Engineering Safety Training PWS 2026.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Engineering Service Safety Training VA Central California Health Care System

1. BACKGROUND: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Engineering Service, requires select Safety Trainings for select staff positions/duties. Safety training is critical to ensure staff and patient safety when performing various job duties around the facility. The training is required by growing standards and regulations including but not limited to NFPA, VHA Directive, OSHA and local policy.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

2.1. Fall protection training, conducted quarterly to meet compliance with the annual requirement. Staggered staff attendance with approximately 20 staff attending each quarter. Topics include fall hazard assessments, fall prevention methods, elevated walking/working surfaces, types of fall protection methods and personal protective equipment. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. Training is preferred face to face; but the use of TEAMS meetings is authorized for this training.

2.2. Asbestos/Lead Awareness training, conducted quarterly to meet compliance with the annual requirement. Staggered staff attendance with approximately 20 staff attending each quarter. Topics to include methods for recognizing asbestos, asbestos health effects, engineering and safe work practices, PPE, and requirements of OSHA asbestos regulations. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. Training is preferred face to face; but the use of TEAMS meetings is authorized for this training.

2.3. Confined Space Rescue training, conducted quarterly to meet compliance with the annual requirement. Staggered staff attendance with approximately 15 staff attending each quarter. Topics include engineering controls, confined space plans, PPE, roles and duties of confined space personnel, air monitoring, rescue procedures, and confined space entry and rescue drills. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. This training must be done face to face onsite at VA Medical Center Fresno.

2.4. Hazard Communication training, conducted quarterly to meet compliance with the annual requirement. Staggered attendance with approximately 20 staff attending each quarter. Topics will include hazards of chemicals, safety data sheets, labeling requirements, and requirements of OSHA hazard communication regulations. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. Training is preferred face to face; but the use of TEAMS meetings is authorized for this training.

2.5. OSHA10 training, conducted biennially beginning 2027 to meet compliance with the biennial requirement. Staggered staff attendance between two classes withing the active service period and approximately 15 staff attending each session. Topics will include hazards of chemicals, safety data sheets, labeling requirements, and requirements of OSHA hazard communication regulations. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. Training is preferred face to face; but the use of TEAMS meetings is authorized for this training.

2.6. Forklift/Scissor/Boom/Skid Steer training, conducted quarterly to meet compliance with the annual requirement. Staggered attendance with approximately 5 staff attending each quarter. Topics include hazards, safe operating procedures, controls, inspection and maintenance, and applicable regulations. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. This training must be done face to face either onsite at VA Medical Center Fresno or at local vendor facility not to exceed 30 miles from the facility. If done onsite, vendor provides Boom lift rental for the training.

2.7. NFPA70E training, conducted triennially to meet compliance with the triennial requirement. Staggered staff attendance between three classes withing the active fiscal year and approximately 8 staff attending each session. Topics include electrical contact release, hazards, safe operating procedures, controls, inspection and maintenance, and applicable regulations. Staff demonstration and testing to be included upon completion of training. Trainers must be certified to train in this topic and provide documentation. This training must be done face to face onsite at VA Medical Center Fresno.

2.8. Electrical Contact Release Training, conducted quarterly to meet compliance with the annual requirement. Staggered attendance with approximately 5 staff attending each quarter. Topics will include statistics, concepts, codes and standards, and is focused on how to respond to an emergency where someone encounters a person who is in contact with energized electrical parts. Trainers must be certified and authorized by OSHA and provide documentation. Training is preferred face to face; but the use of TEAMS meetings is authorized for this training.

2.9. All training shall be in compliance with OSHA standards and VHA Directives and include certification for the staff members that complete the training. Vendor to provide certification in PDF format, training rosters, competency verification, and hard copies of deliverables.

2.10. Trainers performing service on this contract shall have all required certifications, competencies, training, experience, and education to conduct the services required free of government assistance.

3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Fresno VA Medical Center - 2615 E. Clinton Ave. Fresno, CA 93703

4. HOLIDAYS:

4.1. 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:

4.1.1. Recognized Holidays

5. GENERAL INFORMATION:

5.1. No government furnishing of equipment, supplies or training materials will be provided under this contract. Contractor shall provide any equipment, training materials and supplies.

6. STANDARD OF CONDUCT: Contractor and contractor’s personnel must adhere to the contract and shall conduct themselves according to VA conduct standards.

6.1. Neglect of Duties. Contractor, subcontractors, and personnel neglect of duties shall not be condoned. This shall include but not limited to sleeping on duty, unreasonable delay 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. This can result in the termination of the contract or removal of the employee(s), which will be the decision the VA. The CO shall inform the contractor in writing of actions.

6.2. Disorderly Conduct. The use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by work, action, or fighting shall not be condoned. Also included is participation in disruptive activities which interfere with normal and efficient government operations. This can result in the termination of the contract or removal of the employee(s), which will be the decision the VA. The CO shall inform the contractor in writing of actions.

6.3. Driving. Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall obey all speed limits and traffic signs. Disobeying traffic regulation could result in court citations, which include monetary fines. Continued violations could result in being restricted from driving on VA facilities.

6.4. Parking. Contractor vehicles will be parked only in lots or areas designated by the VA, if available. The Government will not be liable for any lost, stolen, or damage to vehicles or items. Contractor shall obey all distances from critical areas which are deemed by the VA or code. Continued violations could result in being restricted from driving on VA facilities.

6.5. Cellular Phone/Radio Use: Cellular phones and two-way radios are not to be used in emergency rooms, surgical and recovery suites, and within six feet of any medical equipment.

6.6. Smoking. Smoking is prohibited on VA property. Smoking on VA property could result in citations, which include monetary fines. Continued violations could result in removal from VA facilities.

6.7. Intoxicants. The Contractor shall not allow any employee 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.

6.8. Posted Signs: The Contractor shall comply will all posted signs on VA property.

6.9. Criminal Actions. Contractor, subcontractor, or contractor’s employees may be sanctioned for criminal actions, but not limited to the following:

6.9.1. 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.

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

6.9.3. Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials.

6.10. Removal of Personnel. 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 or for safety/security violations.

7. CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE:

7.1. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will be appointed by the Contracting Officer who will provide technical guidance and clarifications to the Contractor. It shall be noted that interpretation of contractual terms and/or financial matters is the responsibility of the Contracting Officer.

7.2. The COR will monitor the Contractors’ performance to ensure that services provided, and the standards of performance are met in accordance with this Performance Work Statement and the QAQC Plan. In accordance with FAR 52.212-4 (a) “Inspection/Acceptance” the Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of non-conforming supplies or re-work of non-conforming services at no additional cost to the Government.

8. SECURITY:

8.1. Security Badge: Contractor and contractor’s employees shall obtain a flash badge / temporary badge from dispatch, VA police on arrival to any campus. The VA Issued Security badge shall be worn on the upper torso and be visible at all times.

8.2. Contractor’s Badge: Contractor, Subcontractors, employees, and representatives shall always have a company badge or identification visible. Contractor’s badge/identification shall be always visible.

8.3. Physical Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding their equipment while on government property government. Additionally, the contractor shall be responsible for any government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. Contractor will NOT be provided a staging area for storage of tools, equipment, material, supplies, and other items. The Government will not be responsible for damage or loss of contractor’s property. Contractor is responsible for safeguarding its property.

8.4. OI&T Security: Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) certification and accreditation requirements do not apply for this service contract and therefore a Security Accreditation Package is not required. At no time will the vendor be in contact or have access to VA sensitive information, OI&T systems, or the VA OI&T network.

9. SAFETY:

9.1. In performance of this contract, the Contractor shall take such safety precautions as the Contractor 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 Contractor Officer or his/her designee will notify the Contractor of any non-compliance. The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately correct the condition to which attention has been directed.

9.2. Contractor shall comply with the Federal and State OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standard(s) and Airborne Infection Precautions. The Contractor shall ensure:

9.2.1. Methods are in place by which all employees are educated as to the risks associated with Blood Borne Pathogens and Infectious Airborne Diseases in Health Care facilities

9.2.2. Have policies and procedures in place which reduce the risk of employee exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens and Infectious Airborne Diseases

9.2.3. Have mechanisms for employee counseling and treatment following exposure to blood borne pathogens and Infectious Airborne Diseases.

9.2.4. Provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or clothing such as gloves, caps, gowns, masks, and protective eyewear throughout the performance of this contract.

9.3. 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 requires from the Contracting Officer or his representative.

10. RECORDS: The contractor shall be responsible for creating and maintaining government required records that are specifically cited in this PWS or required by the Federal, State, and Local law and authorities. The contractor shall provide the original records or a reproducible copy of any such record upon request from the government at no additional cost. The cost of reproductions and delivery shall be the contractor’s responsibility. Only VACCHCS engineering department, COR, or CO shall have the authority to approve request and receive records. Contractor shall safeguard any and all information. Contractor shall inform CO and COR of any request made, which CO or COR will authorize or disapprove. Additionally, the following standard items relate to records generated in executing the contract:

10.1. Citations to pertinent laws, codes and regulations such as 44 U.S.C chapters 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228.

10.2. Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.

10.3. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government IT equipment and/or Government records

10.4. Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected by the Freedom of Information Act

10.5. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

10.6. The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract.

10.7. The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver sufficient technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data.

10.8. Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.].

10.9. No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its Contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules.

10.10. Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (Subcontractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, this contract. The Contractor (and any Subcontractor) is required to abide by Government and Agency guidance for protecting sensitive and proprietary information.

11. INVOICING: Contractor shall invoice in monthly increments or as established by the Contracting Officer in arears for work performed. Invoices will not be paid until all required deliverables have been received during the billing period. Invoices shall be submitted to the COR for review and approval prior to submission to Tungsten.

11.1. All invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

11.2. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System- The FSC uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submissions. Please go to this website: http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

11.3. More information on the VA Financial Services Center is available at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

11.4. Vendor e-Invoice Set-Up Information:

11.5. Please contact Tungsten at the phone number or email address listed below to begin submitting your electronic invoices to the VA Financial Services Center for payment processing, free of charge. If you have questions about the e- invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

11.5.1. Tungsten e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

11.5.2. Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com

11.5.3. FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

11.5.4. FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov

12. MODIFICATIONS:

12.1. Due to the ever growing and changing training and requirements, vendor to be able to accommodate modifications to contract to update training programs, add newly required training and/or training frequencies.