F109--Water Program Amendment 002 - Question and Answers

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 36C24125Q0215 for the Water Management Program, as detailed in Amendment 001 and Amendment 002.

• Testing Quantities: Offerors should derive total testing quantities based on AAMI ST-108. However, the testing schedule will need adjustment due to ongoing installation of sample ports, resulting in fewer samples initially.
• Baseline vs. Program-Driven Testing: The outlined testing is the minimum baseline. Additional retesting will be required based on out-of-range results, and these mitigation measures and subsequent retesting should be factored into the firm-fixed price.
• Web-Based Data Management System: The contractor will provide and manage the proposed system; the VA does not currently have an existing platform.
• Routine Water Quality Parameters (pH, Conductivity, Alkalinity, Hardness): These tests are expected to be performed on-site, with occasional laboratory verification as needed if results warrant further investigation.

These clarifications provide essential details for pricing and understanding the scope of work, particularly regarding testing volumes, retesting requirements, and the data management system. Offerors should adjust their proposals accordingly.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0002 to Solicitation 36C24126Q0215. The primary purpose of this amendment is to update the existing Questions and Answers document by adding a new question and its corresponding answer.

• Questions and Answers document (updated)

This amendment does not appear to alter the original submission deadline or evaluation criteria, but bidders should review the updated Q&A document for any clarifications that may impact their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C24126Q0215 makes the following changes:

• Adds a "Questions and Answers" document.

• Extends the solicitation response deadline.

• The "Questions and Answers" document is attached.

• The response date is extended to April 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to 04/27/2026 at 3:00 PM EST.

• Offerors should review the newly added "Questions and Answers" document for clarification on requirements.

• Offerors must continue to follow instructions in FAR 52.212-1 and evaluation criteria in FAR 52.212-2.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 36C24125Q0215 for the Water Management Program.

• Testing Quantities & Basis of Estimate: Offerors should derive total testing quantities from the Water Management Program design (AAMI ST-108 and VHA Directive 1116). However, the testing schedule will need adjustment due to ongoing installation of sample ports/faucets, resulting in fewer samples in the initial months.
• Baseline vs. Program-Driven Testing: The testing outlined is the minimum baseline. Additional validation or risk-based testing defined by the contractor's Water Management Program (WMP) is expected. Any additional testing proposed as part of the WMP should be included in the firm-fixed price. Retesting will be required until results are within the acceptable range.
• Web-Based Data Management System: The contractor will be responsible for providing and managing the proposed web-based data management system. The VA does not currently have an existing platform for the contractor to utilize.

These clarifications do not appear to alter key requirements, due dates, or submission rules, but bidders should incorporate the adjusted testing quantity basis and the contractor-provided data management system into their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services for a Water Management Program and Chemical Testing Services. The Network Contracting Office (NCO) 1- New England is seeking a qualified contractor to establish and maintain this program for the Boston VA Medical Center Campus in Boston, MA. The services are required for existing water systems.

• Develop a comprehensive Water Management Program (WMP) for sterile processing service (SPS) water systems, aligning with VA and industry standards (AAMI ST-108:2023, AORN Guideline, VHA Directive 1116(2)).

• Implement a Web-based Data Management System to record, store, and report all data.

• Provide supervision, labor, travel, parts, materials, tools, supplies, and equipment.

• Conduct water testing (monthly, quarterly, and as needed).

• The WMP must include elements such as a Program Team, Goals, System Descriptions, Hazard Analysis, Control Locations/Limits/Measures, Monitoring, Corrective Actions, and Verification/Validation Strategies.

• Provide WMP operation services, including quarterly meetings, maintenance, advising, recommending changes, operating the data management software, remote support, and training.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Estimated to start April 2026 – April 2027. One base year of 12 months with 4 one-year option periods, for a total of five years.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the NAICS code 561210 has a small business size standard of $19 million.

• FSC/PSC: F109.

• Submission Deadline: Quotes must be received no later than 04/23/2025 at 3:00 PM EST.

• Questions Deadline: Questions must be received no later than 04/16/2026 at 12:00 PM EST.

• Submission Requirements: Price, Technical (capabilities statement, quality control plan, subcontractor information), and Past Performance (3 references).

• Evaluation Criteria: Comparative evaluation based on Technical/Quality, Past Performance, Veterans Involvement (SDVOSB/VOSB credit), and Price. Award will be based on the quote providing the best benefit to the Government.

• Contact: Pamela L. Parham (pamela.parham3@va.gov).

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

• SDVOSBs and VOSBs must be registered and certified in the SBA DSBS database.

• NAICS Code: 561210 (Small Business Size Standard: $19 million).

• Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center, Boston, MA

• West Roxbury VA Medical Center, West Roxbury, MA

• Brockton VA Medical Center, Brockton, MA

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

• Offerors must include a statement regarding acceptance of terms and conditions.

• Late submissions will not be accepted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and services for a Water Management Program and Water Chemical Testing Services. The Network Contracting Office (NCO) 1- New England is seeking a qualified contractor to establish this program for three VA campuses.

• Development, testing, and maintenance of a water management program for existing water systems.

• Implementation of a Web-based Data Management System to record, store, and report data in alignment with AAMI ST-108:2023.

• Comprehensive Water Management Program Tests to be completed within the first two weeks of each month.

• Monthly, quarterly, and as-needed water testing.

• Development of a Water Management Program (WMP) for sterile processing service (SPS) water systems, including program team, goals, system descriptions, hazard analysis, control locations/limits/measures, monitoring, corrective actions, verification, validation, and documentation.

• Operation services for the WMP, including facilitating team meetings, maintaining documentation, recommending changes, operating the web-based system, providing remote support, and training.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: One base year (12 months) with four one-year option renewals, for a total of five years. Estimated start: April 2026.

• Submission Requirements: Price, Technical (capabilities statement, quality control plan, subcontractor information if applicable), and Past Performance (3 similar references).

• Evaluation Factors: Technical or Quality, Past Performance, Veterans Involvement (SDVOSB/VOSB credit), and Price.

• Evaluation Approach: Comparative evaluation, seeking the quote most favorable to the Government.

• Submission Deadline: April 23, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST.

• Questions Deadline: April 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email to Pamela.Parham3@va.gov.

• This solicitation is set-aside 100% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) / Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB).

• SDVOSBs and VOSBs must be registered and certified in the SBA DSBS database.

• NAICS Code: 561210 (Small Business Size Standard: $19 million).

• All interested companies must be registered in SAM.gov.

• Offerors must state acceptance of terms and conditions or list exceptions.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR and VAAR provisions and clauses by reference.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for a Water Management Program and Chemical Testing service. The Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Officer 1 (NCO 1) is seeking to procure these services for the VA Boston Healthcare System, specifically for the Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Brockton Campuses.

The solicitation details requirements for a Water Management Program and Chemical Testing. Specific details regarding the scope of work are expected to be found in the attached "Combined Synopsis Solicitation Commercial Products and Commercial Services_36C24126Q0215_WaterProgram" document.

• Solicitation Number: 36C24126Q0215

• Product Service Code (PSC): F109

• NAICS Code: 561210 (Size Standard: $19 million)

• Set-Aside: 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

• Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 1 (NCO 1), Augusta, ME.

• Place of Performance: VA Boston Healthcare System (Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Brockton Campuses), Boston, MA 02130.

• Response Date/Time: April 23, 2026, 3:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Submission Instructions: Offerors should follow instructions in FAR 52.212-1 and evaluation criteria in Section E (52.212-2).

• Pricing: To be identified in Section B.3, Price/Cost Schedule.

• Registration: Vendors must be registered in SAM.gov and VetCert (SBA) prior to award. For VA contracts, vendors must be vendorized by completing Form 10091 at https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/.

• This procurement is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside.

• Vendors claiming Small Business status must be verified by the SBA.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; no written solicitation document will be issued.

• Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for amendments.

• Contact Specialist Pamela L. Parham at pamela.parham3@va.gov for inquiries (email only).

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is issued to identify potential sources for a future requirement for a Water Management Program with Water Testing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System. This is a pre-solicitation notice to gather market information and does not constitute a solicitation. A future RFQ solicitation may be issued.

The anticipated requirement includes:

• Development of a Water Management Program (WMP) for Sterile Processing Service (SPS) water systems, aligning with AAMI ST-108:2023, AORN guidelines, and VHA Directive 1116(2).

• WMP operations services, including facilitating meetings, maintaining documentation, recommending changes, and providing remote support.

• Implementation and operation of a Web-based Data Management System for recording, storing, and reporting water data, with features like 24/7 access, customizable reports, alerts, and data export.

• Supplemental Disinfection Equipment Service.

• The intended contract period is April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.

• Interested parties should respond to this Sources Sought Notice with a capabilities statement.

• Responses must include: Company name, Address, Size Standard, DUNS, Cage Code, TIN, Point of contact, NAICS Code 541380, Socioeconomic Status, proof of past performance (specific to services requested), and if applicable, a Letter of Intent from a subcontractor.

• Responses are due by March 17, 2026, 12:00 PM EST via email only to pamela.parham3@va.gov.

• Prospective firms must be registered in SAM.gov and VetCert.

• Vendors claiming Small Business status must be verified by the SBA.

• Vendors must be vendorized by completing Form 10091.

• The contractor must be an independent provider of water management services, not selling treatment chemicals, disinfection devices, or remediation services.

• The contractor's laboratory must have environmental microbiology accreditation.

• This notice is for informational purposes only to assist the VA in determining sources.

• Responses are not offers and do not obligate the government to award a contract.

• All interested offerors will need to respond to the actual solicitation when it is issued.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office 1 (NCO 1), for water testing services at the VAMC Boston Healthcare System (Jamaican Plain, West Roxbury, and Brockton Campuses). The SSN is for identifying potential sources for a future requirement and does not constitute a solicitation. The government may or may not issue a solicitation based on the responses received.

The specific requirements for water testing are not detailed in this notice, as it is for market research purposes. The future solicitation will outline the necessary services.

Not applicable at this stage. The government intends to award a single contract.

• Response Deadline: March 17, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Submission Method: Responses must be emailed to pamela.parham3@va.gov.

• Subject Line: Must include "36C24126Q0215, Water Management Program."

• Information Provided: Responses should be complete and detailed to demonstrate the organization's qualifications.

• Prospective firms must be registered in SAM (www.sam.gov).

• Firms claiming Small Business status must be verified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) via VetCert.

• Vendors must be "vendorized" by completing Form 10091 at https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/ to qualify for a VA contract.

• This notice is for informational purposes only and does not obligate the government to award a contract.

• All information received will be treated as proprietary.

• Respondents are responsible for all associated costs.

• It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor SAM.gov for any amendments.

• The NAICS code is 541380 and the Product Service Code is 4610.