Questions and Answers.docx

QUESTIONS

1. Is there a current incumbent performing this service? May we be provided the contract number or total contract award amount?

The prior chlorination could be purchased within the credit card limit.

2. Can you provide the tonnages?

Water tons? No I am unable to

3. Can pictures of the equipment be provided? Along with part numbers and serial numbers?

Equipment for chlorination was supplied by the contractor.

Are you planning on having a site visit?

· If yes, when is the site visit be conducted?

· If no, could our team be permitted to visit the site so we can view the equipment to be treated under the scope of work?

No site visit. I am willing to show the potential bidders what needs to be chlorinated.

1. Incumbent / Past Contract Information

· Has this service been performed previously under contract?

· If yes, can you provide the incumbent contractor’s name, dollar value, and period of performance?

No, this large building has not been chlorinated. We have done a smaller scale of chlorination.

· If there is a public record (FPDS/USASpending or otherwise), could you point me to it?

I am not aware of public records.

This information is important for me to benchmark pricing and understand the level of effort VA anticipates.

2. Technical Scope Clarifications

· The SOW specifies Formula 305 NSF chlorine and Formula 3080 NSF/ANSI 60 chlorine dioxide. Am I restricted to those exact products, or can I propose equivalent NSF/EPA-approved alternatives?

These chemicals have been used in the past and with great success. The VA-IA City will want to utilize the same products to ensure a complete elimination of all microorganisms.

· The SOW calls out 9 Legionella/HPS samples. Should I assume Legionella is the only microbial test required, or should I include additional tests (coliform, endotoxin, HPC) as part of my cost?

Legionella testing is what is required by VA standards. No further testing is necessary.

· Are as-built drawings or schematics of Building 50’s hot and cold water loops available? Without them, it is difficult to estimate chemical volume and pumping requirements.

Yes, I can provide them upon request.

· Are there existing sampling ports and access points in Building 50, or will I need to provide temporary access points for water testing?

The sampling will be taken from faucets throughout the building.

· Will the VA require system downtime/temporary shut-off during the disinfection process, and if so, how should I plan for maintaining water access in affected areas?

The building is unoccupied until the chlorination testing comes back negative.

· After treatment, is the VA expecting contractors to install continuous monitoring equipment (e.g., chlorine analyzers), or is this strictly a one-time disinfection and validation event?

This is strictly a one-time disinfection and validation event.

3. Staffing, Safety, and Compliance

· The SOW references NASED certification for technicians. This appears to apply to calibration personnel rather than water treatment. Can you confirm what certifications (if any) are required for water treatment technicians?

Vendor needs to be ASSE certified. A minimum of 4 - ASSE Certified technicians to be present during the dual oxidant disinfection.

· Does the VA require an on-site safety officer during the actual disinfection, or will compliance with OSHA standards (with a documented safety plan) be sufficient?

compliance with OSHA standards (with a documented safety plan) be sufficient

· Aside from the mandatory VA Privacy and Security training (TMS #10176), are there any additional training or credential requirements for the technicians who will be physically carrying out the water treatment?

No additional training or credential requirements for the technicians

4. Reporting Requirements

· For the post-treatment report, does the VA require testing to be performed only by a VA-approved laboratory (ELAP/NELAP accredited), or can we use our own certified lab?

Use contractor provide certified testing facility.

· Should reports be submitted in PDF only, hard copy only, or both?

email PDF to Richard.Hurlbut@va.gov

· Will reports need to be uploaded through a VA portal, or simply sent directly to the COR?

Directly to COR

5. Administrative & Contractual Details

· The solicitation lists a period of performance starting September 15, 2025. If award is delayed, will the start date move accordingly, or must we still be prepared to mobilize by September 15?

prepared to mobilize by September 15.

· For Service Contract Act compliance, which labor category should be used to classify water treatment technicians under the included Wage Determination?

plumbing

· Are there any union rules or local labor agreements at the Iowa City VA that could affect staffing or site access?

Not that I know of.

6. Additional Information Needed to Price the Work

· Will there be a site visit scheduled so we can walk Building 50 and see the water system before pricing?

There can be a site visit if requested.

· Can you provide water usage history or estimated volume for Building 50? Without consumption/volume data, chemical dosing and labor projections are difficult to finalize.

No water usage available currently.