Solicitation - Y1EZ--Construct Chiller Plant | Design Build Milwaukee, WI VAMC | 695-24-101

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for Design Build services to construct a new Chiller Plant (Bldg 153) at the Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The new plant will upgrade and enhance chilled water-cooling capabilities for the Main Hospital (Bldg 111).

• Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and professional architectural, engineering, and construction services.

• Design and construct a new Chiller Plant, including demolition of Bldg 109 and site preparation.

• Provide full generator backup and a 2nd-floor walkway connection to the existing Chiller Plant (Bldg 113).

• Integrate all utility connections (water, sewer, electrical, data) into existing VAMC systems.

• Ensure physical security design requirements are met.

• Maintain traffic and physical access to the current Chiller Plant during construction.

• Provide secure perimeter and vehicle/personnel access.

• Protect existing utilities and provide utility connections as required.

• Develop and maintain a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

• Provide a complete AE design package including architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

• Design for safety, including fencing, screening, and walkways.

• Include demolition drawings for Bldg 109 and site clearing.

• Provide a phased construction plan acceptable to the VA.

• Design must meet VA Design Guides, Design Criteria, and VA Master Specifications.

• Adherence to all current applicable codes (IBC, NFPA, OSHA, etc.).

• Design must follow VHA Directive 1061 for Legionella Disease prevention and VA Energy conservation guidelines.

• A third-party commissioning agent will be used at VA's expense.

• Contractor must provide a QA/QC plan and adhere to it.

• Construction schedule is 730 days from award to completion.

• Project Location: Clement J Zablocki VA Campus, Site of Bldg 109, 5000 W National Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53095.

• Construction Timeline: 730 days from Project award to completion.

• Bldg 109 is expected to be vacated by October 1, 2026, for demolition.

• Campus soils are considered contaminated.

• All utility outages must be conducted after normal operation hours and require a minimum of 21 days' notice.

• Contractor staff require VA 'Badging' for campus access.

• Safety certifications (OSHA 30 for supervisors, OSHA 10 for laborers) are required.

• Record management and compliance with Federal and Agency policies are mandatory.

• Applicable references include VA Standard Title/Section, Master Construction Specifications, Design Manuals, and various VA guides and codes.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 6 - DB specs combined 4.22.26.pdf", is a collection of specifications and a table of contents for a Design-Build (DB) project. It outlines various divisions and sections related to construction, including general requirements, existing conditions, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, plastics, composites, thermal and moisture protection, openings, finishes, specialties, equipment, furnishings, special construction, conveying equipment, fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, communications, electronic safety and security, earthwork, exterior improvements, utilities, transportation, and electrical power generation.

• Table of Contents: Provides a detailed breakdown of the document's structure, organized by divisions and sections, with associated dates.
• Divisions and Sections: Covers a comprehensive range of construction specifications, from general requirements and existing conditions to specialized systems like fire suppression, HVAC, electrical, and commissioning.
• Dates: Each section is associated with a date, likely indicating the version or revision date of that specific specification.

This document serves as a critical reference for potential bidders by detailing the extensive scope of work and technical specifications required for the "Construct Chiller Plant" project. It allows bidders to understand the specific standards, materials, and systems that must be incorporated into their proposals and subsequent construction. The detailed table of contents helps bidders quickly navigate to relevant sections for their specific areas of expertise, aiding in accurate bidding and project planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an attachment reserved for Phase II of the opportunity. It contains the chiller plant study report and drawings.

• Chiller Plant Study Report
• Chiller Plant Drawings

This attachment is not currently available and will be released to firms participating in Phase II of this opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is VAAR Attachment 12, titled "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 (non-construction): Offeror certifies they will not pay more than 50% of the government's payment to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• General Construction: Offeror certifies they will not pay more than 85% of the government's payment to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Costs of materials are excluded.
• Special Trade Construction: Offeror certifies they will not pay more than 75% of the government's payment to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Costs of materials are excluded.
• The certification acknowledges potential penalties for false statements under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.
• Offerors may be required to provide documentation to demonstrate compliance during contract performance and upon completion.
• The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal.

This attachment is critical for bidders. Failure to provide a completed and signed certification with the offer will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. Bidders must understand and agree to the specific subcontracting limitations applicable to the contract type (services, general construction, or special trade construction) and ensure their proposed approach complies with these requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Small Business Subcontracting Plan, as required by FAR 52.219-9. It outlines the structure and information a prime contractor or subcontractor must provide to detail their plan for subcontracting with small businesses and other small business categories.

• Plan Period: Specifies the fiscal year or period of performance the plan covers.
• Planholder Information: Requires details such as name, UEI, subsidiaries, address, and item/service type.
• Type of Plan: Differentiates between an "Individual Plan" (for a specific contract) and a "Commercial Plan" (company-wide or division-wide).
• Subcontracting Goals: Requires detailed dollar and percentage goals for subcontracting with various small business categories (SB, VO, SDVO, SDB, WO, HUBZone) for the base period and option periods (for individual plans) or for a 1-year period (for commercial plans).
• Products/Services: Lists the types of products/services to be subcontracted by category.
• Goal Development & Source Identification: Requires explanation of the methods used for developing goals and identifying potential subcontracting sources.
• Indirect Costs: Specifies whether indirect costs are included in subcontracting goals and how they are calculated.
• Program Administrator: Identifies the individual responsible for administering the subcontracting program.
• Equitable Opportunity: Outlines good faith efforts to ensure equitable opportunities for small businesses.
• Flow-Down Clause: Details the requirement to include FAR clause 52.219-8 in subcontracts.
• Reporting & Cooperation: Outlines requirements for reporting subcontracting achievements (ISR/SSR via eSRS) and cooperating with the government.
• Recordkeeping: Describes the types of records to be maintained regarding subcontracting efforts.
• Utilization of Small Business Concerns Used in Bid/Proposal: Addresses the commitment to use small businesses identified during proposal preparation.
• Prompt Payment: Requires timely payment to small business subcontractors.

This document is crucial for potential subcontractors. It indicates the prime contractor's commitment to small business utilization and provides a framework for how they intend to meet their subcontracting goals. Bidders, particularly those falling into small business categories, should review the stated goals and the methods for identifying sources to understand potential subcontracting opportunities within the larger contract. The plan also details reporting and recordkeeping requirements that may affect subcontractors.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" for Wisconsin Counties of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act (SCA) for contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2017, and for contracts subject to Executive Order 13658 (awarded on or between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, and not renewed or extended on or after January 30, 2022).

• Lists numerous occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates ($5.55 per hour or $222.00 per week).
• Details provisions for paid sick leave (EO 13706) and minimum wage adjustments (EO 13658).
• Outlines vacation and holiday policies applicable to contractors.
• Includes information on hazardous pay differentials and uniform allowances.
• Describes the conformance process for unlisted occupations.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under the contract. It establishes the baseline wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting the cost proposal. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these determined rates and comply with all associated regulations, including paid sick leave and hazardous pay differentials.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 9, a General Decision Number for Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wages for Building Construction Projects in Wisconsin. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various construction laborers and mechanics employed on federally funded or assisted construction projects in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.

• Lists specific construction trades (e.g., Asbestos Removal worker, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Electrician, Plumber, etc.).
• Provides the prevailing hourly wage rate and fringe benefit rate for each trade.
• Includes classifications and descriptions for Power Equipment Operators, detailing different groups based on lifting capacity and equipment type.
• Specifies Hazardous Waste Premiums for different levels of protection.
• Notes Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage for federal contractors), outlining requirements for contractors.
• Provides information on the Wage Determination Appeals Process.

Bidders must use this information to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage requirements can lead to contract violations. This document is crucial for understanding the labor cost component of any construction bid in the specified geographic area and for the types of construction covered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) intended for clients to evaluate a contractor's performance on a previous project. Offerors must have their clients complete this questionnaire and include it in their proposal submission. It counts towards the proposal page limitation.

Section 1: Contract Information (Contractor to complete)

• Contractor Information (Name, Address, POC, Contact Info)
• Work Performed As (Prime/Subcontractor, % of Project)
• Contract Information (Title, Number, Type, Location, Dates, Price)
• Project Description (Scope, Relevance to current submission)

Section 2: Evaluator Information (Client to complete)

• Verification of Section 1 information.
• Evaluation of contractor performance based on:
  • Quality
  • Schedule/Timeliness
  • Communication
  • Management/Personnel/Labor
  • Cost/Financial Management
  • Subcontract Management
• Overall Summary (Would you hire again?)
• Adjectival Ratings (Outstanding, Above Average, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) with definitions.

This form is crucial for bidders to obtain from their past clients. The completed PPQ will be incorporated into the proposal and evaluated by the government. Bidders must ensure their clients complete it thoroughly and submit it by the deadline specified in the solicitation. The evaluation of past performance is a key factor in contract award decisions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 7 - Project Information Sheet for Contractors," is a form that potential bidders must complete and submit as part of their proposal. It requires detailed information about past contracts and projects to demonstrate the offeror's experience.

• Offeror Information: Name, role (prime/subcontractor).
• Contract Details: Contract/Project Number, Project Title, Location, Contracting Officer/POC, Owner's Project Manager/POC.
• Contract Type & Financials: Type of contract, Award Amount, Final Amount, Award Date, Notice to Proceed Date, Scheduled and Actual Completion Dates.
• Project Performance: Number and reason for change orders, OSHA citations (if applicable).
• Subcontractors: List of major subcontractors with POC and phone numbers.
• Narrative: Detailed description of work performed and its relevance (very relevant, relevant, or somewhat relevant).

Bidders must provide a separate, completed form for each contract/project submitted to showcase their relevant experience. The information provided, particularly the narrative on work performed and its relevance, will be crucial for the government's evaluation of the offeror's capabilities and past performance. The NAICS code (236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) indicates the type of projects this form is intended to capture experience for.

Attachment / Form

This Excel file, "Attachment 5 - SOW Attachment 3 - Milwaukee Specification Design Checklist FY26.xlsx", contains various checklists and specifications related to architectural and engineering (A/E) design for projects at the Milwaukee VA. It serves as a guide for A/E design responsibilities and COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) responsibilities throughout different design phases (35%, 65%, 95%, 100%).

• Design Checklists: Detailed checklists for A/E design responsibilities, covering specifications, drawings, and specific project requirements (e.g., sole source items, basis of design, infection control, hazardous materials).
• Deliverable Checklists: Outlines the required deliverables at each design phase (Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents), including specific documents, reports, and reviews.
• Specifications: References specific specification sections (e.g., Division 1, Division 2, Division 8) with detailed notes and required edits for compliance with VA standards and project needs.
• Basis of Design (BOD) Items: Lists specific manufacturers and models for various systems and equipment (e.g., acoustical ceiling tile, flooring, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, HVAC controls, fire alarm systems), indicating whether they are sole source or basis of design with allowable equals.
• Telecom Standards: Provides detailed specifications for data cabling, including Cat 6A requirements, labeling, and testing procedures.
• Risk Baseline: A template for identifying and mitigating project risks related to utilities, outages, and operational impacts.
• Required Inspections: Lists critical inspection points during construction, from pre-site to final inspection, with associated procedures and attendees.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the detailed design standards, compliance requirements, and specific product selections that will govern the project's design and construction. It highlights the VA's expectations for A/E performance and the critical elements that must be incorporated into design documents and proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides "A/E Submission Instructions for Minor and NRM Construction Program Medical Center Projects." It outlines the minimum requirements for submissions at the Schematics, Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents (CD) phases for Architect/Engineer (A/E) contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• General Submission Requirements: Details A/E responsibilities, submission policies, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Phase-Specific Submissions: Outlines detailed submission requirements for various disciplines, including:
  • Site Development
  • Architectural
  • Fire Protection
  • Interior Design
  • Structural
  • Plumbing
  • Sanitary
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Equipment
  • Steam Generation
  • Steam Distribution (Outside)
  • Solid Waste Disposal System (Including Incineration)
  • Automatic Transport
  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Space Planning
  • Critical Path Method (CPM)
  • Estimating
  • Specifications
• Final Bid Documents: Specifies requirements for sealing and submitting final construction documents.
• Distribution of A/E Material: Provides symbol identification for contract drawings and outlines submission quantities for each phase.

This document is crucial for any A/E firm bidding on or performing design work for VA Medical Center projects under the Minor and NRM Construction Program. It clearly defines the expected deliverables, content, and format for submissions at each design stage, ensuring compliance with VA standards and requirements. Bidders must understand these instructions to accurately scope their proposals and execute their contracts effectively.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a Design-Build project to construct a new Chiller Plant at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. The project aims to provide cooling needs for the Main Hospital (Bldg 111) and may involve the demolition of Bldg 109 and modification of Bldg 113. The acquisition uses a two-phase design-build procedure.

• Design and construction services for a new Chiller Plant.

• Accommodation for construction of the new Chiller Plant, potentially involving demolition and modification of existing buildings.

• Compliance with specifications and all applicable attachments.

• Contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price (as per 52.216-1).

• Magnitude of the project is estimated between $50,000,000 and $100,000,000.

• Period of Performance: Within 730 calendar days after notice to proceed.

• This is a two-phase design-build selection process.

• Phase I proposals will be evaluated on Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, and Past Performance.

• A maximum of five Offerors will be selected for Phase II.

• Phase II proposals will be evaluated on Technical Solution, Draft Project Schedule, Small Business Participation, and Price.

• Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government, using a Trade-Offs method.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 5, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time (for Phase I Technical Questions). The proposal receipt date is specified in Block 13 of the SF 1442.

• This acquisition is conducted as an unrestricted procurement.

• Specific requirements for Small Business Participation, including SDVOSB/VOSB, are detailed.

• Attachments 3 and 4 are reserved for Phase II.

• A formal site visit will be scheduled during Phase II.

• Technical questions must be submitted via email by May 5, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

• A bid bond is required for Phase II proposals.

• Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required and must be submitted after contract award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an attachment referenced in the solicitation. It contains study reports and drawings related to a chiller plant.

• Chiller Plant Study report
• Chiller Plant Study drawings

This attachment is reserved during Phase I of the opportunity. It will be released to firms participating in Phase II.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition for specific brand-name items required for the Construct Chiller Plant Project at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Milwaukee, WI. It explains why these specific brand-name items are necessary and cannot be substituted with equal or alternate items.

• Project: Construct Chiller Plant - Design Build - Milwaukee, WI
• Contracting Activity: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC)
• Brand Name Items Justified:
  • Building Automation System (BAS): Johnson Controls Inc (JCI) MetaSys
  • Physical Security Access & Control System (PACS): JCI C Cure 9000 PACS System
  • Fire Alarm System: Siemens Pytronics (Systec)
  • Door Hardware Lockset: Sargent Lockset
• Reason for Brand Name: Standardization to ensure full functionality, system integrity, compatibility with existing systems, and to avoid significant duplication in costs, disruption in services, and operational complexity.
• Statutory Authority: Primarily cited as 41 USC §3304(a)(1) (Only One Responsible Source).
• Market Research: Conducted to evaluate Buy American Act (BAA) compliance and availability of domestic end products. All identified brand-name items were found to be BAA-compliant.

This document explains the rationale behind the requirement for specific brand-name components. Bidders should note these specific requirements when preparing their proposals for the overall Design-Build procurement. The document confirms that the overall procurement will be solicited under full and open competition, but these specific items are restricted to the brand names listed due to compatibility and operational needs.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a competitive solicitation for a Design-Build (DB) project to construct a new Chiller Plant (Building 153) at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. The project aims to replace the existing undersized and inefficient chiller plant to meet increased cooling demands from planned expansions.

• Comprehensive architectural and engineering design services.

• Site visits, field investigations, studies, and user interviews.

• Preparation of complete drawings and specifications for all disciplines.

• Submission of 35%, 65%, 95%, and 100% design packages.

• Construction of a new approximately 11,500 SF Chiller Plant.

• Demolition of Building 109.

• Relocation or protection of impacted utilities.

• Installation of upgraded chilled-water capacity for the Main Hospital (Building 111).

• Construction of a second-floor walkway connecting to the existing Chiller Plant (Building 113).

• Full generator backup.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Approximately 730 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $50,000,000.00 and $100,000,000.00.

• The solicitation will be issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with FAR Parts 36 and 15.

• Evaluation will consider Technical and Price Factors.

• Anticipated solicitation issuance: January – February 2026.

• Solicitation will be advertised as Unrestricted.

• NAICS Code: 236220, Size Standard: $45 million.

• This is not a request for competitive offers at this time.

• All questions must be submitted in writing via email to Shardae.Webb@va.gov and William.Henkel@VA.gov.