Amend 0002 Att 2_Performance Work Statement - Updated.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

BOILER SAFETY DEVICE TESTING SERVICES

1. BACKGROUND

The Central Energy Plant at the VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS), Fresno, California, provides steam and associated utility support necessary to sustain medical center operations and patient care activities. The boiler plant and associated equipment are mission-critical infrastructure requiring recurring inspections, testing, operational verification, and documentation to support safe and reliable operations.

VHA Directive 1810 establishes requirements for boiler and boiler plant operations and identifies the need for safe and efficient operation of high pressure, low pressure, and hot water boilers and boiler plants in VA medical facilities. The directive also requires safety devices installed in the boiler plant, steam distribution system, and boilers to be regularly tested to ensure proper function and provides that safety devices required to be tested every six months must be tested once annually by VA medical facility staff and once annually by a qualified testing contractor unless otherwise approved by the Office of Healthcare Engineering (OHE).

This requirement supports VHA Directive 1810 compliance by obtaining qualified contractor support for recurring boiler safety device testing, boiler pressure vessel inspections, Boiler External Inspection (BEI) safety device testing, annual safety device testing, annual inspection support, and completion of Government-provided testing forms/checklists. The contractor shall perform required monthly boiler safety device testing activities, one Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and one Government-scheduled annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle during each contract year.

This requirement is for inspection and testing services only. The contractor shall not perform repairs, corrective maintenance, replacement of valves, parts replacement, system modifications, or warranty work under this contract unless separately authorized by the Contracting Officer through a separate contractual action.

2. SCOPE

The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, management, tools, testing equipment, transportation, personal protective equipment (PPE), permits, and qualified personnel necessary to perform boiler pressure vessel inspections and Boiler External Inspection (BEI) safety device testing services for the Central Energy Plant located at VACCHCS Fresno, California.

The contractor shall perform required monthly boiler safety device testing activities, one Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and one Government-scheduled annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle during each contract year in accordance with VHA Directive 1810 requirements, applicable VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual requirements, Government-provided testing forms/checklists, manufacturer recommendations, OSHA requirements, and applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.

Services shall include inspection, testing, operational verification, completion of Government-provided forms/checklists, identification and reporting of deficiencies, and submission of inspection/testing documentation for the boiler plant equipment, pressure vessel inspection items, and BEI safety devices identified in Attachment A - Equipment and Safety Device Inventory.

The contractor shall coordinate all site access, outages, shutdowns, and testing activities with VA Central Energy Plant personnel prior to performing work. The contractor shall not perform work that jeopardizes the facility’s ability to maintain required steam operations or N+1 operational redundancy without prior approval from the COR or designated VA representative.

Place of performance:

Central Energy Plant, Building 2 2615 E. Clinton Avenue Fresno, CA 93703

3. REQUIRED SERVICES

The contractor shall perform inspection and testing services for the equipment and safety devices identified in Attachment A and shall complete applicable Government-provided forms/checklists associated with the required monthly boiler safety device testing activities, the assigned semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and the annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle.

3.1 Boiler Plant Equipment and Pressure Vessel Inspection Support The contractor shall perform applicable inspection and testing support activities associated with the boiler plant equipment and pressure vessel inspection items identified in Attachment A. These items include, but are not limited to, boilers, boiler economizers, deaerator feed tank, condensate feed tank, steam reducing stations, boiler vessel inspection activities, deaerator tank integrity inspection, and condensate tank integrity inspection.

Inspection activities shall be performed in accordance with VHA Directive 1810, applicable VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual requirements, Government-provided forms/checklists, manufacturer recommendations, and applicable safety standards. The contractor shall document inspection results using the Government-provided forms/checklists and shall identify any deficiencies or abnormal conditions observed during performance.

As part of the annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle, the contractor shall support required inspection activities, including opening boilers for waterside and fireside inspection and opening the deaerator tank for inspection, as identified in the Government-provided testing forms/checklists and coordinated by the COR or designated VA representative. The contractor shall coordinate all required openings, access, outages, shutdowns, and inspection support activities with VA Central Energy Plant personnel prior to performance.

The contractor shall perform limited cleaning necessary to support opening, inspection, and closing of the boilers and associated inspection areas. Cleaning under this requirement is limited to cleaning necessary to access and observe inspection areas, complete required inspection/testing support, and restore the contractor’s work area after performance. This requirement does not include chemical cleaning, tube replacement, refractory repair, major waterside or fireside cleaning, corrective maintenance, repairs, replacement parts, or system modifications.

The contractor shall be responsible for reinstalling/closing any boilers, deaerator tank, or other applicable access points opened by the contractor in support of the required inspection/testing activities. The Government will provide any required gaskets or gasket materials needed to restore the opened equipment after inspection. The contractor is not responsible for furnishing replacement parts, materials, or gaskets under this inspection/testing-only requirement.

3.2 Boiler External Inspection (BEI) Safety Device Testing

The contractor shall perform BEI safety device testing and operational verification for applicable safety devices identified in Attachment A. Required testing shall be performed using Government-provided testing forms/checklists and in accordance with the applicable VHA Directive 1810 requirements and VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual requirements.

The contractor shall perform the monthly testing activities assigned under the contract, one Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and one Government-scheduled annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle during each contract year.

The Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle shall include the applicable boiler plant, condensate tank, deaerator tank, boiler room, and boiler safety device testing activities assigned to the contractor and identified in the Government-provided testing forms/checklists.

The Government-scheduled annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle shall include the applicable annual Emergency Stop/Panic Button testing, steam safety valve accumulation testing, inspection support activities, and related documentation identified in the applicable CLIN, PWS, Attachments A and B, and Government-provided testing forms/checklists.

The COR or designated VA representative will coordinate the specific schedule and identify the applicable Government-provided forms/checklists to be completed by the contractor.

As part of the applicable boiler safety device testing/inspection activities, the contractor shall perform burner combustion setting verification, required burner combustion adjustment, and oxygen trim calibration only to the extent required by VHA Directive 1810, the VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, and applicable Government-provided testing forms/checklists. This work shall be limited to inspection/testing and required adjustment/calibration activities and shall not include repairs, corrective maintenance, replacement parts, system modifications, or other work outside the scope of this contract.

The contractor shall complete all Government-provided testing forms, checklists, inspection sheets, and associated documentation applicable to the inspection and testing services performed under this contract.

3.3 Safety and Operational Coordination

The contractor shall provide all required testing equipment, safety equipment, PPE, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space procedures, hot work permits when applicable, and qualified personnel necessary to safely perform the required inspection and testing services.

The contractor shall coordinate with VA Central Energy Plant personnel prior to performing work that requires equipment access, boiler shutdown, system isolation, operational testing, or other activities that may affect boiler plant operations. The contractor shall immediately notify VA Central Energy Plant personnel of any identified unsafe condition, failed safety device, equipment deficiency, or operational concern discovered during inspection or testing activities.

3.4 Deficiency Identification and Reporting

The contractor shall document all identified deficiencies, failed components, non-compliant conditions, abnormal operating conditions, failed safety devices, and recommended corrective actions identified during inspection and testing activities.

The contractor shall not perform corrective maintenance or repairs under this contract. Deficiencies requiring repair, replacement, adjustment beyond testing requirements, or other corrective action shall be documented and reported to the COR or designated VA representative for separate Government action.

3.5 Documentation Requirements

The contractor shall provide all completed Government-provided forms/checklists, inspection reports, testing documentation, certification documentation, deficiency reports, and related records generated during performance of the work to the COR or designated VA representative.

Documentation shall clearly identify the equipment inspected or tested, testing performed, results obtained, deficiencies identified, recommended corrective actions, technician name(s), date of service, and applicable checklist/form completed.

4. EQUIPMENT COVERED

The contractor shall perform inspection, testing, and associated documentation services for the boiler plant equipment, pressure vessel inspection items, and BEI safety devices identified in Attachment A – Equipment and Safety Device Inventory.

Attachment A is organized into three tables: Boiler Plant Equipment, Pressure Vessel Inspections, and BEI Safety Devices.

Attachment B identifies the current Government-provided testing forms/checklists associated with the required monthly boiler safety device testing activities, the assigned semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and the annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle. The contractor shall complete and submit the applicable Government-provided forms/checklists for the inspection/testing activities performed under this contract.

The Government may add, remove, update, or replace testing forms/checklists during contract performance to document the inspection and testing services required under this PWS. Any such form/checklist updates shall apply only to the equipment, testing activities, and frequencies already required under this contract.

5. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall perform all services in a professional and workmanlike manner using qualified personnel knowledgeable in boiler pressure vessel inspections and BEI safety device testing services.

The contractor shall ensure all work is performed in accordance with VHA Directive 1810, applicable VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual requirements, manufacturer recommendations, OSHA requirements, and all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.

The contractor shall coordinate all inspection, testing, access, outage, isolation, and shutdown activities with VA Central Energy Plant personnel prior to performing work.

The contractor shall not perform work that jeopardizes the facility’s ability to maintain required boiler plant operations or N+1 operational redundancy without prior approval from the COR or designated VA representative.

The contractor shall promptly address and resolve performance concerns, operational coordination issues, reporting deficiencies, and documentation deficiencies identified by the COR or designated VA representative during performance of the contract.

The contractor shall maintain a clean and safe work area throughout performance and shall remove contractor-generated debris and waste materials from the Government facility upon completion of work unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Completed Government-provided forms/checklists and inspection/testing reports shall be submitted to the COR or designated VA representative within five (5) business days following completion of each required inspection/testing activity unless otherwise directed by the COR.

The Government will monitor contractor performance in accordance with Attachment C – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The QASP is the Government’s surveillance tool and does not alter, modify, or add to the requirements of this PWS. In the event of a conflict between the PWS and the QASP, the PWS shall control.

5.1 Scheduling Requirements

The Government will identify the required monthly testing activities, the Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and the Government-scheduled annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle to be performed by the contractor during each contract year. The contractor shall coordinate scheduling with the COR or designated VA representative and VA Central Energy Plant personnel prior to performing work.

The Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle and the annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle are separate contract requirements. The semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle represents the qualified testing contractor portion of the VHA Directive 1810 six-month safety device testing requirement for applicable devices assigned to the contractor. The Government/facility team remains responsible for the separate VA-performed six-month testing cycle and any testing or inspection activities not assigned to the contractor under this contract. The annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle includes the annual items identified in the applicable CLIN, PWS, Attachments A and B, and Government-provided testing forms/checklists, including annual inspection support activities such as ESPB testing, steam safety valve accumulation testing at high fire, opening boilers for waterside and fireside inspection, opening the deaerator tank for inspection, applicable pressure vessel inspection support, documentation, and deficiency reporting.

The Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle and annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle shall be scheduled by the COR or designated VA representative based on facility operations, VHA Directive 1810 requirements, and boiler plant availability. The contractor shall not perform testing, equipment opening, shutdowns, isolations, or inspection support activities without prior coordination and approval from the COR or designated VA representative.

The contractor shall provide advance coordination before work requiring access to equipment, outages, shutdowns, system isolation, equipment opening, or operational testing. The contractor shall not perform simultaneous shutdown, opening, or testing activities that could adversely affect boiler plant operations without prior Government approval.

The Government remains responsible for its internal boiler operations program, scheduling decisions, and any testing or inspection activities not assigned to the contractor under this contract.

6. DELIVERABLES AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide complete, accurate, and legible documentation for all inspection and testing services performed under this contract.

Deliverables include, at a minimum:

· Completed Government-provided testing forms/checklists applicable to the monthly testing activities performed;

· Completed Government-provided testing forms/checklists applicable to the assigned semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle and annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle;

· Inspection and testing reports documenting work performed and results obtained;

· Deficiency reports identifying failed safety devices, non-compliant conditions, abnormal operating conditions, and recommended corrective actions;

· Technician name(s), date of service, equipment tested, inspection support performed, and applicable checklist/form completed; and

· Certification or qualification documentation upon request by the Contracting Officer or COR.

The contractor shall immediately notify the COR or designated VA representative of any identified condition that may impact safe boiler plant operation, create an immediate safety concern, impact regulatory compliance, or require emergency operational response.

7. CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

The contractor shall possess the technical capability, qualified personnel, and resources necessary to safely and successfully perform boiler pressure vessel inspections and BEI safety device testing services identified within this PWS.

The contractor shall qualify as a “Qualified Testing Contractor” as defined by VHA Directive 1810. VHA Directive 1810 defines a qualified testing contractor as an individual/company that has performed testing in compliance with the VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual in at least three other VA medical facilities.

The contractor shall ensure all personnel performing work under this contract are properly trained, qualified, and knowledgeable in boiler pressure vessel inspections, boiler safety device testing, steam boiler safety systems, burner management systems, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space procedures, and applicable OSHA safety requirements.

The contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local licensing, certification, and safety requirements associated with performance of the required services, including any State of California requirements applicable to the services being performed.

Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall be able to effectively communicate in English with VA personnel and shall be capable of reading and understanding applicable safety procedures, operational instructions, equipment documentation, warning signs, and testing documentation necessary to safely perform the required services.

Upon request by the Contracting Officer or COR, the contractor shall provide documentation demonstrating personnel qualifications, certifications, licenses, training, and experience applicable to the services being performed under this contract.

8. PLACE AND HOURS OF PERFORMANCE

Services shall be performed at the Central Energy Plant located at:

Central Energy Plant, Building 2 2615 E. Clinton Avenue Fresno, CA 93703 Normal hours of performance are 8:00am – 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, and all visits shall be coordinated with the COR or designated VA representative. Work performed outside normal business hours, during weekends, or on Federal holidays shall require prior approval from the COR or designated VA representative.

The contractor shall comply with all VA facility access, badging, parking, safety, and security procedures applicable to the place of performance.

9. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION, MATERIAL, AND COORDINATION

The Government will provide reasonable access to the Central Energy Plant and associated boiler plant equipment, pressure vessels, and safety devices necessary for performance of the required services identified within this PWS.

The Government will provide applicable equipment information, Government-provided testing forms/checklists, available historical inspection/testing records when available, and operational coordination support necessary to facilitate performance of the required services.

The Government will coordinate required boiler outages, operational shutdown approvals, access to equipment, and scheduling of monthly testing activities, the assigned semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, and the annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle as necessary to support contract performance.

The Government does not guarantee uninterrupted access to equipment or facilities and reserves the right to modify scheduling requirements as necessary to support medical center operations, patient care activities, or emergency operational requirements.

The Government will provide any required gaskets or gasket materials needed to restore equipment opened by the contractor for inspection under this requirement.

10. SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall comply with all applicable VA facility security, safety, access, and badging requirements while performing services under this contract.

Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional manner while performing work at VA facilities and shall comply with all applicable VA workplace conduct, safety, harassment prevention, smoking, and drug-free workplace policies while on Government property.

Possession of firearms, weapons, or other prohibited items is not permitted on VA property except as authorized by applicable Federal law and VA policy.

Contractor personnel shall not access VA information systems, networks, or Government data beyond what is necessary to perform the required services identified within this contract.

11. RECORDS MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall maintain all records, inspection reports, testing documentation, certifications, and related documentation generated under this contract in accordance with applicable Federal and VA records management requirements.

All records and documentation generated in performance of this contract shall be provided to the Government upon request and upon completion of contract performance.

The contractor shall protect all Government information obtained during performance of the contract from unauthorized disclosure and shall use such information only for purposes associated with performance of the required services.

12. INVOICE AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Payment under this contract shall be based upon satisfactory completion of the required monthly boiler safety device testing activities, the assigned semiannual boiler safety device testing/inspection cycle, the annual safety device testing and inspection support cycle, and submission of required inspection/testing documentation and completed Government-provided testing forms/checklists.

Invoices shall include, at a minimum:

· Contract number;

· Invoice number and date;

· Billing period or date of service;

· Description of inspection/testing services completed;

· Reference to completed Government-provided forms/checklists submitted;

· Applicable CLIN or contract line item; and

· Total amount invoiced.

Invoices shall be supported by documentation demonstrating satisfactory completion of services performed. The Government reserves the right to reject invoices that are unsupported, incomplete, inaccurate, or not consistent with contract performance requirements.

Invoices shall be submitted electronically through the Government-designated invoicing system unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer.