Y1NB--FY26: (PROJ: 546-23-105) Create Redundancy Capacity in Chiller Plant System/ Chilled & Condensed Water System Repair/Replacement

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Create Redundancy Capacity in Chiller Plant System" project at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in Miami, FL. The primary objective is to provide redundant capacity for the existing chilled and condenser water systems by adding a new water-cooled chiller and a new two-cell cooling tower. The project also includes constructing a new four-story building addition to house mechanical and electrical equipment, including a future generator. The magnitude of construction is estimated between $10,000,000.00 and $20,000,000.00.

• Construction of a new four-story addition utility building.

• Installation of a new 1,250-ton water-cooled chiller on the second level.

• Installation of a new two-cell cooling tower on the roof.

• Installation of electrical gear on the third level.

• Site preparation, including demolition and removal of existing structures.

• All work must be performed in accordance with project plans, specifications, and the Statement of Work (SOW).

• The contractor must ensure all systems are fully operational upon completion.

• A cost-loaded schedule is required after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: 1095 Calendar Days from the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction).

• Set-Aside: This procurement is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) using a tiered set-aside evaluation approach.

• Site Visit: Wednesday, March 18, 2025, at 09:00 am EST.

• Requests for Information (RFIs) due: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.

• Proposals (RFPs) due: Wednesday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically.

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach (including specialized experience, technical/management approach, energy efficiency, and commissioning), Technical Project Schedule, Past Performance, and Price. Technical factors and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price.

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

• Offerors must be certified by the SBA and listed in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) database.

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is mandatory.

• Funds are not currently available, and award is contingent upon appropriation of funds.

• A Bid Guarantee of 20% of the bid price or $3,000,000 (whichever is less) is required.

• Payment and Performance Bonds will be required upon award.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C24826R0028 is issued to:

• Replace the original solicitation document with 36C24826R0028R1.

• Extend the Period of Performance (POP).

• Update the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Update evaluation factors.

• Update the liquidated damages clause.

• Replace ATTACHMENT 1 - 100 Bid Final Design Construction Specification Document with the correct version.

• Solicitation document (replaced)

• Period of Performance (updated)

• Statement of Work (updated)

• Evaluation factors (updated)

• Liquidated damages clause (updated)

• ATTACHMENT 1 - 100 Bid Final Design Construction Specification Document (replaced)

All offerors are required to acknowledge receipt of this amendment. The changes impact the POP, SOW, evaluation factors, and a key attachment. Bidders should review these updated sections carefully.

Specifications / Technical Documents

This document provides comprehensive construction specifications for the "Create Redundancy Capacity in Chiller Plant System/Chilled and Condensed Water System Repair/Replacement" project at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in Miami, Florida. It details requirements for general project management, safety, environmental controls, waste management, and sustainable construction practices. Specific technical sections cover concrete construction, metal fabrication, firestopping, joint sealants, thermal insulation, hollow metal doors and frames, plumbing fixtures, piping, and test equipment. It also includes detailed specifications for various systems such as traps, primer valve systems, penetration sleeves, storm drainage, submersible drainage pump units, HVAC components (motors, conductors, grounding, raceways, control systems, hydronic piping, pumps, water treatment, ducts, fans, chillers, cooling towers, heating/cooling units), and electrical installations (transformers, switchgear, panelboards, wiring devices, variable-frequency drives, lightning protection, surge protective devices). Additionally, it outlines requirements for earthwork, micropiles, and exterior improvements like asphalt paving, brick paving, and pavement markings.

This document is critical for bidders as it defines the exact technical requirements, materials, installation methods, quality assurance standards, and testing procedures for the project. Bidders must thoroughly review these specifications to accurately estimate costs, develop project plans, and ensure their proposals meet all contractual obligations. Key areas for bidders include understanding specific material standards, installation instructions, quality control measures, safety and environmental mandates, commissioning requirements, and submittal procedures. The document also provides essential geotechnical information and recommendations for foundation designs, including micropiles, which directly impacts bidding and execution. Adherence to the numerous referenced industry standards (ASTM, ASME, NFPA, UL, NEMA, etc.) is mandatory.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Create Redundancy Capacity in Chiller Plant System" project at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in Miami, FL. The primary objective is to address an N+1 redundancy finding by expanding the existing Utility Chiller Plant at Building 44. This involves constructing a new four-story building addition to house new mechanical and electrical equipment, including a new 1,250-ton water-cooled chiller, a new two-cell cooling tower, and electrical gear. The project also includes site preparation, demolition of existing structures, and installation of new systems.

• Construction of a new four-story addition building.

• Installation of a new 1,250-ton water-cooled chiller.

• Installation of a new two-cell cooling tower.

• Installation of electrical gear and a new electrical service room.

• Demolition and removal of existing structures.

• Site preparation and completion of all tasks per the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and standards (e.g., OSHA, NEC, NFPA).

• Provision of training for VA personnel on new equipment.

• Development of a detailed project-specific fire-safety measure plan.

• Use of environmentally friendly products where possible.

• Documentation of all work performed, including submittals, daily logs, and "As Built" drawings.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: 730 Calendar Days from the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Magnitude of Construction: $10,000,000.00 to $20,000,000.00.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction).

• Set-Aside: This procurement is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

• Site Visit: Wednesday, March 18, 2025, at 09:00 am EST.

• Requests for Information (RFIs) due: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.

• Proposals (RFPs) due: Wednesday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to the specified email addresses.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Approach (including Specialized Experience, Technical/Management Approach, Project Planning/Schedule, Energy Efficiency/Environmental Impact), Past Performance, and Price. Technical Factors and Past Performance are significantly more important than Price.

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

• Offerors must be certified by the SBA and listed in the VetCert database at the time of proposal submission and award.

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is required.

• Funds are not currently available for this procurement; award is contingent upon appropriation of funds.

• Bid Guarantee required (20% of bid price or $3,000,000, whichever is less).

• Payment and Performance Bonds will be required upon award.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a "Design Analysis Report Appendices - Final Bid Documents" which contains various supporting documents for the "Create Redundancy Capacity in Chiller Plant System/Chilled and Condensed Water System Repair/Replacement" project at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center.

This appendix includes several detailed reports and specifications relevant to the project:

• Civil Narrative: Details site conditions, topography, flood plain information, geotechnical exploration, and storm water management.
• Architectural Narrative: Describes the design of the new four-story addition, including demolition, existing conditions, new construction (site and building), exterior and interior design, and life safety measures.
• Structural Narrative: Outlines the structural design of the new addition, including horizontal and vertical framing, foundations (micropile and pile cap), lateral system, and specifications.
• Mechanical Narrative: Details the redundant chiller and cooling tower systems, including chilled water piping, condenser water piping, and other new systems like exhaust fans and a horizontal coil unit.
• Plumbing Narrative: Describes the connection to existing plumbing, sanitary waste, vent piping, and domestic-water piping, as well as storm drainage.
• Fire Protection Narrative: Outlines the provision of wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and water supply characteristics.
• Electrical Narrative: Covers the scope of work including power connections, new lighting, lightning protection, grounding, general power, CCTV cameras, and electrical testing.
• Appendices: Includes equipment basis of design, chiller cutsheet and drawing, cooling tower selection, ventilation calculations, and condenser water calculations.

This document provides critical technical details for potential bidders to understand the full scope of the project, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and civil engineering aspects. It details the design criteria, equipment specifications (chillers, cooling towers, fans), and site conditions, which are essential for accurate proposal development and bid pricing.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (FL20260215) for Building Construction Projects in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various labor classifications under the Davis-Bacon Act. Bidders must use this information to ensure compliance with labor wage requirements for the specified construction type and geographic area.

• Effective Date: 01/02/2026
• Superseded Date: FL20250215
• Construction Type: Building (excluding single-family homes or apartments up to 4 stories)
• County: Miami-Dade County, Florida
• Classifications & Rates: Lists specific trades (e.g., Asbestos Worker, Carpenter, Electrician, Operator, Plumber) with their corresponding hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Footnotes: Includes details on paid holidays and vacation pay credits.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage for federal contractors), outlining contractor obligations.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs and ensure compliance with federal wage laws. Failure to adhere to these prevailing wage rates can lead to bid disqualification or contract violations. Bidders should incorporate these rates into their cost proposals and project labor planning.

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 form that must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal.

• Certification of Compliance: Offerors must certify that they will comply with subcontracting limitations as provided in the solicitation and resultant contract.
• Applicable Limitations: The clause specifies different 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 and provided by small businesses.
• Acknowledgement of Penalties: Offerors acknowledge that false certifications are subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.
• Cooperation and Documentation: Offerors agree to cooperate and provide documentation (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to demonstrate compliance upon request.
• Required Fields: The certification section requires the printed name, title, signature, date, and company name/address of the authorized signee.

Failure to provide a completed and signed certification with the offer will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. Bidders must carefully review the subcontracting limitations applicable to the specific contract type and ensure their proposed approach complies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Specialized Experience Information Sheet" form that bidders must complete to demonstrate their relevant experience for the opportunity. It requires detailed information about past projects to allow the government to evaluate the bidder's qualifications.

• Project Information: Requires details on up to three (3) past projects.
• Contractor Information: Firm name, address, DUNS, Cage Code, POC details.
• Contract Details: Contract/Task Order Number, Award Date, Project Title/Name, Location.
• Role and Performance: How the work was performed (Prime, Subcontractor, etc.), percentage of work performed, and details of the prime contractor if a subcontractor.
• Government Agency Information: Contact details of the awarding agency's Contracting Officer/Procurement Official.
• Scope of Work and Relevancy: Detailed description of the project's scope and the bidder's specific roles, emphasizing how the work performed is relevant to the current solicitation.
• Challenges and Resolutions: Description of any difficulties encountered and how they were resolved, including unforeseen conditions.
• Performance Period: Contract start date, original and projected completion dates.
• Completion Status: Actual completion date or reasons for non-completion, and percentage of completion if less than 50%.
• Termination Information: Details if any contracts were terminated.
• Contract Pricing: Original and Final Contract Prices, with explanations for any differences.

This form is critical for bidders to showcase their past performance and specialized experience. The information provided will be used to evaluate the bidder's capability to successfully perform the work described in the solicitation. Failure to provide sufficient detail or meet the minimum project requirement (three projects) may negatively impact the bidder's rating.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "EMR FORM - FORM FOR BIDDER/OFFEROR TO COMPLETE & SUBMIT WITH PROPOSAL - Pre-Award Contractor Evaluation Form." It requires bidders to provide information related to their safety and health program and their insurance experience modification rate.

• Company Name, Address, Telephone, Email, and Contact Information.
• OSHA 300 Form data, including:
  • Number of man hours (jobsite and office).
  • Number of cases involving days away from work, restricted activity, or both.
  • Days away, restricted, or transferred rate (DART Rate).
  • Number of serious, willful, or repeat violations from OSHA within the last 3 years (explanation required for any violations; four serious, one repeat, or one willful disqualifies the contractor).
• A link to access OSHA 300 and 300a Forms is provided.
• Six-digit North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) Code for the acquisition.
• Information on who administers the company's Safety and Health Program.
• Company's Insurance Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for the past 3 years (an EMR greater than 1.0 disqualifies the contractor).

Bidders must complete and submit this form as part of their proposal. The information provided, particularly regarding OSHA violations and the EMR, will be used for pre-award evaluation, and certain thresholds (e.g., EMR > 1.0, specific OSHA violations) can lead to disqualification.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for use by contractors to solicit feedback from their previous clients regarding their performance on past contracts. This feedback is crucial for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assess an offeror's technical capability and consistent delivery of quality services.

• Contractor Information: To be completed by the contractor, including company name, contact details, and project information (title, period of performance, contract number, description of work, contractor's role).
• Client/Respondent Information: To be completed by the reference contact, including company name, contact details.
• Performance Information: A rating scale (1-5) from Unsatisfactory to Exceptional for various performance areas including Management, Quality Control, Regulations, Problem Resolution, Schedule, and Warranty Response. Narrative explanations are required for ratings of 2 or 3.
• Recommendations: A question asking if the client would award another contract to the contractor, with a space for remarks.
• CPARS Confirmation: A question to determine if the contractor is rated in CPARS for the contract.
• Remarks Section: An open-ended section for detailed comments on performance traits and other relevant information.

Bidders must provide this questionnaire to their past clients and ensure it is completed and submitted to the Contracting Officer (Aldwyn Singleton at aldwyn.singleton@va.gov and Ana Vazquez at ana.vazquez2@va.gov) by the solicitation's offer due date. The subject line for submission must follow a specific format: “Solicitation 36C24825R0044/Past Performance/Company Name”. This questionnaire directly impacts the evaluation of the offeror's past performance and technical qualifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for use by contractors to solicit feedback from their previous clients regarding their performance on past contracts. This feedback is crucial for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assess an offeror's technical capability, service delivery quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.

• Contractor Information: To be completed by the contractor, including company name, contact details, and project information (title, period of performance, contract number, description of work, contractor's role).
• Client/Respondent Information: To be completed by the reference contact, including company name, contact details.
• Performance Information: A rating scale (1-5) for various performance areas including Management, Quality Control, Regulations, Problem Resolution, Schedule, and Warranty Response. Narrative explanations are required for ratings of 2 or 3.
• Recommendations: A question asking if the client would award another contract to the contractor, with an option for explanation.
• CPARS Rating: A question to determine if the contractor is rated in CPARS for the contract.
• Remarks: A section for detailed comments on performance traits and other relevant information.

Bidders must provide this questionnaire to their past clients and ensure it is completed and submitted to the VA by the offer due date. The submitted questionnaires will be used by the VA to evaluate the offeror's past performance, a key factor in determining technical capability and likelihood of successful contract execution. Failure to provide adequate past performance information may negatively impact the evaluation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sources Sought Notice for FY26, specifically for Project 546-23-105, which involves creating redundancy capacity in the Chiller Plant System and performing repairs/replacements for the Chilled & Condensed Water System. The purpose is to gauge industry interest and identify potential sources for this requirement.

• The core requirement is to establish redundancy for the Chiller Plant System.

• It also includes repair and replacement of the Chilled & Condensed Water System.

• Solicitation Number: 36C24826R0028

• The contracting office is Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) at the Miami VA Healthcare System.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: October 29, 2025, 10:00 AM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• The document references an attached "S02 - Sources Sought Notice - 36C24826R0028" and "S02 - Attachment 1 - Past Performance Questionnaire" for further details.

• Set-Aside: N/A

• This is a Sources Sought Notice, indicating the government is seeking information on potential contractors. It is not a solicitation for proposals at this stage.

• The NAICS Code is 236220.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice seeks sources for Bid-Build (BB) services to expand the existing Utility Chiller Plant at Building 44 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 08, Miami VA Healthcare System. The project aims to correct N+1 redundancy issues in the current Chiller Plant by constructing a new four-story building addition south of Building 44 to house new mechanical and electrical equipment. This expansion will provide redundant capacity to the chilled and condenser water systems.

• Construction of a new four-story utility building addition.

• Installation of a new 1,250-ton water-cooled chiller on the second level.

• Installation of a new two-cell cooling tower on the roof.

• Installation of electrical gear supporting new equipment on the third level.

• Demolition and removal of existing structures as needed.

• Site preparation and completion of all tasks per 100% design, narrative, addendum, and specifications.

• Connection to existing chilled water, condenser water, plumbing, sanitary waste, vent, and domestic water piping.

• Installation of wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems.

• Testing and commissioning of the new chill water system by a certified third-party.

• Training of VA personnel on new systems.

• Contract Type: Bid-Build (BB).

• Period of Performance: 730 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $10,000,000.00 and $200,000,000.00.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice, not a solicitation. Responses are for information and planning purposes only.

• Interested contractors should submit a Capability Statement and Past Performance Surveys.

• Capability Statement should address qualifications, ability to perform, and provide specific examples of relevant experience, including being the Prime contractor.

• Past Performance: Provide surveys of three (3) recent (within 5 years) and relevant references as a Prime contractor.

• Deadline for Submission: October 29, 2025, 10:00 AM E.S.T.

• The government is looking for sources from certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Small Business, and/or Large business.

• NAICS Code: 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.

• Business Size Standard: $39.5 million.

• Prospective contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• Questions should be submitted via email to Aldwyn Singleton at Aldwyn.Singleton@va.gov with the subject line: "Sources Sought Notice - 36C24826R028 - Create Redundancy Capacity in Chiller Plant System/Chilled and Condensed Water System."

• Responses will not be considered adequate responses to a future solicitation.