Amendment 3-Annual inspections and tuning of boilers for the USDA, ARS, National Center for Animal Health in Ames, IA

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is Amendment #3 to a Request for Information (RFI) for solicitation 1232SA26Q0165. It provides a specific question asked by the government and the government's response regarding boiler model numbers.

• Question: The solicitation lists model numbers for Boilers #1 and #2, but only serial numbers for Boilers #3 through #6. The government requested model numbers or additional specifications for Boilers #3 (Murry Iron Works, Serial #9582), #4 (Cleaver Brooks, Serial #SP-4573), #5 (Cleaver Brooks, Serial #4573), and #6 (HRSG2, Rentech Boiler Services, Serial #2007-31).
• Answer: The government could not find model numbers for boiler 3 or the HRSG2. They attached data plate numbers for these units.
• Boiler 4 Model Number: SP-NS-C-47-25.
• Boiler 5 Model Number: NS-C-47.

This clarification provides specific model numbers for Boilers #4 and #5, and indicates that data plates are attached for Boilers #3 and #6, which may be relevant for bidders assessing the equipment involved in the opportunity.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (Number 2) extends the due date for quotes.

• The due date for quotes has been extended.

• The deadline for submitting quotes is now March 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (Number 0001) modifies solicitation number 1232SA2600165, dated 02/24/2026.

• The primary change is the addition of a requirement for NBIC certification to Section 2.0 of the Statement of Work.

• The amendment provides a detailed description of the NBIC, its international recognition, and its adoption into law in many jurisdictions.

• Section 2.0 of the Statement of Work.

• The amendment does not explicitly state if proposal deadlines or submission requirements have been extended or modified, but it does note that offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

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

To provide yearly inspection and tuning services for gas-fired boilers at the US Department of Agriculture/National Center for Animal Health (USDA/NCAH) campus.

• Perform internal and external inspections of five specified boilers and one HRSG (inspections only).

• Conduct tuning of four specified boilers on natural gas and diesel fuel. The HRSG will not require tuning.

• Inspections and tuning are to be completed between May and September annually.

• The contract will be a base year plus four option years.

• All inspections and tuning must adhere to the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC).

• Contractors must possess NBIC certification.

• Detailed technical requirements for inspections include checking for deposits, examining internal components, verifying alignment, testing safety devices (low water cutouts, safety valves), and inspecting refractory.

• Tuning involves optimizing the combustion process for efficiency, safety, and emissions, including adjusting air/fuel mixture and recording performance data (flue gas oxygen, CO, NOx, temperatures, pressures).

• All interlocks and safety devices must be inspected and tested according to the VHA Boiler Plant Safety Devices Testing Manual.

• Annually between May and September.

• USDA/NCAH campus, specifically Building 154.

• Contractor must be NBIC certified.

• Adherence to all safety precautions, including Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) and confined space entry procedures.

• Contractor must provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Government will provide escorts and assistance for access.

• Contractor employees must comply with site security access requirements, including sign-in/out procedures and wearing identification badges.

• Quality Control: The POC (Joe Kadolph) will inspect completed work for approval.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for the annual inspection and tuning of gas-fired boilers at the US Department of Agriculture/National Center for Animal Health (USDA/NCAH).

• Annual Inspections and Tuning: The contractor will perform internal and external inspections, followed by tuning, for six specified boilers. This service is required annually for a base year plus four option years.

• Boilers Covered: Includes Burnham Industrial, Murry Iron Works, Cleaver Brooks, and Rentech HRSG2 models. Note: HRSG2 requires inspection only, no tuning.

• Inspection Details: Both internal and external inspections are required. Internal inspections involve checking for deposits, structural integrity, internal components, safety devices, and refractory. External inspections focus on verifying the proper installation and function of safety devices and components, and identifying any signs of damage or wear.

• Tuning Requirements: Tuning will be performed on each boiler using natural gas and diesel fuel. This includes optimizing the air-fuel mixture for efficiency, safety, and emissions, and verifying performance across the full firing cycle using a combustion analyzer. Adjustments will be made to meet manufacturer specifications and environmental permit limits.

• Timing: All inspections and tuning must be completed between May and September of each contract year.

• Combustion performance data (flue gas oxygen, CO, NOx), fuel train pressures, stack temperatures, and steam output will be recorded.

• Calibration of instrumentation will be verified against manufacturer specifications.

• All inspections and tuning must adhere to safety precautions, including Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) and confined space entry requirements.

• Period: Base year with four option years. Deliverables are scheduled annually between May and September for 2026 through 2030.

• Place: USDA/NCAH campus.

• Safety: Strict adherence to LOTO, confined space entry, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements is mandatory.

• Access: Government will provide escorts for access to Building 154. Contractors must sign in/out and wear identification badges. Access to unauthorized areas is prohibited.

• Utilities: Existing USDA utilities may be used by the contractor.

• Quality Control: Completed work will be inspected by the POC (Joe Kadolph) for approval.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the annual inspection, tuning, and documentation of Boilers #1-6. The government intends to award a single contract for these services.

• Annual inspection, tuning, and documentation of Boilers #1-6.

• Offers must be submitted in accordance with the requirements stipulated in this solicitation.

• Alternate Parts will be authorized if they are approved and satisfy form, fit, and function requirements. All parts must be NEW and approved.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available via Solicitation Attachments, including Attachment 2 – Statement of Work and Attachment 3 – Wage Determination.

• The anticipated contract type is not explicitly stated but will consist of one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not exceeding five (5) years.

• Submission Deadline: Questions are due no later than March 11, 2026. Offers must be submitted by the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Evaluation will be based on Price and Technical Acceptability. The Government will evaluate quotations based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria. Only the lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability and Past Performance.

• Price: Offeror’s quotation will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. The potential exercise of FAR 52.217-8 (Option to Extend Services) for up to six months will be considered in the total evaluated price.

• Technical Acceptability: Will be rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet all requirements and demonstrate a thorough understanding. Offerors must provide a detailed explanation of their ability to perform the services outlined in Section 3.0 of the Statement of Work. Any exceptions to the SOW may result in the quotation being found technically unacceptable.

• Past Performance: May be evaluated using provided references, past USDA contracts, and CPARS. Ratings will be Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.

• Period for Acceptance of Offers: Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• The document references various FAR clauses related to small business concerns (e.g., HUBZone, Total Small Business Aside, Small Business Subcontracting Plan), indicating potential set-aside considerations, but no specific set-aside is explicitly stated for this solicitation.

• This document incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference. Offerors are advised to review these carefully.

• The Service Contract Labor Standards may apply. Places of performance are currently unknown, and offerors may request additional wage determinations.

• The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is available for resolving concerns.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-4975, Revision No. 27) for the Service Contract Act, applicable to the area of Iowa County of Story. It outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work in this location.

• Lists occupational codes and titles with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and Paid Sick Leave rates ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week) as per Executive Order 13706.
• Includes notes on Executive Order 13658, establishing a minimum wage of $13.30 per hour for contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022.
• Details paid sick leave provisions (EO 13706) and vacation benefits (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years).
• Lists eleven paid holidays.
• Provides guidance on the conformance process for occupations not listed in the determination.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under a contract in Iowa County of Story. It directly impacts the pricing of proposals by establishing mandatory wage and benefit rates for all service employees working on the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant.