Design-Build Construction of a Central Utility Plant (CUP) at the Ft Harrison, MT VAMC

Sources Sought: W9128F25SM009 General. This is a SOURCES SOUGHT notification for informational/market research purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, QUOTATION OR BID, NOR A SYNOPSIS OF A PROPOSED CONTRACT ACTION UNDER FAR SUBPART 5.2. Notice Details. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Northwestern Division, Omaha District (CENWO) has been tasked to identify interest in a Design-Build Contract for Construction Services as defined below in support of CENWO's design and construction effort at the Fort Harrison Veteran's Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Ft Harrison, MT. Responses to this sources sought announcement will be used by the government to determine the appropriate level of small business participation and to develop the acquisition strategy. The North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS) for this requirement is: 236220, - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. The related size standard is: $45M. The purpose of this Sources Sought notice is to gather information on the interest, capabilities, and qualifications of small and large businesses in the industry, alongside collecting data on the recent history of construction projects within the local labor market. This notice supersedes all previous requests for CENWO's design and construction efforts at Fort Harrison. This effort targets: Small Businesses (SB Small Disadvantaged Businesses, including 8(a) firms Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) Other than Small Businesses (OTSB) All potentially interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit responses. Project Scope. CENWO intends to procure Design-Build Services for the construction of a new Central Utility Plant (CUP) at the Fort Harrison, MT Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), enhancing campus utility services. This initiative represents a significant upgrade to the VAMC's infrastructure, promising improved efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of utility services across the campus. Current Status: Design and planning activities are in progress to refine the Design-Build Request for Proposal (RFP). New Construction: The project involves building a new CUP with an approximate gross square footage (GSF) of 15,300, located north of the main hospital building. Utility System: Establishment of a comprehensive utilities distribution system. Demolition and Modifications: Demolition or modification of existing campus heating, hot water, and chilled water systems. Demolition of the old boiler plant and associated backup generator buildings to clear space for new developments. Project Magnitude: The construction cost is projected to range between $25,000,000 and $100,000,000. Timeline: The estimated duration from the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for construction is 1,277 calendar days. General site conditions: This site offers both challenges and opportunities for development, given its proximity to key campus facilities, existing infrastructure, and the natural slope of the land which must be considered for effective water management and site planning. Location: The site is positioned near the property line abutting the National Guard installation to the north, with the existing B170 warehouse building to the west, and an anticipated Parking Garage and Outpatient Mental Health Facility (to be constructed by others) to the east. Land Use: The site partially overlaps with an existing parking lot and extends into undeveloped, naturally vegetated land. Topography: The terrain slopes from west to east, with surface water runoff characterized predominantly by sheet flow; there are no significant concentrated flow paths within the project area. Storage and Temporary Structures: The area may occasionally host shipping containers, either on or near the site, influencing site planning and access considerations. Drainage and Roadways: Most of the campus features open-section roadways without curbs or gutters, except around the main hospital where traditional curb and gutter systems are in place. Utilities: Existing Infrastructure: The site is crossed by several utility services including sanitary sewer, signal/telecom, and water lines, which could support further development. Lighting: There are light poles along the parking lot's perimeter, potentially affecting lighting design for new constructions. Landscaping: While the hospital area is characterized by irrigated turfgrass, this feature does not extend to the project site, maintaining a more natural landscape. Central Utility Plant: The building's design for the (CUP shall focus on: Accessibility: The structural engineering of the CUP emphasizes accessibility, providing easy access for maintenance of overhead piping and duct systems, and accommodating future equipment installations or removals. Dimensions: The structure is assumed to be approximately 30 feet in height and 15,300 gross square feet in area. Construction Materials: Utilizes load-bearing concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls, finished with an exterior face brick that aligns with the campus's architectural style. Rain-Screen System: Employed across all exterior walls to effectively control moisture: Components: Includes an outer brick veneer, an intermediate air space for drainage, rigid insulation for thermal resistance, and a vapor barrier directly on the CMU to prevent moisture ingress. Composite Metal Panels: Strategically placed to offer visual distinction or meet specific functional requirements, these panels also incorporate a rain-screen system for moisture management. Aesthetic and Functional Integration: The building's design shall not only blend with the existing campus architecture but also support operational efficiency. Durability and Maintenance: The use of modern construction techniques and materials ensures the structure's longevity and ease of maintenance, adhering to contemporary standards for energy efficiency and building performance. Utilities Distribution System: The distribution system for the new CUP shall be engineered to integrate with both the future hospital complex and the existing steam and chilled water systems. The main connection from the CUP to the Main Hospital (Building 154) will occur via the primary utilidor, terminating at Mechanical Room B100 in the building's basement. From here, utility piping will connect to final equipment points either through secondary utilidors, the crawl space beneath Building 154, or by routing through other existing buildings. The bulk oxygen tank and distribution system must also be relocated from its current location on Patriot's Way, to a new slab located near Building 170 (warehouse), and new connections to and through the primary utilidor must be made to Building 154. This system is primarily routed through new underground utility corridors, approximately 8 feet by 8 feet, and extends into existing structures to serve the heating, cooling, and domestic hot water requirements of several buildings: Building 141, including the Hydronic Plant Building 154 Building 154A Building 169 Future Building 173 In addition to the main utility conduits for steam, steam condensate, and chilled water, the utilidors will be equipped with: Lighting: To ensure safe working conditions. Ventilation: To maintain air quality within the corridors. Drainage: As mandated by building codes to handle potential leaks or moisture. The design of the utilidors will prioritize safety, providing adequate space for maintenance and operations personnel. Building System Connection and Demolition: This approach ensures that the new utility systems are effectively integrated while maintaining or improving the operational capabilities of the existing infrastructure. Steam Utility Connections: New steam utilities from the CUP will be integrated with the existing steam systems within the buildings, ensuring a seamless transition. Hydronic System Upgrade: Building 141: The current hydronic heating boilers will be replaced by shell and tube heat exchangers. This upgrade will convert steam into heating hot water, preserving the functionality of the existing hydronic hot water distribution system. Chilled Water System Integration: Utility Linkage: New chilled water utilities from the CUP will connect to the existing chilled water systems across the campus. Connections: The new chilled water connections to each existing chilled water distribution system requires a transition from the new chilled water only system to the existing glycol-based system. Backup Preservation: The existing chillers and distribution systems will be kept operational as a backup measure. Control Systems for Chilled Water: Operational Flexibility: Each connection point in the chilled water systems will feature: Flow Metering: To accurately measure water flow. Temperature Monitoring: For precise control of cooling capacity. Motorized Valving: Enabling the selection between using the CUP's chilled water or operating individual building chillers, enhancing system flexibility and efficiency. Building 141 (Existing Hydronic Plant): Current Equipment: The facility currently houses two Superior fire tube hot water boilers from 2010, each with a Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of 60 psig, rated at 200 Boiler Horsepower (BHP) or 6,700,000 BTU/h (MBH), and two Patterson Kelly hot water boilers from 2015, boasting an MAWP of 160 psig, rated at approximately 60 BHP or 2,000,000 BTU/h (MBH). Upgrade Plan: These boilers will be substituted with shell and tube heat exchangers, supported by the new Central Utility Plant (CUP). The old equipment will be salvaged, with the value recaptured in the project cost. Building 169 Extension: The hydronic heating boilers and domestic water heaters in Building 169 will also transition to shell and tube heat exchangers, while preserving the existing heating hot water and domestic hot water distribution systems. Building 169 (Residential Rehabilitation): Boiler Replacement: This building features three unitary boilers, all slated for replacement by heat exchangers connected to the new CUP. The old equipment will be salvaged off-site with value recaptured in the project cost. Service must be maintained to the existing distribution system during the transition, with only limited disruptions during cutover. Building 171 (Operational Boiler Plant): Operational Continuity: Must remain active until the requirements for commissioning and stable operation of the new CUP are complete.. Current Setup: Equipped with three low-pressure Superior fire tube steam boilers from 2012 (30 psig MAWP, 8,625 lb/hr steam capacity) and two high-pressure counterparts (150 psig MAWP, 5,175 lb/hr steam capacity). Post-CUP Operation: Building 171 will be gutted and maintained in an environmentally controlled state following the transition. This equipment is to be disposed of off-site and salvaged with value recaptured in the project cost. The new CUP is to be operational for a full warranty period prior to decommissioning this plant. Continuity of operations is required during the transition to the new CUP. Provisions for temporary plant operations must be provided that meet this requirement during transition. Tank Removal: The existing approximately 10,000-gallon underground storage tank must be removed in adherence to Montana Department of Environmental Quality standards, followed by site restoration. Service Access Road. Design and build an access road loop by extending Devil's Brigade Way around the north end of campus to allow for service access to B170 once the existing Devil's Brigade paralleling Patriot's Way is closed for construction. Communications with Industry. CENWO Scheduled Teleconference for Project Information: Date and Time: The teleconference is scheduled for Thursday, 23 January 2025, at 1400 CST. Objective: This session will provide additional project details and offer an opportunity for interested parties to ask questions. Please be aware that the information shared during this teleconference is provisional and subject to updates as the project progresses. How to Join: Contact: To obtain the teleconference access information and any accompanying exhibits, please reach out to Adam Beaver, the Contract Specialist, via email at: adam.l.beaver@usace.army.mil (mailto:adam.l.beaver@usace.army.mil). Email Content: SUBJECT: Sources Sought W9128F25SM009 - Design-Build Central Utility Plant (CUP) at Ft. Harrison, MT VAMC - Teleconference Info Request BODY: Firm Details: Include your firm's name and CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code. Participants: List the names of all individuals from your firm who will be participating in the teleconference. Dial-Ins: Specify the expected number of dial-ins from your organization. Input for Acquisition Strategy: Provide any questions, recommendations, or concerns that could impact the acquisition strategy for this project. Acquisition Input: This is your opportunity to influence the project's direction by addressing potential issues or suggesting improvements at an early stage. We encourage all interested parties to participate to gain a deeper understanding of the project scope and to clarify any queries. Project Labor Agreement Survey. As part of this notice, CENWO is also soliciting input from the construction community regarding the potential application of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for this construction project at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fort Harrison, MT. A PLA is described as a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement between a Prime contractor and labor organizations, setting employment terms for a specific construction project under 29 U.S.C. 158(f). A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a tool that agencies may use to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement. Pursuant to Executive Order 13502, agencies are encouraged to consider requiring the use of project labor agreements in connection with large-scale construction projects. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR 22.503) Policy: PLAs are recognized as tools to promote economy and efficiency in federal procurement. Per Executive Order 13502, agencies are encouraged to consider mandating PLAs for large-scale construction projects to enhance project management and outcomes. An agency may mandate that contractors and subcontractors on the project negotiate or become party to a PLA with labor organizations if it is deemed that such agreements will: Advance the Federal Governments interest in achieving economy and efficiency in Federal procurement, producing labor-management stability, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing safety and health, equal employment opportunity, labor and employment standards and other matters; and Be consistent with law. Reference: FAR 52.222-33 Notice of Requirement for Project Labor Agreement; FAR 52.222-34 Project Labor Agreement Please provide your feedback on the following: Do you have knowledge of PLAs being used on similar local projects? If so, please provide supporting documentation. Are there known skilled labor shortages for the crafts required for this project in the area? Elaborate and provide documentation if possible. Are there any time-sensitive constraints or scheduling concerns that could impact the project timeline? Elaborate and provide documentation if possible. Specify reasons how a PLA might advance the Federal Government's interest in economy and efficiency in procurement. Specify reasons why you believe a PLA might not advance the Federal Government's interest in economy and efficiency in procurement. Additional information you believe should be considered on the use of a PLA on this project. Additional information you believe should be considered on the non-use of a PLA on this project. The information gathered in this survey should include the following information on projects completed in the last 2 - 5 years: Project Name and Location Detailed Project Description Initial Cost Estimate vs. Actual Final Cost Was the project completed on time? Number of craft trades present on the project Was a PLA used? Were there any challenges experienced during the project? Submission Instructions. Formal responses to this Sources Sought notice must be submitted electronically (via email) with: SUBJECT: - Sources Sought W9128F25SM009 - Design-Build Central Utility Plant at the Ft. Harrison VA contract. Please email to adam.l.beaver@usace.army.mil and jeffrey.w.wyant@usacea.army.mil. Responses must be received by 1400 on 13 January 2025, to be considered. Responses to this Sources Sought shall be limited to fifteen (15) pages and include the following information: Firm's name, address, point of contact, phone number, e-mail address, CAGE and UEI number. Firm's business category and size to include any official teaming arrangements as a partnership or joint venture. The categories include Large Business (include summary of small business participation metrics), Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a) firm, Historically underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small business (SDVOSB). Provide a maximum of three D-B project examples, similar in size, scope and complexity to the work described in this notice. Provide details of the project(s) including the scope, contract number if available, the project's final price, start and end dates of the construction work, complexity of the job, and small business participation, if applicable. Additionally, identify whether you were the Prime or a Subcontractor on the project. Finally, please provide any project references including owner with phone number and email address. This ensures clarity and brevity in the analysis process. The Government may verify information in CPARS or PPIRS. Provide information on your bonding capability. Specifically identify capacity of performance and payment bonds, both single and aggregate. In addition to the submission for the Sources Sought above, the responses to the Project Labor Agreement Survey shall be limited to five (5) pages, and include the following information: Responses to Project Labor Agreement Survey, 2., items 1. through 7. Substantiating project information as outlined in Project Labor Agreement Survey, 3., items 1. through 7. Disclaimer and Important Notes. Responses will be shared with Government personnel with a need-to-know basis, but otherwise will be held in strict confidence. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this sources sought or any follow up information. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. All interested firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov and remain current for the duration of the source selection process to be eligible for award of a Government contract. CENWO intends to synopsize a requirement for Design-Build Construction Services in support of the CUP project at the Ft Harrison, MT VAMC. A fully developed Request for Proposal is currently anticipated to be issued during the Spring/Summer of 2025.