H999--SPS Water Sampling- Service Contract

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the SPS Water Sampling Service Contract solicitation (36C24126Q0419).

• Sample Location 8 (Steam): Testing for bacteria is required quarterly, with the sample converted to water onsite for analysis.
• Sample Locations 4-7 (Medivators): These locations are to be tested monthly as critical water, not quarterly as utility water.
• Sample Location 12 (Re-looped Filter Osmosis): This location is not for regular monthly/quarterly testing but will be sampled approximately 5 times per year for comparative readings in case of failures elsewhere.
• Re-sampling: The government prefers re-sampling upon failure to be a set price in an added CLIN, not a separate order.
• Annex H and I: These refer to the corresponding annexes within the ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 standards.
• Wage Determination: The Contracting Officer will provide the applicable wage determination; no special labor rate is needed beyond standard labor costs for sampling, gathering, and analysis.
• Pricing Schedule: A completed line-item table is sufficient for quotes. Pricing can be based on monthly or individual sampling. Estimated re-sample quantities per fiscal year are provided for locations 1-3 (6), 4-7 (10), 8-11 (4), and 12 (5).

These clarifications refine testing protocols, re-sampling procedures, and pricing expectations. Bidders should incorporate this information into their proposals and pricing structures. The response date remains June 11, 2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services for Water Testing for Sterile Processing Service Contract at the Manchester VA Medical Center. The solicitation is issued as an RFQ and is set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

• Provide monthly water testing for Sterile Processing (SPS) at designated sample points, including Post Filter Osmosis, Critical Water Sink, Washer/Disinfector, Medivators, and Steam.

• Quarterly testing for Utility Water Sink, Hobart-Dishwasher, Ultrasonic, and Re-looped Filter Osmosis.

• Testing frequency and parameters are based on AAMI ST 108-2023 guidance.

• Collect water samples from designated points within the facility's SPS.

• Conduct sample analysis by an accredited laboratory.

• Report results within 7 business days of sample collection.

• Retest within 48 hours upon VAMC request for any samples exceeding specifications.

• Respond to basic inquiries and clarifications within 6-8 hours.

• Provide all necessary labor, supervision, materials, supplies, and equipment.

• Period of Performance: August 20, 2026, to August 19, 2027.

• Place of Performance: Manchester VAMC, 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH 03104, USA.

• Response Date/Time: May 18, 2026, 17:00 Eastern Time.

• Questions Deadline: May 12, 2026, 17:00 EST.

• Site Visit: May 7, 2026, 1000 AM EST (contact James Blevins to schedule).

• Submission: Email quotes to Shawn Lawrence (Shawn.Lawrence@va.gov).

• Evaluation Factors: Comparative evaluation based on Price, Technical experience/capabilities, and Past Performance.

• Set-aside for SDVOSB.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories), Small Business Size Standard: $19.0 Million.

• FSC/PSC: H999.

• Offerors must complete electronic representations and certifications via SAM.gov.

• Applicable FAR provisions include 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4. VAAR 852.219-75 applies.

• Quoters must include a statement regarding acceptance of terms and conditions or list exceptions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 2, providing an addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023). It details specific instructions for submitting quotes in response to a Request for Quote (RFQ).

• NAICS Code and Size Standard: Instructions on how to identify the relevant NAICS code and small business size standard for the acquisition, noting that this information will appear elsewhere in the RFQ.
• Submission of Quotes: Requirements for submitting signed and dated quotes, including the solicitation number, receipt time, quoter's contact information, a technical description of items, warranty terms, price and discount terms, "remit to" address, completed representations and certifications (FAR 52.212-3), acknowledgment of amendments, and a statement of agreement with solicitation terms.
• Period for Acceptance of Quotes: Offers must be held firm for 30 calendar days from the quote receipt date, unless otherwise specified.
• Product Samples: Instructions for submitting product samples if required.
• Multiple Quotes: Encouragement to submit multiple quotes with alternative terms or line items.
• Late Submissions: Guidelines for late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals.
• Issuance of Purchase Order: Information on how the Government may issue a purchase order, including the possibility of multiple awards or issuing to other than the lowest-priced quoter.
• Availability of Requirements Documents: Guidance on how to obtain referenced specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions.
• Unique Entity Identifier: Requirements for providing a unique entity identifier (UEI) for quotes exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, or for all quotes if SAM registration is required.
• Notification: Unsuccessful quoters will not be notified.

This document is critical for bidders as it outlines the specific requirements and procedures for preparing and submitting a compliant quote. It details what information must be included, how to address technical requirements, and the implications of late submissions or non-compliance. Understanding these instructions is essential for a successful bid.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)," is a mandatory certification for offerors. It requires the offeror to certify compliance with subcontracting limitations as specified in the solicitation and resultant contract.

• Services Contracts: Offerors must certify they will not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms not certified as SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• General Construction Contracts: Offerors must certify they will not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms not certified as SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Special Trade Construction Contracts: Offerors must certify they will not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms not certified as SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• 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.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Details potential penalties for not acting in good faith, including referral to VA Suspension and Debarment Committee, fines, and prosecution.
• Record Keeping: Offerors understand they may be required to provide documents (invoices, subcontracts) to verify compliance.
• Certification Completion: The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to do so will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award.

This is a mandatory requirement for all offerors. Failure to complete and submit this certification accurately will result in the offer being rejected. Bidders must carefully review the subcontracting limitations applicable to their specific contract type (Services, General Construction, or Special Trade Construction) and ensure they can comply.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3: 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," provides an addendum to the standard FAR clause and outlines the specific evaluation criteria and approach the Government will use when evaluating quotations for this solicitation.

• Basis for Award: The Government will issue a purchase order to the responsible quoter whose quotation is most advantageous, considering price and other factors.
• Evaluation Factors: Quotations will be evaluated based on Technical, Past Performance, and Price.
• Evaluation Approach: A comparative evaluation process will be used, comparing quotations to determine the best benefit to the Government. The Government may select a quotation that exceeds minimum requirements if it offers additional benefits. All responses must meet minimum requirements.
• Technical Evaluation: Assesses how well the quotation meets or exceeds the Government's requirements as outlined in the solicitation.
• Past Performance Evaluation: Assesses the risk associated with a quoter's likelihood of success, based on their record of past performance. This may include CPARS, customer surveys, and the Contracting Officer's knowledge.
• Price Evaluation: The total price of all line items, including options, will be evaluated. The Total Evaluated Price will be the sum.
• Options Evaluation: Quotations will be evaluated by adding the total price for all options, including the Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8), which will be evaluated by adding six months of the price from the last potential performance period. Quoters should only price the base and specified option periods.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it details how their quotations will be assessed. Understanding these evaluation factors and the approach will help bidders tailor their proposals to best highlight their strengths in technical capability, past performance, and competitive pricing, thereby increasing their chances of a favorable award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services for water testing for the Sterile Processing Service (SPS) Contract at the Manchester VA Medical Center. The purpose is to obtain water testing services to meet the Veterans Affairs National Program Office for Sterile Processing (NPOSP/10NC6) guidance, specifically per AAMI ST 108-2023.

• Collection of water samples from designated points within the SPS facility.

• Testing of water samples for specified parameters and frequencies (monthly for critical water, quarterly for utility water, and upon failure for re-testing).

• Analysis conducted by an accredited laboratory.

• Reporting of results within 7 business days of sample collection.

• Retesting within 48 hours upon VAMC request for any failed samples.

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

• Adherence to AAMI ST 108-2023 and other relevant standards.

• Compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all Federal, State, and local regulations.

• Contractor staff must follow site-specific security, badging, and parking procedures.

• Period of Performance: August 20, 2026, to August 19, 2027.

• Place of Performance: Manchester VAMC, 718 Smyth Road, Manchester, NH 03104, USA.

• Questions Deadline: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

• Site Visit: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10:00 AM EST (schedule with James Blevins).

• Quote Submission Deadline: May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email quotes to Shawn Lawrence (Shawn.Lawrence@va.gov).

• Evaluation Factors: Price, Technical (experience and capabilities), and Past Performance.

• Award will be made to the most advantageous offer.

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

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories), Small Business Size Standard: $19.0 Million.

• FSC/PSC: H999.

• This is an RFQ (Request for Quotation).

• Offerors must include a statement regarding acceptance of terms and conditions or list exceptions.

• Relevant FAR provisions include FAR 52.212-1, FAR 52.212-3, and FAR 52.212-4. VAAR 852.219-75 applies.