Y1DA--437-23-165, Repair Water System to Prevent Legionella

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to solicitation 36C26326B0012 provides the following updates:

• Site Visit Information: Includes the site visit sign-in sheet and agenda.
• Questions and Answers: Publishes responses to contractor questions.
• FAR Clause Incorporation: Incorporates FAR 52.229-11, "Tax on Certain Foreign Procurements—Notice and Representation," by full text, requiring bidders to complete and submit IRS Form W-14 with their offer if claiming an exemption.
• VAAR Clause Incorporation: Adds VAAR clauses 852.204-70, "Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel," and VAAR 852.204-72, "Personnel Vetting and Credentialing."

• FAR 52.229-11 is now included by full text.

• VAAR 852.204-70 and VAAR 852.204-72 have been added.

• The bid due date remains unchanged: April 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM (CT).

• Bidders must properly complete and submit FAR 52.229-11 and IRS Form W-14 (if applicable) with their offer to be considered responsive.

Solicitation

This solicitation is for the repair of the water system at the Fargo VA Health Care System (VAHCS) facilities to prevent Legionella Disease. The project involves upgrading domestic water monitoring systems across seven existing stations and adding or replacing approximately 175 plumbing fixtures with Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs).

• Upgrade domestic water monitoring systems.

• Install Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) or replace existing fixtures at approximately 175 plumbing locations.

• All labor, materials, and equipment must be furnished.

• Work must be performed in accordance with specifications, drawings, and scope of work.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price.

• Magnitude of Construction Cost: $1,000,000.00 to $2,000,000.00.

• Performance Period: To be determined upon award.

• Offers are due by 2:00 PM (CT) on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, submitted via email to Kaleb Gleason at kaleb.gleason@va.gov.

• The subject line for bid submissions must read: 437-23-165, Repair Water System to Prevent Legionella.

• Bids received after the deadline may be rejected.

• Evaluation will be based on the most advantageous offer considering price, with the Contracting Officer confirming fair and reasonable pricing.

• A public bid opening will be conducted via teleconference on April 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM (CT).

• This solicitation is a set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns, in accordance with Public Law 109-461.

• Competition is restricted to SDVOSB construction firms.

• Offerors must represent that they are an eligible SDVOSB, a small business under the assigned NAICS code, and listed as a verified SDVOSB in www.veterans.certify.sba.gov at the time of bid submission.

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

• A site visit is scheduled for March 13, 2026, at 12:30 PM at the Fargo VAHCS.

• Technical questions must be submitted via email to Kaleb Gleason by March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM (CT).

• Bidding materials will be available electronically on SAM.gov.

• Offerors are required to register in SAM.gov.

• Bid guarantee is required (SF24).

• Performance and Payment Bonds (SF25 and SF25A) will be required within ten (10) calendar days after award.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is a template for recording questions and answers related to a solicitation. It is intended to facilitate clarification of solicitation requirements for potential bidders.

This document provides a structured format for submitting and responding to questions. It includes columns for:

• Question Number (#)
• SOW Reference
• Question
• Answer

As this is a template, no specific questions or answers are provided at this time. Bidders are expected to use this format to submit their inquiries.

This document serves as a mechanism for bidders to seek clarification on the solicitation. The responses provided within this template will inform bidders' understanding of the requirements and may impact proposal preparation and submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "VA 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: Contractors must not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• General Construction: Contractors must not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Special Trade Construction: Contractors must not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• The certification is subject to penalties for false statements.
• The offeror must acknowledge that they may be required to provide documentation to verify compliance.
• The completed, signed certification is required with the bid, quotation, or proposal.

This is a mandatory certification that must be completed and submitted with an offer. Failure to provide this certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award. Bidders must understand and agree to the specified subcontracting limitations for services and construction types.

Drawings / Plans

This document contains architectural and engineering drawings for the "System Repair to Prevent Legionella" project at the Fargo VA Health Care System. It details the scope of work through various floor plans, schematics, and schedules.

• Project Title: System Repair to Prevent Legionella
• Project Number: 437-23-165
• Location: Fargo VA Health Care System, 2101 Elm Street, Fargo, North Dakota
• Drawings Include:
  • Cover Page (G-0.00)
  • Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Levels (G-1.00)
  • Room Finish Schedule (A-5.00)
  • Mechanical General Notes and Abbreviations (M-0.00)
  • Various Mechanical Floor Plans (M-1.01 through M-1.41) detailing plumbing and system layouts across multiple floors.
  • Electrical Legend and Abbreviations (E-0.00)
  • Electrical Floor Plans for Basement and Level 1 (E-1.00, E-1.10, E-2.00)
• Key Details: The drawings specify the replacement and modification of plumbing fixtures, mixing valves, water monitoring stations, and associated piping. They also detail electrical work related to these systems, including power receptacle replacements and connections.

This document is a set of construction drawings and specifications. Bidders should use these drawings to understand the full scope of work, materials, and installation requirements for the "System Repair to Prevent Legionella" project. This will be critical for developing accurate proposals.

• A revision (Revision #1: Bidding Addendum #1, dated 12/13/2023) is noted on several sheets.
• The project involves work across multiple buildings and floors within the Fargo VA Health Care System.

Specifications

This document contains the 100% construction specifications for the "Repair Domestic Water System to Prevent Legionella" project at the Fargo VA Health Care System. It details the requirements for various aspects of the construction, including:

• General Requirements: Outlines safety, site preparation, security, and general construction procedures.

• Plumbing: Covers common work results for plumbing, general-duty valves, facility water distribution, plumbing fixtures, and plumbing insulation.

• Electrical: Details requirements for electrical installations, low-voltage power conductors and cables, grounding and bonding, raceway and boxes, wiring devices, and motors and vibrating equipment.

• HVAC: Includes specifications for direct-digital control systems.

• Finishes: Specifies requirements for subsurface preparation for floor finishes, resilient base and accessories, ceramic/porcelain tiling, and painting.

• Firestopping and Joint Sealants: Outlines requirements for firestopping systems and joint sealants.

• Waste Management: Details requirements for construction waste management and disposal.

• Commissioning: Specifies general commissioning requirements.

• Scope of Work: The project involves repairing the domestic water system to prevent Legionella.

• Technical Specifications: Extensive details are provided across multiple divisions covering plumbing, electrical, HVAC, finishes, fire safety, and other building systems.

• Materials and Standards: Numerous references to industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ASME, NFPA, UL, NEMA, ANSI) are included, specifying materials, installation methods, and performance criteria.

• Quality Control and Safety: Detailed requirements for quality control, accident prevention plans, safety requirements, and submittals are outlined.

• Coordination: Emphasis is placed on coordinating work with other trades and ensuring compliance with VA standards and regulations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the 100% Contract Documents for the "Repair Domestic Water System to Prevent Legionella" project at the Fargo VA Health Care System. It serves as the final design analysis and provides detailed specifications for the proposed upgrades.

• Project Overview: Details the objective to upgrade domestic water monitoring systems to prevent Legionella Disease, including on-site evaluations and recommendations for water system components.
• Scope of Work: Outlines the replacement and upgrade of 7 existing water monitoring stations, addition of thermostatic mixing valves to existing fixtures, and replacement of existing faucets and sinks.
• Design Criteria: Specifies requirements for plumbing, electrical, and architectural/interior design, referencing relevant codes and standards (e.g., VHA Directive 1061, NFPA 70).
• Equipment Specifications: Includes detailed technical specifications for water monitoring stations, process analyzers, controllers, water sampling stations, chemical feed pumps, ultrasonic transit time flow meters, thermostatic mixing valves, and lavatories.
• Appendices: Contains Plumbing Cut Sheets, Specifications Table of Contents, and Project Schedule.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it contains the complete technical requirements, design specifications, and scope of work for the project. It details the specific equipment, materials, and standards that must be met for successful proposal submission and project execution. Bidders should review the detailed specifications for water monitoring systems, plumbing fixtures, and electrical components to understand the full scope and complexity of the required upgrades.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) wage determination for Building Construction Projects in Cass County, North Dakota. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades. This document is crucial for contractors to understand labor costs associated with the opportunity.

• General Decision Number: ND20260013
• Effective Date: 01/30/2026
• Geographic Area: Cass County, North Dakota
• Construction Type: Building Construction Projects (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Trades Included: Boiler Maker, Bricklayer, Electrician, Ironworker, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Pipefitter/Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Sheet Metal Worker (HVAC Duct Installation Only), Carpenter, Drywall Hanger and Metal Stud Installer, Insulator, Laborer (Common/General, Mason Tender), Operator (Backhoe/Excavator/Trackhoe, Crane, Forklift, Loader), Painter, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker (Excludes HVAC Duct Installation), Truck Driver (Dump Truck).
• Executive Order 13706: Requires paid sick leave for federal contractors (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually).
• Executive Order 13658: Establishes minimum wage for federal contractors (applies to contracts awarded on or after Jan 1, 2015, and not renewed/extended after Jan 30, 2022).

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs when preparing their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements and paid sick leave mandates could lead to non-compliance. The document also outlines the process for wage determination appeals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Records Management Language for Contracts" and provides guidance on the obligations of contractors regarding the creation, handling, and disposition of Federal records. It aims to ensure compliance with federal laws and NARA policies.

• Applicability: Applies to all contractors whose employees create, work with, or handle Federal records.
• Definitions: Defines "Federal Record" according to 44 U.S.C. § 3301, including all recorded information made or received by a Federal agency in connection with public business.
• Requirements: Mandates compliance with records management laws, NARA policies, and safeguarding of records under the Privacy Act. It specifies that all data created for Government use and delivered to or under the legal control of the Government are Federal records.
• Prohibitions: Prohibits unauthorized destruction, removal, or alienation of records. Contractors must report any inadvertent disclosures or unauthorized actions.
• Ownership: The U.S. Government owns the rights to all data and records produced under the contract.
• Training: Requires contractor employees to complete VHA-provided records management training.
• Flowdown: Requires contractors to incorporate these requirements into subcontracts and obtain written acknowledgment.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand their responsibilities concerning data and records management if awarded a contract. It highlights the need for strict adherence to federal regulations and agency policies regarding the creation, storage, and disposition of information, which may impact operational procedures and compliance efforts.

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

To reduce or eliminate the risk of Legionella Disease (LD) by upgrading the Domestic Water Monitoring Systems and adding Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV) to existing fixtures or replacing existing sinks and faucets within the Fargo VA Healthcare System facilities.

• Upgrade 7 existing water monitoring stations (6 in the Medical Facility, 1 in the Boiler Plant).

• Add TMVs to approximately 175 plumbing fixtures or replace existing sinks and faucets.

• Work must comply with the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM), contract documents, federal, state, local codes, and NFPA requirements.

• Minimize impact on VA customer services and coordinate with other contractors.

• Offerors are required to verify field conditions in a pre-bid site walk.

• Not explicitly detailed in this SOW, but work must adhere to applicable codes and standards.

• Location: Fargo VA Healthcare System facilities.

• Duration: 300 calendar days from issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Preferred work hours: 6 AM – 6 PM, with 3-week advance notification and approval required for any domestic water shutdowns.

• Prime Contractor must provide a minimum of one "Full-Time" SSHO at each project site per shift, with current professional safety certification and at least 3 years of construction safety experience.

• A CQC System Manager must report to the project superintendent.

• Project superintendent must maintain a physical presence on-site at all times.

• Coordination with the COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) is required for work times and progress tracking.

• Contract close-out will occur after the station's go-live date and potential identification of additional equipment or needs, which may result in contract modification.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a notice for informational purposes only, not a request for bids. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Fargo Health Care System, intends to issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Project Number 437-23-165, "Repair Water System to Prevent Legionella." The project aims to upgrade the domestic water monitoring system, add Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) to existing fixtures, or replace sinks and faucets at the Fargo VA Health Care System.

• Upgrade 7 existing domestic water monitoring stations.

• Add TMVs to approximately 175 plumbing fixtures or replace existing sinks and faucets.

• Work must comply with the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM), specifications, contract drawings, applicable laws and codes, and NFPA requirements.

• Coordination with other construction projects may be required.

• Contract Type: Single, firm fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: 285 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Estimated Magnitude of Construction: Between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

• IFB planned for issuance on or about February 6, 2026.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: 02-27-2026 2:00 PM CENTRAL TIME, CHICAGO, USA.

• Award date is planned within 90 calendar days from bid opening.

• Further details on site visits and bid due dates will be in the solicitation.

• All questions must be submitted in writing to kaleb.gleason@va.gov.

• This is a TOTAL 100% SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB) SET-ASIDE.

• Bidders must be registered and certified as an SDVOSB in the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov at the time of bid submission.

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

• Bidders must represent to the Contracting Officer that they are a small business concern under the assigned NAICS code.

• All prospective bidders must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered and active in the SAM database (http://www.sam.gov).

• Prospective bidders must complete electronic online Representations and Certifications within SAM.

• The IFB will be available for download at SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/content/opportunities).

• SAM.gov is the only official location for solicitation information.

• Bidders are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for changes and amendments.

• A bidders list will not be maintained.

• Hard copies will not be provided.