Solicitation 36C25222Q0126.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. E-MAIL ADDRESS 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. DUNS: DUNS+4:

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. 2/2012)

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

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 67

578-22-1-6134-0025

36C25222Q0126 11-18-2021

Rob Knight Robert.Knight1@va.gov 11-26-2021

10:00 AM Local

Time 36C252

Department of Veterans Affairs

Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC)

115 S 84th Street, Suite 101

Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

X 100

X

561210

$41.5 Million

N/A

N/A

36C252

Department of Veterans Affairs

Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital

5000 South 5th Avenue

Hines IL 60141-5000

36C252

Department of Veterans Affairs

Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC)

115 S 84th Street, Suite 101

Milwaukee WI 53214-1476

Department of Veterans Affairs

Financial Services Center

PO Box 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971

877-353-9791 512-460-5540

See CONTINUATION Page

This contract provides for boiler operation services at the

Edward Hines, Jr. VA hospital. See Sections B.2 Price

Schedule and B.3 Performance Work Statement for specific requirements. This contract does not contain option periods.

The Service Contract Labor Standards Act applies to this contract. See Section D for the applicable Department of

Labor Wage Determination.

100% SDVOSB set-aside.

578-3620162-6134-851100-2548 0100501X3

X 1

Jeffrey Statz

36C25222Q0126

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA (continuation from Standard Form 1449)

OFFERORS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ALL INFORMATION DESIGNATED HEREIN

PRIOR TO THE TIME SPECIFIED IN BLOCK 8 OF SF 1449 IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED

FOR AWARD.

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

AMENDMENT NUMBER DATE

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

CONTRACTOR NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY-STATE-ZIP:

POINT OF CONTACT/TITLE:

OFFICE NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER:

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

DUNS NUMBER NO.

b. GOVERNMENT: JEFFREY STATZ, CONTRACTING OFFICER

ROBERT KNIGHT, CONTRACTING SPECIALIST

CONTRACTING OFFICE CODE: 36C252

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

GREAT LAKES ACQUISITION CENTER

115 S 84TH ST, SUITE 100

MILWAUKEE, WI 53214-1476

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with FAR 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC

FUNDS TRANSFER – SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018).

3. INVOICES:

a. Invoices shall be submitted monthly in arrears in accordance with: VAAR 852.232-72

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018).

b. Payments shall be made in arrears upon receipt of a properly prepared invoice.

c. The VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial

Services Center (VAFSC). VAFSC has partnered with Tungsten Network e-Invoicing network, for submissions of all electronic invoices to VA. Tungsten Network electronic invoicing is free to all VA vendors. In order to submit electronic invoices, all VA vendors must register with Tungsten Network by submitting an email to VA.Registration@Tungsten-

Network.com or calling 1-877-752-0900 option 2 for enrollment.

d. Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice by the tenth (10th) of the following month services were performed to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) e-

Invoice through the website at https://portal.Tungsten-Network.com/Login.aspx. For questions regarding the submission of VA electronic invoices, Tungsten Network customer service may be contacted at 1-877-489-6135.

e. All invoices shall reference the vendor name and address, customer name, contract number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services provided, quantity, unit price, and total invoice amount (any additional info). Invoices shall also include any payment discount terms.

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS (See SF1449 Block 18):

a. All invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR

852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018).

b. Facsimile, e-mail, and scanned documents are not acceptable forms of submission for payment requests.

c. VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System – The Veterans Affairs Financial

Services Center (VAFSC) uses a third-party contractor, Tungsten Network e-Invoice, to transition vendors from paper to electronic invoice submission. Please go to this website:

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

d. As of July 1, 2020, the VA10091 form has been eliminated and the VAFSC is requiring our vendors to update and add their information in the Customer Engagement Portal (CEP) at https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/. This is for new vendors being added to FMS only.

e. For assistance setting up e-Invoice, the below information is provided:

* Tungsten Network e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

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

* FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

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

5. CONTRACTING OFFICER AUTHORITY: The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements under this contract. The

Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to contract mailto:VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com mailto:VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com https://portal.tungsten-network.com/Login.aspx http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veterans-affairs-us/ https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ mailto:VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com mailto:vafsccshd@va.gov administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to issue changes or modifications that will affect price, quantity, or quality of performance of this contract. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in cost incurred thereof.

6. IDENTIFICATION, PARKING, SMOKING AND VA REGULATIONS: During any visit to any VA facility under the terms of this Contract, the Contractor, including its employees, agents, and subcontractors (collectively “the Contractor”), shall comply with all VA policies. Failure to comply with VA policies may be a violation of Federal law and may result in charge(s) answerable in the United States District Court. Specific policies include, but are not limited to:

a. Contractor Orientation: The Contractor shall attend an orientation prior to beginning any work under this Contract, at the COR’s discretion. This orientation may include the following topics: Contract terms and conditions; performance monitoring; badging procedures; safety; fire procedures; severe weather procedures; infection control; and other disaster procedures.

b. Check-in/Check-out Requirements: The Contractor’s employees and/or agents shall report in-person to the COR upon arrival and before departing the facility.

c. Safety – Infection Control Risk Assessment (“ICRA”) Requirements: During the performance of this Contract, the Contractor shall follow all ICRA requirements, as set forth by the infection control staff.

d. Safety – OSHA Requirements: The Contractor shall comply with all OSHA requirements while performing work under this Contract at any VA facility, including: use of personal protective equipment; proper placement of caution signs; and providing the COR with all

Safety Data Sheets, as applicable, prior to beginning any work under this Contract.

e. Parking: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the VA Police Section. The VA will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions.

f. Drug-free Policy: All VA facilities are drug-free.

g. Non-smoking Policy: Smoking is prohibited on the entire campus, both inside and outside the

VA Facility.

h. Weapons Prohibited: Possession of any type of weapon on VA property is prohibited.

Enclosed containers, including tool kits, are subject to search without consent while on VA property.

i. Protection of Government Property: The Contractor shall take care to protect persons and personal/Government property while on VA property, including removal of all trash and debris at the completion of any job, and otherwise keeping the work area clean at all times.

The Contractor shall be liable for any injuries and/or damage caused by the Contractor, including its employees and agents (including any subcontractors), to include all reasonable costs for medical treatment and/or damage repair. Any injuries and/or damage caused by the

Contractor shall immediately be reported to the COR.

j. VHA DIRECTIVE 1192.01: This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) directive establishes policy and provides guidance for the prevention of seasonal influenza in VHA facilities through the vaccination or masking of health care personnel (HCP). AUTHORITY:

Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) 7301(b), 7318(b). Contractor is responsible for providing face masks and influenza vaccines for all employees working at a VA facility. If

Directive 1192.01 is applicable the Contractor, in conjunction with the COR, is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of this directive are implemented.

7. VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

FOR FEDERAL CONTRACTORS:

a. Contractor employees who work in or travel to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) locations must comply with the following documentation requirements:

1) If fully vaccinated, show proof of vaccination. Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a healthcare provider or pharmacy, a copy of the

COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, 09/03/20), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

2) If unvaccinated and granted a medical or religious exception, show a negative COVID-19 test result dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. The test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA-approved over-the-counter test.

3) Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to

VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by a Contracting Officer Representative

(COR) or other hospital personnel.

4) Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with Federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

b. Contractor employees are subject to the following COVID-19 screening requirements:

1) Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process, contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19

Screening Tool. Contractors shall check regularly for updates.

https://www.va.gov/covid19screen/

2) Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients, shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool in advance each day that they will have direct patient contact. In addition, contractor employees shall comply with the procedures set forth by the person(s) responsible for coordinating COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces.

Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with Federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

c. Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA facilities.

d. See also FAR 52.223-99 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal

Contractors (OCT 2021), in Section C.

8. SECURITY & PRIVACY CONTROL:

a. Badging: All contractor personnel must obtain a Non-PIV identification badge to perform work under this contract. A Non-PIV credential is a VA identification card containing a photograph issued to persons that require unsupervised, logical and/or physical access for less than 6 months OR less than 180 aggregate days in a one-year period.

All contractor employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA Sensitive Information. The level of background investigation commensurate with the level of access needed to perform in accordance with the Performance

Work Statement is the Special Agreement Check (SAC). This requirement is applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same access. A SAC is an automated records check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in collaboration with the Office of

Personnel Management. The Contractor is responsible for paying all fees arising from the

SAC at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR to complete the badging process.

b. Physical Security: The Contractor shall not permit its employees, including subcontractor employees, to open desk drawers, cabinets, or to use office equipment, including the use of non-pay telephones, for any purpose other than required for normal performance of duties in this contract.

c. Contract Security: The following requirements are excerpted from Appendix C of VA

Handbook 6500.6 – Contract Security, dated March 12, 2010:

1. 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.

2. ACCESS TO VA INFORMATION AND VA INFORMATION SYSTEMS

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

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

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.

e. 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.

3. VA INFORMATION CUSTODIAL LANGUAGE

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

g. If a VHA contract is terminated for cause, the associated BAA must also be terminated and appropriate actions taken in accordance with VHA Handbook 1600.01, Business

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

6. SECURITY INCIDENT INVESTIGATION

a. The term “security incident” means an event that has, or could have, resulted in unauthorized access to, loss or damage to VA assets, or sensitive information, or an action that breaches VA security procedures. The contractor/subcontractor shall immediately notify the COTR and simultaneously, the designated ISO and Privacy

Officer for the contract of any known or suspected security/privacy incidents, or any unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including that contained in system(s) to which the contractor/subcontractor has access.

b. To the extent known by the contractor/subcontractor, the contractor/subcontractor’s notice to VA shall identify the information involved, the circumstances surrounding the incident (including to whom, how, when, and where the VA information or assets were placed at risk or compromised), and any other information that the contractor/subcontractor considers relevant.

c. With respect to unsecured protected health information, the business associate is deemed to have discovered a data breach when the business associate knew or should have known of a breach of such information. Upon discovery, the business associate must notify the covered entity of the breach. Notifications need to be made in accordance with the executed business associate agreement.

d. In instances of theft or break-in or other criminal activity, the contractor/subcontractor must concurrently report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement entity (or entities) of jurisdiction, including the VA OIG and Security and Law Enforcement. The contractor, its employees, and its subcontractors and their employees shall cooperate with

VA and any law enforcement authority responsible for the investigation and prosecution of any possible criminal law violation(s) associated with any incident. The contractor/subcontractor shall cooperate with VA in any civil litigation to recover VA information, obtain monetary or other compensation from a third party for damages arising from any incident, or obtain injunctive relief against any third party arising from, or related to, the incident.

7. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR DATA BREACH

a. Consistent with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. §5725, a contract may require access to sensitive personal information. If so, the contractor is liable to VA for liquidated damages in the event of a data breach or privacy incident involving any SPI the contractor/ subcontractor processes or maintains under this contract. However, it is the policy of VA to forgo collection of liquidated damages in the event the contractor provides payment of actual damages in an amount determined to be adequate by the agency.

b. The contractor/subcontractor shall provide notice to VA of a “security incident” as set forth in the Security Incident Investigation section above. Upon such notification, VA must secure from a non-Department entity or the VA Office of Inspector General an independent risk analysis of the data breach to determine the level of risk associated with the data breach for the potential misuse of any sensitive personal information involved in the data breach. The term 'data breach' means the loss, theft, or other unauthorized access, or any access other than that incidental to the scope of employment, to data containing sensitive personal information, in electronic or printed form, that results in the potential compromise of the confidentiality or integrity of the data. Contractor shall fully cooperate with the entity performing the risk analysis. Failure to cooperate may be deemed a material breach and grounds for contract termination.

c. Each risk analysis shall address all relevant information concerning the data breach, including the following:

(1) Nature of the event (loss, theft, unauthorized access);

(2) Description of the event, including:

(a) date of occurrence;

(b) data elements involved, including any PII, such as full name, social security number, date of birth, home address, account number, disability code;

(3) Number of individuals affected or potentially affected;

(4) Names of individuals or groups affected or potentially affected;

(5) Ease of logical data access to the lost, stolen or improperly accessed data in light of the degree of protection for the data, e.g., unencrypted, plain text;

(6) Amount of time the data has been out of VA control;

(7) The likelihood that the sensitive personal information will or has been compromised (made accessible to and usable by unauthorized persons);

(8) Known misuses of data containing sensitive personal information, if any;

(9) Assessment of the potential harm to the affected individuals;

(10) Data breach analysis as outlined in 6500.2 Handbook, Management of

Security and Privacy Incidents, as appropriate; and

(11) Whether credit protection services may assist record subjects in avoiding or mitigating the results of identity theft based on the sensitive personal information that may have been compromised.

d. Based on the determinations of the independent risk analysis, the contractor shall be responsible for paying to the VA liquidated damages in the amount of $1,500.00 per affected individual to cover the cost of providing credit protection services to affected individuals consisting of the following:

(1) Notification;

(2) One year of credit monitoring services consisting of automatic daily monitoring of at least 3 relevant credit bureau reports;

(3) Data breach analysis;

(4) Fraud resolution services, including writing dispute letters, initiating fraud alerts and credit freezes, to assist affected individuals to bring matters to resolution;

(5) One year of identity theft insurance with $20,000.00 coverage at $0 deductible; and

(6) Necessary legal expenses the subjects may incur to repair falsified or damaged credit records, histories, or financial affairs.

9. TRAINING

a. All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

(1) Sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Contractor Rules of Behavior, Appendix E relating to access to VA information and information systems;

(2) Successfully complete the VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of

Behavior training and annually complete required security training;

(3) Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training and annually complete required privacy training; and

(4) Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access [to be defined by the VA program official and provided to the contracting officer for inclusion in the solicitation document – e.g., any role-based information security training required in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-16, Information Technology Security Training Requirements.]

b. The contractor shall provide to the contracting officer and/or the COTR a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Contractor Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within 1 week of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

c. Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and sign the Rules of Behavior annually, within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training and documents are complete.

[Rest of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS: This Request for Quote (RFQ) solicitation is issued under the authority of FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 Simplified

Acquisition Procedures. FAR Part 15 will not be used. The procedures in Part 12 used in conjunction with Part 13 allow the Government to procure services resembling those in the commercial marketplace and streamline the procurement process. From this RFQ, the Government intends to award a firm fixed price contract where the contractor provides a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. (Note: The terms “offeror” and “quoter” are both used in this Solicitation. For the purposes of this Solicitation, these terms are interchangeable; there is no difference in meaning between the two.)

TIMELINE:

• Site Visit Deadline: As scheduled with the COR, see below. Deadline for all site visits is

Monday, November 22, 2021.

• Solicitation Questions Deadline: Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 5:00 p.m. Local Time. Answers will be posted by Solicitation Amendment on Contract Opportunities.

• Solicitation Closes/Quotes Due: Friday, November 26, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Local Time.

SITE VISIT: Potential quoters may schedule a site visit with the COR, Joe Tumpis, by contacting him via e-mail at joseph.tumpis@va.gov no later than Friday, November 19, 2021, 4:00 p.m. Local Time. All site visits shall be completed by Monday, November 22, 2021, Close of Business. PLEASE NOTE THAT

WHILE ON CAMPUS, ALL PERSONS SHALL COMPLY WITH VA COVID PROTOCOLS,

INCLUDING THE WEARING OF MASKS INSIDE ANY VAMC BUILDING AND WHILE

TRAVELING IN VEHICLES DURING THE SITE VISIT. It is strongly suggested and expected that the potential quoter inspect the campus to be serviced to fully understand the nature of the work and the conditions under which the work is to be performed, but attending the site visit is not required to submit a quote. In no case shall failure to attend a site visit or otherwise inspect the campus constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

RFQ QUESTIONS: In order to maintain the integrity of this solicitation and subsequent award, all potential quoters shall submit questions regarding this solicitation via e-mail to Contract Specialist Rob

Knight at Robert.Knight1@va.gov by Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 5:00 p.m. Local Time. Answers will be issued via a consolidated response by solicitation amendment posted on Contract Opportunities, available at https://sam.gov/content/opportunities.

SUBMISSION OF QUOTE: Quoters shall submit their quote by e-mail to Contract Specialist Rob

Knight at Robert.Knight1@va.gov by Friday, November 26, 2021, 10:00 a.m. Local Time. Please limit graphics or excessively large files during quote submission. The VA has a maximum allowable incoming email size limitation, including attachments, of seven (7) megabytes. Quoters submitting responses via email that exceed 7 megabytes shall split their response into multiple email messages so as to not exceed the maximum allowable email size limitation. The VA may not consider late responses due to undelivered e-mails that exceed 7 megabytes.

mailto:joseph.tumpis@va.gov mailto:Robert.Knight1@va.gov https://sam.gov/content/opportunities mailto:Robert.Knight1@va.gov

Quotes shall include the following information to be evaluated for contract award. Incomplete quotes will be considered non-conforming and will not be considered, pursuant to FAR 13.106-2(b)(3).

(1) Price: Complete SECTION B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE.

(2) Technical Capability: The quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government’s requirements detailed in Sections B.2 Price Schedule and B.3 Performance

Work Statement. The quote shall contain the following information regarding the Operators proposed for service under this contract, as set forth in Section B.3, subparagraph 2.1 Operator Qualification:

a. a copy of each Operator’s current, valid Stationary Engineer’s License;

b. a summary of each Operator’s experience operating high-pressure boilers; and

c. a summary of each Operator’s familiarity with Cleaver-Brooks boilers.

(3) Prior Experience: Submit information, if any, of contracts providing services similar to the requirements of this Contract. Information should include contract number, dates of service, and a point-of-contact with a telephone number or e-mail address. For evaluation purposes, a lack of prior experience will not disqualify a company.

(4) SDVOSB Status: This contract is a 100% set-aside for SDVOSBs. The quotation shall indicate whether the quoter is registered and verified in the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database, available at https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/, at time of quotation submission and contract award, if applicable. In addition, the quoter shall meet the federal small business size standards for the North American

Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this solicitation, as set forth in Block 10 of Page 1.

(5) Administrative Information:

a. Complete SF1449 blocks 17a, 30a, 30b, and 30c on Page 1;

b. Complete Acknowledgment of Amendments (if any), on Page 2; and

c. Complete subsection 1a, Contractor information, on Page 2.

(6) Representations & Certifications:

a. Complete the certification found under clause VAAR 852.219-77(d), VA Notice of Limitations on

Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction, found in Section C. The

Government will not consider quotes that do not provide this certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

b. Complete the representation found under provision FAR 52.204-24(d), Representation Regarding

Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, found in Section E.

c. Complete the representations and certifications as directed under provision FAR 52.212-3, Offeror

Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items, found in Section E.

https://www.vetbiz.va.gov/vip/

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE

Period of Performance: 12 Weeks from Issuance of the Notice to Proceed

Line

Item

Number

Item Description Qty Unit Unit Price Total

Amount

Provide Boiler Plant Operations

Services (1st qualified Operator full-time)

480* Hours $_____ $_____

Provide Boiler Plant Operations

Services (2nd qualified Operator full-time)

480* Hours $_____ $_____

Provide Boiler Plant Operations

Services (3rd qualified Operator full-time)

480* Hours $_____ $_____

Program Management, Coordination, Mobilization and

Closeout.

1 Job $_____ $_____

TOTAL PRICE: $________

*This quantity anticipates 12 weeks of full-time (40 hours per week) boiler plant operations services per qualified operator, divided into 5 shifts per week (8 hours per shift) per operator. This rate remains constant regardless of the time or date of the shift, i.e., no premium rates for night or weekend shifts.

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 Overview.

The purpose of this nonpersonal services contract (see FAR 37.104) is to provide industrial-level

Boiler Plant Operation services at the Hines Veteran Affairs Medical Campus (“Hines”), Building

205, Hines, Illinois 60141. The Hines Boiler Plant (the “Plant”) houses four Cleaver-Brooks 35,000 lb/hr water tube boilers with a normal header pressure of 125psi and typically remains in operation 24 hours per day, every day. The services to be provided under this contract do not require Government supervision of contractor employees and are ancillary to Hines’ mission of providing healthcare to veterans.

The Contractor shall provide three fully qualified Boiler Operators (“Operators”) to safely operate the

Plant with all of its associated equipment in order to produce and distribute high-pressure steam at

Hines. It is expected that the Contractor shall provide no more than four different Operators for the duration of the Period of Performance to ensure continuity and safety of Plant operations. Safe operation of the Plant is paramount; Operators shall not compromise safety under any circumstances.

2.0 General Requirements.

2.1 Operator Qualifications. A fully qualified Operator shall possess the following attributes, which shall be documented by the Contractor and provided to the Government within five business days of receiving a request for such documentation:

• a current, valid Stationary Engineer’s License;

• experience operating high-pressure boilers;

• thorough familiarity with Cleaver-Brooks boilers;

• a clear criminal record – no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions for assaultive behavior or crimes of moral turpitude; and

• the following physical qualifications:

o able to frequently lift 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using proper lifting technique to prevent injury;

o climb ladders and work at heights, i.e., no dizziness, vertigo, or any condition that would interfere with this ability;

o work in confined spaces, i.e., no claustrophobia or any condition that would interfere with this ability;

o work in heat, often over 100○F;

o work in a noisy environment requiring hearing protection for multiple hours;

o ability to identify and mitigate exposure to hazardous materials, including but not limited to asbestos, machine parts, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes;

o ability to work while wearing an OSHA-approved, properly fit-tested respirator for multiple hours;

o stand for multiple hours and bend over numerous times per shift;

o hear well enough to distinguish different audible alarms; and o eyesight correctable to 20/20 in at least one eye, unimpaired depth perception, and without red/green colorblindness.

2.2 On-site Training. Prior to standing shift alone, each Operator shall work with the Plant

Supervisor or their designee to ensure that, in the Plant Supervisor’s sole discretion, the

Operator competently executes all required tasks related to safe operation of the Plant. It is anticipated that this training process will take approximately 40 hours per Operator, but this period may be reduced or extended in the Plant Supervisor’s sole discretion. Should an

Operator be found unfit to perform the required services under this contract, in the Plant

Supervisor’s sole discretion, the Contractor shall provide a replacement Operator and shall not bill the Government for the time spent training the unfit Operator. In addition, the

Contractor shall not bill the Government for the time spent training more than four Operators.

2.3 Additional VA Training. All Operators providing services under this contract shall complete the online VA training course Safe Steaming 1 & 2 prior to beginning any work under this contract, at no additional cost to the Government. It is anticipated that each Operator will require 8-10 total hours to complete this course. The Government will provide a computer terminal for the Operators’ use at no additional cost to the Contractor.

2.4 OSHA/NFPA Training. All Operators providing services under this contract shall be trained in the following procedure prior to beginning any work under this contract:

• OSHA Hazard Communication Training including Safety Data Sheets (SDS);

• OSHA Lockout/tagout procedures (VA will provide training in site and equipment specific requirements); and

• NFPA 70E (latest edition) Standard for electrical safety in the workplace.

2.5 Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”). All Operators providing services under this contract shall wear, at no additional cost to the Government, the following PPE:

• arc-rated or natural fiber long pants and long sleeve shirt;

• OSHA approved steel toed foot gear (work-boots) – reference OSHA foot protection standard 29 FR 1910.136, which requires that the American National Standard Institute

(ANSI) standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967;

• hearing protection; and

• eye protection.

2.6 VA Policies/Procedures & Industry Standards Compliance. All work performed under this contract shall comply with the following:

• VHA Directive 1810 (1), as amended September 11, 2018 – Boiler and Boiler Plant

Operations;

• VHA Safety Device Safety Device Testing Manual 5th edition;

• VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, Fifth Edition

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, latest edition;

• Hines Directive 578-12-138A-078 – Boiler Plant Operations;

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 85 Boiler and Combustion Systems

Hazards Code, latest edition; and

• NFPA 70E Standard for electrical safety in the workplace, latest edition.

2.7 Coordination with VA Personnel. Once approved by the Plant Supervisor, Operators shall operate without VA supervision in accordance with the shift schedule promulgated by the

Plant Supervisor, including any check-in/check-out procedures set forth by the Plant

Supervisor. The Plant will have a minimum of one qualified operator for each shift.

Operators will be provided contact telephone numbers for coordination and emergency purposes. Operators shall not leave the plant unattended under any circumstances while on shift. The Contractor shall ensure that all shifts assigned to its personnel are covered.

2.8 Shift Scheduling. Shift assignments will typically be scheduled approximately two weeks in advance, subject to change based on the needs of the facility, in the Plant Supervisor’s sole discretion.

2.9 Hours of Coverage. The Operators will work in conjunction with qualified VA personnel to provide coverage for all three daily 8-hour shifts, to include all weekends and holidays.

Overtime, defined as work performed by a particular Operator in excess of 40 hours for a given week (Sunday-Saturday), will be authorized in advance by the COR on a case-by-case basis, but only after a properly ratified bilateral contract modification is executed in accordance with FAR 52.212-4(c). In no case shall an Operator work overtime without a previously awarded contract modification covering such overtime.

2.10 Daily Reporting. At the conclusion of each shift or any other work performed by Contractor personnel under this contract, each Operator shall submit a written daily report to designated

VA personnel. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary that may appear on the

Contractor’s standard forms, these reports will be conditionally accepted by the Government subject to later inspection, in the Government’s sole discretion. These reports shall contain the following:

• specific tasks(s) performed;

• preventive maintenance performed, including the exact location of the system or device serviced

• an itemized nomenclature list of all parts replaced (if any), including equipment identification, i.e., serial number;

• a description of all items requiring further attention; and

• the name(s) of the technician(s) performing the work.

2.11 Billing. In addition to a daily report, Operators shall complete a daily timecard for all work performed under this contract. The Contractor shall compile these timecards and provide them to the COR with monthly billing statements. The rate set forth in the Price Schedule

(Section B.2) remains constant regardless of the time or date of the shift, i.e., no premium rates for night or weekend shifts. The Contractor may bill for properly authorized Operator overtime at 1½ times the rate set forth in the Price Schedule.

2.12 Parts/Equipment. Unless specifically noted otherwise within this contract, the Government will provide all necessary parts and equipment for proper operation of the Plant.

2.13 Contractor Contact Information. The Contractor shall provide contact information, to include name, title, and telephone numbers for routine and emergency (24/7) use.

2.14 Damages and Compensation. The Contractor shall compensate the Government for the cost of repairing any damage caused by negligent or intentional action by its personnel. The

Contractor shall not be liable for any damage that could not have been reasonably foreseen by its personnel.

3.0 Specific Operator Duties.

3.1 Overview. A fully qualified Operator shall be responsible for safe operation of the Plant during their shift, including accomplishment of the various tasks set forth in this subsection.

3.2 Basic Responsibilities. Each Operator shall be capable of performing the following tasks when required:

• Lighting off, warming up, placing in service, and shutting down the boilers;

• Firing on each of the available fuels: natural gas and diesel fuel oil;

• Operating all Plant equipment and controls, including startup and shutdown;

• Gradual warmup of hot piping system and placing it into service;

• Maintaining water quality to protect the equipment and piping from damage;

• Handling malfunctions and emergency situations, to include emergency or backup generator operation in the central Plant;

• Collecting and organizing the equipment and Plant performance records;

• Routine equipment maintenance;

• Preparation of equipment for inspections;

• Operation and testing of all safety devices and control equipment; and

• Facilitating and monitoring the receipt of fuels and supplies.

3.3 Specific Tasks. The chart below sets forth the typical tasks that each Operator may be required to perform during each shift, as annotated. This chart is not all-inclusive; the

Operator shall use sound professional judgment in responding to unanticipated situations.

Record or perform task at required interval:

• M = Monthly

• D = Daily

• S = Once per Shift

• H = Hourly

• AR = As Required

Maintain overall plant operation (Logs must be taken by hand even if automatic logs or SCADA system is in place).

H

2 Record tag number of equipment with any issues. H

Monitor inlet and outlet temperature and pressure of all equipment, Condensate, DA, economizer, boiler etc.

H

4 Monitor inlet and outlet pressure of all operating pumps. H

Monitor Plant temperature, outside air temperature, and exhaust gas temperature

(before and after economizer if installed).

H

6 Monitor fuel flow and firing rate for each boiler online. H

7 Monitor steam flow to the medical center H

8 Make up water meter totalizer and condensate return rate. H

9 Monitor fuel train pressures and flows for each boiler that is online. H

10 Monitor boiler pressure and temperature. H

11 Note any leaks, system problems, abnormal operating conditions etc. H

Monitor header pressure, temperature, and if branches pressure and temperature of each branch leaving the plant.

H

13 Monitor other readings as required or determined by the VA medical facility. H

14 Calculate boiler combustion efficiency. S

15 Blow down water columns. D

16 Testing and adjusting water treatment. D

17 Test the flame scanner for proper operation. M

18 Test the low-water cutoff (slow drain) for proper operation. M

19 Fire each boiler and the pilot on the alternate fuel for 1 hour. M

20 Test the auxiliary low-water cut-off (slow drain). M

21 Test the high-water alarm. M

22 Test the low-water alarm. M

Operation of all equipment at the highest cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This means maintaining pressures, temperatures, and fuel consumption at the minimum necessary for the proper operation of the equipment, plant, and connected loads.

S

24 Restart boiler after a safety shut down. AR

25 Take appropriate action when there is a low water alarm on boiler. AR

26 Take appropriate action when there is a loss of water in deaerator. AR

27 Take appropriate action when there is a loss of water in condensate tank. AR

28 Take appropriate action when there is a loss of electrical power. AR

29 Take appropriate action when there is a loss of water supplied to boiler room. AR

30 Take appropriate action when there is a loss of water to one boiler. AR

31 Bypass water around deaerator. AR

32 Bypass water around condensate tank. AR

33 Bypass water around softener. AR

34 Perform mud drum blowdown. AR

35 Regenerate water softener (this may require filling with salt). AR

36 Take appropriate action when there is a CO/Combustible alarm in boiler plant. AR

Understand and follow standard and emergency Boiler and Boiler Plant operating procedures.

AR

Properly respond to all alarms, including without limitation: fire, emergency generator, medical Air/Oxygen/Vacuum, etc.

AR

3.4 Reporting Emergency Operation Issues. If any issues arise that may result in the loss of steam pressure, steam volume, or otherwise pose a threat to life, limb, or property, and the on-duty Operator cannot resolve the issue in a timely manner, the Operator shall immediately contact, in order of priority: (1) the Boiler Plant Supervisor; (2) the Chief Engineer; (3) the

Assistant Chief Engineer; or (4) anyone else on the list of contacts provided by Hines.

3.5 Malfunctioning Safety Devices. The on-duty Operator shall immediately report any malfunctioning safety device to the Boiler Plant Supervisor via telephone, detailing the nature of the problem and any steps taken in mitigation, followed by an e-mail to the Boiler Plant

Supervisor, and documentation in the daily log as set forth below.

3.6 Daily Logs. At the beginning of each shift, Operators shall review the daily log with the

Operator standing shift before them as part of the shift turnover process. While maintaining the daily log, the on-duty Operator shall document any significant issues, including without limitation: equipment failures; repairs made; operational difficulties; unusual operational conditions; and any malfunctioning safety devices. Off-going Operators shall review the daily log with the oncoming Operator as part of the shift turnover process.

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SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

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

ITEMS (OCT 2018)

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

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

(d) 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 at FAR

52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(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 such as, 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.