Z2DA--FY26 - CON Replace Water Softener System - Project 671-18-106 (VA-26-00000201)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Commissioning Plan for a Water Softener Plant. It outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and timeline for the commissioning activities to ensure compliant installation, testing, and operational readiness of the plant.

• Objective: To ensure the water softener plant is installed, tested, and ready for operation according to project requirements.
• Scope: Includes verification of installation, testing of plumbing, electrical, and instrumentation systems, calibration of control systems, functional testing of alarms and interlocks, performance testing, and training of operational staff.
• Commissioning Team: Identifies O'Brien Engineering, Inc. as the Commissioning Agent, with End User, Contractor, and Equipment Supplier Representatives to be determined (TBD).
• Commissioning Activities: Details pre-commissioning checks, plumbing, electrical, instrumentation and control, chemical handling, performance, safety, and alarm testing, as well as training and documentation requirements.
• Materials of Construction: Specifies materials for Ion Exchange Tanks (FRP or stainless steel), Brine Tank/Day Tank (HDPE or fiberglass), Piping (PVC, CPVC, or stainless steel), and Pumps (stainless steel or corrosion-resistant).
• Controls and Alarms: Describes a PLC-based control system with HMI and outlines alarm types for levels, pressure, and equipment failures.
• Timeline: Start and End Dates are TBD.

This plan details the expected commissioning process and requirements for the water softener plant. Bidders should review the scope of work, testing procedures, materials of construction, and control system details to understand the project's technical requirements and operational expectations. The TBD status of key personnel and the timeline indicates areas where further information may be required.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C25726R0040 provides the following:

• Requests for Information (RFI) Responses: Answers to vendor questions regarding the solicitation.

• Updated Past Performance Relevancy Key: A revised rating system for evaluating past performance.

• Attachment 1: Site Visit Sign-In Sheet: Records attendees of the site visit.

• Attachment 2: OEI VASA Water Softener Commissioning Plan LRL v062624: The commissioning plan for the water softener system.

• Attachment 3: Appendix D - Geotechnical Report: A geotechnical report relevant to the project.

• The Past Performance Relevancy Rating Key has been updated.

• Several attachments have been added to the solicitation package.

• The amendment clarifies several aspects of the project through RFI responses, which may impact how bidders prepare their proposals.

• Specific RFI responses address:

  • Buy-American Act applicability (Yes).
  • Texas Sales and Use Tax exemption for materials incorporated into VA realty.
  • Site logistics: only a trash dumpster at the loading dock, no storage containers or job trailers on site.
  • VA provides the commissioning agent (O'Brien Engineering, Inc.).
  • After-hours work is required for utility shutdowns impacting patient care.
  • No contractor-specific parking is provided.
  • ICRA Class 3 requirements apply.
  • Potential lead paint in the water softener room; ACM suspected in pipe insulation.
  • Existing brine tank is 750gal; below-grade basin contains gravel and wet salt.
  • Temporary equipment requires controls based on new controls provided.
  • VA will remove items in the canopy area; contractor to provide a 20 ft shipping container for VA storage.
  • Existing buckets to be used for temporary setup.
  • Phasing: Install temporary Water Softener, Install new medical vacuum system, Install new water softener.
  • New pumps can be stored onsite or offsite.
  • Laydown area is limited to the project site.
  • Stainless steel piping (3" NPS and above) is required; no alternative materials accepted.
  • MED Gas certifications are required.
  • 3rd party testing for concrete/rebar is not required; concrete slump of 5 required.
  • No 3rd party testing on mortar compound.
  • VA will coordinate bypass for existing water supply; no city shutdown coordination needed.
  • Model/serial numbers for existing exhaust fan and unit heater on M-101 are unknown.
  • New system ties into the Building Automation System.
  • Temporary fencing is required.
  • Geotechnical report and commissioning plan are provided as attachments.
  • All work is part of the base bid; no bid alternates.
  • Existing Fire alarm and sprinkler shall remain.
  • Temporary water softener system must meet the same requirements as the permanent system.
  • Utility shutdowns must be done at nights or off-peak hours.
  • Contractor will remove items in the water softener room.
  • Clarification on water softener configuration: intended to be a 3-tank configuration (N+1 redundancy) with one brine tank, allowing simultaneous regeneration.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Geotechnical Evaluation Report for the design and construction of a new water softener tank at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. It provides an assessment of subsurface geologic conditions and their impact on the proposed upgrades.

• Project Description: Installation of a new above-ground water tank, with foundation in an area of an existing underground storage tank to be backfilled and abandoned. Preliminary plans are to support the new tank on concrete drilled pier foundations.
• Scope of Services: Included reviewing background information, staking exploration locations, performing two test borings (B-1 and B-2) to depths of 10-75 feet, laboratory testing of soil samples, coring the existing concrete floor slab, scanning CMU walls for reinforcement, and drilling probe holes in CMU walls.
• Subsurface Conditions: The site consists of Pecan Gap Chalk formation, with surface materials including concrete, aggregate base, lean clay with sand (CL), fat clay (CH), and marlstone. Groundwater was not observed during drilling.
• Recommendations: Supports the new tank on straight-shaft drilled piers bearing in marlstone. Addresses expansive soil conditions with potential vertical rise (PVR) up to 4 inches. Recommends specific parameters for drilled shaft design, including allowable bearing capacities, minimum diameters, and spacing. Advises on concrete placement, construction considerations, and special inspections for drilled shafts.
• Other Sections: Includes details on void space beneath pier-supported elements, flatwork considerations, seismic site classification (Site Class B), utility support, abandonment of the below-grade tank, and equipment support.

This report is crucial for bidders to understand the subsurface conditions and the recommended foundation design for the new water softener tank. It provides critical information for estimating foundation construction costs, potential challenges (e.g., expansive soils, drilling conditions), and specific requirements for drilled piers, concrete placement, and inspections. Bidders should review the recommendations for foundation support, soil parameters, and construction constraints to inform their proposals and construction planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sign-in sheet for a pre-bid site visit related to the "Replace Water Softener" project, held on March 10, 2026. It records the names, companies, and contact information of attendees.

• No.: Sequential number for each attendee.
• Name: Full name of the individual attending.
• Company: The company the attendee represents.
• Email: Contact email address.
• Phone: Contact phone number.

This sign-in sheet provides a list of companies and individuals who attended the pre-bid site visit. This information can be valuable for bidders to identify potential competitors, partners, or subcontractors who have expressed interest in the "Replace Water Softener" opportunity.

Specifications / Technical Documents

This document contains "Appendix B - Construction Document Specifications" for Project No. 671-18-106, "Replace Water Softeners" at the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. It is "Issue For Bid" and dated 2020-10-23.

The document is a comprehensive set of specifications covering various aspects of the construction project, organized into divisions and sections. Key divisions include:

• Division 00 - Special Sections: Lists drawing sheets.
• Division 01 - General Requirements: Covers safety, general intentions, statement of bid items, specifications and drawings, construction security, operations and storage, alterations, disposal, protection of existing elements, restoration, physical data, surveying, layout, as-built drawings, roadways, resident engineer's field office, temporary equipment use, temporary toilets, utility services, tests, instructions, and government-furnished property.
• Division 02 - Existing Conditions: Includes demolition and underground storage tank removal.
• Division 03 - Concrete: Details cast-in-place concrete.
• Division 04 - Masonry: Covers masonry work.
• Division 05 - Metals: Includes structural steel framing, cold-formed metal framing, and metal fabrications.
• Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection: Covers bituminous dampproofing, firestopping, and joint sealants.
• Division 08 - Openings: Includes hollow metal doors and frames, coiling doors and grilles, door hardware.
• Division 09 - Finishes: Covers subsurface preparation for floor finishes, gypsum board, resinous epoxy base with vinyl chip broadcast, and painting.
• Division 21 - Fire Suppression: Details wet-pipe sprinkler systems.
• Division 22 - Plumbing: Includes general work results, meters and gages, heat tracing, insulation, water softeners, brine pumps, and facility water distribution.
• Division 23 - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Covers general work results, testing, adjusting, and balancing, direct-digital control systems, ducts and casings, fans, air terminal units, and air outlets and inlets.
• Division 26 - Electrical: Includes requirements for electrical installations, low-voltage power conductors and cables, grounding and bonding, raceway and boxes, motor controllers, and lighting.
• Division 31 - Earthwork: Covers earthwork (short form).
• Division 32 - Exterior Improvements: Includes cement and concrete for exterior improvements and asphalt paving.

Attachments are also listed, including a Geotechnical Report, Limited Asbestos Survey, and a Draft Systems Commissioning Plan.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines the detailed technical specifications and requirements for the "Replace Water Softeners" project. It specifies the materials, methods, quality control, testing, and installation procedures that must be followed. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to understand the scope of work, material requirements, and compliance standards to accurately prepare their bids and ensure successful project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a site visit meeting notice and map related to the "REPLACE WATER SOFTENERS" project (Project Number 671-18-106) at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital. It indicates the location for a site visit meeting.

• Project: Replace Water Softeners
• Project Number: 671-18-106
• Location: Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78229
• Event: Site Visit Meeting
• Map: Provides a site map showing the hospital layout, parking, and the general area for the water softeners replacement.

This document is relevant for bidders interested in the "Replace Water Softeners" opportunity as it provides critical information about the location of the project and the date/time of a mandatory site visit meeting. Bidders should use this map to orient themselves for the site visit.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an asbestos survey map detailing the presence and abatement status of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) across multiple floors of a building. It serves as a visual reference for identifying areas that have been confirmed to contain ACM, areas presumed to not have been abated, and areas that have undergone full abatement (floor to ceiling, including ceiling tile replacement, but not interstitial).

• Legend: Defines the color-coding for different ACM statuses: grey for confirmed no ACM, yellow for presumed not abated, and blue for abated.
• Floor Plans: Detailed layouts of the Ground, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh floors, with specific areas color-coded according to the legend.
• Room Designations: Many rooms are labeled with numbers and/or letters, and some are identified by function (e.g., 'OFFICE', 'LAB', 'EXAM ROOM', 'PATIENT ROOM').

This document is crucial for any bidder involved in renovation, construction, or maintenance activities within the building. It provides essential information about the location and status of asbestos, which directly impacts safety protocols, work procedures, and potential costs associated with handling or working around these materials. Bidders must consult these maps to understand the scope of work related to ACM and to ensure compliance with safety regulations during their operations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) Permit and an Infection Prevention and Control Construction/Renovation/Maintenance Permit. It is designed to assess and mitigate risks associated with construction, renovation, or maintenance activities within a healthcare facility, specifically focusing on infection prevention.

• PCRA Permit: Requires identification of the project, location, description, project manager, contact information, contractor, and dates. It also includes sections for activity type, patient risk category, and required control measures based on the level of infection prevention precautions (Levels I-IV).
• Infection Prevention and Control Permit: Details the specific project, location, project manager, contractor, and dates. It outlines different levels of infection control precautions (I-IV) with corresponding control measures, including dust control, barrier requirements, negative pressurization, and anteroom specifications.
• Additional Requirements: Specific to this project, it mandates a flood prevention/barrier plan for tunnel work during the rain season, temporary bracing for structural repairs, and HVAC isolation for the water softener room.
• Signatures: Requires signatures from the Project Manager, Infection Preventionist, Safety Officer, and Chair of the Construction Safety Committee.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the stringent infection control and safety protocols required for the "REPLACE WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM (MAINT. TUNNEL)" project. It outlines the necessary measures to prevent the spread of infection during construction, which will impact project planning, execution, and costs. Bidders must review the required control measures for the specified activity level to ensure compliance and accurate proposal development.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) Permit. It is required to be posted at the entrance to the project area or other designated area. It outlines the necessary control measures and safety plans to be in place during the "WATER SOFTENER REPLACEMENT REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT OF WATER SOFTENER SYSTEM" activity.

• Permit Information: Includes unique permit number, location, project manager, contact phone, contractor, project start/completion dates, and permit expiration date.
• Activity Type: Specifies "LARGE-SCALE" activity and requires "Inspection/Upkeep" or "Small-scale" or "Large-scale" control measures.
• Control Measures: Details specific safety protocols for different activity types, including hazard communication, ILSMs, hot work permits, LOTO procedures, site visits, and daily inspections.
• Activity Hazard Analyses and Control Plans: Requires plans for excavation, dust control, pollution prevention, dig safe, crane lifts, fall protection, and confined entry.
• Additional Requirements: Includes flood prevention/barrier plan for tunnel work, temporary bracing for structural repairs, and HVAC isolation plan for the water softener room.
• Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA): Indicates whether an ICRA is required.
• Signatures: Sections for Infection Prevention and Control, Project Manager, Safety Officer, and Chair, Construction Safety Committee.

This permit highlights the critical safety and risk management requirements for the project. Bidders should review the listed control measures, additional requirements, and necessary safety plans to understand the operational constraints and safety obligations associated with performing this work. It indicates a strong emphasis on safety protocols and compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Infection Prevention and Control Construction/Renovation/Maintenance Permit required for activities at Level III and Level IV. It outlines the necessary control measures and precautions to be implemented during the specified construction or renovation work to prevent the spread of infections.

• Permit Information: Includes unique permit number, location, project manager, contractor, and dates (start, completion, expiration).
• Activity Category: Designated as 'D'.
• Patient Risk Category: Low.
• Infection Prevention and Control Precautions Level: III.
• Control Measures: Detailed requirements are listed for Level I, Level II, Level III, and Level IV activities. Bidders should note the specific controls applicable to their work, particularly for Level III which is checked.
• Additional Requirements: Space for further specifications.
• Signatures: Includes fields for Project Manager and Infection Preventionist signatures.

This permit is crucial for any bidder involved in construction, renovation, or maintenance activities at the specified location. It details the mandatory infection control measures that must be adhered to, impacting project planning, execution, and compliance. Bidders must understand and be prepared to implement the control measures outlined, especially those corresponding to Level III precautions, which are checked on this permit.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet titled "Attachment 4 Itemized Cost Breakdown_.xlsx" for Solicitation No. 36C257XXXXX. It serves as a worksheet for bidders to provide a detailed cost and price breakdown for their proposal.

The worksheet is structured by CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) divisions, starting with Division 01 - General Requirements and continuing through various construction and specialty divisions (e.g., Concrete, Masonry, Electrical, HVAC, etc.), concluding with "Other (If applicable)". For each division, there are columns for Material, Labor, Equipment, and Other costs, with a Total for each line item and a Division Total. The worksheet also includes sections for Subtotal, Overhead, Profit, Bonds and Insurance, and a final Total Proposal.

Bidders are required to use this template to itemize and present their proposed costs. All cost categories (Material, Labor, Equipment, Other) must be detailed for each relevant division. The final totals, including overhead, profit, and insurance, will form the basis of the total proposal cost. This document is critical for proposal preparation and will be used by the government for cost evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains detailed ceiling plans for Phase 5, Zones F-1 and F-2 of the V.A. Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. It specifies the layout and types of sprinklers and hangers to be installed in the basement areas.

• Ceiling Plans: Detailed layouts for Zone F-1 and Zone F-2, showing sprinkler head locations, pipe routing, and hanger types.
• Sprinkler Details: A table listing sprinkler types, finishes, orifice sizes, NPT connections, and quantities.
• Hanger Details: A table and diagrams illustrating various hanger types (e.g., beam clamps, J-hooks, drop-in anchors) to be used for pipe support.
• Key Plan: A small diagram showing the location of the basement zones within the overall facility.
• Revision History: A section for recording changes and approvals.
• Contractor Information: Contact details for G H MECHANICAL, the contractor responsible for the work.

This attachment is crucial for bidders involved in the fire protection system installation. It provides the specific technical details required for the sprinkler system layout, component selection, and installation in the designated basement zones. Bidders must use these plans to understand the scope of work, prepare accurate bids, and ensure compliance with the design specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains construction drawings and specifications for the "Replace Water Softeners with Brine Tank Inspection" project at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital. It details the scope of work, design requirements, and technical specifications for the replacement of water softeners and brine tank inspection.

• Project Information: Project No. 671-18-106, Obligation No. 671C80464, Contract No. VA257-18-C-0110, Issue Date: October 23, 2020.
• Scope of Work: Replacement of water softeners and brine tank inspection.
• Drawings: Includes cover sheet, sheet index, general notes, phasing plan, ICRA form, civil, structural, architectural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical drawings.
• Specifications: Detailed technical requirements for materials, installation, and performance.
• Key Areas: Water Softener Room (AB20a), Meter Room (AB20b), Mechanical Equipment Room (AB20).

This document is critical for potential bidders as it outlines the complete technical requirements for the water softener replacement project. It provides all necessary details for understanding the scope, design, materials, and installation procedures required to submit an accurate and compliant bid. Bidders must review all sections, including site plans, structural details, plumbing schematics, and electrical layouts, to fully grasp the project's demands.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Project 671-18-106, "Replace Water Softener System" at the Audie Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The project requires the contractor to provide all labor, supervision, materials, and equipment to replace the existing water softener system, including decommissioning and removal of the underground brine tank and pump system, removal of the existing solar water storage system and med gas equipment, installation of a temporary water softener system, construction of a new water softener room with structural repairs and improvements, new pier and pad foundations, and new med gas equipment and pump room construction. The estimated construction magnitude is between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• Replacement of the water softener system.

• Decommissioning and removal of the underground brine tank and pump system.

• Removal of existing solar water storage system and med gas equipment.

• Installation of a temporary water softening system.

• Construction of a new water softener room, including structural repairs and improvements.

• Construction of a new med gas equipment and pump room.

• Compliance with VA Policy 007-15-04 for interstitial spaces.

• Adherence to all applicable Federal, State, and local codes and regulations.

• Provision of a site staging plan, pollution prevention plan, dust containment/control plan, flood prevention plan, and temporary bracing plan prior to construction.

• Contractor must employ a qualified fire protection engineer for design modifications to the existing fire alarm and sprinkler system.

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Estimated Construction Magnitude: Between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• Performance Period: 548 calendar days.

• Proposals are due by April 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST.

• Submission is via email to rhonda.richardson5@va.gov and stephanie.ingersoll@va.gov.

• Proposals must be submitted in four volumes: Technical Acceptability (5 pages), Past Performance (40 pages), Price/Cost, and Solicitation, Offer, & Award Documents.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Acceptability (EMR), Past Performance (significantly more important than price), and Price.

• Site Visit: March 10, 2026, at 8:00 AM CST.

• RFIs Due: March 16, 2026, by 10:00 AM CST.

• This solicitation is 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

• Offerors must be SDVOSB certified with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and registered in SAM.gov.

• Awardees will be required to provide a Superintendent at all times work is being performed.

• Invoices must be submitted through the Tungsten Network.

• Texas Sales and Use Tax exemption applies for materials incorporated into VA real estate.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a presolicitation notice for a project to replace the Water Softener System at the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, TX. The project involves comprehensive replacement, including decommissioning of existing systems, structural repairs, and construction of new facilities.

• Inspection and decommissioning of the underground brine tank and pump system.

• Removal of the existing solar water storage system and med gas equipment.

• Installation of a temporary water softener system.

• Installation of a new water softener system.

• Water softener room structural repairs and improvements.

• Construction of new pier and pad foundations.

• Construction of a new med gas equipment and pump room.

• General Contractor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision.

• All work must be in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW), which will be posted with the solicitation.

• Magnitude of the project is estimated between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• A Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be posted on or about February 12, 2026.

• This procurement is 100% 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 $19M.

• Product Service Code (PSC): Z2DA (Repair or Alteration of Hospitals and Infirmaries).

• The contracting office ZIP code is 78240.

• The Place of Performance is Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.

• The point of contact is Stephanie Ingersoll, Contract Specialist, at stephanie.ingersoll@va.gov or 210-240-6838.