36C25226Q0527 0001.docx

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H146--SPS Water Sampling and Testing at the Hines VA Hospital in Hines, IL
Solicitation number
36C25226Q0527
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This is Amendment 0001 to RFQ 36C25226Q0527, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center on July 15, 2026, providing responses to offeror questions regarding water sampling and testing services at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois.

The solicitation requires a firm fixed-price contract for emergency and scheduled water testing services within the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) department, including the RO water system and associated sites, performed in accordance with AAMI ST108 standards. Required testing services include pH, alkalinity, bacteria, endotoxin/LAL, total organic carbon (TOC), ionic contaminants, conductivity, and total hardness tests. The contractor must provide on-site sample collection services with all materials, labor, and shipping costs included. Key clarifications from the Q&A include: all samples must be collected on-site and shipped to a laboratory for analysis with no on-site measurements; contractor personnel must perform sample collection with VA staff providing only check-in/checkout and escorting assistance; emergency response requires phone contact within one hour and on-site presence within 24 hours, while routine requests require response within 24 hours next business day with scheduling within 2-3 business days; laboratory accreditations must demonstrate competence but are not prescriptively mandated; and retesting at no additional cost applies only to contractor equipment/procedure failures, not to failed water parameters. The contract includes a one-year base period beginning August 1, 2026, with four one-year options through July 31, 2031. On-site coverage is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, excluding national holidays, with work outside these hours charged at prevailing rates. The price schedule includes eight individual test line items (CLINs 0001-0008) at specified quantities and one on-site sample collection CLIN (0009) for 12 job orders monthly, with equivalent CLINs for each option year. Offerors may propose alternative pricing structures for routine versus emergency sample collection or different groupings of test parameters, provided items remain in-scope. Contractors must demonstrate qualified personnel trained in water sampling procedures, possess or utilize a subcontractor laboratory with relevant accreditations and certifications, meet The Joint Commission competency requirements, and comply with all VA facility safety, security, and records management requirements.

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5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) None

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101

Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 Great Lakes Acquisition Center - HC 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25226Q0527 07-10-2026

X

X

X

See CONTINUATION Page

Reference RFQ 36C25226Q0527 for SPS Water Sampling and Testing at the Hines VA Hospital in Hines, IL.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to offeror questions. Please find all questions and responses plus related changes (if applicable) on the Continuation Pages. All other items and terms remain the same.

Jessica Hansen Contracting Officer

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

QUESTION
RESPONSE
1. Based on AAMI ST108, certain parameters such as pH, conductivity, and alkalinity are commonly measured at the point of sample collection using calibrated field instrumentation to minimize changes that may occur during transport. Would the VA consider it acceptable for all samples, including those for these parameters, to be collected on-site and shipped to the laboratory for analysis, or is the Government's intent that offerors follow the recommended AAMI ST108 procedures by performing the applicable field measurements on-site while sending the remaining samples to the laboratory for analysis?
It is current practice at the VA for all water samples to be shipped to the laboratory for analysis, the VA finds it acceptable to continue this practice and authorizes this practice as a deviation from common ST108 procedures.

Guidance: ALL samples shall be collected on-site and shipped to a laboratory for analysis, no on-site measurements shall take place.

2. The RFQ States: Contractor shall provide on-site sample collection services. Includes all materials to collect and ship water samples. Includes shipping costs incurred for all covered samples. However, it is not clear if the contractor is to provide sample collection tubes, and shipping labels only (i.e. VA staff will use the provided shipping labels and sample collection tubes to mail the samples to the contractor); or if contractor is to also include personnel who visit the VA and collect the samples.
The offeror shall provide all sampling materials, labor, and shipping costs for on-site sample collection. VA staff will assist in check-in/check-out of Contractor personnel, escorting Contractor personnel to sample sites, etc. but will not be performing sample collection.

Guidance: Offerors shall price on-site sample collection accordingly under CLINs 0009/1009/2009/3009/4009 and/or alternately proposed price structure CLINs (see question 7 response).

3. The solicitation states that the contractor shall respond within one (1) hour of a service request and provide an on-site presence, if required, within twenty-four (24) hours of the initial notification. Could you please clarify the types of situations that would require an on-site response? For example, would this apply to emergency corrective actions, technical consultation, additional sampling, or other circumstances?
This requirement applies only to emergency events where a potential contamination to the water supply has occurred and the facility is requesting emergency testing. Contractor shall respond by phone call/email within 1 hour and dispatch personnel for on-site sampling within 24 hours. All other requests (routine recurring testing, retesting, etc.) requires a response within 24 hours next-business-day and subsequent scheduling within 2-3 business days.

Guidance: see SOW for changes, verbiage.

4. The solicitation requires that offerors operate a laboratory holding all relevant accreditations and certifications. Would the Government please identify the specific laboratory accreditations and certifications that are considered mandatory for this requirement?
Since ST108 does not require specific accreditations, offerors may provide proof of any accreditations they have that prove laboratory competence (such as but not necessarily ISO 17025).

Guidance: see SOW for changes, remove “all”.

5. The solicitation states that offerors must be able to perform all required water testing in accordance with AAMI ST108 standards. Could the Government confirm whether compliance is limited to performing the specific testing methods and parameters identified in the solicitation, or whether there are additional AAMI ST108 programmatic or operational requirements that the contractor is expected to satisfy?
Compliance is limited to performing the specific testing methods and parameters identified in the solicitation. If additional parameters are identified under changes to ST108 standards, they shall be considered in-scope and added to the contract via bilateral modification.
6. The solicitation states that the contractor shall include retesting at no additional cost for failed or inconclusive tests. Since the frequency of retesting cannot reasonably be predicted by offerors, would the Government consider establishing a separate CLIN for retesting based on an estimated annual quantity?
The intent of this requirement is for offerors to provide retesting at no additional charge if necessitated by failure on the Contractors end (i.e. tests come back inconclusive/invalid due to equipment/procedure failure). However, if retesting is necessitated by failed water parameters on the facility end (e.g. pH is outside of ideal range), retesting shall be paid for under the applicable CLIN(s).

Guidance: see SOW for changes, verbiage. See question 7 response for pricing flexibilities.

7. Is it acceptable for a contractor to propose an alternative pricing structure to the cost schedule listed on the Sam.gov solicitation?
Offerors may propose alternative pricing structures as long as items/services are in-scope.

Example of acceptable alternative 1: offerors may split the on-site sampling CLIN into two separate CLINs if on-site sampling costs differ for routine sample collection and emergency sample collection.

Example of acceptable alternative 2: offerors may group test parameters in different ways for simplified tracking (e.g. monthly vs quarterly tests, panels specific to each test site, etc.)

Example of unacceptable alternative: offerors may not price for license to web-based records/account management system.

Guidance: since retesting and emergency testing are unknown quantities they are considered optional items. FAR clauses concerning ordering procedures and limitations 52.216-18, 52.216-19, and 52.216-22 may be applied to related CLINs. The application of these clauses will be tailored to individual offeror’s price schedule structures and approved bilaterally at time of award.

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:

AMENDMENT NODATE
0001_____________________7/15/2026_________________
__________________________________________________

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 ____________________________

PHONE NUMBER______________________________
FAX NUMBER______________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS______________________________

SAM UEI NO. ____________________________________

CAGE CODE _____________________________________

CONTRACTOR’S PAST PERFORMANCE POINT OF CONTACT

(IF DIFFERENT THAN ABOVE):

NAME: __________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS:_____________________________

b. GOVERNMENT: Jessica Hansen, Contracting Officer

CONTRACTING OFFICE CODE: 36C252

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
GREAT LAKES ACQUISITION CENTER
115 S. 84TH ST., STE 100

MILWAUKEE WI 53214

2. FAR OVERHAUL (RFO): The Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) are undergoing the most thorough revision in their history, known as the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). Accordingly, references to the updated regulations will be cited as RFO, rather than FAR, e.g., RFO 52.212-4 instead of FAR 52.212-4. The RFO may be found at RFO.

3. ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS: This Request for Quote (RFQ) solicitation is issued under the authority of Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Part 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. FAR Part RFO 14 and RFO 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.)

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

5. SOLICITATION TIMELINE SUMMARY:

A. 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 Jessica Hansen at jessica.hansen@va.gov no later than Tuesday, July 14th at 3:30pm central time. Contracting will issue a consolidated response via solicitation amendment to https://sam.gov Contract Opportunities within 2 business days to all parties.

B. SOLICITATION CLOSES/QUOTES DUE:

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

C. SUBMISSION OF QUOTE:

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

6. INVOICES: Use of the invoicing procedures set forth in this Contract are mandatory and supersede any other invoicing procedures otherwise used by the contractor. The contractor is responsible for the proper, timely submission of all invoices for work that has been completed under this Contract and accepted by the Government. Invoice payment, including the calculation of late fees when applicable, shall be conducted in accordance with current Department of Veterans Affairs policies and procedures at the time an invoice is submitted. Under no circumstances will a late payment be grounds for termination of this Contract.

a. Electronic Submission of Invoices: Invoices must be submitted after all work is completed for stand-alone Contracts or monthly in arrears for long-term Contracts, in accordance with: VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests. Invoices shall not be submitted for work not yet performed.

b. Payment in Arrears: Payment will be made in arrears upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice. Advance payment for work not yet performed is not authorized under this Contract.

c. Electronic Accounts: Before an invoice can be submitted or payment rendered, all contractors must establish a payment account with the Department of Veteran Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) and register with the Tungsten Network for free electronic submission of invoices.

1. VAFSC Payment Account: A VAFSC payment account is established via the VAFSC Customer Engagement Portal at VAFSC Customer Engagement Portal. For assistance, VAFSC customer service is available at (877) 353-9791, option 2, or e-mail at vafsccshd@mail.va.gov.

2. Tungsten Network: Registration with the Tungsten Network may be accomplished at Tungsten Network Registration. Additional information and assistance may be found at Introduction - Simplified Invoicing with the Tungsten Network. Tungsten Network support is available at (877) 489-6135 or e-mail at VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com. Contractors shall submit an electronic invoice by the tenth (10th) of the following month services were performed or goods delivered via the Tungsten Network through the website at Tungsten Network Portal.

d. Invoice Contents: All invoices must reference the contractor’s name and address, customer name, Contract number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services or supplies provided, quantity, unit price, and total invoice amount (any additional info). Invoices must also include any payment discount terms.

e. Electronic Payment: 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

7. NONPERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACT: This Contract is a nonpersonal services contract, as defined in FAR 37.101. VA personnel will not exercise any supervision or control over Contractor personnel performing work under this Contract. Such personnel shall be accountable solely to the Contractor, which in turn is responsible to the Government for execution of the services under this Contract.

8. 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.

9. 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.

a. Contractor is responsible to follow all on-site facility policies.

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

c. 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.

d. 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.

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

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

g. 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.

h. 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.

10. SECURITY & PRIVACY CONTROL: Contractors shall coordinate all badging, background checks, and fingerprinting with the COR or otherwise designated facility point of contact. Reference VA Handbook 0710, VA Handbook 0735, VA Directive 0735.

GENERAL. This entire section applies to all acquisitions requiring any Information Security and Privacy language. Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors and subcontractor personnel will be subject to the same federal laws, regulations, standards, VA directives and handbooks, as VA personnel regarding information and information system security and privacy.

11. RECORDS MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS:

a. Applicability: This section applies to all Contractors whose employees create, work with, or otherwise handle Federal records, as defined in Section B, regardless of the medium in which the record exists.

b. Definitions: “Federal Record” as defined in 44 U.S.C. § 3301, includes all recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government or because of the informational value of data in them.

The term Federal Record:

1. includes VA records;

2. does not include personal materials;

3. applies to records created, received, or maintained by Contractors pursuant to their VA contract; and

4. may include deliverables and documentation associated with deliverables.

c. Requirements:

1. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

2. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

3. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

4. The facility and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the facility or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to the facility. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

5. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in this Contract. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to the facility’s control, or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in this Contract. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

6. The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and the facility’s guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

7. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with the facility’s policy.

8. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public facility information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the Contract.

9. The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

10. The facility owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which the facility shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20.

11. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take VHA-provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training. The facility, in coordination with the COR/POC, will provide any required training under this subparagraph.

d. Flow-down of requirements to Subcontractors:

1. The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this section, its terms and requirements including this paragraph, in all subcontracts under this Contract and require written subcontractor acknowledgment of same.

2. Violation by a subcontractor of any provision set forth in this clause will be attributed to the Contractor.

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

PURPOSE: Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital (Hines VAMC) is requesting to establish a service contract for emergency and scheduled testing of their sterile water system in the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) department, including the RO water system and associated sites, as listed in Appendix A.

1. SCOPE: Contractor shall furnish all labor, transportation, parts, and expertise necessary to provide recurring water testing within the Sterile Processing Services (SPS) department at Hines VA hospital. Water testing shall be performed in accordance with AAMI standards for Sterile Processing (ST108). Any changes to quantity, test type, collection site, or frequency necessitated by changes to AAMI ST108 or the most current standards shall be considered in scope. No access to the VA network or sensitive information will be required as part of this service.

2. HOURS OF COVERAGE:

a. On-site sample collection/on-site coverage: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, excluding national holidays. If access is deemed necessary outside of these hours, these hours shall be charged at the prevailing vendor non-business travel and labor rates.

b. Work performed outside the normal hours of coverage at the request of the contractor shall be considered service during normal hours of coverage.

c. National holidays observed by Hines VAMC are:

New Year’s DayLabor Day
Martin Luther King Jr.’s BirthdayColumbus Day
President’s DayVeteran’s Day
Memorial DayThanksgiving Day
Juneteenth DayChristmas Day
Independence Day

*When a Federal Holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday by the U.S. Government agencies. When a Federal Holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a Federal Holiday.

In addition to the days designated as national holidays, the Government observes the following days:

- Any other day designated by Federal Statute
- Any other day designated by Executive Order
- Any other day designated by the President of the United States to be a Federal holiday.

d. Contractor shall respond as required within 1 hour of service request/notification for emergency events (potential contamination to water supply). On-site presence, if required, shall be within 24 hours of initial call placement. All other requests (routine testing, non-emergent retests, etc.) shall be responded to within 24 hours next-business-day, with on-site sampling scheduled to occur within 2-3 business days after initial call placement.

3. LOCATION OF SERVICE:

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141-5000

All travel shall be included in the contract at no additional charge.

4. SERVICES AND PARTS NOT COVERED BY CONTRACT: Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR) authorization for any work or parts outside the scope of this contract shall be handled separately using standard part and labor rates. Contractor shall provide a list of exclusions at the time of the proposal for VA review. Any work outside the scope of the contract shall be identified, quoted, go through COR approval, and have a PO issued before work begins.

5. QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered eligible for consideration, offerors must:

a. Offeror must have staff trained on water sampling techniques and procedures or utilize a subcontractor trained on water sampling techniques. Offerors shall provide, upon request, documentation of training completion.

b. Offerors must operate a laboratory holding relevant accreditations and certifications or utilize a subcontractor laboratory holding relevant accreditations and certifications. Offerors shall provide, upon request, documentation of accreditations or certifications.

c. Offerors must be able to perform all required water testing in accordance with AAMI ST108 standards.

d. Subcontracting is allowed, subcontractor must meet above criteria (Section 5a, 5b, and 5c). Offerors shall submit documentation of subcontractor’s qualifications, if using. Subcontracting of any ensuing award of this solicitation will not be allowed without written permission of the Contracting Officer. The contractor shall submit any proposed change in subcontractor(s) to the CO for approval/disapproval.

e. Offeror must meet The Joint Commission requirements for proving competency of service provider.

f. Offeror shall provide, upon request, job title, job description, and qualifications of personnel that will or may provide service.

g. The CO or COR specifically reserves the right to reject any of the contractor's personnel and refuse them permission for access. All service personnel shall be aware of and compliant with Hospital policy and procedures pertaining to safety, fire, severe weather, and emergency procedures.

6. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: In the performance of this contract, all service personnel shall use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during sampling, including complying with appropriate attire when entering a sterile environment. The Contracting Officer or designee will notify the contractor of any noncompliance with the foregoing provisions and action to be taken.

7. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

· Contractor Check-In: The contractor’s representative shall contact Healthcare Technology Management at (708) 202-8387, ext. 21167, prior to performing service at the Hines VA Hospital.

· Identification: The Contractor's representative shall always wear visible identification while on the premises of Hines VA Hospital and follow all local visitor badging policies.

8. SPECIFICATIONS OF WORK:

Water Testing:

a. Contractor shall perform appropriate testing on all water samples per the sampling schedule and sites in accordance with AAMI ST108 or latest standards.

· Sites may be added/removed based on most current standards

b. Contractor shall furnish all labor, tools, and materials (e.g. service manuals, software, etc.) required to perform the covered service.

· Includes retesting at no additional cost for failed or inconclusive tests due to laboratory equipment/procedure failure. Retesting due to results falling outside of the ideal parameter range will be covered by the price schedule.

c. Contractor shall provide on-site sample collection services.

· Includes all materials to collect and ship water samples. Includes shipping costs incurred for all covered samples.

d. All water tests shall be performed according to the relevant standards and/or policies including AAMI ST108.

· Standards may be updated during period of performance, Offeror shall follow most current standards.

e. Each of the required water tests shall performed for samples taken at the outlet of the sites listed in Appendix A.

· Appendix A is open for modification if additional test ports are added or removed, per AAMI ST108 requirements. Modifications shall be issued by the CO and bilaterally approved.

f. Results of water testing shall be promptly provided after the conclusion of each test. Results shall be provided electronically to the COR or designee.

· COR: Asma Basith asma.basith@va.gov - 708-825-5841

g. Results reports shall include the following information, at a minimum:

· Test Location

· Test(s) Performed

· Date of Sample Collection

· Date of Lab Analysis

· Numerical Result

· Clear Pass/Fail Indication

h. AAMI ST108 Reference Tables:

· TABLE 2: Medivator Testing (monthly):

· TABLE 5: Other testing (either monthly or quarterly, depending on water type):

· TABLE 6: Other testing (either monthly or quarterly, depending on water type):

Appendix A

Water Testing Sites and Frequency Per Test Type

B.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

Please note: TOC quantity is 0, please price per each for potential changes in quantity per Section 8e of the SOW. Any quantity changes to be made via bilateral modification.

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM NUMBER
DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES
QUANTITY
UNIT
UNIT PRICE
AMOUNT
100.00
EA
__________
__________

pH Test (AAMI ST108) Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: H146 - Quality Control - Water Purification and Sewage Treatment Equipment

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Alkalinity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

144.00
EA
__________
__________

Bacteria Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

120.00
EA
__________
__________

Endotoxin/LAL Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

0.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

48.00
EA
__________
__________

Ionic Contaminants Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Conductivity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

100.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Hardness Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

12.00
JB
__________
__________

On-Site Sample Collection (monthly)

POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027

100.00
EA
__________
__________

pH Test (AAMI ST108) Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Alkalinity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

144.00
EA
__________
__________

Bacteria Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

120.00
EA
__________
__________

Endotoxin/LAL Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

0.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

48.00
EA
__________
__________

Ionic Contaminants Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Conductivity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

100.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Hardness Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

12.00
JB
__________
__________

On-Site Sample Collection (monthly)

POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

100.00
EA
__________
__________

pH Test (AAMI ST108) Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Alkalinity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

144.00
EA
__________
__________

Bacteria Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

120.00
EA
__________
__________

Endotoxin/LAL Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

0.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

48.00
EA
__________
__________

Ionic Contaminants Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Conductivity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

100.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Hardness Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

12.00
JB
__________
__________

On-Site Sample Collection (monthly)

POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

100.00
EA
__________
__________

pH Test (AAMI ST108) Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Alkalinity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

144.00
EA
__________
__________

Bacteria Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

120.00
EA
__________
__________

Endotoxin/LAL Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

0.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

48.00
EA
__________
__________

Ionic Contaminants Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Conductivity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

100.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Hardness Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

12.00
JB
__________
__________

On-Site Sample Collection (monthly)

POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

100.00
EA
__________
__________

pH Test (AAMI ST108) Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Alkalinity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

144.00
EA
__________
__________

Bacteria Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

120.00
EA
__________
__________

Endotoxin/LAL Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

0.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

48.00
EA
__________
__________

Ionic Contaminants Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

52.00
EA
__________
__________

Conductivity Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

100.00
EA
__________
__________

Total Hardness Test (AAMI ST108)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

12.00
JB
__________
__________

On-Site Sample Collection (monthly)

POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

GRAND TOTAL
__________

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

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

(e) 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 FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated in this contract by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(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. Examples of occurrences include 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. When an excusable delay occurs, the Contractor shall—

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as possible;

(2) Remedy the delay as quickly as possible; and

(3) Notify the Contracting Officer when the occurrence is over.

(g) Invoice. The Government will handle invoices according to the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and 5 CFR part 1315. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include the information required by 5 CFR part 1315.9(b).

(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) 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 that appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(4) 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;

(D) Contractor point of contact; and

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

(5) 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 FAR part 33 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 FAR part 32).

(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 termination for cause.

(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 for interest credits prescribed in FAR part 32 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 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. The Government will send a cure notice to the Contractor, unless the reason for the termination is late delivery. 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 under this contract are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Government-financed air transportation; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(r) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in…

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