H142--Amendment Three| Lyons Fire Protections Systems ITM/Repair|Answer Solicitation Questions

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Lyons Fire Protections Systems ITM/Repair" solicitation (36C24226Q0339).

• Sprinkler Replacement Pricing: The government has detailed the types and coverage percentages of various sprinkler heads used at the facility. These include Pendent-style (55%), Upright-style (20%), Sidewall-style (20%), Dry-pendent (2.5%), and Dry-horizontal (2.5%). All replacement sprinkler heads must comply with the VA Fire Protection Design Manual (latest edition), be FM approved, and UL listed. Standard response heads are to be replaced with quick response in-kind. Recessed or concealed sprinklers are not permitted.

• Specialty Sprinklers: For specialty sprinklers exceeding standard unit cost thresholds, bidders should refer to FAR 52.212-1 regarding CLIN X014 (Parts and Materials) or a separate 'Over-and-Above' provision, rather than assuming they will be covered under CLIN X014 by default.

• Response Date Extended: The response date for the solicitation has been extended from March 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM to April 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 36C24226Q0339 for Lyons Fire Protection Systems ITM/Repair at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System, Lyons Campus.

• Line Item X015 (Fire Hydrants, Five Year Full Flow Testing): The original solicitation included this line item annually. Based on NFPA 291, this test is only required once within a five-year cycle. The contracting office has removed line items 1015, 2015, 3015, and 4015 from the Price/Cost Schedule. Bidders should refer to the revised schedule provided in the document.

• Technical Capability Statement: The solicitation instructions initially requested sample inspection reports within a 10-page limit. This has been clarified to allow a maximum 20-page technical capability statement. The statement should concisely demonstrate the vendor's ability to meet all Statement of Work requirements without simply repeating the SOW. It should include NICET certifications and evidence of experience.

• The removal of specific line items impacts the pricing structure for fire hydrant testing.

• The page limit for the Technical Capability Statement has been increased to 20 pages, and the content requirements have been clarified to focus on demonstrating capability rather than submitting extensive sample reports.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Lyons Fire Protections Systems ITM/Repair solicitation (36C24226Q0339).

• Site Visit: A site visit will not be offered at this time.
• Fire Alarm System: The current fire alarm system is Edwards EST3, with a project to convert to EST4 planned for 2026-2027.
• Parts and Materials (CLINs 0014, 1014, etc.): Bidders should refer to FAR 52.212-1 and Section F, Contractor Responsibilities, 5ii. for guidance on how to handle the dollar amount for parts and materials.

No changes to solicitation deadlines or submission requirements are indicated by these Q&As. Bidders should incorporate the provided information into their proposals, particularly regarding the fire alarm system details and the handling of parts and materials CLINs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act." It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA) in specific geographic areas. This document is crucial for contractors to understand their labor cost obligations.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-4209, Revision No.: 32
• Area: New Jersey Counties of Hunterdon, Somerset
• Occupational Listing: Includes a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupation codes, and the minimum hourly wage rate for each.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing, though specific details are not provided in this excerpt.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors, outlining specific requirements and minimum rates for 2025.
• Benefits: Details Health & Welfare benefits ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and specific Health & Welfare benefits related to EO 13706 ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Vacation and Holidays: Outlines paid vacation accrual based on years of service and a list of twelve paid holidays.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for classifying service employees not listed in the wage determination and obtaining authorization for new wage rates.

This document directly impacts bid pricing. Bidders must use these wage and fringe benefit rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these minimums can lead to contract violations. It also informs bidders about potential additional requirements like paid sick leave and minimum wage adjustments mandated by Executive Orders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services for the inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of fire protection systems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Healthcare System, Lyons Campus. The requirement includes quarterly, semi-annual, and annual services for portable fire extinguishers, monitored fire alarm system components, kitchen hood suppression systems, and fire sprinkler systems (including fire pumps and backflow preventers).

• Services: Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual ITM for various fire protection systems.

• Specific Tasks: Includes inspections, testing, maintenance, recycling/replacement of extinguishers, flow tests for fire pumps, inspections of backflow preventers, main drain testing, sprinkler system inspections, kitchen hood suppression system testing, tamper and waterflow switch inspections, fire hydrant testing, and replacement of sprinkler heads.

• Compliance: All work must adhere to the most recent applicable NFPA Standards (including NFPA 10, 72, 25, 99, 17A, 101, and 291), Joint Commission, OSHA, EPA, and VA Fire Protection Design Manuals.

• Certifications: Contractor employees must be NICET certified in the appropriate Fire Protection sub-field (Level II or higher for ITWBS, and at least one Level 2 certified technician for fire alarm/sprinkler testing and fire pumps).

• Reporting: Discrepancy reports and corrective action quotes must be submitted within 5 business days. Final reports for all applicable systems are required.

• Emergency Response: Provide a qualified technician within 24 hours for emergency repairs.

• Period of Performance: One base year (April 13, 2026 – April 12, 2027) with four one-year option periods.

• Place of Performance: VA New Jersey Healthcare System, Lyons Campus, Lyons, New Jersey.

• Response Date: March 31, 2026, 3:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Submission: Quotes must be emailed to Yasmin.Moses@va.gov with the subject line RFQ 36C24226Q0339.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote is most advantageous, considering Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• Technical Capability: Requires a clear plan, sample reports, NICET certifications, and evidence of experience.

• Past Performance: Based on recent and relevant contracts and references.

• Price: Evaluated for fairness, reasonableness, and understanding of the work.

• Questions Deadline: March 27, 2026, 3:00 PM ET.

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

• NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing and Air-Conditioning Contractors), Small Business Size Standard: $19.0 million.

• This is an RFQ issued under FAR Part 12 procedures.

• Pricing for material/parts (Line Items 0014, 1014, 2014, 3014, 4014) should not be provided.

• Offerors must acknowledge terms and conditions or list exceptions.

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is VA Form 852.219-75, a "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.

• Services Limitation: For service contracts (excluding construction), offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs listed in the SBA database. Subcontracted work by similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractors also counts towards this limit.
• Acknowledgement of Jurisdiction: Offerors acknowledge that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and that false certifications may lead to penalties.
• Compliance Verification: The VA may require documentation (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to verify compliance during or upon completion of the contract.
• Cooperation: Offerors must cooperate fully and provide requested documents to the VA for compliance determination.
• Certification Requirement: The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to provide this certification will render the offer ineligible for award.

This form is mandatory for all offerors. Bidders must carefully review the subcontracting limitations for services and ensure they can comply if awarded the contract. The completed and signed certification must be submitted with the proposal. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

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

This SOW outlines the requirement for comprehensive inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) services for fire protection systems at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System, Lyons Campus.

• Services: Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections, testing, and maintenance for various fire protection systems.

• Systems Covered: Portable fire extinguishers, monitored fire alarm system components (water flow switches, tamper switches), kitchen hood suppression systems, fire sprinkler systems (including fire pumps and backflow preventers), and fire hydrants.

• Exclusions: Maintenance testing of the fire alarm system itself is excluded, but interface and signal verification are required.

• Tasks: Includes annual inspections/replacements for fire extinguishers, flow tests for fire pumps, inspections for sprinkler backflow preventers and systems, testing of kitchen hood suppression systems, semi-annual inspections of tamper and waterflow switches, and inspection/testing of fire hydrants.

• Repairs: Minor adjustments may be performed upon COR approval. For repairs incurring additional costs, the contractor must provide a quote within five business days. The government will decide on repair timelines.

• Reporting: Provide applicable reports in accordance with NFPA Standards and Joint Commission requirements upon conclusion of testing.

• Emergency Response: Provide emergency service within 24 hours of notification for diagnosis and repair recommendations.

• All work must comply with the most recent applicable NFPA Standards (including NFPA 10, 72, 25, 99, 17A, 291, and 101).

• Adherence to TJC, OSHA, EPA, and VA Fire Protection Design Manuals is required.

• Reports must meet NFPA and Joint Commission EC02.03.05 requirements.

• Contractor performance will be monitored by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

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

• Period of Performance: One base year (March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027) with four one-year option periods.

• Certifications: Contractor employees must be certified by NICET in the appropriate Fire Protection sub-field. At least one Level 2 certified technician is required for Fire Alarm or Fire Sprinkler testing, including Fire Pumps. NICET certifications must be maintained on-site.

• Personnel: Contractor provides all necessary personnel, equipment, training, and supervision.

• Communication: Maintain 2-way communication equipment for real alarms (cellphones not acceptable).

• Government Furnished Property: VA will provide one Firefighter/Fire Inspector to assist with access.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is issued by VISN 2 Contracting Office to gather information regarding fire alarm system services for the VA New Jersey Healthcare System at the Lyons Campus. The VA anticipates this requirement will be available around March 2026.

The core requirement involves the "Fire Protection System ITM" (Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance) for the VA New Jersey Healthcare System, Lyons Campus. A detailed Statement of Work (SOW) is attached to this notice.

This is a market research effort, not an invitation for proposals. Responses will be used to inform future solicitations and determine the viability of set-asides. Interested parties must provide:

• Company/individual name
• Capability statement
• Examples of similar work performed
• SAM UEID number (Prime and Subcontractor)
• Address
• Point of contact
• Applicable Federal Supply Schedules
• Two to three instances of relevant experience (including subcontractors if applicable)
• Listing of any potential teaming agreements
• Proof of applicable certifications or training
• Relevant comments on attachments

The government is exploring set-aside options for specific socio-economic categories (SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), Small Business). Bidders must provide information to help determine procurement strategy and set-aside viability, including:

• Nearest site location and supporting documentation.

• Plan for self-performance or details on subcontracting tasks.

• Years of company and technician experience with similar work.

• Number of similar jobs performed in the past five years.

• Number of certified/licensed technicians employed.

• The NAICS code for this requirement is 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) with a size standard of $19.0M.

• Responses should be emailed to Yasmin.Moses@va.gov.

• Assistance with responding is available through the Apex Accelerator Team.