Y1BG--EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction - American Lake - Project 663A4-24-703

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Veterans Health Administration Program Contracting Activity Central office, is preparing to issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a firm-fixed-price Design-Bid-Build contract focused on EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction at the American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. The solicitation, scheduled for release in mid to late March 2026, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside under NAICS code 236220, with an estimated contract value between $10 million and $20 million, specifically set at approximately $23.85 million for the base bid. The performance period is roughly 650 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, requiring the selected contractor to provide all labor, materials, and supervision necessary for site preparation, demolition of existing structures, alterations, and construction. The project emphasizes strict adherence to VA and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements, including compliance with Buy American provisions, reporting mandates such as VETS-4212, and detailed oversight mechanisms aligned with construction industry standards and federal security and safety protocols. The contract incorporates rigorous quality control and inspection requirements, mandating a comprehensive Construction Quality Control (CQC) program with designated phases for inspections and verifications, managed by qualified personnel such as a CQC System Manager. Special inspections by independent third-party entities are compulsory, especially for structural and seismic considerations, with specific guidelines for notification and execution. Submission, safety, and infection control protocols are tightly managed, including HEPA filtration for air intakes and fire-rated containment barriers. The contract imposes strict subcontracting limits to ensure compliance with SDVOSB participation requirements and includes detailed limitations on subcontractor payments. Performance and acceptance inspections are conducted onsite, following recognized ASTM and NFPA standards, with final acceptance contingent on government representative approval. The solicitation requires electronic submission of bids and all correspondence, prohibits phone inquiries, and emphasizes the use of VA-approved laboratories and adherence to VA CAD Standards for technical submissions. Key personnel qualifications such as BICSI certification and Registered Communication Distribution Designer credentials are prerequisites, reflecting the contract’s high standards for technical expertise and regulatory compliance.