S06 36C25724Q0420 0001 rv1.pdf

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)

1 29

0001 04-16-2024

674-24-4-5166-0026

36C257

Department Of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17

5441 Babcock Road Ste. 302 San Antonio TX 78240

36C257

Department Of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17

5441 Babcock Road Ste. 302 San Antonio TX 78240

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25724Q0420

03-15-2024

X

X X

12 PM CDT, 5/16/2024

X 1

The purpose of this amendment is to provide site visit sign-in sheet, publish questions received and their answers, publish revised Price/Cost Schedule and publish revised SOW (changes highlighted in yellow).

Provision 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal, Aug 1999, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Additional Questions may be submitted no later than 12PM CDT, 4/26/2024, to joseph.leyte@va.gov.

Quote due date is extended to 12PM CDT, 5/16/2024, to lorri.schoellkopf@va.gov.

mailto:joseph.leyte@va.gov mailto:lorri.schoellkopf@va.gov

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

3,000.00 EA __________________ __________________

Legionella Sampling 250 Per Month (MB-1000)/ 3,000 per year

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual samples taken.

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-01-2024 POP End: 08-31-2025

60.00 EA __________________ __________________

Retest Sample for PVT Premium Legionella Test Panels (MB-

200)/60 per year Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual samples taken.

Contract Period: Base

400.00 EA __________________ __________________

Heterotrophic Bacteria Sample for Dental Waterlines/ 400 per year.

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual samples taken.

Contract Period: Base

182.00 EA __________________ __________________

Biweekly THAB Testing for XX Cooling Towers (MB-400)

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual samples taken.

Contract Period: Base

12.00 MO __________________ __________________

Monthly Maintenance for 2 Advanced Monitoring Systems (WMS-

1175) Contract Period: Base

Monthly Maintenance for 14 PWA Advanced secondary disinfection systems Contract Period: Base

Web-enabled Data Management and Data Collection (2 Sites).

Contract Period: Base

3,460.00 EA __________________ __________________

Water Sample Collection, Including Travel (WMS-800) for LINs 0001, 0002, & 0003 Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual samples taken.

Contract Period: Base

3,850.00 EA __________________ __________________

Shipping and Handling (LINs 0001-0004)

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual samples taken.

Contract Period: Base

1.00 YR __________________ __________________

Monitoring Equipment installation/labor.

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Base

Monitoring Equipment Parts for Repairs.

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Base

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-01-2025 POP End: 08-31-2026

200)/60 per year Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 1

Heterotrophic Bacteria Sample for Dental Waterlines/400 per year

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 1

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 1

1175) Contract Period: Option 1 systems (WMS-1625) Contract Period: Option 1

Contract Period: Option 1

Water Sample Collection, Including Travel (WMS-800) for LINs 1001, 1002, & 1003 Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 1

Shipping and Handling (LINs 1001-1004)

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 1

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 1

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 1

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-01-2026 POP End: 08-31-2027

Retest Sample for PVT Premium Legionella Test Panels (MB-200/60 per year Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 2

Heterotrophic Bacteria Sample for Dental Waterlines/ 400 per year

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 2

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 2

1175) Contract Period: Option 2 systems (WMS-1625) Contract Period: Option 2

Contract Period: Option 2

Water Sample Collection, Including Travel (WMS-800) for LINs 2001, 2002, & 2003 Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 2

Shipping and Handling (LINs 2001-2004)

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 2

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-01-2026

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 2

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-01-2027 POP End: 08-31-2028

200)/60 per year Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 3

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 3

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 3

1175) Contract Period: Option 3 systems (WMS-1625) Contract Period: Option 3

Contract Period: Option 3

Water Sample Collection, Including Travel (WMS-800) for LINs 3001, 3002, & 3003 Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 3

Shipping and Handling (LINs 3001-3004)

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 3

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 3

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 3

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-01-2028 POP End: 08-31-2029

200)/60 per year Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 4

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 4

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 4

1175) Contract Period: Option 4 systems (WMS-1625) Contract Period: Option 4

Contract Period: Option 4

Water Sample Collection, Including Travel (WMS-800) for LINs 4001, 4002, & 4003 Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 4

Shipping and Handling (LINs 4001-4004)

Estimated quantity. Contractor is to invoice for actual amounts.

Contract Period: Option 4

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 4

Not-To Exceed Line Item. This is an estimated amount that may increase or decrease depending on repairs needed. This Line items must be approved by the Government POC/COR prior to any work performed.

Contract Period: Option 4

GRAND TOTAL __________________

STATEMENT OF WORK

I. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Background:

1. The contractor for a period of a base year plus four available option years, shall provide services at the following Central Texas Veterans Health Care System locations:

• Waco Campus, 4800 Memorial Drive, Waco, TX 76540

• Austin Outpatient Clinic, 7901 Metropolis, Austin, 78744

• Temple Campus, 1901 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Temple, Texas, 76504.

2. On rare occasions, samples may be requested at our Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers in Austin, Brownwood, Bryan-College Station, Cedar Park, Copperas Cove, Killeen, La Grange, Palestine, and Temple. The VA reserves the right to add or subtract locations as the need arises.

B. Scope of Work:

1. The contractor shall provide services which include all collection, preparation for shipping, shipment of samples, completion of the chain of custody forms/records as well as all other required documentation for analysis of water and swab samples for Legionella, total coliform, E. coli and/or other water-born bacteria upon customer specific request and reporting the results to the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Safety and Industrial Hygiene Section Water Quality Specialists.

2. The numbers of samples may vary greatly from year to year based on need;

roughly a minimum of 2500 samples to a maximum of 7500 cultured or laboratory analyzed samples of various types.

3. The contractor shall collect total heterotrophic bacteria samples from dental lines at all campuses.

4. Follow up samples and retest shall be collected from each positive cultured sample site.

5. CTVHCS desires to conduct Legionella retests using the more comprehensive PVT Premium test kit, or similar testing method that yields the same desired result. The PVT Premium includes the TimeZero™ test method for Legionella species and Total Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria (THAB) (results in 4 days), Next Day LegiPlex™ PCR (results in 1 day) and the standard Legionella 11731 ISO spread plate culture method (results in 10-14 days), or similar testing methods that yields the same desired results.

6. The contractor shall take necessary instantaneous measurements that include pH, total and free available chlorine, and temperature during cultured sample collection for legionella to meet analysis requirements of VHA Directive 1061.

7. The contractor shall coordinate mutually acceptable sample collection times with the VA.

8. VA Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) reserves the right to add additional sites within Central Texas, if water testing is needed at other locations.

C. Continuous Monitoring Equipment:

1. CTVHCS conducts water quality monitoring regularly to gather important parameters related to a facilities water system, such as disinfectant levels, temperature, pressure, pH, and conductivity. CTVHCS currently uses water quality monitoring equipment in the form of chlorine monitors in each of our overnight stay facilities and pump stations that are supplemented by 14 – PWA (Potable Water Analytics) Advanced Monitoring Systems and 2 PWA Base Monitoring Systems which allow use of cloud-based computing of data acquisition, remote internet, directly linking sensors, and measurements to an online application.

Contractor must be able to use the current water quality monitoring equipment. or provide a comparable water monitoring system that provides chlorine residual, pH, dissolved solids (conductivity), and automatic control of chlorine residuals based on ORP. Contractor shall provide data storage and exchange capabilities that can be monitored online and can integrate with existing water quality monitoring equipment. or provide a comparable system.

2. The contractor shall maintain this equipment and make repairs as necessary to include replacing probes and sample tubing, displays, etc.

3. The contractor shall make at least one maintenance visit per month to each building with a continuous monitoring station.

4. There will be a set cost line item for the monthly visit.

5. The contractor shall provide a quote for any necessary replacement parts/ repairs prior to performing the work.

6. CTVHCS will provide necessary reagents for the equipment. The contractor shall replace reagents for each continuous monitoring station during monthly maintenance visits.

7. Should CTVHCS initiate inpatient care in a different building, additional continuous chlorine monitoring equipment and data storage and exchange capabilities must be provided under this requirement, upon the request of the Government.

8. The previous contractor provided the PWAs with a web-based application, which is not connected to the VA network computer system.

9. The system provides graphical representations of the continuous monitoring along with all sample results. It is to the benefit of the Government to keep this data in the consolidated system with access to a web-based application for ease of trending and data analysis of record keeping and storage of said records.

10. CTVHCS requires monthly maintenance for the existing equipment per the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. or monthly maintenance for Contractor provided equipment.

11. The contractor shall provide a cost quote for each sample type, the monthly maintenance visits, and the most common replacement parts for the continuous monitoring stations.

12. The vendor shall respond to the applicable maintenance or troubleshooting request within two business days of any request via in person, telephonic or virtual.

13. The vendor shall respond within twenty-four hours of any emergency request.

D. Water Management Program (WMP) Services

1. Safety WMP Development:

The contractor shall develop a Safety Water Management Program (WMP) for the potable and utility water systems in alignment with VA and industry standards and guidance, including the following:

• VHA Directive 1061 Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Legionella Disease and Scald Injury from Potable Water Distribution Systems

• ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems.

• CDC Toolkit for Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth and Spread in Buildings

• CMS Requirement to Reduce Legionella Risk in Healthcare Facility Water Systems to Prevent Cases and Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD)

• OSHA Legionellosis (Legionnaire’s Disease and Pontiac Fever) Safety and Health Topics page (S&HTP)

• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

• ASHRAE Guideline 12. ASHRAE Standard Minimizing the Risk of

Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems

• Joint Commission Environment of Care Standards – EC 02.05.001

• CTI Guideline GLD-159. Practices to Reduce the Risk of Legionellosis from Evaporative Heat Rejection Equipment Systems

• VA Engineering Standard ES-2019-001

2. The WMP shall contain the following elements for water safety:

• Program Team (Water Safety Committee) – Identify persons responsible for Program development, implementation, and operation.

• Develop Program Goals – Establish water safety and quality goals.

• Describe Water Systems – Describe the water systems and develop water-system process flow diagrams.

• Analysis of Water Systems – Conduct a systematic analysis of hazardous conditions in the water systems.

• Control Locations. Determine the locations in the system where control measures are required.

• Control Limits. For each control measure at each control location established, determine the limits including but not limited to a maximum value, a minimum value, or a range of values within which a chemical or physical parameter must be monitored and maintained to reduce hazardous conditions to an acceptable level.

• Control Measures – Determine the means, methods, or procedures used to maintain the physical or chemical conditions of water to within control limits.

o Routine preventative maintenance program for the SPS critical water system.

o Flushing program for both critical and utility/potable water during times of low water usage in SPS

• Monitoring – Establish procedures for monitoring whether control measures are operating within established control limits.

• Corrective Actions – Establish the corrective actions to be taken when monitoring indicates that the control parameters are outside of the established control limits.

• Develop Verification Strategy – Establish procedures to confirm that the program elements are being implemented as designed.

• Develop Validation Strategy – Establish procedures to confirm that the program effectively controls the hazardous conditions throughout the water systems.

o Testing program in alignment with TIR34 Tables 1 and 6.

• Documentation – Establish documentation and communication procedures for all activities of the Program and maintain records appropriate to these principles and their application.

3. Safety WMP Operations Service:

Upon completion and approval of the Water Management Program (WMP), the contractor shall provide WMP operation services in support of the Water Safety Committee for the facility’s potable, utility, and SPS water systems:

4. The WMP operation services shall include the following elements for water safety:

• Participate in quarterly water safety committee meetings as a non-voting 3rd party, independent consultant.

• Maintain, assist, and advise in the operation of the WMP and generate required documentation.

• Recommend and implement changes to the WMP as directed by the Water Safety Committee to achieve the desired performance in alignment with VHA Directive 1061 and ANSI/ASHRAE 188.

• Provide, operate, and continue to customize the WMP using the web-based data management software.

• Provide remote support on water management questions as needed.

• Provide training to the Water Safety Committee on the WMP process and best practices for building water systems.

• Verify that the WMP is being implemented as designed through monitoring and documentation of system performance and WMP records and record in the web-based data management software.

• Validate that the WMP adequately controls the hazardous conditions in the building water system through the review of on-site water testing.

E. Sample Types and Protocols:

1. The following sample types will be separate fixed prices per sample:

• Total coliforms

• E. Coli samples

• Total Heterotrophic Bacteria

• Inorganics to include Minerals, Metals, Nitrates, Nitrites, Asbestos, Cyanide, Fluoride, Arsenic, Chlorite, Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (Disinfection Byproducts)

• Lead in Drinking Water, Copper in Drinking Water, Legionella, Fecal

Coliforms.

• Other sample types may be requested.

• VA reserves the right to add additional water testing when new state or

Federal requirements change.

2. Legionella samples will use the 11731 ISO spread plate culture method testing or similar method, which provides results in 10-14 days. The sample will be taken as 250 ml samples as directed by Safety and Industrial Hygiene Staff. Duplicate samples from the same locations may be requested.

3. Legionella retests will use the PVT Premium test panel, or similar testing method, which includes the TimeZero™ test method, or similar testing method, for Legionella species and Total Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria (THAB), or similar testing method, (results in 4 days), Next Day LegiPlex™ PCR, or similar testing method, (results in 1 day) and the standard Legionella 11731 ISO spread plate culture method, or similar testing method, (results in 10-14 days).

4. Heterotrophic Plate Count samples will be used for quarterly dental waterline testing using the SM9215C R2A Spread Plate Method, or similar testing method.

These shall have a 10-day turnaround time and a limit of detection of 10 CFU/mL.

5. Total Heterotrophic Anerobic Bacteria (THAB) samples will be used to evaluate cooling tower loop water for quality on a bi-weekly basis. It shall be performed as an in-field dip slide with results within 10 days of mailing results to the lab. These samples will be taken by VA personnel and the Contractor shall provide the sample kits, 2-day return shipping, lab analysis, and any training needed to ensure VA personnel can take the samples proficiently in conjunction with a routine site visit. The following loops will be tested:

Waco Campus Condenser Loop Information

Building No.

Loop Count

Entire Campus

1 Continuous Loop

Temple Campus Condenser Loop Information

Building No.

Loop Count

163 2 Loops (Tower 1 & 2) (Tower 3)

171 1 Loop

202 1 Loop

203 1 Loop

221 1 Loop

6. Samples shall be collected following OSHA and/or CDC protocol.

7. The government will help in getting access to sample sites and in removing locks, manhole covers or other items requiring tools to gain access to the fixture needing to be sampled.

8. The laboratory shall store all positive legionella results (any sample ≥0.1 cfu/l ml) for later use to cross match specific strains with positive human cultures. The laboratory shall store the positive samples for two years following analysis. The laboratory shall have the capabilities to accept and process at least 400 samples a day and will be a current CDC Elite program participant.

9. The vendor shall measure pH, free available and total chlorine and temperature in Fahrenheit and record time and collection date as requested when sampling.

10. The contractor’s representative making these measurements will sign the data sheet.

11. These measurements will be provided with these parameters: Building Number, Building Function Category, Floor-Room Number, Room Function, Fixture Type, Hot/Cold and Swab, 1st draw, or Post Flush sample.

12. The Contractor shall identify the fixture type as one of the following:

Shower, Bathtub, Bathroom Sink (for inpatient or multi-gender restrooms), Room Sink (for patient sleeping room sinks, break room sinks, conference room sinks, etc.), Kitchen sink (for food service areas only), Backflow Preventer (BFP), Hose bib, fountain, or cooling tower.

13. All sample containers, shipping coolers and ice, swabs and labels and shipping materials will be provided by the contractor.

14. Results shall be provided by the contractor.

15. Samples shall arrive at the contractor’s laboratory or sub-contractor laboratory within 48 hours of collection baring no unforeseen logistics delays.

16. Samples shall be shipped within 24 hours of collection and meet all CDC or other analytical holding time requirements. Samples will be shipped via overnight delivery.

17. Sample results shall be emailed to Central Texas Veterans Health Care System Safety and Industrial Hygiene Section within two business days of receipt, including laboratory analysis and chain of custody forms. Email shall be sent to COR, or other personnel designated by the COR.

F. Building Information:

1. The information below identifies the building functions and square footage for the Waco campus and provides additional information to assist contractors in providing an offer.

2. The Temple Campus is within an order of magnitude for square footage but has fewer buildings.

3. Overnight stay buildings are indicated as in-patient. Typically, patient care buildings have many plumbing fixtures, while administrative buildings do not.

Waco Campus Building Information

Building No. Function/ Title Building Function Category Sq. Ft.

1 Future Admin/Clinical Outpatient 65,705

2 ADMINISTRATIVE Staff Only 21,315

4 OUTPATIENT CLINIC/LAB

CLINIC

Outpatient

48,178

5 Pharmacy/Education Outpatient 48,463

6 Auditorium Outpatient 25,803

7 Blind Rehab Unit/Vacant Inpatient 66,858

8 Future Acute Mental Health Inpatient 42,887

Future BRU/CLC

Immuno- Compromised

Inpatient

49,795

10 Nursing Home Inpatient 52,297

Nursing Home (GP)

Immuno-compromised

Inpatient

58,653

12 REG'L

COUNCIL/PROSTHETICS/EMS

Outpatient

17,507

14 BOILER PLANT/ New one online Staff Only 5,422

15 VBA Staff Only 17,543

16 GARAGE MISC. Staff Only 5,490

CONSOLIDATED

LAUNDRY/Future A&MM

Staff Only

21,567

18 Police Staff Only 10,452

19 Vacant Staff Only 7,164

20 QTRS/Vacant Staff Only 5,336

21 Vacant Quarters (vacant, historical, no plans)

Staff Only

6,105

24 F.M.S./SHOPS Staff Only 10,630

25 Valve House Staff Only 268

29 Gas Meter House Staff Only 200

32 5 Car Garage Staff Only 1,133

33 1 Car Garage Staff Only 275

34 2 Car Garage Staff Only 460

35 2 Car Garage Staff Only 460

90 Pharmacy Call Center Staff Only 55,340

91 Specialty Clinics Outpatient 56,169

92 VA Finance Center Staff Only 53,742

93 Center of Excellence Outpatient 52,950

94 Inpatient Psych Inpatient 71,201

202 Dietetics Outpatient 28,217

219 Physical Therapy Outpatient 4,550

224 Safety Staff Only 6,250

99 FMS SHOPS Staff Only 13,168

129 Chapel Staff Only 6,452

167 Green House Outpatient 13,148

189 Transportation Staff Only 2,087

221 FMS Design Annex Staff Only 1,652

Temple Campus Building Information

Building No. Function/ Title Building Function Category Sq. Ft.

44 Warehouse Staff Only

45 Warehouse Staff Only

46 EMS/Engineering Staff Only

47 Laundry Staff Only

53 Engineering Staff Only

55 Radiation Safety Staff Only

58 Engineering Staff Only

64 Engineering Staff Only

99 Chapel Outpatient

117T VSO Outpatient

146 Mental Health Clinic Outpatient

147 Mental Health Clinic Outpatient

154 Engineering Staff Only

158 VRRT. Outpatient

163 Clinic, Surgery, ED Outpatient 380,877

164 Greenhouse Outpatient

171 Administrative Staff Only

202 Domiciliary Inpatient 174,686

203 Chiller Plant Staff Only 5,554

204 Hospital Bed Tower Inpatient 272,560

205 Research Staff Only

206 Warehouse Staff Only

207 Pump House Staff Only

208 Administrative Staff Only

209 Administrative Staff Only

210 Administrative Staff Only

211 Administrative Staff Only

212 Administrative Staff Only

213 Administrative Staff Only

214 Administrative Staff Only

215 Administrative Staff Only

216 Administrative Staff Only

220 Safety Staff Only

221 CLC Inpatient 79,190

222 OIT Staff Only

II. SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A. QUALITY CONTROL:

1. Laboratories that process the water samples for Legionella must be certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) program as proficient at performing the culture of Legionella from environmental samples.

2. The laboratory must also be able to determine if the Legionella detected in environmental samples is the species Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, Legionella pneumophila serogroups 2-15, or a non- Legionella pnuemophila species.

NOTE: Rapid testing methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA), shall not be used to detect Legionella in the samples.

3. The laboratory shall also have current environmental microbiology accreditation by a recognized accrediting program.

4. The laboratory must be capable of concentrating water samples prior to plating the samples on selective media to increase the sensitivity of the assay.

5. The testing laboratory must be capable of providing storage of the environmental isolate(s) at least temporarily if the facility elects to use molecular typing to characterize environmental Legionella isolates.

6. The selected Laboratory must be able to demonstrate they are accredited through the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) or other accreditation body that validates the Laboratory’s competence/proficiency under the general requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 in addition to the CDC Elite certification.

B. QUALITY ASSURANCE:

1. The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance by appointing the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) to monitor the performance to ensure services are received.

2. The COR will evaluate the contractor’s performance through review of the log sheet, review of the contractor’s quality control program and receipt of complaints from department personnel.

3. Contractor will adhere to timeframes and all other requirements as outlined by the CTVHCS to ensure reports and supplies are received as required by the CTVHCS.

4. The completed services shall be performed in an efficient and reliable manner.

The CTVHCS has the right to reject work if the work is not performed in an efficient and reliable manner within acceptable timelines and frequencies.

5. Contractor to provide COR with report on service completed and condition after each inspection and within two days of said inspection.

III. ID BADGES, SIGN-IN, PARKING AND SMOKING:

1. All Contractor personnel shall be required to wear an identification badge while on Government facility grounds displaying the picture and name of the individual and the name of the company represented.

2. It is the responsibility of contractor personnel to park only in designated parking areas. The VA will not validate nor make reimbursement for parking violations of the contractor’s personnel under any circumstances.

3. Smoking, tobacco use, or e-cigarettes is not permitted within or around VA Healthcare System facilities, except in designated smoking areas.

IV. NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:

1. Contractor shall schedule services based on mutually agreeable time between the federal government and the contractor, within normal business hours, and not on weekends or holidays.

2. The following national holidays are observed:

New Year’s Day 1 January

Martin Luther King’s Birthday 3rd Monday in January

President’s Day 3rd Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Juneteenth 19th June

Independence Day 4 July

Labor Day 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October

Veterans Day 11 November

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day 25 December

Also included would be any day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a National Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a legal holiday by U.S. Government agencies. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a legal holiday.

It is understood and agreed between the Government and the Contractor that observance of such days by Government personnel shall not otherwise be a reason for an additional period of performance, or entitlement of compensation. In the event the Contractor's personnel work during the holiday, they may be reimbursed by the Contractor, however, no form of holiday or other premium compensation will be reimbursed either as a direct or indirect cost, other than their normal compensation for the time worked.

V. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS:

1. The Contractor shall designate and provide name(s) and phone numbers of contact person (s), and a backup, as representatives of the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide qualified employees who will conduct and/or supervise the required services.

2. Contractor shall ensure their personnel working at the facilities specified herein; possess basic proficiency in spoken and written English. Contractor personnel must wear identifying uniforms and employee badges.

3. All conduct of contract personnel shall be respectable and sensitive to patients, visitors, and VA Personnel.

VI. INFORMATION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

The COR and the Contractor will assure that:

1. No other information except what is in this contract will be shared with the contractor in any follow up communication.

2. None of the information in this contract includes Protected Health Information (PHI) or Individually Identifiable Information (III).

3. Contractor will be escorted by a VA Employee as necessary.

VII. PROGRAM OFFICE POINTS OF CONTACT:

A. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Reginald Bedford, Water Quality Specialist – Safety and Industrial Service, Reginald.Bedford@va.gov

B. Supervisory POC: Peter Gilmore, Assistant Chief – Safety and Industrial Hygiene Management, 254-743- 1110, peter.gilmore1@va.gov.

(End of Statement of Work)

Questions and Answers

Q1: What is the frequency of water collections for each building location? Most VA’s collect water samples for legionella testing once a quarter. The RFQ states that monthly collections are performed. How many collections per month and where? A precise description is required to price accurately.

A1: The numbers of samples may vary greatly from year to year based on need; roughly a minimum of 2500 samples to a maximum of 7500 cultured or laboratory analyzed samples of various types.

Q2: The solicitation asks for retesting to be performed by ‘PVT Premium Legionella Test Panels (MB-200) ‘. It is unclear what this method is about or if it is compliant with the directive. The VA directive allows for testing by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to enable more rapid determination if a room is clear of legionella. Will the VA please let vendors know that any PCR test meeting specification as stated in the directive is, OK?

A2: The CTVHCS does not use PCR testing. CTVHCS uses the Standard ISO 11731 Spread Plate Culture method with results being returned in 10-14 business days.

Q3: Page 5 B.2 CLIN 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001 Call for Water Plan Development for Waco and Temple only. Will Austin need these services for a Water Plan?

A3: Removed the Water Plan Development requirement from SOW. VA uses VHA Directive 1061. See revised SOW and Price/Cost Schedule.

Q4: Starting Page 5 B.2 CLINS make references to services/parts numbers that seem to be proprietary to a company that is not SDVOSB. For instance, WMS-100, WMS-150, mailto:Reginald.Bedford@va.gov mailto:peter.gilmore1@va.gov

MB-1000. B.3 Statement of work states “or similar.” Will the government remove these references in the CLINS?

A4: See Q&A3 above for removed requirements. Provision 52.211-6, Brand Name or Equal Provision has been incorporated by reference.

Q5: Page 13 B.3 A.2. Will the contractor be required to collect the samples at these other locations? If so, are the estimated amounts included in the CLINS table? If not, will the government add a CLIN or will the government request these services through a Purchase Order or modification?

A5: On rare occasion, the contractor will be required to collect the samples at the other locations. No, the estimated amounts are not included in the CLINS tables. The government will request these services through a separate Purchase Order.

Q6: Page 13 B. 1. And page 17 E. 1. Calls for total coliform, E. coli and /or other water-born bacteria. B.2 CLINS do not include a CLIN for these tests. Will the government provide an updated CLINS table for these tests or advise how Offerors should provide pricing for tests other than those listed in the CLINS table?

A6: When applicable, the Government will advise offerors to provide pricing for tests other than those listed in the CLINS table.

Q7: Page 15 Paragraph 8 - There is reference to “previous contractor.” Can the government provide the name of the previous contractor and the contract numbers?

A7: Current Contractor is Phigenics LLC, Contract # GS-21F- 0041Y/36C25723F0087.

Q8: Page 15 paragraph D. 1. Safety WMP Development – Is there a WMP in place already that contractor will need to review, or will contractor be required to develop a new WMP?

A8: Removed the Water Plan Development requirement from SOW. VA uses VHA Directive 1061. See revised SOW and Price/Cost Schedule.

Q9: Page 25 Paragraph 2 – Juneteenth is a federal holiday. Will the government clarify if it is included and, if so, provide an amendment updating this paragraph?

A9: Juneteenth added to list of federal holidays on SOW. However, the federal holiday listing on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will guide. See the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=Overview

Q10. It is not clear if the control devices for delivery of additional chlorine are in operation or not. Will the VA consider removing maintenance support of these two systems from the contract if they are not being used?

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=Overview https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=Overview

A10: The control devices for delivery of additional Chlorine are handled under a separate contract.

Q11: What is the current problem rate requiring a service call from the current contractor for the systems that are in place now but not including routine monthly calibration checks and reagent replacement?

A11: Problems requiring a service call are minimal, approximately 2 in a 6-month period.

Q12: Can the VA please list problems occurring with continuous monitoring systems occurring on both Waco and Temple campuses in the last year?

A12: We normally experience reagent clogs and the occasional calibration issue.

Q13: Replacement of entire continuous monitoring systems or expensive component parts (sensors, communication system, data integrator) may be required due to accidents, weather, or when the usual duty cycle of equipment is exceeded. Will the VA consider making these time and material type CLINs?

A13: No, this is a firm fixed contract. If Not-to-Exceed LINs are exhausted and there is a legitimate need to increase them, modification will be accomplished based on actual parts and labor.

Q14: PWS page 17 of 75 (4. The WMP operation services), can VA confirm that access and use of the ‘web-based data management software’ will be provided to the company receiving the contract?

A14: The VA is currently using data management software from the current vendor. The resultant successful offeror shall provide their own data management software with accounts set-up allowing Government access.

Q15: PWS page 14 of 75 (C. Continuous Monitoring Equipment:) Can VA confirm that whoever wins the contract will have administrative access and full control going forward of web-based data portal used for collecting and presenting data?

A15: The software and access to software will be provided by the vendor who is awarded this contract; therefore, the vendor will have full access and administrative control of the software.

Q16: PWS page 14 of 75 (C. Continuous Monitoring Equipment:) Can VA confirm that whoever wins the contract will have administrative access and full control going forward of communication system used for transmitting data to the web-based database?

A16: See answers A14 and A15 above.

Q17: CLIN 0007: Monthly Maintenance for 2 Advanced Monitoring Systems - This line item does not explain what maintenance is expected for these stations. We do not see any specific information on the stations so we would like to know what specific items are expected. Additionally, the make and model number of the monitoring stations would be helpful to know what the manufacturer recommends. Can we be provided with this information?

A17: Manufacture: HF Scientific, Type of Equipment: Chlorine Process Analyzer, Model No: CLX

Q18: CLIN 0008: Monthly Maintenance for 14 PWA Advanced secondary disinfection systems - This line item does not explain what maintenance is expected for these stations. We do not see any specific information on the stations so we would like to know what specific items are expected. Additionally, the make and model number of the monitoring stations would be helpful to know what the manufacturer recommends. Can we be provided with this information?

A18: All maintenance will be performed in accordance with the operator’s manual. https://www.watts.com/products/water-quality-rainwater-harvesting-solutions/instrumentation-solutions/municipal-market/online-chlorine-analyzers/clx

Q19: CLIN 0012: Monitoring Equipment installation/labor - This item is confusing to us in that the Solicitation states that the vendor is to maintain the equipment installed but the CLIN asks for an amount to be considered for equipment installation.

• Can we be provided with an explanation of what the expectation here is? Is it expected that we include in our proposal an amount for each of our monitoring stations that we put in? This would initially be a price for a standard system that would monitor pH, temperature, ORP, and conductivity.

A19: This contract is to maintain the current systems in place, not install new ones. We will only install new ones if the system is deemed beyond economical repair. The replacement would then be with the same style/type of monitoring system we are currently using. The awarded vendor will need the capabilities to maintain the equipment in place.

Q20: CLIN 0013: Monitoring Equipment Parts for Repairs - We need more detailed information for this CLIN. The solicitation states that the vendor is to be responsible for any of the reagents for the current system. For us, this would be considered part of the “maintenance of the system….to be all inclusive.

• Can the VA provide a more detailed expectation of what is meant for this CLIN?

A20: The Vendor shall be responsible for installing the reagents. Government will supply reagents.

Q21: Chlorine Monitors: The solicitation states “CTVHCS currently uses water quality monitoring equipment in the form of chlorine monitors in each of our overnight stay facilities and pump stations that are supplemented by 14 – PWA (Potable Water Analytics) Advanced Monitoring Systems and 2 PWA Base Monitoring Systems…”.

• The solicitation does not state the exact amount of these “chlorine monitors” It does not mention how many “pump stations” are to be addressed for the contract.

https://www.watts.com/products/water-quality-rainwater-harvesting-solutions/instrumentation-solutions/municipal-market/online-chlorine-analyzers/clx https://www.watts.com/products/water-quality-rainwater-harvesting-solutions/instrumentation-solutions/municipal-market/online-chlorine-analyzers/clx https://www.watts.com/products/water-quality-rainwater-harvesting-solutions/instrumentation-solutions/municipal-market/online-chlorine-analyzers/clx

• How many Chlorine Monitors are there?

• Are they different than the 14 PWA’s?

• Are they stand alone units?

A21: There are 16 total Chlorine Monitors (14 are advanced monitoring systems and 2 are base monitoring systems). The 16 chlorine monitors are a part of the currently installed Potable Water Analytic (PWA) system. The 14 advanced monitoring systems consists of the Chlorine Analyzer, Phigenics diagnostic exchange, pH sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and conductivity sensor. The 2 base monitoring systems consists of the Phigenics Diagnostic Exchange, chlorine analyzer, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor.

See the following address for specifications and vendor contact information for the PWA Advanced Secondary Disinfection System at each facility.

https://info.phigenics.com/monitoring

Q22: Vendor Equipment: • The solicitation states “Contractor must be able to use the current chlorine monitors or provide a comparable water monitoring system that provides chlorine residual, pH, dissolved solids (conductivity), and automatic control of chlorine residuals based on ORP.”

• We are confused with this statement. What is the desire of the VA? Does the VA want the existing equipment to stay and the new vendor to take ownership OR to change out the monitoring systems to new equipment? The solicitation contradicts these two approaches.

• We would prefer to put in new equipment as it will guarantee the most up to date adherence to all 4 VA / OIG Directives for Legionella Monitoring. It also allows for an exact amount of money that the VA can be guaranteed of for costs.

A22: This is a maintenance contract, not a purchase contract. The desire of the VA is to be fully compliant with VHA Directive 1061 and the current equipment be maintained. The current equipment was purchase at an estimated amount of $500,000 and would be considered a substantial waste of government funds to replace functioning equipment that currently meets the needs of the facility.

Q23: Section I.B.C.2. Continuous Monitoring Equipment - This item is consistent with the other CLINs and SOW statements in that it is not clear of what equipment will be included in the monthly maintenance visits. Again, we need clarification to this requirement.

• Again, we feel it is best to put into place new updated equipment for the monitoring stations. Please advise.

A23: This is a maintenance contract, not a purchase contract. The desire of the VA is to be fully compliant with VHA Directive 1061 and the current equipment be maintained. The current equipment was purchase at an estimated amount of $500,000 and would be considered a substantial waste of government funds to replace functioning equipment that currently meets the needs of the facility.

Q24: Section I.B.C.6. Continuous Monitoring Equipment - We understand that the VA “will provide the reagents”. However, we feel that this is a very risky situation for a vendor. If the reagents are not available through the VA, then how do we maintain the equipment?

• Also, our monitoring systems do not require “reagents”. This is yet another reason we feel it is best to replace the current monitoring systems.

A24: The Vendor shall be responsible for installing the reagents. Government will supply reagents.

Q25: Section I.B.C.10. Continuous Monitoring Equipment - This is the statement that is the basis for confusion. We need to understand how to present and price our proposal.

How does the VA envision this contract? Strictly take over what is there or put in new equipment?

A25: See response for A22.

Q26: The Solicitation lists “14 – PWA (Potable Water Analytics) Advanced Monitoring Systems and 2 PWA Base Monitoring Systems.”

• Is this the total amount for all three campuses.

• This seems like a low number for 3 locations. Is there a need for or any missing locations at each location?

A26: There are 16 total chlorine monitors; Temple Campus has 9 chlorine monitors and Waco Campus has 7 chlorine monitors. We sample for Legionella at overnight facilities located in Temple and Waco. We sample the dental water lines for heterotrophic bacteria in our dental facilities (Austin, Temple, and Waco) on a quarterly basis.

Q27: Can we be provided some cell phone pictures of the actual monitoring stations? It is very important we fully understand the actual equipment to be serviced.

A27: Ample opportunity for notes and pictures/videos were provided to all Vendors during the site visit.

Q28: Does the VA own the currently installed Monitoring Systems? Will the current vendor take their equipment out if a vendor change is made?

A28: The VA owns the currently installed Monitoring Systems. No, the VA owns the currently installed Monitoring System, and it will remain in service it will be the responsibility of the vendor to maintain the equipment.

Q29: Are the existing Advanced Monitoring Systems and Advanced Disinfection Systems currently owned by CTVHCS? If not and are owned by the existing incumbent will the incumbent be required to provide new equipment if awarded the new contract?

A29: The VA owns the existing Advanced Monitoring Systems and…