J035--Building 44 Water Heater Replacement

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) addresses questions received from vendors and extends the response due date for Solicitation 36C24126Q0330.

• Response Due Date: Extended to Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST.

• Questions: Responses to vendor questions are provided (details not included in this summary).

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to March 24, 2026.

• Late submissions will be handled per FAR 52.212-1(f).

• Vendors are instructed to forward any further questions in writing via email to the Point of Contact.

• Reference to attached documents: "PHOTO WORK LIMITS" and "ACE MINPACK 6 SPECS."

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains photographs and technical drawings related to the "MINIPACK SYSTEM - VERTICAL SW STEAM ELECTRIC VALVE" manufactured by Ace Heaters, LLC. The photographs highlight specific "Limits of Work" for cutting, removing, and replacing sections of piping and a mixing valve at the White River Junction VA Medical Center. The technical drawings provide isometric, front, and top views of the Ace Heaters "MINIPACK SYSTEM," including dimensions, specifications, and notes on installation and configuration.

• Photographs: Visually identify areas requiring work, including specific pipe sections and a mixing valve to be replaced.
• Technical Drawings: Detail the "MINIPACK SYSTEM" with various views, component labels, and dimensions.
• Specifications: Include notes on product specifications, condensate piping, installation requirements, and dimensions subject to change.
• Valve Sizing and Location Data: Tables provide detailed measurements for different valve package sizes and their corresponding locations within the system.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope of work required for the replacement of specific piping and a mixing valve. The photographs provide a clear visual reference for the work areas. The technical drawings and dimension tables offer detailed information about the equipment involved, which is essential for accurate bidding, material procurement, and planning the installation or replacement process. Bidders should pay close attention to the "Limits of Work" indicated in the photographs and the detailed specifications in the drawings to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the scope and complexity of the task.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0001) addresses questions received from vendors and extends the response due date.

• The response submission deadline has been extended to Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST.

• Late submissions will be handled according to FAR 52.212-1(f).

• Vendors are instructed to submit any further questions or concerns in writing via email to the Point of Contact.

• An attached document titled "Questions n Answers" is referenced.

• Response Due Date

• The proposal deadline has been extended to March 24, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the procurement of an Ace MINIPACK 6 steam water heater.

• Brand Name/Equivalency: The Ace MINIPACK 6 is a brand name requirement. The contractor shall provide and install this specific unit. A catalog sheet is provided.
• BMS Integration: The contractor is responsible for installing the electric valve. BMS integration will be handled by a separate VA contractor.
• Scope of Work Limits: Piping and valves will be replaced within the limits shown on the attached "PHOTO WORK LIMITS & ACE MIMIPACK 6.pdf".
• Work Hours & Shutdown: Work may occur during normal work hours (weekdays 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, excluding holidays). The water heater is currently shut down and will remain so until replaced.
• Existing Conditions: Annotated photos of the existing installation and work limits are provided on the attached "PHOTO WORK LIMITS & ACE MIMIPACK 6.pdf" to represent existing conditions.
• Specification Sheets: While the specification for the Ace MINIPACK 6 steam water heater is mentioned, the catalog sheet is provided on the attached "PHOTO WORK LIMITS & ACE MIMIPACK 6.pdf" instead of separate spec sheets.
• Sole Source: The Ace MINIPACK 6 is the required unit, implying it is not open to equal products from other manufacturers.

This Q&A document clarifies specific requirements, confirms the brand name nature of the equipment, and defines the scope of work and BMS integration responsibilities. Bidders should review the referenced attachments for detailed work limits and photos.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services to procure the replacement of a semi-instantaneous steam water heater for Building 44 at the White River Junction VA Medical Center. The government is seeking quotations for the supply and installation of an Ace MINIPACK 6 steam water heater.

• Furnish and install one (1) Ace MINIPACK 6 steam water heater.

• Replace the existing 2005 AJAX Boiler Inc. water heater (S/N: 65216, Model: SI V-08-SW-2.00).

• Provide all necessary materials and skilled trades for installation.

• Include removal and disposal of the existing water heater and associated fittings.

• The new water heater must meet specifications including a 2-1/2" input/output flange and interface (read-only) with the VA’s Building Management System (BMS) via an electric valve.

• This is an RFQ (Request for Quotation).

• The solicitation is issued as a Firm Fixed Price.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but implied to cover the base period for installation.

• Response Date: March 23, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted via email to Kenya.Mitchell1@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be based on a comparative evaluation of quotations considering Technical, Past Performance, and Price. The award will be made to the responsible vendor whose quotation is technically acceptable and offers the lowest evaluated price.

• Questions Deadline: March 17, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.

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

• NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) with a small business size standard of $19 Million.

• FSC/PSC Code: J035.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-04.

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

• Past performance information will not be considered in this simplified acquisition procurement.

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 their compliance with the limitations on subcontracting as specified in the solicitation and resultant contract.

• Services: For service contracts, the contractor must not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) listed in the SBA certification database.
• General Construction: For general construction contracts, the contractor must not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to non-certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Special Trade Construction: For special trade construction contracts, the contractor must not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to non-certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Certification Acknowledgement: Offerors acknowledge that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and that a false certification may lead to penalties.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Details potential penalties for awarded SDVOSB/VOSB contractors found not to have acted 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 to VA to demonstrate compliance.
• Required Action: The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. Offers without this certification will be deemed ineligible for award.

This is a critical document that must be completed and submitted with the offer. Failure to provide this signed certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award. Bidders must understand and agree to the subcontracting limitations applicable to their specific contract type (Services, General Construction, or Special Trade Construction) to ensure compliance if awarded the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ATTACHMENT 3: 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES," is an addendum to the solicitation's evaluation criteria. It details how quotations will be evaluated for commercial products and services.

• 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
  • Price
• Evaluation Approach: A comparative evaluation process will be used, comparing quotations to determine the best benefit to the Government. The Government may consider quotations offering additional benefits beyond minimum requirements, but is not obligated to do so. All responses must meet minimum solicitation requirements.
• Specific Evaluation Criteria:
  • Technical: Assesses the extent to which a quotation meets or exceeds Government requirements.
  • Past Performance: Evaluates risks associated with a quoter's likelihood of success based on their record of past performance, potentially using CPARS or other sources.
  • Price: Evaluated by summing all line item prices.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific criteria and approach the Government will use to evaluate their quotations. Understanding these factors will help bidders tailor their proposals to best meet the Government's needs and increase their chances of award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an addendum to FAR 52.212-1, "Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services," tailored for Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It supersedes the current version of FAR 52.212-1 for this solicitation.

Offerors must submit signed and dated quotes by the specified deadline. Quotes must include:

• Solicitation number

• Receipt time for quotations

• Quoter's name, address, and telephone number

• Technical description of items quoted

• Terms of any express warranty

• Price and discount terms

• "Remit to" address

• Completed representations and certifications (FAR 52.212-3)

• Acknowledgment of Quotation Amendments

• A statement of agreement with all terms and conditions.

• The offeror agrees to hold prices firm for 30 calendar days from the quote receipt date, unless otherwise specified.

• The Government may issue a purchase order to one or more quoters.

• The Government reserves the right to issue a purchase order for a quantity less than quoted.

• Quotes must be submitted to the office specified in the RFQ by the exact time specified.

• Past performance information will not be considered for simplified acquisition procurements.

• Quotes failing to furnish required information or rejecting terms may be excluded.

• Product samples may be required and should be submitted at or prior to the quote receipt time.

• Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple quotes with alternative terms.

• Late submissions may not be considered.

• Information regarding NAICS code and small business size standard will appear elsewhere in the RFQ.

• Specific conditions for small business set-asides, HUBZone preference, or other set-asides are detailed.

• Availability of referenced specifications and standards can be found on the ASSIST website (https://assist.dla.mil) or through other specified channels.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is required for quotes exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, or if required by the RFQ. Offerors must register in SAM.gov.

• Unsuccessful quoters will not be notified.