H246--RFQ Amendment 5-16 FEB 26- Water Testing

Amendment / Questions & Answers

This amendment (Amendment 01) to Solicitation Number 36C25626Q0311 addresses contractor questions regarding water testing services for the Alexandria VA Medical Center. It provides answers to specific questions about testing requirements, particularly concerning adherence to AAMI ST108 guidelines.

Key clarifications include:

• Utility Water Testing: The amendment clarifies the frequency and specific tests required for Utility Water, addressing discrepancies between Attachment A and AAMI ST108 regarding Bacteria, Endotoxin, and TOC testing. It confirms the required testing protocols and sample quantities.

• Ionic Contaminants: It clarifies the specific ionic contaminants to be tested, aligning with ST108 requirements.

• DI Water and Steam Quality Testing: The amendment details the required monthly DI water sample tests and quarterly steam quality tests, including the number of samples needed.

• Attachment A (regarding testing requirements and AAMI ST108 compliance)

• Response Date Extended: The solicitation due date has been extended to February 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST.

• No Further Questions: No additional questions will be accepted at this time.

Bidders should review the provided answers to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the clarified testing requirements.

Solicitation

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for water testing services at the Alexandria VA Medical Center. The procurement is conducted in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6 and FAR Part 13.

• Water Management Operation Plan development and annual recertification.

• Monthly, quarterly, and annual water sampling and testing for Utility Water, Critical Water, and Steam Condensate.

• Testing includes parameters such as pH, Conductivity, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Bacteria (Heterotrophic Plate Count), Endotoxins, Total Organic Carbon, and Ionic Contaminants.

• Laboratory analysis must comply with AAMI ST108:2023 standards and VHA Directive 1116(2).

• Secure web-based reporting with exportable reports (Excel, PDF).

• Prompt notification of positive sampling results (within 24 hours).

• Analytical reports must be provided within 7 calendar days of lab receipt.

• Contractor must provide all sampling supplies, containers, shipping labels, and transportation costs.

• Contractor must provide water testing equipment or lab certification.

• Contractor staff must adhere to facility PPE and safety practices.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: One (1) Base Year (12 months) with four (4) 12-month optional performance periods. Base Year: Feb 18, 2026 - Feb 17, 2027. Options extend through Feb 17, 2031.

• Quotes are due by February 12, 2026, 10:00 AM Central Time.

• Submit quotes electronically via email to rhonda.gibson2@va.gov.

• All questions must be submitted via email by February 9, 2026, 10:00 AM Central Time.

• Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis.

• Technical acceptability requires meeting all performance requirements. Past performance will be rated acceptable/unacceptable based on CPARS/FAPIIS.

• This requirement is a Total SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) Set Aside.

• Offerors must be VIP-listed SDVOSBs.

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), Size Standard: $19 Million.

• Place of Performance: Alexandria VA Medical Center, Pineville, LA.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR and VAAR clauses and provisions, including those related to commercial items, set-asides, and reporting requirements.