B533--RFQ - Wastewater Lab Analysis / New Jersey Licensed Operator - Lyons Campus

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a pricing schedule detailing various services related to wastewater treatment plant operations and monitoring. It outlines specific line items for services, quantities, units, and contract periods, including a base period and four option periods.

• Wastewater Plant Operator Services: Full-time operator (LOIC) required on-site 7 hours/day, 35 hours/week, Monday-Friday.
• Sludge Sampling & Analysis: Monthly analysis of sludge samples for pH, total solids, and total volatile solids.
• Composite Sampling: Semi-annual analysis of composite sludge samples.
• Influent and Effluent Monitoring: Various tests including CBOD5, suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen, E. coli, total phosphorus, zinc, and copper.
• Chronic Toxicity Testing: Effluent testing as per NJDEP regulations.
• Semiannual Metals Testing: Analysis for various metals, selenium, thallium, beryllium, and barium.
• Annual Testing: Includes B/N, other metals, cyanide, and volatiles.
• Report Submittals: Completion of NJDEP Surface Water Discharge Monitoring Report forms.
• Unscheduled Services: Pricing required for emergency callbacks and expedited sample services.

This schedule provides a detailed breakdown of the services required for wastewater treatment plant operations and monitoring. Bidders must review these line items to understand the scope of work, the frequency and type of testing required, and the contract periods (Base, Option 1-4). This information is crucial for developing accurate pricing and assessing their capability to meet the specified requirements, which are all tied to NAICS code 221320 (Sewage Treatment Facilities) and Product/Service Code B533 (Special Studies/Analysis - Water Quality).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions and revised documents related to Solicitation 36C24226Q0329 for Wastewater Lab Analysis / New Jersey Licensed Operator services at the Lyons Campus.

• Revised Documents: The following documents have been updated: RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS, SCHEDULE rev1, and SOW - 36C24226Q0329 rev1.

Bidders should refer to the attached revised documents for the most current information regarding the solicitation requirements, schedule, and Statement of Work. The specific nature of the questions and answers is not detailed in the provided text, but the revisions indicate potential changes to the original solicitation details.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide annual consulting services for a properly licensed S-3 / C-1 operator to oversee the operation of the VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS) Lyons Campus Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and its collection system. The goal is to maintain compliance with all New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) rules and regulations.

Licensed Operator Services:

• Provide a full-time S3/C1 Licensed Operator in Charge (LOIC) on-site 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Oversee the operation of the WWTP and collection system.
• Submit all mandated NJDEP Monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR’s) and Monthly Residual Transfer Reports (RTR’s).
• Conduct all NJDEP required certified tests and maintain an operations log.
• Register as Lab Manager for the in-house Laboratory.
• Oversee all lab sampling and testing by a Certified Laboratory.
• Coordinate sludge testing, hauling, and disposal.
• Complete NJDEP SQAR forms when sludge pumping is necessary.
• Submit compliance schedule progress reports and respond to NJDEP requests.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies (2-hour response time required).
• Manage the ordering of all plant-related chemicals.
• Provide necessary IT equipment and wireless service.
• Perform manual and automatic controls for plant equipment, including pumps, filters, and blowers.
• Conduct various lab tests (pH, BOD, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, etc.) and make necessary reagents.
• Manage sludge removal and regulate air and sludge return rates.
• Maintain equipment, lubrication, and good housekeeping practices.

Lab Analysis Services:

• Provide all labor, materials, equipment, and transportation for on-site collection and lab analysis of wastewater and sludge samples.

• Comply with NJDEP rules and regulations for lab analysis.

• Perform composite and grab sample collection, including placement of contractor-supplied composite sample machines.

• Test for parameters listed on the NJDEP surface water permit.

• Submit a detailed description of testing methodology and coordinate sampling locations with VA staff.

• Analyze samples within allowable holding times.

• Provide a sludge sampling plan per NJDEP guidance.

• Submit accurate analytical results within standard (6 business days) or agreed-upon turnaround times.

• Notify the VA immediately of any noncompliant sample results or results not matching historical data.

• Maintain WWTP in compliance with all laws, regulations, and permit parameters.

• Timely submission of all required reports to NJDEP.

• Response to NJDEP communications and Notice of Violations (NOV).

• Adherence to specific testing frequencies and parameters outlined in the "SERVICES" section (e.g., twice monthly influent/effluent monitoring, semi-annual sludge analysis, quarterly metals testing).

• Provide final reports in EDDs and PDF formats within 6 business days.

• Period of Performance: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year provisional option years. Estimated start: April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027.

• Place of Performance: VANJ HealthCare System, Lyons Campus, 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, New Jersey 07939.

• Contractor must possess and maintain a valid S3/C1 Wastewater Treatment Operator License.

• Adherence to all applicable safety regulations.

• VA Police will issue identification badges.

• Work to be scheduled with VA Chief of Operations and other plant personnel.

• Work hours are typically 0800-1630 Monday-Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, but can be adjusted.

• No C&A requirements or Security Accreditation Package needed.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions and clarifications regarding the solicitation, addressing specific line items and requirements.

• Licensed Operator On-Site Hours: The requirement for a licensed operator to be on-site Monday-Friday, 7 hours per day, can be adjusted to meet VA needs. The SOW allows for flexibility, with normal hours considered 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, but adjustments are permissible.
• Waste Characterization Report Frequency: This is an annual report, not monthly. The frequency for this line item should reflect once a year.
• DMR and WCR Testing Timing: Residuals DMR parameters do not need to be conducted concurrently with Chronic Toxicity testing. However, Surface Water WCR parameters do require simultaneous testing with Chronic Toxicity testing.
• Ammonia Nitrogen Units: Ammonia Nitrogen should be reported in mg/l, not kg/d.
• Lab Turnaround Time: A 72-hour turnaround time for lab results is acceptable for this contract, despite the typical 7-10 business days.
• Semiannual Periods: The correct semiannual periods are 4/1 - 9/30 and 10/1 - 3/31.
• Required Testing Parameters: Selenium, Thallium, Beryllium, and Barium testing are required. Pesticides and Acids are not required. Add these specified metals to the IGCE.
• Line Item 0008 Timing: Line item 0008 should only be added to Option Year 3, not the base year or other option years, as per permit No. NJ0021083.
• Surface Water DMR Turnaround: The 72-hour turnaround for the Surface Water Discharge Monitoring Report is to be omitted. Monthly DMRs are due by the 25th of the following month of testing.
• Fecal Coliform vs. E. coli: Fecal Coliform is not required; E. coli is required twice a month via grab sample per the permit.
• Residuals Transfer Report: A monthly Residuals Transfer Report to NJDEP is a requirement and will be added to a line item.
• Surface Water WCR Parameters: Required parameters for the Surface Water Waste Characterization Report include Nickel, Silver, Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Antimony (6-hour composite sample), Mercury & Cyanide (grab samples). The LC50 test must be performed simultaneously.
• Operator Coverage: The contractor is responsible for all 35 hours of coverage per week, including providing coverage when the primary licensed operator is unavailable due to sickness, family matters, or vacation.

These clarifications and corrections apply to the initial year and all subsequent option years of the contract. Bidders should ensure their proposals reflect these updated requirements and parameters.

Wage Determination

This document is a Service Contract Act Wage Determination (WD # 2015-4209), Revision #32, dated December 3, 2025. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing contract work in the counties of Hunterdon and Somerset in New Jersey.

• Geographic Area: Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey.
• Applicable Occupations: The document lists a comprehensive range of occupations, from administrative support and clerical roles to health occupations, technical roles, and transportation services. Each occupation is assigned a code and title.
• Fringe Benefits: All listed occupations are entitled to specific fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55 per hour or $222.00 per week/ $962.00 per month) and Health & Welfare under EO 13706 ($5.09 per hour or $882.27 per month).
• Vacation: Accrual of paid vacation time is based on years of service (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years, 5 weeks after 20 years).
• Holidays: A minimum of twelve paid holidays per year are mandated.
• Executive Orders: The determination references Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Establishing Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage). Contractors must comply with these EOs, including providing paid sick leave and meeting minimum hourly wage requirements (at least $13.30 per hour, or the applicable wage rate if higher, as of January 1, 2015, adjusted through 2025).
• Hazardous Pay: Differentials are specified for work involving hazardous materials (8% for high hazard, 4% for low hazard).
• Uniform Allowance: Contractors must furnish uniforms or reimburse employees for their cost, with specific rates for maintenance ($3.35 per week or $0.67 per day).
• Conformance Process: Procedures are outlined for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates not listed in this determination, using Form SF-1444.

The document has undergone numerous revisions, with the most recent being Revision 32 on December 3, 2025. Previous revisions date back to October 11, 2016.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (NOV 2022). It outlines the requirements and certifications related to subcontracting limitations for offerors seeking to be awarded a contract.

• Services Contracts: Contractors must not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Work subcontracted by a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor also counts towards this limit.
• General Construction Contracts: Contractors must not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Cost of materials is excluded.
• Special Trade Construction Contracts: Contractors must not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Cost of materials is excluded.
• Certification: Offerors must certify their compliance with these limitations. Failure to provide this certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award.
• Compliance: Offerors acknowledge that false certifications are subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. The VA may require documentation to verify compliance during performance and upon completion.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the subcontracting restrictions applicable to the opportunity. Bidders must complete and submit this certification with their offer. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification. The specific limitations depend on whether the contract is for services, general construction, or special trade construction.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document outlines the Price/Cost Schedule for services related to wastewater treatment operations and monitoring. It details various line items for services, quantities, units, and contract periods, including a base period and four option periods.

• Wastewater Plant Operator Services: Full-time operator required on-site, 7 hours/day, 35 hours/week.
• Sludge Sampling: Monthly analysis of sludge samples for pH, total solids, and total volatile solids.
• Composite Sampling: Semi-annual analysis of composite sludge samples.
• Influent and Effluent Monitoring: Regular testing and reporting for surface water discharge.
• Specific Water Quality Tests: Includes CBOD5, suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen, E. coli, total phosphorus, zinc, copper, dissolved oxygen, and oil/grease.
• Chronic Toxicity Testing: Effluent testing as per NJDEP regulations.
• Metals and Volatiles Testing: Semiannual and annual testing for various metals, pesticides, acids, cyanide, and volatiles.
• Reporting: Completion of NJDEP Surface Water Discharge Monitoring Report Submittal Forms.
• Unscheduled Services: Provision for emergency callbacks and expedited sample services.

This schedule provides a detailed breakdown of the services required for wastewater treatment and monitoring across multiple contract years (Base Year and Options 1-4). Bidders must review these items to understand the scope of work, the frequency and type of testing required, and to prepare their pricing proposals accordingly. The Principal NAICS Code is 221320 (Sewage Treatment Facilities) and the Product/Service Code is B533 (Special Studies/Analysis - Water Quality).

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide annual service contract for Licensed Operator in Charge Services and Wastewater Plant Lab Analysis for the VA New Jersey Healthcare System (VANJHCS) Lyons Campus Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

Licensed Operator in Charge (LOIC) Services:

• Provide a full-time S3/C1 Licensed Operator in Charge (LOIC) on-site 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Oversee the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and collection system.
• Ensure compliance with all New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) rules and regulations.
• Submit all mandated NJDEP reports, including Monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and Monthly Residual Transfer Reports (RTRs).
• Conduct all NJDEP required certified tests and maintain operational logs.
• Register as Lab Manager for the in-house Laboratory.
• Oversee all lab sampling and testing by a Certified Laboratory.
• Coordinate sludge testing, hauling, and disposal.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and NJDEP inspections within a 2-hour timeframe if required.
• Manage the ordering of all plant chemicals.
• Perform operational duties including monitoring and adjusting plant equipment, testing samples, and maintaining plant cleanliness.

Wastewater Plant Lab Analysis Services:

• Perform on-site collection of wastewater and sludge samples.

• Conduct lab analysis of collected samples in accordance with NJDEP rules.

• Responsible for composite and grab sample collection, placement of contractor-supplied composite sample machines, and maintaining chain of custody.

• Test for parameters listed on the NJDEP surface water permit.

• Submit detailed written descriptions of testing methodologies and equipment.

• Coordinate sampling collection point locations with VA staff.

• Analyze all samples within allowable holding times.

• Provide a sludge sampling plan per NJDEP guidance.

• Submit accurate analytical results within standard turnaround time (6 business days) or as otherwise agreed.

• Notify the VA immediately of any noncompliant sample results or results not matching historical data.

• Compliance with NJDEP rules and regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:10A, N.J.A.C. 7:14).

• Adherence to permit parameters for NJPDES Permit No. NJ0021083 and NJPDES Permit No. NJG0212164.

• Timely submission of all required reports (DMRs, RTRs, SQAR forms, compliance schedule progress reports).

• 72-hour turnaround for specific tests (e.g., E. coli, Total Phosphorus, Copper).

• Standard turnaround time of 6 business days for lab analysis reports.

• Period of Performance: One (1) year, with four (4) one-year option periods.

• Estimated Start: April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

• Place of Performance: VANJ HealthCare System, Lyons Campus, 151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, New Jersey 07939.

• Contractor must possess and maintain a valid S3/C1 Wastewater Treatment Operator License.

• Contractor must provide all labor, materials, supplies, equipment, and transportation.

• Contractor must provide any necessary IT equipment and wireless service.

• Adherence to all applicable safety regulations.

• VA Police will issue identification badges that must be worn at all times on VA property.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial services. The Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey VA Healthcare System, Lyons Campus, is seeking a fixed-price service contract for New Jersey State Licensed Operator in Charge Services & Wastewater Plant Lab Analysis Services.

• Provide New Jersey State Licensed Operator in Charge Services.

• Perform Wastewater Plant Lab Analysis Services.

• Submit a technical capability statement (max 10 pages) demonstrating approach, sequencing, staffing, and timelines.

• Provide copies of required licenses and permits (S3/C1 License, Final Surface Water Permit, Residual General Permit Authorization, Laboratory Certification).

• Describe specific experience and provide at least three reference contracts for similar services.

• Submit pricing via the attached "36C24226Q0329 Price/Cost Schedule".

• Acknowledge solicitation amendments.

• Complete VAAR 852.219-75 Certificate of Compliance.

• Provide past performance information (minimum three recent and relevant contracts).

• Contract Type: Fixed-price service contract.

• Period of Performance: Estimated Date of Award – 3/31/2027, with 4 provisional option years.

• Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8) will be evaluated.

• Submission Deadline: March 30, 2026, by 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Email to Natalie.Acevedo@va.gov.

• Questions Deadline: March 25, 2026, by 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time via email to Natalie.Acevedo@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.

• This solicitation is set-aside for Total Small Business vendors.

• NAICS Code: 221320 (Wastewater Treatment Services), Small Business Size Standard: $35 Million.

• All communication must be via email; telephonic calls will not be accepted.

• Refer to attached Statement of Work (SOW), Price/Cost Schedule, and other referenced documents for detailed requirements.