RFQ 24Q0595 - Questions Answered.pdf

Question 1:

Please inform us how many boilers are to be covered by this solicitation. The document itself only names two (2) rental boilers, but seems to infer that the plant boilers are involved as well?

Yes, there are 2 rental boilers on campus that are being used as the primary source of steam for the hospital. There is an ongoing construction project for

3 new boilers. Following the completion of the construction project, the 2 rental boilers will be removed from campus.

Question 2:

Is there a DA tank or Condensate tank covered by this solicitation? If so, which and how many?

Yes, there is one DA tank and one Condensate tank. For the temporary boilers, there is one DA tank, and each boiler trailer has a condensate tank, 2 total.

Question 3:

Will each Boiler Annual Internal Inspection be required bi-annually or annually?

Annual

Under Section 3. Inspection, Testing and Calibration Requirements: sub-section H. It states: “All of interlocks and safety devices to be inspected and tested on each boiler/burner/equipment, are contained in the VHA Boiler Plant Safety

Devices Testing Manual, 7th Edition, along with testing procedures.”

Question 4: The 8th edition manual has been implemented since Feb 2024. Has the boilers been modified to meet compliance with the 8th edition manual?

The temporary boilers do not meet the 8th edition manual. The boilers with the construction project are anticipated to meet the 8th edition manual.

Question 5: If the boilers have not been modified for 8th edition compliance, are there ISMs in place or will this contract require the contractor to document deficiencies for a repair in the future?

Yes, there are ISMs in place.

Under the CONSTRANTS section of the Preventative Maintenance Table; it is listed as requiring a “Qualified Professional Inspector”.

There are no requirements for a QPI to perform the safety device testing as per VA

Directive 1810D (Jan 2023) the requirements for a qualified testing contractor are found in Section 6, paragraphs i & l.

Section 6, Paragraph i:

Qualified Contractor. A qualified contractor is a vendor that is knowledgeable and experienced in the design and construction of boiler plants and VA’s standards for construction and testing of safety devices.

Section 6, Paragraph l:

Qualified Testing Contractor. A qualified testing contractor is an individual/company that has performed testing in compliance with VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual in at least three other VA medical facilities.

Question 6: Will the requirement for a Qualified Professional Inspector be removed and replaced with a “Qualified Testing Contractor”?

No, Inspector shall be kept to distinguish qualifications and remove conflict of interest concern in an area that has active construction.