J045--Annual Backflow Inspections and Repair Services

Combined Synopsis-Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services Effective Date: 04/18/2025 Revision: 02 Description This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-04. This solicitation is set-aside for SDVOSB The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 238220, with a small business size standard of $19 Million. The FSC/PSC is J045. The VA Maine Healthcare System Togus located at 1 VA Center, is seeking a qualified vendor to provide Annual Backflow Inspection and Repair at the Togus Medical Center. All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following: Supplies/Services ITEM NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT  0001 Backflow device inspection and PM IAW the SOW Period: Base  1  YR      1001 Backflow device inspection and PM IAW the SOW Period: OY1  1  YR      1002 Contingency amount for backflow device repair IAW the SOW Period: OY1  1  YR  $10,000.00 NTE    1003 Contingency amount for backflow device replacement IAW the SOW Period: OY1  1  YR  $5,000.00 NTE    2001 Backflow device inspection and PM IAW the SOW Period: OY2  1  YR      2002 Contingency amount for backflow device repair IAW the SOW Period: OY2  1  YR  $10,000.00 NTE    2003 Contingency amount for backflow device replacement IAW the SOW Period: OY2  1  YR  $5,000.00 NTE    3001 Backflow device inspection and PM IAW the SOW Period: OY3  1  YR      3002 Contingency amount for backflow device repair IAW the SOW Period: OY3  1  YR  $10,000.00 NTE    3003 Contingency amount for backflow device replacement IAW the SOW Period: OY3  1  YR  $5,000.00 NTE    4001 Backflow device inspection and PM IAW the SOW Period: OY4  1  YR      4002 Contingency amount for backflow device repair IAW the SOW Period: OY4  1  YR  $10,000.00 NTE    4003 Contingency amount for backflow device replacement IAW the SOW Period: OY4 1  YR  $5,000.00 NTE         GRAND TOTAL:   STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) Backflow Device Annual Inspection and Repair Department of Veterans Affairs VA Maine Healthcare System Togus Scope The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, materials, tools, test equipment, travel, and management necessary to perform the annual inspection, testing, certification, repair, and replacement of backflow preventers (BFPs) and cross connection control devices installed at the VA Maine Healthcare System, Togus. The Contractor shall ensure all work complies with the Maine International Plumbing Code; VA Plumbing Design Manual PG 18 10 (March 1, 2026, rev. May 1, 2026); NEWWA standards; and all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. The Contractor shall comply with all VA, VHA, and facility policies, security requirements, and safety procedures throughout the contract. Background The VA Maine Healthcare System maintains approximately 105 backflow preventers across multiple buildings to protect potable and non potable water systems from cross contamination. Annual inspection and testing are mandatory under State and Federal water safety regulations and VA engineering guidance. This contract ensures that all devices remain functional, in compliance, and properly documented, and that corrective actions are completed when required. Performance Requirements / Tasks 3.1 General Requirements The Contractor shall inspect, test, certify, repair, and replace backflow prevention devices in accordance with NEWWA, ABPA, ASSE, ANSI, AWWA, NFPA 13/17/25, OSHA, and applicable CFR requirements. All work shall follow manufacturer recommendations and comply with Section 4.10 of PG 18 10. The Contractor shall ensure all devices meet operational, safety, and regulatory standards. 3.2 Inventory and Identification The Contractor shall verify that every BFP has a unique identification number assigned per the VA (EE) numbering system. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR for correct numbering and install identification tags on all devices missing tags or with illegible tags. The Contractor shall maintain an updated inventory including device type, location, manufacturer, and model number; see attached spreadsheet for format and content. 3.3 Annual Inspection and Testing The Contractor shall conduct annual inspection and testing for approximately 105 BFPs. All testing equipment shall be calibrated with proof of calibration provided in the final report. The Contractor shall complete a NEWWA testing forms for each device. The annual inspection for the Miox BFP shall be completed and submitted prior to September 17 each year. 3.4 Reporting Requirements The Contractor shall submit three (3) printed and bound copies of the annual report. The report shall include completed test forms, photographs showing each device and its identification tag, calibration certificates, NEWWA credentials, and the updated inventory with no blank cells (attached). Digital reports shall be submitted within ten (10) calendar days after testing is completed. Hard copy of the report shall be received within fifteen (15) calendar days after testing is completed. 3.5 Repair and Replacement Requirements The Contractor shall identify deficiencies and notify the COR in writing with a quote for corrective action. No repairs or replacements shall occur without a modification or written approval from the Contracting Officer. Base year repairs and replacements shall be addressed via modification, provide COR and CO/CS with a written proposal for the work. Each option year includes a $15,000 contingency allowance for repairs and/or replacements. Repairs shall comply with VA Specification 22 05 23. Full replacements shall be completed connection to connection and shall include retesting. 3.6 Scheduling and Coordination The Contractor shall provide the COR with a written schedule at least one (1) month before arriving on station. The schedule shall include by BFP planned dates, times, water isolation requirements, expected outage durations, and the full work plan. Quarters may be without water for up to 30 minutes for testing, with additional time for repairs. Main buildings typically do not require isolation for testing. 3.7 VA Escort Support The VA will provide one (1) technician as an escort during on site work. The escort will provide water shutoff and LOTO support and will be knowledgeable in plumbing system operations. 3.8 Infection Prevention and Safety The Contractor shall provide infection prevention materials when required and comply with VA confined space procedures. The Contractor shall maintain safe working conditions and prevent property damage. Deliverables Three (3) printed and bound annual reports Proof of NEWWA certification for all testing personnel Proof of calibration for all test equipment Updated inventory with type, location, manufacturer, and model number Photographs showing each tagged device Annual Miox BFP report submitted before September 17 Written schedule and outage plan submitted one (1) month prior to arrival Period of Performance The period of performance includes one (1) base year and four (4) option years. Work shall be performed Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding Federal holidays. Emergency service shall be available 24/7. Place of Performance All work shall be performed at: VA Maine Healthcare System 1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330 Contractor Requirements 7.1 Personnel Certification The Contractor shall ensure all personnel performing testing hold current NEWWA approved credentials. Loss of certification shall be reported in writing to the Contracting Officer immediately. 7.2 Access, Badging, and Security All personnel shall report to Building 202 (Engineering) to sign in and sign out daily when on station. Contractor personnel shall obtain badges through VA Police, following the full VA badging process. No personnel may perform work without an approved badge. All personnel shall comply with VA security requirements. 7.3 Conduct and Facility Rules The Contractor shall confine operations to approved areas. Contractor personnel shall follow all Medical Center rules and conduct operations in a way that minimizes interference with facility operations. Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are prohibited. 7.4 Photography Restrictions No photography is allowed without written approval from the Contracting Officer. 7.5 Medical Requirements Before beginning work and annually thereafter, the Contractor shall provide proof of: Influenza vaccination COVID 19 vaccination and boosters per VHA directives TB testing per VHA Directive 1131(5) 7.6 Parking Contractor personnel shall park only in designated areas on a first come, first served basis. Safety The Contractor shall maintain safe working conditions, comply with VA and OSHA safety directives, and follow LOTO, confined space, and infection prevention procedures. Government Responsibilities The Government shall provide site access, coordination for outages, and an escort technician for water isolation and LOTO support. COR Authority The COR may monitor technical performance but cannot change contract terms. Any changes must be issued by the Contracting Officer through a written modification. Confidentiality and Nondisclosure All deliverables, reports, data, and materials produced under this contract are the property of the U.S. Government. No information shall be released without written approval from the Contracting Officer. Contractor personnel shall sign nondisclosure agreements as required. Records Management The following standard items relate to records generated in executing the contract and should be included in a typical procurement contract: Citations to pertinent laws, codes and regulations such as 44 U.S.C chapters 21, 29, 31 and 33; Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552); Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a); 36 CFR Part 1222 and Part 1228. Contractor shall treat all deliverables under the contract as the property of the U.S. Government for which the Government Agency shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract using Government IT equipment and/or Government records. Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 or that which is generally protected by the Freedom of Information Act. Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any Government Agency records that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract. The Government Agency owns the rights to all data/records produced as part of this contract. The Government Agency owns the rights to all electronic information (electronic data, electronic information systems, electronic databases, etc.) and all supporting documentation created as part of this contract. Contractor must deliver sufficient technical documentation with all data deliverables to permit the agency to use the data. Contractor agrees to comply with Federal and Agency records management policies, including those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974. These policies include the preservation of all records created or received regardless of format [paper, electronic, etc.] or mode of transmission [e-mail, fax, etc.] or state of completion [draft, final, etc.]. No disposition of documents will be allowed without the prior written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Agency and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of the Agency or destroyed without regard to the provisions of the agency records schedules. Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, this contract. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and Agency guidance for protecting sensitive and proprietary information. Attachments VA BFP Testing Forms (as applicable) Campus Map - Togus PG 18 10 Section 4.10 (reference only) Spec Section Inventory Spreadsheet The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far. The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services [Attention CO: www.sam.gov registration is required to be complete at time of submission of response.] Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website located at https://sam.gov/ in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, Offerors Representations and Certifications Commercial Products and Commercial Services. If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required. FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services [In accordance with FAR 12.301(c) when the use of evaluation factors is appropriate, the contracting officer may (1) Insert the provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, in solicitations for commercial products or commercial services (see 12.602); or (2) Include a similar provision containing all evaluation factors required by 13.106, subpart  14.2 or subpart  15.3, as an addendum (see 12.302(d)).] The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition: FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) FAR 852.219-73 - VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. FAR 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction FAR 52.217 9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract The following clauses are applicable: 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation & First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note), 52.204-27, Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application (Jun 2023) (Section 102 of Division R of Pub. L. 117-328), 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, Proposed for Debarment, or Voluntarily Excluded. (Jan 2025) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note), 52.219-28, 52.219-33, Nonmanufacturer Rule (SEP 2021), 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUN 2003), 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016), 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUN 2020), 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (JUN 2020), 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (FEB 2021), 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018), All quoters shall submit the following: (1) A Firm Fixed Price Quote which shall be received on or before the date and time specified in Section (xv) of this solicitation. (2) A completely filled and signed Limitation of Subcontracting in accordance with VAAR 852.219-75. (3) A technical capability statement or descriptive literature demonstrating the ability to meet the requirements of the Statement of Work. (4) Certifications in accordance with section 7.1 Quote Format: The submission should be clearly indexed and logically assembled in order of the evaluation criteria below. All pages of the quote shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and solicitation number in the header and/or footer. Questions: Questions shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer in writing via e-mail. Oral questions are not acceptable due to the possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. The cut-off date and time for receipt of questions is September 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST. Questions received after this date and time will not be answered. Questions shall be answered in a formal amendment to the solicitation so all interested parties can see the answers. Site Visit is scheduled for Wednesday September 2, 2026 @ 9:00 AM EST POC: Karen Ainsworth - B202, Engineering Conference Room All quotes shall be sent to Kenya.Mitchell1@va.gov Award will be based upon a comparative evaluation of quotes in accordance with the Simplified Acquisition Procedures of the FAR. Comparative evaluation is the side by side pairwise comparison of quotes based on factors resulting in a Contracting Officer decision for the quote most favorable to the Government. To facilitate the award process, all quotes must include a statement regarding the terms and conditions herein as follows: "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document without modification, deletion, or addition." OR "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:" Quoters shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s), if any. Submission of your response shall be received not later than September 10, 2026 by 5:00 PM EST. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f). Any questions or concerns regarding this solicitation should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to the Point of Contact listed below. Point of Contact Kenya.Mitchell1@va.gov The following are the decision factors: ADDENDUM to 52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Basis for Award. The Government will issue a purchase order to the responsible quoter whose quotation conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotations: Technical Past Performance Price Certifications Evaluation Approach. The Government will evaluate quotations using the comparative evaluation process outlined in FAR 13.106-2 (b) (3), where quotations will be compared to one another to determine which provides the best benefit to the Government. The Government reserves the right to consider a quotation other than the lowest price that provides additional benefit(s). Quotations may exceed minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to select a quotation that provides benefit to the Government that exceeds the minimum requirements of the solicitation, but is not required to do so. Each response must meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation. The Government is not requesting or accepting alternate quotations. The evaluation will consider the following: Technical: The quotation will be evaluated to the extent to which it can meet and/or exceed the Government s requirements as outlined in the solicitation and based on the information requested in the instructions to quoters section of the solicitation. Past Performance: The past performance evaluation will assess the relative risks associated with a quoter s likelihood of success in fulfilling the solicitation s requirements as indicated by the quoter s record of past performance. The past performance evaluation may be based on the contracting officer s knowledge of and previous experience with the supply or service being acquired; Customer surveys, and past performance questionnaire replies; Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) at http://www.cpars.gov/; or any other reasonable basis. Price: The Government will evaluate the price by adding the total of all line-item prices Certification: Certification will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis to ensure compliance with applicable industry standards (End of Provision) Award will be made to the responsible vendor whose quotation is determined to be technically acceptable and offers the lowest evaluated price to the Government ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023) Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The version of FAR 52.212-1 in the addendum is tailored for Simplified Acquisition Procedures and supersedes the current version of FAR 52.212-1 contained in the FAR. The following provision is incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation: 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) (a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the Request for Quote (RFQ). However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an quote, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition (1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold; (2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or (3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value. (b) Submission of Quotes. Submit signed and dated quotes to the office specified in this Request for Quote (RFQ) at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Quotes may be submitted on letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, quotes must show (1) The solicitation number. (2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of quotations; (3) The name, address, and telephone number of the quoter; (4) A technical description of the items being quoted in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary; (5) Terms of any express warranty; (6) Price and any discount terms; (7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address; (8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); (9) Acknowledgment of Quotation Amendments; (10) Past performance information will not be considered in simplified acquisition procurements. (11) Quotes should include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Quotes that fail to furnish required representations, or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration. (c) Period for acceptance of Quotes. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotes, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation. (d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of quotes. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing. (e) Multiple Quotes. Quoters are encouraged to submit multiple quotes presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart  4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each quote submitted will be evaluated separately. (f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of quotes. (1) Quoters are responsible for submitting quotes, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that quotes or revisions are due. (2) Any quote received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of quotes is "late" and may not be considered unless it is received before purchase order issuance and the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late quote would not unduly delay the acquisition. (3) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that quotes cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of quotes by the exact time specified in the Request for Quote, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of quotes will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume. (g) Issuance of Purchase Order. The Government may issue a purchase order to one or more quoters as identified in the Request for Quote (RFQ). Therefore, the quoter s initial quote should contain the best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public s best interest. In addition, the Contracting Officer (CO) may issue a purchase order to other than the quoter with the lowest quoted price. (h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept issue a purchase order for any item or group of items of a quotation, unless the quoter qualifies the quotation by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the quotation, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified in the RFQ. The Government reserves the right to issue a purchase order for a quantity less than the quantity quoted, at the unit prices quoted, unless the quoter specifies otherwise in the quote. (i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101 29, and copies of Federal specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil. (ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. (2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil. (3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by (i) Using the ASSIST feedback module ( https://assist.dla.mil/ feedback); or (ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571 767 6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil. (4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance. (j) Unique entity identifier.(Applies to all quotes that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and quotes at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the Request for Quote (RFQ) requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The quoter shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Quoter's name and address. The Quoter also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Quoter to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart  32.11) for the same entity. If the Quoter does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Quoter should indicate that it is an planning to submit a quote for a Government Request for Quote (RFQ) when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier. (k) [Reserved] (l) Notification. The CO will not notify unsuccessful quoters that responded to this Request for Quotation (RFQ). (End of provision)