Las Vegas VA Medical Center 9 Underground Fuel Storage Tank Cleaning, Inspection, Testing and Re-Fueling SOW (DRAFT)

SECTION C –

C.1 Scope: Underground Fuel Storage Tank Cleaning, Fuel Polishing, Testing and Re- Fueling.

The Contractor shall furnish all management, supervision, labor, materials, equipment, tools, vehicles, confined space equipment, ventilation equipment, gas monitoring equipment, temporary fuel storage tanks, filtration equipment, fuel transfer pumps, hoses, spill containment equipment, laboratory services, waste disposal, transportation, permits, documentation, and all other incidental items necessary to perform complete tank(s) cleaning, inspection, sampling, testing of fuels quality, restoration & fueling of nine (9) underground diesel fuel storage tanks located at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Southern Nevada Healthcare System, North Las Vegas VA Medical Center, 6900 North Pecos Road, North Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas VA Medical Center

This requirement shall be performed as a complete turnkey operation. The Contractor shall perform all work necessary to safely remove existing diesel fuel from each underground storage tank 1 at a time, temporarily store the fuel, perform laboratory sampling and analysis, clean each tank, remove accumulated sludge, sediment, microbial contamination, rust, scale, water, and foreign material, inspect the interior condition of each tank, document deficiencies, and deliver fuel to each tank at an acceptable level no

N

TANK LOCATIONS

BUILDING 2

BUILDING 3

FUEL PUMP ROOM

CONTRACTOR

STAGING AREA

Cleaning, Inspection, Testing and Re-Fueling SOW more than 85% per tank according to EPA requirements. return acceptable fuel to the respective tank after completion of cleaning and verification testing.

Only one (1) underground storage tank shall be removed from service at any given time unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). At no time shall Contractor operations compromise the Medical Center's emergency power generation capability.

The Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with applicable Federal, State of Nevada, Local, Department of Veterans Affairs, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and applicable ASTM standards.

C.2 Background The Las Vegas VA Medical Center operates multiple emergency diesel generators that provide backup electrical power to mission-critical systems supporting patient care, life safety, medical equipment, pharmacy operations, research facilities, data centers, communications systems, and essential infrastructure as well as 3 York Shipley Steam boilers that are capable of running on the same Diesel Fuel in case of a loss of natural gas that may occur.

Emergency power and steam generation reliability is dependent upon maintaining clean, contaminant-free diesel fuel and underground storage tanks free of water, sludge, biological growth, corrosion products, and other contaminants that could adversely affect generator and steam boiler performance during emergency operations.

Periodic inspection and cleaning of underground diesel fuel storage tanks are required to preserve fuel quality, extend equipment life, reduce maintenance costs, prevent premature fuel degradation, and maintain compliance with applicable Federal and State environmental regulations.

The Government requires a qualified Contractor experienced in underground fuel storage systems to perform comprehensive tank cleaning while minimizing operational risk and ensuring uninterrupted emergency power and steam generation capability.

C.3 Objective The objective of this contract is to provide a comprehensive inspection, cleaning and refueling of nine (9) underground diesel fuel storage tanks while preserving fuel integrity and maintaining continuous operational readiness of the Medical Center's emergency power systems.

Specific objectives include, but are not limited to:

• Removal of diesel fuel from one tank at a time.

• Temporary storage of removed fuel utilizing approved containers or transport vehicles.

• Laboratory sampling of existing fuel prior to removal.

• Interior tank cleaning.

• Removal of sludge, sediment, microbial contamination, water, and debris.

• Interior inspection of tank surfaces.

• Photographic documentation before, during, and after cleaning.

• Identification of corrosion, coating failure, structural deficiencies, or abnormal conditions.

• Laboratory testing of recovered fuel.

• Fuel polishing or filtration when required.

• Return of acceptable fuel to the original storage tank.

• Replacement of unusable fuel only upon written Government authorization.

• Submission of complete inspection reports and laboratory documentation.

• Fuel replenishment of the (9) underground fuel storage tank and not to exceed 85% each tank.

Successful completion of this work shall provide the Government with clean underground fuel storage tanks, verified fuel quality, complete inspection documentation, and recommendations for future maintenance activities.

C.4 Place of Performance All work shall be performed at:

Department of Veterans Affairs VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System

North Las Vegas VA Medical Center 6900 North Pecos Road

North Las Vegas, Nevada 89086

Work shall be limited to the designated underground diesel fuel storage tank locations and associated work areas approved by the COR.

The Contractor shall coordinate all activities with Engineering Service prior to beginning work each day.

No work shall begin without Government authorization. The Contractor shall maintain safe access for hospital staff, patients, visitors, emergency responders, and facility operations always. Construction staging, temporary fuel storage, equipment placement, vehicle parking, and material storage locations shall be approved by the COR before mobilization.

C.5 Period of Performance The Contractor shall complete all work within the period established in the contract award.

Work shall be scheduled to minimize disruption to Medical Center operations.

The Contractor shall submit a detailed project schedule within ten (10) calendar days after contract award identifying mobilization, tank sequence, cleaning schedule, laboratory testing schedule, anticipated completion dates, and project milestones.

Any deviation from the approved schedule shall require prior written approval from the Contracting Officer or COR.

C.6 Diesel Fuel Sampling, Laboratory Analysis, and Fuel Quality Verification The Contractor shall furnish all labor, certified personnel, sampling equipment, containers, chain-of-custody documentation, laboratory testing, transportation, reporting, and incidentals necessary to obtain representative diesel fuel samples before fuel removal, during temporary storage (if required), and after fuel has been returned to each underground storage tank. Fuel sampling and laboratory analysis shall be performed to verify fuel quality throughout the cleaning process and to ensure that only fuel meeting contract requirements is returned to Government storage tanks.

Fuel sampling shall be performed in accordance with applicable ASTM standards, industry best practices, and manufacturer recommendations to obtain representative samples from each underground storage tank. Samples shall be collected using clean sampling equipment specifically designed for petroleum products to prevent cross-contamination.

No fuel shall be transferred from a Government underground storage tank until the required pre-removal sample has been collected, properly labeled, photographed, documented, and placed under chain-of-custody for laboratory analysis.

The Contractor shall collect fuel samples from each underground storage tank at the following minimum intervals:

C.6.1 Pre-Removal Fuel Sampling Prior to removing fuel from each underground storage tank, the Contractor shall collect representative fuel samples to establish baseline fuel quality. Samples shall be collected from the upper, middle, and lower portions of the tank, when practical, to identify contamination throughout the fuel column.

The Contractor shall photograph each sampling location, sampling equipment, sample containers, and completed sample labels before transporting samples to the testing laboratory.

Each sample shall be uniquely identified by:

• Tank Number

• Date

• Time

• Sample Location

• Sample Depth

• Contractor Representative

• Chain-of-Custody Number No sample identification numbers shall be duplicated during contract performance.

C.6.2 Temporary Storage Sampling When diesel fuel is temporarily stored during tank cleaning operations, the Contractor shall obtain additional representative samples whenever fuel remains in temporary storage longer than forty-eight (48) hours or whenever contamination is suspected.

The Government reserves the right to request additional sampling at any time during contract performance.

C.6.3 Post-Cleaning Fuel Verification Upon completion of tank cleaning and prior to returning fuel to the underground storage tank, the Contractor shall verify that recovered fuel is suitable for reuse.

Fuel determined to be unsuitable for reuse shall not be returned to Government storage tanks without written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

When laboratory testing identifies unacceptable contamination levels, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR and provide written recommendations for corrective action.

C.6.4 Final Acceptance Sampling After fuel has been returned to each underground storage tank, the Contractor shall collect final verification samples to demonstrate that the returned fuel complies with all contract requirements.

Final acceptance samples shall be collected after fuel has been adequately mixed within the storage tank to ensure representative testing.

The Government reserves the right to witness all sampling activities.

C.6.5 Laboratory Requirements All laboratory testing shall be performed by an independent laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for petroleum testing.

Laboratory reports shall identify:

• Laboratory Name

• Laboratory Address

• Laboratory Accreditation Number

• Date Received

• Date Tested

• Sample Identification Number

• Test Method Used

• Test Results

• Pass/Fail Determination

• Laboratory Analyst

• Laboratory Quality Control Verification

No laboratory reports shall be altered without written explanation from the testing laboratory.

C.6.6 Minimum Laboratory Testing Requirements The Contractor shall perform, at a minimum, the following laboratory analysis for each underground storage tank before fuel removal and after fuel has been returned to the tank.

ASTM Standard Test Description

ASTM D975

Diesel Fuel Specification Compliance

ASTM D2709

Water and Sediment

ASTM D6304

Water Content (Karl Fischer)

ASTM D2276

Particulate Contamination

ASTM D4052

Density

ASTM D445

Kinematic Viscosity

ASTM D93

Flash Point

ASTM D86

Distillation Characteristics

ASTM D2622

Sulfur Content

ASTM D664

Acid Number

ASTM D976 or D4737 Calculated Cetane Index

ASTM D6079

Fuel Lubricity ASTM D6469 (or equivalent) Microbial Contamination Visual Inspection Color, Appearance, Free Water, Sediment

Laboratory Test Test Method Acceptable

Parameter Purpose

Water & Sediment ASTM D2709 ≤ 0.05% by volume Detects free water and suspended contaminants.

Free Water ASTM D6304 or equivalent

None Detected Prevents corrosion, injector damage, and microbial growth.

Microbial Contamination (Bacteria/Fungi/Yeast)

ASTM D7978, ASTM

D7687, or ATP Test

No Detectable Growth

Detects biological contamination that produces sludge and acids.

Sulfur Content ASTM D5453 ≤ 15 ppm Verifies Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) compliance.

Cetane Number ASTM D613 Minimum 40 (45 Preferred)

Measures ignition quality of diesel fuel.

Lubricity ASTM D6079 HFRR ≤ 520 Microns

Protects fuel injection pumps and injectors.

Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C

ASTM D445 1.9–4.1 cSt Ensures proper fuel atomization and combustion.

Flash Point ASTM D93 ≥ 52°C (126°F) Confirms safe handling characteristics.

Density/API Gravity ASTM D4052 ASTM D975 Compliant

Confirms fuel quality and energy content.

Ash Content ASTM D482 ≤ 0.01 wt.% Detects inorganic contaminants.

Carbon Residue ASTM D4530 ≤ 0.35 wt.% Indicates deposit-forming tendency during combustion.

Oxidation Stability ASTM D2274 ASTM D975 Compliant

Evaluates resistance to fuel degradation during storage.

Acid Number ASTM D664 ≤ 0.30 mg KOH/g Detects oxidation and acidic degradation products.

Particulate Contamination

ASTM D6217 ISO 18/16/13 or Cleaner

Measures solid contamination that can damage fuel systems.

Copper Strip Corrosion ASTM D130 Class No. 3 Maximum

Detects corrosive sulfur compounds.

Biodiesel Content ASTM D7371 ≤ 5% (B5 Maximum)

Confirms biodiesel blend concentration.

Cloud Point ASTM D2500 Report Value Determines low-temperature operability.

Pour Point ASTM D97 Report Value Indicates lowest operating temperature before gelling.

Oxidation Products (Gum/Resins)

ASTM D381 ASTM D975

Compliant

Measures fuel degradation products.

Fuel Stability ASTM D6468 ASTM D975 Compliant

Predicts long-term storage performance.

Heating Value (Optional) ASTM D240 Approximately 128,000–139,000 BTU/gal

Determines fuel energy content.

The Government may require additional testing whenever contamination or abnormal fuel conditions are observed.

C.6.7 Fuel Acceptance Criteria Returned diesel fuel shall:

• Meet all applicable ASTM D975 requirements.

• Be free of visible water.

• Be free of sludge and sediment.

• Be free of excessive particulate contamination.

• Be free of microbial contamination exceeding acceptable industry limits.

• Demonstrate acceptable flash points, viscosity, sulfur content, and density.

• Be suitable for continued operation of emergency diesel generators.

C.6.8 Documentation Requirements The Contractor shall submit the following for each underground storage tank:

1. Chain-of-Custody Documentation.

2. Pre-Removal Laboratory Report.

3. Temporary Storage Laboratory Report (if applicable).

4. Post-Cleaning Fuel Verification Report.

5. Final Acceptance Laboratory Report.

6. Digital Photographs of Sampling Activities.

7. Fuel Sampling Log.

8. Laboratory Certificates of Accreditation.

9. Written Certification that fuel returned to the tank complies with all contract requirements.

All documentation shall become the property of the Government and shall be submitted electronically in searchable PDF format and as hard copies upon request by the Contracting Officer or COR.

Fuel that fails to meet contract requirements shall not be returned to Government storage tanks without written approval from the Contracting Officer.

C.6.9 Sample Bottle Labeling and Photographic Documentation The Contractor shall provide complete photographic and written documentation for every fuel sample collected under this contract. The purpose of this requirement is to establish a verifiable chain of custody, ensure sample traceability, and provide the Government with documented evidence that all sampling activities were performed in accordance with contract requirements and recognized industry standards.

Fuel samples shall not be shipped to the laboratory until all required photographs have been obtained and all sample containers have been properly labeled.

C.6.9.1 Sample Bottle Labeling Requirements Each sample container shall be permanently labeled immediately after sample collection using a waterproof, chemical-resistant label. Handwritten labels shall be completed using permanent, solvent-resistant ink and shall remain legible throughout transportation, laboratory handling, and record retention.

At a minimum, each sample label shall contain the following information:

• Contract Number

• Project Name

• Facility Name

• Underground Storage Tank (UST)

Number

• Sample Identification Number

• Sample Type (Pre-Removal, Temporary Storage, Post- Cleaning, or Final Acceptance)

• Sample Collection Date

• Sample Collection Time

• Sample Collection Location

• Sample Depth (Top, Middle, Bottom, or Composite Sample)

• Name and Signature or Initials of

Individual Collecting the Sample

• Laboratory Chain-of-Custody

Number

• Container Number (if multiple containers are required)

The Contractor will ensure that every sample identification number is unique and corresponds directly with the laboratory report, chain-of-custody documentation, field sampling log, and photographic record.

No unlabeled or improperly labeled sample containers shall be accepted.

C.6.9.2 Photographic Documentation Requirements The Contractor shall obtain high-resolution digital color photographs documenting each sampling event. Photographs shall be clear, properly focused, date and time stamped, and of sufficient quality to clearly identify the sample container and all information recorded on the sample label.

At a minimum, the Contractor shall photograph the following for every individual sample:

1. The Underground Storage Tank identification prior to sampling.

2. The sample collection point before the sample is drawn.

3. The sampling equipment used to obtain the sample.

4. The fuel sample during collection.

5. The sample bottle immediately after filling.

6. The completed sample label was affixed to the container.

7. A close-up photograph clearly showing all label information.

8. The sample bottle is adjacent to the corresponding UST identification.

9. The sealed sample container with tamper-evident seal applied, if utilized.

10. The completed chain-of-custody form with the corresponding sample containers prior to shipment to the laboratory.

The Government reserves the right to require additional photographs whenever sample identification or documentation is unclear.

C.6.9.3 Sample Documentation Log The Contractor shall maintain a Fuel Sampling Log for each Underground Storage Tank documenting, at a minimum:

Required Information Description

• Tank Number

• Underground Storage Tank Identification

• Sample Identification Number

• Unique sample number assigned by Contractor

• Sample Type

• Pre-Removal, Temporary Storage, Post-Cleaning, or Final Acceptance

• Date and Time

• Date and time sample was collected

• Sample Location

• Top, Middle, Bottom, or Composite

• Sampler Name

• Individual collecting sample

• Bottle Identification Number

• Bottle number corresponding to laboratory report

• Photograph Numbers

• Photograph file numbers associated with sample

• Chain-of-Custody Number

• Laboratory tracking number

• Laboratory Name

• Name of testing laboratory

C.6.9.4 Government Verification The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) reserves the right to witness any sampling event and verify that all sample containers are properly labeled and photographed before shipment to the laboratory.

Any sample that cannot be positively identified through the required labeling, photographic documentation, or chain-of-custody records may be rejected by the Government. Rejected samples shall be recollected, relabeled, retested, and resubmitted at no additional cost to the Government.

Failure to comply with the labeling and photographic documentation requirements of this section may be considered a failure to meet contract requirements and may result in rejection of laboratory results, re-performance of sampling activities, or other remedies available under the contract.

C.7 Underground Storage Tank Fuel Removal and Cleaning Procedures The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, qualified personnel, confined space equipment, temporary fuel storage equipment, ventilation equipment, intrinsically safe lighting, gas monitoring instruments, pumps, hoses, spill containment materials, lockout/tagout devices, personal protective equipment (PPE), safety attendants, rescue equipment, and all other materials necessary to safely remove diesel fuel, clean each underground storage tank (UST), inspect the tank interior, and restore each tank to service.

The Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with applicable OSHA regulations, EPA regulations, NFPA standards, Nevada Underground Storage Tank requirements, ASTM standards, and all applicable VA safety requirements.

At no time shall Contractor operations compromise the Medical Center's emergency power capability.

C.7.1 Fuel Removal Procedures Prior to entering any underground storage tank, the Contractor shall remove the existing diesel fuel from the tank using equipment specifically designed for petroleum transfer operations.

Fuel shall be transferred into approved temporary storage tanks or Government-designated receiving tanks. Fuel transfer operations shall be continuously monitored to prevent spills, overfills, cross-contamination, or damage to Government property.

Prior to transferring fuel into any receiving tank, the Contractor shall verify and document the available capacity of the receiving tank.

The Contractor shall continuously monitor the receiving tank throughout the transfer process to ensure that no overflow or release of diesel fuel occurs.

Under no circumstances shall any receiving tank be filled beyond its maximum allowable operating capacity.

The Contractor shall immediately discontinue fuel transfer whenever abnormal operating conditions, leaks, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe conditions are identified.

The Contractor shall remain responsible for any fuel release, spill, overflow, contamination, or environmental incident resulting from Contractor operations.

C.7.2 Tank Isolation Prior to commencing work on each underground storage tank, the Contractor shall isolate the tank from service.

Isolation procedures shall include verification that all transfer pumps, associated piping, valves, electrical equipment, and connected systems have been secured to prevent accidental operation during maintenance activities.

When applicable, the Contractor shall implement Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147.

The Contractor shall submit a written Lockout/Tagout procedure identifying all energy isolation points prior to beginning work.

No equipment shall be returned to service until all Lockout/Tagout devices have been removed in accordance with the Contractor's approved energy control procedures and authorization has been received from the Government.

C.7.3 Gas-Free Certification Following removal of diesel fuel, each underground storage tank shall be properly ventilated until atmospheric testing demonstrates that the tank is safe for entry.

No employee shall enter any underground storage tank until a certified Marine Chemist, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Certified Safety Professional, or other individual qualified under applicable OSHA requirements has issued a written Gas-Free Certificate indicating the tank is safe for entry.

The Gas-Free Certificate shall identify, at a minimum:

• Tank Identification Number

• Date and Time of Atmospheric Testing

• Oxygen Concentration

• Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), when applicable

• Name and Certification of Individual Performing the Evaluation

• Expiration Time of Gas-Free Certification

A copy of the Gas-Free Certificate shall be provided to the COR prior to entry into each underground storage tank.

C.7.4 Atmospheric Monitoring Atmospheric conditions within each underground storage tank shall be continuously monitored throughout all confined space entry activities.

Continuous monitoring equipment shall remain operational from the time personnel enter the tank until all personnel have exited the confined space.

Monitoring equipment shall continuously measure, at a minimum:

• Oxygen Concentration

• Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)

• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Additional atmospheric monitoring shall be performed whenever conditions warrant’s or as required by OSHA. Should atmospheric conditions exceed acceptable entry limits, all personnel shall immediately exit the confined space until safe conditions have been restored.

C.7.5 Gas Monitoring Equipment Calibration Prior to mobilization, the Contractor shall provide documentation verifying that all atmospheric monitoring equipment has been calibrated and certified in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Calibration documentation shall identify:

• Manufacturer

• Model Number

• Serial Number

• Date of Last Calibration

• Calibration Due Date

• Individual Performing Calibration

• Calibration Standard Used

Calibration certificates shall be submitted to the COR prior to the commencement of work.

The Government reserves the right to reject any gas monitoring equipment with expired calibration certifications.

C.7.6 Confined Space Entry Requirements Each underground storage tank shall be considered a Permit-Required Confined Space.

The Contractor shall develop and implement a written Confined Space Entry Program meeting OSHA requirements before beginning work.

The Contractor shall provide:

• Confined Space Entry Permit

• Entry Supervisor

• Authorized Entrant(s)

• Dedicated Confined Space Attendant

• Emergency Rescue Procedures

• Communication Equipment

• Retrieval System

• Full-Body Harness for each entrant

• Mechanical Retrieval Device (Tripod or Approved Retrieval System), unless an alternative retrieval method is approved and documented

• Intrinsically Safe Lighting

• Continuous Ventilation Equipment

The confined space attendant shall always remain outside the underground storage tank while personnel are inside the tank.

The attendant shall maintain continuous communication with entrants and shall not perform other work assignments while serving as the confined space attendant.

C.7.7 Tank Cleaning Procedures Following atmospheric clearance and confined space entry authorization, Contractor personnel shall manually clean the interior surfaces of each underground storage tank.

Cleaning shall include removal of:

• Sludge

• Water

• Sediment

• Biological Growth

• Corrosion Products

• Dirt

• Scale

• Foreign Debris

• Any other contaminants affecting fuel quality

Cleaning methods should not damage the tank coating, structural components, piping, or appurtenances.

Upon completion of cleaning, the Contractor shall visually inspect the entire interior of the tank and document:

• Corrosion

• Pitting

• Coating Failure

• Cracks

• Weld Deficiencies

• Water Intrusion

• Structural Damage

• Other Conditions Affecting Serviceability Any deficiencies shall be immediately reported to the COR with photographs and written recommendations for corrective action before returning the tank to service.

C.7.8 Fuel Filtration System Strainers, Tank(s) cleaning and Filter Replacement(s) The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, tools, replacement filter elements, replacement gaskets, seals, O-rings, disposal materials, testing equipment, and all other incidental items necessary to remove, inspect, clean, replace, and restore the diesel fuel filtration system serving the underground storage tanks located within Building 3 at the Las Vegas VA Medical Center.

Prior to beginning work, the Contractor shall coordinate all shutdown activities with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to ensure that maintenance activities do not adversely affect emergency power operations.

Where required, the Contractor shall implement Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 before removing any fuel filtration equipment.

C.7.8.1 Removal of Fuel Filters and Strainers The Contractor shall remove all fuel strainers, filter housing, filter baskets, cartridge filters, separator elements, and associated filtration components located within Building 3 that serve the underground diesel fuel storage system.

The Contractor shall inspect each filter housing for evidence of:

• Excessive sediment accumulation

• Sludge buildup

• Biological contamination

• Corrosion

• Water intrusion

• Damaged baskets or strainers

• Damaged seals or O-rings

• Internal deterioration

• Foreign material

The Contractor shall document all abnormal findings and immediately notify the COR of any conditions that could adversely affect fuel quality or system reliability.

C.7.8.2 Cleaning of Filter Housings Following removal of filter elements and strainers, the Contractor shall thoroughly clean each filter housing.

Cleaning shall include removal of:

• Sludge

• Sediment

• Rust particles

• Biological growth

• Water

• Fuel varnish

• Dirt

• Foreign debris

Cleaning methods should not damage the interior surfaces, coating systems, threaded connections, sealing surfaces, or internal components.

All contaminated waste generated during cleaning shall be collected, containerized, transported, and disposed of in accordance with all applicable Federal, State of Nevada, local environmental regulations, and VA requirements.

C.7.8.3 Replacement of Filter Elements Upon completion of cleaning, the Contractor shall install new filter elements, strainers, gaskets, seals, O-rings, and associated components in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's published recommendations and specifications.

Replacement filters shall:

• Be new and unused.

• Be OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components or Government-approved equivalents.

• Match the manufacturer's required micron rating, flow capacity, pressure rating, and material compatibility.

• Be compatible with Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel.

• Reuse of existing filter elements, seals, or gaskets is prohibited unless specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer.

C.7.8.4 System Inspection and Operational Verification Upon completion of filter replacement, the Contractor shall inspect the complete filtration assembly for proper installation.

The Contractor shall verify:

• Correct filter installation.

• Proper gasket seating.

• Proper torque of filter housing fasteners.

• Correct valve alignment.

• Proper fuel flow direction.

• No leaks.

• Proper operating pressure.

• Proper differential pressure across the filter assembly, where applicable.

The Contractor shall restore the system to normal operating configuration and verify that the filtration system is fully operational prior to returning the system to service.

C.7.8.5 Documentation Requirements

Upon completion of filter replacement, the Contractor shall provide the following documentation for each filtration assembly serviced:

• Location of each filter assembly.

• Manufacturer.

• Model Number.

• Filter Part Number(s).

• Micron Rating.

• Quantity of filters replaced.

• Date of replacement.

• Digital photographs before removal.

• Digital photographs after installation.

• Differential pressure readings before and after replacement, when applicable.

• Identification of any damaged components requiring future repair or replacement.

C.7.8.6 Government Inspection and Acceptance The Government reserves the right to witness removal, inspection, cleaning, and replacement of all fuel filtration components.

The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) shall verify that all filtration assemblies have been restored to proper operating conditions before final acceptance of the work.

Any leaks, improper installation, use of incorrect replacement parts, failure to replace all required filter elements, or failure to restore the filtration system to full operational capability shall be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

This section strengthens PWS because it ties the fuel tank cleaning to the entire fuel delivery system. A contractor could otherwise clean the tanks but leave contaminated filters in Building 3, allowing debris to be reintroduced into the cleaned fuel. This language closes that gap and makes the requirement much more defensible during proposal evaluation and contract administration.

Add a section that talks about removal of sludge or dirt from inside each tank must be done safely. Any sludge or dirt associated with removal of each tank must be disposed of per EPA standards and VA specification and standards when it comes to hazardous materials.

Contractor is 100% responsible for all disposal fees and procedures. Contractors are also responsible for any environmental issues when it comes to spills and damage to infrastructure. The VA medical center expects that contractors are trained and knowledgeable in hazardous material handling as well as all certifications associated with hazardous material. Flammable materials, caustic and accelerant materials

This is a section I would add immediately after the tank cleaning procedures. I strengthened it to make the Contractor fully responsible while using language commonly found in federal environmental contracts.

C.7.9 Removal, Handling, and Disposal of Sludge, Sediment, and Hazardous Waste

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, containers, transportation, disposal services, permits, documentation, spill response materials, and all other incidental items necessary to safely remove, handle, transport, and dispose of all sludge, sediment, water, dirt, rust, biological growth, contaminated fuel, and other waste materials generated during the cleaning of each underground storage tank.

All sludge, sediment, and contaminated materials removed from the underground storage tanks shall be considered potentially hazardous until properly characterized. The Contractor shall collect representative waste samples, when required, and perform waste characterization in accordance with applicable Federal, State of Nevada, and local environmental regulations to determine the proper handling, transportation, and disposal requirements.

The Contractor shall ensure that sludge removal operations are performed in a manner that prevents injury to personnel, damage to Government property, environmental contamination, and interruption to Medical Center operations.

The Contractor shall utilize appropriate pumps, vacuum systems, intrinsically safe equipment, approved waste containers, and spill prevention measures specifically designed for petroleum waste removal.

Under no circumstances shall sludge, contaminated fuel, water, sediment, or other waste materials be discharged onto the ground, into storm drains, sanitary sewer systems, catch basins, landscaped areas, or any location not specifically authorized by applicable environmental regulations.

C.7.9.1 Hazardous Waste Handling and Disposal The Contractor shall package, label, transport, and dispose of all hazardous and non-hazardous waste generated under this contract in accordance with, at a minimum:

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

(CERCLA), when applicable

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations

• Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) regulations

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• Department of Veterans Affairs Environmental requirements

• All applicable Federal, State, and Local environmental laws, regulations, permits, and ordinances

The Contractor shall maintain custody and responsibility for all waste materials until final disposal has been completed at a licensed treatment, storage, recycling, or disposal facility.

The Contractor shall provide copies of all waste manifests, transportation records, disposal receipts, certificates of recycling (if applicable), and final disposal documentation to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) within five (5) business days following disposal.

C.7.9.2 Contractor Responsibility The Contractor shall be solely and fully responsible for all costs associated with:

• Waste characterization

• Hazardous waste sampling

• Containerization

• Labeling

• Transportation

• Disposal

• Recycling

• Treatment

• Disposal permits

• Disposal fees

• Environmental compliance

• Regulatory reporting

• Spill response

• Site restoration

No additional compensation shall be provided by the Government for disposal of sludge, contaminated fuel, hazardous waste, or any waste generated during contract performance.

C.7.9.3 Environmental Protection and Spill Liability The Contractor shall conduct all work in a manner that protects Government facilities, personnel, patients, visitors, utilities, and the surrounding environment.

The Contractor shall be 100 percent (100%) responsible for preventing fuel releases, hazardous material releases, and environmental contamination resulting from Contractor operations.

In the event of a spill, release, overflow, or other environmental incident caused by the Contractor, the Contractor shall immediately:

1. Stop the source of the release.

2. Initiate emergency spill containment procedures.

3. Protect all storm drains, drainage structures, utilities, and surrounding infrastructure.

4. Immediately notify the COR and VA Police, if applicable.

5. Perform cleanup and remediation in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements.

6. Complete all required regulatory notifications and written incident reports.

The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with spill response, environmental remediation, restoration of Government property, regulatory fines resulting from Contractor negligence, and corrective actions required to restore affected areas.

C.7.9.4 Hazardous Material Training and Qualifications The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System expects all Contractor personnel performing work under this contract to possess the training, qualifications, certifications, and experience necessary to safely perform hazardous material operations.

Personnel assigned to this project shall be knowledgeable in the identification, handling, storage, transportation, emergency response, and disposal of hazardous materials commonly associated with petroleum storage systems.

Contractor personnel shall be trained, as applicable, in the safe handling of:

• Petroleum products

• Diesel fuel

• Hazardous waste

• Flammable liquids

• Combustible liquids

• Ignitable materials

• Corrosive (caustic) materials

• Accelerants

• Petroleum-contaminated sludge

• Petroleum-contaminated absorbents

• Chemical cleaning agents

• Solvents

• Compressed gases, when utilized

The Contractor shall maintain documentation demonstrating that assigned personnel have received all training and certifications required by applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, and State of Nevada regulations. Copies of training records and certifications shall be made available to the Contracting Officer or COR upon request before work begins.

C.7.9.5 Hazardous Material Storage All hazardous materials, chemicals, fuels, cleaning agents, and waste generated during contract performance shall be stored in approved containers that are clearly labeled and protected from unauthorized access.

Secondary containment shall be provided for all hazardous materials stored on Government property.

The Contractor shall maintain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials brought onto the VA Medical Center campus and shall make those SDS immediately available to the Government upon request.

No hazardous materials shall be left unattended or stored outside approved work areas without written authorization from the COR.

This language places clear responsibility on the contractor while aligning with federal environmental and safety expectations. It is also written in a way that gives the Contracting Officer strong contractual leverage if environmental or hazardous-material issues arise during performance.

I also want a section letting the contractor know that each underground storage tank must be 100% operational before end of workday. No tank shall be OOC overnight unless required due to equipment malfunction, continued cleaning as well as issues that might be associated with workflow prevention. Contractors must be vigilant in time management, procedures, transparency and the fact that this is a medical center which treats ailments for veterans. Nothing should compromise during this contract.

I like this requirement because it clearly establishes the operational expectation of a hospital. I would make it a standalone section so there's no ambiguity that maintaining emergency power capability is a contractual requirement, not just a preference.

C.7.10 Daily Restoration of Underground Storage Tanks and Operational Readiness The Las Vegas VA Medical Center is a continuously operating healthcare facility providing emergency, inpatient, outpatient, surgical, pharmacy, laboratory, research, and life-safety services to the Nation's Veterans. The emergency power generation system is considered mission-critical infrastructure, and the availability of the underground diesel fuel storage system is essential to maintaining uninterrupted patient care and facility operations.

The Contractor shall conduct all work in a manner that maintains the operational readiness and reliability of the Medical Center's emergency fuel system throughout the duration of this contract.

Except as otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), each underground storage tank removed from service shall be returned to a fully operational condition prior to the conclusion of each scheduled workday.

For purposes of this contract, fully operational means the underground storage tank has been restored to a condition that allows it to safely store and supply diesel fuel to the emergency power distribution system without operational restrictions. At a minimum, the

Contractor shall ensure:

• All cleaning activities have been completed for the tank scheduled that day.

• All fuel transfer piping, valves, vents, monitoring equipment, and associated components have been restored to their normal operating configuration.

• Fuel levels have been restored as directed by the Government.

• All temporary hoses, pumps, transfer equipment, Lockout/Tagout devices, barricades, and temporary work materials have been removed unless specifically authorized by the COR.

• The tank is free of leaks, abnormal operating conditions, and safety deficiencies.

• All applicable inspections have been completed and documented.

• The Contractor has notified the COR that the tank has been restored to operational status.

No underground storage tank shall remain Out of Commission (OOC) overnight without prior written approval from the Contracting Officer or COR.

Exceptions may be considered only when restoration is prevented by circumstances beyond the Contractor's reasonable control, including, but not limited to:

1. Discovery of previously unknown structural deficiencies requiring Government evaluation.

2. Equipment failure that cannot reasonably be repaired before the end of the workday.

3. Additional cleaning or decontamination required to safely complete the work.

4. Unforeseen conditions identified during inspection present an immediate risk to personnel, equipment, or the integrity of the fuel storage system.

5. Conditions in which returning the tank to service would create a greater operational or safety risk than temporarily maintaining the tank out of service.

The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon discovery of any condition that may prevent restoration of a tank before the end of the workday. Notification shall include the reason for the delay, corrective actions taken, estimated time required to restore the tank, interim measures implemented to maintain emergency power capability, and a proposed recovery schedule.

Under no circumstances shall the Contractor intentionally delay work, postpone restoration activities, or leave a tank out of service due to poor planning, inadequate staffing, insufficient equipment, scheduling conflicts, lack of replacement materials, or ineffective project management.

The Contractor shall provide sufficient qualified personnel, equipment, replacement materials, and supervision to complete the scheduled work each day without adversely affecting Medical Center operations.

The Contractor shall exercise sound project management practices and maintain continuous communication with the COR throughout contract performance. The Government expects the Contractor to demonstrate proactive planning, effective time management, operational transparency, and timely reporting of issues that may affect project schedule or facility operations.

The Contractor shall recognize that all work performed under this contract directly supports a healthcare facility responsible for providing uninterrupted medical care to United States Veterans. Contractor activities shall be planned and executed to minimize operational impacts and shall not compromise patient care, life-safety systems, emergency preparedness, or the reliability of the Medical Center's emergency power infrastructure.

Failure to maintain daily operational readiness of the underground storage tank system, or failure to restore tanks to service without an approved justification, may be considered a failure to perform in accordance with the Performance Work Statement and may result in corrective action, rejection of services, negative past performance documentation, or other contractual remedies available to the Government.

C.7.11 Underground Storage Tank Refilling and New Red Dyed Diesel Fuel Requirements Upon successful completion of the underground storage tank cleaning, inspection, fuel quality verification, and Government acceptance of each Underground Storage Tank (UST), the Contractor shall furnish and deliver new Ultra-Low Sulfur Red Dyed Diesel Fuel (ULSD) meeting the latest requirements of ASTM D975, Grade No. 2-D S15, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer (CO).

All diesel fuel furnished under this contract shall be new/red dyed, free from contamination, water, sludge, sediment, microbial growth, rust, and foreign material, and shall be suitable for use in stationary emergency diesel generator systems serving the Las Vegas VA Medical Center.

Prior to each fuel delivery, the Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) with the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (COA), Bill of Lading (BOL), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), terminal loading documentation, and any additional documentation requested by the Government verifying compliance with ASTM D975 and all applicable contract requirements.

C.7.11.1 Maximum Underground Storage Tank Fill Requirements The Government has established a maximum normal operating level of eighty-five percent (85%) of each underground storage tank's total rated capacity.

Each underground storage tank has a nominal storage capacity of 20,000 gallons.

Therefore, the Contractor shall ensure that no underground storage tank exceeds 17,000 gallons following completion of fuel delivery.

The eighty-five percent (85%) operating limit has been established by the Government to:

• Maintain adequate ullage for thermal expansion of diesel fuel.

• Reduce the potential for fuel overfill during delivery operations

• Protect the integrity of the underground storage system.

• Maintain reliable operation of the tank overfill prevention equipment.

• Ensure continued reliability of the Medical Center's mission-critical emergency power infrastructure.

Under no circumstances shall the Contractor exceed the Government-established maximum operating level without prior written authorization from the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall independently verify available tank capacity prior to each delivery and shall remain solely responsible for preventing overfill conditions during all fuel transfer operations.

Any fuel overfills resulting from Contractor negligence, equipment failure, improper calculations, or failure to monitor fuel transfer operations shall be considered a failure to perform in accordance with this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with spill response, environmental cleanup, infrastructure damage, regulatory reporting, corrective actions, and restoration of Government property resulting from Contractor-caused overfill events.

C.7.11.2 Underground Storage Tank Fuel Restoration Schedule Upon completion of cleaning activities, each underground storage tank shall be replenished with new Ultra-Low Sulfur Red Dyed Diesel Fuel to achieve the Government-established operating level of 17,000 gallons (85% of total tank capacity).

Tank No.

Tank Capacity (Gallons)

Current Fuel Inventory

(Gallons)Required 85%

New Fuel Required

1 20,000 16,467 17,000 533

2 20,000 16,449 17,000 551

3 20,000 16,365 17,000 635

4 20,000 16,576 17,000 424

5 20,000 14,523 17,000 2,477

6 20,000 15,020 17,000 1,980

7 20,000 15,094 17,000 1,906

8 20,000 15,137 17,000 1,863

9 20,000 14,771 17,000 2,229

Total Estimated New Red Dyed Diesel Fuel Required 12,598 Gallons Note: Quantities shown above are estimates based on current tank inventories provided by the Government. The Contractor shall independently verify fuel levels prior to delivery and coordinate any discrepancies with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

Final fuel delivery quantities shall not exceed the Government-established maximum operating level of 17,000 gallons (85%) for any underground storage tank.

C.7.11.3 Fuel Delivery Procedures The Contractor shall perform all fuel deliveries using calibrated metering equipment and trained personnel experienced in petroleum transfer operations.

During each fuel delivery, the Contractor shall:

1. Verify the identity of the receiving underground storage tank.

2. Confirm available tank capacity before initiating fuel transfer.

3. Continuously monitor fuel transfer operations.

4. Monitor the receiving tank level throughout the entire transfer process.

5. Immediately discontinue fuel transfer if abnormal operating conditions, leaks, alarms, equipment malfunctions, or overfill conditions are observed.

6. Ensure no fuel is discharged onto Government property or into the environment.

7. Restore all tank fill caps, spill buckets, monitoring ports, and associated equipment upon completion of fuel delivery.

8. The Contractor shall not rely solely on delivery calculations or automated delivery equipment.

9. Positive observation of tank levels shall be maintained throughout each fuel transfer operation.

C.7.11.4 Fuel Delivery Documentation

Immediately…