VA VHA - Replace Cooling Towers VFDs - MRAS

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to identify potential contractors for a project at the VA Medical Center (VAMC) located at 5000 W National Avenue, Building 113, Milwaukee, WI. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the cooling systems by replacing outdated Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with new, advanced models. This project aligns with the VA's commitment to maintaining high standards of service and infrastructure for its facilities.

The scope of work involves the removal and disposal of existing VFDs used for glycol pumps and cooling tower fans, followed by the installation and testing of new ABB ACH580 VFDs. Specifically, the contractor will provide two 200 HP VFD systems for glycol pumps and two 75 HP VFD systems for cooling tower fans. The replacement units are required to meet specific technical specifications, including compliance with National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) / Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards, integration with various communication protocols like Modbus and BACNET, and inclusion of safety features such as phase reversal protection and electromagnetic interference filters.

In addition to installation tasks, contractors must ensure that all work adheres to strict safety regulations set forth by OSHA and other relevant authorities. This includes implementing appropriate lockout/tagout procedures during electrical system work, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean job site throughout the project duration. The period of performance is estimated at 90 days post-contract award, with work scheduled between December 2025 and February 2026 to minimize disruption during peak operational periods.

Contractors are expected to perform all tasks during normal hours from Monday through Friday unless otherwise agreed upon with the Zablocki VAMC Point of Contact. Furthermore, adherence to federal holiday schedules is mandatory unless alternate arrangements are specifically negotiated. This project underscores the VA's dedication to ensuring that its facilities operate efficiently while safeguarding both personnel and government property throughout all stages of contract execution.