R499--Intent to sole source - Add New Engineer to task order

In Accordance with (IAW) the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 5.2Â - Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington DC VA Medical Center (DCVAMC) has a sole source requirement to modify Task Order Contract 36C24524F0059 with SSPC LLC.

IAW FAR Clause 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2018) (c) Changes - Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties. The DCVAMC Engineering Program has a need to modify the existing task order contract to increase to add an additional services of a qualified Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager adept at healthcare engineering, more specifically, Critical Water/Reverse Osmososis systems, together with a tested background in Healthcare Mechanical (HVAC) requirements. The increase is to retain the incumbent contractors for the staff required to accelerate the placement of the Mechanical Engineer required for Critical Water and other requirements at DCVAMC. The position is for one year only (not to exceed 12 months). It is estimated that the total cost to add this position for 12 months = $330,220.80.

Sole Source Justification

Briefly, the candidate s services being sought shall understand a brief background of current and ongoing Sterile Processing Services (SPS) Departments problems. In 2021 DC VAMC completed work on a state of the art SPS Department. In preparation of opening, required water testing revealed the presence of numerous Colony Forming Units (CFU) / ml, micro-organisms, and bacterial growth. While proper flushing and on-going testing is performed regularly, the presence of microbial growth returns and renders this department inoperable. Similarly, two [2] trailers, have been leased for seven [7] years now, to temporarily house Clean Room and Decontamination Functions. They too are indicating air and water compromises.

As DC VAMC moves forward, this contract seeks the services of a qualified Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager adept at healthcare engineering, more specifically, Critical Water/Reverse Osmososis systems, together with a tested background in Healthcare Mechanical (HVAC) requirements. Stringent air requirements needed for SPS include an in-depth knowledge of Ante-Room (+/-) pressures, Decontamination (Decon) negative (-) air pressure, required ACH (Air Changes per Hour) and their concomitant velocities, Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) throughout the Department. Additionally, leaks in the HVAC System and an overall compromised SPS infrastructure not only impacts the Medical Center itself, but our ability to serve our Veterans.

SSPC Joint Venture, VetCert Veteran Small Business Certification (sba.gov) verified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business, has a current Indefinite Delivery Task Order Contract to provide engineering support services to the Washington DC VA Medical Center (DCVAMC). These services include Architectural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Estimating, Scheduling, Safety, Construction Administration, Environmental Engineering and Claims support for the understaffed projects section at the DCVAMC. The incumbent contractor has a rapid ability to fill the critical positions required at the DCVAMC. The loss of the incumbent s on-board process, recruitment, and background investigations will negatively impact the VA s current projects and ongoing operations. The interruptions will cause major delays to the projects, and result in substantial duplication of cost that is not expected to be recovered through competition. Their knowledge of the DCVA s specific tasks, processes (i.e. VA computer software and databases) and procedures (i.e. Quality Control Inspections, Safety Inspections, Contract Package Submissions, Construction Documents reviews, etc.) is critical to DCVAMC and mission success.

For any additional questions/concerns, please email Contracting Officer: Robert O Keefe Jr. robert.okeefejr@va.gov