J045--Boiler Safety Device Testing/Inspection Services

AMENDMENT 0004- The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to vendors' questions.  The following responses are provided:  (SEE ATTACHMENT)

1. Question 1:  Place of Performance (pages 2 & 3):

Please confirm that there are two separate locations where services are required:

• Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center: 2200 West Fort Roots Drive North Little Rock, AR  72114.
• John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital: 4300 W 7th St. Little Rock. AR 72205.

Answer 1:  Services are required at the two separate locations listed above.

1. Question 2:  Internal Boiler Inspection Requirement:

The PWS document does not specify whether annual internal boiler inspections are required. Please confirm if this contract includes internal inspections performed by a National Board (NB) / ASME-certified boiler inspector, or if the scope is limited strictly to safety device testing

If internal inspections are required, please confirm whether:

• VA will open, drain, clean, and prepare the boilers
• Any state of Arkansas jurisdictional inspection coordination is required under this contract

Answer 2:  Safety device testing only.

1. Question 3:  Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):

The PWS document does not specify any non-destructive testing (NDT) requirements for boilers, deaerators, or condensate tanks. Please confirm whether any NDT services are included or excluded from this contract.

Answer 3:  Safety device testing only.

1. Question 4:  VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual – Edition Conflict:  The PWS references two (2) editions: Page 12 and Section 1.e/f reference the Fifth Edition. Section 1.b.v references the Seventh Edition. Please confirm the official edition of the VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual that the contractor is required to follow.

Answer 4:  The official edition of the VHA Boiler Plant Safety Device Testing Manual that the contractor is required to follow is the most current, 7th Edition.

1. Question 5:  OEM Authorization:

Please confirm whether OEM authorization letters are required for:

• Each boiler manufacturer (Superior and Johnston)
• Burner management systems and safety controls (if different OEMs apply)

Also, please confirm whether subcontractors performing testing must also hold OEM authorization, or if authorization held by the prime contractor is sufficient.

Answer 5:  OEM authorization letters are not required but will be accepted.  However, contractor shall provide proof of certification attesting that all gauging and measurement equipment used has been currently calibrated either according to the manufacturer’s specifications or a standard traceable to the National Bureau of Standards.  Combustion Analysis and Safety Device Testing personnel shall be qualified for boiler plant burner, control and instrumentation testing.  Qualifications include completing at least a one-year trade school and five years of successful experience in this field. The experience shall be largely with institutional and industrial boiler plants similar in design to the VAMC plants.

1. Question 6:  Repairs and Out-of-Scope Work:

The PWS document indicates that adjustment and calibration of safety devices. Please clarify:

• Are minor adjustments and calibrations included in the base scope? :
• Are repairs, parts replacement, or corrective maintenance excluded and must be quoted separately?  
• Should the contractor provide written repair recommendations only, or
• Is the contractor expected to submit repair quotes under this contract?

6.  Answer 6: 

• a.  Minor adjustments and calibrations:  Yes if adjustments can be made to bring device into compliance.  If necessary, make adjustments to the fuel flow and combustion air controllers, control valves and dampers to obtain the required performance.
• Repairs, parts replacement, or corrective maintenance are excluded.  Contractor shall immediately inform COR of any recommended repairs, modifications, or safety related problems.  Contractor can quote separately if desired.
• Yes, contractor shall provide written repair recommendations only.

1. Question 7:  Emergency Call-Out Services

The PWS document does not reference emergencies, after-hours, or unscheduled call-out services related to boiler, burner, or safety device failures discovered during or outside the scheduled semi-annual testing. Please confirm whether emergency response or on-call services are:

• Included within the scope of this contract, or
• Excluded and to be handled under a separate contract or task order.

If emergency services are included, please clarify:

• Required response time (e.g., 2-hour, 4-hour, same-day)
• Whether after-hours, weekend, or holiday work may be required
• How these services are to be authorized and charged. There is not a CLIN number added to the cost schedule.

Answer 7:  Emergency responses or on-call services are not included in this contract.

End