36C25726B0001 | 549-23-601 Upgrade Chillers and Cooling Towers Energy at Energy Center

Amendment 0003 to solicitation 36C25726B0001 pertains to an energy center upgrade project focused on replacing and upgrading chillers and cooling towers at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility. The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Integrated Service Network 17, issued this special notice through the El Paso Contracting Office on April 23, 2026. The amendment extends the proposal submission deadline to May 7, 2026, at 10:00 CDT and incorporates applicable Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) clauses necessary for contract performance. This opportunity is set aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. The work falls under the Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors classification (NAICS 238220) and the Construction of Hospitals and Infirmaries product service code (Y1DA).

The primary objective of this amendment is to establish and clarify personnel security and credentialing requirements for contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work on this VA project. All contractor personnel requiring access to VA facilities or VA information systems must undergo background investigations and vetting appropriate to designated risk and sensitivity levels (Tier 1/Low Risk, Tier 2/Moderate Risk, Tier 3/Tier 5 for classified material access, or Tier 4/High Risk) in accordance with VAAR Clauses 852.204-70 and 852.204-72, both effective March 2026. Contractors are responsible for ensuring personnel receive appropriate vetting and credentialing before assignment, obtaining Personal Identity Verification (PIV) identification cards, and maintaining compliance with VA Directives 0735 and 0710. Contractors must submit quarterly status reports on all personnel holding PIV cards and immediately report any lost or stolen identification to government authorities with follow-up incident reports within 48 hours. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses interested in bidding must ensure full compliance with these personnel security requirements, recognizing that contractors remain fully responsible for contract performance regardless of personnel vetting delays or denials and must replace unsuitable personnel without government cost reimbursement.