Y1DB--Design Build Construction for animal research facility to replace bldgs. 47 and 103, Sepulveda VA Medical Center

The contract involves the design and construction of a new animal research facility at the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center to replace seismically deficient buildings 47 and 103. The project is a phased, design-build procurement with an initial Request for Qualification (RFQ) to identify up to three qualified offerors who will then submit proposals in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP). The scope includes the development of a 7,500 square foot annex, demolition of existing structures, and all necessary labor, materials, and design services to deliver a complete, physically constructed facility within a fixed period of approximately 546 days, with an estimated project value between $20 million and $50 million. The procurement process is unrestricted under NAICS code 236220, with key deadlines for RFQ and RFI submissions in early 2025, and the process includes multiple amendments that extend deadlines, clarify requirements, and remove or reinstate clauses such as the Project Labor Agreement, in accordance with Department of Veterans Affairs directives. The solicitation emphasizes compliance with prevailing wage determinations, safety standards, and small business subcontracting goals, providing templates and instructions for subcontracting plans. It also incorporates recent regulatory updates, including VAAR class deviations mandating contractor adherence to Executive Order 13899 on combating anti-Semitism and other labor standards. The process involves detailed evaluation of past performance, technical qualifications, and safety records, with specific procedures for proposal submission, presentations, and negotiations. The overall effort aims to ensure a competitive, transparent, and compliant procurement for a critical seismic retrofit and research facility upgrade, supporting the VA’s mission to provide state-of-the-art research infrastructure while adhering to federal acquisition regulations and safety standards.