Sources Sought. Back Flow maintenance/repair service VA Palo Alto Healthcare System

Background
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking sources for backflow maintenance and repair services at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS). This contract aims to ensure the proper testing, certification, repair, and replacement of backflow prevention assemblies to maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The goal is to secure a contractor who can provide comprehensive services while adhering to EPA and OSHA regulations.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for providing all labor, equipment, materials, tools, travel, and overhead necessary for backflow maintenance and repair services at VAPAHCS. The services include:
- Testing, certification, repair, and replacement of backflow prevention assemblies.
- Management and supervision of all work performed.
- Compliance with current codes and standards including International Plumbing Code and NFPA standards.
- Work will be conducted at five locations: Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Livermore VA Medical Center, Menlo Park VA Medical Center, VA Mountain View HR, and Sunnyvale VA Research.
- The contractor must possess a California Contractor license classification for backflow inspections and repairs. All personnel engaged in testing/repair must hold American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A) certified tester certificates.

Period of Performance
October 30, 2026 - October 29, 2031

Place of Performance
VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto California 94304

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must meet the following requirements:
- Be licensed, bonded, and insured in California.
- Have a minimum of five years of experience in testing, certifying, repairing, and replacing backflow assemblies.
- Provide evidence of certification from A.W.W.A or ABPA for personnel performing the work.
- Submit a capabilities statement/narrative along with an informal quote.
- Provide an authorized distributor letter if applicable.
- Maintain compliance with safety regulations including background checks for personnel working on VAPAHCS facilities.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity for backflow maintenance and repair at VAPAHCS shows a closely related prior contract history with the same awardee, Backflow Prevention Specialists, under contract numbers 36C26125P0974 ($158,849; 05/07/25–05/06/26) and 36C26125P0528 ($49,956; 02/24/25–05/23/25). The prior work included maintenance/testing and replacement of backflow prevention assemblies (including tamper switches), which aligns directly with the current requirement for testing, certification, repair, and replacement of backflow prevention assemblies across multiple VAPAHCS locations.