Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 Request For Information (RFI) DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE, PROPOSAL, OR BID. This notice is not a solicitation as defined by FAR 2.101, therefore it shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to an acquisition approach. All information contained in this Request for Information (RFI) is preliminary as well as subject to amendment and is in no way binding on the Government. Information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary; the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. The Government is requesting that restrictive or proprietary markings not be used in response to this notice. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Federal Contract Opportunities website or GSA. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this RFI. 1. Title: C Cure 9000 Access Controls 2. Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to identify potential sources which will aid in defining the procurement strategy (e.g., set-aside, sole source, unrestricted) for a solicitation the VA intends on issuing shortly for the following: Statement of Work (SOW) Access Controls Buildings 9, 10, and 29 Project number 564-25-803 Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) Fayetteville, Arkansas Contractor must furnish all management, supervision, labor, material, equipment, tools, supplies, consumables, parts, and related services, in accordance with the SOW, drawings, and specifications to be complete and working C Cure 9000 Access Controls for buildings #9, #10, and #29. Electronic Portable Document Format (.pdf) copies of drawings and specifications to this work will be furnished by VA upon Contractor s written request to the Contracting Officer (CO). Hard copies of SOW, drawings, and specifications are the Contractor s responsibility and expense at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor must verify existing and new dimensions, locations, and quantities to complete this project located on the VHSO Main Campus 1100 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703. GENERAL: Any provision or partial provision of the Contract, including but not limited to, drawings and specifications that is not consistent with this SOW will be null and void only to the extent of the inconsistency. All other provisions or partial provisions of the Contract, including but not limited to, drawings and specifications, must remain in full force and effect. The contractor shall contact the COR within two (2) business days of award to establish a tentative schedule and lead times for material. The contractor, their personnel, and their subcontractors must be subject to the Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA Directives and Handbooks regarding information and information system security as delineated in this contract. Contractor, subcontractors, and their employees must complete the web-based VA Privacy and Information security Awareness and Rules of Behavior (VA10176) course as well as the Privacy and HIPAA Focused Training (VA10203). Contractor shall request TMS Access for Course completion from the COR within 10 business days of award and must submit the course certificate within 20 business days of award. Records Management: Contractors whose employees create, work with, or otherwise handle Federal records, as defined in Section B, regardless of the medium in which the record exists. Federal record as defined in 44 U.S.C. § 3301, includes all recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government or because of the informational value of data in them. The term Federal record: Includes U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records. does not include personal materials. applies to records created, received, or maintained by Contractors pursuant to their VA contract. may include deliverables and documentation associated with deliverables. Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at 36 CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of 44 U.S.C. chapters 21, 29, 31, and 33, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation. In accordance with 36 CFR 1222.32, Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created while performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data. VA and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of VA or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 2701. In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to VA. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with 36 CFR 1230. The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records, or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the contract. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government s behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to VA control, or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the contract. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4). The 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, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub-contractor) is required to abide by Government and [Agency] guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information. The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with VA policy. The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non-public VA information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract. The 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 from public disclosure by an exemption to the Freedom of Information Act. The VA owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which VA shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest. Any Contractor rights in the data or deliverables must be identified as required by FAR 52.227-11 through FAR 52.227-20. Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with, or otherwise handle records are required to take VA provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training. The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause, its terms and requirements including this paragraph, in all subcontracts under this contract, and require written subcontractor acknowledgment of same. Violation by a subcontractor of any provision set forth in this clause will be attributed to the Contractor. Information Security: The Certification and Accreditation (C&A) does not apply, a Security Accreditation Package is not required. Contractor must have the following requirements completed within 10 business days of contract award: OSHA 10 and 30 certifications: Submit as a minimum OSHA 10 certification to the COR for every contractor employee that will be working on VHSO property. OSHA 10 cards are to always remain on the employee s person. Contractor Point of Contract: Notify the COR in writing of the name, phone number, email address of the contractor appointed Point of Contact. The designated individual must have full authority to act for the contractor on all matters relating to work performance, to receive, accept and sign for any notices, inspection reports and all other correspondence on behalf of the Contractor from the COR and / or Contracting Officer. This individual must oversee the contractor s worksite operations and ensure all work is performed in accordance with all contract requirements including scheduling, quality, and safety. This individual must be always available when contract work is in progress, and shall respond to the work site as directed by the COR. The Contractor or their designated Point of Contact must return phone calls or text(s) to the COR within 1 hour of contact and must return emails from the COR within 24 hours of contact. Period of Performance: one-hundred-and-eighty (180) calendar days. Work Site Access: Contractor must provide a written schedule for contract work to the COR within 10 days of award for review and approval. Work will not commence work without written approval from the COR. Regular Business Hours: Site work must be scheduled during regular business hours, 0700 to 1500 hours, Monday through Friday (excluding the following Federal holidays - New Year s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). This project must be turn-key in accordance with this SOW, drawings, and specifications to be complete and working system(s). VHSO facility must continue to operate during the contract Period of Performance, including but not limited to, the mechanical and electrical systems. Contractor s work must be conducted with the least amount of disruption to the VHSO facility. Prior to the start of job site activities, together the Contractor and COR must conduct a site survey to identify and review specific work and differing site conditions. Warranty: Contractor must guarantee workmanship for a period of one (1) year after COR written acceptance of work. Contractor must furnish a minimum one (1) year //parts and labor warranty on equipment, components, and materials furnished plus any manufacturer s warranty greater than one (1) year. QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTOR: Contractor must possess 5 years of documented experience of installing C cure 9000 Access Control systems in a healthcare setting, of the same size and complexity as VHSO; State certified Electrician. SCOPE OF WORK: Building 9: Contractor shall provide and install all parts/materials required to provide C Cure 9000 Access Controls pivCLASS RPK40-H with keypad to the following doors. (See Attachment 1) that includes all electrical, wiring, programming and testing required to provide a functioning access control system. Northeast Door West Door Building 10: Contractor shall provide and install all parts/materials required to provide C Cure 9000 Access Controls pivCLASS RPK40-H with keypads and AIPhone communication to the following doors/location. (See Attachment 2 and 3) that includes all electrical, wiring, programming, and testing required to provide a functioning access control system. Main Door 1; AIPhone installed at Main Access Door 1 and Main Control Room Loading Dock access; Parts room access; Boiler rear access door; Building 29: Contractor shall provide and install all parts/materials required to provide C Cure 9000 Access Controls pivCLASS RPK40-H keypads to the following doors. (See Attachment 4) that includes all electrical, wiring, programming, and testing required to provide a functioning access control system. Control Room Door Generator Room Door : Contractor must meet with primary COR, Eric Stoffel, and demonstrate operation and functionality of finalized product. Attachments INDEX: Attachment 1: Building 9 Attachment 2: Building 10 1st floor Attachment 3: Building 10 2nd floor Attachment 4: Building 29 CONTRACTOR ACCESS AND ACTIVITIES: Safety: Contractor s highest priority must be safety. Contractor work must be in accordance with Federal, State, Local OSHA codes, regulations, latest edition of NEC, latest edition of NFPA 70E, and 01 35 26 Safety Requirements specification. Contractor must furnish and use required safety items, including but not limited to, safety signage, cones, barricades, and must furnish and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Infection Control: Contractor must be responsible to develop a phasing and Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) that incorporates requirements of specifications 01 00 00 General Requirements to meet requirements of VHSO and VHSO ICRA. Site Supervision: Contractor must submit written qualifications of proposed site superintendent(s) to the CO and COR for consideration. Contractor must furnish superintendent(s) with written COR approval to continuously supervise on site contract activities. Contractor superintendent(s) must not engage in any direct trades labor. Security: Contractor must coordinate with VA Police and COR to comply with the VHSO security management program, including but not limited to, obtain onsite access permission by the VA Police, be identified by Contractor and project, and restricted from unauthorized access. Badging: While on campus, Contractor must wear a visible VHSO issued identity Badge. Contractor can be subject to inspection of personal effects when entering or leaving the project site and VHSO property. Contractor site superintendent must escort Contractor employees to Engineering Shop (Building 37) to obtain badge(s). Contractor must maintain a Badge Log with Employee Names, Badge ID Numbers, Start Date(s), Departure Date(s), ID Lost Date(s), and ID Return Date(s). Contractor must update Badge Log and furnish to the COR weekly or as directed in writing by COR. Contractor must report lost Badge(s) immediately to the COR and document on Badge Log. Contractor must return Badge(s) immediately on day of departure of employee from project to COR and document on Badge Log. Contractor must return remaining Badge(s) at project closeout to COR. Contractor must reimburse the Government a $100.00 fee for each lost or unreturned Badge. Key Access: Contractor site superintendent may check out a key to access mechanical and electrical rooms as project requires. Contractor site superintendent must check out and return a key at Engineering (Building 37) daily and the key must not leave VHSO property. Contractor site superintendent must notify the COR when a key is lost. Contractor must reimburse the Government a $3,500.00 fee for each lost or unreturned key(s). Utilities: Contractor must not leave unattended out-of-service any utility, fire protection, life safety system, or security system without written permission of the COR. If a utility, fire protection, life safety system or security system is not functional at the end of a work period without written permission of the COR, then the Contractor must restore the system(s) to working order prior to leaving the job site or must furnish an around-the-clock watch subject to COR written approval until the system is functional. If the Contractor fails to do so, the Contractor must reimburse the Government a fee equal to the amount of costs incurred by the Government to furnish around-the-clock watch and/or repair the system(s). Parking: Contractor on-site parking is limited to availability of designated Contractor parking. Contractor must have prior COR written approval of on-site Contractor parking. Vehicles and Construction Equipment: Contractors key(s) to unattended vehicle(s) and construction equipment must be removed and vehicle(s) locked. Unloading and Loading: Contractor must unload and load materials, including but not limited to, equipment, tools, supplies, parts, and construction debris at the loading dock. Contractor must not leave vehicle(s) or construction equipment unattended at the loading dock. No materials, including but not limited to, equipment, tools, supplies, parts, and construction debris are permitted through the front entry. Elevators: Contractor must use COR designated elevators and must protect elevator cabs, including but not limited to, cab interior components and controls during Contractor use. Contractor must not exceed elevator weight limits. COR designated elevator(s) may not be immediately available to the Contractor. The Contractor must account for this and Contractor must be flexible in the project schedule without additional cost to the Government. Storage and Staging: Contractor storage and staging is limited to availability of designated on-site Contractor storage and staging. Contractor must submit a written request for storage or staging to the COR for consideration a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to the storage or staging. Contractor must have prior COR written approval of on-site Contractor storage and staging. Contractor must relocate or remove on-site storage and staging, including but not limited to, Contractor s office trailer(s), dumpster(s), storage container(s) and construction materials a maximum of seven (7) business days after written notification by the COR without additional expense to the Government. Equipment and Tools: Contractor must furnish construction equipment and power and hand tools, including but not limited to, ladders, scaffolds, lifts, backhoes, and forklifts to complete Contractor s work. Radios and Mobile Devices: Contractor must use mobile devices at low volume or outside. Contractor must not carry on conversations in hallways or near any patient areas. AM/FM radios and other media producing devices must not be used on VHSO property. Noise: Contractor must coordinate and schedule with COR noise making activities. Contractor must submit to the COR a written request for consideration and written approval a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to activity. Contractor must have COR written approval to proceed. Dust Proofing and Cleaning: Contractor must cover furnishings and equipment with white plastic, fire retardant polyethylene, antistatic, minimum 6 mil thickness, imprinted with fire retardant labeling or clean drop cloth. Contractor must furnish HEPA vacuum cleaner(s), cleaning tools, and tacky mats at job site entrances. Contractor must not use broom(s). Fire Alarm: Contractor must coordinate and schedule fire alarm interruption activity with COR. Contractor must submit to the COR for consideration and written approval a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to activity. Contractor must have COR written approval to proceed three business days prior to activity. Contractor must submit written fire watch plan to CO and COR for consideration no later than (NLT) ten (10) calendar days after NTP. Contractor must be responsible for fire watch in the areas where fire/smoke detection coverage is removed or disabled. Contractor must be responsible to coordinate fire or smoke detection with the COR for the removal and restoration of fire protection coverage. After regular business hours or designated hours, supervision of the fire alarm panel is required at the Contractor s expense. The Contractor must be responsible for completion and submission of a written Fire Alarm Bypass Request. The Contractors written request must be submitted for COR approval and if approved by COR, then the COR must furnish a written approval to proceed three (3) business days in advance of any proposed work activity. If the fire alarm system requires any deactivation, then it must be reactivated the same day before the Contractor leaves the job site to ensure that the fire alarm system is functional. If the fire alarm system is not functional, then the Contractor must restore the fire alarm system to working order prior to leaving the site or must furnish an around-the-clock fire watch until the fire alarm system is functional. The Contractor must be liable for any costs incurred by the Government to furnish the fire watch and/or to repair the fire alarm system. Hot Work: Contractor must perform and safeguard hot work operations in accordance with OSHA 1910 Subpart Q, NFPA 241, and NFPA 51B. Contractor must coordinate and schedule with COR Hot Work Operations. Hot work operation is defined as operations including, but not limited to, open flame, producing heat and/or sparks, burning, welding, processes such as arc welding, oxy-fuel gas welding, open-flame soldering, brazing, thermal spraying, cutting, oxygen cutting, arc cutting, chipping, grinding, heat treating, sand blasting, torch-applied roofing, chemical welding, thawing pipe, and light horizontal welding, or an operation that is capable of initiating fires or explosions. Contractor must obtain Hot Work Permit from COR prior to activity. Fire and Smoke Barrier Penetration: Contractor must perform, maintain, and safeguard the integrity of smoke and fire barriers in accordance with NFPA 101, NFPA 80, and NFPA 90A. Contractor penetrations in barriers must be repaired in an approved manner (filled with the designated and COR approved flame-retardant filler). Energized Circuit Work: Contractor must perform, maintain, and safeguard the integrity of the VHSO electrical systems and must follow procedures around energized equipment in accordance with NFPA 70E standards including proper PPE. Contractor must coordinate and schedule energized circuit work with COR. Contractor must submit to the COR a written request for consideration and written approval a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to activity. VHSO electrician or electrical engineer must monitor work. Contractor must use safety equipment to include but not be limited to, 12 calorie arc flash suits with hoods and 5KV gloves. No exits will be blocked. Personnel without proper PPE must be prohibited within the working area around live electrical panels with the cover removed. Contractor must have COR written approval to proceed three (3) business days prior to activity. Utility interruption: Contractor must coordinate and schedule with COR. Contractor must submit to the COR a written request for consideration and written approval a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to activity. Work must be planned in advance to give as much time as possible to schedule a utility interruption. There may be times when a utility interruption request is denied because of insufficient lead-time or interference with ongoing VHSO activities and must be rescheduled at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor must have COR written approval to proceed three (3) business days prior to activity. Disposal: Contractor must coordinate and schedule with COR. Contractor must have COR written approval to proceed three (3) business days prior to activity. Contractor must submit a written request to dispose of any government owned materials, equipment, or property in advance to the COR for COR written approval. Contractor must remove and properly dispose construction debris, materials, equipment, and substances from this project and the VHSO property daily into the Contractor supplied containers. Contractor must coordinate disposal container location with COR contingent upon available space and any future COR directed relocation(s) must be at no additional cost to the Government. Construction debris created from the project must not be disposed of in VHSO dumpsters or on VHSO property. Disposal of construction debris, materials, equipment, and substances from the project must be in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, and regulations. The Contractor must ensure and furnish appropriate documentation to the CO and COR that all hazardous waste handlers, haulers, and disposal facilities are properly licensed. The Contractor must furnish shipping manifest and documentation of disposal of construction debris, materials, equipment, and substances from the project prior to final payment. Fumes: Contractor must coordinate and schedule with COR. Contractor must submit to the COR a written request for consideration and written approval a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to activity. The Contractor must schedule fume producing work activities, including but not limited to, painting or heat produced fumes after regular business hours. Contractor must be responsible for ventilation necessary to exhaust and prevent fumes from entering adjoining areas, outside air intake ductwork, and re-entering the VHSO healthcare facilities at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor must have COR written approval to proceed three (3) business days prior to activity. Photography: Contractor must coordinate and schedule with COR. Contractor must be escorted by VHSO personnel to take job site related photos. Contractor must not photograph any patients, personnel, visitors, and others on VHSO property. Attachment 1 Building 9 Attachment 2 Building 10 First Floor Attachment 3 Building 10 2nd Floor Attachment 4 Building 29 The anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code _561621__________ is _$25_million__________ (employees or dollars). 3. Responses Requested: The following questions must be answered in response to this RFI. Answers that are not provided shall be considered non-responsive to the RFI: a. Where are the requested items/equipment manufactured? Vendor must attach documentation of this information to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice b. Are the requested items/equipment manufactured by a Small or Large business? Is the potential vendor in compliance with the Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR)? Vendor must attach documentation of this to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice c. Is the Vendor an authorized distributor with access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts which may be required in performance of this requirement? The VA does not accept grey market items and therefore the Vendor must attach evidence of this access (Authorized Distributor letter) to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice. d. Name of potential Contractor that possess the capability to fulfill this requirement. Contractors shall also provide the following: Point(s) of contact name: _______________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ Telephone number: ___________________________________________ Email address: _______________________________________________ Company's business size: ________________________________________________ Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) #: _______________________________ e. Is your company considered a small business concern, SB, SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, or 8A concern, with the requisite __________________ NAICS code? Please provide proof of qualifications. f. Is your company available under any Government Wide Agency Contract (GWAC), General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), and/or Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)? If so, please identify the contract number for the Government to review as part of this Market Research. 4. Opportunity/Market Pricing: The Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO) is seeking information from potential vendors on their ability to provide the required items, equipment, or service. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. Small Business Concerns are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist the MEDVAMC in determining potential levels of competition and general market pricing available in the industry. Therefore, vendors are requested to submit estimated market research pricing along with their responses to the above. The estimated pricing will be considered when determining the procurement strategy for the forthcoming solicitation. 5. Instructions and Response Guidelines: Questions regarding this RFI shall be submitted no later than 14:00 (CST), October 15, 2024 via email to reginald.clark@va.gov RFI responses are due by 14:00pm (CST), Thursday, October 17, 2024; size is limited to 8.5 x 11 inches, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins in Microsoft Word format via email to reginald.clark@va.gov The subject line shall read: Steris Advantage Plus Automatic Endoscope Reprocessors with installation. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME. There is no page limitation on subparagraphs 3(a) - 3(f). Please provide the information you deem relevant in order to respond to the specific inquiries of the RFI. Information provided will be used solely by VHSO as Market Research and will not be released outside of the VHSO Purchasing and Contract Team. 7. Contact Information: Reggie Clark Reginald.clark@va.gov Your response to this notice is greatly appreciated!
