Y1NB--CON-NRM-668-23-101 Construct Chiller Plant & Cooling Towers
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is soliciting proposals for the construction of a new Chiller Plant and Cooling Towers (Project #668-23-101) at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. This is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside with an estimated value between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000. Proposals are due by May 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT.
Project Overview & Scope
The project involves the construction of a new 4000 gross square foot chiller plant on the roof adjacent to Building 44 boiler plant. The scope includes site preparation, electrical routing for emergency and normal power, and modification of the existing loop architecture. A new building will house three new chillers with roof support for cooling towers. The contractor will be responsible for installing all electrical equipment, chillers, and associated support systems, including pumps, water treatment, and emergency connections, and connecting them to the existing chilled water loop. Integration of the Building Management System (BMS) and controls for all new systems is required. The project also mandates the provision of a qualified manufacturer's representative for system startup, adjustments, demonstrations, and testing, along with full test and balance (TAB) for the building air system and chillers. Operating tests will be conducted in the presence of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and comprehensive commissioning documentation and training for VA personnel on system settings will be provided. The work must adhere to detailed architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, fire alarm, and special systems drawings and specifications.
Contract Details & Requirements
This is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract with a Period of Performance of 630 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, including project close-out documentation. The NAICS code is 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) with a small business size standard of $45 million. A bid guarantee (20% of bid price or $2,000,000, whichever is less) and performance/payment bonds (100% of original contract price) are required. The VAAR 852.219-75 Limitations on Subcontracting applies, requiring general construction contractors to certify that no more than 85% of the contract amount will be paid to non-SDVOSB/VOSB firms. Spokane County prevailing wage rates (Davis-Bacon Act) are applicable. Contractors are responsible for all equipment and supplies; no Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) will be provided.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically by May 21, 2026, 12:00 PM PDT, in two volumes: Technical and Past Performance, and Price. Evaluation will follow a best value tradeoff source selection procedure, where Technical Approach and Past Performance are approximately equal in importance and significantly more important than Price. Offerors must ensure their SDVOSB verification is current and unexpired in SBA VetCert / VA CVE registry by the proposal submission date. Completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) from clients are a critical submission requirement.
Key Clarifications & Notes
Responses to 52 Requests for Information (RFIs) have been issued, clarifying various aspects including:
- Experience: Similar large cooling equipment is defined as chillers with at least 400-ton capacity. SDVOSB primes can use first-tier subcontractor past performance for "similar large cooling equipment" experience.
- Quality Control (QC): Specialty QC personnel must be physically present during active work. The CQC System Manager may not serve as the Site Superintendent but can perform the Commissioning Manager role.
- Substitutions: "Or equal" substitutions are allowed with approval, ensuring equivalent performance.
- Certifications: AISC certification is required for structural steel fabricator/erector. PCI certification requirements cannot be waived.
- Scheduling: Project schedules must be cost-loaded; resource loading and Primavera P6 are not required, but a native schedule file is.
- VA Access: Contractors must acknowledge and accept the "Contractor Rules of Behavior" for accessing VA information assets.
- Taxes: Include all applicable Washington state and local taxes.
- Site Visit: A site visit was held on April 27, 2026; no additional site visits will be scheduled.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Sangmi Kim, Contract Specialist, at sangmi.kim@va.gov.