H912--Sources Sought 5 Year Sprinkler Testing/Inspection for VA Palo Alto Heath Care System (VAPAHCS)

Amendment / Modification

• The hour and date for receipt of Offers is extended to January 26, 2026, 13:00 PST.

• This amendment notifies contractors that a California Sprinkler Fitter License and C-16 Fire Protection Contractor License are required for this requirement.

• An updated Market Research Questionnaire is provided, which includes a question about possessing these licenses, to help determine the appropriate set-aside.

• The requirement is primarily for Fire Sprinkler Inspection services.

• The NAICS code will be revised to 561210 (Facilities Support Services) with a small business size standard of $47 Million.

• The Market Research Questionnaire has been updated.

• NAICS code and size standard have been revised.

• The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to January 26, 2026, 13:00 PST.

• Bidders must confirm they possess the required California Sprinkler Fitter License and C-16 Fire Protection Contractor License.

Sources Sought

This is a Sources Sought announcement for contractors capable of providing NFPA 5 Year Sprinkler Testing/Inspection services for the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). No solicitation is currently available. The information gathered will help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 21 determine the procurement strategy.

• The primary service required is NFPA 5 Year Sprinkler Testing/Inspection.

• A draft Statement of Work (SoW) is attached and provides further details on the services.

• The projected Period of Performance for the Base Year is 2/23/26 – 8/22/26.

• Interested contractors must respond via email to Timothy.Smith9de3@va.gov by 1:00 P.M. PST on January 13, 2026.

• Responses should include:

  • Company’s Socioeconomic Status (including SBA registration for SDVOSB/VOSB).
  • Company legal name and Unique Entity ID (SAM).
  • Primary point of contact (phone and email).
  • Capabilities Statement.
  • List of similar Government and Commercial projects (scope and size).
  • Details on subcontracting plans (FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-27).
  • GSA Contract Number (if applicable).
  • Price estimate.

• Failure to provide requested information will be considered non-responsive.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors).

• Small business size standard: $19 Million.

• Small businesses (including SDVOSB and VOSB) must comply with Limitations on Subcontracting requirements (at least 50% of contract performance cost for personnel must be expended for employees of the concern).

• Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• SDVOSB and VOSB firms must be registered and verified at Veteran Small Business Certification (sba.gov) at the time of submission.

• This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract.

• All information is preliminary and subject to modification.

• The Government will not pay for any information submitted.

• RFQ number 36C26126Q0311 should be referenced on all correspondence.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "SECTION 22 05 11 COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING," outlines general requirements and specifications applicable to all sections of Division 22 (Plumbing) for a project. It covers definitions, related work, applicable publications (standards from ASME, ASTM, ICC), submittal procedures, quality assurance, product criteria, welding qualifications, delivery, storage, handling, job conditions, materials for various services, factory-assembled products, and pipe/equipment supports and restraints.

This document is crucial for bidders as it establishes the foundational standards, materials, and quality expectations for all plumbing work within the opportunity. It details specific requirements for:

• Materials: Including recycled content, compliance with NSF standards for potable water systems, and restrictions on lead content.
• Installation: Emphasizing adherence to manufacturer's instructions, accessibility of equipment, and qualified installers.
• Quality: Defining acceptable workmanship and product standards.
• Compliance: Referencing numerous industry codes and standards (ASME, ASTM, ICC, NSF) that must be met.
• Submittals: Outlining the process for submitting shop drawings, product data, and other required documentation.

Understanding these common work results is essential for accurately estimating costs, planning execution, and ensuring compliance with the government's specifications for the plumbing aspects of the project.

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

This document outlines the safety requirements for a project, ensuring compliance with various standards and regulations to maintain a safe work environment.

• Applicable Publications: Lists numerous standards from organizations like ASSP, ASTM, FGI, NFPA, TJC, US NRC, OSHA, and US Army Corps of Engineers that must be adhered to.

• Definitions: Defines key terms such as "Competent Person" (CP) for general safety, confined spaces, and cranes/rigging, as well as "Medical Treatment."

• Submittal Requirements: Details required submittals including Accident Prevention Plans (APP), Certificates of Compliance, Crane Operator/Rigger Certifications, and Machinery & Mechanized Equipment Certification Forms.

• Training: Mandates site-specific SOH orientation, mandatory training for specific equipment/tasks (e.g., fall protection, electrical lockout), ongoing safety training, OSHA 10-hour (all workers) and 30-hour (Competent Persons) Outreach training.

• Safety and Health Inspections: Requires daily job site inspections, documentation, and potential external inspections.

• Preconstruction Safety Conference: Requires attendance by key personnel to discuss the accident prevention program, submitted plans, and anticipated hazard analyses (AHAs).

• Safety Meetings: Mandates regular safety meetings for supervisors and trade workers, with documentation and advance notification to the Contracting Officer.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specifies mandatory PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, safety shoes, and hearing protection, with references to specific standards (OSHA, EM 385-1-1, ANSI Z.87.1, ASTM F2413-11).

• Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA): Requires control of construction-associated hazards affecting VA medical facilities, with PCRAs included in the solicitation and subject to updates.

• Electrical: Mandates compliance with NFPA 70, 70B, 70E, and relevant OSHA regulations. Electrical work must be performed by licensed journeyman or master electricians, or apprentices under their supervision.

• Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout): Requires compliance with 29 CFR 1910.147 and other specific regulations for installation, maintenance, and servicing of equipment and machinery, including electrical equipment.

• Compliance with all listed applicable publications and standards.

• Establishment of safe working procedures and ongoing safety training.

• Conducting regular safety meetings and inspections.

• Proper use and provision of required PPE.

• Adherence to lockout/tagout procedures.

Not specified in this document.

• Strict adherence to a wide range of safety standards and regulations.
• Specific qualifications and training for the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and Competent Persons.
• Detailed submittal and documentation requirements.
• Mandatory participation in preconstruction conferences and regular safety meetings.
• Specific requirements for electrical work and hazardous energy control.

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

To conduct NFPA 5-Year Sprinkler testing/inspection for the Livermore, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Mountain View campuses.

• Provide all necessary personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and services for the NFPA 5-Year Sprinkler testing/inspection.

• Coordinate work with the appointed COR to minimize impact on daily activities and noise.

• Provide operation and maintenance instructions, and manufacturer documentation at project completion.

• Provide tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment as per industry standards, SOW, specifications, codes, and site policy.

• Ensure daily cleanup and securing of the work site, including tools and equipment. Disposal of waste and debris is at the contractor's expense.

• Implement quality control for all work conducted.

• Coordinate all work with the COR and commence only after approval.

• Obtain required ID badges for all employees daily.

• Comply with Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA policies regarding information and information system security.

• Normal work hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday-Friday, excluding Government holidays, unless otherwise approved by the COR.

• Follow applicable codes and standards, including but not limited to Health Care System Memorandums (HCSM), OSHA Guidelines, Lock-out-Tag-out, Rules of Station, and NFPA.

• Conduct the following specific inspection:

  • Palo Alto: 30 Buildings
  • Menlo Park: 27 Buildings
  • Livermore: 12 Buildings
  • Mountain View: 1 Building

• The inspection is designed to identify potential obstruction, corrosion, and other problems in the fire sprinkler system.

• Specific inspection requirements include testing water flow, checking valves, inspecting sprinkler heads, examining water storage, ensuring Fire Department Connection (FDC) is clear, inspecting piping, conducting hydrostatic tests on manual standpipes, inspecting gauges, testing standpipe flow, and inspecting check valves.

• If repairs are determined to be required during the inspection, the contractor will provide an itemized quote for the COR's approval. A modification will be issued to obligate funding for approved corrections/repairs.

• Locations: Livermore, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Mountain View campuses in California.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but is for a 5-year internal inspection.

• The contractor must be competent and educated/experienced in the field of work.

• The designated COR will accompany contractor personnel to all locations during the inspection.

• The document references "Technical Exhibits" including "SAFETY REQUIREMENTS" and "COMMON WORK RESULTS FOR PLUMBING."