the workplace

f. All work shall be in conformance with VA Policy and Procedures, safety standards, manufacturer's/industry standards to include:

· American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, latest edition;

· NFPA 85 Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code, latest edition;

· NFPA 70E Standard for electrical safety in the workplace, latest edition.

· VHA Directive 1810 (1), as amended September 11, 2018 for high pressure boiler operations in Veterans Health Administration.

· VHA Safety Device Safety Device Testing Manual 5th edition.

g. Bi-weekly, on-site performance meeting will be required between VA and contractor supervisor to review performance. Meeting location will be Building 205, Edward Hines VA Hospital at 5th Ave. & Roosevelt Road, Hines IL 60141.

2.1. Physical Qualifications. Contractor personnel shall be able to perform:

a. Heavy work; lifting of 50 lbs. frequently and 75 lbs. occasionally.

b. Work at heights and climb ladders - Conditions of dizziness or vertigo, uncontrolled or poorly controlled insulin dependent diabetes, uncontrolled or poorly controlled seizure disorder or any condition that would interfere with alertness will be disqualifying

c. Work in confined spaces; A history of claustrophobia, any physical limitation(s) interfering with agility or the ability to perform work in awkward and sustained postures such as severe progressive arthritis, or body size larger than the confined space opening will be disqualifying;

d. Work in heat – over 100 degrees F;

e. Work in a noisy environment (will be required to wear hearing protection when necessary);

f. Work involving potential hazardous exposures such as asbestos, machine parts, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes;

g. Ability to function safely while wearing a respirator - Work requiring an OSHA approved respirator and proper fit tested.

h. Standing and bending for long periods of time

i. Ability to distinguish between audible alarms (not hearing impaired).

j. Reading warning signs/signals, at least 20/40 vision in worse eye with or without correction and 20/20 in the better eye with or without correction, and unimpaired depth perception; Be able to distinguish between colors – Red and Green.

k. Contractor shall provide medical certification that their contract operators meet the above requirements

2.2. Supervision. VA will not supervise contract workers. Contractor will be given a list of emergency contact numbers to call in case of emergency.

a. The Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of all personnel provided to work for VA under this contract. In the event that damages arise from work performed by Contractor provided personnel, under the auspices of this contract, the Contractor shall be responsible for all resources necessary to remedy the incident.

b. The Contractor shall manage provided operators in coordination with the VA Plant supervisor. Planned or unplanned leave from shift needs to immediately be brought to attention of plant supervisor and the Operator on duty at the time.

c. The Contractor shall make all reasonable efforts to find replacement operator in the event their scheduled operator cannot stand shift.

2.3. Reports/Documentation:

a. Payment for work under this contract is subject to the completion daily timecards that the contractor shall compile and email every week to the COR with a request for payment form.

b. Contractor shall provide emergency contacts – Contractor will provide VA will emergency 24/7 emergency contact information to include names and telephone numbers.

2.4. Parts: Material will be provided by the VA as needed and upon written request.

2.5. Hours of Coverage:

a. Coverage shall include various rotating shifts which includes days, evenings, and nights as well as weekdays and weekends (to include Holidays).

b. Shift to be covered will be established two weeks in advance but are subject to change based on the needs of the plant and the discretion of the VA Boiler Plant Supervisor.

c. The expectation is to provide 40 hours per week for the 12 week (3 month) period of performance. In the event overtime hours are required, the contractor will be allowed to invoice at time and a half. Contractor’s hourly pricing will be set per the bid and award of contract. There will not be changes based on night or holiday differentials.

3.0 SPECIFIC TASKS:

3.1 The Qualified Operator shall become responsible for the plant during their shift. The goal is to deliver steam to the various campus buildings, maintain the equipment, and perform the many varied tasks as a qualified operator.

3.2 The below lists represent typical tasks that may occur during each shift, but not all tasks will be completed each shift (Listed As Required - AR in chart below). Contractor shall only be responsible for tasks that can be reasonably completed within the shift. The operator shall perform the minimum duties listed in the table below as part of their daily activities. Additionally, the operator shall be capable of and will perform the following duties at a minimum as necessary during a shift:

a. Lighting off, warming up, placing in service, and shutting down the boilers

b. Firing on each of the available fuels; natural gas and diesel fuel oil

c. Operating all plant equipment and controls, including start-up and shutdown

d. Gradual warm-up of hot piping system and placing them into service

e. Maintaining water quality to protect the equipment and piping from damage

f. Handling malfunctions and emergency situations. To include emergency or backup generator operation in the central plant

g. Collecting and organizing the equipment and plant performance records

h. Routine equipment maintenance

i. Preparation of equipment for inspections

j. Operation and testing of all safety devices and control equipment

k. Facilitating and monitoring the receipt of fuels and supplies

Record or perform task at required interval - *M-Monthly, D-Daily, S - once per Shift, H-Hourly, AR - As Required

3.3 Reporting Emergency Operation issues: If any issues arise that cannot be resolved in a timely manner that will result in the loss of steam pressure or volume – contractor worker shall immediately contract the VA list of contacts until someone is reached, normally this is the Boiler Plant Supervisor 1st, Chief Engineer 2nd, Assistant Chief 3rd.

3.4 Notice of shift Change: VA will give contractor 2 weeks’ notice prior to requesting shift change (move to another shift).

3.5 CLIN 1, 2, and 3. Each Contract Line-Item Number represents the normal service provided for a single qualified operator. If only one operator is needed to provide coverage, then only CLIN 1 will be used. If two operators are necessary, then CLIN 1 and CLIN 2 will be used. If all three, 8-hour shifts must be covered then all three CLINs will be exercised.)

4.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

a. In order to receive approval on any invoicing by the contractor the COR/CO shall be provided with complete documentation of daily worker logs and any reports generated by the work.

b. Non-Functioning Safety Devices – Non-functioning safety device shall be reported immediately to the VA Boiler Plant Supervisor and be followed up with via email. It also shall be documented each shift in the daily log and shall state any additional work to make the plant operate safely.

c. Complete daily logs – Contract workers shall review daily logs with the operator standing shift before them prior at the beginning of each shift and document any significant actions such as: any equipment failures, repairs made, operational difficulties, unusual operational conditions etc. each shift. Documentation shall include any non-functioning safety device/s. Similarly, the operator shall review the same information with the operator following them on shift.

5.0 USE OF GOVERNMENT EQUIPMENT:

a. The Contractor shall not allow his/her employees, including Subcontractor employees, to open desk drawers, cabinets, or to use office equipment, including the use of non-pay telephones for any purpose other than required for normal performance of duties in this contract.

b. Contractor shall not attempt to access VA information or computer systems that are not part of this contract. Only the boiler and associated plant equipment computer systems are authorized.

6.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

a. The COR is responsible for monitoring the contractor’s performance. Performance deficiencies identified during the term of the contract will be documented by the COR and reported to the contractor and CO. Upon notification of deficiencies or deficient performance, the contractor shall be given a reasonable time to take corrective action. The CO, COR and/or other VA staff members will meet with the contractor on a bi-weekly basis to review performance and resolve issues. This on-site meeting will take place at Building 205, Edward Hines VA Hospital at 5th Ave. & Roosevelt Road, Hines IL 60141.

b. All deficiencies and deficient performance will be documented by the COR and shall be corrected by the contractor within the timeframe specified within the Contract Deficiency Report or Cure Notice. The contractor shall notify the CO and COR when corrections have been made. Failure to meet the required service or performance level may result in low performance ratings, possible recommendation to not exercise an option, and/or possible termination of the contract.

c. To minimize the performance management burden, simplified surveillance methods will be used by the Government to evaluate contractor performance when appropriate. The primary methods of surveillance are random monitoring, which will be performed by the COR or designated representative. Acceptance Testing on each repair shall be performed in the presence of the COR or designated representative.

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (NOV 2023) is incorporated by reference.

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS:

C.2 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract order incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oamm/oa/ars/policyreg/vaar/index.cfm The following clauses are incorporated by reference:

SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

C.5 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor 5 calendar days prior to the contract’s performance period end. The “specified” rates under this clause will be those rates in effect under the contract each time an option is exercised under this clause.

(End of Clause)

C.6 SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 52.228-5, the following minimum coverage shall apply to this contract:

(a) Workers' compensation and employer’s liability: Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability: $500,000.00 per occurrences.

(c) Automobile liability: $200,000.00 per person; $500,000.00 per occurrence and $20,000.00 property damage.

(d) The successful bidder must present to the Contracting Officer, prior to award, evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage.

(End of Clause)

C.7 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee’s authority. A copy of the designation letter shall be furnished to the Contractor.

(End of clause)

C.8 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERICAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

The Contractor shall not make reference in its commercial advertising to Department of Veterans Affairs contracts in a manner that states or implies the Department of Veterans Affairs approves or endorses the Contractor’s products or services or considers the Contractor’s products or services superior to other products or services.

(End of clause) C.9 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definition. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concern or SDVOSB”:

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled Veterans or eligible surviving spouses (see VAAR 802.101, Surviving Spouse definition);

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled Veterans (or eligible surviving spouses) or, in the case of a service-disabled Veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such Veteran;

(iii) The business meets Federal small business size standards for the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified in the solicitation document;

(iv) The business has been certified for ownership and control pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127, 13 CFR 128, and is listed as certified in the SBA certification database at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/; and

(v) The business agrees to comply with VAAR subpart 819.70 and Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations regarding small business size, government contracting, and the Veteran Small Business Certification Program at 13 CFR parts 121, 125, and 128.

(2) The term “Service-disabled Veteran” means a Veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

(3) The term “small business concern” has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

(4) The term “small business concern owned and controlled by Veterans with service-connected disabilities” has the meaning given the term “small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans” under section 3(q)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)(2)).

(5) The term "SDVOSB participant” or certified SDVOSB means a small business that has been certified in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program and listed in the SBA certification database (see 13 CFR 128.102).

(b) General. In order for a concern to submit an offer and be eligible for the award of an SDVOSB set-aside or sole source contract, the concern must qualify as a small business concern under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract and be listed as an SDVOSB participant in the SBA certification database as set forth in 13 CFR 128.

(1) Offers received from entities that are not certified SDVOSBs and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer shall not be considered.

(2) Any award resulting from this solicitation shall be made to a certified SDVOSB listed in the SBA certification database who is eligible at the time of submission of offer(s) and at the time of award.

(3) The requirements in this clause apply to any contract, order or subcontract where the firm receives a benefit or preference from its designation as an SDVOSB, including set-asides, sole source awards, and evaluation preferences.

(c) Representation. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(e), only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database are considered eligible to receive award of a resulting contract. By submitting an offer, the prospective contractor represents that it is an eligible and certified SDVOSB as defined in this clause, 13 CFR 121, 125, and 128, and VAAR subpart 819.70.

(d) Agreement/LOS certification. When awarded a contract action, including orders under multiple-award contracts, an SDVOSB agrees that in the performance of the contract, the SDVOSB shall comply with requirements in VAAR subpart 819.70 and SBA regulations on small business size, and government contracting programs at 13 CFR part 121 and part 125, including the non-manufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting (LOS) requirements in 13 CFR 121.406(b) and 13 CFR 125.6. For the purpose of limitations on subcontracting, only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or “similarly situated” (i.e., a firm that has the same small business program status as the prime contractor). An otherwise eligible firm further agrees to comply with the required (LOS) certification requirements in this solicitation (see 852.219-75 or 852.219-76 as applicable). These requirements are summarized as follows:

(1) Services. In the case of a contract for services (except construction), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (excluding direct costs to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and the SDVOSB/VOSB does not provide the service, such as airline travel, cloud computing services, or mass media purchases). When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the service portion of the contract.

(2) Supplies/products. (i) In the case of a contract for supplies or products (other than from a non-manufacturer of such supplies), the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database. When a contract includes both supply and services, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the supply portion of the contract.

(ii) In the case of a contract for supplies from a non-manufacturer, the SDVOSB prime contractor will supply the product of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver as described in 13 CFR 121.406(b)(5) has been granted. Refer to 13 CFR 125.6(a)(2)(ii) for guidance pertaining to multiple item procurements.

(3) General construction. In the case of a contract for general construction, the SDVOSB prime contractor will not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.

(4) Special trade construction contractors. In the case of a contract for special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to the prime for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials, may be paid to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database.

(5) Subcontracting. An SDVOSB subcontractor must meet the NAICS size standard assigned by the prime contractor and be certified and listed in the SBA certification database to count as similarly situated. Any work that a first tier VIP-listed SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the percent of subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. For supply or construction contracts, the cost of materials is excluded and not considered to be subcontracted. When a contract includes both services and supplies, the 50 percent limitation shall apply only to the portion of the contract with the preponderance of the expenditure upon which the assigned NAICS is based. For information and more specific requirements, refer to 13 CFR 125.6.

(e) Required limitations on subcontracting compliance measurement period. An SDVOSB shall comply with the limitations on subcontracting as follows:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] _X_ By the end of the base term of the contract or order, and then by the end of each subsequent option period; or ____ By the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract.

(f) Joint ventures. A joint venture may be considered eligible as an SDVOSB if the joint venture 13 CFR 128.402 and the managing joint venture partner makes the representations under paragraph (c) of this clause. A joint venture agrees that, in the performance of the contract, the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (d) of this clause will be performed by the aggregate of the joint venture participants.

(g) Precedence. The VA Veterans First Contracting Program, as defined in VAAR 802.101, subpart 819.70, and this clause, takes precedence over any inconsistencies between the requirements of the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program, and the VA Veterans First Contracting Program.

(h) Misrepresentation. Pursuant to 38 USC 8127(g), any business concern, including all its principals, that is determined by VA to have willfully and intentionally misrepresented a company’s SDVOSB status is subject to debarment from contracting with the Department for a period of not less than five years (see VAAR 809.406-2 Causes for Debarment).

(End of clause) C.10 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING – CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) DEVIATION

(a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(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 at time of submission of offer/quotes and at time of award, an eligible SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov -listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-73 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated at time of submission of offer/quotes and at time of award, an eligible SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov -listed 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 an eligible SDVOSB/VOSB in the SBA certification database on the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-73 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal listed 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 SBA Veteran Small Business Certification Program portal listed SDVOSBs as set forth in 852.219-73 or VOSBs as set forth in 852.219-74. Any work that a similarly situated 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.

(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 section 1001 of title 18.

(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.

Certification:

I hereby certify that if awarded the contract,…