626-24-203_Cooling Tower and Chillers

This solicitation, numbered 36C24926R0054, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set aside issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, for the project titled “Upgrade Cooling Towers and Chillers” at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, Tennessee. The work involves comprehensive construction and system upgrades to install new cooling tower modules with N+1 redundancy, new condenser water lines and pumps, structural supports, electrical upgrades including an Automatic Transfer Switch, and associated modifications to meet high-performance and safety standards. All work must comply with detailed specifications, including strict labeling requirements for equipment and piping, asbestos handling protocols, seismic certifications, and ADA accessibility standards. The project has a 548-calendar-day performance period from the Notice to Proceed and is structured as a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurement, where only technically acceptable proposals are considered, with award going to the lowest-priced qualified offeror after evaluating the three lowest bids for acceptability. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Michael Brown, the Contracting Officer, by the deadline of August 5, 2026, and are divided into separate Technical and Price attachments with strict formatting rules: Times New Roman 12-point font, one-inch margins, and consecutive page numbering. Offerors must be actively registered in SAM.gov, provide their Unique Entity ID and Federal Tax ID, and demonstrate relevant construction experience through documented proof of past work meeting eight specific requirements—failure to do so renders proposals technically unacceptable. Contractors must also secure performance and payment bonds, provide comprehensive insurance coverage including workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile liability, and comply with stringent site access mandates such as VA contractor badges requiring REAL ID verification. Safety requirements include having a dedicated Safety and Health Manager, certified competent persons for high-risk trades, and mandatory site-specific orientation training. Technical submittals require four copies of performance curves, seismic certifications, and manufacturer compliance letters prior to inspection, along with complete operating and maintenance manuals. Invoicing is mandated through VA’s electronic payment system using X12 EDI formats, and failure to pass any technical gate, including QC documentation, attendance at final inspections with required personnel, or adherence to disclosure obligations under FAR 52.203-13, will result in rejection or penalty, including billing for additional government inspection costs.