RFQ 1449 36C26326Q0906 Triennial Electrical Testing.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

636-26-3-8895-0020

36C26326Q0906 07-07-2026

Joseph Bennett 319-688-3633 07-27-2026

11:59 PM CDT

36C263

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

NETWORK CONTRACTING OFFICE 23

1303 5TH STREET, SUITE 300

CORALVILLE IA 52241

X 100

X

541350

$19 Million

N/A

X

36C368

Iowa City VA Health Care System

601 Highway 6 West

Iowa City IA 52246-2208

36C263

NETWORK CONTRACTING OFFICE 23

1303 5TH STREET, SUITE 300

CORALVILLE IA 52241

FMS-VA-2(101)

FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTER

SEE: Contract Administration Data below

See CONTINUATION Page

Request for Quote for a Triennial Inspection and Testing of

Electrical Breaker and Electric Power Distribution System for the Iowa City VA Healthcare System in Iowa City, Iowa.

Set-Aside 100% for SDVOSBs.

Anticipated Award Date: by August 1, 2026.

See Continuation Page - Instructions to Offerors, below.

Note: Clause 52.212-5 does not apply despite it being mentioned in Boxes 27a. and 27b.

See CONTINUATION Page

636-3660162-8895-855100-2543-0400555X9

X X

Joseph Bennett

VA-VHA-RPOC-2024-0088

36C26326Q0906

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTINUATION PAGE – INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

B.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

B.4 RECORDS MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS

B.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

C.2 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY

2014)

C.3 52.222-90 ADDRESSING DEI DISCRIMINATION BY FEDERAL CONTRACTORS

(DEVIATION APR 2026)

C.4 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

C.5 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.6 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.9 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.10 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) . 40

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

E.2 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.3 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.4 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021) Tailored

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)-Tailored . 52

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTINUATION PAGE – INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1) IMPORTANT. All Instructions to Offerors added by the Contract Officer in addition to the standard language of Clause 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS, are here on this page. Read this entire page.

2) GENERAL INFORMATION.

100% Set-Aside for SDVOSBs.

Anticipated award date: By August 1, 2026.

Period of Performance: Government intends to begin coordinating work and establishing work schedule immediately after award which is anticipated to be August 1,2026. Work must be started and ongoing by September 30, and shall be complete by October 15, 2026.

This solicitation is issued under Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) Part 12 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

The Government intends to award without discussions.

Partial offers are not being accepted.

The Contract will be: Single Award, Firm Fixed-Price, Purchase Order.

Late offers will not be accepted regardless of how late offers are addressed anywhere else in this solicitation.

Offerors are required to be registered in SAM when submitting a quote and at time of award.

The Service Contract Labor Standards Clause 52.222-41 applies and is included.

The Wage Determination is attached, and Clause 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for

Federal Hires is included in the solicitation.

3) SITE VISIT – Available to offerors who want to visit campus. Call Keith Bryant to be added to the list.

When: A site visit is scheduled for 01:00 PM CT, Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Location: Iowa City VA Health Care System Medical Center 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246.

Coordinator: Keith Bryant, Maintenance Supervisor Keith.Bryant@va.gov 319-631-4442

4) SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS.

Questions are accepted up until 11:59 PM, CT, Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Questions shall be emailed to the Contract Officer at Joseph.Bennett@va.gov.

The SUBJECT LINE of the email must include: RFQ 36C26326Q0906

Questions can be summited immediately; there is no need to wait until June 16th to submit them.

5) SUBMISSION OF OFFERS.

Offers must be received no later than 11:59 PM, CT, Monday, July 27, 2026.

Offers shall be emailed to: Joseph Bennett@va.gov The SUBJECT LINE of the email must include: RFQ 36C26326Q0906 mailto:Keith.Bryant@va.gov mailto:Joseph.Bennett@va.gov mailto:Bennett@va.gov

6) ATTACHMENTS.

Attachment A. Table of equipment to be inspected.

Attachment B. VHA Directive 1028.

Attachment C. 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting.

Attachment D. Wage Determination 2015-4983 Rev 28 Attachment E. 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations.

Attachment F. Boiler Plate Diagram Section C Attachment G. Feder Diagram Section D Attachment H. Feeder Diagram Section B Attachment I. Clinical Addition Riser Diagram

NOTE: Attachments F,G, H, I, are not as legible as we would like them to be and we apologize for that. Please review them as best you can and utilize the site vist.

7) SUBMITTALS.

a) SF 1449.

i) Offerors may fill in and sign this SF 1449 and submit it with their offer. To do so, sign and submit the whole document and fill in where highlighted in yellow - do not just sign and submit the first page. Or, if an Offeror chooses not to sign the SF 1449, they must include the following statement in their offer: “The terms and conditions contained in the Request for Quote are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition.”

iI) Any offeror that does not sign the 1449 and who does not include the statement in 7(a)(i) above, shall explain what section of the RFQ they do not agree to and why. Note: Rejection of any terms and conditions may result in exclusion from evaluation for award.

b) ATTACHMENT D. 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING.

i) Attachment D. must be properly completed and properly signed and submitted with the offer.

See yellow highlights on attachment. The Limitations on Subcontracting will be properly enforced.

c) ATTACHMENT G. 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS.

i) Attachment C. Though this is an SDVOSB set-aside, check “is” or “is not” for all of the boxes highlighted in yellow and fill in the names and UEIs of any joint ventures that are applicable.

Must submit with offer.

d) OFFEROR’S BREAKDOWN OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED.

i) If the offeror intends to use a subcontractor, the offer must include on a separate page, or in its own section, a short description of the work to be performed by the prime contractor and the work to be performed by the subcontractor. This shall be easy to find and easy to discern. A paragraph will suffice.

ii) If a subcontractor will not be used, the offer will include in an obvious manner a statement that the offeror will perform all of the work of the contract and that a subcontractor will not be used.

iii) If the personnel of the prime contractor will be working on location and alongside the personnel of the subcontractor to perform the work, the offer will include a short description of who’s doing what work. A paragraph will suffice.

e) NARRATIVE.

i) Offeror shall submit a narrative – on a separate page - and titled “Narrative.” The narrative shall be not less than ½ of a page and not more than 2 pages. The offer shall use the narrative to describe their method and approach to performing the Statement of Work (SOW).

ii) EQUIPMENT. Attach at the end of the narrative a separate section that identifies the specific equipment to be used in performance of the SOW.

f) QUALIFIED PERSONS

i) The offer shall provide a list of the personnel who will be performing this SOW.

ii) The offer shall demonstrate how these personnel are “Qualified Persons under NFPA 70B” to perform the work of the SOW. All claims of “certification” or “certified” shall be accompanied by proof of current and active certification with next expiration date. Offer may include resumes, descriptions of education, years of experience, list of similar projects performed.

g) PAST PERFORMANCE.

i) Provide a list of past performed contracts not to exceed 10(ten) that are of similar or same scope from within the last 5(five) years starting with the most recent. Provide the following for each contract:

Name of public agency or private organization State if work was performed by Prime or Subcontractor Contract number Building name and address of the work performed.

Period of Performance.

Dollar value of original (base) contract.

Description of work performed.

ii) This information shall be clearly presented, easy to find. We will not dig or hunt through the offer to find this information.

iii) Lack of Past Performance will not be counted against an offeror; it will be counted as neutral.

h) REFERENCES

i) List up to 5(five) references for contracts of same or similar scope performed in the last 3(three) years. Provide the following information for each reference:

Name of person to be contacted Phone number Email address Name of public agency or private organization State if work was performed by Prime or Subcontractor Contract number Building name and address of the work performed.

Period of Performance.

Dollar value of original (base) contract.

Description of work performed.

ii) References can be the same contracts as the past performance contracts requested above in paragraph (g).

iii) This information shall be clearly presented, easy to find and discern. We will not dig or hunt through the offer to find this information.

8) ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS.

i) If you submit pricing separate from completing the SF 1449, the pricing must be clear and easy to understand.

ii) Offer shall be organized and easy to understand. Concepts and topics shall be presented clearly or separated if necessary.

9) EVALUATIONS.

See Provision 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

B.2 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR: Firm Name:

Representative:

Phone:

Email:

b. GOVERNMENT: NCO 23 Contracting Officer Department of Veterans Affairs Network 23 Contracting Office 1303 5th St. Suite 300 Coralville, IA 52241

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[ ] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

[ ] a. Quarterly [ ] b. Semi-Annually [ X ] c. Other: Within 30 days of Receipt and Acceptance

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

In order to comply with the Improper Payment Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA), the VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (FSC).

The VA Financial Service Center(FSC) has partnered with third-party contractor, Tungsten, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website:

http://www.tungsten-network.com/US/en/veterans-affairs/ to begin submitting electronic invoices, free of charge.

Vendor e-Invoice Set-Up Information:

Please contact the phone numbers 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 question about the e-invoicing program or Tungsten, please contact the FSC at the phone number or email address listed below:

Tungsten e-Invoice set-up information: 877-489-6135 Tungsten e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 877-353-9791 FSC e-Invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov More information on the FSC electronic invoicing process can be found at http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

FAR and VAAR Causes may be accessed at these links:

https://www.acquisition.gov/browsefar https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

Triennial Inspection and Testing of the Electrical Power Distribution System

1. GENERAL:

a. This solicitation is for triennial inspection and testing of electrical breakers and the electrical power distribution system at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System located in

Iowa City, Iowa. The Contractor shall have a minimum of five (5) years of specialized continuous experience in testing, inspection, cleaning, adjusting, and appraising electrical distribution systems and apparatuses to ensure their reliable operations in healthcare, industrial, educational, and commercial facilities.

b. All work performed shall be fully documented by the Contractor. Testing shall be performed in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations and applicable NEMA, NEC, NFPA, ASTM, ASA, and VA standards. All outages shall be scheduled and approved in writing in at least two weeks in advance. Outages will be scheduled only at night and on weekends.

c. A complete list of distribution system equipment and apparatus to be inspected, cleaned, tested, and adjusted is found in Attachment A Table of Equipment To Be Inspected, below.

d. The VA Person of Contact (VA POC) for this contract is: ________________________

2. MAINTENANCE AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS:

a. In addition to complying with the general codes referenced in 1.b above, the contractor shall pay special attention to compliance with VHA Directive 1028 (Attachment B) below and NFPA 70B.

b. Switchgear Equipment, Medium Voltage Circuit Breakers, and Protective Relays:

i. Record switchgear, breaker, and device nameplate information and compare with facility’s one-line diagram, when available. Identify and record discrepancies.

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp https://www.acquisition.gov/browsefar https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

ii. Inspect all electrical equipment, including each breaker, and report damaged, or malfunctioning equipment, loose connections or material or any contamination that must be corrected. Clean where appropriate.

iii. Check equipment for level, security to foundation, and operation of doors.

Report any unfavorable environmental conditions such as excessive moisture.

iv. Visually inspect the equipment ground and record the number and size of ground bus and straps, Report deficiencies, and clean where appropriate.

v. Inspect the insulation system on the primary bus and assemblies. Test insulation on each bus, phase-to-phase, and phase-to-ground with suitable megohmmeter.

Record values, report deficiencies, and clean where appropriate.

vi. Draw or rack each breaker from its cell. Remove arc chutes, clean, inspect, and adjust all contracts as necessary. Measure and record contact resistance in micro-ohms and clean all insulating surfaces. Megger and record phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground. Lubricate as necessary.

vii. Electrically close and trip each breaker with control switch. Manually close and trip each breaker. Trip each breaker with each of its protective devices. Tighten all connections. Record any discrepancies.

viii. Remove each relay from its case. Clean, inspect, and tighten all connection.

Apply three multiples of relay tap current to each relay to verify manufacturers’ time current characteristics. Test each relay for instantaneous pickup. Test all ground fault relays for proper calibration and operation. Report deficiencies and adjust where appropriate.

c. Primary Disconnects

i. De-energize entire substation, clean all insulating surfaces, and clean and dress all contacts.

ii. Measure contact resistance in micro-ohms, Megger each phase-to-ground.

Record any discrepancies.

iii. Clean and inspect cubicle, tighten all untapped connections, and lubricate as necessary.

d. Transformer

i. Record transformer nameplate information and compare with the facility’s one-line diagram, when available. Record discrepancies.

ii. Inspect transformer and accessories and report damage, loose connections ore material, shipping blocks, or contaminations that must be corrected. Clean where appropriate, inspect for leaks and tighten all untapped connections.

Clean insulating surfaces.

iii. Sample all insulating liquids and test dielectric and water content.

e. Low Voltage Circuit Breakers

i. Record switchgear, breaker, and device nameplate information and compare with the facility’s one-line diagram, when available. Record discrepancies. NOTE:

Work includes all service equipment and power distribution panel boards but not branch-circuit panel boards that are used on the various floors in the buildings.

ii. Inspect equipment and each breaker and report damage, loose connections or material, or contamination that must be corrected. Clean where appropriate.

iii. Check equipment for level, security to foundations, and operation of doors.

Report any unfavorable environmental conditions such as excessive moisture or conducting dust that must be corrected. Clean where appropriate.

iv. Visually inspect the equipment ground an record the number and size of ground bus and straps. Report deficiencies.

v. Inspect the insulation system on the primary bus and assemblies. Test insulation on each bus, phase-to-phase, and phase-to-ground with suitable megohmmeter.

Record values, report deficiencies and clean where appropriate.

vi. Clean and inspect each breaker. Megger phase-to-phase, phase-to-ground, and measure contact resistance in micro-ohms. Test each series over current trip device for pickup at 200% and 300% of its rating for instantaneous pickup. Clean and dress all contact surfaces and lubricate as necessary.

f. Generators

i. Record nameplate data including manufacturer, age, and capacity. List fuel type, kW load under load conditions, number of hours of fuel tank capacity, and number of hours of accumulated run time.

ii. Test run the generators in loaded condition. Record the transfer time and evaluated the reliability of the emergency power system.

g. Batteries

i. Provide and replace batteries inside each micro-logic, size ½ AA 3.6 volts –

Schneider Electric part number 33593. Approximately 85 batteries.

3. REPORTS:

a. Provide two copies of data, testing, and inspection results to the Maintenance and

Operations (M&O) Engineer of all devices tested as required by the scope. Report shall be securely bound and in an 8 ½ x 11format. Provide one electronic copy (CD) of the report as either a PDF file or Word document. All deliverables described here and elsewhere in this document will be property of the VA.

b. At a minimum, the report shall include the following:

i. Summary of project

ii. Description of equipment tested

iii. Description of tests

iv. Test Data

v. Analysis and recommendations

c. Test data records shall include the following minimum requirements:

i. Identification of the testing organization

ii. Equipment identification

iii. Humidity, temperature, and other conditions that may affect the results of the tests/calibrations

iv. Date of inspections, tests, maintenance and/or calibrations

v. Identification of the testing technician

vi. Indication of inspections, tests, maintenance and/or calibration to be performed and recorded

vii. Indication of expected results when calibrations are to be performed

viii. Indication of “as-found” and “as-left” results, as applicable

ix. Sufficient spaces to allow all results and comments to be indicated

4. ELECTRICAL GROUNDING SYSTEM TESTING CRITERIA

a. Grounding Testing Procedures

i. This section describes grounding system testing procedures.

ii. These tests should be performed when the site ground system can be safely disconnected from the power company neutral wire.

b. Overview

i. Testing will be performed using one of the three methods which are described as follows:

1. Three-Point / Fall of Potential Testing

This method is the most widely accepted. However, performing the test may require access to areas that may be beyond the site property lines. When testing a grounding electrode system consisting of a multi-bonded/ multi-grounding electrode system, the distance required for testing is directly related to the effective diagonal distance of the buried grounding electrode system.

2. Clamp-on Ohmmeter

This method shall be used when access to necessary space needed for the Three-point/Fall of Potential test is not available. However, the clamp-on Ohmmeter test can only be performed after AC utilities have been connected to the site and various feed conductors are accessible.

3. Combined Soil Resistivity Testing with Clamp-on Ohmmeter Testing

This method shall only be used in special cases where three-point/fall of potential testing or clamp-on ohmmeter testing cannot directly provide a suitable evaluation.

The data obtained from soil resistivity testing and clamp-on ohmmeter testing is then used by an engineering firm specializing in grounding electrode system design to make determinations regarding the grounding electrode system.

c. Limitations to Performance Testing

i. The following conditions must be met in order to perform grounding electrode system testing:

1. Three-point/fall of potential testing is possible only if the following conditions can be met:

A. Sufficient land area must be available to perform a three point/ fall-of-potential test. The reference probe may likely need to be inserted into soil that is beyond the site property line. Testing using a clamp-on ohmmeter may be an option in these cases.

B. The grounding electrode system must be able to be isolated from the power company grounded conductor (may be a neutral wire).

2. Clamp-on Ohmmeter testing is possible only if the following conditions can be et:

A. Site must be supplied with commercial power company-provided power.

B. Neutral wire must be present as part of the power company service.

C. Neutral wire must be part of an extensive power company grounding system. In systems such as 3-phase delta service, the neutral wire may not be part of the extensive power company grounding system.

D. The grounding electrode system must be connected to the power company grounded conductor (may be a neutral wire).

E. For sites using a multi-bonded/multi-grounding electrode system, a point on neutral wire for meter to clamp onto must be available before its first bond to the site.

F. For single grounding electrode system, the grounding electrode conductor must be accessible for meter to clamp onto at a point between the grounding electrode and any other connection (such as the Telephone Company grounding or metallic pipe).

3. Combined Soil Resistivity/Clamp-on Ohmmeter testing is possible only if the following conditions can be met:

A. System must be such that gathering of individual grounding electrode system component values with a clamp-on-ohmmeter can be available.

B. A soil resistivity profile for the site has been performed.

b. If these conditions cannot be met, an added supplemental grounding electrode system can be installed. This supplemental grounding electrode system could be installed and tested prior to its connection to the existing system. This supplemental system should be installed in such a manner as to allow an easy disconnect point for future testing.

d. Three Point / Fall of Potential Test Procedure

The three point/fall of potential test is the most widely accepted and recommended test method. This procedure is described in detail in ANSI/IEEE STD 81.2.

In the three point/fall of potential test, two test rods are driven into the soil. These rods are placed in a straight line from an electrode in the grounding electrode system to be tested (referred to here as connection 'X'). One of the test rods (referred to here as rod 'Z') is placed at a known distance from the 'X' connection. The other test rod (referred to here as rod 'Y') is placed at various distances between the 'x' connection and rod 'Z', a potential difference (voltage drop) will exist between the 'x' connection and rod Y. The fall of potential tester measures the voltage drop between the 'X' connection and rod 'Y', and converts the measurement to a resistance reading using Ohm's Law (R=E/I). In this manner, the resistance at any point between 'x' connection and rod 'z' can be measured. The multiple readings obtained during this test are entered and plotted as data points on a graph. From the graph, the resistance of the grounding electrode system can be determined.

This test requires disconnection of the site grounding electrode system from the power company grounded conductor, and the disconnection of all other grounds that may be connected to the site grounding system, such as telecommunications system grounds. This is required in order to allow testing that is limited only to the site grounding electrode system. Attempting to perform measurements while the site remains connected to the extensive ground/neutral system of the power company and telecommunications utilities artificially enhances the grounding electrode system reading, resulting in measurement error.

e. Clamp-On Ohmmeter Testing Procedure

The clamp-on ohmmeter test can be performed on both single grounding electrode and multi-grounding electrode systems. However, the test can only be accurately performed on a site supplied by commercial power.

NOTE: if the electrical service provided by the power company does not contain a neutral wire that is bonded to the extensive power company ground system (such as a three-phase delta service), the clamp-on ohmmeter will not give an accurate reading. In these cases, this is because the neutral wire is locally derived at the transformer and is not part of the extensive power company grounding system; therefore, it cannot provide an effective low resistance return path.

The clamp-on ohmmeter works on the basis of injecting a known voltage into the grounding electrode system in order to create a current flow whose value is a function of the grounding electrode system resistance. The test current flows from the grounding electrode system through the earth, returning to the grounding electrode system via the power company's multi-grounded neutral wire. The meter then measures this current and converts the measurement to a resistance reading using Ohm's Law (R=E/I). As such, the meter displays a resistance of the grounding electrode system in ohms. Since the power company's grounding system is so extensive, the meter considers it to be of negligible value and disregards its effect on the reading.

This test requires disconnection of the site utility power. This is required in order to allow testing that is limited only to site grounding system. Attempting to perform measurements while the site remains connected to the utility's extensive grounding/neutral system artificially enhances ground readings that result in measurement error.

f. Combined Soil Resistivity Testing with Clamp-On Ohmmeter

Providing site soil resistivity readings along with clamp-on ohmmeter readings is at times the only method available for grounding electrode system resistance verification.

This test can be performed in the energized state where the grounding connections are accessible. Once the external grounding electrode system has been verified, the internal system can then be tested.

This test will verify only the conductivity to the main ground buss of the commercial power system. This test will not confirm the status to the exterior grounding electrode system or fall of potential.

The internal system should be visually inspected and made free of defects prior to testing.

Never disconnect any part of the grounding system while in operation. Once visual inspection has been made, a digital low resistance measurement will be made between all bolted/compressed connections and between bolted/compressed connections to enclosures. All bolted connections should be torque to NETA specifications, then retested with a digital low resistance meter. These readings should be documented in a format so that connectivity and conductivity of the grounding electrode system can be demonstrated.

External grounding electrode system test procedures are performed in the de-energized state.

Internal grounding electrode system test procedures can be performed in the de-energized or energized state.

g. Additional Requirements - VHA Directive 1028 is tailored to include:

The current VHA Directive 1028 grounding testing requirement is, "Inspect and tighten ground connections. Test ground resistance for the entire facility grounding system."

We require that the following criteria be added to VHA Directive 1028:

i. Perform visual inspection for bonding conductor and equipment grounding conductor condition, continuity, and termination. Correct any defects.

ii. Perform soil resistivity tests in several locations (if fall-of-potential test method is to be used).

iii. After visual inspection and correction of defects is complete, use a digital low resistance meter to measure resistance between all bolted/compressed connections and between bolted/compressed connections to enclosures. All bolted connections will be torqued to NETA specifications, then retested. These readings shall be documented in a format so that connectivity and conductivity can be calculated as to the effectiveness of the grounding electrode system through-out the systems.

iv. Ground resistance tests shall be performed using fall-of-potential method or calibrated clamp-on ground resistance tester.

Additional Requirements:

Contractor Personnel Access to VA Property:

VA ISSUED BADGE: Contract employees may be required to obtain a Visitor Badge while physically located within the VA facility. Determination of badging will be made by the VA Person of Contact (POC) for the contract. If required to obtain a VA Flash Badge or Visitor Badge contractor employees will be required to present government identification for verification of contract employee.

The contractor’s personnel, while on VA property, shall adhere to all requirements and regulations that govern the VA Health Care System and its property. Among all other requirements, the VA Health Care

System and its property is now entirely smoke-free. No weapons are permitted on the premises.

Badges shall be worn at all times by contractor personnel while on VA property. Unless otherwise authorized, Contractor personnel will be escorted at all times by a VA staff person determined by the VA

POC for this contract.

B.4 RECORDS MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS

NARA Records Management Language for Contracts (July 10, 2019) https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/policy/records-mgmt-language

RECORDS MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTS

A. Applicability

This clause applies to all Contractors whose employees create, work with, or otherwise handle Federal records, as defined in Section B, regardless of the medium in which the record exists.

B. Definitions

“Federal record” as defined in 44 U.S.C. § 3301, includes all recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government or because of the informational value of data in them.

The term Federal record:

Includes VA records.

Does not include personal materials.

Applies to records created, received, or maintained by Contractors pursuant to their VA contract.

May include deliverables and documentation associated with deliverables.

C. Requirements https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/policy/records-mgmt-language

Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

Iowa City VA Medical Center and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of Iowa City VA Medical Center or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to Iowa City VA Medical Center. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230.

The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the [contract vehicle]. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government’s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to Iowa City VA Medical Center control or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Iowa City VA Medical Center guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with Iowa City VA Medical Center policy.

The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public Iowa City VA Medical Center information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

The 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 from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act.

The Iowa City VA Medical Center owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which Iowa City VA Medical Center shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227- 20.

Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take Iowa City VA Medical Center provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training.

[Note: To the extent an agency requires contractors to complete records management training, the agency must provide the training to the contractor.]

D. Flowdown of Requirements to Subcontractors

The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause, its terms and requirements including this paragraph, in all subcontracts under this [contract vehicle], and require written subcontractor acknowledgment of same.

Violation by a subcontractor of any provision set forth in this clause will be attributed to the Contractor.

B.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 JB __________________ __________________

Triennial Testing of Electrical Breakers and Power Distribution

System.

Includes Travel, Labor, Technicians and all equipment necessary to perform the Statement of Work Contract Period: Base POP Begin: TBD POP End: TBD

GRAND TOTAL __________________

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (OCT 2025) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference.

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. 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 nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The

Government must exercise its post acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered;

and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(c) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31

U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(d) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(e) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated in this contract by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence. Examples of occurrences include acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the

Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. When an excusable delay occurs, the Contractor shall—

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as possible;

(2) Remedy the delay as quickly as possible; and

(3) Notify the Contracting Officer when the occurrence is over.

(g) Invoice. The Government will handle invoices according to the Prompt Payment Act (31

U.S.C. 3903) and 5 CFR part 1315. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include the information required by 5 CFR part 1315.9(b).

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees, and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark, or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt

Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date that appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(4) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable;

(D) Contractor point of contact; and

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting

Officer.

(5) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the

Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by FAR part 33 if—

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see FAR part 32).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a termination for cause.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on-

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures for interest credits prescribed in FAR part 32 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon—

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government's convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the

Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor's records.