J044--Sources Sought Boiler Plant Inspections Controls and Maintenance Perry Point VAMC Base Plus Four Option Years

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Network Contracting Office 5, is issuing this Sources Sought Notice to identify potential qualified vendors that are interested in and capable of performing this requirement. The Perry Point VA Medical Center has a need for Boiler Plant Inspections, Controls, and Maintenance.
SCOPE OF WORK
PROJECT DATA:
TITLE: Boiler Plant Inspections, Controls, and Maintenance
FACILITY: Perry Point VA Campus
DURATION: Base Year, Plus 4 Option Years

GENERAL SCOPE:
This contract solicitation shall be deemed for the following listed needs in maintaining a functional and compliant Steam Boiler Plant. The contract solicitation shall have a Base Period of Performance of 1 year with (4) Option years exercised annually at the discretion of the Contracting Officer with input from the Contracting Officer Representative and shall be based in continuity on the previous year s performance as documented by the Contracting Officer.
The Contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, materials and equipment to complete annual, quarterly, and other periodic inspections as required by the attached scope of work.
In addition to inspections, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance will be required to maintain boiler plant operations. A complete listing of required maintenance activities and frequencies is provided.
Furthermore, Programming and Maintenance of Boiler Controls, to include being certified on MicroMOD MOD30 ML Controllers, shall be essential and required.
Introduction and Historical:
A. Most Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) have a central high pressure boiler plant to provide steam for heating and air conditioning, domestic hot water, kitchens, and sterilization. Some medical centers have laundries that utilize steam.
B. Boiler plant safety, reliability, efficiency and equipment longevity are paramount concerns of VAMC management. Boilers and feedwater deaerators are pressurized devices containing steam and hot water. They can fail catastrophically causing injuries and death and massive property damage. Regular inspections by experts are an essential part of a program to address these concerns.
C. This Statement of Work describes the requirements for the boiler inspections and feedwater deaerator inspections to be performed by Qualified Professional Inspectors under contract.
D. A separate document lists the facilities where the inspections will be required, lists the boilers and feedwater deaerators to be inspected at each facility and provides a schedule for the inspections. Other pressure vessels may be included in the inspection requirements.

Qualified Personnel Requirements:
2.0 General Requirements & Qualifications
Qualified Professional Inspectors as defined below shall perform internal and external inspections on high pressure (over 15 psig) steam boilers and internal inspections on feedwater deaerators and other pressure vessels.
Non-destructive testing of feedwater deaerator pressure vessels shall be performed by certified non-destructive testing technicians as defined below under the guidance of the Qualified Professional Inspector.
All persons Qualified shall submit verification of experience, licensure, and competence per the minimum requirements listed below. The bidder may not replace qualified staff without resubmission and acceptance of qualifications.
Qualified Professional Inspector is defined as any one of the following. In all cases the professional inspector shall be a disinterested third party from the contract holder verified a signed statement of no shared financial interests:
A boiler inspector who has a valid commission from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NB).
A boiler inspector who has qualified by passing a written examination under the laws, rules and regulations of a state jurisdiction.
A boiler inspector who is regularly employed as a boiler inspector by a jurisdiction which has adopted and administers one or more sections of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as a legal requirement and has a representative serving as a member of the ASME Conference Committee.
A boiler inspector who is regularly employed by an insurance company which has been licensed or registered by the appropriate authority of a State of the United States to write boiler or pressure vessel insurance.
2.1 Qualifications for Boiler Control/Tuning & Controls Technician
The person providing verification and testing of boiler safety devices and controls shall be employed full time in the fuel burning equipment industry.
He/she shall be experienced in steam boilers controlled by MicroMOD controls and software.
Have factory authorization to manipulate, service, replace, and test control components and software. Provide proof of authorization.
The person shall have at a minimum a journeyman license as a Steamfitter with a specialization as a burner technician. Licensure in any state shall be permissible.
Must be factory certified / equivalent to service and program MicroMOD boiler controls.
Able to repair, replace and program MicroMOD model MOD 30ML controllers.
Must be able to tune boiler combustion through MicroMOD controls.
Qualifications for Pipe/steam infrastructure Repairs
All welds shall be performed by a welder with an active 6G certification in 6010/7018 FboNotice and cap weld procedure
All pipe fitments shall be performed by, or under the direct replacement of, a licensed journeyman steamfitter, experienced in the installation of sch 40, 80 and 120 steel piping.
Qualifications for Repair of pressure vessels: The prospective bidder must be registered with the National Board for repair of registered pressure vessels, known as an R stamp. Provide proof of certification and registration with your proposal.
2.3 Qualifications for Non-Destructive-Testing Technicians:
The technicians shall be certified as being qualified Level II technicians in the non-destructive testing methods to be utilized. The certification shall be in accordance with the requirements of the American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT).
Must be familiar and capable of performing: Add dye penetrant test
Reference Materials (Qualified Personnel):
The Qualified Professional Inspector shall demonstrate familiarity with and ready access to the current versions of the following codes and manuals: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Section I - Power Boilers Section IV - Heating Boilers Section VI - Care and Operation of Heating Boilers Section VII - Care of Power Boilers ASME B31.1, Power Piping Code ASME CSD-1, Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers ANSI/NB-23, National Board Inspection Code NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 2nd Ed.

3.0 Inspection Requirements:
Annual internal and external inspections are required for each boiler.
At least two weeks notice to VAMC is required prior to an inspection. Also, the inspection must be scheduled for periods when VAMC determines that the boilers that will be inspected internally will not be needed for steam supply and when the Contracting Officer s Technical Representative (COTR) or his/her designate is available on site to monitor the inspections. To maintain steam service, typically only one boiler at a time will be scheduled for internal inspections per inspection visit.
Feedwater deaerator pressure vessel inspections must be scheduled during periods of low steam demand.
Condensate tank inspections must be scheduled during periods of low steam demand.
Coordinate the inspection schedule with the COR so that VAMC can prepare the boilers and feedwater deaerator for the inspections in advance. Contractor is to prepare boilers and pressure vessels for inspections, to include removal of internal plates and other objects as required. In the event mounting brackets or other components are found broken, the contractor shall repair components and provide proper inspections if needed.
The COR is: Richard Bines
Boilers scheduled for internal inspection will be prepared for the inspection by VAMC prior to the scheduled arrival of the inspector. This includes cooling the boilers to near ambient temperature and having all manways, handholes and furnace access doors open; the boilers cleaned of loose materials waterside and fireside; electrical lock-out, tag-out in place; connecting piping isolated; proper illumination provided; contractor shall comply with confined space access requirements including having safety personnel present in the boiler plant. Similar advance preparations will be made to the feedwater deaerator when it is scheduled for internal inspection.
The inspector must completely enter the internal spaces of the boiler or feedwater deaerator and visually inspect all internal surfaces that can be accessed.
Methods for testing safety devices shall comply with VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, 8th Edition.

4.0 Report Requirements:
Provide complete line-item written report fully describing all inspections and tests performed, findings, and recommendations. The condition of all items inspected shall be stated whether acceptable or deficient. All deficiencies shall be fully described along with recommendations for methods of correction. Utilize National Board Forms NB-6 and NB-7, or other similar forms acceptable to the owner.
Provide sketches and photographs as necessary and as requested by the owner to show areas identified as not acceptable for continued service or requiring repair.
Include test data and calculations. Show the location and extent of all non-destructive testing by sketches.
Furnish report within one week of each facility inspection in Microsoft Word format by email to the COR and to the VA Headquarters office designated in the attachment.
All safety-related deficiencies shall be immediately reported to the COR during the inspection visit.
Provide an interim safety measure for review by the COR and Boiler Plant Operator supervisor for review and implementation for any safety devices found deficient during inspection.
Provide recommendations on the need for re-inspections after correction of deficiencies. The cost of re-inspections shall be extra cost negotiated with VA Contracting Office.

5.0 Periodic Maintenance Requirements:
5.1 Pumps
Replacement of Boiler Feed Water Pumps in kind Current Pump Make: Grundfos Model: Cr15-8 a-gj-a-e-hqqe-nx2 RPM:3444 GPM: 90.3 HZ: 60 HP: 15 230V
Replacement of Boiler Condensate Pump in kind Current Pump Make: Grundfos Model: Cr64-1-1 a-g-a-e-hqqe-mx2 RPM: 3457 GPM: 339 HZ: 60 HP: 10 230/460V

Replacement of duplex sump pump in kind Make: MYERS Model: S50HTPC1 Volts: 115V HP: 1/2HP Amps: 13.0 RPM: 3450 Thermal protection: YES
5.2 Controls & Calibrations
Repair/Replacement of Boiler Master control panel control board MicroMod Automation Model: MOD 30ML
5.3 Tuning of boilers
Check and tune combustion utilizing micromod SCADA every 6 months per VHA directive.
Recertification of pressure relief safeties 1 each
Specific Boiler Information Breakdown:
Boiler 1 Size: 2 ½ Type: 1811LB-0-3X1-22 Lift: 0.477 Cap. 18484 LB/HR Set: 125 PSI Size: 2 ½ Type:18LLB-0-3X1-22 Lift: 0.477 Cap.: 19148 Set: 130 PSI
Boiler 2 Type: 42KA12-170 Size/orifice: 2KA Set pressure: 150 PSI Cap. 14414 PPH Type: 42KA12-170 Size/orifice: 2 ½ L 4 Set pressure: 155 PSI Cap: 23003 PPH
Boiler 3 Size: 2 ½ Type: 1811LB-0-3X1-22 Lift: 0.477 Cap. 18484 LB/HR Set: 125 PSI Size: 2 ½ Type:18LLB-0-3X1-22 Lift: 0.477 Cap.: 19148 Set: 130 PSI
Boiler 4 Size: 2 ½ Type: 1811LB-0-3X1-22 Lift: 0.477 Cap. 18484 LB/HR Set: 125 PSI Size: 2 ½ Type:18LLB-0-3X1-22 Lift: 0.477 Cap.: 19148 Set: 130 PSI

Replacement of Gas regulators as needed
Make: Fisher Model: 1098-egr Seat: NBR Size: 70 Max. Inlet: 100 Max. Outlet: 50 Pipe size: 3 Replacement of boiler gas valve
Make: Maxon Model: 300cma11-ba11-bb22a0 Opening seconds: 6 Max pressure: 40 PSI Pipe size: 3 Recalibration of opacity sensors Following VHA guidelines, manufacturer and national standards and replace as needed.
Recalibration of all plant Pressure Transducers
Following VHA guidelines, manufacturer and national standards and replace as needed. Calibration of all Plant Steam Flow Meters
Following VHA guidelines, manufacturer and national standards and replace as needed.
Replacement of Piping a. ½ b. ¾ c. 1 d. 1 ½
Valve Replacements a150 Psi Cast Steel 3 and up 2000 PSI Forged Steel 2 and below Main Steam Stop One spare 8 diameter steam stop Main Gas stop replace with one meeting VA Spec Connect digital output of gas meter
Drain Cleaning Camera and blast drains annually
3. DEFINITIONS:
A.VAMHCS: Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System.
B. VA: Veterans Affairs.
C. CO: V.A. employee of the VA Contracting Service officially assigned to act as Contract Officer in the behalf Veterans Health Administration. The services performed are that of general supervision, direction, control and approval of the contract.
D. COR: Contracting Officer s Representative. V.A. employee of VAMC Facilities and Engineering Service officially assigned to act as Project Manager and Inspector on behalf of VAMC and Contracting Officer.
E. ICRA: Infection Control Risk Assessment. An ICRA form must be filled out and signed by Infection Control personnel prior to any work coordinate with COTR.
F. ILSM: Interim Life Safety Measures: Any series of Operational Actions taken to temporarily reduce Hazards posed by Life Safety deficiencies which have been created by demolition, renovation, or construction works, and which are to remain in place and in effect for duration of Contract work.
G. NFPA NFC: National Fire Protection Association National Fire Codes.
H. NEC: National Electrical Code, NFPA NFC Standard 70.
4. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: A. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local legal requirements regarding workers health and safety. The requirements include but are not limited to those found in Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA and MOSHA) statutes and regulations, such as applicable provisions of Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 1910 and 1926. The contractor is solely responsible for determining the legal requirements that apply to activities, and shall ensure safe and healthful working conditions for its employees.
B. The contractor shall assume the responsibility to guard against causing of fires and/or explosions and to protect Government Property, reference NFPA 241 and 29 CFR 1926.
C. The Contractor shall perform the work in a manner consistent with the area security and fire safety regulations especially with regard to exits and exit way access. Utility shutdowns shall not compromise security, communication or fire safety for occupants.
D. No flammable liquids shall be stored or used in the medical center.
E. The necessary number and appropriate types of portable fire extinguishers are required per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10 and NFPA 241.
F. The Contractor shall request, from the COR a permit for all cutting, welding, and soldering daily. All permits shall be prominently displayed during all construction.
G. All necessary precautions shall be taken by the contractor to prevent accidental activation of any existing smoke detectors or sprinkler heads.
5. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL REPORTING:
A. The existing boiler plant siding is known to be asbestos containing. Sampling records of other materials in the plant have been provided to the bidder for informational purposes. In the event a material does not appear to be represented by sampling data or is shown to be asbestos containing, do not disturb the material and notify the COR for sampling and further instructions.
B. The Contractor shall maintain hazardous material inventories and material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials (as defined in CFR 1910.120, 40 CFR s 355, 370, & 372) to be stored and used on this Medical Center. Hazardous materials must be inventoried when received and at the project s completion. The amount used shall be maintained for the project duration.
C. Hazardous Materials Inventories, Material Safety Data Sheets and material quantities used shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for approval and copies furnished to the Contracting Officers Technical Representative.
D. In the event of a spill, Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer s Technical Representative as well as the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for the expense of any cleanup and / or damage resulting of such spill, and the cleanup shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of 40 CFR Part 761.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: In order to provide for abatement and control of all environmentally hazardous materials arising from demolition and/or construction activities, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable environmentally hazardous material control and abatement and all applicable provisions of the Corps of Engineers Manual EM 385-1-1, General Safety Requirements as well as the specific requirements stated elsewhere in the Contract Documents.
END OF SCOPE OF WORK Interested & Capable Responses: NCO 5 is seeking responses from entities that are interested in this procurement and consider themselves to have the resources, capabilities, and qualifications necessary to provide the services required for the Perry Point VAMC.
Please respond to this RFI/Sources Sought 36C24526Q0037 with your: 1. Business name (including Unique Entity ID (SAM.gov) 2. Business type, socio-economic status (e.g., Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Disadvantaged Small Business, 8(a), etc.), and 3. Person of contact (including telephone number & email address). 4. Capability statement and summary of previous experience providing these types of services for the Veterans Health Administration or other similar facilities. 5. Available contract vehicles (GSA FSS, etc.) for use by Department of VA (include applicable NAICS) 6. Brief Summary of categories of services that your company can/cannot provide. 7. Certification(s) / Licenses for meeting the local requirements to provide these services at the Perry Point VAMC (if applicable) 8. Confirmation that your organization has the capability & expertise to meet the performance requirements while complying with applicable limitations in subcontracting by responding to the questions below with your response:
a. Do you intend to self-perform this effort? b. If you are located outside the immediate area, how will you self-perform? c. Or do you intend to subcontract work under this contract? d. If you intend to subcontract work under this contract, how will you ensure compliance with the limitations on subcontracting? Please note that if incomplete responses are received. Lack of documentation proving your business can conduct the services being offered or all questions not being answered within this notice, your response will not be taken into consideration.
CONTACT INFORMATION AND RESPONSE DUE DATE:
Please email all responses to both contact@example.gov (Contract Specialist) and contact@example.gov (Contracting Officer) no later than 10-13-2025, 10:00 AM EST. This request for information/sources sought notice is for planning purposes ONLY and does not constitute a solicitation, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The results of this market research will assist in the development of (1) the requirement, and (2) the acquisition strategy (e.g., SDVOSB/SDVOSB set-aside, small business set-aside, full and open competition, etc.). VA assumes no responsibility for any costs incurred as a result of a vendor s attendance to the Site-Visit nor the preparation of responses submitted as a result of this notice