Y1DA--36C25726R0012, 674-22-805 Upgrading Building Automation System Temple & Waco

Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies a "Brand-Name Only" acquisition for Johnson Controls' Metasys N2 protocol control devices. The project involves expanding and integrating the existing Metasys 12.0 Building Automation System (BAS) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) VISN 17, Temple and Waco campuses. The contractor will replace Metasys software, databases, firmware, programming tools, and integration services.

• Replacement of Metasys software, databases, firmware, programming tools, and integration services.

• Procurement of brand-name Johnson Controls Metasys components.

• Integration of new devices into the existing Government BAS.

• Major components include Field Controllers, Network Engines/Supervisory Controllers, Servers, User Interface (Metasys UI), Field Devices/Sensors, and Integration Components (MSTP, N2, BACnet/IP).

• Full requirements are detailed in drawings and specifications attached to the solicitation.

• Estimated project value: [REDACTED]

• Period of Performance (POP): 548 days.

• The solicitation will be made publicly available on SAM.gov.

• This J&A will be posted with the solicitation.

• The construction project will be competed as a SDVOSB set-aside.

• The Contracting Officer anticipates competition and will determine price as fair and reasonable by evaluating competitive proposals against each other and the Independent Government Estimate (IGE).

• This procurement is set aside for Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• This action is justified under "Only One Responsible Source" per 41 USC §3304(a)(1).

• Market research indicates that replacing the existing Metasys BAS with another vendor's system would incur substantial duplication of cost and unacceptable delay.

• Johnson Controls is identified as the only firm capable of providing the proprietary Metasys BAS platform required.

• Buy American Act clauses will be included in the solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a facility map for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, providing a visual guide to the campus layout, building locations, and parking areas. It is intended to help visitors, patients, and staff navigate the facility.

• Campus Map: Illustrates roads, buildings, parking lots, and key entrances.
• Building Directory: Lists services offered and their corresponding building numbers (e.g., Audiology in Building 204(1), Teague Hospital in Building 204).
• Parking Information: Designates various parking lots, including public parking, shuttle stops, and accommodated parking.
• Contact Information: Provides phone numbers for Parking Lot Shuttle Service, Main Information, and Mental Health, as well as the facility's website.

While not a solicitation or SOW, this map is relevant for bidders who may need to visit the facility for site inspections, meetings, or to understand the physical context of potential work locations. It helps in visualizing the operational environment and logistical considerations for any services to be performed on-site.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for the receipt of offers and announces a final site visit for the solicitation 36C25726R0012.

• Offer Receipt Deadline Extended: The hour and date for receipt of offers is extended to April 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CDT.

• Final Site Visit Announced: A final site visit is scheduled for both the Temple and Waco Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC).

  • Temple VAMC: March 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT. Meeting location: 1901 Veterans Memorial Dr., Temple, TX 76504 Bldg 46E.
  • Waco VAMC: March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT. Meeting location: 4800 Memorial Dr., Waco, TX 76711 – Main Hospital.

• Final RFI Period Established: All Requests for Information (RFIs) must be submitted no later than March 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT. This is the final RFI period, and no late or follow-on RFIs will be accepted.

• The deadline for receipt of offers has been modified.

• Information regarding site visits and the RFI period has been added.

• The deadline for submitting offers has been extended.

• Potential offerors have a final opportunity to attend site visits and submit RFIs.

Amendment / Modification

This addendum, "Addendum 01," modifies the project specifications for the "Upgrade Building Automation System." It incorporates the following sections into the project manual:

• 07 84 00 FIRESTOPPING
• 07 92 00 JOINT SEALANTS
• 31 20 11 EARTHWORK (SHORT FORM)
• 32 90 00 PLANTING

These sections are added in their entirety.

• Project Manual - Architectural
  • 07 84 00 FIRESTOPPING
  • 07 92 00 JOINT SEALANTS
• Project Manual - Earthwork
  • 31 20 11 EARTHWORK (SHORT FORM)
• Project Manual - Exterior Improvements
  • 32 90 00 PLANTING

This addendum was issued in response to pre-bid RFIs. It does not appear to modify proposal deadlines or submission requirements, but bidders should ensure their proposals account for the newly added specifications.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains pre-bid questions and answers related to the "674-22-805 Upgrade Building Automation Systems" opportunity.

• Power for VAV Boxes: Power should be provided as recommended by the equipment manufacturer; dedicated transformers per VAV box are not explicitly required.
• Equipment Identification: Several questions identify specific equipment tags (e.g., F-13, F-14, 204-VF1JK, B-CV-1, FC-1) and clarify their types (e.g., HVAC control devices, side wall fans, unit heaters, return fans, duct silencers, fan coil units, packaged units, air conditioners, pressure reducing stations, steam condensate pumps, steam generators, air separators, expansion tanks).
• BACnet Integration: Existing RTUs on roofs in Waco Building 219 and 226 do not have BACnet cards for integration. For Waco Building 226, existing controls and wiring are to be replaced with BACnet MSTP.
• After-Hours Work: Some areas may require work outside regular hours to minimize operational impact. Frequency and duration are variable. VA-COR will coordinate access with the GC if special building access or security clearance is needed.
• Building Scope: Refer to the plan sheet index (GI000) for a list of sites and building numbers included in the upgrade scope.
• Phasing and Scheduling: A phasing plan is not part of the design; the GC will submit a plan and schedule for VA approval post-award. Work can occur at both locations simultaneously.
• Historic Status: The scope of work is not expected to impact the historic status of the Waco site or buildings.
• End Devices: End devices (controllers, sensors, etc.) are to be replaced with new.
• Valve Type: Globe valves are the preferred option.
• Communication Method: BACnet MS/TP is the preferred communication method for field communications.
• Past Performance: Submitted projects for past performance must be 100% complete, not just substantially complete.
• Staffing: The Superintendent can also serve as the QCM, but not the SSHO. The SSHO must be a separate qualified individual. Each site will require a separate full staff of on-site personnel.
• Earthwork & Landscaping: Specifications for earthwork and landscaping will be provided via addenda. Restoration of grass may use seed or sod. Establishment periods for turf are 180 days, and for exterior planting are 365 days.
• Innerduct: Alternate products to Max-cell innerduct will be considered post-bid.
• Infection Control: 1-hour temporary gypsum walls and doors are required, though VA may amend on a case-by-case basis. HEPA carts are sufficient for above-ceiling work in corridors if all open ceiling is contained within the cart.
• Power Circuits: Design intent is to demolish existing mechanical systems and reuse power circuits where possible. New circuits will be pulled from panels with spare capacity. Refer to A44 for panelboard capacity.
• Commissioning & Inspection: Refer to specification 23 05 93 for CxA responsibilities. A third-party SIOR is not required. Refer to addenda for third-party firestopping inspection responsibilities.
• Work Areas: Phasing constraints and the number of rooms/work areas accessible at a time are not defined for bidding purposes. Typically, all work in a work area must be completed and approved before moving to the next, but exceptions may be approved by the VA.

These clarifications provide detailed responses to vendor inquiries, potentially impacting technical approaches, material selections, and project execution strategies. Bidders should review these answers carefully to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the project requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for receipt of offers. The original deadline was not specified in this document, but the new deadline is March 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM CDTX.

Additionally, this amendment provides two documents in response to Requests for Information (RFIs) and includes an updated wage determination.

• The "Hour & Date for Receipt of Offers" has been extended.

• RFIs and an updated wage determination are attached.

• The deadline for submitting offers is extended to 03-20-2026 10:00 CDTX.

• Bidders should review the attached RFI responses and the updated wage determination.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for the receipt of offers.

• Block 11: "THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS"

• Block 11: "AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION"

• The hour and date for the receipt of offers is extended to March 2, 2026, at 15:00 CST.

• All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for the receipt of offers.

• Block 11 (AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION) is affected.

• The hour and date for the receipt of offers is extended to February 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM CST.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a pre-bid walk/site visit for the "674-22-805 Upgrade Building Automation System" opportunity. It records the names, titles, signatures, company names, and contact information of attendees.

This document is relevant to bidders as it lists the companies and individuals who attended the pre-bid site visit. This can indicate potential competitors or partners and provides contact information for some attendees. The event took place on Thursday, December 11th, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Waco VAMC Building 12.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a pre-bid site visit for the "674-22-805 Upgrade Building Automation System" opportunity. It records the names, company affiliations, and contact information of attendees.

This document is relevant to bidders as it indicates which companies and individuals attended the pre-bid site visit. This can provide insight into potential competitors and partners. The attendees represent various engineering services, construction, and mechanical companies, suggesting a range of interest and potential capabilities in the Building Automation System upgrade.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides two site visit sign-in sheets. These sheets are uploaded as attachments on SAM.gov.

Not applicable; this amendment provides supplementary information.

This amendment does not appear to alter submission deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors. It provides additional information related to site visits.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a VHA Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) template for construction, renovation, and maintenance activities. It provides a baseline for performing ICRAs to determine the level of precautions needed to prevent infection risks. Facilities can customize this template and it must be used if required by the VHA Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA).

• Activity Categorization: Identifies construction/renovation/maintenance activities into categories A, B, C, or D based on scope and duration.
• Affected Area Assessment: Maps areas impacted by the activity and identifies associated patient risk.
• Patient Risk Category: Assesses the risk level (Low, Medium, High, Highest) of patients in affected areas.
• Infection Prevention and Control Precautions: Determines the required level of precautions (I, II, III, or IV) based on Activity Category and Patient Risk Category.
• Required Control Measures: Details specific measures for each precaution level, including dust control, barrier construction, negative pressurization, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Completion Measures: Outlines cleaning, HVAC, and water system requirements upon completion.
• Permit: A fillable permit form is included for posting at project sites for Level III and IV activities, detailing control measures and requiring signatures from project management and infection prevention.

This document outlines critical infection control requirements that must be adhered to during any construction, renovation, or maintenance work performed within VHA facilities. Bidders need to understand these requirements to accurately scope their proposals, ensure compliance, and factor in the associated costs and time for implementing these infection control measures. The document specifies the level of risk and corresponding control measures, which directly impact project execution and safety protocols.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Upgrade Building Automation System" project, identified as Project No. 674-22-805. The project involves upgrading the HVAC and related systems at the Temple and Waco Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Texas to a digital control system on the Metasys BACNET MSTP network. The estimated magnitude of the construction project is between $10,000,000.00 and $20,000,000.00.

• Replacement of existing HVAC control devices with JCI, Metasys devices.

• Installation of new PC's and portable operator terminals (POT).

• Provision of new control cabinets.

• Replacement of existing wall-mounted fan coil units and controls.

• Replacement of existing pressure-dependent dual duct VAV's and controls.

• Updating fire alarm panel programming and relay modules as needed.

• Performing all necessary testing and commissioning.

• Contractor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: 548 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.

• Estimated Value: Between $10,000,000.00 and $20,000,000.00.

• Offers are due by 15:00 CST on January 12, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to horacio.fernandez@va.gov.

• Proposals must be submitted in four volumes: Technical Acceptability (Vol. I), Past Performance (Vol. II), Price (Vol. III), and Solicitation, Offer, & Award Documents (Vol. IV).

• Evaluation is a past performance, price tradeoff (PPTO) process, with past performance being significantly more important than price.

• Key deadlines: Pre-Bid Site Visit 1 on December 10, 2025; Pre-Bid Site Visit 2 on December 11, 2025; RFI/Questions cutoff on December 19, 2025.

• This requirement is a "Competitive" 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside.

• Offerors must be verified as an SDVOSB under NAICS Code 236220.

• Experience Modification Rating (EMR) must be less than or equal to 1.00 and newer than 12 months.

• The applicable NAICS code is 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction ($45,000,000.00).

• Offerors must comply with OSHA-EMR Requirements and "Limitations on Subcontracting" (VAAR 852.219-75).

• Texas Sales and Use Tax exemption applies to materials incorporated into VA real estate.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a site map for the Waco VA Medical Center, providing a visual layout of the facility and its various buildings and structures. It is intended to help bidders understand the physical environment of the opportunity.

• A detailed map illustrating the layout of the Waco VA Medical Center.
• A building schedule that lists and numbers various buildings and facilities, such as clinics, administrative offices, power plants, storage areas, and recreational facilities.
• Labels and numbers corresponding to specific locations on the map.

This site map is crucial for bidders to visualize the scope and location of the opportunity. It helps in understanding the physical context of any work to be performed, potential access routes, and the proximity of different facilities. This information is vital for site visits, logistical planning, and accurately assessing the requirements of the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 5 Price Breakout Worksheet.xlsx", is a pricing worksheet intended to guide bidders in breaking down their proposed costs for the "Upgrade Building Automation System Temple/Waco TX" opportunity. It provides a structured format for itemizing costs according to Construction Specification Institute (CSI) divisions and other contract-related expenses.

• Instructions Tab: Outlines responsibilities for formula accuracy, defines "Division" per CSI standards, clarifies that line item breakdowns are for informational purposes only, states that field office overhead and general conditions are interchangeable, and specifies that all pricing is fixed price.
• Proposal Price Schedule Tab: Contains CLIN 0001 for "General Requirements & Facility Construction" and lists various CSI Divisions (e.g., Concrete, Masonry, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) and subgroups (Site & Infrastructure, Process Equipment). It also includes categories for Insurance/Bonds, Taxes/Fees, O&M Manuals, Overhead, SubContract Mark-Up, and Profit.
• Pricing Fields: For each line item and category, there are fields for "Rates" and "Price." The provided worksheet shows all prices as $0.0, indicating that bidders must populate these fields.

Bidders must use this worksheet to detail their pricing structure. They are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their calculations and for transposing the final totals to the Price Summary. This document is critical for developing a compliant and competitive proposal, as it dictates how costs should be itemized and presented for the specified contract line item (CLIN) and associated divisions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) template used for performing facility risk assessments for Construction, Renovation, and Maintenance work. It helps categorize activity types and safety risks to determine necessary precautions to prevent impact on patients, employees, and contractors. It is to be used in conjunction with the VHA Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) for activities requiring it.

• Activity Details: Includes location (Entire Temple and Waco campuses), a brief description of the project (upgrade of HVAC digital controls network and other related systems), and specific buildings affected.
• Activity Type: Categorized as 'Small Scale' for this project, which involves work that can be completed in a single shift (up to 10 hours), may have patients/employees/visitors present, and does not create significant dust, debris, vapors, or fumes. Minor interior updates and limited building system maintenance are also included in this category.
• Control Measures: Outlines specific control measures required for the 'Small Scale' activity type, including immediate replacement of ceiling tiles, weekly site visits by a multi-disciplinary team, provision of a site-specific safety plan, task hazard analysis, and hazard communication. It also mandates a communication and coordination plan for all affected areas.
• Permit Information: The last page provides a fillable permit form with fields for project manager, contact phone number, contractor, project start/completion dates, and permit expiration date. It also includes a section for ICRA requirements and signatures from relevant personnel.

This document outlines the safety and risk assessment requirements for the project. Bidders should understand the scope of work, the identified activity type ('Small Scale'), and the mandatory control measures that will be enforced. This includes the need for a site-specific safety plan, hazard communication, and a coordination plan. The permit section highlights key dates and personnel involved, which may be relevant for project planning and execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2 674-22-805 Specifications.pdf", contains the specifications for the "Upgrade Building Automation System" project at the Olin E. Teague VAMC – Temple, TX and Doris Miller VAMC – Waco, TX. It is dated November 30, 2023, and represents 100% construction documents.

The document includes the "Table of Contents" for the VHA Master Specifications, detailing various divisions and sections relevant to the project. Key divisions covered include:

• Division 00 - Special Sections: List of Drawing Sheets.
• Division 01 - General Requirements: Covers general requirements, safety, project schedules, construction waste management, and other project-specific needs.
• Division 02 - Existing Conditions: Includes demolition.
• Division 03 - Concrete: Details cast-in-place concrete requirements.
• Division 09 - Finishes: Includes acoustical ceilings.
• Division 23 - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Covers common work results, motor requirements, noise and vibration control, testing, adjusting, and balancing, insulation, and direct-digital control systems.
• Division 26 - Electrical: Includes requirements for electrical installations, low-voltage power conductors and cables, grounding and bonding, raceways and boxes, wiring devices, and motor requirements.
• Division 27 - Communications: Covers requirements for communications installations, structured cabling, and telecommunications room fittings.
• Division 31 - Earthwork: Includes demolition and cement and concrete for exterior improvements.
• Division 32 - Exterior Improvements: Includes cement and concrete for exterior improvements.
• Division 33 - Utilities: Covers commissioning of site utility systems.
• Division 48 - Electrical Power Generation: Not Used.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines the technical specifications and requirements for the "Upgrade Building Automation System" project. It details the scope of work, materials, installation methods, quality assurance, and testing procedures across various disciplines, including HVAC, electrical, communications, and site utilities. Bidders must review these specifications to understand the full requirements for their respective trades and to ensure their proposals and execution align with the project's needs and standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains "100% Construction Documents" and "100% Design Development" drawings for the "Upgrade Building Automation System - Waco & Temple VAMC" project (VA Project Number: 674-22-805). It provides detailed technical specifications and drawings essential for potential bidders to understand the full scope of work.

• Project Scope: Upgrade of Building Automation System at Doris Miller Waco Medical Center & Olin E. Teague Veterans Center in Waco, TX and Temple, TX.
• Drawings Included:
  • Civil Engineering: Site layouts, utility work (fiber optic lines, duct banks).
  • Mechanical Engineering (HVAC): Demolition and installation plans for various buildings across both Temple and Waco campuses. Includes detailed plans for Buildings 4-11, 14, 15, 17, 90-94, 129, 202-227.
  • Electrical Engineering: Power plans, one-line diagrams, electrical schedules, and site plans for multiple buildings (163, 171, 202-205, 221-227) at the Temple Campus and Waco VAMC.
  • Telecommunications: Site plans, outside plant topology, riser diagrams, and floor plans for various buildings at both Waco and Temple VAMC locations.
  • Architectural: Site plans indicating existing buildings and work areas.
• Mechanical Details: Specifics on hydronic coil connections, duct connections, steam coils, unit heaters, VAV boxes, and more.
• Controls: Comprehensive legends, abbreviations, and detailed sequences of operation for various HVAC units (e.g., VAV units, AHUs, heat pumps, fans). Includes points lists for control systems.
• Standards: References multiple building codes and standards (e.g., IBC, NFPA, ASHRAE).

These drawings are critical for bidders to accurately estimate costs, develop technical proposals, and understand installation requirements. They provide detailed information on site infrastructure, building systems, specific equipment, and operational logic for the automation system upgrade at both the Waco and Temple VAMC sites.