J047--Replace Backflow Preventer 610A4-26-501

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 is soliciting bids for the replacement and relocation of a backflow preventer and isolation valves at the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System-Fort Wayne Campus. The scope of work requires the contractor to remove and replace a 4-inch backflow preventer and two isolation valves, run new piping from the existing water main to ground level, fabricate piping, create a support stand, and replace a 6-inch gate isolation valve, with all testing and certification to be performed by a certified backflow tester. Key requirements include submission of a site-specific safety plan, proposed performance schedule, cost estimate, and submittals prior to work commencement, with completion required within 90 calendar days after Notice to Proceed. Contractors must ensure all piping materials comply with NSF 61 and NSF 372 lead-free standards, with equipment sourced from manufacturers having at least five years of proven service experience and authorized service organizations within 100 miles capable of emergency response within four hours. The mandatory pre-bid site visit was held on March 13, 2026, at the Fort Wayne facility, and quotations are due by March 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT, with all interested parties required to acknowledge receipt of solicitation amendments or face potential rejection of their offer.

This is an unrestricted acquisition with no set-aside designation, classified under NAICS code 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) and PSC code J047 (Maint/Repair/Rebuild of Equipment-Pipe, Tubing, Hose, and Fittings), valued at $19.5 million as a firm-fixed-price contract. The work is subject to prevailing wage requirements under the Service Contract Act, with wages ranging from $12.17 to $58.17 per hour depending on occupational classification, plus fringe benefits of $5.55 per hour. Contractors must also comply with limitations on subcontracting for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), with the prime contractor unable to pay more than 50 percent of the government-paid amount to non-certified firms. Prep work may occur during normal business hours (7:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday-Friday), while the actual outage and tie-in must occur outside normal working hours with a water outage request submitted at least two weeks in advance. The work is to be performed at 2121 Lake Avenue, Building 4, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805, with payment made in arrears by certified invoice upon completion to the Contracting Officer's satisfaction, subject to retainage of up to 10 percent for unsatisfactory performance.