Boiler Inspection SOW.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

As of August 3, 2026

Table of Contents

A. Contract Title Boiler Plant Inspections & Maintenance for Walla Walla VA Medical Center

B. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Information will be given at time of award.

C. Background The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 77 Wainwright Drive, Walla Walla, WA 99362, has a central high-pressure boiler plant that provides steam for heating and air conditioning, domestic hot water, kitchens, sterilization, and laundry. The VA has a requirement for internal and external inspections on high pressure (over 15 psig) steam boilers and internal and external inspections on feed water de-aerator. Contractor shall provide qualified inspectors to perform burner and instrument inspecting; testing; and calibrating burners, controls and instruments, and testing of all safety devices in order to meet the needs of the VA.

D. Place of Performance

All work under this contract is to be performed at the following location:

Walla Walla VA Medical Center 77 Wainwright Dr.

Walla Walla, WA 99362

E. Period of Performance

The contract period base year will begin on date of award plus four (4) option years.

F. Scope

1. General Scope

a) The Contractor shall provide certified labors, Qualified Inspectors and Certified Non-Destructive Testing Technicians; labor; materials; and equipment to perform required boiler and feed water de-aerator pressure inspections, to include but not limited to burner and instrument inspecting; testing; and calibrating burners, controls, and instruments and testing of all safety devices.

b) The Contractor shall provide require reports in accordance with defined Report Requirements.

c) The Contractor shall have to make multiple visits to VAMC facility during the year to inspect all boilers internally, as the VA needs to maintain steam service, therefore, typically only one boiler at a time will be scheduled for internal inspections per inspection visit.

d) In January and June of each year, the contractor shall check tuning and calibration of each boilers that are not offline; test all safety switches on boilers and feed water De-aerator in accordance with the guidelines in the current issue of the NATIONAL BOARD INSPECTION CODE, Part RB; In-service Inspection of Pressure-Retaining Items and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VI or VII as applicable. The safety device testing manual 8th edition, requires combustion checks (o2, Co, Co2, Nox, and efficiency’s) across the throttle range from low to high fire.

e) The Contractor shall perform Boiler and Feed water De-aerator inspections on an annual basis as required in the months of January and July. In addition to these guidelines, inspections shall comply with all references and requirements listed in the Statement of Work, but not limited to the inspection requirements listed below.

2. Inspection Requirements

a) Annual internal and external inspections are required for each boiler. Internal inspections of the feed water de-aerator pressure vessel are required every six years or more frequently if welding repairs have been performed.

b) Contractor shall coordinate with COR to schedule an inspection. The Contractor shall ensure coordination and scheduling of any inspection is conducted at least two weeks prior to the intended date of an inspection. Inspections must be scheduled for periods when the VA determines that the boilers that will be inspected internally will not be needed for steam supply and when the COR or his/her designate is available on site to monitor the inspections. To maintain steam service, typically only one boiler at a time will be scheduled for internal inspections per inspection visit. Thus, multiple visits per VAMC facility will be necessary every year to inspect all the boilers internally.

c) Feed water de-aerator pressure vessel inspections must be scheduled during periods of low steam demand.

d) Coordinate the inspection schedule with the COR so that VAMC can prepare the boilers and feed water de-aerator for the inspections in advance and have personnel available to monitor the inspections.

e) Boilers scheduled for internal inspection will be prepared/opened for the inspection by VAMC boiler plant operator prior to the scheduled arrival of the inspector. This includes cooling the boilers to near ambient temperature and having all man ways, hand holes and furnace access doors open; the boilers cleaned of loose materials waterside and fireside; electrical "lock-out, tag-out" in place; connecting piping isolated; proper illumination provided; compliance with "confined space" access requirements including having safety personnel present in the boiler plant. VA boiler plant operator will be available to serve as watchman for this purpose. VA will provide an oxygen analyzer (monitor) for confined space work. Similar advance preparations will be made to the feed water de-aerator when it is scheduled for internal inspection. VAMC boiler plant operator will then install VA provided gaskets and close the boiler upon completion of inspection.

f) VAMC will comply with any other requirements of the inspector that are considered reasonable by VAMC and have been presented in writing at least two weeks prior to the scheduled inspection.

g) The boiler and feed water de-aerator inspections shall comply with the guidelines in the current issue of the NATIONAL BOARD INSPECTION CODE, Part RB, In-service Inspection of Pressure-Retaining Items, and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VI or VII as applicable. In addition to those guidelines, the inspections shall comply with all requirements listed in statement of work.

h) The inspector must completely enter the internal spaces of the boiler or feed water de-aerator and visually inspect all internal surfaces that can be accessed.

i) Contractor will make 2 visits per year, 6 months apart for both safety device testing on operational boiler and internal inspections on open boilers.

j) The boiler inspection can be completed within the same week. One visit would include 2 boilers operational for safety device testing, and then 1 boiler for internal inspections. Second visit would include 1 boiler operational for safety device testing, and 2 boilers for internal inspections.

k) Methods for testing safety devices shall comply with VI-IA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Edition. https://vaww.hefp.va.gov/healthcare-engineering/boiler-and-boiler-plant-operations

3. Summary of the minimum inspection requirements for boilers

a) Review the boiler history including: operating conditions, date of last inspection, current inspection certificate, ASME stamping on boiler, National Board registration number, history of repairs and modifications. Review boiler logs, water test reports, and reports on tests performed on the burner controls and interlocks.

b) Assess the external parts of the boilers and boiler accessories and piping and valves for safety, accessibility, proper maintenance and operation, cleanliness, and compliance with codes.

c) Inspect for evidence of leakage of combustion gases or fluids, externally and internally, including all gaskets.

d) Inspect foundations for signs of stress such as cracking or movement.

e) Inspect boilers externally and internally for defects including bulges, blisters, cracks, wasted or eroded material, warping, general corrosion, grooving and pitting, damaged insulation.

f) Inspect all accessible internal surfaces for waterside and fireside deposits, including scaling, sediment, debris, carbon deposits.

g) Examine all stays and stayed plates.

h) Inspect gas side baffles.

i) Inspect internal drum surfaces and steam separating internals.

j) Inspect soot blowers and verify proper alignment.

k) Inspect tubes, tube ends and tube alignment; check for sagging tubes.

l) Set combustions for boilers number one, two, and three, on natural gas and number two oil.

m) Test all safety devices and perform annually required accumulation tests on boilers one, two and three.

n) Verify that all nozzles of internal piping such as feed water admission and bottom blow off collection are clear with no obstructions.

o) Inspect seating surfaces of man ways and hand holes.

p) Check that boiler structure is plumb and level with no excessive deformations. Check for missing items such as bolts and nuts.

q) Examine all valve and pipe connections to the pressure vessel.

r) Inspect refractory including burner throat, expansion joint, bull ring, furnace seals, furnace walls and floor.

s) Verify proper alignment of burner assembly.

t) Inspect furnace for evidence of flame impingement.

u) Test operation of water level gage glass.

v) Perform mechanical and electrical inspection of disassembled low water cutouts (disassembly by VA). After reinstallation, test operation to the extent possible. Test low water cutouts on hot boilers by lowering water level gradually.

w) Verify that steam pressure gage is properly calibrated.

x) Test operation of high steam pressure cutouts on hot boilers by raising steam pressure. Inspect safety valve installations and verify that the valves have proper capacity and set pressure and valves, drains and vents are properly installed. Verify that valve locking seals are not broken. On boilers that are hot, perform an operation test under pressure to confirm operation at proper set pressures. Operate boiler with burner at high fire to verify adequate steam flow capacity of the safety valves ("accumulation test").

y) Inspect piping connected to the boilers for evidence of leakage, provision for expansion, provision of adequate support, proper alignment, and evidence of detrimental conditions.

z) Inspect piping to the water column, low water cutoffs and alarms, gage glass. Verify that interior of piping is clear of obstructions.

aa) Inspect valves on boiler feed water, blow down, drain and steam systems. Perform service and Calibration of boiler instrumentation and controls.

ab) Provide recommendations for non-destructive testing when the inspections indicate that this is necessary to assure continued safety and reliability under current operating conditions.

4. Summary of the minimum inspection requirements for Feed water De-aerators:

a) Review the feed water de-aerator history including: operating conditions, date of last inspection, current inspection certificate, ASME stamping, National Board registration number, materials of construction, extent of post weld heat treatment, history of repairs and modifications.

b) Assess the external parts of the feed water de-aerator and accessories and piping for safety, accessibility, cleanliness, proper operation, and compliance with codes.

c) Test hazardous gas monitoring system.

d) Inspect for evidence of leakage.

e) Note feed water de-aerator pressure gage and thermometer readings and verify gage and thermometer accuracy.

f) Inspect safety valve installation and verify that the valves have proper set pressure and capacity and are properly installed. Perform an operation test under pressure to confirm operation at proper set pressures. Verify that the de-aerator can safety withstand the test pressure prior to testing the valve(s) in-situ.

g) Verify that non-condensable gas vent line is open and proper orifice is provided to permit venting of gases.

h) Inspect support structures for proper integrity and allowance for thermal expansion.

i) Internal Inspections every six years unless otherwise required by VA due to welding repairs or as required should an external Inspection(s) fail within the six-year time interval.

j) Visually inspect all visible pressure vessel surfaces for corrosion, material thinning, deposits, and weld cracking.

k) Inspect spray nozzles and trays.

l) Certified American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) Level II technicians shall perform non-destructive tests using the wet fluorescent magnetic particle (WFMT), ultrasonic testing (UT), and any other necessary non-destructive tests.

m) Completely examine all accessible welds utilizing the WFMT test method. Properly prepare the surfaces before testing.

n) Determine pressure vessel material thickness by UT. Thickness measurement locations shall be selected by dividing the storage tank heads into quadrants and taking measurements at each quadrant on two imaginary rings in each head (eight measurements total). Measurement locations on the shell shall be on each of the quadrants, on four to six locations along the length of the shell (16 to 24 measurements total). The technician may recommend fewer or more tests to the owner, providing justification.

o) Typically, the pressure vessel section containing the de-aerator trays and sprays is not accessible for non-destructive testing. The experience is that this section, which is mainly exposed to steam, is less vulnerable to weld failures and material thinning than the storage section which contains condensate and make-up water.

p) Calculate maximum allowable working pressure rating of vessel based on thickness measurements. Calculate depletion rate of material thickness.

G. Notification/Coordination Five days prior to the approved scheduled inspection dates the contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for conformation that the scheduled date is still acceptable.

The Contractor shall report to the COR when arriving to perform the service. This check-in is mandatory. When the service is completed, the Contractor shall check out with the COR.

Upon award the Contracting Officer shall designate a Representative (COR) to supervise the work performed for the duration of this contract. However, in no event, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of the contract between the contractor and any person other than the Contracting Officer be effective or binding upon the Government, unless formalized by proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer, prior to completion of this contract. A copy of this designation shall be furnished to the Contractor.

Specific questions shall be addressed to the building owner:

Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, 77 Wainwright Drive, Walla Walla, WA 99362

H. Inspection Periodicity Contractor will perform annual inspection within 1st month of contract award. Additionally, all inspection to be completed by the 15th of month per periodicity. Only one boiler to be taken out of operation at a time. This results in 6 month intervals.

I. Deliverables

1. Reports

a) The Contractor shall furnish report within 30 days after completion in "Microsoft Word" format by email to the COR.

b) The Contractor shall provide complete written report fully describing all inspections and tests performed, findings, and recommendations. The condition of all items inspected shall be stated whether acceptable or deficient. All deficiencies shall include recommendations for resolutions.

c) The Contractor shall provide sketches and photographs as necessary and as requested by COR to show areas identified as not acceptable for continued service or requiring repair.

d) The Contractor shall include test data and calculations. Show locations and extent of all non-destructive testing by sketches.

e) The Contractor shall immediately report all safety-related deficiencies to the COR during the inspection visit.

f) The contractor shall provide recommendations on need for re-inspections after correction of deficiencies. Contractor shall provide CART with a quote should a re-inspection be needed.

g) Provide 1 copy of report to building owner, for deficiency correction. The building owner is:

Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, 77 Wainwright Drive, Walla Walla, WA 99362

J. Inspection and Acceptance Criteria

The COR is responsible for ensuring that work done under this contract is performed on time and to standard.

Maintenance and Repair Inspections. The Government reserves the right to make any test or inspection it deems necessary to make sure that all performance requirements are being maintained.

The Contractor and COR will work together to resolve deficiencies. Work not completed or not acceptable under general industry standards cannot be certified for payment.

K. Standards and Qualifications

1. Standards “Reference Materials" are comprised of:

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:

Section I - Power Boilers Section W - Heating Boilers Section VI - Care and Operation of Heating Boilers Section VII - Care of Power Boilers ASME B31.1, Power Piping Code ASME CSD-1, Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers ANSI/NB-23, National Board Inspection Code NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Ed. https://vaww.hefp.va.gov/healthcare-engineering/boiler-and-boiler-plant-operations Utilize National Board Forms NB-6 and NB-7 NATIONAL BOARD INSPECTION CODE, Part RB, In-service Inspection of Pressure-Retaining Items

2. Qualifications:

a) The qualified “Professional Inspector” shall be versed with and have access to the current versions of "reference materials" defined below "and" shall meet one or more of the following criteria:

1) A boiler inspector who has a valid commission from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NB).

2) A boiler inspector who has qualified by passing a written examination under the laws, rules and regulations of a jurisdiction of a state.

3) A boiler inspector who is regularly employed as a boiler inspector by a jurisdiction which has adopted and administers one or more sections of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as a legal requirement, and has a representative serving as a member of the ASME Conference Committee.

b) The qualified "Certified Non-Destructive Testing Technicians" must meet the following criteria:

1) The technicians shall be Certified American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certified in the non-destructive testing methods to be utilized. The certification shall be in accordance with the requirements of the American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT). Certified American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) Level II L. Work Hours

Work Hours are defined as Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays or as otherwise arranged with the Contracting Officers Representative.

The ten holidays observed by the Federal Government are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Also, any other day declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

M. Risk Control

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations to include responsibility to conform by current Occupational, Safety, Health Administration (OSHA) & Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations while working on this facility. Contractor shall comply with Walla Walla VA safety, security, and COVID screening requirements.

Without additional expense to the Government, all Contractors’ shall obtain all licenses, and permits required to perform work under this contract.

Contractor is responsible for all reports required or requested by Federal, State and Local ordinances that pertain to any duties contained in the contract.

All Contractor employees must wear a reflective vest or suitable substitute.

Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. Contractor shall be responsible for any injury to any Contractor’s representative, or others, as well as for any damage to any personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by the Contractor’s fault or negligence.

Housekeeping. The Contractor shall leave areas where he performs work neat, clean and orderly.

Material Safety Data Sheets. The Contractor shall provide current Material Safety Data sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials brought into the building. This information will be provided to the Building Manager

All damage done by the Contractor shall become the Contractor’s responsibility.

Contractor and/or Sub-contractor shall not have any history of previous safety violations at the Walla Walla VA campus.

N. Security Requirements

Following Contract award, the Contractor is required to present a list of personnel and their qualifications, to include a contract manager that will supervise the performance of this contract to the Contracting Officer. All supervisory Contractor personnel shall be able to communicate well with the COR or designee. All Contractor employees are subject to current Medical Center Directives applicable to their conduct.

The contractor employees shall not have access to VA sensitive or computer information and will not require routine access to VA Facilities. The contractor employees shall have intermittent access only and will be escorted by VA employees while at VA Facilities. No background investigation is required.

O. Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE)/Government-Furnished Information (GFI).

Not applicable

P. Equipment to be Inspected and Maintained

There are 3 boilers from CleaverBrooks and 1 feed water de-aeroator

Q. Exhibits

Not applicable