H999--MT VAHCS Water Testing Svs POP 11/1/2026-10/31/2031

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) and Sources Sought notice issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 19 (NCO 19), for Laboratory Water Testing Services for the VA Montana Health Care System (VA HCS). The VA is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of providing these services.

• Services: Comprehensive laboratory water testing, including analysis, reporting, and verification of water safety.

• Scope: Services must cover water testing for VA facilities in Fort Harrison and Billings, Montana, with potential for additional locations.

• Supplies: Contractor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, sample bottles, shipping containers, labels, transportation, certifications, insurance, and supervision.

• Analyses: Specific tests include Heterotrophic Plate Count, Total Coliform & E-Coli, Trihalomethanes (THM), Haloacetic Acids, Total Organic Carbon, Chlorides, Water Hardness, pH Level, Conductive, Semi-volatile Organic compounds, and Purgeable Organics. Lead and Copper testing are specified for Year 2 only.

• Reporting: Test reports must be submitted within 24 hours of completion via email, with a signed PDF within 10 working days. Reports must include specific details such as facility, tests, dates, results, lab information, sampler, and Chain of Custody form.

• Compliance: Services must comply with EPA, MT DEQ, and VA requirements, including Federal & State Safe Drinking Water Acts.

• Period of Performance: Estimated from 11/1/2026 to 10/31/2031 (60 months / 5 years).

• Contract Type: Anticipated Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base year plus four 1-year ordering periods.

• Response Deadline: July 8, 2026, 10:00 AM Mountain Time.

• Submission Method: Via email to christine.jarvis@va.gov.

• Information Requested: Capabilities/Qualifications Statement (max 8 pages), Market Research Table Questionnaire, and identification of any alternative NAICS codes.

• Note: This is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation or request for proposal. No award will be made based on responses to this notice.

• NAICS Code: 541380 – Testing Laboratories and Services.

• Size Standard: $19 Million.

• Required Certification: MT DPHHS Laboratory Certification is required.

• Small Business Information: Bidders must provide details on their business size and any relevant certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, VOSB).

• The draft Statement of Work (SOW) is provided for reference.

• Department of Labor (DOL) Wage Determinations 2015-5389 and 2015-6031 will apply.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a summary of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Drinking Water Regulations for Community and Non-transient Non-community Public Water Supplies. It is intended to assist with the interpretation of these regulations but does not supersede the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM).

• Introduction: Defines public water supplies (Community, Non-transient Non-community, Transient Non-community) and outlines the nature of contaminants and their health effects (acute and chronic).
• Requirements: Details responsibilities for owning and maintaining water systems, including monitoring water quality (microbial, chemical, radiological), keeping the public informed, maintaining records, operator certification, obtaining approval for improvements, and paying service connection fees.
• Summary of Drinking Water Regulations (Table 1.1): Provides a cross-reference of system types, sampling locations, frequencies, and relevant sections for various regulations including Total Coliform, Ground Water Sampling, Surface Water Treatment, Nitrate/Nitrite, IOC, VOC, SOC, Radionuclides, Lead/Copper, Disinfectants, Fluoride Addition, and Public Notice.
• Specific Regulations: Sections detail requirements for Microbiological, Chemical, Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts, Fluoride Addition, Consecutive Public Water Systems, and Public Notification.
• Appendices: Include guidelines for Total Coliform Sample Site Plans, instructions for taking bacteriological samples, and a list of Maximum Contaminant Levels and Health Effects Language.

This document is crucial for any bidder involved in providing services or products related to public water systems in Montana. It outlines the regulatory framework, monitoring requirements, and compliance obligations that water systems must adhere to. Understanding these regulations is essential for developing compliant solutions, ensuring proper operation, and meeting reporting standards. It provides context for the types of services and products that may be in demand within the public water sector in Montana.