Attachement B Performance work statement.pdf

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

SECTION I

1.0 INTRODUCTION: This Performance Work Statement (PWS) sets forth the contract performance requirements for sampling, analysis and monitoring services drinking water and other critical water quality programs that includes but are not limited to Sterilize Processing Service (SPS), Surgery Service, Pathology Laboratory among others as assigned in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. Place of performance shall be at various VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) installations throughout Puerto Rico and various overseas locations.

The VACHS is comprises of San Juan Medical Center, Out-Patient Clinics (OPCs) at Ponce and Mayaguez and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Arecibo, Guayama; Saint Croix and Saint Thomas in US Virgin Islands, and Rural Clinics at Comerio, Vieques, Utuado and Ceiba.

2.0 SCOPE: The contractor shall provide all personnel, services, equipment, transportation, supervision and other items and services necessary to perform analysis of drinking water and critical water quality as defined in this performance of work statement. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract. The contractor will supply all equipment and facilities required for water sampling that includes but not limited to coolers, ice packs, and sampling jars.

3.0 BACKGROUND: VACHS is committed in ensuring compliance with various Federal and State environmental requirements through routine water sampling, analysis, and monitoring. The VACHS San Juan Medical Center has potable water drinking system that distributes both hot and cold water to all buildings distributed throughout the complex. The VACHS San Juan site comprises of (1) groundwater well and two (2) aboveground water storage tanks with one (1) million gallons (MG) each in capacity and below grade water storage cistern of 200,000 gallons in capacity for potable water. In addition, water distribution system supplies non potable water to cooling towers units and three (3) cisterns for fire prevention. Cistern will be demolished and a new one (1) million (MG) aboveground storage tank will be constructed in a future.

The VACHS is committed for conducting a comprehensive environmental compliance for drinking water monitoring program. The routine and non-routine or emergency water sampling, analysis, and monitoring, as required, include facilities at San Juan Medical Center, Outpatient Clinics (OPCs) at Ponce and Mayaguez and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Arecibo, Guayama; Saint Croix and Saint Thomas for US Virgin Islands and Rural Community Clinics in Ceiba, Vieques and Utuado.

The purpose of this performance statement of work is to provide Contractor-required services that will support the VACHS Facility Management Services Environmental Regulatory Section (ERS), in ensuring compliance with various Federal and State environmental requirements including through routine and non-routine water sampling, analysis, and monitoring including Safe Drinking

Water Act requirements, Puerto Rico Department of Health and other critical water programs that served hospital operations.

4.0 OBJECTIVES: General performance objectives includes, but not limited to:

4.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable (1) federal, state, environmental statutes, regulations, and rules (including all changes and amendments), (2) Presidential Executive Orders (EOs) in effect on the date of issuance, and VA requirements. Comply with the VACHS Comprehensive Water Sampling, Analysis, and Monitoring Plan.

4.2 For work at overseas locations, the Contractor shall also comply with applicable US Virgin Islands Division of Environmental Protection Drinking Water Standards Title 19 Health, Chapter 51.

4.3 Contractor will conduct routine and non-routine sampling and laboratory analysis of drinking water as determined by the Government.

4.4 The Contractor shall respond, along with government personnel, to any spill situations and obtain and analyze necessary samples. Emergency or non-routine sampling and laboratory analysis for VACHS will be performed by the Contractor, as required.

4.5 The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting all samples in accordance with accepted procedures, properly recording the sample information on the chain of custody form, logging samples into the VACHS office logbook, preserving the samples for transport, arranging for transportation of the samples to the Contractor laboratory for analysis, performing comprehensive analytical laboratory services, and providing accurate analytical results.

5.0 PERIOD PERFORMANCE. This contract is a fixed-firm price performance work contract. The performance period commences from June 1st, 2023, to October 31st, 2023, as base period and four (4) yearly options. The complete period of performance is as follows:

5.1 Base period: June 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023.

5.2 Option Period 1: November 1, 2023 – October 31, 2024

5.3 Option period 2: November 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025

5.4 Option period 3: November 1, 2025 - October 31, 2026

5.5 Option period 4: November 1, 2026- October 31, 2027

6.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at of San Juan Medical Center, Outpatient Clinics (OPCs) at Ponce and Mayaguez and

Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Arecibo, Guayama, Saint Croix and Rural Clinics at Comerio, Vieques, Utuado and Ceiba.

7.0 TYPE OF CONTRACT: The government will award a Firm-Fixed-price contract.

8.0 LABORATORIES GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

8.1 Sample Collection and Analysis. The contractor shall be collected by a Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) license certified drinking water sampler and analyze the samples in a Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) certified laboratory with methods approved by USEPA.

8.2 Chemical Analysis. The contractor will accomplish the analysis using a method approved by the EPA and listed under 40 CFR141.23, 40 CFR 141.24, and 40 CFR 141.30. Laboratory detection limits and the number of significant digits included in reported results must comply with those specified in 40 CFR 141, Parts 23, 24 and 30. The contractor must ensure that all minimum reporting limits for analysis are less than the maximum contaminant level for primary drinking water regulations/standards Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) and, if applicable, the secondary maximum contaminant levels.

8.3 Laboratory Certification Requirements. All environmental laboratories performing work under this contract must hold all the PRDH and the USEPA Environmental Certifications for all the analysis in each task or must hold either Primary NELAP Accreditation or Secondary NELAP Accreditation for all the analysis in each task. Laboratories that process water samples for microbiological testing (Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC), Endotoxins, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), among others) must be accredited by a recognized regional, national, or international accrediting body as follows: In accordance with a laboratory accreditation standard (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025:2017, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories). Laboratories may meet the requirements by holding a mix of all three certifications or accreditations in each task and must hold all the required certifications and/or accreditations consider using a laboratory that also has environmental microbiology accreditation by a nationally recognized body.

Examples of such accrediting bodies include the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP); the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA); and the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP).

8.4 Laboratory QA/QC Requirement. The Contractor shall provide laboratory audit prior to conduct any sampling events in accordance with the Laboratories Quality Standards. If the contractor has performed a laboratory audit within the previous six months that audit report may be submitted. The Contractor shall provide a copy of the audit report to the COR within 30 days of the award date. Laboratory shall meet all applicable Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) (state certification) requirements and perform QA/QC requirements as specified in state and EPA-approved analytical procedures. The analytical capabilities of the lab shall be sufficient for the methods specified, and the lab shall have sufficient through-put capacity to handle the necessary analytical load during all sampling activities. Laboratories may also be subject to performance evaluation samples. The COR may require a new audit be performed if any deficiencies noted have not been corrected. Laboratories may be subject to on-site VACHS audits of their Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols and procedures.

8.5 Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOP). The Contractors are required to submit a Standard Operating Procedures Manual Certification. The Contractor must certify that portions of their SOP manual, as it applies to each task, are in compliance with the PRDH and USEPA NELAP Laboratory Certification Regulations. In addition, Contractor must certify that other sections of their SOP manual that are not required by the PRDH Laboratory Certification Regulations have been modified to conform with requirements of this contract.

8.6 Method Detection Limit, Minimum Detectable Concentration, Precision and Accuracy, Determination Procedures. The SOP manual must include methods to achieve MDLs equal to the MDLs specified in the Drinking Water Method or specified in Federal Regulations at 40 CFR 141 and 143 for each parameter. The Contractor must determine MDLs in accordance with procedures set forth in Appendix B, 40 CFR 136, entitled Definition, and Procedures for the Determination of the Method Detection Limit, Revision 1.11. The Contractor must maintain and make available to VACHS ERS of any data generated and used for establishing MDLs, precision, and accuracy.

8.7 Analytical Procedure for Each Analysis Performed Under the Contract. The SOP manual must include copies of all analytical methodologies for all parameters. The Contractor shall standardize the choice selected in the SOP and must ensure those specific methods are followed.

8.8 Sample Container Preparation and Shipment Procedures. The SOP manual must present procedures for the preparation of samples bottles, vials and shipping containers. This SOP must address sample bottle types, preservatives, if required, for each analysis, trip, and field blank waters, packaging, cooling, labeling, custody seals, as well as shipment from the laboratory facility. The SOP manual must address how shipping containers will comply with Federal Air Transportation requirements for the return shipment of samples.

8.9 Water Preparation and QC Procedures. The SOP manual must include procedures to comply with USEPA, and PRDH regarding laboratory water preparation. The SOP manual must include procedures for preparing, issuing, tracking and tracing trip and field blanks back to an actual analysis performed on the same day. Trip and field blank water must be the same as the water used for analyses. Procedures must assure and record routinely the conductivity or resistivity of the required ASTM Type I and II low organic water.

8.10 Sample and Laboratory Contamination Procedures. The SOP manual must include procedures to prevent potential cross contamination of samples in the laboratory due to leaks, spills or accidents within the laboratory. The SOP manual must present procedures for notifying management of laboratory and/or sample contamination. If any laboratory actions compromise the validity of the sample, or result in sample destruction, the contractor shall provide a repeat analysis at no charge to the Government.

9. BASIC SERVICES

9.1 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, transportation, and laboratories services necessary for the performance of work. The Contractor shall provide the activities necessary to ensure the water supply and systems are in compliance with federal and state requirements and regulations. The Contractor shall perform the environmental water quality sampling and analysis as specified in this contract.

Required performance under this contract are listed in Technical Exhibit 1.

Services include required routine and non-routine, emergency sampling, analysis, and monitoring at the VACHS as shown in the following paragraphs. Contractors shall be responsible for collecting samples from the locations submit the samples for testing, preparing appropriate analysis and chain of custody reports, and returning completed results to the requiring activity as per Technical Exhibit 2.

The contractor shall provide chain of custody forms and any other necessary processing documents. Only ERS personnel or authorized designated VACHS’ representatives shall sign the chain of custody form to release samples from the facilities. VACHS’ representatives shall ensure that all samples are handled and processed in accordance with state and federal safer drinking water protocols and statutes. The following work tasks are requirements to be performed under this PWS.

9.2 Drinking Water Sampling. The Contractor shall provide for the continuous and/or discrete measuring, sampling, and analysis of surface water and any other environmental media as required. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the services, technical man-hours, and materials to complete the environmental compliance sampling requirements for VACHS. Specific compliance efforts include tasks such as routine sampling, analysis, and non-routine or emergency sampling, analysis, and monitoring at the VACHS facilities.

9.2.1 Bacteriological Sampling Analysis San Juan Medical Center. The contractor will analyze bacteriological samples in a PRDH certified laboratory using a method for drinking water. The contractor shall analyze three (3) samples each month for microbiological profile that consist of the following parameters: chlorine residual, pH, temperature, Heterotrophic Plate Count, total coliform, and fecal/E-coli confirmation when required.

Microbiological examination of samples will begin promptly upon return to the laboratory.

Samples will be cultured the day of delivery and read after 24 hours of incubation. The contractor will not allow the time elapsing between sample collection and examination to exceed 24 hours. The contractor will analyze the samples within the legal holding time as specified in the analytical method. The contractor will analyze emergency samples and email results within 24 hours, when allowed by the analytical method, and 48 hours for all others.

9.2.2 Bacteriological Sampling OPC, CBOCs and Rural Community Clinics. On a quarterly basis, the contractor will perform sampling and analysis for microbiological profile that includes pH, temperature, Total Dissolved Solids, E. Coli, Total coliforms, residual chlorine, and Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC). The mentioned sample shall be taken at sampling point selected by the Environmental Regulatory Section. Frequency and additional samples may be requested by Government as necessary. Resampling may be required.

9.2.3 Sampling Conditions for all VACHS facilities, if water samples are coliform or bacteria positive. If the routine sample is total coliform-positive or bacteria-positive, the certified laboratory must collect a sample within 24 hours, after the laboratory notified VACHS, to determine if fecal coliform or E. coli is present.

If one or more repeat samples in the set are positive for total coliforms, the MCL has been exceeded. The laboratory shall analyze for the presence of fecal coliform or E. coli. If a system has one or more routine or repeat samples results positive, the laboratory must perform five (5) additional samples during the next month the system provides water to the public.

9.2.4 Lead and Copper: On a semiannual basis, water samples will be collected at various locations throughout the water distribution system at VACHS San Juan facility.

Resampling of parameters may be required if regulatory thresholds are not met.

9.2.5 Disinfectant by Products: On a quarterly basis, water samples will be collected for designated locations at San Juan Medical Center to address disinfectant by products.

Samples will be analyzed for Trihalomethane (TTMH), Bromodichloromethane, Dibromochloromethane, Bromoform and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): Monochloroacetic acid, Dichloroacetic acid, Dichloroacetic acid, Trichocerid acid, Bromoacetic acid, Dibromoacetic acid, Bromate and Chlorite). Resampling of parameters may be required if regulatory thresholds are not met.

9.2.6. Chloride Dioxide Disinfection System: On a quarterly basis, contractor will collect and analyze for disinfectant byproducts generated from Chloride Dioxide chemical injection system. Samples will be collected at various locations designated by government at San Juan Medical Center. Samples will be analyzed for Chlorine Dioxide, Bacteriological Sampling, Chlorite, and Bromate. Resampling will be required if sampling results do not meet regulatory thresholds.

9.3 Swimming Pool. The contractor will analyze water samples to determine quality conditions at the therapeutic pool in Main Building 1st Floor, San Juan facility. The contractor shall analyze for Heterotrophic Plate Count, Total coliform, and fecal/E-coli, pH, temperature, and residual chlorine. The contractor shall provide chain of custody forms and any other necessary processing documents. Resampling may be required if parameters do not meet regulatory thresholds.

9.4 Critical Water RME Samples. The contractor will analyze water samples in a PRDH certified laboratory using a method for drinking water. The contractor shall analyze 8 samples/each at Reverse Osmosis (RO)/ Deionized (DI) Water Treatment Areas located at CP-1 DECO Main Building and OPA Building at San Juan Medical Center; RME SPS Water Treatment at Mayaguez Clinic, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and RME SPS Water Treatment System at Ponce Clinic, Ponce, Puerto Rico. Sample locations will be selected by the ERS authorized personnel. Areas include but are not limited to incoming water (utility), RO system, post UV filter, distribution water loop and point of use. Water samples will be collected, analyzed for parameters: For Monthly sampling for each area: pH, temp, TOC, TDS, E. Coli/Total Coliform, HPC; For Quarterly sampling for each area: pH, temp, TOC, TDS, E. Coli/Total Coliform, HPC, Chloride, Hardness, Specific Conductance and for annual sampling for area: Endotoxins, Iron, Copper and Manganese. Resampling may be required if parameters do not meet recommended action levels

9.5 Open Heart Water Quality Program: The contractor will collect and analyze on a quarterly basis, water samples from water filtered area and water contained in the Heat Cooler Devices used at Surgical Service San Juan Medical Center. Samples will be collected for HPC, E. Coli/Fecal Coliform, Total Coliform, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and for Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria. Government personnel will escort contractor to these critical areas during the sampling process. Sample location will be designated by the VACHS Facility Management Service (FMS) Environmental Regulatory Section (ERS).

Samples will be properly taken, handled, stored, transported, and identified in accordance with proper procedures for microbiological environmental water sampling. Resampling may be required if parameters do not meet recommended action levels.

Microbiological examination of samples will begin promptly upon return to the laboratory.

Samples will be cultured the day of delivery and read after 24 hours of incubation. The contractor will not allow the time elapsing between sample collection and examination to exceed 24 hours. The contractor will analyze the samples within the legal holding time as specified in the analytical method.

9.6 Deionized (DI) Water Quality Program: The contractor will collect and analyze on a monthly basis, water samples from DI water from various water treatment equipment area in support Pathology Laboratory Service located Main Building 1st Floor, San Juan facility.

Water samples will be collected by and analyzed for Total Organic Content (TOC).

Resampling may be required if parameters are not meet.

9.7 Water Well Sampling and Analysis. The Contractor shall collect and analyze water samples from the extraction water well located at San Juan facility, on a year basis or as requested by the ERS for the below mentioned parameters. These samples will be collected at the pump station located next to the water well.

Table 1. Extraction Water Well Sampling Parameters pH TOC Magnesium (mg/l) Mg2+ Chlorine (mg/l) Calcium (mg/l) Ca2 Sodium (mg/l) Na++ Potassium (mg/l) K+ Manganese (mg/l) Mn+2 Bicarbonate HCO3- (mg/l) Alkalinity CaCO3- (mg/l) Total Hardness (mg/l) TDS (mg/l) Conductivity umhos/cm Nitrate (mg/l) NO3- Carbonate (mg/l) CO3- Iron (mg/l) Fe+2

9.8 Additional Sampling Requirements:

Additional samples may be collected as necessary to determine the performance of equipment that utilizes water from the water distribution system, e.g., hemodialysis water treatment system, swimming pool: food preparation areas, etc. Sample collection areas will be determined by the COR/Environmental Regulatory Section.

9.8.1 Special Samples. Non-compliance samples shall be collected due to repairs, complaints, or maintenance reasons. Collection of these types of samples will be requested as necessary to ensure that contaminants have not entered to the distribution system because of event, such as water line repairs, line breaks, or routine maintenance.

9.8.2 Emergency Sampling: In order to comply with the Public Health and Safety Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, the Environmental Regulatory Section will contact the Contractor to collect samples only during emergency incident including drinking water contamination. This action will fulfill the requirements set forth the Emergency Response Plan that requires the development and implementation of Emergency Sampling Procedures. Samples may be required as necessary.

9.9 Frequency Sampling: Refer to Technical Exhibit 3 for list of parameters, sampling amounts for base year and four-year options for each water quality programs under this contract.

10.0 REPORTS

10.1 Sampling Report. The Contractor shall contact the VACHS Environmental Regulatory (ERS) Section COR for this contract prior to conduct site visits to VACHS facilities. The ERS along with contactor will coordinate and prepare a sampling schedule for all VACHS facilities.

If re-sampling event is necessary, a sampling schedule shall be forwarded to ERS for appropriate coordination.

The contractor shall visit the COR’s office after 7:00 am on each scheduled performance day in order to confirm the performance schedule between the COR and the contractor. The contractor shall provide performance reports and submit them to the COR by email or fax after completion of each task. Refer to Technical Exhibit 2 for deliverables. This report must be signed by a chemist license in Puerto Rico for the chemical analysis and a certified technologist for the bacteriological analyses and the laboratory director reviewing the analysis results. Performance report shall include the following information at a minimum:

10.1.1 Government unique sample number (i.e., VACHS)

10.1.2 VACHS Clinic/program area Identification (i.e., VACHS OPC PoncePotable Water Cistern Sample # __)

10.1.3 Analyte

10.1.4 EPA or appropriate method

10.1.5 Detection Limit

10.1.6 Applicable Regulatory Limit (i.e., Puerto Rico Department of Health)

10.1.7 Sample Result/Maximum contaminant level (MCLs)

10.1.8 Maximum Holding Time/Preservatives (If applicable)

10.1.9 Date Collected

10.1.10 Date Received

10.1.11 Date Analyzed

10.1.12 Report must be certified and stamped by a PR license chemist, PR license microbiologist. For Reference lab, sampling results must be certified by license microbiologist.

10.2 The VACHS ERS will indicate the desired turn-around time for all sample analysis requests. The listed turn-around times and return of unused sample shall include any analysis sent out for subcontract. It is understood that if the analytical procedure does not allow for the listed turn-around time the analysis results will be provided as soon as possible.

10.3 The contractor shall notify VACHS ERS at (787) 641-7582 Ext. 10369 or send an email notification of this situation. The detection limit for each constituent shall be reported with the results. Raw data will be made available and submitted through the report and upon request by the COR or CO.

10.4 The Contractor shall immediately report to VACHS ERS, via email/ telephone or fax, any data or results generated during the analyses that may indicate any potential imminent health risk to contracted or federal personnel, or the public at large. Following this telephone/fax or email notification, a formal written notice or report with supporting documentation shall be prepared and delivered within three working days. Upon request of the Government, the Contractor shall provide pertinent raw laboratory data within three weeks of the telephone/fax or email notification.

11.0 RECORDS: The contractor shall be responsible for creating, maintaining government required records that are specifically cited in this PWS or required by the provisions of a mandatory directive listed in Section III, Applicable Publications and Forms. The contractor shall provide the original record or a reproducible copy of any such record within five (5) working days of receipt of the request.

12.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.

12.1 Puerto Rico Department of Health: Environmental Health General Regulation, and

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA) and 40 Code of Federal Register (CFR) 141-142, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations are the state and federal compliance requirements for water supply and equipment. The Contractor is responsible for being knowledgeable of and adhering to the following documents, policies, rules, and regulations:

12.1.1 Puerto Rico Department of Health Environmental Health General Regulation

12.1.2 US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Requirements

12.1.3 US EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR Part 141)

12.1.4 Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) Technical Information Report (TIR 34): Water for the Reprocessing of medical devices.

12.1.5 American National Standard (ANSI)/AAMI 26722:2014 Water treatment equipment for hemodialysis and related therapies.

12.2 The contractor shall perform all applicable U.S. Federal, Puerto Rico laws and regulations and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) guidance and apply procedures and protocols as required. All work specified under this program shall be performed in accordance with accepted industrial standards, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, and any applicable standards for this contract.

12.3 Public Laws and Statutes. The Contractor shall comply with the issue or version (including all changes and amendments) of federal, state and local environmental statutes and regulations in effect of date of issuance of this delivery order, including, the applicable portions of the documents cited in the basic contract. The contractor shall comply with the issue or version of the instructions, regulations, policies and other documents in effect on the date of issuance of this delivery order, including but not limited to the documents cited herein.

13.0 EMERGENCY SERVICES

13.1 Emergency service calls will be classified as emergency at the discretion of the CO.

Generally, emergency calls consist of correcting failures that constitute an immediate danger to personnel; threaten to damage property or threaten to disrupt activity operations. Urgent service calls will be classified as urgent at the discretion of the CO.

Generally, urgent calls consist of providing services or correcting failures which do not immediately threaten personnel, property, or activity missions, but will soon inconvenience and/or affect the health or well-being of personnel, and lead to property damage. Routine service calls will be classified as routine when the work does not qualify as an emergency or urgent call.

13.2 The contractor shall respond accordingly for emergency and urgent calls. The contractor shall plan and schedule work to assure material, labor, and equipment are available to complete work requirements with regard to established time limits and quality standards. Upon notification by the contracting officer through the issuance of a delivery order, the contractor shall perform emergency sampling in areas covered under this contract. Upon notification of an emergency, the contract manager shall respond within one (1) hour to meet with the contracting officer and COR and initiate emergency services. Upon receiving direction by the contracting officer, contractor personnel shall begin emergency work within two hours.

14.0 OPERATIONS IMPACT MISSION. If during the evaluation of the water supply and system components requires testing and analysis, the Contractor shall notify to the COR the required time for these operations to adequately allocated resources and adjust VACHS operations. If the system needs to be out of service or temporary shutdown, this determination shall be determined by the Government and the contractor after evaluation all existing conditions. It is essential that VACHS operations must not be affected and therefore the water supply system must be operational at all times unless unforeseen conditions are presented.

15.0 QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM: The Contractor shall coordinate, report, and ensure the timely completion of the work specified in this PWS. This encompasses the planning, coordination, technical direction, and surveillance of all activities necessary to execute all work.

15.1 The Contractor shall provide the overall management effort required to integrate technical and programmatic functions.

15.2 The Contractor shall ensure the technical excellence, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of all required work and deliverable products.

15.3 The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he/she assures that his/her work complies with the requirement of the contract. At a minimum, the contractor shall develop QC procedures addressing the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, “Performance Requirements Summary”. After acceptance of the QC plan, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer acceptance in writing of any proposed to his/her QC system.

15.4 The contractor shall institute and maintain a complete quality control (QC) program to ensure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. The overall goal of the program should be to identify and correct any problems that may exist before they are identified by or reported to the COR. At a minimum, the program shall include:

15.4.1 An inspection system covering all the services required with a comprehensive checklist to be used to inspect contract performance during scheduled and unscheduled inspections and the names of the individuals who will be performing the inspections. Provide a list of the QC inspectors to the COR. Provide a checklist shall include every area of the operation serviced by the contractor, as well as every task required to be performed.

15.4.2 A system for identifying and correcting deficiencies and/or a pattern of deficiencies in the quality or quantity of services provided before the level of performance becomes unacceptable and/or government inspectors point out the deficiencies.

(Refer to the Technical Exhibit No.4 Corrective Reports).

15.4.3 A file for inspections conducted by the contractor and related corrective actions.

This file should include follow-up documentation of inspections to ensure corrective action was appropriate, complete, and timely. This documentation shall be organized in a logical manner, kept current, and made available to the COR and the CO during the term of the contract. Within five workdays prior to the starting data of the contract, the contractor shall submit a copy of this program to the Contracting Officer and /or COR.

16.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN.

16.1 The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s). The Government will monitor the Contractor's performance under this contract using the surveillance methods identified in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. The Contractor will be given the opportunity to correct or address any adverse findings resulting from the Government’s surveillance consistent with the Inspection/Acceptance clause in the contract. Failure to correct any adverse findings or failure to deliver all services described in this contract may result in non-acceptance of the services by the Government. Failure to meet the standards of this performance work statement may result in a deduction of price equal to the value of the unperformed or poorly performed services. Failure to provide services in accordance with this contract could also result in termination of the contract for cause and/or adversely impact the Contractor’s ability to be selected for future contracts as documented.

16.2 The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract. All surveillance observations shall be recorded by the government. When an observation indicates deficient or defective performance, the COR shall request the contractor’s representative initial the observation Refer to Attachment 4, Corrective Report.

16.3 Government verification inspections of services shall not constitute acceptance nor replace the contractor inspection or in any way relieve the contractor of any responsibility to take all actions necessary to assure highest quality of service rendered.

16.4 The contractor shall maintain a current list of employees. The list shall include the employee’s name, government identification number, contact information, and residence information. The list shall be validated and signed by the contractor and provided to the COR. Updated lists shall be provided when an employee’s status or information changes.

17.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

17.1. Contract Manager. The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the work. The name of this person, and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the manager is absent, shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all matters relating to this contract.

17.2 The contract manager or alternate shall be available during normal duty hours meet the COR to discuss problem areas. The contract manager shall provide an emergency contact number for an emergency situation.

17.3. Contractor Employees. The Contractor shall provide one technically qualified technician to conduct the environmental sampling tasks and data entry into environmental databases. Contractor personnel should be trained, physically capable, and qualified to perform required sampling, and should receive periodic training to maintain proficiency and to keep current with required certifications. When performing work or operating equipment in direct support of VACHS within the Contractor’s quality management system, including requirements for Water Quality Standards. The Contractor shall keep its employees trained and certified in order to properly perform tasks requiring certification. The Contractor shall ensure all employee certifications shall be submitted to CO for proper recording of training.

The technician may be required to wear respiratory protection for isolated sampling requirements. Therefore, the technician shall be medically qualified to wear respiratory protection in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134. The technician, and additional Contractor personnel, as required, shall be responsible for conducting the following routine environmental compliance sampling tasks at VACHS Clinics.

17.4 Supervision: The Contractor shall arrange for satisfactory supervision of the contract work. The Contractor or his designee shall be available at all times, when the contract work is in progress, to receive notices, reports or request from the Contracting Officer or his representative.

17.5 Removal of Contractor’s Employees. The contractor shall utilize only experienced, responsible, and capable employees in the performance of this contract. The CO may require that the contractor remove from the Government job any of his/her employees who endanger persons or property, or whose continued employment under this contract is inconsistent with the interests of military security.

18.0 SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS. The contractor shall coordinate worksite with applicable personnel to ensure the protection of human health of employees and the environment, the prevention of damage to property, utilities, materials, supplies, and equipment, and the avoidance of work interruptions. For these purposes, the contractor shall comply with OSHA Safety and Health regulations. The contractor shall initiate and maintain programs to comply with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act (OSHA) concerning handling of potentially hazardous substances as it pertains to fuel storage, flammable and combustible liquids (OSHA §1910.106 standards).

18.1 Safety Requirements: In performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contracting Officer or his/her designee may determine to be reasonably necessary to protect both the lives and health of the occupants of the building and property. The Contracting Officer of his/her designee will notify the Contractor of any non-compliance with the foregoing provisions and the action to be taken. The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately correct the condition to which attention has been directed.

The Contractor shall provide protective equipment and attire to personnel and require employees to use it during the performance of their duties as necessary. The contractor shall conform to all regulations, federal and local OSHA Standards.

18.2 Security Danger Warning, Accident Prevention, Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Requirements. The contractor shall comply with all pertinent requirements of the OSHA, NFPA and VA Directives Policies whichever is more stringent, to ensure compliance by all subcontractors.

18.3 The contractor shall not commence work at the job site until an Accident Prevention Plan and a Job Hazard Analysis are submitted for review and approved by the COR.

18.4 Hazardous Materials. All hazardous materials must be contained and stored in the appropriate storage containers and/or cabinets. The contractor shall immediately report spills or releases of hazardous materials to the CO and COR. The contractor shall be liable for containment and environmental clean-up of spill or release of such substance. The contractor shall follow manufacturer’s guidelines and professional recommendations for control of humidity, temperature, cleanliness, and materials handling. The contractor shall comply with environmental and hazardous materials storage and handling requirements and maintain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

19.0 STANDARD OF CONDUCT: Contractor Personnel must adhere to the Contractor shall require his employees to comply with the instructions, pertaining to conduct and building regulations, issues by duly appointed officials, such as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), guards, inspectors, etc. The Contractor shall provide protective equipment and attire to personnel and require employees to use it while the performance of their duties as necessary.

19.1 Uniforms: The Contractor shall require all his employees, including supervisors, to wear distinctive uniform clothing for ready identification. The uniform shall have the Contractor’s name, easily identifiable, affixed in a permanent or combination as appropriate may be used for the uniform. Appropriate protective equipment shall be required and worn during the performance of their duties.

19.2 Appearance: The Government requires a favorable image and considers it to be a major asset of a customer service team and the employee's attitude, courtesy, and job knowledge are influential in creating a favorable image.

19.3 Neglect of duties shall not be condoned; including sleeping on duty, unreasonable delays or failures to carry out assigned tasks, conducting personal affairs during duty hours, and refusing to render assistance or cooperate in upholding the integrity of the work site security.

19.4 Disorderly conduct: use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be condoned; also included is participation in disruptive activities which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations.

19.5 Driving at VACHS: Contractor and contractor’s employees shall obey all speed limits and traffic signs. Disobeying traffic regulations could result in magistrate court citations, which include monetary fines. Continued violations could result in being restricted from driving at the Facility.

19.5 Parking: Contractor vehicles will be parked only in lots or areas designated by Security Office personnel, if available. The Government will not be liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged vehicles or items.

19.6 Smoking will be prohibited except in designated areas.

19.7 Intoxicants: The Contractor shall not allow any employee (while on duty) to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs, or substances that produce similar effects. The use of illegal drugs is prohibited on Federal property. Violators will be prosecuted.

19.8 Criminal actions: Contractor’s employees may be subject to sanctions and or layoff for criminal actions, but not limited to the following:

19.8.1 Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records.

19.8.2 Unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct.

19.8.3 Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials.

19.9 The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove any employee from the work site for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall initiate immediate action to replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional cost to the Government.

19.10 Weapons at Facility: No weapons either on one’s person or placed inside a privately-owned vehicle is allowed. If a weapon of any type is found, it will be confiscated and held as evidence. Having unauthorized weapons on a federal property is a felony, and violators will be prosecuted.

20.0 SECURTIY REQUIREMENTS: Contractor personnel performing work under this contract shall provide in writing to the Contracting Officer at least ten (10) working days prior to the contract starting date, a list to include the names and social security numbers of all employees conducting the contract work and must maintain the level of security required for the life of the contract.

20.1 The service provider shall not employ persons for work on this contract if such employee is identified to the service provider by the Contract Officer (CO) as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being or operations of the VA facilities and its population. The service provider shall furnish an identifying badge, which shall include as a minimum, the person's name, the name of the service provider, and the function. Each employee shall wear the badge visible at all times.

20.2 The contractor is responsible for providing required information on personnel conducting site visits to obtain contractor passes. This information will be coordinated with the VACHS Facilities Management Services (FMS) Environmental Regulatory Section. Photography of any kind must be coordinated through the VACHS FMS Environmental Regulatory Section.

20.3 Under no circumstances will a Contractor or any contractor employees or subcontractors use or transfer their ID card/badge or vehicle decals (if applicable) to allow anyone else access to any are on VACHS. Failure to comply with the requirements of this section is a security violation, which could result in subsequent administrative action, including requiring the contractor to permanently remove from the project the employee committing the violation, and/or termination of the contract for default.

20.4 Physical Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured. The contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He/she shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract.

He/she shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees’ fault or negligence and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

20.5 Contractor shall report directly to Operations Control Center (OCC) and to the COR prior to initiate any schedule tasks. Operations Control Center telephone number is

(787) 641-7582 ext. 10264.

21.0 HOLIDAYS:

Legal holidays recognized by the Federal Government in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6103, Executive Order 11582 and Public Law 94-97 or any other by the President of the United States to be a national holiday, the following national holidays are observed and for the purpose of this contract is defined as "Legal Federal, official holidays" as follows:

Recognized Holidays:

New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Third Monday in January President’s Day Third Monday in February Good Friday Last Friday in March Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth Independence Day

June 19th July 4th

Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veteran’s Day November 11 Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25

Or any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

22.0 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting services, between the hours 7:00 am to 4:30 pm of Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

23.0 ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

If there are any services not listed herein that the Contractor recommended are necessary to conduct services described herein, the Contractor shall submit a price proposal attention to the CO or COR for approval of the CO before any work is performed. A separate purchase order would be issued if the service and proposed price is acceptable to the CO. The Government will pay for services rendered, complete, validated and accepted, as per statement of work.

Proposals shall be submitted per occurrences and per units because the firm-fixed price contract type will be attached to those occurrences and/or units of performance.

24.0 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

All contractor employees are required to comply with VACHS mandatory trainings as VA regular employees. If a contractor will be exempt of any training requirement, it will be determined by the Education Service at the VACHS and notified by the CO or the COR. Training requirements and compliance will be settled at time of award or prior to award, as determined by Education Service, and informed to the Contractor through the COR or CO.

25.0 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings, the CO will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

26.0 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter.

The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract…