RFQ 36C25724Q0525.docx

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

549-24-4-5096-0130 36C25724Q0525 04-16-2024 Sherine Brooks Sherine.Brooks@va.gov

05-21-2024

4PM

CDT

36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17 Central Texas Veterans HCS 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr. Building #171 Temple, TX 76504 X X 221310 $41 Million N/A X 36C549 Department of Veterans Affairs Multiple Locations - See SOW Dallas, Garland, Bonham, TX

36C257 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17 Central Texas Veterans HCS 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr. Building 171 Temple, TX 76504

This is accomplished through the Tungsten Network located at:

http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp

This is mandatory and the sole method for submitting invoices.

(877) 353-9791

(512) 460-5540 See CONTINUATION Page Boiler & Chiller Plant Chemical Water Treatment Sup & Svc Base plus 4 See Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 for Instructions to Offerors & Basis for Award on pg.

See CONTINUATION Page X X X Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR: TBD

b. GOVERNMENT: Contract Specialist - Sherine Brooks, Sherine.Brooks@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17 Central Texas Veterans HCS 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr. Building #171 Temple, TX 76504

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Other [X] After completion of each service.

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.

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

36C25724Q0525

Page 1 of Page 1 of

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

Boiler/Chiller Plants Chemical Water Treatment Supplies and Services

I. SECTION 1

A. WATER TREATMENT OBJECTIVES:

Contractor will provide a complete water treatment program that will protect critical equipment and piping from deterioration due to corrosion and fouling of waterside surfaces while allowing the equipment to operate at optimum efficiency. The water treatment supplier shall furnish effective products, quality service and good communications, all designed to meet the performance expectation outlined in this specification. Detailed Objectives are as follows:

1. Provide a program that is industry accepted corrosion and deposit control.

2. Provide continuous training of VA USRO personnel needed to maintain all systems that contractor is contracted to maintain.

3. Provide professional and qualified individuals to train, monitor, and oversee all aspects of the contracted services.

4. Provide programs that maintain equipment per manufacturer’s recommended chemical treatment specifications where applicable.

5. Implement safety programs required for safe handling, operation, and testing of all systems contractor is contracted to maintain all within local and federal environmental health and safety requirements. Provide delivery of required products in a timely manner to maintain systems.

6. Provide a program that minimizes downtime of systems and provides maximum operating efficiencies for contracted equipment.

7. Provide system recommendations to improve system efficiencies and operation on an ongoing basis.

8. Provide an accurate and clear line of communications using standardized reporting.

9. Provide, design, and install industry accepted chemical station setup for all chemicals being used in the system, per site.

10. All equipment includes Controllers, double wall tanks, metering pump devices, stainless steel (316) grade piping/tubing 3/8in to 1/2in, PVC piping, sample coolers, gate valves, check valves, any necessary unit to complete work. All equipment will be VA own property after contract base year ends. All plumbing, electric work, forklift, and scissor lifts to be done/ needed are the responsibility of the contractor. If VA staff (plumbers and electricians) and equipment (forklift and scissor lifts) are available contractor may use at own risk.

11. The contractor shall remove all existing piping setup and design and install chemical injection system using 3/8in stainless steel (316) grade piping, testing and treatment program using ½in stainless steel (316) grade sample lines. Includes all equipment and materials to bring system up to VA Standards. All equipment includes Controllers, double wall tanks, metering pump devices, stainless steel piping, PVC piping, sample coolers for condensate return/ DA sample line/ and each boiler sample line, gate valves, check valves, any necessary units to complete work. All equipment will be VA own property after install.

12. After award date of this contract, Awardee will have a kickoff meeting scheduled within 24 hours. Meeting will be in person with VA personal within the week. Kickout will take place at each location Dallas, Garland, and Bonham. A tour of each facility will take place during this visit, also a list of equipment and supplies will be conducted and agreed on for the replacement of items onsite.

13. Contractor must provide COR confirmation of orders made with lead-times within 7 days after kickoff meeting. Once orders/equipment are onsite contractor will have 14 days to install water treatment stations.

14. Places of Performance:

a. Dallas - Energy Center, Dallas VAMC, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd, Dallas, TX 75216

b. Garland - Boiler Chiller Plant Garland VAMC, 2301 Marie Curie Blvd, TX 75042

c. Bonham - Bonham VAMC Boiler Chiller Plant, 1209 E 9th St, Bonham, TX 75418

15. Period of Performance: Base plus 4 option years

a. Base Year: 08/21/2024 – 08/20/2025

b. Option Year 1: 08/21/2025 – 08/20/2026

c. Option Year 2: 08/21/2026 – 08/20/2027

d. Option Year 3: 08/21/2027 – 08/20/2028

e. Option Year 4: 08/21/2028 – 08/20/2029

B. CHEMICAL WATER TREATMENT CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

1. The contractor shall have been in business at least 10 years providing chemical treatment of boiler/chiller plant and steam and chilled water distribution systems similar in design and annual steam production rates to that of the VA facility. Provide a list of at least five customers similar to VA who have utilized the services for boiler chemical treatment for at least three years.

2. One water treatment specialist who has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or the physical sciences from an accredited college or university shall be assigned to this contract. The water treatment specialist must have at least five years successful experience with boiler and chilled water treatment programs and shall furnish references from at least three customers who utilize boiler and chilled water treatment programs.

3. The water treatment specialist/subcontractor assigned to sites must be centrally located in the North Texas metroplex and 50 miles between all three sites to enable reasonable response times to request for site visits.

4. The contractor must operate (or continuously maintain a contract with) a state certified laboratory to perform complete scientific analyses of water chemistry, deposits, metallic materials affected by corrosion and provide recommendations for correction of problems related to the chemical and mechanical water treatment program.

C. CHEMICALS AND TESTING SUPPLIES:

1. Provide all chemicals (Cooling tower inhibitor with two biocide, boiler Polymer, DA Oxygen Scavenger, Condensate return treatment, Chilled water closed loop Sodium Silicate), test kits, test reagents, and instructional materials as necessary to comply with all contract requirements. Deliver to the boiler plant supervisor or his/her designate.

2. Chemical test Equipment to the greatest extent possible, chemical test results will be electronic or digital in nature. The test results shall not rely on an operator’s interpretation of color or lack of their ability to accurately distinguish colors.

3. Chelant-based chemicals are not permitted.

4. All chemicals utilized must conform to FDA guidelines: CFR 21, 173.310, BOILER WATER ADDITIVES PERMITTED IN PLANTS WHERE STEAM CONTACTS FOOD. In addition, the chemicals shall conform to all local, state, and federal government regulations on water pollution and have appropriate EPA registration. The VAMC utilizes boiler steam for food preparation and for humidification.

5. All chemicals shall be in a liquid state when shipped from the manufacture. The manufacture must be ISO certified with proper quality controls in place to ensure there is no variances in the chemical mixtures straight and or concentration from one run to the next run of the same chemical. Copies of the quality control test sheets will be supplied with each delivery.

6. NO blending of several treatment chemicals into one mixture. Each Chemical treatment must remain separate from the others and feed into the system as an individual chemical. The Blending of Amines are acceptable (Neutralizing and Filming amines)

7. There will be no mixing of chemicals by the operators or in the boiler plant.

8. Furnish on site chemical storage containers with secondary containment. Provide bulk delivery service which delivers the chemicals directly into the on-site storage containers with no assistance necessary from VA employees other than to provide access.

9. Provide chemical metering pumps as required, plus one spare.

a. DA Tank one pump

b. Boiler 1 one pump for each chemical being added to the boiler.

c. Boiler 2 one pump for each chemical being added to the boiler.

d. Boiler 3 one pump for each chemical being added to the boiler.

e. Boiler 4 one pump for each chemical being added to the boiler.

f. Steam line treatment One pump for each injection point. Steam line treatment may require remote injection points on a large campus,

g. All boilers will have an extra injection point for laying up a boiler wet. Boiler treatments must go to the individual boilers, it is impossible to control the chemistry of two boilers with one common chemical injection point. (Please see equipment list for total of boilers per site).

10. All existing chemicals, which are suitable for the contract program, will be utilized prior to the use of any new chemicals.

11. Submit MSDS sheets for all chemicals utilized during the performance of services under this contract. The MSDS sheets will accompany delivery of the chemicals.

12. All chemical containers shall be labeled with complete information on contents and shall be returnable. Containers with missing labels shall be removed from the site. All containers remain the property of the contractor and must be immediately removed from; the site when they are no longer needed at the site.

D. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Total hardness in feedwater shall be less than one part per million (ppm). Advise VA personnel on proper softener monitoring and operation.

2. Dissolved oxygen in the feedwater shall be 7 parts per billion (ppb) maximum with oxygen scavenger treatment temporarily suspended. If it exceeds 12 ppb, provide recommendation to boiler plant supervisor that deaerator must be inspected and repaired.

3. Prevent embrittlement of boiler pressure vessels.

4. Condition the boiler sludge to obtain effective bottom blowoff.

5. Boiler residual of sodium sulfite, 30-60 ppm.

6. Boiler phosphate residual, 20-40 ppm.

7. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in boilers as high as possible, but not to exceed 4000 ppm.

8. Total alkalinity in boilers 800 ppm maximum (1/5 x solids TDS).

9. Maximum suspended solids in boilers 350 ppm, maximum silica 250 ppm.

10. Boiler polymer dispersant residual as recommended by supplier.

11. There shall be no “pitting” corrosion.

12. There shall be no scale and deposit formation in the boilers.

13. Moisture content of the steam shall not exceed one percent. Perform condensate conductivity tests at a steam trap near the boiler steam outlet (at a point with no amines) to evaluate the moisture content of the steam. If necessary, utilize an antifoam agent to limit solids carryover in the steam from the boilers and to control boiler priming, foaming, and misting.

14. Control boiler water chemistry to minimize blowdown and thus improve efficiency.

15. Provide steam amine treatment to provide condensate pH of 8.0 – 8.5 at each condensate receiver throughout the facility and in the condensate storage tank in the boiler plant. Feed the amines into the boilers instead of the steam header in order to achieve even dispersal throughout the distribution system. Advise and provide remote Amine tanks, pumps, injectors, and controller at outlying buildings, if required.

16. Control corrosion rates. Steel corrosion rates shall be less than 2.0 mils per year. Copper corrosion rates shall be less than 0.2 mils per year.

17. Establish layer of magnetic iron oxide (black or dark gray in color) on all steel surfaces as a corrosion barrier.

18. Contractor must ensure, and demonstrate in the required reports, that all water quality parameters are in compliance with specified parameters at least 90% of the time.

E. ON-SITE SERVICES:

1. Provide a complete analysis and report with recommendations of all aspects of the boiler (steam/condensate) and chiller (chilled/condense water) system for the entire campus [and/or each building being serviced] by steam or chilled water, to include:

Influent water quality soft water [where applicable]

a. Condensate return quality and percentage of the return. Report any metals in the return such as iron, copper, etc.

b. Boiler Feed Water

c. Boiler Water

d. Steam line treatment

e. Internal inspection of the boilers, DA tank and internals, and the condensate tank. Document the condition of each piece of equipment with photos when units are open for annual inspection.

f. Chiller water (chilled and condense)

2. Provide complete written program with instructions, supplemented by oral instructions and demonstrations, to boiler plant personnel for their performance of routine water tests and for feeding the chemicals into the systems. The instructions shall cover all aspects of safe chemical handling and safe and accurate testing, and proper chemical feed quantities and methods to suit the plant operating parameters and water treatment performance requirements.

3. Provide two-hour training sessions at each site within one month of the start of the contract. A session shall be within one week of installation of equipment at each site to explain and demonstrate new installs. Provide (1) two-hour training session every six months after the new contract has been in force for six months.

4. Yearly refresher training or when new chemicals or test procedures are added, or changes are made to the treatment program.

5. As a minimum, perform the following tests monthly, provide complete written reports with all test results and recommendations, and review reports with plant supervisor:

a. Condensate return systems to the boiler plant: pH, hardness, dissolved iron and copper, total dissolved solids (conductivity), amine. Test the condensate for pH at representative samples of condensate receivers throughout the facility quarterly. Vary the sample sites every year. Also, advise and provide remote Amine towers, pumps, and injectors at outlying building if required.

b. Make-up water including soft water, pH, alkalinity, hardness, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, and silica.

c. Boiler feedwater: Dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, hardness, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, and silica. Feedwater dissolved oxygen shall be tested twice per year with oxygen scavenger chemical treatment temporarily suspended so that feedwater deaerator performance can be evaluated.

d. Boiler water: Total dissolved solids, suspended solids, sulfite, phosphate, and alkalinity.

e. Continuous blowdown systems: Check calibration and settings monthly.

f. Chemical feed systems: Advise plant supervisor on adjustments to maintain proper chemical dosage and feed rates and blowdown rates.

g. Monitor and trend each chemical usage to establish a base line. Notify the supervisor of any increase in chemical usage that cannot be explained.

h. Reorder chemicals when needed and notify the supervisor.

i. Each month, the contractor shall provide a report that indicates the percentage of time that the above parameters are actually within control range for condensate, make-up, feedwater, and boiler water. In addition, provided six-month trending analysis based on the data collected over the last 6 months.

j. Chilled/ condense water treatment testing included to industry accepted standard or best practice.

6. Visit the plant weekly during the first three months of a new contract. After three months, visit the plant every two weeks, perform tests listed above and review daily logs of tests performed by USRO personnel. Discuss the test results with the plant supervisor. Provide recommendations on treatment methods and consult on boiler steam/condensate and chilled/ condense water distribution systems problems as requested. Send water samples to the laboratory as necessary to resolve problems and questions. Make additional visits at the request of the plant supervisor to handle problems. During visits fill tank as needed. USRO will not fill tank in between visits.

7. Conduct waterside inspection of boilers, feedwater deaerator, condensate storage tank, chillers, and cooling towers at least once per year. Through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), coordinate the boiler and feedwater deaerator inspection to coincide with the inspection by the Qualified Professional Inspector (boiler inspector). VA personnel will prepare equipment for inspection.

8. Provide recommendations on wet and dry boiler lay-up procedures, including monitoring, of boilers not in service.

9. Provide recommendations on proper operation of continuous boiler blowdown systems and boiler bottom blowoff procedures.

10. Any deficiencies or problems noted with VA test results or with the water treatment specialist’s test results are to be reported verbally and in writing immediately to the plant supervisor. If problems are found, corrective actions must be recommended immediately, chemicals as necessary provided, and tests performed as necessary to confirm that desired results are achieved.

F. VA URSO STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The plant personnel will perform routine testing for chemical residuals, conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, chloride, silica, iron and copper, and other tests daily.

2. Make minor adjustments to the chemical feed pump rates to maintain proper chemical levels, as directed by contractor.

3. Preform bottom blows as required on the boilers.

4. Make adjustments to the surface blow.

5. Notify the plant supervisor of any abnormal conditions and the supervisor shall decide if the water treatment specialist needs to be called in.

G. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS:

1. All on site work is to be coordinated with the Energy Center supervisor at least seven (7) days prior to performance of services.

2. All work to be performed during the normal daytime working hours of the boiler plant supervisor, Monday through Friday, excluding National Holidays.

3. Situations requiring more frequent analysis and/or special testing other than the specified requirements may arise. Do not perform any extra cost work without written authorization from the COR. A separate purchase order will be issued to cover the costs associated with these extra tests upon request and justification from the contractor.

4. Provide information on the normal time delivery time for chemicals. Provide method for emergency chemical deliveries.

5. A laboratory certified by the State shall perform laboratory work.

6. A written report of each analysis and inspection shall be submitted immediately upon completion of each analysis and/or inspection to include a summary report of treatment recommendations based on the analysis report. Each report will be submitted in duplicate to the boiler plant supervisor and to the COR.

7. Provide emergency response, including a site visit if requested, within 4 hours of request, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Maintain a toll-free (800) telephone number, email, and pager system for 24-hour access.

8. Respond to routine communications within 48 hours with a visit as necessary.

9. Failure to achieve required performance goals will be justification for termination of contract.

H. SUBMITTALS REQUIRED FOR ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

1. Three hard copies of all information.

2. Complete specification of all products: name, ingredients, control range, test procedures, physical state (liquid, powder, etc.), container size, method of delivery, compatibility with present materials being used, catalog data, MSDS sheets.

3. Products and quantities.

4. Personnel: Names, office address, resumes.

5. List of at least five customers with contact information.

6. Visit the site and meet with the boiler plant supervisor and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to discuss the existing conditions and the proposed plan for chemical treatment and monitoring of results.

I. Equipment List

1. Dallas VAMC

a. Three (3) Cleaver-Brooks Model DL-52 boilers rated at 32,000 lbs/hr stream flow (928 hp) at 128 psig equipped with Kentube economizers with stainless steel tubes.

b. One (1) Rentech heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) rated at 13,000 lb/hr steam unfired and 45,000 lb/hr steam fired at 125 psig equipped ETECH economizer with stainless steel tubes.

c. One (1) BFS Deaerator Tank (DAT) rated at 125,000 lb/hr.

d. Two (2) York YST steam turbine-driven centrifugal chillers (STCU) rated at 750 tons each.

e. Four (4) York R- 22 YK centrifugal chillers (CCU) rated at 1,000 tons each.

f. Two (2) Baltimore Air Cooler (BAC) model 31301A/V cooling towers rated at 1,000 tons each.

g. Six (6) BAC Model 4449-12-6 cooling towers rated at 1,000 tons each.

h. 3.25-million-gallon Thermal Storage Tank (TST) and chilled water (CHW) loop

i. One (1) York R-134a YK centrifugal chiller (CCU) rated at 1,500 tons

j. Water softener unit

k. Condensate return and DA sample cooler.

2. Garland VAMC

a. Two (2) Cleaver-Brooks Fire Tube boilers rated at 5,000 lb/hr steam flow (150 hp)

b. One (1) Cleaver-Brooks (DAT) rated at 15,000 lb/hr.

c. One (1) York R-22 (CCU) rated at 800 tons.

d. Two (2) York R-134a (CCU) rated at 800 tons

e. Six (6) Evapco cooling towers.

f. One (1) Marley cooling tower.

g. Water softener unit

h. Condensate return and DA sample cooler.

3. Bonham VAMC

a. Two (2) Superior boilers rated at 13,800 lb/hr steam flow (400 hp)

b. One (1) Superior boiler rated at 6,900 lb/hr steam flow (200 hp)

c. Four (4) Evapco cooling tower rated at 400 tons each

d. One (1) Deaerator Tank (DAT) Model number MSSDO35P140-110

e. One (1) York YK Centrifugal chiller R134a rated at 800 tons

f. One (1) York YK Centrifugal chiller R134a rated at 800 tons

g. One (1) York YK Centrifugal chiller R134a rated at 400 tons

h. Water softener unit

i. Condensate return and DA sample cooler.

J. TRANSITION

The contractor shall provide a transition plan for the treatment program for each site, that is anticipated to initiate services. The transition plan shall take into consideration the use of products currently onsite, the transition to new control, testing and monitoring equipment while maintaining the performance objectives. A timeline is required for each Location.

K. CHEMICAL FEED AND MONITORING EQUIPMENT

1. Chemical feed controller shall be web enabled, with a designated portal for customer to view system performance from any internet enabled device. Controller shall be capable of sending alarms via email or SMS to both customer and service rep for out of range conditions.

2. At a minimum, chemical feed controller shall monitor the following parameters: Fluorescent inhibitor monitoring in real-time, Flow, Temperature, conductivity, pH, ORP and Real-time corrosion monitoring.

3. Solid chemical controllers are allowed if controlled by fluorescent traced inhibitor. Non traced solid systems do not accurately and consistently dose systems on a flow induction basis; Trace control required.

4. Contractor and USRO staff must agree on controllers and monitoring equipment before ordering.

L. CHEMICAL STORAGE TANKS/FEEDERS:

1. Chemical storage tanks should be hands free delivery. Customer should not have to touch chemical on site.

2. Contractor shall provide double walled containment capable of containing 110% of the tank volume.

3. Chemical tank should have clear site gauge that allows for on-site personnel to read chemical tank levels easily and accurately.

4. Chemical feed tanks shall provide flooded suction to prevent priming issues. Electronic tank level monitoring is a plus.

5. Solid bromine feeders must be of appropriate design to avoid exothermic reactions, and purpose built for Bromine. Feeder must be mounted to the floor prior to operation for safety. Feeders must have a drain line for maintenance, and a solenoid valve for slug feeding operation.

6. Contractor and USRO staff must agree on tanks before ordering.

7. Maintenance of the tanks will be the responsibility of the Contractor unless damage to the equipment is due to negligence by the VA. Leaks due to faulty tank fittings or failed pump fittings/tubing shall be cleaned and repaired by the Contractor unless due to the negligence of the VA.

M. CHEMICAL FEED PUMPS:

1. Chemical pumps shall be positive displacement and pressure rated for the application. Degassing heads are required where loss of prime is possible. Biocide pumps shall be sized to deliver slug doses in a thirty (30) minute interval. Pressure rating to be 125% of maximum dynamic head pressure. Chemical pump heads shall include valving to allow for priming with discharge tubing back to the chemical container. Contractor and USRO staff must agree on the pumps before ordering.

N. EQUIPMENT:

1. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all materials of construction for equipment, feed lines, tanks and injection points are fully compatible with the chemical products employed and the pressures encountered. Any chemical feed tubing that runs overhead or near sensitive equipment such as electrical switchgear shall be double wall to avoid contact of chemical with equipment or personnel in close proximity. All equipment must be agreed by the contractor and USRO staff.

2. The contractor shall inspect and calibrate as necessary all equipment at each site during service visits and note in the service report that all equipment’s is in good working order or indicate which equipment is not good working order.

O. GLYCOL MONITORING

1. Supplier shall provide semi-annual glycol testing reports to ensure glycol levels meet site requirements for operations. Provide 3 Inhibited propylene glycol (95%) Dyed green, Food Grade, 55 – gal drum, per contract year.

P. MICROBIOLOGICAL MONITORING

1. Supplier shall provide the customer with data to confirm that biocide feed program is meeting performance objectives. The supplier shall provide the following Micro bio data each year of the contract:

a. Differential micro bio analysis – (2) per year for open loops. (1) Per year for closed loops. Lab reports must show Aerobic, Anaerobic, and Sulfate reducing, and denitrifying bacteria CFU counts. Pigmented Bacteria, Mucoid Bacteria, and Total Coliforms, E. Coli Pseudomonas counts are also preferred.

b. Legionella Analysis – Supplier must provide an annual legionella test during the summer months, to prove Legionella counts are <100 CFU/mL. Lab must be a CDC certified lab to ensure accuracy in case of litigation.

c. Bacteria Dip slides – Bio-San dip slides or similar to be used. Taken (1) per month for the condenser loop.

Q. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION

1. Inspection of treated systems shall be performed by the Supplier on a routine basis. Cooling towers that have open basins shall be inspected once per month during operation. Representative condenser heads shall be inspected annually. Representative condensers with enhanced tubes shall be inspected with the aid of a borescope and documented by photographs. All inspections shall be documented in writing and sent to facility as annual chiller inspection document. Additional inspections are to be performed at the request of the Customer. It is understood that equipment can only be inspected as made available by the Customer. Borescope to be provided by the chiller maintenance company.

R. OUT OF CONFORMANCE CONDITIONS

1. The supplier shall write a corrective action document for any parameter or lab analysis that is not in range. The documentation shall include the probable cause, adverse effect on the system and recommended course of action.

S. REQUIRED TECHNICAL SUBMITTALS FOLLOWING ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT

1. Chemical treatment for closed-loop systems, including installation and operating instructions. At start-up.

2. Chemical treatment for open condenser systems, including installation and operating instructions. At start-up.

3. Materials Safety Data Sheets for all chemical products.

4. Maintenance and operating instructions for all chemical feed and monitoring equipment provided by the contractor.

5. Chemical Treatment Operator’s Manual with log sheets, instructions and troubleshooting guidelines for each site. One week before start-up.

6. Insurance documents.

T. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION MANAL

1. The Supplier shall provide a manual outlining the control parameters, test instructions, product data sheets, emergency protocols for chemical spills/injuries, system descriptions, feed equipment manuals, a procedure for disinfecting the tower when work is to be performed in the tower, and Material Safety Data Sheets along with log sheets to enter the data must be provided and maintained up to date by the supplier. Supplier will be responsible for training the plant personnel in properly running tests and keeping records. Manual shall be provided no later than one week in advance of program initiation.

II. SECTION 2

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY REQUIREMENTS SECTION

A. GENERAL

Contractors, contractor personnel, subcontractors, and subcontractor personnel shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks as VA and VA personnel regarding information and information system security.

B. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

1. A contractor/subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA

2. information and VA information systems for their employees, subcontractors, and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or task order.

3. All contractors, subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with

4. VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations for contractors must be in accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

5. Contract personnel who require access to national security programs must have a valid security clearance. National Industrial Security Program (NISP) was established by Executive Order 12829 to ensure that cleared U.S. defense industry contract personnel safeguard the classified information in their possession while performing work on contracts, programs, bids, or research and development efforts. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not have a Memorandum of Agreement with Defense Security Service (DSS). Verification of a Security Clearance must be processed through the Special Security Officer located in the Planning and National Security Service within the Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness.

6. Custom software development and outsourced operations must be located in the U.S.

7. to the maximum extent practical. If such services are proposed to be performed abroad and are not disallowed by other VA policy or mandates, the contractor/subcontractor must state where all non-U.S. services are provided and detail a security plan, deemed to be acceptable by VA, specifically to address mitigation of the resulting problems of communication, control, data protection, and so forth. Location within the U.S. may be an evaluation factor.

8. The contractor or subcontractor must notify the Contracting Officer immediately when an employee working on a VA system or with access to VA information is reassigned or leaves the contractor or subcontractor’s employ. The Contracting Officer must also be notified immediately by the contractor or subcontractor prior to an unfriendly termination.

C. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

1. Information made available to the contractor or subcontractor by VA for the performance or administration of this contract or information developed by the contractor/subcontractor in performance or administration of the contract shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the prior written agreement of the VA. This clause expressly limits the contractor/subcontractor's rights to use data as described in Rights in Data General, FAR 52.227-14(d) (1).

2. VA information should not be co-mingled, if possible, with any other data on the

3. contractors/subcontractor’s information systems or media storage systems in order to ensure VA requirements related to data protection and media sanitization can be met. If co-mingling must be allowed to meet the requirements of the business need, the contractor must ensure that VA’s information is returned to the VA or destroyed in accordance with VA’s sanitization requirements. VA reserves the right to conduct onsite inspections of contractor and subcontractor IT resources to ensure data security controls, separation of data and job duties, and destruction/media sanitization procedures are in compliance with VA directive requirements.

4. Prior to termination or completion of this contract, contractor/subcontractor must not destroy information received from VA, or gathered/created by the contractor in the course of performing this contract without prior written approval by the VA. Any data destruction done on behalf of VA by a contractor/subcontractor must be done in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements as outlined in VA Directive 6300, Records and Information Management and its Handbook 6300.1 Records Management Procedures, applicable VA Records Control Schedules, and VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization. Self-certification by the contractor that the data destruction requirements above have been met must be sent to the VA Contracting Officer within 30 days of termination of the contract.

5. The contractor/subcontractor must receive, gather, store, back up, maintain, use,

6. disclose and dispose of VA information only in compliance with the terms of the contract and applicable Federal and VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations and policies. If Federal or VA information confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies become applicable to the VA information or information systems after execution of the contract, or if NIST issues or updates applicable FIPS or Special Publications (SP) after execution of this contract, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith to implement the information confidentiality and security laws, regulations, and policies in this contract.

7. The contractor/subcontractor shall not make copies of VA information except as

8. authorized and necessary to perform the terms of the agreement or to preserve electronic information stored on contractor/subcontractor electronic storage media for restoration in case any electronic equipment or data used by the contractor/subcontractor needs to be restored to an operating state. If copies are made for restoration purposes, after the restoration is complete, the copies must be appropriately destroyed.

9. If VA determines that the contractor has violated any of the information confidentiality,

10. privacy, and security provisions of the contract, it shall be sufficient grounds for VA to withhold payment to the contractor or third party or terminate the contract for default or terminate for cause under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 12.

11. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated

12. and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business

13. Associate Agreements. Absent an agreement to use or disclose protected health information, there is no business associate relationship.

14. The contractor/subcontractor must store, transport, or transmit VA sensitive information

15. in an encrypted form, using VA-approved encryption tools that are, at a minimum, FIPS 140-2 validated.

16. The contractor/subcontractor’s firewall and Web services security controls, if applicable,

17. shall meet or exceed VA’s minimum requirements. VA Configuration Guidelines are available upon request.

18. Except for uses and disclosures of VA information authorized by this contract for

19. performance of the contract, the contractor/subcontractor may use and disclose VA information only in two other situations: (i) in response to a qualifying order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) with VA’s prior written approval. The contractor/subcontractor must refer all requests for, demands for production of, or inquiries about, VA information and information systems to the VA contracting officer for response.

20. Notwithstanding the provision above, the contractor/subcontractor shall not release VA

21. records protected by Title 38 U.S.C. 5705, confidentiality of medical quality assurance records and/or Title 38 U.S.C. 7332, confidentiality of certain health records pertaining to drug addiction, sickle cell anemia, alcoholism or alcohol abuse, or infection with human immunodeficiency virus. If the contractor/subcontractor is in receipt of a court order or other requests for the above-mentioned information, that contractor/subcontractor shall immediately refer such court orders or other requests to the VA contracting officer for response.

22. For service that involves the storage, generating, transmitting, or exchanging of VA sensitive information but does not require C&A or an MOU-ISA for system interconnection, the contractor/subcontractor must complete a Contractor Security Control Assessment (CSCA) on a yearly basis and provide it to the COR.

D. GENERAL RULES OF BEHAVIOR

1. Rules of Behavior are part of a comprehensive program to provide complete

2. information security. These rules establish standards of behavior in recognition of the fact that knowledgeable users are the foundation of a successful security program. Users must understand that taking personal responsibility for the security of their computer and the information it contains is an essential part of their job.

3. The following rules apply to all VA contractors. I agree to:

a. Follow established procedures for requesting, accessing, and closing user accounts and access.

b. I will not request or obtain access beyond what is normally granted to users or by what is outlined in the contract.

c. Use only systems, software, databases, and data which I am authorized to use, including any copyright restrictions.

d. I will not use other equipment (OE) (non-contractor owned) for the storage, transfer, or processing of VA sensitive information without a VA CIO approved waiver, unless it has been reviewed and approved by local management and is included in the language of the contract. If authorized to use OE IT equipment, I must ensure that the system meets all applicable 6500 Handbook requirements for OE.

4. Not use my position of trust and access rights to exploit system controls or access information for any reason other than in the performance of the contract.

5. Not attempt to override or disable security, technical, or management controls unless expressly permitted to do so as an explicit requirement under the contract or at the direction of the COR or ISO. If I am allowed or required to have a local administrator account on a government-owned computer, that local administrative account does not confer me unrestricted access or use, nor the authority to bypass security or other controls except as expressly permitted by the VA CIO or CIO's designee.

6. Contractors’ use of systems, information, or sites is strictly limited to fulfill the terms of the contract. I understand no personal use is authorized. I will only use other Federal government information systems as expressly authorized by the terms of those systems. I accept that the restrictions under ethics regulations and criminal law still apply.

7. Grant access to systems and information only to those who have an official need to know.

8. Protect passwords from access by other individuals.

9. Create and change passwords in accordance with VA Handbook 6500 on systems and any devices protecting VA information as well as the rules of behavior and security settings for the particular system in question.

10. Protect information and systems from unauthorized disclosure, use, modification, or destruction. I will only use encryption that is FIPS 140-2 validated to safeguard VA sensitive information, both safeguarding VA sensitive information in storage and in transit regarding my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with the VA.

11. Follow VA Handbook 6500.1, Electronic Media Sanitization to protect VA information. I will contact the COR for policies and guidance on complying with this requirement and will follow the COR's orders.

12. Ensure that the COR has previously approved VA information for public dissemination, including e-mail communications outside of the VA as appropriate. I will not make any unauthorized disclosure of any VA sensitive information through the use of any means of communication including but not limited to e-mail, instant messaging, online chat, and web bulletin boards or logs. Not host, set up, administer, or run an Internet server related to my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with the VA unless explicitly authorized under the contract or in writing by the COR.

13. Protect government property from theft, destruction, or misuse. I will follow VA directives and handbooks on handling Federal government IT equipment, information, and systems. I will not take VA sensitive information from the workplace without authorization from the COR.

14. Only use anti-virus software, antispyware, and firewall/intrusion detection software authorized by VA. I will contact the COR for policies and guidance on complying with this requirement and will follow the COR's orders regarding my access to and use of any information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with VA.

15. Not disable or degrade the standard anti-virus software, antispyware, and/or firewall/intrusion detection software on the computer I use to access and use information assets or resources associated with my performance of services under the contract terms with VA. I will report anti-virus, antispyware, firewall or intrusion detection software errors, or significant alert messages to the COR.

16. Understand that restoration of service of any VA system is a concern of all users of the system.

17. Complete required information security and privacy training, and complete required training for the particular systems to which I require access.

E. NARA RECORDS MANAGEMENT LANGUAGE FOR CONTRACTS

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. VA North Texas Health Care System and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation.