36C25226R0008_2.docx

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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) 31c. 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 578-26-1-6121-0006 08/01/2026 36C25226R0008 03-26-2026 Meyer, Eileen 414-844-4800 X43232 05-06-2026 10:00 Local Time Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476 X X 561210 $47 Million N/A X Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital Department of Veterans Affairs 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines IL 60141-5000 Department of Veterans Affairs 36C252 Great Lakes Acquisition Center - HC 115 South 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971 X See CONTINUATION Page Contractor shall provide six (6) qualified stationary engineers/operators for the high-pressure boiler plant plant operation and/or medical facility operations as described in the statement of work.

Base Year: 08/01/2026 - 07/31/2027 Option Year 1: 08/01/2027 - 07/31/2028 Option Year 2: 08/01/2028 - 07/31/2029 Option Year 3: 08/01/2029 - 07/31/2030 Option Year 4: 08/01/2030 - 07/31/2031 100% SDVOSB set-aside Service contract labor standards apply See CONTINUATION Page 578-3660162-6121-855100-2543 010050190 X X X Ashley Johnson 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:

1. CONTRACTOR:

CONTRACTOR NAME _____________________________________

ADDRESS ________________________________________________

CITY-STATE-ZIP __________________________________________

POINT OF CONTACT/TITLE ________________________________

SAM UEI NO. ____________________________________________

CAGE CODE _____________________________________________

CONTRACTOR’S PAST PERFORMANCE POINT OF CONTACT

(IF DIFFERENT THAN ABOVE):

NAME: __________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS:_________________________________

MILWAUKEE WI 53214

1. ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS:

This Request for Proposal (RFP) solicitation is issued under the authority of FAR Part 15. FAR Part 13 and 14 will not be used. From this RFP, 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.

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

1. SOLICITATION TIMELINE SUMMARY:

1. SITE VISIT:

It is strongly suggested 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.

SITE VISIT IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2026 AT 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES TO MEET COR JASON ESPINOSA (708-996-3870 or 708-202-8387 x 22366).

1. RFP 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 eileen.meyer@va.gov no later than FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2026 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.

1. SOLICITATION CLOSES/PROPOSALS DUE:

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

1. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL:

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

1. 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 commitments 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.

1. INVOICES:

5. 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)

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

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

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

5. 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.

5. 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.

5. 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.

5. 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.

5. 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.

5. 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

1. 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.

1. 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 information security, please have a member of your staff contact the Office of Cyber Security at (304) 262-7733.

PIV Card:

Applies to unsupervised, full-time, logical and/or physical access for more than 6 months OR more than 180 aggregate days in a one-year period.

Defined in VA Directive 0735 as: “Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential: An identification card that complies with FIPS 201 and related guidance that contains a photograph and stored identity information so that the claimed identity of the cardholder can be verified by another person or an automated process. PIV credentials are issued to persons requiring routine access to VA facilities or information systems.”

All contractor employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA Sensitive Information. The level of background investigation commensurate with the level of access needed to perform in accordance with the statement of work is: Special Agreement Check (SAC) & National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access.

· A NACI Tier 1 Background is required. FY26 NACI Tier 1 fees shall apply.

· SAC Fingerprints are required. FY26 SAC Fingerprints fees shall apply.

· Fees are the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be billed accordingly.

NOTE: The process of acquiring a PIV card for each person on this contract can take two (2) days of labor/hours; please factor this timing into the proposal/contract. The COR will provide detailed instructions.

Routine Access and Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel:

The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

The Contractor shall account for all forms of Government-provided identification issued to the Contractor employees in connection with performance under this contract. The Contractor shall return such identification to the issuing agency at the earliest of any of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Government:

The Contracting Officer may delay final payment under a contract if the Contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

It shall be the responsibility of the prime Contractor to return such identification to the VA.

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #1 as described in the statement of work.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 08-01-2026 POP End: 07-31-2027 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 561210 - Facilities Support Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: R425 - Support - Professional: Engineering/Technical

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #2 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #3 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #4 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #5 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #6 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide a written report every two (2) weeks as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #1 as described in the statement of work.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 08-01-2027 POP End: 07-31-2028

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #2 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #3 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #4 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #5 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #6 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide a written report every two (2) weeks as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #1 as described in the statement of work.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 08-01-2028 POP End: 07-31-2029

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #2 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #3 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #4 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #5 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #6 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide a written report every two (2) weeks as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #1 as described in the statement of work.

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 08-01-2029 POP End: 07-31-2030

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #2 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #3 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #4 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #5 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #6 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide a written report every two (2) weeks as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #1 as described in the statement of work.

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 08-01-2030 POP End: 07-31-2031

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #2 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #3 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #4 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #5 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide stationary engineer #6 as described in the statement of work.

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

Contractor shall provide a written report every two (2) weeks as described in the statement of work.

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

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

Stationary Engineer Support Contract

1.0. GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Contractor shall provide six (6) qualified stationary engineers/operators for the high-pressure boiler plant operation and/or Medical Facility Operations (generically referred to as air conditioning (AC)) operators because they are responsible for the hospital chiller plant). The contractor shall perform building facility operations supporting engineering/mechanical functions for both the campus industrial sized Boiler Plant and the campus Hospital Buildings (Attachment 1). Services are located at the Edward J. Hines Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Campus located in Hines, Illinois. The Hines Boiler Plant houses four (4) Cleaver Brooks 35,000 lb/hr water tube boilers with a normal header pressure of 125psi. The main hospital chiller plant includes three (3) 1,200-ton Carrier Chillers which includes an exceptionally diverse array of other facility equipment that supports the hospital. The services to be provided under this contract do not require Government supervision of contractor employees and are ancillary to Hines’ mission of providing healthcare to veterans.

Coverage shall include various rotating shifts on days, evenings, and nights as well as weekdays and weekends (to include Holidays). All buildings on campus (Attachment 1) remain in operation twenty-four (24) hours per day.

Operation of the VA Boiler Plant shall be in a safe manner. Boiler safety shall not be compromised to maintain service (see item - Reporting Emergency Operation issues section 3.3 below). Operators shall understand and follow VHA Directive 1810 (Attachment 2) regarding boiler plant safety and operations, and Boiler Device Safety testing manual, currently 8th edition, (Attachment 3).

VA personnel shall be operating within all buildings on campus (Attachment 1) with the Contractor’s personnel in cooperation to cover all three (3) daily shifts. A minimum of one (1) qualified operator for each shift shall oversee all campus buildings (Attachment 1). 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 shall be responsible for the safe operation of the plant and equipment during their shift.

1.1. Performance Location:

All services shall be performed on site at Edward Hines VA Hospital at 5th Ave. & Roosevelt Road, Hines IL 60141 (Attachment 1).

1.2. Period of Performance:

Contract base period shall be 08/01/2026 through 07/31/2027 with renewal options for four (4) additional years.

2.0. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

a. Contractor shall provide the six (6) fully qualified staff to begin working shifts full-time, within the first thirty (30) days from time of award. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination for default.

b. Contractor shall provide six (6) fully qualified personnel for various shifts throughout the entirety of this contract. At a minimum, a valid City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License shall be required.

c. Prior to any work, each contractor shall submit a resume, formatted as a pdf, to prove a minimum of three (3) years’ experience with high pressure boilers and industrial/commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) operation experience of similar or greater size and complexity to Hines campus. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO) shall retain the right to determine who is qualified and can request the removal of a contracted operator at any time with no additional cost to the government. Contractor shall find a suitable replacement within two (2) weeks of any unplanned removals.

d. Each contracted operator shall work with a Qualified VA operator for forty (40) hours prior to standing a shift alone. This cost can be billed as normal time against the entirety of this contract up to eight (8) times (eight (8) different Operators). This allows for two (2) alternates or changes in personnel over the entire performance period. The expectation is the contractor shall provide stable and consistent personnel. If for any reason more than eight (8) different operators are brought in to stand shifts, the labor time of training the new operators shall be covered by the contractor. Operator shall be deemed qualified based on completion of training and demonstration of ability to execute required tasks for the chief engineer or delegate.

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

f. 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 Men's Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967 be met.

· Hearing protection.

· Eye protection.

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

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

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

h. 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 transmitted Jan 4, 2023, for high pressure boiler operations in Veterans Health Administration. (Attachment 2);

· VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual 8th Edition (Attachment 3).

i. Every two (2) weeks a written report of the boiler plant and supporting equipment, as detailed in the “Two Week Assessment Criteria” (Attachment 4), shall be provided to the COR. The assessment shall be performed every two (2) weeks from the start of the contract until the ultimate completion date of the contract. The person assessing the plant shall have the following credentials:

· Expertise in VA stationary engineer operations as evidenced by minimum 3 years’ experience.

· Professional Engineering license (Note: this is a not the same as a stationary engineering license).

· Thorough knowledge and understanding of the VHA Directive 1810 Boiler Plant Operations and the latest version of the Safety Device Test manual (currently v8).

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 shall 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 shall be disqualifying.

d. Work in heat – over 100 degrees F or cold down to -30°F.

e. Work in a noisy environment (shall 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 provided by the VA.

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. If contractors are not physically capable of performing all requirements of this SOW, they will be deemed unqualified to participate in work under this contract and subsequently will not be allowed to continue.

2.2. Supervision:

VA shall not supervise contract workers. Contractor shall be given a list of emergency contact numbers to call in case of emergency at the beginning of this contract.

a. The contractor shall be responsible for the actions of all personnel provided to work for VA under this contract. If 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 the provided operators in coordination with the VA Boiler Plant Supervisor. Planned or unplanned leave from shift needs to immediately be brought to the attention of the VA 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 of daily timecards that the contractor shall compile and email every week to the Operations Supervisor and COR with a request for approval.

b. Daily check in/check out is mandatory for services performed on site. This includes all operations, repair labor, inspections, testing and/or maintenance services. This detailed written report shall be signed by the contractor describing the specific tasks(s) performed, preventive maintenance performed, including the exact location of the system or device serviced, an itemized nomenclature list of all parts replaced (if any), including equipment identification (i.e., serial number), a description of all items requiring further attention, and the name(s) of the technician(s) performing the work. Regardless of any wording to the contrary which may appear on the contractor's standard forms, those reports shall be conditionally accepted by the Government subject to later inspection for compliance with established standards of quality.

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

2.4. Parts:

Any material used for repairs shall be provided by the VA as needed and upon written request.

2.5. Hours of Coverage:

a. This contract is to provide the services of a qualified operator. Coverage to include various rotating shifts which include days, evenings, and nights as well as weekdays and weekends (to include Holidays).

b. The shift shall be established two (2) weeks in advance but is subject to change based on the needs of the plant and the discretion of the VA Boiler Plant Supervisor.

c. Unless an exception is requested and approved by the COR, the requirement is to provide forty (40) hours per week for the fifty-two (52) week period of performance per operator.

d. In the event overtime hours are required, the contractor shall notify the COR prior to working and obtain approval/authorization. Upon receiving this approval/authorization, the contractor will be allowed to invoice at time and a half the hourly unit rate established in the price schedule for this contract. Contractor’s hourly pricing shall be set per the bid and award of contract. There shall not be changes based on night or holiday differentials.

3.0. SPECIFIC TASKS:

3.1 The Qualified Operator shall become responsible for all campus buildings during their shift. The goal is to deliver steam to the various campus buildings, maintain and repair the equipment, start and stop HVAC, and other equipment as necessary to maintain indoor environmental conditions, and perform the many varied tasks as a qualified operator.

3.2 The below represents typical tasks that may occur during each shift, but not all tasks shall 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 shall 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.

g. Collecting and organizing the equipment and plant performance records

h. Equipment maintenance such as changing filters in air handlers; cleaning strainers; replacing broken or worn drive belts on motors; lubricating the various compressors, fans, shafts, and moving parts of other operating and standby equipment. Uses various lubricants and maintains a log of lubricant changes and requirements.

i. Equipment repairs such as replace valves up to 12inches, broken flares, repair and replace copper, steel, iron and other pipe up to 6 inches in diameter, repacking glands, adjusting expansion valves, replacing small electric motors (100hp or lower), and making temporary repairs to pipes.

j. Preparation of equipment for inspections

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

l. Facilitating and monitoring the receipt of fuels and supplies

m. Starts, Stops, and Adjusts HVAC equipment to maintain indoor environmental design conditions and/or maintain the safety of people and equipment.

n. Tests water in cooling towers and adds chemicals for control of alkalinity, algae, and scale formation.

While operating the Boiler Plant ensure:

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

While Operating Hospital Facilities ensure:

Start Shift

3.3 Reporting Emergency Operation issues – if any issues arise that cannot be resolved in a timely manner that shall result in the loss of steam pressure or volume – contractor worker shall immediately contact the VA list of contacts until someone is reached, normally this is the Boiler Plant Supervisor 1st, Operations Supervisor 2nd, Assistant Chief 3rd, and Chief Engineer 4th.

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

3.5 Billing shall be based on the number of actual hours worked. If the contractor does not provide the hours of service, they cannot invoice for that work. If the contract end date arrives or contract is otherwise terminated, the contractor shall not be entitled to the remaining contract value.

4.0. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

a. 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 shall also 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 (no access to patient information).

6.0. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

a. The COR is responsible for monitoring the contractor’s performance.

b. Performance deficiencies identified during the term of the contract shall 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. All deficiencies and deficient performance shall be documented 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 shall be used by the Government to evaluate contractor performance when appropriate. The primary methods of surveillance are random monitoring, which shall be performed by the Boiler Plant Supervisor or designated representative. Acceptance Testing on each repair shall be performed in the presence of the Boiler Plant Supervisor 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 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:

MAINTENANCE

RIGHT-TO-KNOW INFORMATION

BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND VEGETATION

OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

C.3 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 within 5 calendar days before contract’s performance period ends. 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.4 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 5 calendar days of contract expiration; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 15 calendar days of contract expiration. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years.

(End of Clause)

C.5 CL-120 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 employers 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.6 852.204-72 PERSONNEL VETTING AND CREDENTIALING. (MARCH 2026)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause – VA Information system is the same as information system and means, pursuant to 38 U.S.C.