New SOW Hazardous Waste 2024 GEMS.docx

Performance Work Statement West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System Chemical Waste Disposal

1.0 Introduction

1.1. The Government requires collection, packaging, transportation and disposal of chemical waste and related services.

2.0. Description / Scope / Objective.

2.1 The contractor shall provide service at the Department of Veterans Affairs, West Palm Beach, FL. Healthcare System (WPBVAHS). The chemical waste includes, but is not limited to, RCRA hazardous waste as defined in 40 CFR part 260, and hazardous material as defined by the Department of Transportation.

3.0. Applicable Documents

3.1. The following laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in effect on date of contract issuance and all subsequent changes or updates apply:

3.2. Glossary. Acronyms used in this PWS are listed below for easy reference:

4.0. Performance Requirements.

4.1. The Contractor shall collect, on a schedule expected to be weekly, chemical waste from several wards, clinics, shops, and other areas in the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and store the waste in the Main Hazardous Waste Accumulation Area or as instructed by the COR, for later transport off-site. The Contractor shall collect chemical waste from WPBVAHS locations other than the West Palm Beach Medical Center, upon request of the COR. The expected schedule is shown in the Price Schedule.

“Chemical waste” includes any waste potentially regulated by the DOT for transport and/or the EPA for disposal, excluding radioactive waste and waste for which the only hazard is biological; these wastes are covered under separate contract. Examples of chemical wastes included in this PWS are listed in the PWS Price Schedule.

4.2. The Contractor shall utilize the service elevators in the WPBVAHS rather than passenger elevators to avoid contact with patients and VA staff during transport of chemical waste.

4.3. The Contractor shall keep the Hazardous Waste Main Accumulation Area (Area) clean, free of debris and organized. The Contractor shall label each container in the Area as Hazardous Waste unless the COR has agreed that a particular waste can be labeled as not hazardous according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

4.4. The Contractor shall package and containerize all chemical waste in accordance with DOT requirements and standard industry practice. The Contractor shall bulk (pour/combine into a larger container) certain wastes including, but not limited to the items noted “to be bulked” in the Price Schedule. The Contractor shall classify the waste regarding DOT and EPA requirements in consultation with the COR, and prepare manifest/bill-of lading forms to be signed by the COR.

4.5. The Contractor shall be responsible for the transportation of chemical waste from within WPBVAHS in accordance with current DOT regulations. The waste is to be shipped to an appropriately licensed treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facility. The transporting vehicle shall be placarded as required by the DOT.

4.6. The Contractor shall dispose all chemical waste in the following preferred priority:

(1) Recycling or reclaim.

(2) Treatment of the chemical waste (at a facility approved for such processing by an appropriate state or federal agency) in a manner that renders it no longer a hazardous waste as defined in the 40 CFR series.

(3) The long-term internment (burial) in a secure chemical landfill site approved for such by the appropriate state or federal agency.

4.7. The Contractor shall provide emergency response spill cleanup service for chemical substances, including but not limited to diesel fuel. A Contractor team shall arrive on site within 24 hours of notification by the VA and perform the cleanup in a timely manner.

4.8. The contractor shall obtain all necessary permits, if hazardous waste must be transported through jurisdictions that require special permitting.

4.9. The Contractor shall provide to the Government any additional certifications that may be required because of changes in such laws.

4.10. The Contractor shall obtain approval and signature for each manifest from the VA Facility’s Contracting Officer Representative or his/her designee verifying that the Contractor has accepted the waste from the VA and that the waste was properly packaged for shipment prior to the removal and transport of waste generated by the VA.

4.11. The Contractor shall collect chemical waste onsite for storing into the site’s Main Accumulation Area on a weekly frequency unless a lesser frequency is instructed or agreed to by the COR.

4.12. The contractor shall haul/transport waste off-site no less frequently than every two weeks unless a lesser frequency is instructed or agreed to by the COR.

4.13. The Contractor shall haul all waste that has been stored in the Main Accumulation Area for at least two weeks upon the next hauling event unless the COR instructs or agrees to a lesser frequency.

4.14 The Contractor shall provide a s a web based EHS platform designed to help small to large enterprises across healthcare, education, construction, and manufacturing sectors inspect physical assets, track workplace incidents, and implement safety programs. Features include permit authorizations, electronic signature, lab management, KPI tracking, and training assignment.

4.15 The Contractor shall provide hazmat to ship or transport hazardous materials by ground, air, or vessel under US Department of Transportation (DOT/49 CFR), IATA DGR, and IMDG Code standards.

4.16 The Contractor shall provide training to develop the in-depth expertise needed to properly identify, store, and manage hazardous waste from cradle-to-grave in compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.

4.17 The Contractor shall provide full hazmat training to classify, package, and ship lithium-ion or -metal batteries or cells by ground, air, and vessel in compliance with US and international regulations: 49 CFR, the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code.

4.18 The Contractor shall provide training covers how to ship fully regulated and excepted (IATA “Section II”) lithium batteries packaged separately, in-equipment, or with equipment.

4.19 The Contractor shall provide complete Environmental Regulations training to prepare you to identify the EPA regulations that apply to your operations and make informed decisions to achieve and maintain compliance.

4.20 The Contractor shall provide HAZWOPER training for two groups of employees who work with hazardous substances: Emergency responders and site workers at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

4.21 The Contractor shall provide OSHA safety training that prepares workers to identify and protect themselves from workplace health and safety hazards, including many of OSHA's Top 10 Most Cited Standards.

4.22 The Contractor shall provide training for Human Resources professionals that address sometimes hard-to-spot hazards.

4.23 The Contractor shall provide a Mandatory Annual Review with GAP Analysis and Performance Improvement project.

4.24. Hazardous Waste:

a. The contractor must identify all hazardous waste, chemicals, and other types of chemical analysis. Chemical wastes shall include but not be limited to:

i. Ignitable,

ii. Corrosives,

iii. Poisons/toxics,

iv. Reactive wastes,

v. Dual and hazardous waste,

vi. Universal waste (i.e., batteries, mercury related equipment (Light Bulbs), thermometers and blood pressure cuffs, lead aprons) waste oil and filters.

b. Packaging of chemical wastes shall be in the largest container available for that waste stream. Smaller sizes shall be used for partial loads or to meet the disposal priorities or DOT requirements (i.e., 5-gal, 10- gal, 50-gal etc..) for the type and quantity of waste.

c. Contractor shall dispose of hazardous waste in a manner that leaves no future expense potential to the VA or the federal government.

d. The contractor shall recycle chemicals for future use if economically feasible and practical.

e. The contractor shall treat the chemical waste in a manner that renders it no longer a hazardous waste as defined in the 40 CFR series. These processes include (but are not limited to):

i. Reprocessing or recovery followed by recycling/reuse.

ii. Chemical neutralization or detoxification.

iii. Thermal treatment (e.g., incineration, pyrolysis).

In addition, the contactor shall ensure that the long-term internment (burial) is in a secure chemical landfill site approved for such by the appropriate state or federal agency.

f. The contractor shall ensure that hazardous (chemical) property is disposed of properly and is not stored in permitted treatment, storage, or disposal sites. The storage does not constitute disposal and/or completion of the task. Additionally, the contractor shall track the waste and provide the final certificate of destruction within 30 days of pick up. In addition to the certificate, the contractors shall also provide a landfill disposal form authorizing waste disposal.

g. Out of country shipments are prohibited under this contract.

h. Hazardous Waste: Collection will be Tuesday through Thursday 0730-1530 must be approved by the COR.

i. Satellite collection areas listed rooms: 4A-134, 4A-134A, 4A-136, 4A-304, 4A-312, 3A-213, BA-302, Dock 4 Hazardous Waste Shed, Dock 4 Battery shed, BE-202 Energy Building, Water Tower Waste oil shed. Two Hazardous Waste Sheds Located at the East Laundry Loading Dock. Additional collection sites may be added later.

4.25 Medical Waste Disposal Services:

A. Scope of Service- Regulated Medical Waste (RMW):

The contractor shall provide service to collect, dispose, sanitize, and replace reusable containers and dispose of Regulated Medical Waste (RMW) containers throughout the West Palm Beach, Department of Veterans Medical Center (VAMC), located at 7305 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach Fl. And offsite PTSD outpatient clinic located at 126 SW Chamber Court, Port St. Lucie, FL. Offsite Outpatient Clinic located at 4800 Linton Blvd. STE E300 Delray Beach, Fl 33445 will only require pickup and disposal of Regulated Medical Waste monthly or as needed. The contractor will also be responsible for removal and disposal of Regulated Medical Waste in accordance with Federal, State and Local requirements.

B. Scope of Service- Universal Pharmaceutical Waste (UPW):

Contractor shall provide universal pharmaceutical waste disposal services; manpower to transport pharmaceutical waste from satellite accumulation areas to the central accumulation area on a daily, monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis. The services will be provided in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations. This contract will not include the disposal of radiological, infectious, or bio-hazardous waste, but may include small qualities for dual waste (i.e., infectious, and hazardous waste). There are Universal pharmaceutical waste containers of various sizes (quart, gallon and 12 gallon) placed in patient care centers throughout the medical center.

C. Definition:

1. Sharp Waste as for this SOW is defined as hypodermic needles, syringes and scalpel blades, broken ampoules; anything in a hospital or clinic which has been used on patients and which may be contaminated with infectious material; to be discarded into special containers for disposal without any risk to disposal personnel. The term does not include any other hazardous waste, radioactive waste, and pharmaceuticals.

2. Pharmaceutical Waste as for this SOW is defined as pharmaceutical waste includes expired, unused, spilt, and contaminated pharmaceutical products, drugs, vaccines, and sera that are no longer required and need to be disposed of appropriately.

D. General Service:

1. Regulated Medical Waste general service will be as follows:

a. The sharps containers are to be picked up and exchanged in each designated area.

b. All containers filled to the full line mark are to be removed and replaced.

c. All sharps’ containers and regulated medical waste will be collected at area location provided and identified on a signed manifest showing the date collected, number and size of the used containers collected, and the number and size of the clean containers being left. A copy must be left with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on the day of collection.

d. Infectious waste, which originates from the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients that have been or may have been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease, or immunization or in the production or testing of biologicals (i. e. Chemotherapy), shall be disposed of by the contractor in rigid plastic containers designed for that specific purpose.

e. The contractor will respond to any urgent exchange need within one workday or as agreed upon with the COR.

f. All Regulated Infectious and Chemotherapy Waste shall be bagged by the VA with the approved red or yellow disposable bags which are impervious to moisture.

2. Universal Pharmaceutical Waste general service will be as follows:

The UPW containers are to be picked up and exchanged in each designated area.

b. All containers filled to the full line mark are to be removed and replaced.

c. All UPW containers will be collected at area location provided and identified on a signed manifest showing the date collected, number and size of the used containers collected, and the number and size of the clean containers being left. A copy must be left with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on the day of collection.

d. The contractor will respond to any urgent exchange need within one workday or as agreed upon with the COR.

E. Frequency of services:

1. Work Hours:

a. Normal Work Hours- Delivery between 0730 and 1600. M-F

b. Off Work Hours- National Holidays: Holidays observed by the Federal Government are: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.

F. Contractor furnished equipment/supplies RMW:

1. Contractor shall provide red bags and resistant sharps containers with locking mechanism for use and provide for a three-days per week, or as needed, regular collection and disposal of medical waste from the premises based upon 850 locations of containers, consisting of various sizes.

2. Each special function item for the 850 locations of containers, such as, but not limited to, funnel tops, traps, wall cabinets and related hardware, will be supplied by the contractor at no additional cost to the Medical Center.

3. The Medical Center can request up to fifty additional containers at no additional cost, upon completion of the six-week stabilization period.

4. Contractor will install hardware associated with the containers in patient room, exam rooms, research areas, lab areas, Operating rooms, and procedure rooms.

Contractor will provide carts with casters to hold sharps required to be on the floor and holders for the 2-gallon sharps container to be placed on counters.

5. Services will be coordinated between the contractor and the COR.

G. Contractor furnished equipment/supplies UPW:

1. Contractor shall provide leak and puncture resistant UPW containers use and provide for weekly or as needed, regular collection and disposal of Universal Pharmaceutical Waste from the premises based upon 50 locations of containers throughout the Medical Center.

2. The Medical Center can request up to fifty additional containers at no additional cost, upon completion of the six-week stabilization period.

3. Contractor will install hardware associated with the containers in patient room, exam rooms, lab areas, Operating rooms, and procedure rooms.

4. Contractor will provide carts with casters to hold UPW containers required to be on the floor and holders for the UPW container to be placed on counters.

5. Services will be coordinated between the contractor and the COR.

H. Performance Standards:

1. The contractor will provide proof of all applicable permits and insurance.

2. certificates required under the state that the service is to be performed.

3. The Contractor will warrant and represent that all personnel assigned to the premises under this contract are their employees and have been trained in the performance of the duties set forth in this contract, in accordance with Federal, State and Local Regulations.

4. The containers shall be transported in locked security carts, cleaned and contents disposed of in accordance with Federal, State and Local Regulations.

5. The Contractor agrees to comply with the policies of the VA Medical Center to include compliance with the standards of the Joint Commission.

6. The contractor will ensure strict confidentiality of all sensitive material which includes but not limited to, patient and staff information.

7. Contractor will furnish a signed and legible manifest to the VAMC at the time of pickup services and once a month for attesting to the destruction of the medical sharps waste.

8. In the event the Medical Center requests additional services outside the original scope of this contract, a contract modification will be issued upon completion of negotiation of the change.

9. It will be the responsibility of the Medical Center to see those sharps are disposed of in the containers, and that the containers are accessible for pick-up on the pick-up dates.

10. All service techs working under this contract shall be fully trained by their company in aseptic and sterile technique and personal protective equipment use.

11. Contractor shall be available for consultation and education to VAMC staff on the proper use of sharps containers. The Medical Center will be responsible for the segregating of all waste in accordance with Federal, State and Local requirements.

12. The VA reserves the right to thoroughly inspect the Contractor’s facility and treatment plant to assure acceptable standards of performance.

13. Contractor will not accept any hazardous chemical waste or radioactive waste.

14. Environmental Management Service shall use random checks to ensure service has been performed.

15. VAMC reserves the right to perform any portion of the contract in-house at any time during the contract period.

VAMC Sensitive Information:

The C&A requirement does apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is required.

VAMC Required Training:

1. All on-site technicians in the VAMC will be required to complete mandatory VA Privacy and Information Security awareness training.

2. Occupational Safety and Health

3. Infection Control

4. MRI and Radiation Safety

Contingency Plan:

1. A full-time on-site technician will report on-site in the event of an emergency to assist the VAMC team in packaging and properly storing the regulated medical waste and Universal Pharmaceutical Waste until a truck could retrieve the materials for proper disposal.

2. 300 boxes and liners will be delivered in the event of an emergency. These supplies will be strictly for back up to assure all regulated medical waste is properly packaged. If longer than 5 days, a roll off for regulated medical waste will be delivered for additional storage capacity until a pickup can be provided.

3. A contingency cart to be provided for reusable sharps containers for proper containment.

4.26 Storage Containers:

a. The contractor shall remove and transport all infectious waste material from the designated staging locations.

b. The contractor must use distinctive, clearly marked containers with a biohazard symbol. Packaging shall maintain its integrity during storage and transport to ensure the containment of infectious waste. Waste may not be compacted or mixed with other waste types prior to destruction and disposal.

c. The contractor shall provide lockable, stackable, clean, disinfected, rigid plastic, wheeled transport containers for each designated staging location. The contractor shall provide an adequate number of barrels/containers, between 30 and 96 gallons of capacity with chemotherapy and sharps labels as required by the usage of each facility. The containers shall be labeled with bio-hazardous logo/symbol and have lockable/ secured snug fitting lids.

The contractor shall leave empty containers when full containers are picked up.

The contractor shall document all pick-up vouchers with the following information. Signed manifest is also sufficient documentation:

i. Date

ii. Location

iii. Size of Container

iv. Quantities of Container

v. Type of Container (Waste type)

4.3 Safety:

The contractor shall have an approved Operation and Safety Plan with documentation of employee training and a copy in every transport vehicle. The plan shall be submitted to the CO for approval no more than 10 working days after award of the contract. The plan and documented training shall include, but not be limited to:

a) The proper and safe operation of the regulated (infectious) waste collection vehicle.

b) The standards and safety precautions for collecting. The approval means of transport.

c. A description of the characteristics and hazards of infectious waste.

e. Procedures to follow in the event a person is contaminated by infectious waste.

c) The procedures to follow in the event of a spillage of infectious waste including but not limited to clean up and disinfection of contaminated surfaces.

i. The procedures to follow to complete the manifest and to maintain other records requires under any ordinance or federal regulation and

j. The procedure to follow to properly disinfect the infectious waste collection vehicle.

4.4 Destruction and Disposal:

a. The contractor is fully responsible for the destruction and disposal of all regulated medical waste (bio-hazardous) chemotherapy and anti-neo plastic waste.

b. All regulated medical waste (biohazardous), Chemotherapy, and anti-neoplastic waste are to be destroyed in accordance with all local, state, federal, and EPA laws and regulations. The contractor is individually and solely responsible for complying with all government regulations regarding regulated medical waste.

disposal of destroyed regulated medical waste (biohazardous), chemotherapy, and anti-neoplastic waste shall be at an approved site as required by the local and state government authority having jurisdiction.

c. Disposal of destroyed regulated medical waste (bio-hazardous) chemotherapy and anti-neo plastic waste shall be only at an approved disposal site as required by the local and state government authority having jurisdiction.

4. 5 Weighing System:

a. Contractor shall provide a certificate weighing system to enable proper billing for waste poundage disposed, i.e., if the disposal container weighs 14 pounds and Contractor is to dispose/haul ten containers would be weighed, and the container total weight (140 pounds) is subtracted from the gross weight to determine total waste poundage to be paid.

5.0. Performance Location and Hours.

5.1. The primary place of performance is the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach, 7305 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33410. Working spaces and large equipment such as a pallet jack will be provided by the Government.

5.2. Government normal duty hours are from 0730-1630, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Contractor access will be provided during this period.

5.3. Hazardous Waste collection to be Tuesday through Thursday 0730-1530 unless agreed to by the COR.

5.4 Pharmacy Waste collection Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays and weekends.

6.0. Deliverables.

6.1. The Contractor shall provide to the COR a copy of the Generator waste manifest prior to leaving the site with the waste. The manifest shall be signed by the Contractor and the COR or designee.

6.2. The Contractor shall ensure that their contractor, the TSD facility, furnishes a properly executed and legible copy of the appropriate manifests required to document the completed shipment of chemical waste generated by the Government under the terms of this contract. The copy shall be provided to the COR within forty-five (45) calendar days of removal of waste from this facility in accordance with 40 CFR regulation.

6.3. The Contractor shall provide to the COR upon request documentation from the TSD of final disposal of waste hauled.

6.4. All manifests, waste determinations, waste generation data, shipping information and other data required for the proper execution of this contract will be maintained by the contractor in an electronic database format that is exportable through a Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access format for input into the VA system upon request from the COR or designee.

7.0. Key Personnel Replacement and Substitution.

7.1. Requests for approval of substitutions shall be in writing and shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions. The request shall contain a complete resume for the proposed substitute, and any other information requested or required by the Contracting Officer to approve or disapprove the request. Proposed substitutes shall have qualifications that are equal to or higher than the personnel being augmented. The Contracting Officer or his/her authorized representative shall evaluate such requests and promptly notify the Contractor in writing whether the proposed substitution is acceptable.

7.2. If the Contracting Officer determines that, (1) suitable and timely replacement of personnel who have been reassigned, terminated or have otherwise become unavailable for the contract work is not reasonably forthcoming, or (2) the resultant substitution would be so substantial as to impair the successful completion of the contract or the delivery order in accordance with the proposal accepted by the Government at time of contract award, the Contracting Officer may, (1) terminate the contract for default or for the convenience of the Government, as appropriate, or (2) at his discretion, if he finds the Contractor at fault for the condition, equitably adjust the contract price downward to compensate the Government for any resultant delay, loss or damage.

7.3. The Contractor shall replace any absent individual for any period greater than one workday to always leave a full complement of trained qualified personnel with no disruption of services.

8.0. Contractor Personnel and Management.

8.1. The Contractor shall announce their presence at the WPBVAHS to the COR or the COR’s designate immediately upon arrival.

8.2. Government Badges. The COR will coordinate the issuance of required access badges to Contractor personnel. Contract personnel shall wear identification badges always provided by the Government when performing. Badges shall be worn on the outer garment, attached to the outer shirt or jacket pocket by a button or clip or worn around the neck secured by an appropriate identification card lanyard. Government issued identification badge remains the property of the Government and shall be returned to the issuing office or other designated Government personnel upon transfer of Contractor employees from the contract.

8.3. Contractor Badges. Notwithstanding the requirement to wear a Government furnished badge, Contractor personnel shall also always wear a laminated contractor identification badge when performing services under this Contract, including when on Government directed travel The badge will contain a personal picture, name of employee, and Contractor's name. Badges shall be worn on the outer garment attached to the outer shirt or jacket pocket by a button or clip or worn around the neck secured by an appropriate identification card lanyard.

8.4. All Contractor personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public or Congress that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractor personnel are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

8.5. Safety/Security Requirements. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ensure performance is secure while protecting material, equipment, and supplies from damage and loss. Government security personnel shall have the express right to inspect for security violations at any time during the term of the contract.

8.6. All information generated in performance of this contract becomes property of the Government and must be surrendered upon request and/or completion of the contract. The Contractor must protect against the destruction and/or misplacement of all information produced under this contract, unless directed under local policy to destroy. This includes both hard and soft copies of data.

8.7. The Contractor shall not release any information (including photographs, files, public announcements, statements, denials, or confirmations) on any part of the subject matter of this contract or any phase of any program hereunder without the prior written approval of the COR.

8.8. Standards of conduct

8.8.1. Conduct of Personnel. Contractor personnel shall conduct themselves in a professional manner (i.e., timeliness, communication; spoken and written etc.). The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to remove from the job site any employee working under this contract for reasons of suspected misconduct, a suspected security breach, or suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other incapacitating agent. Contractor employees shall be subject to dismissal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is necessary in the interests of the Government. The hospital director or designated representative has the authority to bar individuals from the Government facility. The removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this performance work statement. The Government shall not reimburse the Contractor for travel and other expenses associated with the removal of personnel.

8.8.2. Contractor personnel are not authorized to carry or possess personal weapons to include, but not limited to, firearms and knives with a blade length more than three inches, while assigned under this contract.

8.8.3. Working Attire and Appearance. Contractor personnel shall present a professional appearance commensurate with standards delineated for Government civilian personnel acting in similar capacities.

8.8.4 The contractor shall provide a single point of contact with backup, along with a list of names, titles, addresses, telephone numbers (including cellular), pager/beeper numbers, facsimile numbers and e-mail addresses of key managers, supervisors, customer service and field service personnel performing under this contract.

8.8.5 The Government shall review Contractor personnel qualifications. Upon request, resumes shall be provided to the Contracting Officer prior to clearance approval, for review and acceptance by the COR. The intent is verification purpose and not for the Government to become the hiring authority.

9. TRAVEL: N/A

10. NON-PERSONAL SERVICE STATEMENT

10.1. Contractor employees performing services under this order will be controlled, directed, and always supervised by management personnel of the contractor. Contractor management will ensure that employees properly comply with the performance work standards outlined in the PWS. Contractor employees will perform their duties independent of, and without the supervision of, any Government official. The tasks, duties, and responsibilities set forth in the contract may not be interpreted or implemented in any manner that results in any contractor employee creating or modifying Federal policy, obligating the appropriated funds of the United States Government, overseeing the work of Federal employees, providing direct personal services to any Federal employee, or otherwise violating the prohibitions set forth in Parts 7.5 and 37.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The Government will control access to the facility and will perform the inspection and acceptance of the completed work.

11. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

11.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for employing technically qualified personnel who are certified and trained for proper removal of hazardous and non-hazardous chemical waste in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, Municipal, and local regulations specified in this PWS. The Contractor shall maintain the personnel, organization, and administrative control necessary to ensure that the work delivered meets the contract specifications and requirements. If appropriate licenses are not maintained in accordance with Federal and State requirements, the VA may terminate the contract effective upon discovery. The VA reserves the right to halt work if the Contracting Officer and/or COR determine work is being done in an unsafe/unhealthy manner or that could harm the environment. The work history of each contractor employee must contain experience directly related to the task and functions he/she is intended to perform under this contract. The Government reserves the right, during the life of the resulting contract, to request work histories on any contractor employee for the purposes of verifying compliance with the above requirements; additionally, the Government reserves the right to review resumes of contractor personnel proposed to be assigned. Personnel assigned to, or utilized by, the Contractor in performance of work shall be fully capable of performing the requirements contained in the PWS in an efficient, reliable, and professional manner. The normal manner of dress is business casual.

11.2. Specific Personnel Qualifications Requirements –Personnel assigned to or utilized by the contractor in the performance of this contract shall, as a minimum:

11.2.1. Must be authorized to work in the United States.

11.2.2. The Contractor staff shall have completed 40-hour HAZWOPER training and have it updated at the frequency required by law or otherwise industry practice.

11.2.3. The Contractor staff shall have completed Hazardous Waste Management training and have it updated at the frequency required by law or otherwise industry practice.

11.2.4. The Contractor staff shall have completed DOT Hazardous Material Shipment training and have it updated as required for certification.

11.2.5. The Contractor staff shall be knowledgeable in identifying chemicals that present a high potential of violent reaction due to shock during handling. The Contractor staff shall be knowledgeable in handling such chemicals.

11.2.6. Certificates of training and experience of staff and/or personnel who will perform site work under this contract (all technicians that will work on VA premises will be expected to have received at least the minimum training required by law as specified in 29CFR 1910-120, 40 CFR Parts 260-265 and 49 CFR Parts 171-178.

11.2.7. Provide a description of the contractor’s experience in hazardous waste packaging, transport, and disposal for the past three years.

11.3. The contractor shall provide a copy of US EPA identification number(s) certificate for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide service regarding any aspect of VA waste disposal program (i.e., storage, transfer, incinerator sites).

11.4. The contractor shall provide a copy of certificate of registration with the State EPA as a hazardous waste hauler for each business entity operated by the contractor that will provide hazardous waste transportation services for any aspect of VA waste disposal program.

11.5. The contractor shall provide a written acknowledgement of responsibility for acquisition of all applicable business licenses and permits required by law. Contractor shall certify that it acknowledges and is in possession of all required business licenses and permits.

11.6. The contractor shall provide a list of any violations and/or citations that the contractor has received for non-compliance with any hazardous waste laws, permit requirements, and/or OSHA requirements for the past three years from the date of submission.

11.7. The Contractor shall provide technical expertise on topics related to EPA, DOT, State-specific RCRA and other environmental regulations.

11.8. The contractor shall provide a plan describing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be followed while conducting normal hazardous waste management activities. The contractor shall describe:

1. Site safety and contingency procedures (e.g., spill management).

2. Operational procedures and site management structure.

3. Supplies and equipment practices.

4. Material sampling procedures.

5. Hazard assessment and categorization procedures.

6. Packing procedures.

7. Quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure materials are properly identified, categorized, and packaged, and paperwork is properly completed.

8. Procedures for gaining waste acceptance into a transfer/ disposal facility.

9. Contractor and project management procedures.

11.9. The contractor shall provide information regarding the hazardous waste fleet owned and operated by the contractor, to include.

1. Basic description of transportation services offered and capabilities.

2. Fleet description of number, types, and ages of vehicles.

3. Description of service and maintenance programs.

4. Types of materials licensed to haul.

5. Latest DOT or MCS rating (include a copy of the last inspection).

6. The DOT/CHP compliance record.

7. Description of driver qualifications including training programs, and experience.

8. Provide evidence that background checks have been performed on all employees that will perform any duties under this contract.

11.10. The contractor shall provide a detailed site safety plan.

11.11. The contractor shall provide Current waste transporter and operator permit(s).

12. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND QUALITY MEASUREMENT

12.1. Performance standards define desired services. The Government performs surveillance to determine if the Contractor exceeds, meets, or does not meet these standards. The Government shall use these standards to determine Contractor performance and shall compare Contractor performance to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) method of surveillance will be by random inspection.

12.2 The QASP and its performance objectives are as follows:

Standard

6.2