B533--Potable Water Testing

Amendment / Modification

• The due date for all offers has been extended.

• The new response due date is Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Response Date/Time/Zone

• The deadline for submitting offers has been changed to April 1, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time. Bidders are instructed to sign this amendment and return it with their offer.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction for all offerors to complete and submit with their offers.

• The attached document "852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction" is provided for offerors.

• Offerors are required to complete and submit this Certificate of Compliance with their offers.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION). It requires offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations if awarded a contract.

• Certification Requirement: Offerors must certify that they will comply with subcontracting limitations as provided in the solicitation and resultant contract.
• Limitations: The clause specifies different subcontracting limits based on the predominant NAICS code:
  • Services (except construction): Not more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
  • General construction: Not more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. (Cost of materials are excluded).
  • Special trade construction: Not more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. (Cost of materials are excluded).
• Consequences of False Certification: False certifications are subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.
• Demonstration of Compliance: Offerors may be required to provide documentation (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to demonstrate compliance.
• Cooperation: Offerors must cooperate with the VA in providing requested documents.
• Completion: The certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal.

This form is mandatory for all offerors. Failure to complete and return this certification with the bid, quotation, or proposal will render the offer ineligible for evaluation and award. Bidders must carefully review the subcontracting limitations applicable to the specific contract type and ensure their proposed approach complies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "EPA Quick Guide to Drinking Water Sample Collection," provides detailed guidance on collecting water samples for various analyses. It is intended as a refresher for trained personnel and outlines procedures to ensure sample integrity.

• General Sampling Procedures: Covers preparation, laboratory checks, handling of preservatives, site selection, faucet flushing, and chain-of-custody.
• Specific Sampling Procedures: Details methods for collecting samples for:
  • Asbestos
  • Biological Contaminants (Bacteria, Coliforms, E. coli, Enterococci, Giardia, Cryptosporidium)
  • Classical Chemistry Constituents (Nutrients, Anions, IOCs)
  • Disinfectant Residuals
  • Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s)
  • Metals (IOCs)
  • Radionuclides
  • Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs)
  • Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
• For each analyte group, the guide specifies:
  • Appropriate bottles to use (plastic preferred)
  • Required preservatives and cooling temperatures
  • Holding times for samples
  • Detailed sampling instructions, including safety precautions (gloves, eye protection) and specific techniques.

This guide is crucial for any bidder whose opportunity involves collecting drinking water samples. It outlines the exact procedures, materials, and timelines required for sample collection, preservation, and transport to ensure sample validity and compliance with EPA standards. Understanding these requirements is essential for accurate testing and successful contract performance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ #: 36C25926Q0307) for Potable Water Testing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, George E. Wahlen Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT. The contractor will conduct microbial, chemical, and water quality testing of potable water, including testing for legionella, bacteria, disinfection-byproducts, lead & copper, and potentially PFAS. Water samples will be collected by contractor staff at the facility and delivered to a lab for testing. Results will be emailed to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

• Microbial, chemical, and water quality testing of potable water.

• Testing for legionella, bacteria, disinfection-byproducts (TTHMs and HAA5s), lead & copper, and PFAS.

• Sample collection at the George E Wahlen Veterans Medical Center.

• Submission of water quality sampling results to the Utah Division Drinking Water via the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal.

• Preparation and submission of an Annual Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report.

• Provision of draft public notices following any permit violations.

• Use of a Utah certified lab within a 100-mile radius of the medical center.

• The laboratory analyzing for Legionella must be CDC ELITE certified and have environmental microbiology accreditation.

• Personnel collecting samples must be Licensed Utah Water Operators.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Base Year (05/07/2026-05/06/2027) plus four (4) Option Years.

• Delivery: F.O.B Destination at VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System.

• Questions Deadline: March 17, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Quote Submission Deadline: March 26, 2026, 12:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Quotes must be emailed to jacqueline.obryan@va.gov (4MB email limit). Faxed or hand-carried quotes will not be accepted.

• Award will be made on an All or Nothing Basis.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical capability/quality, Price, Past Performance, and completion of VAAR 852.219-75.

• Offers must be submitted in four volumes: Technical Capability, Price, Past Performance, and VAAR 852.219-75 Certificate of Compliance.

• This solicitation is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

• SDVOSB status must be verified in the SBA Small Business Certification (SBS) database at the time of quote submission and award.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), Size Standard: $19 Million.

• This is an RFQ, and no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• The Government reserves the right to make no award.

• Offerors must ensure their SDVOSB status is verifiable in the SBA database.

• Several attachments are referenced, including sampling plans, reporting templates, and a QASP.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) that outlines the methods and standards for monitoring and evaluating contractor performance for Potable Water Testing at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, as specified in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Performance Objectives: Microbial Testing, Chemical Testing, Water Quality Testing, Reporting, and Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements.
• Performance Requirements Summary: Details specific performance standards, acceptable quality levels (AQLs), and surveillance methods for objectives like schedule compliance, accuracy, regulatory adherence, and report timeliness.
• Methods of Quality Assurance: Includes Random Inspection, Customer Feedback, Compliance Audits, Performance Reporting, Documentation Review, and ensuring Samples Collection Times are within holding times and temperatures.
• Responsibilities: Defines roles for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Contractor, and Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE).
• Reporting: Outlines contractor responsibilities for submitting detailed test results and issue reports to the COR and state authorities.
• Corrective Actions: Details the process for addressing performance deficiencies, including notification, action plans, re-inspections, and performance meetings.

This QASP is crucial for bidders as it defines the quality standards and performance metrics against which their services will be evaluated. Understanding these requirements, AQLs, surveillance methods, and corrective action processes is essential for developing a compliant and competitive proposal and for successful contract execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Environmental Testing Protocol for Disinfection Biproducts (DBP) at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center. It details the procedures for water sampling, testing, and reporting.

• Sampling Oversight: The VASLCHCS Water Safety Committee, Infection Preventionist, and Engineering Service determine sampling sites.
• Testing Frequency: Determined by the state of Utah.
• Responsibility: Engineering Service is responsible for sampling, lab testing, and result documentation.
• Routine Testing: Performed quarterly by Engineering Service at the midpoint of the distribution system, specifically from the ground floor of Building 1. Samples will test for total trihalomethanes (TTHM) and Haloacetic acids (HAA5). No samples from restrooms.
• Testing Contractor: Samples will be tested by a certified contractor.
• Sample Collection: Engineering Services staff will collect samples using EPA guidelines and transport them immediately to the lab.
• Result Reporting: Written results will be forwarded to the Infection Preventionist and GEMS manager promptly.
• Tracking: Results will be tracked in the VASLCHCS Water Safety Committee Environmental Sampling Spreadsheet.
• Positive Results: Upon a positive result, the Chair of the VASLCHCS Water Safety Committee will write a VHA Issue Brief detailing the issue, actions, and contacts, which will be distributed to leadership.

While this document details internal testing procedures, bidders should be aware of the medical center's commitment to environmental water safety and the established protocols for disinfection biproduct testing. This may be relevant if the opportunity involves environmental services, facility maintenance, or compliance monitoring where adherence to such protocols is expected.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5489, Revision No. 28) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work under the Service Contract Act in the specified area.

• Lists occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage adjustments.
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (conformance).

Bidders must use this wage determination to ensure they are offering compliant wages and benefits for all covered service employees. It is crucial for accurate cost estimation and proposal development to understand the minimum labor costs associated with the opportunity. Failure to comply with these wage rates can lead to contract violations.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the procedures and requirements for collecting repeat (RP) and triggered source (TG) water samples, as well as the subsequent actions based on sample results, primarily concerning coliform and E. coli presence. It details the timing for sample collection, required sample locations, and how samples should be labeled.

This document is crucial for bidders who may be involved in water quality monitoring or compliance activities related to public water systems. It specifies the protocols for responding to positive coliform tests, including the performance of Level 1 and Level 2 Site Assessments, and the issuance of public notices and "Boil Orders." Understanding these procedures is essential for any vendor whose work might intersect with regulatory compliance, public health notifications, or water system operations under the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) and Groundwater Rule (GWR).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet template designed for reporting Legionella testing results. It provides a structured format for recording sample details, laboratory analysis, and findings related to Legionella detection in water systems. Bidders may need to use this template to submit their own water quality testing data or to understand the reporting requirements for such services.

• Sample Information: Includes VISN, Medical Facility, Date, Building Number, Sample ID, Sample Date, Reason for Sample, Location (Floor, Room, Occupancy), Sample Source, and Sample Type.
• Water and Biocide Details: Records Water Temperature, Biocide Type, Biocide Level, and pH.
• Laboratory Information: Captures the name of the individual taking the sample, date sent to lab, date results received, whether Legionella was detected, the name of the lab used, and the lab's sample ID.
• Storage and Notes: Fields for sample storage for future typing and optional notes.

This template is crucial for understanding the specific data points and format required for Legionella reporting. If the opportunity involves water quality testing, environmental monitoring, or Legionella remediation services, bidders must adhere to this reporting standard. It indicates the level of detail expected in sample collection, testing, and reporting, and may be a required deliverable for any awarded contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Environmental Testing Protocol for Bacteria at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center. It details the procedures for water sampling, testing, and result documentation.

• Sampling Site Determination: Controlled by the VASLCHCS Water Safety Committee, with support from the Infection Preventionist and Engineering Service.
• Testing Frequency: Determined by the state of Utah.
• Responsibility: Engineering Service is responsible for water sampling, lab testing, and result documentation.
• Routine Testing Schedule: Quarterly testing for Bacteria in buildings 1, 3, and 14.
• Sampling Plan: Specific sites and number of tests per building (Building 1: 1 site, 1 test; Building 3: 1 site, 1 test; Building 14: 1 site, 1 test).
• Sample Collection: Performed by staff using EPA guidelines; transported immediately to a certified testing contractor.
• Repeat Sampling: Follows guidelines from the Utah Division of Drinking Water.
• Result Reporting: Engineering Service staff forward written laboratory results to the Infection Preventionist and GEMS manager.
• Tracking: Results are tracked in the VASLCHCS Water Safety Committee Environmental Sampling Spreadsheet.
• Positive Result Protocol: Upon a positive result, the Chair of the Water Safety Committee will write a VHA Issue Brief detailing the issue, actions, and contacts.

While this document details internal procedures for bacteria testing, it may be relevant to bidders if the opportunity involves environmental services, facility maintenance, or compliance monitoring related to water quality at the medical center. Understanding these protocols can inform proposals related to maintaining facility standards and health regulations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B Lead and Copper Sampling Plan.xlsx", outlines the requirements and provides a worksheet for water systems to plan and document their lead and copper sampling efforts in accordance with Utah Administrative Code R309-210-6. It details the monitoring requirements, a tiering system for prioritizing sampling sites, and includes a site selection certification form.

• System Information: Fields for System Name, System Number, and Population.
• Sampling Requirements Table: Defines the number of sample sites required based on system size (Large, Medium, Small) for both standard and reduced monitoring schedules.
• Verification of Plumbing Materials: Specifies the percentage of sites (Tier 1, 2, 3, and representative) that must have their plumbing materials verified (100% for Tier 1 & 2, 20% for Tier 3 and representative sites).
• Materials Worksheet: A detailed form for water systems to record and track sample site information, including type of structure, year built, tier, site ID, location, contact information, lead service line presence, home plumbing material, verification status, and site type (Routine/Alternate).
• Tier Definitions: Explains the criteria for Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Representative sites for both Community and Non-Community Non-Transient Water Systems.
• School and Daycare Inventory: An optional section to list schools and daycare facilities within the system.

This attachment is crucial for any bidder involved in water system compliance or environmental services related to water quality monitoring. It clearly defines the regulatory requirements for lead and copper sampling, the methodology for site selection and verification, and provides the specific forms that must be completed. Bidders can use this document to understand the scope of work, the data required, and the compliance standards expected for such projects. The "VA Medical Center SLC" is identified as the water system, with a population of 3295, requiring 20 routine sample sites.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment A - Legionella Sampling Plan," outlines the Environmental Testing Protocol for the Legionella Detection Program at the George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center (VASLCHCS). It details the procedures, responsibilities, and schedules for water sampling and testing to detect Legionella.

• Responsibility: Engineering Service is responsible for water sampling, lab testing, and result documentation, with support from the Water Safety Committee and Infection Preventionist.
• Testing Frequency: Governed by Directive 1061, VASLCHCS requirements, and Infection Preventionist advisement.
• Routine Testing: Monthly testing at distribution endpoints in patient care areas (Buildings 1, 3, 14) and non-patient building (32).
• Quarterly Sampling Plan: Specific buildings, sites, and number of tests are detailed for each quarter, with core testing sites identified (e.g., Cold Tank Room, Cooling Tower, Pumphouse).
• Sample Collection: Samples must be "first draw," collected by Engineering Service staff, and immediately transported to the lab. Specific procedures for hot and cold water samples are provided.
• Post-Construction Testing: Conducted per Infection Control Risk Assessment requirements.
• Recovery Procedures: Following water line disturbance, flushing until a chlorine dioxide concentration of 0.06 ppm is reached.
• Positive Result Protocol: If a positive sample is found, a VHA Issue Brief must be written and distributed.

This attachment defines the environmental testing requirements related to Legionella detection. Bidders involved in environmental services, water management, or related testing contracts should review this plan to understand the scope, frequency, and specific procedures required for Legionella monitoring at the facility. It highlights the critical nature of water safety and the detailed protocols in place for detection and response.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a campus map of the facility, indicating various lots and buildings. It serves as a visual aid for understanding the layout of the location relevant to the opportunity.

• Labeled lots (e.g., LOT 1, LOT 2, LOT 3, etc.)
• Labeled buildings (numbered and lettered)
• Street names (e.g., Bennion Blvd., Baker Street, Hall Street, Valdez Drive, Kisters Street, Wahlen Way, Mario Gapecchi Drive, Wakara Way)
• Parking designations (e.g., "Parking for Bldg 50 employees ONLY", "Parking for Bakery ONLY", "Parking for Nursing Home ONLY")
• Other features like "Patient RV Lot" and "Red Butte Creek"

This map is crucial for bidders to orient themselves with the physical location of the opportunity. It may be relevant for understanding site visit locations, delivery points, or the general operational environment if the opportunity involves on-site work or access to specific facilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended to gather feedback on a contractor's performance for a specific contract. Bidders are instructed to complete all sections accurately, ensure contact information is up-to-date, and have the contractor submit the signed questionnaire to the contracting officer by the quote deadline.

• Contractor Identification: Name of the contractor being reviewed.
• Services Performed: Detailed description of services, including objectives, scope, achievements, challenges, prime contractor status, and complexity (High/Medium/Low).
• Performance Dates: Start and end dates of the contract.
• Total Contract Value: The total value of the contract in USD.
• Addresses: Organization name and physical address.
• Contract Numbers: Prime contract number and task order number (if applicable).
• Point of Contact Information: Name, title, phone number, and email address of the contractor's POC.
• Performance Rating: An overall performance rating (Outstanding, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory) with an option for detailed comments and justification.
• Verification: A statement of accuracy and authorization for verification, requiring signature, printed name, title, and date.

This questionnaire is a tool for the government to assess the past performance of offerors. Bidders should understand that their performance on previous contracts, as evaluated through this form, will likely be a significant factor in the evaluation of their current proposal. Providing accurate and complete information, and ensuring their subcontractors also provide thorough and positive feedback, is crucial for a strong proposal.