H246--608-21-3-4808-0244- Water Testing for Sterile Processing Service base plus 4

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Sources Sought Notice Obtain a qualified vendor to provide Water Testing for Sterile Processing Service (SPS) at the Manchester VAMC

This is a Sources Sought notice and not a request for quotes. This request is solely for the purpose of conducting market research to enhance VHA s understanding of your company s offered services and capabilities. The Government will not pay any costs for responses submitted in response to this Source Sought Notice.

This Sources Sought notice provides an opportunity for respondents to submit their capability and availability to provide the service requirement described below. Vendors are being invited to submit information relative to their potential to fulfill this requirement, in the form of a capability response that addresses the specific requirement identified in this Sources Sought, please ensure that you indicate your DUNS number on your response.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking to obtain a qualified vendor to provide Water Testing for Sterile Processing Service (SPS) at the Manchester VAMC per the general requirements below. The standard of services shall be of quality; meeting or exceeding those outlined in the general performance work statement as described below.

Refer to the Performance Work Statement section below for the requested service description. This Sources Sought is to facilitate the Contracting Officer s review of the market base, for acquisition planning, size determination, and procurement strategy.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Water Testing for Sterile Processing Service (SPS)

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this contract is to obtain water testing services for the Manchester Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), located at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH 03104. The primary goal is to meet the Veterans Affairs National Program Office for Sterile Processing (NPOSP/10NC6) guidance that requires testing and monitoring per AAMI ST-79 TIR 34.

REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to accomplish each listed task in this statement of work to accomplish the requirements of the VAMC.

Water Sample Collection

The Contractor will collect water samples from two designated sampling points within the facility Sterile Processing Service (SPS). Sample parameters and frequency will be in accordance with Table 1 in this document. Refer to AAMI TIR34 for more details on testing requirements.

Sample points will be for SPS critical water as defined by AAMI TIR34. This currently includes two separate deionized water supplies (i.e. two sample points) that feed the decontamination sinks and washer/disinfector in SPS. Samples can be collected from the existing port for the washer and any faucet on the sink.

Both existing sample points are in the decontamination side of SPS which requires specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) to enter. The contractor will be required to don all appropriate PPE which will be provided by the VAMC upon entry.

Samples are to be collected and received/accepted by the testing laboratory within 24 hours. Contractor to ensure samples arrive during the laboratory s normal operating hours.

The contractor will be required to schedule water sample collection with the COR.

Contractor staff collecting samples be will be trained and follow SM 9060 for potable water sample collection.

Water Sample Analysis

Sample analysis will be conducted by a laboratory that holds current accreditation for each analyte and method.

Results Reporting

The VAMC will be provided with a copy of the sample chain of custody and laboratory results reports. Turnaround times (TAT) for results reporting are listed Table 1. Results may be provided to designated VAMC points of contact via email.

Additionally, the contractor will provide a copy of the standardized testing process for each parameter for government review prior to work start. This process must be followed each time the samples are taken a report furnished to the VA stating that the testing was done in accordance with the approved procedures.

Results reports will include the name of the laboratory that performed the analysis, test method, sample source name and location, the date and time the sample was collected, received and analyzed.

The Contactor will notify the VAMC of any samples that exceed hold time or temperature, whereupon the VAMC will determine whether to proceed with analysis or have the Contractor resample at no additional cost to the VAMC.

Resample/Additional Samples

If any samples results are above the specifications of AAMI TIR34, the VAMC may request additional samples be collected outside the regular sample frequency. The Contractor will have 7 days upon notice by the VAMC to resample or collect additional samples.

Responses

The Contractor will respond to basic inquiries and clarifications of sample results within 6 hours of inquiry from the VAMC. The Contract will notify the VAMC 14 days in advance to schedule regular sample collection. The Contractor will coordinate timing with the COR so SPS operations are not impacted. This may mean testing has to occur off-tour.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE

The Contractor is responsible for supplying all needed materials and supplies to carry out work under this contract.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor has an ongoing obligation throughout the Period of Performance to notify the VA Contracting Officer immediately and in writing, upon its loss (or any of its subcontractors) of any required certification, accreditation, or licensure.

Contractor shall follow VA requirements for physical and information security. Contractor s assigned employees will be subject to background investigation and shall obtain temporary contractor badging for all employees servicing the contract prior to performing site work.

All work (except for street sweeping) will be performed between the hours of 7:00am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, except where off hours are specified. Off hours and weekend work may be requested of the VAMC Contract Officer s Representative (COR) with a 48-hour request notice.

The provisions of all applicable OSHA, EPA, and all Federal, State, and local regulations shall be followed throughout the course of this project.

Contractor vehicles, including those of their employees, are to be parked at the end of Lot E . This parking lot is located by the salt shed at the north end of campus. No vehicles will be allowed to park around buildings or at loading dock areas. Loading docks are available for use for unloading and loading of materials and tools then must be moved to parking lot E .

Smoking is not permitted on campus.

SAFTEY REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor will comply with all OSHA, NEC, as well as all national, federal, and state requirements as needed. Contractor will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout work. Contractor will comply with Infection Control requirements to include, but not limited to wearing a surgical mask and/or shield as required.

REFERENCES/ATTACHMENTS

Table 1

EVALUATION (required for review prior to award)

Pass/Fail

Item

Staff organization chart showing all personnel who will be working on the project and their capacity/function.

Staff qualifications, training, accreditations, and licenses

Proof of contractor competency/training

Proof of laboratory qualifications

Table 1 Water Quality Monitoring

Characteristic

Test Type

Test Frequency

Results TAT

Bacteria

Heterotrophic plate count (HPC)

SM 9215

Monthly

72 hours of laboratory sample receipt

pH

pH meter field test

Monthly

14 days of laboratory sample receipt

Endotoxins*

LAL Kinetic Chromogenic Assay

On installation, modification, or

repair of the Critical Water treatment system or when persistent increased microbial levels are detected by HPC, ATP, or TOC

14 days of laboratory sample receipt

Total organic carbon (TOC)

SM 5310

Quarterly

14 days of laboratory sample receipt

Hardness

Total Hardness as CaCO3 per Method 200.7

Annually

14 days of laboratory sample receipt

Ionic contaminants (chloride, iron, copper, manganese)

Method 200.7

Annually

14 days of laboratory sample receipt

*Contractor should price this based off one test per year

** Note; this table is per sample location (there will be two).