J045--Improve Water Pressure American Samoa | VA261-17-J-1328

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the comprehensive safety requirements for a project, focusing on accident prevention, hazard analysis, and regulatory compliance. It details requirements for:

• Accident Prevention Plan (APP): Mandates a detailed plan covering responsibilities, training, inspections, and incident reporting.
• Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs): Requires specific hazard analyses for distinct work activities before commencement.
• Personnel Requirements: Specifies roles like Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and Competent Person (CP), along with required training (OSHA 10/30-hour) and certifications.
• Inspections: Outlines daily and weekly inspection protocols by the SSHO and CPs, as well as monthly inspections by a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Construction Safety and Health Technician (CSHT).
• Accident Reporting: Details procedures for reporting and investigating incidents, including man-hour tracking and OSHA 300 logs.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specifies mandatory PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, and safety shoes.
• Infection Control: Provides detailed protocols for construction activities within healthcare facilities, including risk assessments (ICRA), barrier requirements, negative air pressure, and waste containment, categorized by risk class (I-IV).
• Tuberculosis Screening: Requires pre-placement TB screening for all contractor employees.
• Fire Safety: Mandates a site-specific fire protection program, including access, temporary partitions, hot work permits, and fire extinguisher requirements.
• Electrical Safety: Adheres to NFPA 70E and other standards, emphasizing de-energized work and requiring AHAs for energized work.
• Fall Protection: Sets a 6 ft (1.8 m) fall protection threshold and prohibits certain methods like Safety Monitoring Systems.
• Scaffolds and Work Platforms: Complies with OSHA Subpart L, including a tagging system for scaffold safety.
• Excavation and Trenches: Follows OSHA Subpart P, requiring permits for excavations and specific protective systems based on soil classification.
• Cranes: Adheres to OSHA Subpart CC, requiring licensed operators and detailed lift plans for critical lifts.
• Hazardous Energy Control (Lockout/Tagout): Mandates compliance with OSHA 1910.147 and NFPA 70E for electrical hazards.
• Confined Space Entry: Requires compliance with OSHA Subpart AA and a site-specific plan.
• Welding and Cutting: Governed by hot work requirements.
• Ladders: Follows OSHA Subpart X, with specific requirements for use and inspection.
• Floor & Wall Openings: Complies with OSHA Subpart M, detailing guarding and protection requirements.

This document is critical for any bidder as it establishes the mandatory safety standards, procedures, and compliance requirements that must be adhered to throughout the project. Bidders must understand and incorporate these safety requirements into their project planning, resource allocation, and cost estimations. Failure to comply can lead to work stoppages and contractual penalties. Specific attention should be paid to infection control measures if the project is in a healthcare setting, as well as fall protection, electrical safety, and excavation requirements, which often involve significant planning and specialized personnel.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the requirements for developing and maintaining a Critical Path Method (CPM) project schedule for the contract. It details the contractor's responsibilities regarding schedule preparation, submission, updates, and reporting.

• Schedule Development: Contractor must develop a CPM plan and schedule, utilizing conventional CPM techniques for time and cost applications.
• Contractor's Representative: A designated representative responsible for the Project Schedule is required.
• Consultant Use: The contractor may use an outside consultant, subject to COR approval.
• Computer-Produced Schedules: Monthly submission of computer-produced time/cost schedules and reports is mandatory, supporting payment requests.
• Initial Submittal: Within 45 days of Notice to Proceed, submit an interim schedule (print and electronic) and activity/event ID schedule.
• Cost Loading: All work activities must be cost-loaded, with cumulative costs equaling the total contract price. Cash flow curves are required.
• Schedule Requirements: The schedule must detail sequence of work, including submittals, reviews, utility interruptions, testing, and VA inspections. It must break down work into activities no longer than 20 work days.
• Payment: Monthly progress payments are contingent on satisfactory schedule updates.
• Schedule Updates: Monthly meetings will be held to review and update the schedule, verifying actual progress and incorporating changes.
• Remedial Actions: If schedule phasing or completion dates are not met, the contractor must increase manpower, working hours, or reschedule work, subject to COR approval.
• Changes: Revisions to the schedule must be submitted within 30 days of VA acceptance and may incur costs depending on the cause.
• Contract Completion: Adjustments to contract completion time will only be made for specified causes, supported by justification and CPM data.

This document is critical for understanding the project management and reporting requirements related to scheduling. Bidders must be prepared to develop, maintain, and update a detailed CPM schedule, including cost loading and regular progress reporting, as a key component of contract performance and payment.

Other / Unclassified

This document, "General Requirements," outlines essential administrative and procedural guidelines for contractors performing work on a government project, likely a construction or alteration project at a VA Medical Center. It covers a wide range of topics critical for project execution and compliance.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the operational framework and compliance requirements beyond the technical specifications. Key areas relevant to bidders include:

• Safety Requirements: Mandates OSHA compliance, a "competent person" on-site, and specific safety training for all personnel.
• Site Operations: Details requirements for site preparation, contractor access, notification procedures for inspections and utility interruptions, and restrictions on operations to minimize interference with the Medical Center.
• Security: Outlines stringent security protocols, including personnel identification, access control, photography restrictions, key control, and the handling of sensitive information.
• Alterations and Restoration: Specifies procedures for surveying existing conditions, protecting existing structures, and restoring disturbed areas to their original condition.
• Disposal and Retention: Defines how materials and equipment removed during demolition or alteration should be handled.
• Protection of Existing Assets: Emphasizes the contractor's responsibility to protect existing vegetation, structures, equipment, and utilities.
• Testing and Commissioning: Requires a detailed testing and commissioning plan and documentation of results.
• Warranties: Details the requirements for a Warranty Management Plan, performance bonds, and contractor response times for warranty service.
• Government-Furnished Property: Outlines procedures for receiving, inspecting, and installing government-provided equipment.
• Layout and As-Built Drawings: Specifies requirements for laying out work based on government benchmarks and maintaining accurate as-built documentation.
• Use of Utilities: Details the availability, metering, and payment for temporary utility services.

Understanding these general requirements is essential for accurately estimating project costs, timelines, and resource allocation, and for ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 36C26126R0044, clarifying the project scope, deliverables, and requirements.

• Project Scope: The correct project scope is to improve water pressure and install a domestic water booster pump at the VA American Samoa CBOC, located at Faleomavaega Eni Faauaa Hunkin Clinic, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. The SAM.gov description referencing outpatient surgery exam room renovations at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System was incorrect.
• Technical Documents: Applicable specifications are attached to amendment 0001. The Statement of Work is also attached to this amendment.
• Scope of Work Details: Specifics regarding pump specifications, electrical requirements, controls/automation, piping modifications, demolition, and commissioning/testing procedures are detailed in the Statement of Work.
• Personnel & Licensing: Key personnel typically include a project manager, superintendent, and laborer(s). Contractors are generally required to be licensed as a specialized trade contractor through the American Samoa Contractor Authority (ASCA) to perform construction or trade work in American Samoa.
• Work Schedule & Procedures: All construction work and temporary utility shutdowns must be performed after hours. Utilities must be fully operational at least one hour before clinic opening. Infection control requires flushing all plumbing fixtures prior to clinic opening. All work and facility access must be coordinated with the Facilities Operation Specialist (FOS).

This Q&A clarifies the project's location, scope, and specific requirements, providing essential details for bidders to accurately prepare their proposals. It confirms that key technical documents (specifications and SOW) are provided via amendment.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide and install a complete domestic water booster pump system at the American Samoa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) to improve domestic water pressure throughout the facility. Existing pressure is approximately 30 PSI, causing occupant complaints and insufficient pressure for fixtures and future equipment.

• Furnish and install a duplex booster pump system with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and automatic lead/lag sequencing.
• Install system in Room 120, including housekeeping pad, vibration isolation, and anchoring.
• Modify existing 2-1/2” domestic water service piping with valves, gauges, and relief valve.
• Provide electrical power, disconnect, and wiring from existing panels, integrating with the Building Automation System (BAS) via BACnet.
• Replace Pressure Regulating Valves with same or equal.
• Coordinate shutdowns with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and onsite staff.
• Perform startup, testing, commissioning, and provide documentation.
• Provide project schedule within 10 days of Notice to Proceed (NTP), including a three-week look ahead.
• Maintain site safety, supervision, and restoration.
• Provide coordination drawings if applicable.
• Provide Operations & Maintenance (O&M) manuals, as-builts, and warranties.
• Flush all plumbing fixtures upon completion to ensure no air locks and removal of debris.

120 days.

• Working Hours: Friday 5 PM to Sunday. No work during normal VA operating hours (7 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday) or holidays. Water must be available during normal operating hours.
• Design Criteria: Comply with VA Plumbing Design Manual, VA Master Specs, IPC, and local codes.
• Submittals: Shop drawings, pump curves, equipment data, electrical diagrams, controls, BAS points, and certifications.
• Site Requirements: Maintain site cleanliness, manage trash and debris, use designated parking, wear security badges, and adhere to strict smoking policies.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to OSHA 10 & 30-Hour training requirements, Infection Control (IC) and safety protocols (including ICRA Category C and Low Risk A, Level II), fireproofing, NEC, NFPA, and all applicable regulations.
• Records Management: Comply with NARA and VA records management policies, including training requirements.
• TB Screening: Contractor must certify employees have had pre-placement tuberculin screening.
• Fire Watch: Required for impairments exceeding 4 hours in a 24-hour period.
• False Alarms: Contractor responsible for fire department response fees for false alarms caused by their work.
• Security: All personnel must wear security badges.
• Warranty: Standard warranty provisions apply, starting from the date of acceptance.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies solicitation 36C26126R0044. The primary changes are:

• Posting of responses to Request for Information (RFI).

• Addition of a requirement for past performance experience with the Community Based Outpatient Clinic in American Samoa to the evaluation factors.

• Evaluation factors for the solicitation have been updated to include past performance with the American Samoa CBOC.

• The amendment does not explicitly state a change to the proposal submission deadline or other submission requirements, but bidders should review the updated evaluation factors.

• Statement of Work

• RFI

• 01 00 00 General Requirements

• 01 32 16-15 Project Schedules

• 01 35 26 Safety Requirements

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number AS20260001, dated 01/02/2026, for wage rates in American Samoa. It supersedes AS20250001. The decision covers Building, Heavy, Highway, and Residential construction types across all counties in American Samoa.

It lists prevailing wage rates and fringes for various construction classifications, including:

• Bricklayer: $6.30
• Carpenter: $6.30
• Electrician: $6.30
• Painter: $6.30
• Laborers (Common, Pipelayer): $6.30
• Plasterer: $6.30
• Plumbers: $6.30
• Power equipment operators (Backhoe, Crane, Payloader, Truck drivers): $6.30

It also notes that welders receive the rate prescribed for the craft performing the operation to which welding is incidental. Unlisted classifications may be added after award as provided in labor standards contract clauses.

The document further explains different types of wage rate identifiers (Union Rate, Union Average Rate, Survey Rate, State Adopted Rate) and the process for appealing wage determinations.

This document is relevant to bidders as it establishes the minimum prevailing wage rates that must be paid to laborers and mechanics on federal or federally funded construction projects in American Samoa. Bidders must consider these rates when developing their cost proposals and ensuring compliance with labor standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) template used to assess and categorize the safety risks associated with construction, renovation, and maintenance activities. It helps determine the necessary precautions to prevent impacts on patients, employees, and contractors. This specific PCRA is for bidding purposes and requires the contractor to shut off water to the facility.

• Activity: Install Domestic Water Booster Pump.
• Location: American Samoa CBOC Room 120.
• Activity Type: Small Scale.
• Control Measures: Includes requirements for immediate replacement of materials, weekly site visits, submission of a site-specific safety plan, task hazard analysis, and hazard communication. It also mandates a communication and coordination plan for affected areas.
• Additional Requirements: Contractor must shut off water to the facility. An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) may be required.
• Permit Information: Includes fields for unique permit number, project manager, contact information, contractor, activity type, and dates. Signatures from Infection Prevention and Control, Project Manager, Safety Officer, and Construction Safety Committee Chair are included, with dates up to April 20, 2026.

This document outlines the specific safety protocols, risk assessments, and control measures that will be in effect for the project. Bidders must understand these requirements, including the need to coordinate with facility staff, potentially shut off water, and adhere to safety plans. The "Additional requirements" section explicitly states this PCRA is for bidding purposes and highlights the water shut-off necessity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) Form used to submit pre-proposal inquiries regarding Solicitation 36C26126R0044, "Install Sinks Outpatient Surgery." It is intended for bidders to formally ask questions about the solicitation or the statement of work.

• Submission Method: All inquiries must be submitted via email to Charee.harris@va.gov using an editable version of this form.
• Format: Inquiries should be in numerical sequence (RFI #1, RFI #2, etc.).
• Inquiry Categories: Bidders must indicate if their questions pertain to the solicitation/evaluation factors or the statement of work/technical data.
• Required Information: The form requires Company Name and Offeror, the name of the person submitting the question, Date of Inquiry, Phone Number, and the Proposal Inquiry itself.
• Response Method: Responses to RFIs will be provided in amendment format via email.
• Exclusions: Telephone or oral requests for information will not be accepted or returned.

This form is crucial for bidders who have questions about the "Install Sinks Outpatient Surgery" opportunity. It outlines the official process for submitting inquiries and specifies that all questions must be in writing via this RFI form to receive a response. It also clarifies that only written inquiries submitted through this channel will be addressed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet titled "Attachment Price Breakdown Improve Water Pressure.xlsx". It appears to be a template for providing a detailed price breakdown for the "Improve Water Pressure American Samoa CBOC" project (Project # 459-26-003, Solicitation # 36C26124R0044).

The spreadsheet is organized by CSI divisions and includes sections for:

• Overall totals (ALL Divisions Total, Overhead, Profit, Insurance & Taxes, Proposal Grand Total).
• Division Totals for all 33 CSI divisions.
• Detailed breakdowns within specific divisions (e.g., Division 01 - General Requirements, Division 02 - Existing Conditions, Division 03 - Concrete, Division 07 - Therm/Moisture Protection, Division 08 - Doors and Windows, Division 09 - Finishes, Division 22 - Plumbing, Division 23 - HVAC, Division 26 - Electrical, Division 27 - Communications, Division 28 - Elect. Safety/Security).
• Each detailed breakdown includes columns for Labor and Material costs, with specific line items listed for some divisions.

As of the provided data, all cost fields (Labor, Material, Division Totals, and Proposal Grand Total) are populated with '0.0', indicating that no pricing information has been entered into this template yet.

Bidders are expected to use this template to provide a comprehensive cost proposal for the "Improve Water Pressure" project. It outlines the required structure for itemizing costs across different construction divisions and categories. The zeroed-out values suggest this is a template provided by the government for bidders to complete and submit as part of their proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a firm-fixed-price construction contract to "Install Sinks Outpatient Surgery" at the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System (VAPIHCS) in American Samoa. The project requires the contractor to furnish all labor, materials, and services for the installation.

• Installation of sinks in the Outpatient Surgery area.

• Adherence to the Statement of Work (SOW) and other attached documents.

• Compliance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Wage Determinations.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price construction contract.

• Period of Performance: 120 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Estimated Magnitude: Between $100,000 to $250,000.

• Proposals are due by June 03, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

• Submission is via email to charee.harris@va.gov. Email size must be less than 10MB.

• The award will be made to the lowest priced proposal that is responsive to the terms of the RFP.

• Price is the sole evaluation criterion.

• Questions (RFIs) are due by May 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

• This requirement is a total small business set-aside.

• Specifically, it is a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• All offerors must have current registration on SAM.gov and the SBA Small Business Search website as a certified eligible SDVOSB prior to RFP evaluation and award.

• A pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 09:00 American Samoa Time at the VA American Samoa CBOC.

• Bid, payment, and performance bonds will be required.

• An offer guarantee (Bid Bond) is required.

• Attachments include: SOW, Price Breakdown, RFI Form, and Wage Determination.

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

The primary objective is to furnish and install a complete domestic water booster pump system at the American Samoa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) to address insufficient domestic water pressure (currently ~30 PSI) throughout the facility. This is necessary to reliably support plumbing fixtures and potential future equipment.

• Provide and install a complete, turnkey duplex booster pump system with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and automatic lead/lag sequencing.

• Install the system in Room 120, including a housekeeping pad, vibration isolation, and anchoring.

• Modify existing 2-1/2” domestic water service piping, including valves, gauges, and a relief valve.

• Provide electrical power, disconnect, and wiring from existing panels.

• Integrate the system into the Building Automation System (BAS) via BACnet, with monitoring points for pressure, pump status, run hours, VFD speed, kW, flow, and alarms.

• Replace existing Pressure Regulating Valves with equivalent or superior models.

• Coordinate all shutdowns with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and onsite staff.

• Perform startup, testing, commissioning, and provide all necessary documentation.

• Flush all plumbing fixtures upon project completion to remove air locks and debris.

• Period of Performance: 120 days.

• Work hours are restricted to Friday 5 PM to Sunday. No work during VA facility operating hours (7 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday) or holidays, as water must remain available.

• Location: American Samoa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC).

• Design and installation must comply with VA Technical Information Library (TIL) standards, including the VA Plumbing Design Manual PG-18-10 and applicable VA Master Construction Specifications.

• Maintain minimum 40 PSI flowing pressure and exceed 60 PSI discharge pressure at peak demand of approximately 80 GPM.

• Provide project schedule within 10 days of Notice to Proceed (NTP), including a three-week look ahead.

• Adhere to strict site safety, supervision, and restoration protocols.

• Obtain and coordinate all third-party contractor services.

• Comply with specific requirements for housekeeping, false alarm prevention, fire watch, security (badge display), parking coordination, Tuberculosis (TB) screening, OSHA 10 & 30-Hour training, and Infection Control (IC) protocols, including ICRA Category C and Low Risk (A, Level II) considerations.

• All fire and smoke wall penetrations must be fireproofed.

• Comply with VA specifications, NEC, NFPA, city, county, state, federal regulations, and OSHA standards.

• Contractor is responsible for jobsite cleanliness, trash removal, and disposal of materials.

• Provide O&M manuals, as-builts, and warranties.

• Records management obligations as detailed in the document, including compliance with NARA policies and VHA-provided training.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the "Improve Water Pressure American Samoa" requirement for the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System. The Department of Veterans Affairs Network 21 Contracting Office is issuing this solicitation.

The primary requirement is to install a booster pump to improve water pressure at the Fiatele Teo Building in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

• Procurement Type: Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set Aside.

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

• Size Standard: $19M.

• Solicitation Procedure: Conducted under FAR Part 15.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically, as availability is limited to the electronic medium per FAR 5.102(d).

• Anticipated Posting Date: May 4, 2026.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: June 3, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time, Los Angeles, USA.

• Inquiries: All contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing via email to charee.harris@va.gov. No telephone questions will be accepted.

• Amendments: Offerors are responsible for continually checking the website for any amendments or postponements.

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

• A site visit will be scheduled, and the date will be posted with the RFP.
• The attached document is a Statement of Work (SOW).