36C26021Q0910 0002.docx

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 NUMBERE

D 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 amendmen t, 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) 663-21-4-581-1226 36C260 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 5115 NE 82nd Ave, Suite 102 Vancouver WA 98662 Y Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 20 5115 NE 82nd Ave, Suite 102 Vancouver WA 98662 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C26021Q0910 08-31-2021

X X X

9/24/2021, 17:00 PST

See CONTINUATION Page 663-3610162-581-854100-2543 010050100 X

1. Purpose of this amendment is to answer questions submitted.

2. Purpose of this amendment is to revise statement of work.

3. Purpose of this amendment is to remove PVT-test from clin structure.

4. The close date for quote submission has been extended to 9/24/21, 17:00 PST.

5. 52.219-4 is hereby removed.

6. Attached to this amendment are the questions and answers, revised statement of work, and clin structure.

Krystal Weeks Contracting Officer

STATEMENT OF WORK

The scope of this project includes three buildings on the 41-acre Seattle Division and nine buildings on the 465-acre American Lake Division for the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

Incoming Water Source These sites receive water from the local municipalities. These municipalities use chlorine for the disinfectant.

Potable Building Water

Water Loops # of Beds

5 (not loops)

Utility Water

The following water systems are included in the scope of this project:

· Potable Hot & Cold-Water Systems

· Cooling Tower Open Loops

· Sterile Processing Services

· Dental

Water Management Program Services

· Safety Water Management Program Development: The contractor shall develop a Safety Water Management Program (WMP) in alignment with VHA Directive 1061, related industry standards, and the specifications.

· Safety Water Management Program Operations Service: The contractor shall assist the Water Safety Committee in the operation of the approved Safety WMP to include updating, verification, and validation of the WMP

Validation Testing The contractor shall provide validation testing in accordance with the Specifications to include the following:

· Legionella – Seattle and American Lake Campuses

· Sterile Processing Services (SPS) – Seattle and American Lake Campuses

· Dental – Seattle, American Lake, and Mt. Vernon Campuses Web-based Data Management System

· The contractor shall use the existing web-based data management in accordance with the Specifications to collect, analyze, and store data collected. It will store WMP documents, verification activities, corrective actions, and validation test results in addition to data recorded from PWA systems.

· Remote Monitoring and Data Upload

SPECIFICATIONS

Water Management Program Services

Safety Water Management Program Development The contractor shall develop a Safety Water Management Program (WMP) for the potable, utility, SPS, and dental 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: Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth & 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 12-2020. ASHRAE Standard Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems.

· Joint Commission Environment of Care Standards – EC 02.05.001

· CTI Guideline WTB-148. Legionellosis Guideline: Best practices for Control of Legionella

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

· AAMI TIR 34: 2014/(R)2017 Water for the Reprocessing of Medical Devices

· Association of perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Guideline for Cleaning and Care of Surgical Instruments

· VHA Directive 1116(2) Sterile Processing Services (SPS)

· VA’s Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations 28AUG2020 Memorandum: Required critical water systems testing and reporting for Sterile Processing Services (SPS)

· VA’s National Program Office for Sterile Processing (NPOSP) 22JAN2020 Presentation: Water Quality for Sterile Processing

· VA’s National Program Office for Sterile Processing (NPOSP) 05MAY2020 Presentation: Water Quality Awareness AAMI TIR34: 2014/(R)2017 Servicing Sterile Processing

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.

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

· 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 all 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

· 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.

Safety Water Management Program 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, SPS, and dental water systems:

The WMP operation services shall contain the following elements for water safety:

· Facilitate quarterly meetings for the Water Safety Committee.

· 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 ANSI/ASHRAE 188 and VHA Directive 1061.

· 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.

Validation Testing The contractor will provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to complete environmental Validation Testing of the potable, utility, SPS, and dental water systems.

Legionella Testing The contractor’s laboratory must have a certificate of proficiency from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) program. In addition, the laboratory must have environmental microbiology accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as EMLAP, NELAP, etc.

Legionella environmental testing shall occur at a minimum of once per Federal fiscal year quarter.

The contractor shall furnish sterile bottles that are appropriate for the analysis. The Contractor will furnish appropriate shipping containers and shipping labels for the transportation of samples to the laboratory. The laboratory will follow strict chain of custody procedures upon the receipt of the samples.

The contractor shall collect water samples in accordance with Appendix C of VHA Directive 1061 (dated February 16, 2021).

Quarterly testing shall be from at least 10 outlets on the hot-water distribution system and at least 10 outlets on the cold-water distribution system from each building for each quarterly testing cycle (or a total of 20 samples per quarter and 80 samples per year per building)]. At the time of sampling, the contractor shall test and document the following for each sample: water temperature, level of residual biocide, and pH.

The laboratory shall use Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Spread Plate Method, which includes the following:

· Measures L. pneumophila serogroup 1, L. pneumophila serogroup 2-14, and non- pneumophila species

· Inoculated at the laboratory – overnight shipment recommended

· Limit of Detection (CFU/ml) = 1*

· Reports: 10 days after laboratory receives samples

The laboratory will provide a report indicating the analytical results for each sample submitted. Results will be calculated in terms of colony forming units (CFU/mL). All samples shall be properly preserved and protocol records kept for final QA/QC. Results shall be provided within 10-14 days of sample receipt and shall be immediately uploaded into the web-based data management site and emailed in PDF format to the client point of contact.

Upon request, retesting after remediation or other non-routine testing will be performed at the request of the client point of contact. Should the quantity listed in the price schedule be exceeded, additional funds may be provided to do additional tests.

In addition to the 11731 ISO spread plate method, Legionella and Total Heterotrophic Aerobic Bacteria (THAB) test kits that do not require the shipment of water to the lab may be used (sample holding time can result in significant variation in test results) for retests or an as-needed basis as requested by the COR. Analysis of water samples will include the following tests:

· A culture test method for Legionella pneumophila and non-pneumophila species (by L. pneumophila serogroup 1, L. pneumophila serogroup 2-14, and non-pneumophila species)

· Legionella 11731 ISO spread plate method for Legionella pneumophila and non-pneumophila species (by L. pneumophila serogroup 1, L. pneumophila serogroup 2-14, and non-pneumophila species)

· Legionella PCR (molecular marker negative screen)

Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Testing The contractor’s laboratory must have environmental microbiology accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting body (EMLAP, NELAP, etc.), or a state certifying body.

The contractor will provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to complete environmental Validation Testing of the SPS water. The contractor shall furnish sterile bottles that are appropriate for the analysis.

The contractor shall collect samples from two (2) critical water source and five (5) utility water sources at each location (Seattle Division and American Lake Division) in accordance with approved laboratory procedures. The sample collector shall indicate on the Chain of Custody whether a sample is critical or utility so the lab can analyze in alignment with the specified limits of AAMI TIR 34: 2014/(R)2017 Table 1. The contractor shall furnish appropriate shipping containers and shipping labels for the transportation of samples to the laboratory. The laboratory will follow strict chain of custody procedures upon the receipt of the samples.

Validation testing shall occur at the frequencies identified in the table below for each test. The laboratory will provide a report indicating the analytical results for each sample submitted. Results shall be provided within 10 days of sample receipt and shall be immediately uploaded into the web-based data management site and emailed in PDF format to the client point of contact. Lower limits of detection will align with AAMI TIR 34: 2014/(R)2017 recommended levels of water quality for medical device reprocessing.

· Bacteria - Heterotrophic Plate Count (Spread Plate)

· Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

· pH

· Conductivity (for Resistivity)

· Color

· Turbidity

· Water Hardness (Total)

· Ionic Contaminants

· Chloride

· Iron

· Copper

· Manganese

* Endotoxin frequency is identified by occasion per AAMI TIR 34: 2014/(R)2017: On installation, modification, or repair of the critical water treatment system or when persistent increased microbial levels are detected by heterotrophic plate count, ATP, or TOC. To simplify, the testing frequency of this parameter will align with the annual testing panel (Quarterly for one year until 4 consecutive quarters within limits, then Annual), but the VA may choose to test less frequently.

Upon request, retesting after remediation or other non-routine testing will be performed at the request of the client point of contact. Should the quantity listed in the price schedule be exceeded, additional funds may be provided to do additional tests.

Dental Waterline Testing The contractor shall provide all labor, travel, materials, and equipment necessary to complete Dental Unit Waterline Testing in alignment with Infection Control Standards for VA Dental Clinics Waterline testing is to be accomplished by a laboratory certified (EPA or state) to perform environmental testing.

Dental Waterline testing shall occur once per Federal fiscal year quarter. The Contractor will furnish sterile bottles that are appropriate for the analysis. The Contractor shall collect water samples in accordance with approved laboratory procedures. The Contractor will furnish appropriate shipping containers and shipping labels for the transportation of samples to the laboratory. The laboratory will follow strict chain of custody procedures upon the receipt of the samples.

The laboratory shall use the Heterotrophic Plate Count Standard (HPC) Spread Plate Method 9215C to test routine dental waterline samples.

The contractor will provide a report indicating the analytical results for each sample submitted. Results will be calculated in terms of colony forming units (cfu); readings of less than 10 or greater than 500 may be recorded as <10 cfu or > 500 cfu, respectively. Results will be provided within 10 calendar days of sample receipt and shall be immediately uploaded into the web-based data management site and emailed in PDF format to the client point of contact. If the 10th day falls on a weekend of federally observed holiday, the reports shall be provided no later than the next normal business day.

Upon request, retesting after remediation or other non-routine testing will be performed at the request of the client point of contact. Should the quantity listed in the price schedule be exceeded, additional funds may be provided to do additional tests.

Web based Data Management System The existing web-based data management systems used to collect, report, and store continuous monitoring water data will be used for WMP development and operations. This existing web-based data management system provides the following functions:

· All information stored in the system is available 24/7 via password protected access

· WMP-related reports (including validation testing results, meeting minutes, verification reports, and service provider reports) can be stored and available for immediate access by all users

· Customized charts, reports, views and data entry screens as requested

· Management dashboards with industry benchmarking

· Send text or email alerts for data that is outside of set parameters

· Data collection via tablets and other hand-held devices

· Automated data collection via continuous monitoring equipment (equipment not included)

· Validation test results immediately uploaded into your web-based data management system site

· Exportable data to MS Excel and other formats

The software platform must meet the following minimum criteria:

· Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enterprise-class platform specialized for building water systems.

· Capable of monitoring all sensor data from the potable water quality monitoring system.

· Tables and graphs that can be plotted based on user selected time intervals and system parameters

· Supports manual data entry via computer and mobile devices, automatic uploading of all water and microbiological test results, documentation of water management plans and activities, and automated sensor monitoring, as specified in VHA directive 1061

· Administrative functionality to control user access rights, and automated alert notifications

· Data storage for a minimum of five years.

· Exportable data to excel and other formats

The software platform must meet the following Infrastructure Reliability and Information Security Management requirements:

· The web application host will provide a service level agreement (“SLA”) with a service commitment to a monthly uptime percentage of at least 99.95%. Provide Host Documentation.

· The web application will be hosted at a datacenter compliant with FedRAMP requirements at the moderate impact level and in accordance with the Federal Cloud Computing Strategy. Provide Host Documentation.

· The database will be securely backed up hourly for disaster recovery purposes and provide a minimum durability of 99.999999999% and uptime of 99.999%. Provide Host Documentation.

· The web applications will be hosted as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) data delivery model. This will enable easy access to all data in a highly secure environment via the Internet using any internet connected device including personal computers and mobile devices.

· The web application will employ at a minimum TLS 1.2 with 128-bit AES encryption and authentication.

· The web application will be delivered by way of a secure login-protected environment with registered HTTPS security provisions.

The software platform must meet the following minimum Application-Level Security requirements:

· A user account and password of adequate complexity will be required for each individual user who accesses the system. New user accounts may only be created by administrators with the appropriate level of authorization.

· Administrators shall have the ability to easily remove access from users no longer authorized to use the application.

· All edits, deletions, or changes to existing data will be logged with the date and time, user committing the change, and all original data will be preserved. This audit trail will be available to users with the appropriate level of access.

· The web application shall have varying levels of access for data collectors, operators, site managers, water management team members, and administrators.

· Users can be restricted by region or facility. A user restricted to a specific facility shall only be able to view data and information pertaining to that facility.

The software platform must meet the following minimum Data Collection requirements:

· Administrators will be able to add, edit, or remove sample points in the system as needed.

· A web page will be available in the application for data collectors to enter test results.

· The required testing frequency of each sample point can be configured as daily, weekly, or monthly. Alerts can be issued if required sample is missing.

· The system will allow data to easily be exported to a suitable format for offline use.

· Time-series charts will be provided in real-time for all data recorded in the system. Charts will show alert limits and can be easily customized based on predefined specifications.

· A daily summary report will be generated in real-time by the web application, indicating total number of samples tested by region and facility, total number of samples out of specification for chlorine and temperature, as well as chlorine range and average temperature for each facility.

· The web application will allow for the storage of electronic documents online. The storage capability will include automated document versioning and all versions of all documents will be retained.

· The web application data will be time-stamped with the time it was entered as well as the time the user records it. Edits or changes to the data are logged so the original values can always be recovered.

· The web application will have the ability to track customer service requests. Requests can be entered by plant personnel or by authorized contractors/vendors and tracked through the system until they are completed which makes it easy to marry equipment operations with equipment repair and maintenance.

· Viewer rights will be determined based on the direction set forth by the client so those who have access can only see or do what they are authorized to see or do, and no one will have a view into areas that are outside the scope of their roles and responsibilities.

· The client may reclassify any properties, as and when required, from high risk to low risk or vice versa.

The software platform must meet the following minimum Mobile requirements:

· A mobile application will be available for data entry on modern smartphones, including Apple IOS, Google Android, and Windows Phone operating systems.

· Data can be entered, viewed, and edited on the mobile application by users with the appropriate level of access.

· To enable resilient operation in the field, the mobile application will operate with or without an active internet connection. In the absence of an internet connection, data will be stored on the local device and synchronized with the remote server upon restoration of internet access.

· The mobile application will be capable of reading QR codes (barcoding) affixed to sample points to identify the sample and minimize data input errors. The web application will be capable of printing QR codes for the associated sample points.

The software platform must meet the following minimum Alerts requirements:

· Alert levels can be set for each individual parameter at every sample point in the system. Alert levels can be easily adjusted at any time by users with the appropriate authorization.

· Alerts shall be issued electronically, by email, upon entry of any data exceeding predefined alert limits.

· Each user account can be configured to receive alert emails by region or facility.

· Alerts will be clearly indicated when viewing data in the web application.

· The web application will incorporate a work order system that will allow alerts to be prioritized and corrective actions to be logged. Users will be able to view the alert and work order history by region or facility for which they are authorized, down to the individual sample points.

The software platform must meet the following minimum Remote Data Acquisition requirements:

· A system will be provided to allow rapid deployment of remote sensors throughout the facility. The sensors will upload data at regular intervals to the remote servers and the data will be easily accessible in the web application.

· The system will be capable of acquiring data from sensors with the following outputs types; current, voltage, resistance, and pulse.

· The data acquisition system will be capable of both Ethernet and 3G cellular connectivity.

· The data acquisition system will issue alerts electronically, by email, when a sensor reading exceeds predefined alert limits.

The software platform must meet the following minimum Laboratory Integration requirements

· All Legionella and water chemistry test results will be available online immediately upon completion of the test.

· An executive summary dashboard will be provided in the web application to graphically display Legionella test results and trends.

Qualifications.

The contractor selected to perform this work must be an independent provider of water management services engaged in the development and ongoing management of facility and corporate water management programs. To be deemed “independent” and thus avoid commercial conflict of interest, neither the prime contractor, nor any partners, subcontractors nor subsidiary companies may sell treatment chemicals, disinfection devices or remediation services. The sale of water testing services and diagnostic equipment related to determining the safety and quality of the water does not void independence.

The laboratory must have a certificate from 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. The laboratory must also have environmental microbiology accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting body (e.g., EMLAP, NELAP).

Evaluation Process:

Award will be made to the best value, as determined to be the most beneficial to the Government. Please read each section below carefully for the submittals and information required as part of the evaluation. Failure to provide the requested information below shall be considered non-compliant and your quote could be removed from the evaluation process.

Offeror quotes shall be evaluated under FAR Part 13.106-2(b) -- Evaluation of Quotations or Offers. Therefore, the Government is not obligated to determine a competitive range, conduct discussions with all contractors, solicit final revised quotes, and use other techniques associated with FAR Part 15. The Contracting Officer has broad discretion and may compare quotes to each other.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Price:

a. Offeror will complete Price Schedule, with offerors proposed contract line item prices inserted in appropriate spaces.

b. If your representations and certifications are not completed in SAM (as preferred) you must fill out 52.212-3 of this solicitation and submit back with your quote. The preference is that all offerors have filled out this section of SAM.

2. Past Performance:

a. Provide three (3) references of work, similar in scope and size with the requirement detailed in the Performance Work Statement where your company was the prime contractor and performed 50% of the relevant work. References must include contact information, brief description of the work completed, and contract # (if relevant). References may be checked by the Contracting Officer to ensure your company is capable of performing the Performance Work Statement. The Government also reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any and all sources. This will include a check of the past performance information retrieval system (PPIRS).

3. Technical: The offeror’s quote shall be evaluated to determine if the organization has the experience and capabilities to provide the requested services in a timely efficient manner.

a. Contractor shall demonstrate their corporate experience and approach to meet all requirements stated in the Statement of Work by providing:

i. The contractor’s laboratory 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. Information about CDC ELITE certified laboratories can be found at https://wwwn.cdc.gov/elite/Public/MemberList.aspx.

ii. The laboratory must have environmental microbiology accreditation by a nationally recognized accrediting body (e.g., EMLAP, NELAP).

iii. The contractor shall submit a narrative statement, describing your experience in performing the type of work identified in the SOW. Include the number of years your company has been in this type of business.

iv. Proof that contractor is familiar with VHA Directive 1061.

v. The contractor shall provide the resume of a site manager for this project who shall possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in science or engineering and who completed and ANSI accredited course in Sustainable Comprehensive Water Management Programs.

vi. The contractor shall provide an example Water Management Program they have developed they have developed as a prime contractor that addresses Legionella. The contractor shall provide an example document.

vii. The prime contractor selected to perform this work must be an “independent” third party provider of water management services. To be deemed “independent” and thus avoid commercial conflict of interest, neither the prime contractor, nor any partners, subcontractors nor subsidiary companies may sell water treatment chemicals or remediation services.

viii. Any other qualification statements, marketing material, or items demonstrating understanding of the best practices mentioned in the PWS. The Government is looking to leverage your knowledge base as the Contractor.

Evaluation Process:

Award will be made to the best value, as determined to be the most beneficial to the Government. Please read each section below carefully for the submittals and information required as part of the evaluation. Failure to provide the requested information in 52.212-1 shall be considered non-compliant and your quote could be removed from the evaluation process.

Offeror quotes shall be evaluated under FAR Part 13.106-2(b) -- Evaluation of Quotations or Offers. Therefore, the Government is not obligated to determine a competitive range, conduct discussions with all contractors, solicit final revised quotes, and use other techniques associated with FAR Part 15. The Contracting Officer has broad discretion and may compare quotes to each other.

Technical and past performance, when combined, are significantly more important than price.

(a) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Water Management Support Services Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 09-30-2021 POP End: 09-29-2022

Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Spread Plate Method

SPS Water Quality Panel –Monthly

SPS Water Quality Panel -Annual

LAL/Endotoxin

Heterotrophic Plate Count (Spread Plate)

Water Management Support Services for quarterly restesting -Trip charge for less than 20 samples

Water Management Support Services Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 09-30-2022 POP End: 09-29-2023

Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Spread Plate Method

SPS Water Quality Panel –Monthly

SPS Water Quality Panel -Annual

LAL/Endotoxin

Heterotrophic Plate Count (Spread Plate)

Water Management Support Services for Quarterly retesting -Trip charge for less than 20 samples

Water Management Support Services Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 09-30-2023 POP End: 09-29-2024

Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Spread Plate Method

SPS Water Quality Panel –Monthly

SPS Water Quality Panel -Annual

LAL/Endotoxin

Heterotrophic Plate Count (Spread Plate)

Water Management Support Services for quarterly restesting -Trip charge for less than 20 samples

Water Management Support Services Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 09-30-2024 POP End: 09-29-2025

Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Spread Plate Method

Water Quality Panel –Monthly

SPS Water Quality Panel -Annual

LAL/Endotoxin

Heterotrophic Plate Count (Spread Plate)

Water Management Support Services for quarterly restesting -Trip charge for less than 20 samples

Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 09-30-2025 POP End: 09-29-2026

Legionella ISO Test - ISO 11731 Spread Plate Method

SPS Water Quality Panel –Monthly

SPS Water Quality Panel -Annual

LAL/Endotoxin

Heterotrophic Plate Count (Spread Plate)

Water Management Support Services for quarterly restesting -Trip charge for less than 20 samples

1. Can the VA please provide precise integration requirements for sensor integration? What are the exact specifications for the sensors? How many sensors? How frequently are they reporting data? How are they integrated into a local node or are they reporting data only through a web-based system?

0. A sensor system is not currently installed. The sensor system is planned to be installed. The selected bidder will be consulted in the selection and integration of a sensor system. Proprietary technology will be avoided to ensure integration to different systems and encourage competition.

1. Is there any proprietary data requirements?

1. No

1. Is the sensor system already in-place?

2. A sensor system is not currently installed. The sensor system is planned to be installed. The selected bidder will be consulted in the selection and integration of a sensor system. Proprietary technology will be avoided to ensure integration to different systems and encourage competition.

1. Is the software system for reporting data already in place?

3. No, the expectation is that the selected bidder will have a secure web portal for accessing data. The term “existing” under the Web-based Data Management System was intended to infer that the potential bidders had a system already in place. This sentence will be revised for clarity.

1. What provision has the VA made for transition of the existing sensor system into a new software platform? Will a license be issued to the winning bidder?

4. A sensor system is not currently installed. The sensor system is planned to be installed. The selected bidder will be consulted in the selection and integration of a sensor system. Proprietary technology will be avoided to ensure integration to different systems and encourage competition.

1. This appears to be a sole-source requirement based on software and sensor commitments. Will the VA consider sole-sourcing those requirements that are proprietary and to which it is also bound by obligations and outsourcing testing which can be reasonably competed to the advantage of the VA?

5. A sensor system is not currently installed. The sensor system is planned to be installed. The selected bidder will be consulted in the selection and integration of a sensor system. Proprietary technology will be avoided to ensure integration to different systems and encourage competition.

1. Will VA consider separating software and sensor requirement which seems already in place and proprietary and testing requirements to other testing laboratories? To do otherwise will greatly increase overall cost.

6. A sensor system is not currently installed. The sensor system is planned to be installed. The selected bidder will be consulted in the selection and integration of a sensor system. Proprietary technology will be avoided to ensure integration to different systems and encourage competition.

1. Will VA consider placing testing separate from software and sensor requirements?

7. Sensor installation is not part of this contract. The VA requires a secure portal to access testing data. Data may be uploaded to the proposed portal through a variety of methods. A future system will use commonly available, non-proprietary communications protocols to ensure ease of data transfer to the software system. This solicitation is only seeking a software portal for the VA to access testing data. The software system should be capable of receiving, displaying, and exporting sensor data, while also meeting VA Information Security requirements.

1. Is this a new requirement?

8. No

1. If this is not a new requirement, who is the incumbent?

9. Previous contract number: VA260-15-A-0077

1. Are references to PVT testing proprietary to a specific company?

10. Yes, the PVT test is proprietary to Phigenics. The SOW will be revised to state that a test equivalent to this is acceptable.

1. If PVT testing is proprietary to a specific company, what company?

11. See the answer to question 12.

1. If the company who has the proprietary testing is not an SDVOSB, then SDVOSB Offerors will have to receive pricing from the proprietary testing owner to meet requirements and this will not enable fair competition for a lowest price bid. Will the government consider removing the requirements for PVT testing and issue an Amendment?

12. Yes

1. Is this requirement subject to VHA Directive 1061?

13. Yes the requirements of this solicitation are subject to VHA Directive 1061. This directive is identified on page 2 of the solicitation.

1. If this requirement is subject to VHA Directive 1061, time zero, PVT Premium Testing is not a recommended testing method. Will the government consider removing PVT Premium Testing from this requirement and issue an Amendment?

14. The VA seeks a test method that meets the requirements of VHA Directive 1061 and reports the type and concentration of legionella species present. The SOW will be revised to reflect this requirement.

1. If “PVT THAB” is proprietary to one company, will the government consider issuing an Amendment to replace PVT THAB with THAB to allow SDVOSB Offerors to provide lowest price bids and meet requirements?

15. Yes, the PCR test will be specified by performance requirements of the PCR test as specified by the VHA directive 1061 and other references.

15.

1. Section B.3 Price / Cost CLINS refer to MB-1000, WMS-150, MB-200, WC-560, WC-570, MB-3100, MB-2500, WMS-100 – Please advise what these codes refer to? If these are proprietary to a specific company will the government please remove and issue a new CLINS table?

16. These codes refer to a proprietary test. The SOW will be revised to remove the test specific codes.

1. What is the start of services date and when will be first collection be required?

17. The first start dates will be the quarter following contract award.

1. Page 2 of 93 Validation Testing Dental – Refers to Mt. Vernon Campuses. Please clarify as there no other references to Mt. Vernon Campuses.

18. There is only one Mt Vernon campus. The SOW will be revised for clarity.

1. Page 6 of 93 Reports: 10 days after laboratory receives samples. In the next paragraph it states “Results shall be provided within 10-14 days of sample receipt.” Please clarify if 10-14 days is acceptable?

19. 10-14 days is acceptable.

1. Page 28 of 93 [X] (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (MAR 2020) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a). Since this requirement is set aside for SDVOSB, can the government clarify the selection of this clause or please provide an amendment with this removed?

20. 52.219-4 shall be removed.

1. Page 32 of 93 As this requirement is subject to Service Contract Act, is the requirement subject to Clause 52.22-43 ? If so, please select this clause and provide an amendment.

21. If the accepted offer comes in above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, then Clause 52.222-43 will apply.

1. Page 2 of 93 Water Management Program Services, Safety Water Management Program Development, can the government clarify if there is an existing Water Manager Program that the contractor will review and update or if the contractor will be developing the Program for the first time?

22. The Contractor shall bid the project under the assumption that a Water Management Program does not currently exist.

1. Page 5 of 93 states. “Validate that the WMP adequately controls the hazardous conditions in the building water system through the review of on-site water testing.” Please clarify if this “on-site” testing refers to the testing for pH, temperature and biocide conducted at the time of sampling?

23. The “on-site water testing” does refer to that testing, which is performed at the time of sample collection, which is specified in Appendix C section 2.a. of VHA Direction 1061.

1. Page 16 of 93 Schedule B.3 CLIN 0008 WMS-100 Water Management Support Services – Trip Charge for less than 20 samples. Can the government clarify what this refers to? The SOW calls out a Water Management Program and Legionella Testing. Does this CLIN refer to services for Legionella collection and testing?

24. This line item represents the cost for retesting. Retesting is required after remedial actions for out of specification water testing results. For when retesting is required refer to the references of the SOW.

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