Boiler Safety Device Testing Services

Background
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking qualified firms to provide Boiler Safety Device Testing Services for the VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) located in Fresno, California. This initiative supports the mission of ensuring safe and reliable operations of critical infrastructure at the Central Energy Plant, which provides essential steam and utility support for medical center operations.

The contract aims to comply with VHA Directive 1810, which mandates regular testing and inspection of safety devices in boiler plants.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary labor, supervision, management, tools, testing equipment, transportation, permits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and qualified personnel to perform the following services:

- Monthly boiler safety device testing activities;
- One Government-scheduled semiannual boiler safety device inspection/testing cycle per contract year;
- Boiler pressure vessel inspection support;
- Boiler External Inspection (BEI) safety device testing;
- Completion of Government-provided testing checklists;
- Identification and reporting of deficiencies;
- Submission of inspection and testing documentation.

The contractor must adhere to VHA Directive 1810, VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, OSHA requirements, and all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. Importantly, the contractor is not permitted to perform repairs or maintenance under this contract.

Period of Performance
The geographic location(s) the construction projects will be performed (if provided).

Place of Performance
Central Energy Plant (Building 2), 2615 E. Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must qualify as a 'Qualified Testing Contractor' as defined by VHA Directive 1810. They should demonstrate experience in performing boiler safety device testing services at VA Medical Centers or similar healthcare facilities. Bidders are required to provide evidence of their experience with the VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual and identify at least three facilities where similar services have been performed. Additionally, bidders must provide their business size and socioeconomic status.

Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract based on 36C26223P1515 awarded to Caldaia Controls ($1,547,573; 07/01/23–06/30/28). That prior effort included boiler plant safety device maintenance, inspection, calibration, and testing at VA facilities, with annual and semi-annual boiler plant safety device testing performed in accordance with VHA Directive 1810. The current requirement similarly calls for recurring monthly testing and a government-scheduled semiannual inspection/testing cycle for boiler safety devices (including pressure vessel inspection support and BEI safety device testing) at the VACCHCS Central Energy Plant, indicating continuity of the same type of boiler safety device testing work.