36C26325Q0265_1.docx

SUBJECT*

Boiler Safety Device Testing (VA-25-00024545)

GENERAL INFORMATION

NETWORK 23 CONTRACTING OFFICE

1303 5th St Suite 300 Coralville IA 52241

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Erica Miller erica.miller5@va.gov 319-688-3703

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Omaha VAMC

Grand Island VAMC

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

Boiler Safety Device Testing for VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This is a solicitation conducted using FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, quotes are being requested.

Solicitation number 36C26325Q0265 is issued as a request for quotes (RFQ).

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-01.

This procurement is a total set-aside for Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Prospective offerors must be registered and current in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at time of offer to the Government (https://www.sam.gov).

Quotes will only be accepted from responsible contractors. The NAICS code for the solicitation is 238220 with a size standard of $19.0 million.

A list of the contract line items, quantities, and units of measure are listed within the attached solicitation documentation.

The VA anticipates one firm fixed price contract award to provide services to VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105.

Western Iowa Health Care System, 2201 N Broadwell Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803 The period of performance is 03/10/2025 to 03/09/2026 for the base year period of performance. There are four (4) one-year option periods available at the government’s discretion.

FAR provisions 52.212-1, 52.212-2, and 52.212-3 apply to this procurement and are detailed within the attached solicitation document.

FAR clauses 52.212-4 and 52.212-5 apply to this procurement and are included within the attached solicitation document.

Additional requirements are listed within the attached solicitation document.

The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) does not apply to this acquisition.

Technical questions on this solicitation are due via e-mail only to Erica Miller, Contract Specialist, at erica.miller5@va.gov no later than 05:00pm Central Standard Time (CST), 02/11/2025.

Quotes are due to the Contracting Office by 05:00pm CST, 02/20/2025. Quotes are required to be emailed to erica.miller5@va.gov prior to the solicitation closing date and time. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure their quote is received in its entirety by the Contracting Officer before the solicitation closing.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Contact Erica Miller, Contract Specialist, at erica.miller5@va.gov for information regarding the solicitation.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

1) INTRODUCTION:

a) Most Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) have a central boiler plant to provide steam for heating and air conditioning, domestic hot water, kitchens, and sterilization. Some medical centers have laundries that utilize steam.

b) Boiler plant safety, reliability, efficiency, and equipment longevity are paramount concerns of VAMC management. Malfunctioning burners or controls can cause catastrophic events resulting in injuries and death and massive property damage. Inaccurate or inadequate data management and monitoring systems can fail to warn of unsafe or inefficient performance. Regular inspections, testing and calibration by expert technicians are an essential part of a program to address these concerns.

c) This “Statement of Work” describes the requirements for the inspection, testing and calibration of the boiler plant burners, controls, and instruments by qualified technicians.

d) The section below labeled Performance Location lists the facilities where the work will be required. The Equipment List section below lists the boilers and components at each facility.

2) Technician Qualifications:

a) Technicians shall have completed at least a one-year trade school and have five years successful experience in this field. The experience shall be largely with institutional and industrial boiler plants similar in design to the VAMC plant. The VAMC facility manager/engineer may define and accept equivalent qualifications.

b) Technicians shall demonstrate familiarity with and ready access to the current versions of the following references:

i) NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code.

ii) VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, current edition.

c) Technicians shall be equipped with portable electronic flue gas analyzers and other test instruments necessary for the required tests and calibrations, all calibrated within one month of the site visits. At facilities with programmable digital controls, the technicians must be capable of programming the controls and have the appropriate hardware and software for this.

3) Inspection, Testing and Calibration Requirements:

a) Technicians shall provide all tools and labor necessary to perform inspection, tuning, testing, calibrating, and adjustments of burners and boiler and boiler plant controls as specified below. This shall be done every six months in accordance with a schedule provided by VAMC. VAMC may extend the schedule for burners in limited service.

b) Instrumentation, monitoring, and data management systems as listed below shall be calibrated every six months.

c) Provide at least two weeks’ notice to the VA Representative prior to performing the work. Work cannot be scheduled during heavy steam load periods. Only one boiler at a time can be out of service for the inspection, testing and calibration procedures. Work must be conducted when the VA Representative or his/her designate is available on site to monitor the work.

d) VAMC will have the boilers that are to be serviced prepared for the technicians upon their scheduled arrival. This includes having the boilers clean of soot and loose scale; fully warmed and at normal steam pressure; steam exhaust silencer system operable; all boiler, burner and fuel train pressure gages and thermometers calibrated; fuel meters in accurate operation (pressure/temperature correction factors provided, if applicable); boiler steam flow, stack temperature and flue gas oxygen instruments operating.

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

f) The inspections, testing and calibrations shall comply with:

i) The recommendations and requirements of VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual, current edition.

ii) The written recommendations of the equipment manufacturers.

iii) The requirements and recommendations of NFPA 85 Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code including applicable appendices.

iv) Burner performance requirements in this document.

g) A summary of the work is as follows:

i) Review boiler plant log sheets and alarm and trouble reports.

ii) Review records that show combustion performance (flue gas oxygen and carbon monoxide).

iii) Perform overall visual inspection of systems. Verify that systems comply with referenced codes and VAMC requirements stated in this contract.

iv) Test and record the operation and set points of all burner/boiler safety interlock devices. Refer to list below. Verify that the set points and operating points are within approximately 20% of normal operating parameters. Make adjustments as necessary and record the new settings. The operation of a device must result in burner shutdown and/or proper alarm operation.

v) Operate burner(s) on each fuel from low fire to high fire and back to low fire in at least six increments and record combustion performance (flue gas oxygen, carbon monoxide, NOx where applicable), fuel train pressures, atomizing train pressures, burner pressures, stack temperatures, boiler steam output.

vi) Compare the combustion performance data with VAMC requirements (see below) and previous readings. If necessary, make adjustments to the fuel flow and combustion air controllers, control valves and dampers to obtain the required performance. Record the new performance data.

vii) Verify accuracy of instrumentation listed below. Verify that all devices are properly selected for the application in terms of type, size, set point range, performance, code approval. Calibrate all instruments that are not within manufacturer’s specifications for accuracy.

viii) Immediately inform COTR of any recommended repairs or modifications.

h) 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, current edition, along with testing procedures.

i) Required burner performance (natural gas and fuel oil):

i) Turndown (ratio of maximum and minimum firing rates): 10/1 8/1 5/1 4/1 (Refer to original burner specification).

ii) Achieve, but do not exceed, boiler maximum steam flow output rating. Measure fuel input at minimum and maximum firing rates.

iii) Maximum carbon monoxide: 200 parts per million (ppm)

iv) Maximum NOx: _____ (Refer to original burner specification)

v) Flue gas oxygen: 2.5 – 4.2% (Up to 5.2% at loads below 40% of maximum steam output; no upper limit at minimum firing rate; oxygen can be one percentage point higher on oil firing on single-point positioning systems).

vi) Flue gas oxygen (low excess air burners): 1.0 – 2.0% (Up to 2.5% at loads below 40% of maximum steam output; no upper limit at minimum firing rate; oxygen can be one percentage point higher on oil firing on single point positioning systems).

vii) No visible smoke, except on heavy oil fuel maximum opacity is 20%. Comply with local emissions regulations.

viii) Flames shall be stable with no pulsations, shall be retained near burner, no blowoff or flashbacks, no constant flame impingement on refractory or waterwalls.

j) List of instrumentation and controls to be inspected and calibrated:

i) Steam flow transmitters (all).

ii) Steam flow recorders/computer readout.

iii) Flue gas oxygen sampling, analyzing and recorder/computer readout.

iv) Boiler and economizer stack temperature transmitters and recorder/computer readout.

v) Master steam pressure and combustion controllers.

vi) Boiler outlet draft controllers.

vii) Boiler water level controllers.

viii) Feedwater deaerator and condensate storage tank water level controllers including overflow.

ix) All pressure and temperature sensors and transmitters.

x) All signal processing and readout devices.

4) Report Requirements:

a) Provide complete written report of the inspection fully describing all tests performed, all findings, and recommendations. The report shall have two sections the first section will be in a table form that with four columns:

i) The first column labeled “FUNCTION” did the device pass or fail.

ii) The second column labeled “Device” list the device number and description in accordance with the VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual current edition.

iii) The third labeled “Deficiencies-Recommendations”

iv) The fourth column labeled “corrective actions” list any corrective actions taken during the inspection.

b) The next section shall be in paragraph/bulleted form and list each device individual in accordance with the VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual, current edition. Plus, the section must reference the correct Master Specification and Standard Detail for that device. See sample below.

5.1. Condensate Storage Tank High Water Alarm

Purpose: High water level may be an indication of condensate transfer pump failure that could lead to low water condition in the feedwater deaerator and in the boilers. There may be a failure of make-up water controls.

Recommended set point: 4 inches below overflow level and 2/3 of tank height.

Potential hazards due to failure of high water alarm: Feedwater deaerator running dry and, consequently, boiler feed pumps running dry will cause overheating and damage to pumps and potential for plant shut down. Failure of make-up water controls (in open position) could lead to significant cost from waste of water and condensate from the tank overflow if this occurs over a long time period.

Recommended type of device: Conductivity probe type switch. Float type switches have high failure rate in this application where they are exposed to flash steam that causes seals to harden and prevent float movement.

VA Master Specification section: 23 50 11 (old 15625).

www.va.gov/facmgt/standard/ VA Standard Detail: SD232111-05.pdf www.va.gov/facmgt/standard/ Failure rate of float types: 48% (BEI study of VA boiler plants).

Make and Model: Mercoid Float Did it function properly: No Category & Action Time Limit: Upon Failure or Within 5 Years Comments: Float type switches are not allowed for high water alarms. The VA recommended switch type is a conductivity probe type switch. Install the VA recommended switch and set to alarm at 2/3 of the tank height. There are valves that can isolate this alarm. These valves must be made lockable only in the operating position.

c) Furnish report within one week of each facility inspection in “Microsoft Word” format by email to the COTR and to the VA Headquarters office designated. Provide hard copies of data sheets and flue gas analyzer “strip” printouts to the COTR within one week of visit.

d) All safety-related deficiencies shall be immediately reported to the COTR, Boiler Plant Supervisor and/or Chief Engineer during the inspection visit.

5) PERFORMANCE LOCATION:

a) Department of Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha Division Medical Center, 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105

b) Department of Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Grand Island Division Medical Center, 2201 N Broadwell Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803

6) EQUIPMENT LIST

a) This contract calls for the inspection of boiler plant components, calibration of control devices and the testing of Boiler safety Devices for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System (NWIHCS) at two boiler plants locations.

b) The equipment to be serviced under this contract is:

i) Omaha

NAME

MANUFACTURER

MFR

SERIAL #

TYPE

NB#

FREQ OF INSPECTION

Boiler #1

Nebraska Boiler

/ Gordon Piatt

Annually

Boiler #2

Nebraska Boiler

/ Gordon Piatt

Annually

Fire Tube

DA Tank #1 Shippensburg Pump Co., Inc.

47663

N/A

N/A

Annually

DA Tank #2 Shippensburg Pump Co., Inc.

47664

N/A

N/A

Annually

ii) Grand Island

NAME

MANUFACTURER

MFR

SERIAL #

TYPE

BURNER

MFR

YEAR

INSTALLED

NB#

FREQ OF INSPECTION

Boiler #1

Superior

AP1-200

24058

Annually

Boiler #2

Cleaver Brooks

Tube

21637

Annually

Boiler #3

Tube

DA

Tank #1 Precision Boilers, INC

M126540B

N/A

N/A

17948

Annually

Annually

c) Equipment is subject to change. The Omaha VA Representative will notify contractor in writing of expected changes to equipment in advance.

i) Omaha VA is currently in the process of starting a boiler replacement project. During this contract it can be expected that the Omaha VA will transition to temporary boilers, and then to permanent replacement boilers. The contractor should expect this transition during the life cycle of this contract and quote properly.

ii) Timelines and important changes during the boiler replacement project will be relayed to the Safety Device Contract Contractor as soon as reasonable by the Omaha VA CO/COR or Omaha plant primary contact.

iii) Any questions about this project can be brought to the CO or Omaha plant primary contact for the details of the project.

7) INSPECTION REQIREMENTS:

a) All inspections performed by the designated contractor must be performed in accordance with VA directive 1810.

b) Annual internal and external inspections are required for each boiler. Internal inspections of the feedwater deaerator pressure vessel and condensate storage tank are required every year (or more frequently if welding repairs have been performed) by a qualified contractor.

c) Every 6 years an internal inspection and wet magnetic particle test of welds of the pressure vessel interior of each feedwater deaerator pressure vessel must be performed by a qualified contractor.

d) Every 6 years an inspection of the boiler chimney and stacks must be performed by a qualified contractor.

e) Inspections required on a 6-year basis shall be performed during the contract base year: 03/10/2025 to 03/09/2026.

f) At least two weeks’ notice to NWIHCS is required prior to an inspection. Also, the inspection must be scheduled for periods when NWIHCS determines that the boilers that will be inspected internally will not be needed for steam supply and when the VA Technical Representative (VATR) or his/her designate is available on site to monitor the inspections. To maintain steam service, only one boiler at a time will be scheduled for internal inspections per inspection visit. Thus, multiple visits per NWIHCS facility will be necessary every year to inspect all the boilers internally.

g) Feedwater deaerator pressure vessel inspections must be scheduled during periods of low steam demand.

h) Condensate return tanks must be scheduled during periods of low steam demand.

i) Coordinate the inspection schedule with the VATR so that NWIHCS can prepare the boilers, condensate return tank, and feedwater deaerator for the inspections in advance and have personnel available to monitor the inspections.

j) Boilers scheduled for internal inspection will be prepared for the inspection by NWIHCS prior to the scheduled arrival of the inspector. This includes cooling the boilers to near ambient temperature and having all manways, handholes 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. Similar advance preparations will be made to the feedwater deaerator when it is scheduled for internal inspection.

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

l) The boiler and feedwater deaerator inspections shall comply with the guidelines in the current issue of the NATIONAL BOARD INSPECTION CODE, Part RB, Inservice 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 NWIHCS requirements as listed in this document.

m) The inspector must completely enter the internal spaces of the boiler or feedwater deaerator and visually inspect all internal surfaces that can be accessed.

n) Methods for testing safety devices shall comply with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Edition or most recent edition.

o) Summary of the minimum inspection requirements for boilers:

i) 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.

ii) 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.

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

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

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

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

vii) Examine all stays and stayed plates.

viii) Inspect gas side baffles.

ix) Inspect internal drum surfaces and steam separating internals.

x) Inspect soot blowers and verify proper alignment.

xi) Check for sagging tubes.

xii) Verify that all nozzles of internal piping such as feedwater admission and bottom blowoff collection are clear with no obstructions.

xiii) Inspect seating surfaces of manways and handholes.

xiv) Check that boiler structure is plumb and level with no excessive deformations.

xv) Check for missing items such as bolts and nuts.

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

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

xviii) Verify proper alignment of burner assembly.

xix) Inspect furnace for evidence of flame impingement.

xx) Test operation of water level gage glass.

xxi) 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.

xxii) Verify that steam pressure gage is properly calibrated.

xxiii) Test operation of high steam pressure cutouts on hot boilers by raising steam pressure.

xxiv) 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”).

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

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

xxvii) Inspect valves on boiler feedwater, blowdown, drain and steam systems.

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

p) Summary of the minimum inspection requirements for feedwater deaerators:

i) Review the feedwater deaerator 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.

ii) Assess the external parts of the feedwater deaerator and accessories and piping for safety, accessibility, cleanliness. proper operation, and compliance with codes.

iii) Inspect for evidence of leakage.

iv) Note feedwater deaerator pressure gage and thermometer readings and verify gage and thermometer accuracy.

v) 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 deaerator can safety withstand the test pressure prior to testing the valve(s) in-situ.

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

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

q) Summary of the minimum inspection requirements for condensate tanks:

i) Review the condensate tank 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.

ii) Assess the external parts of the condensate tank and accessories and piping for safety, accessibility, cleanliness. proper operation, and compliance with codes.

iii) Inspect for evidence of leakage.

iv) Note condensate tank thermometer readings and verify thermometer accuracy.

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

r) Internal inspections (6-year intervals unless otherwise recommended because of welding repairs):

i) Inspections required on a 6-year basis shall be performed during the contract base year: 03/10/2025 to 03/09/2026.

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

iii) Inspect spray nozzles and trays.

iv) 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.

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

(2) 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.

(3) Typically, the pressure vessel section containing the deaerator 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.

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

s) Report Requirements:

i) 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 be fully described along with recommendations for methods of correction. Utilize National Board Forms NB-6 and NB-7, or other similar forms acceptable to owner.

ii) Provide sketches and photographs as necessary and as requested by owner to show areas identified as not acceptable for continued service or requiring repair.

iii) Include test data and calculations. Show locations and extent of all non-destructive testing by sketches.

iv) Furnish report within one week of each facility inspection in “Microsoft Word” format by email to the VATR and to the VA Headquarters office designated in the attachment.

v) All safety-related deficiencies shall be immediately reported to the VATR during the inspection visit.

vi) Provide recommendations on need for re-inspections after correction of deficiencies. Cost of re- inspections shall be extra cost negotiated with VA Contracting Officer.

8) INSPECTION, TESTING, AND CALIBRATION BOILER PLANT BURNERS, CONTROLS, SAFETY DEVICES, AND DATA MANAGEMENT

a) Introduction:

i) Most Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) have a central boiler plant to provide steam for heating and air conditioning, domestic hot water, kitchens and sterilization. Some medical centers have laundries that utilize steam.

ii) Boiler plant safety, reliability, efficiency and equipment longevity are paramount concerns of VAMC management. Malfunctioning burners or controls can cause catastrophic events resulting in injuries and death and massive property damage. Inaccurate or inadequate data management and monitoring systems can fail to warn of unsafe or inefficient performance. Regular inspections, testing and calibration by expert technicians are an essential part of a program to address these concerns.

iii) This “Statement of Work” describes the requirements for the inspection, testing and calibration of the boiler plant burners, controls and instruments by qualified technicians.

b) Inspection, Testing and Calibration Requirements:

i) Technicians shall perform inspection, tuning, testing, calibrating, and adjustments of burners and boiler and boiler plant controls as specified below. This shall be done every six months in accordance with a schedule provided by VAMC. VAMC may extend the schedule for burners in limited service.

(1) Special consideration is to be made for the Peerless LP Dental boiler, due to the VHA Office of Healthcare Engineering (OHE) concerns the Peerless LP boiler is required to be tuned on a quarterly basis.

ii) Instrumentation, monitoring and data management systems as listed below shall be calibrated every six months.

iii) Provide at least two weeks’ notice to the VA Technical Representative (VATR) prior to performing the work. Work cannot be scheduled during heavy steam load periods. Only one boiler at a time can be out of service for the inspection, testing and calibration procedures. Work must be conducted when the VATR or his/her designate is available on site to monitor the work.

iv) VAMC will have the boilers that are to be serviced prepared for the technicians upon their scheduled arrival. This includes having the boilers clean of soot and loose scale; fully warmed and at normal steam pressure; steam exhaust silencer system operable; all boiler, burner and fuel train pressure gages and thermometers calibrated; fuel meters in accurate operation (pressure/temperature correction factors provided, if applicable); boiler steam flow, stack temperature and flue gas oxygen instruments operating.

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

vi) The inspections, testing and calibrations shall comply with:

(1) The recommendations and requirements of VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual, most recent edition.

(2) The written recommendations of the equipment manufacturers.

(3) The requirements and recommendations of NFPA 85 Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code including applicable appendices.

(4) Burner performance requirements in this document.

vii) A summary of the work is as follows:

(1) Review boiler plant log sheets and alarm and trouble reports.

(2) Review records that show combustion performance (flue gas oxygen and carbon monoxide).

(3) Perform overall visual inspection of systems. Verify that systems comply with referenced codes and VAMC requirements stated in this contract.

(4) Test and record the operation and set points of all burner/boiler safety interlock devices. Refer to list below. Verify that the set points and operating points are within approximately 20% of normal operating parameters. Make adjustments as necessary and record the new settings. The operation of a device must result in burner shutdown and/or proper alarm operation.

(5) Operate burner(s) on each fuel from low fire to high fire and back to low fire in at least six increments and record combustion performance (flue gas oxygen, carbon monoxide, NOx where applicable), fuel train pressures, atomizing train pressures, burner pressures, stack temperatures, boiler steam output.

(6) Compare the combustion performance data with VAMC requirements (see below) and previous readings. If necessary, make adjustments to the fuel flow and combustion air controllers, control valves and dampers to obtain the required performance. Record the new performance data.

(7) Verify accuracy of instrumentation listed below. Verify that all devices are properly selected for the application in terms of type, size, set point range, performance, code approval. Calibrate all instruments that are not within manufacturer’s specifications for accuracy.

(8) Immediately inform VATR of any recommended repairs or modifications.

c) A non-inclusive list of interlocks and safety devices to be inspected and tested on each boiler/burner in accordance with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Ed or most recent edition:

xvii) Forced Draft Damper Wide-Open Pre-Purge Proving Switch

xviii) Combustion Air Pressure Switch

xxii) Furnace Pressure Interlock

xxiii) Low Pilot Fuel Gas Pressure Cutoff Switch

xxiv) Flue Gas Recirculation Damper Interlock

xxv) Low Flue Gas Oxygen Level Interlock

xxvi) Low Fuel Oil Pressure Cutoff Switch

xxvii) High Fuel Oil Pressure Cutoff Switch xxviii) Low Atomizing Media Pressure Switch

xxix) Low Atomizing Media Differential Pressure Switch

xxx) Secondary Low Atomizing Media Pressure Switch

xxxi) Automatic Fuel Oil Shutoff Valves

xxxii) Proof of Closure on Automatic Fuel Oil Shutoff Valves xxxiii) Oil Burner Position Switch

d) A non-inclusive list of interlocks and safety devices to be inspected and tested on each deaerator in accordance with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Ed or most recent edition:

i) High Water Alarm on Deaerator Tank

ii) Low Water Alarm on Deaerator Tank

iii) Deaerator Overflow Drain System

iv) Deaerator Safety Valve

v) Safety Valve Following PRV

e) A non-inclusive list of interlocks and safety devices to be inspected and tested on each condensate tank in accordance with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Ed or most recent edition:

i) High Water Alarm on Condensate Tank

ii) Low Water Alarm on Condensate Tank

f) A non-inclusive list of interlocks and safety devices to be inspected and tested for the balance of the plant in accordance with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Ed or most recent edition:

i) Liquid Relief Valve on Oil Pump Set

ii) Propane Pilot Backup System

iii) Carbon Monoxide and Combustible Gas Alarms in the Boiler Plant

iv) Emergency Stop/Panic Buttons

v) High Fuel Gas Pressure Alarm on Main Gas Line

vi) High Fuel Gas Pressure Alarm on Propane Line

g) Report Requirements:

i) Provide complete written report of the inspection fully describing all tests performed, all findings, and recommendations.

ii) Furnish report within one week of each facility inspection in “Microsoft Word” format by email to the VATR and to the VA Headquarters office designated. Provide hard copies of data sheets and flue gas analyzer “strip” printouts to the VATR within one week of visit.

iii) All safety-related deficiencies shall be immediately reported to the VATR during the inspection visit.

9) INSTALLATION/UPDATING TO REVISION 8 FOR BOILER PLANT DEVICES:

a) This contract calls for the updating of outstanding deficiencies to various devices in the boiler plant for the Omaha/Grand Island VA Facilities during the initial year of the contract. The contractor shall furnish necessary labor, tools, equipment, and transportation to update the deficiencies made at NWIMHC facility for the Omaha and Grand Island Campuses due to the recent release of the 8th edition of the VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual.

b) In the event that any work requires shutting down boiler plant operations, close coordination with NWIMHC facility staff is required to minimize disruption of services to our veteran customers. Any required outages shall be kept to a minimum in both number and duration of time as best as capable.

c) Questions about design and installation should be brought up to the Contract CO/COR and the primary contacts for each boiler plant location.

d) Before submitting a proposal on the work contained in these specifications, each Contractor should visit both sites, examine the plants, and thoroughly familiarize itself with all existing equipment need requests. No extras will be allowed because of the Contractor’s misunderstanding as to the amount of work entailed, or lack of knowledge of existing conditions. To arrange a site visit prior to the bid, contact the (CO/ VA Representative).

e) The devices listed below shall be connected to the building management systems as feasible.

i) Any deviation from this requirement should be discussed with the contract CO/VA Representative and the primary contacts for each boiler plant before submitting proposals.

f) Services:

i) Materials and installation of a High Fuel Gas Pressure Alarm on Main Gas Line (Omaha)

ii) Materials and installation of a High Fuel Gas Pressure Alarm on Propane Gas Line (Omaha)

iii) Materials and installation of a 2nd Outside Air Damper Interlock with Alarm (Omaha)

iv) Materials and installation for temperature gauges installed on main steam header (Omaha and Grand Island).

v) Materials and installation for temperature gauges installed on each pressure branch of the steam header in the boiler plant (Omaha and Grand Island)

vi) Materials and installation for temperature gauges installed on inlet and outlet of main feedwater pumps (2 pumps in Omaha, 3 pumps in Grand Island)

vii) Materials and installation for temperature gauges installed on the outlet of condensate pumps (2 pumps in Omaha, 2 pumps in Grand Island)

viii) Materials and installation for pressure gauges installed on the inlet of the condensate pumps (2 pumps in Grand Island)

ix) Materials and installation for pressure gauges installed on the outlet of the condensate pumps (2 pumps in Grand Island)

x) Materials and installation for temperature gauges on the inlet and the outlet of the Deaerator Tanks (2 tanks in Omaha, 1 tank in Grand Island)

xi) Materials and installation for temperature gauges installed on the inlet and outlet of the condensate tank (1 tank in Grand Island)

xii) Materials and installation for flow meters installed on condensate return line (2 meters needed in Grand Island)

xiii) Materials and installation for steam flow meters on the header steam lines (2 meters in Grand Island)

xiv) Materials and installation for steam flow meters on the #3 boiler steam line (1 meter in Grand Island)

xv) Calibration for steam flow meters installed on the header and boiler lines (4 meters in Omaha)

xvi) Materials and installation for flow meters on natural gas lines to boilers (3 meters in Omaha)

xvii) Calibration for flow meters on natural gas lines to boilers (3 meters in Grand Island)

xviii) Materials and installation for flow meters on fuel oil lines to the boilers (3 meters in Omaha)

xix) Materials and calibration for carbon monoxide alarms (Grand Island)

xx) Materials and installation of ambient temperature gauges for the boiler plant interior spaces and boiler plant building exterior (Grand Island)

xxi) Materials and installation for a replacement boiler blowdown flash tank (Grand Island)

g) PERFORMANCE PERIOD FOR INSTALLATION/UPDATING:

i) Repairs shall be made during the base year: 03/10/2025 to 03/09/2026.

ii) Repairs requiring plant shutdowns shall not be performed during winter heating months to the maximum extent possible. Requested deviations from this must be authorized by the CO/VA Representative before work is to be performed. Planned required outages shall be kept to a minimum in both number and duration of time as best as capable.

iii) Any planned plant shutdowns require close coordination with NWIMHC facility staff in order to minimize disruption of services to our veteran customers. Planned required outages shall be kept to a minimum in both number and duration of time as best as capable.

iv) If long lead time on parts have been determined to push past the period of performance, the CO/COR must be notified in writing with an explanation of the delay and the expected delivery times and suggested installation schedules.

10) EMERGENCY CALL OUT FOR MAINTENANCE AT BOILER PLANTS:

a) This contract calls for the deployment of qualified personnel to assist onsite plant operators in an emergency function to restore peak plant operations in the boiler plant for the Omaha/Grand Island VA Facilities. The contractor shall furnish necessary labor, tools, equipment, and transportation to provide call outs at each NWIMHC facility for the Omaha and Grand Island Campuses.

b) Call out service is defined as a request for service or to assist in an emergent issue that threatens plant operation, or N+1 plant redundancy, after normal working hours, during weekdays, weekends or holidays, to correct any problem or condition which needs attention deemed necessary by boiler plant supervision.

c) Contractor shall be responsible for 6 non-scheduled emergency callouts to each NWIMHC facility (ie. 6 callouts to Omaha, and 6 callouts to Grand Island)

i) Each callout shall incorporate a $5000 parts and materials stipend additional to the cost of the troubleshooting/maintenance callout.

(1) Parts and materials needing to be replaced must be approved by the CO/COR or the plant primary/secondary alternates, before work is to be performed.

d) Contractor shall respond to all call outs and be prepared to take corrective action at the site within 2 (two) hours for Omaha and 4 (four) hours for Grand Island.

e) Minor equipment malfunctions shall be corrected the same day the service call is issued. If circumstances beyond the Contractor’s control preclude resolution of the problem the same day, the CO/VA Representative must be notified in writing with an explanation of the delay.

f) Repair or work proposals in excess of or not covered under this Contract must be authorized in advance by the CO/VA Representative and may be performed during normal hours of operation.

g) Any parts and materials needed in excess of the contract, following diagnostics shall be quoted out to the specific NWIMHC facility contact.

h) Callouts should be considered for a maximum of 8 hours of on-site diagnostic and troubleshooting locally at the Omaha/Grand Island VA Facilities. The 8-hour minimum callout should not consider drive time to the location. The 8-hour clock for each callout starts when the technician enters the facility and begins working.

i) The following individuals can initiate an emergency callout to the contractor:

i) Omaha Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor

ii) Grand Island USRO Supervisor

iii) M&O Operations Supervisor

iv) M&O Assistant Service Line Chief

v) M&O Service Line Chief

j) The Contractor shall submit to the CO/COR and the plant primary contact, within 10 business days of performance, a summary of the completed call out, to include any repairs, inspections, and recommendations. The log shall list the date and time for each event that occurred.

11) ESTIMATED PERFORMANCE PERIOD:

a) BASE YEAR: 03/10/2025 to 03/09/2026

b) OPTION YEAR ONE: 03/10/2026 to 03/09/2027

c) OPTION YEAR TWO: 03/10/2027 to 03/09/2028

d) OPTION YEAR THREE: 03/10/2028 to 03/09/2029

e) OPTION YEAR FOUR: 03/10/2029 to 03/09/2030

12) HOURS OF SERVICES:

a) Normal Operational Hours (i.e. 06:00-17:00)

i) A list of federal holidays is at Federal Holidays (opm.gov).

ii) Any work scheduled outside of normal operational hours must be arranged and approved by the Nebraska-Western Iowa VA Health Care System Engineering with at least 24 hours of advanced notice.

13) REQUIRED CERTIFICATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

a) Certification: Proof of certification is required when submitting quotes.

b) “Qualified Professional Inspector” is defined as anyone or combination of:

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

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

iii) 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.

iv) A boiler inspector who is regularly employed by an insurance company which has been licensed or registered by the appropriate authority of a State of the United States to write boiler or pressure vessel insurance.

c) Qualifications for Non-Destructive-Testing Technicians:

i) The technicians shall be certified as being qualified Level II technicians 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).

d) Inspection, Testing and Calibration Technician Qualifications

i) Technicians shall have completed at least a one-year trade school and have five years successful experience in this field. The experience shall be largely with institutional and industrial boiler plants similar in design to the VAMC plant. The VAMC facility manager/engineer may define and accept equivalent qualifications.

ii) Technicians shall demonstrate familiarity with and ready access to the current versions of the following references:

NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code.

VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, most recent edition.

iii) Technicians shall be equipped with portable electronic flue gas analyzers and other test instruments necessary for the required tests and calibrations, all calibrated within one month of the site visits. At facilities with programmable digital controls, the technicians must be capable of programming the controls and have the appropriate hardware and software for this.

14) REFERENCE MATERIALS:

a) The “Qualified Professional Inspector” shall demonstrate familiarity with and ready access to the current versions of the following codes and manuals:

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:

Section I - Power Boilers Section IV - 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 VA Directive 1810 Boiler and Boiler Plant Operations VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Ed

15) CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

a) REPORTING

i) The contractor personnel shall report to the VA site representative to sign in and acquire a badge.

ii) The contractor personnel shall report to the VA site representative to sign out and return the badge before departing the VA facility at the end of each week.

iii) The contractor personnel shall wear an identification badge provided by VA when working under the resulting contract on Federal property.

iv) 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 be fully described along with recommendations for methods of correction. Utilize National Board Forms NB-6 and NB-7, or other similar forms acceptable to owner.

v) Provide sketches and photographs as necessary and as requested by owner to show areas identified as not acceptable for continued service or requiring repair.

vi) Include test data and calculations. Show locations and extent of all non-destructive testing by sketches.

vii) Furnish report within one week of each facility inspection in “Microsoft Word” format by email to the VATR and to the VA Headquarters office designated in the attachment.

viii) All safety-related deficiencies shall be immediately reported to the VATR during the inspection visit.

ix) Provide recommendations on need for re-inspections after correction of deficiencies. Cost of re- inspections shall be extra cost negotiated with VA Contracting Officer.

b) REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

i) The Contractor must be able to provide the products, labor, and the services called for in the solicitation document and must provide the level of insurance specified.

c) EXAMINATION OF THE SITE

i) Before submitting a proposal on the work contained in these specifications, each Contractor should visit both sites, examine the plants, and thoroughly familiarize itself with all existing equipment.