Y1DA--PROJECT # 528-22-125 CO2 Gas Ventilation BUFFALO VAMC

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding the C02 GAS VENTILATION - Buffalo (528-22-125) project.

• Door Finish Consistency: The plans show an opening (223E) with hardware and a door finish (Acrovyn 1352 Fossil Teak) that differs from the rest of the project (Alpine AL18). The government confirms that the Acrovyn 1352 Fossil Teak finish and the specified hardware are intentional and do not need to match the rest of the project.
• Door Undercut and Fire Rating: The plans specify a 1" undercut for a door with a fire rating, but the maximum allowable undercut for a fire-rated door is 3/4". The government advises that a 3/4" undercut is acceptable. An alternative option for ventilation is a fusible link louver in the door.

These clarifications confirm specific material finishes, hardware, and construction details for the ventilation opening, which bidders should incorporate into their proposals. The acceptable undercut for fire-rated doors has been confirmed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sign-in sheet for a site visit related to the "CO2 Gas Ventilation" project (Contract Number: 36C24226B0039) at the VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS). The site visit took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Lists companies that attended the site visit.
• Includes the names and contact information (phone number and email) of company representatives.
• Provides instructions for submitting questions, including the contracting representative's name (Idalia Algarin) and email address (Idalia.Algarin@va.gov).
• Specifies deadlines for Requests for Information (RFIs) and Bids.

This document confirms attendance at a mandatory or recommended site visit, which is often a prerequisite for bidding. It also provides key contact information for submitting questions and outlines important upcoming deadlines for RFIs and bid submissions, helping potential bidders manage their response timelines.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation 36C24226B0039 provides the following updates:

• Added Pre-Visit Sign-In Sheet: A sign-in sheet for the pre-visit has been attached.

• Provided Responses to RFIs: Responses to Request for Information (RFIs) have been included.

• Extended Bid Due Date: Bids are now due on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by 11 AM ET.

• Updated Bid Opening: The bid opening will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM ET via Microsoft Teams.

• The deadline for bid submission has been extended.

• The bid opening time and method have been updated.

• Attachments related to the site visit and RFIs are now included.

Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. The extended deadline for bid submission is March 17, 2026, at 11 AM ET. Bidders are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging all amendments prior to the bid opening.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to solicitation 36C24226B0039 provides the following updates:

• Pre-bid site visit: Scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10 am. Meeting location is Buffalo VAMC Bldg 1, in front of Starbucks and elevators.

• RFIs due date: Extended to Friday, March 6, 2026, by 12 noon.

• Bids due date: Extended to Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by 11 AM ET.

• Bid opening: Scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:30 am via TEAMS.

• The dates for the pre-bid site visit, RFIs due, bid due, and bid opening have been modified.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended to Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by 11 AM ET. If an offeror desires to change an offer already submitted, such change must be made by letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and this amendment, and received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Buy American Certificate" provision (FAR 52.225-2), which must be completed by offerors as part of their proposal submission. It is used to certify compliance with the Buy American Act.

• Domestic vs. Foreign End Products: Offerors must certify that each end product is a domestic end product, unless listed otherwise.
• Critical Components: Offerors must identify domestic end products that contain a critical component.
• Foreign End Product Details: For foreign end products, offerors must specify the country of origin and indicate if they exceed 55% domestic content (unless they are COTS items).
• Definitions: Key terms such as "commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "critical component," "domestic end product," "end product," and "foreign end product" are defined in the "Buy American-Supplies" clause.

Bidders must carefully review and complete this certificate to ensure their offer meets the requirements of the Buy American Act. Failure to properly complete this form may impact the evaluation of the offer. The government will evaluate offers in accordance with FAR Part 25.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (NOV 2022). It requires offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations if awarded a contract. This is a mandatory certification for the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal.

• Certification Requirement: Offerors must certify that they will comply with subcontracting limitations as provided in the solicitation and resultant contract.
• Applicable Limitations: The clause outlines specific subcontracting limits based on the predominant NAICS code:
  • Services (except construction): Not more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
  • General construction: Not more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
  • Special trade construction contractors: Not more than 75% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Exclusions: Costs of materials are excluded from subcontracting calculations for construction contracts. Other direct costs may be excluded for services if not the principal purpose of the acquisition.
• Compliance Verification: Offerors acknowledge that VA may require documentation (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to verify compliance during performance and upon completion.
• Penalties: False certifications are subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. Non-compliance may lead to referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee.
• Required Fields: The certification section requires the printed name, title, signature, date, and company name/address of the authorized signee.

Offerors must complete, sign, and return this certification with their bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to provide this completed certification will render the offer ineligible for evaluation and award. Bidders must understand and agree to the subcontracting limitations applicable to the specific contract type (services or construction) to ensure compliance if awarded.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a PDF portfolio wrapper, indicating that the actual content requires a specific PDF reader version (Acrobat X or Adobe Reader X, or later) for optimal viewing. It does not contain substantive information about the opportunity itself.

Bidders should be aware that the attached document may require updated PDF software to access its contents. No specific requirements, deliverables, or submission details are provided in this wrapper document.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a placeholder or introductory screen for a PDF portfolio. It advises users to open the document in Adobe Acrobat X or Adobe Reader X, or a later version, for the best experience. It also provides a button to download Adobe Reader.

This document does not contain substantive information about a SAM.gov opportunity. It is a technical instruction for viewing the document itself and does not provide details on requirements, scope, or submission instructions relevant to bidders.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage rates applicable to building construction projects in Erie County, New York. It lists various labor classifications, their corresponding hourly rates, and fringe benefits. The document includes specific rates for trades such as Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Ironworker, Laborer, Painter, Plasterer, Cement Finisher, Pipefitter, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Truck Driver, and Sprinkler Fitter. It also details classifications for Power Equipment Operators and provides footnotes regarding paid holidays and other benefits.

This document is crucial for bidders on construction projects in Erie County, New York, as it establishes the prevailing wage rates that must be paid to laborers and mechanics. Understanding these rates is essential for accurate cost estimation and ensuring compliance with labor standards. Bidders must consult this document to determine the labor costs associated with their proposals and to ensure they meet all federal and state labor requirements.

Solicitation

This solicitation is for construction services to improve CO₂ and mixed-gas distribution at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. The project involves constructing a new gas room, installing an automatic medical gas manifold system, and providing new alarms, pipelines, and outlets to ensure continuous gas service to the Microbiology and Blood Bank departments.

• Construction of a new gas room (approx. 40 sq ft) by dividing an existing IT room.

• Installation of a new automatic medical gas manifold system.

• Installation of new LCD medical gas alarm systems in the new gas room, Blood Bank, and Microbiology.

• Installation of new medical gas pipelines and outlets for existing equipment (Incubators) in the Blood Bank and Microbiology.

• Installation of a new RTU dedicated exhaust fan for negative pressure in the gas room.

• Demolition of the existing gas room (control system and accessories).

• Compliance with NFPA 55, National Electrical Code (NEC), VA Design Guides, and other applicable federal, state, and local codes.

• All work must adhere to VA safety protocols and Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA).

• Contractor personnel must have OSHA 10-hour training; supervisors and competent personnel require OSHA 30-hour training.

• COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors must be followed, including vaccination or testing requirements, masking, and physical distancing.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Not to exceed 180 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Magnitude of Construction: $500,000 - $1,000,000.

• Bids are due by 11:00 AM ET on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

• All bids must be submitted via email to Idalia Algarin, Contracting Officer, at idalia.algarin@va.gov.

• Bid opening will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM ET.

• Questions must be submitted in writing to Idalia Algarin by Friday, March 6, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10 AM ET at Buffalo VAMC, Bldg. 1.

• This procurement is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

• Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov with a Unique Entity Identifier and verified/certified as SDVOSB in DSBS at the time of award.

• Offerors must submit their annual Vets4212 Report.

• NAICS Code: 236220, Business Size: $45.0 Million.

• Bid guarantee is required (20% of proposal price, not to exceed $3,000,000).

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required.

• Buy American Act Certificate (FAR 52.225-2) and VAAR 852.219-75 Limitations of Subcontracting Certificate are required with the bid.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice for Project # 528-22-125 at the Buffalo VAMC, concerning improvements to CO₂ and mixed-gas distribution. The project involves constructing a new gas room, installing an automatic medical gas manifold system, and providing new alarms, pipelines, and outlets to ensure continuous gas service to Microbiology and the Blood Bank. Work must comply with NFPA 55 and applicable codes.

• Construction of a new gas room (approx. 40 sq ft) by dividing the existing IT room.

• Installation of new acoustic ceiling grid, tiles, LED lights, diffusers, and sprinkler heads.

• Installation of an Automatic Medical Gas Manifold system.

• Installation of new LCD medical gases alarm systems in the new gas room, blood bank, and microbiology.

• Installation of new medical gas pipelines and outlets for existing equipment (Incubators) in the blood bank and microbiology.

• Installation of a new RTU dedicated exhaust fan for negative pressure in the gas room.

• The entire gas system, including the RTU, must be under emergency power.

• Demolition of the existing gas room and associated parts.

• Magnitude of the project is estimated between $250,000 and $500,000.

• Contract award is anticipated around February 2026.

• The solicitation (36C24226B0039) is expected to be posted on or about February 16, 2026.

• Bids will be accepted electronically only.

• Bid bonding will be required.

• Solicitation materials (specifications, drawings, forms) will be available electronically on SAM.gov.

• Amendments will be posted on SAM.gov; bidders are responsible for obtaining and acknowledging them.

• This procurement is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firms.

• All work is to be performed at the Buffalo, NY VA Medical Center.

• No asbestos abatement is anticipated.

• Information regarding a site visit will be provided in the solicitation.

• All correspondence and inquiries should be sent via email to the Contracting Officer, Idalia Algarin (Idalia.Algarin@va.gov).