H965--VISN 4 West CETA Certification

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to the solicitation makes the following changes:

• The business size standard has been changed from Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to Small Business.

• The due date for quote submission has been extended to February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Item 11: The hour and date for receipt of offers is extended.

• Business Size (previously SDVOSB, now Small Business).

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to February 17, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• The eligibility requirement for business size has been updated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for VISN 4 West CETA Certification. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, is seeking services related to this certification.

Specific requirements are not detailed in this notice, but the subject indicates a need for CETA certification services.

• Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.

• Product Service Code: H965

• NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories)

• Response Date/Time/Zone: 02-17-2026 10:00 AM EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA.

• Point of Contact: Loretta Payne at loretta.payne@va.gov.

• Set-Aside: SBA (Small Business Administration)

• The primary description references an attached document: "36C24426Q0205 0002.pdf" for further details.

Amendment / Modification

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

• Provides answers to vendor questions.

• Extends the due date for quote submission to February 11, 2026, by 10:00 AM EST.

• The due date for receipt of offers has been extended.

• Vendor questions and answers are provided, clarifying requirements related to:

  • Particle count locations for CETA certification (Q1, Q2, Q3).
  • Number of HEPA filtered rooms per facility (Q4).
  • Determining hours for unspecified repair/replacement projects (Q5).
  • Responsibility for providing replacement HEPA filters (Q6).
  • SDVOSB subcontracting limitations (Q7).

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to February 11, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• Bidders should review the provided answers to questions for clarification on requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for services related to VISN 4 West CETA Certification. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, is seeking proposals for this requirement.

Specific requirements and deliverables are detailed in the attached document (36C24426Q0205 0001.docx), which is referenced as the primary source of information for this solicitation.

• NAICS Code: 541380

• Product Service Code: H965

• Place of Performance: Altoona, PA VAMC; Butler, PA VAMC; Erie, PA VAMC; Pittsburgh, PA VAMC

• Response Date/Time/Zone: 02-11-2026 10:00 AM EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA

• Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, 1010 Delafield Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.

• Set-Aside: SDVOSBC (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)

• The full details of the solicitation are contained within the attached document.

Wage Determination

This document is a Wage Determination (WD 2015-4235, Revision 32) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing contract work in specific areas of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland.

• Minimum Wage Rates: The document lists specific minimum hourly wage rates for a wide range of occupations, from administrative support and clerical roles to health occupations, technical roles, and protective services.
• Fringe Benefits: All listed occupations are entitled to specific fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare at $5.55 per hour (or $222.00 per week / $962.00 per month). An additional Health & Welfare rate of $5.09 per hour ($203.60 per week / $882.27 per month) applies when compensating employees under Executive Order 13706.
• Paid Sick Leave: Executive Order 13706 mandates 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually, for employees on contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2017.
• Paid Vacation: Contractors must provide paid vacation based on length of service: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 8 years, and 4 weeks after 15 years.
• Paid Holidays: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year are required.
• Executive Order 13658: This order generally applies to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, requiring a minimum wage of at least $13.30 per hour (or the applicable wage rate if higher) in 2025.
• Hazardous Pay Differentials: Specific differentials (8% or 4%) apply to employees working with or in close proximity to ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials.
• Uniform Allowance: If uniforms are required, contractors must provide them at no cost to employees or reimburse for the cost of furnishing and maintaining them ($3.35 per week for cleaning/maintenance, unless "wash and wear" materials do not require special cleaning).
• Conformance Process: Procedures are outlined for classifying and determining wage rates for service employees not listed in the wage determination, requiring contractor submission of a proposed classification and rate for approval.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting the cost proposal and overall bid competitiveness. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks offers for comprehensive testing, certification, preventive maintenance, repair, and filter replacement services for chemical hoods, HEPA filtration systems, and other critical containment and ventilation equipment. The services are intended to standardize testing criteria for primary and secondary engineering controls (PECs/SECs) and Segregated Compounding Areas (SCAs) in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapters <797> and <800> standards. The services will be performed at multiple VA Medical Center locations.

• Certification of Primary and Secondary Engineering Controls (PECs/SECs), Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs), Laminar Airflow Workstations (LAFWs), Compounding Aseptic Containment Isolators (CACIs), Compounding Aseptic Isolators (CAIs), Restricted Access Barriers (RABs), cleanroom environments, and air handling systems.

• Services include smoke pattern testing (with video), viable and non-viable microbial sampling, total particle count testing, airflow and pressure testing, and HEPA filter integrity testing.

• Adherence to CETA and ISO standards, as well as USP Chapters <797> and <800>.

• Contractor must provide CETA-certified technicians.

• Reports must be submitted within 14 business days of evaluation.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: Base period from 02-24-2026 to 02-23-2027, with multiple option periods extending through 02-23-2031.

• Estimated value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services) has a size standard of $19 Million.

• Offers are due by February 10, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• Quotes must be submitted via email to Loretta Payne (loretta.payne@va.gov).

• Evaluation will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, considering Price, Regulation Verification and Certification Requirements, and Compliance with quote submission instructions.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM and the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) database.

• This acquisition is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and VAAR clauses related to contract terms, conditions, and specific requirements for SDVOSBs and subcontracting limitations.

Wage Determination

This document is a Wage Determination issued under the Service Contract Act, specifically Wage Determination No. 2015-4223, Revision No. 32, dated December 3, 2025. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing contract work in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

• Applicability: This wage determination applies to contracts subject to the Service Contract Act. It lists specific occupational codes, titles, and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Benefits: All listed occupations are entitled to the following benefits:
  • Health & Welfare: $5.55 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $222.00 per week.
  • Vacation: Accrues based on years of service (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 8 years, 4 weeks after 15 years).
  • Holidays: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Executive Orders: The document references Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining specific requirements and rates that may apply, including a minimum wage of $13.30 per hour (or the applicable wage rate listed, whichever is higher) for contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2015, and not renewed or extended after January 30, 2022.
• Special Provisions:
  • Computer Employees: The determination may not apply to exempt computer professionals as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act. Conformance may be necessary for non-exempt computer employees.
  • Hazardous Pay: Differentials of 8% or 4% are applicable for work involving ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials, depending on the degree of hazard.
  • Uniform Allowance: Contractors must furnish or reimburse employees for uniform costs if uniforms are required.
• Conformance Process: Procedures are outlined for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not listed in the determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing services under a contract in Erie County, Pennsylvania. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting proposal pricing and overall cost of contract performance.

Wage Determination

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, Wage Determination (No. 2015-4221, Revision No. 33) dated December 3, 2025. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Pennsylvania County of Blair, under the Service Contract Act.

• Applicability: This wage determination applies to contracts subject to the Service Contract Act.
• Occupational Listings: The document provides a comprehensive list of occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates. These include administrative support, automotive service, food preparation, health occupations, information technology, instructional, maintenance, protective services, and transportation occupations, among others.
• Benefits: All listed occupations receive specific fringe benefits:
  • Health & Welfare: $5.55 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $222.00 per week.
  • Health & Welfare (EO 13706): $5.09 per hour (up to 40 hours/week) or $203.60 per week.
  • Vacation: Accrues based on years of service (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 8 years, 4 weeks after 15 years).
  • Holidays: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Executive Orders: The document references Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage adjustments), outlining requirements for contractors regarding paid sick leave and minimum wage rates.
• Footnotes: Specific footnotes provide additional details, such as exclusions for certain computer employees (exempt professionals) and information on night pay, Sunday pay, and hazardous pay differentials.
• Conformance Process: Instructions are provided for contractors needing to classify and determine wage rates for occupations not listed in this determination.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION), requires offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations.

• Services Contracts: Offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms not listed in the SBA certification database as certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Work subcontracted by a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor also counts towards this limit.
• General Construction Contracts: Offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms not listed in the SBA certification database as certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Work subcontracted by a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor also counts towards this limit. Costs of materials are excluded.
• Special Trade Construction Contracts: Offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms not listed in the SBA certification database as certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Work subcontracted by a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor also counts towards this limit. Costs of materials are excluded.
• Acknowledgement of Penalties: Offerors acknowledge that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and that false certifications may result in criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.
• Compliance Verification: The offeror agrees to provide documents or records to the VA to demonstrate compliance upon request.
• Certification Requirement: The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to provide this certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award.

This is a mandatory certification for all offerors. Failure to complete and submit this form accurately will lead to disqualification. Bidders must understand the specific subcontracting limitations applicable to their contract type (services, general construction, or special trade construction) and ensure their proposed subcontracting plan adheres to these requirements. The document also outlines potential penalties for non-compliance.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a transmittal sheet and table of contents for VHA Directive 1108.12, titled "Management and Monitoring of Pharmaceutical Compounded Preparations." It outlines major changes from a previous version, related issues, policy ownership, rescissions, recertification schedule, and implementation details. The directive itself details policies, responsibilities, and procedures for sterile and non-sterile compounding of pharmaceutical preparations within VA facilities, including standards, training, records management, and definitions.

This document is relevant to potential bidders involved in providing pharmaceutical compounding services or related equipment and supplies to the VA. It establishes the regulatory and procedural framework, including USP standards, VHA requirements, and specific roles and responsibilities for personnel and facilities involved in pharmaceutical compounding. Understanding these requirements is crucial for vendors to ensure their products and services align with VA's operational and quality standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B Services.xlsx", appears to be a detailed pricing sheet or a breakdown of services required for various VA Medical Centers. It lists specific certification and testing services for pharmacy cleanrooms and related equipment, along with quantities.

• Locations: Services are itemized for Altoona VA Medical Center Pharmacy, Butler VA Medical Center Pharmacy, Erie VA Medical Center Pharmacy, and Pittsburgh Healthcare System (University Drive and HJH locations).
• Service Types: Includes certifications for Cleanrooms (airflow, ACPH, pressure, particle, HEPA filter, Temp, Humidity), Biological Safety Cabinets, Laminar Flow Hoods, Compounding Aseptic Isolators, and Containment Segregated Compounding Areas. It also lists Particle Counts, Smoke Pattern Testing, Airborne Viable Microbial Testing, Surface Viable Microbial Testing, Nonsterile Fume Hood Certification, Cleanroom Pass-Thru System Certification/HEPA Filter Change, CACI/CAI Sleeve Replacement, and Repairs.
• Quantities: Specific quantities are provided for each service at each location, indicating the expected number of certifications or tests.

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it details the specific services and quantities required for the opportunity. Bidders will need to use this information to:

• Understand the scope of work for each location.
• Develop accurate pricing proposals.
• Assess their capacity to perform the required certifications and tests across multiple VA facilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment A - CETA Certifications," lists the current and post-construction certifications for various types of Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) and Laminar Flow Hoods (LAFWs) across multiple VA Medical Centers within VISN 4. It serves as a record of equipment compliance and maintenance status.

• Locations: Lists specific VA Medical Centers (e.g., James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, VA Butler Health Care System, Erie VA Medical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System).
• Equipment Type: Details the SEC Type (e.g., SCA, C-SCA, Ante, HD Buffer, IV Buffer, NucMed C-SCA) and PEC Type (e.g., CAI, CACI, LAFW, BSC IIA2, BSC IIB2).
• Certification Status: Indicates "Current" certifications with specific model numbers and serial numbers for each piece of equipment.
• Post-Construction: Lists planned certifications for "Fall 2025" or "Spring/Summer 2026," including equipment details and expected certification status (e.g., SN: TBD).
• Contact Information: Provides email addresses for submitting testing results for each location.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the existing equipment infrastructure and certification requirements at the specified VA facilities. It may inform bidders about the types of equipment they will be expected to service, maintain, or replace. The "Post-Construction" section highlights future needs or changes that could impact service contracts. Bidders should review this to assess their capabilities and to ensure their proposals align with the current and planned equipment landscape.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) under solicitation number 36C24426Q0205. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 4, is procuring services related to Controlled Environment Testing Association (CETA) Certification.

The solicitation references several attachments that likely detail the specific requirements, equipment, services, and directives. These include:

• 36C24426Q0205 (Main Solicitation Document)

• Attachment A_Equipment - West

• Attachment B Services

• Attachment C VHA Directive 1108.12

• WD 2015-4221 Rev.33 dtd. 03DEC2025 - Altoona

• WD 2015-4223 Rev. 32 dtd. 03DEC2025 - Erie

• WD 2015-4235 Rev. 32 dtd. 03EC2025 - Butler and Pittsburgh

• The award will be issued on Standard Form 1449.

• Place of Performance includes Altoona, PA; Butler, PA; and Pittsburgh, PA.

• Quotes are requested. A written solicitation will not be issued.

• All questions must be submitted in writing via email to Loretta Payne (loretta.payne@va.gov) by February 6th, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• The response date is February 10th, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• This solicitation is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBC).

• Quoters MUST be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to receive an award.

• NAICS Code: 541380

• Product Service Code: H965

• Contracting Office ZIP Code: 15215

• The document also references VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (852.219-75).