J041--AHU PM & Filter Evaluation (VA-26-00019604)

Wage Determination

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5771, Revision No. 27) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Nebraska, specifically for the area of Hall, Howard, and Merrick Counties.

• Applicable Executive Orders:

  • For contracts entered into or renewed/extended on or after January 30, 2022, Executive Order 14026 applies, requiring a minimum wage of $17.75 per hour (or the listed wage determination rate, if higher).
  • For contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022 (and not renewed/extended after January 30, 2022), Executive Order 13658 applies, requiring a minimum wage of $13.30 per hour (or the listed wage determination rate, if higher).
  • These minimum rates are adjusted annually.

• 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 (used only when compensating employees on an SCA-covered contract also covered by EO 13706).
  • Vacation: 1 week after 1 year, 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 10 years of service.
  • Holidays: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.

• Occupational Listings: The document provides a detailed list of occupations, including administrative support, clerical, automotive, health, information, transportation, and miscellaneous occupations, along with their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.

• Special Provisions:

  • Hazardous Pay Differential: An 8% differential for high hazard work (ordnance, explosives) and a 4% differential for low hazard work.
  • Uniform Allowance: Contractors must furnish uniforms or reimburse employees for their cost and maintenance if required.
  • Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations: Job duties are described in the 5th Edition (Revision 1) of this directory.
  • Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under a contract in the specified area of Nebraska. It directly impacts the pricing of proposals and ensures compliance with federal labor laws.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for HVAC Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Filter Evaluation services at the Omaha and Grand Island VA Medical Centers. The contract will be an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type with a 5-year period of performance.

• Routine and emergency filter replacements for HVAC systems.

• Air handler preventative maintenance and testing of HEPA filtration.

• Comprehensive inspection, cleaning, testing, and maintenance of HVAC equipment.

• Ensuring proper operation of all mechanical, electrical, and control systems.

• Specific tasks include:

  • MERV replacement in various specialized spaces (Chemotherapy, SPS, Radiology, ICU).
  • AHU filter inspection, replacement, and static pressure differential measurement.
  • AHU coil cleaning and inspection.
  • AHU airflow and performance testing.
  • AHU annual inspection (visual, fan/motor maintenance, drainage system, damper/actuator, electrical/controls testing).
  • AHU humidifier planned maintenance.
  • Induction unit maintenance, cleaning, and isolation valve installation.

• Deliverables include written inspection reports, documentation of humidity readings and HEPA filtration efficiency, and recommendations for repairs or upgrades.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite Quantity.

• Period of Performance: 5-year ordering period, starting approximately 05/01/2026 to 04/30/2031.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 238220 with a size standard of $19 Million is provided.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: April 20, 2026, 5:00 PM CST.

• Technical questions deadline: April 10, 2026, 5:00 PM CST.

• Offers must be submitted electronically to erica.miller5@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical or Quality, Past Performance, Veterans Involvement, and Price.

• Award will be made to the responsible quoter whose quotation is most advantageous to the Government.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• It is also a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

• Offerors must be certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database at the time of offer and award.

• Site visits are scheduled for April 8, 2026 (Omaha) and April 9, 2026 (Grand Island).

• Required certifications include OSHA "Competent Person" and NATE certification.

• Contractors must comply with numerous Federal, State, and local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, ASHRAE, and specific VA requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with FAR Subpart 12.6, using FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking quotes for Air Handling Unit (AHU) Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Filter Evaluation services for the VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, specifically at the Omaha VAMC and Grand Island VAMC. The goal is to ensure the proper operation of HVAC equipment.

• Routine and emergency filter replacements for HVAC systems.

• Preventative maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and testing of HVAC equipment.

• Ensuring proper operation of mechanical, electrical, and control systems per manufacturer recommendations, OSHA, EPA, ASHRAE, VA regulations, and facility-specific requirements.

• Specific tasks include AHU filter inspection/replacement, coil cleaning/inspection, airflow/performance testing, annual inspections, fan/motor maintenance, drainage system maintenance, damper/actuator inspection, electrical/controls testing, humidifier maintenance, and induction unit maintenance.

• MERV filter replacement in specific clinical and administrative spaces.

• Installation of isolation valves.

• Supply of filtration for HVAC equipment.

• Reporting and documentation of services performed, findings, and recommendations.

• Submission of invoices with CLIN information and recommendations for future task orders.

• Provision of a list of deficiencies with material and labor estimates.

• Contract Type: One firm-fixed-price contract.

• Period of Performance: May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2031 (5-year ordering period).

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but NAICS code 238220 has a size standard of $19 million.

• Technical questions due via email by April 10, 2026, 5:00 pm CST.

• Quotes are due via email by April 20, 2026, 5:00 pm CST to erica.miller5@va.gov.

• FAR provisions 52.212-1, 52.212-2, and 52.212-3 apply and are detailed in the solicitation document.

• FAR clause 52.212-4 applies and is included in the solicitation document.

• Total set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• Offerors must be registered and current in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at the time of offer.

• Quotes will only be accepted from responsible contractors.

• Site visits are scheduled for Omaha VAMC on April 8, 2026, and Grand Island VAMC on April 9, 2026.

• Required certifications include OSHA "Competent Person" (CP) with OSHA 30 and 3 years of experience, and NATE certified staff with EPA 608 credentials and 2 years of experience.

• Work must comply with numerous safety standards (e.g., OSHA, EM 385-1-1, NFPA).

• Preconstruction Risk Assessment (PCRA) and Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) are required.

• Contractor employees must complete VA Privacy Training (TMS 20939).

Wage Determination

This document provides the official wage determination for various occupations under the Service Contract Act, applicable to contracts in specific geographic areas of Iowa and Nebraska. It outlines the minimum wage and fringe benefit rates that must be paid to service employees working on federal contracts.

• Applicable Executive Orders: The document references Executive Order 14026 and Executive Order 13658, which set minimum wage requirements for federal contractors. Specific hourly rates are provided for contracts entered into or renewed on or after January 30, 2022, and for contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022.

• Geographic Scope: The wage determination applies to Iowa counties of Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie, and Nebraska counties of Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington.

• Occupational Listings: The document contains extensive lists of occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates. These rates are crucial for bidders to accurately calculate labor costs for proposals.

• Fringe Benefits: Required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare and Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706), are detailed. Specific hourly rates and monthly/weekly amounts are provided.

• Holiday Pay: A minimum of eleven paid holidays per year are mandated, with provisions for contractor substitution.

• Uniform Allowance: Contractors are required to furnish uniforms or reimburse employees for their cost and maintenance.

• Conformance Process: Guidance is provided on how to request additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed in the determination.

• The applicable Executive Order minimum wage rate is subject to annual adjustment.

• Specific exclusions apply to certain contracts, such as those related to seasonal recreational services or contracts with specific states.

• The Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations is referenced for job duty descriptions.