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

This Special Notice (36C25726B0001) concerns the upgrade of chillers and cooling towers at an energy center and was issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 through its El Paso Contracting Office. Amendment 0003 has been released to extend the proposal submission deadline and incorporate applicable Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) clauses. The work falls under the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors category (NAICS 238220) and is classified as construction of hospital and infirmary facilities. The solicitation is set aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, limiting competition to this designated contractor category. This amendment represents a formal update to the existing solicitation terms and conditions.

The primary objective of this amendment is to extend the proposal due date to May 7, 2026 at 10:00 CDT and establish mandatory personnel security and credentialing requirements for all contractor and subcontractor personnel. All personnel requiring access to VA facilities or information systems must comply with VAAR clauses 852.204-70 and 852.204-72, which mandate background investigations and Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card issuance based on designated risk levels (Tier 1 through Tier 5). Contractors must ensure compliance with VA Directives 0735 and 0710 regarding homeland security and personnel security protocols, submit quarterly status reports on PIV card holders, and immediately remove any employee deemed unfit for access. Contractors bear full responsibility for meeting all contract performance requirements despite any vetting delays or denials, and the government will not reimburse costs associated with personnel replacement or loss of identification materials. Only Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses are eligible to submit proposals for this opportunity.