Inactive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14)

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This is not a solicitation for bids, proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to obtain information regarding th... THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. This is not a solicitation for bids, proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified sources to perform the potential requirement. This sources sought notice is part of Market Research effort and invites contractors capable of fulfilling the requirement in accordance with the Statement of Work and Salient Characteristics. The responses received from interested contractors will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Network Contracting Office (NCO) 23, is conducting market research to identify potential sources which can provide the following: STATEMENT OF WORK MOLD REMEDIATION SERVICES INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Air quality testing in a VA building, revealed levels of airborne microbial particles that exceed an acceptable level for a healthcare facility. Due to this hazard, the building has been vacated of all patients and staff and will remain so until it is safe to occupy. PROJECT OBJECTIVE Remediation services to remove or clean all surfaces and materials located inside Building. Building to be placed under negative pressure, with additional units to be used as air filtrations. HVAC system to be isolated, all diffusers removed, cleaned, then set aside, all flex ducting to be removed (to later be replaced), and all duct openings to be sealed. All carpet in the building to be removed. All ceiling tiles in the building to be removed. All drywall (including above the drop ceiling) that has microbial growth or moisture damage to be removed. All pipe and ductwork insulation showing evidence of growth or moisture damage to be removed. All building semi and non-porous surfaces - such as but not limited to cabinetry, countertops, metal, glass, rubber baseboards, lighting and plumbing fixtures - needs to be thoroughly disinfected via appropriate cleaning methods. SPECIFICATIONS MOLD REMEDIATION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS PART 1 GENERAL SCOPE This specification covers the remediation of mold including removal, cleanup and disposal of mold contaminated materials from a VA building. The methods and procedures in this specification are based on the observations and previously collected background air samples. An estimate of the amount of material to be removed or cleaned is not given. The determination of the actual amounts, for bidding purposes, is the responsibility of the Contractor. By submitting a bid, the Contractor acknowledges that he has investigated and satisfied himself as to: The conditions affecting the work, including, but not limited to, physical conditions of the site which may affect site access, handling and storage of tools and materials, access to water, electricity or other utilities, or otherwise affect performance of required activities. The character and quantity of all surface and subsurface materials or obstacles to be encountered as far as this information is reasonably ascertainable from an inspection of the site, including exploratory work done by the Building Owner or a designated consultant, as well as information presented in drawings and specifications included with this Contract. Any failure by the Contractor to acquaint himself with available information will not relieve him from the responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty or cost of successfully performing the work. The Building Owner is not responsible for any conclusions or interpretations made by the Contractor on the basis of the information made available by the Building Owner. DESCRIPTION The work specified herein shall be the remediation of mold by competent persons trained, knowledgeable and qualified in the techniques of remediation, handling and disposal of mold contaminated materials and the subsequent cleaning of contaminated areas, who comply with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations and are capable of, and willing to perform, the work of this Contract. The Contractor shall supply all labor, materials, services, insurance, permits, licenses, patents, and equipment necessary to carry out the work in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local regulations and these Specifications. The Contractor is responsible for restoring the work area and auxiliary areas utilized during the remediation to conditions at least equal to original conditions. (This excludes any material removed as part of scope.) Any damages caused during the performance of remediation activities shall be repaired by the Contractor (e.g., paint peeled off by barrier tape, nail holes, water damage, broken glass) at no additional expense to the Owner. APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES All work under this Contract shall be done in strict accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations, standards, and codes governing mold remediation and any other trade work done in conjunction with the remediation. The most recent edition of any relevant regulation, standard, document or code shall be in effect. Where conflict among the requirements or with these Specifications exists, the most stringent requirements shall be utilized. Specific requirements: Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, 1926. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor. QUALITY ASSURANCE Bidders must be licensed as required by the Iowa Bureau of Labor. Bidders shall demonstrate prior experience on mold remediation projects of similar nature and scope through the submission of letters of reference from the Owners including the name, address, and telephone numbers of contact person (someone specifically familiar with the Contractor's work) for at least three (3) previous users of service if requested by the owners. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids for any reason that serves the best interests of the Owner or building occupants. The Owner also reserves the right to waive any technicality or irregularity in a bid. Failure to submit requested information/documentation can result in automatic disqualification of bid package. SUBMITTALS AND NOTICES Pre-remediation: Submit the location of the landfill to be used for disposal of the mold contaminated material. Submit a list of all personnel who will be involved in the remediation activity including, supervisors, workers, and any other personnel or agent who may be responsible for any aspect of the remediation activities. Submit documentation from a physician that all employees or agents have been medically monitored to determine whether they are physically capable of working while wearing the respirator required without suffering adverse health effects. Submit documentation of respirator fit testing for all employees and agents who must enter the work area. Document NIOSH approval of all respiratory protective devices utilized on-site. Submit a list of equipment for this project. With the Owner or Owner's representative, inspect the premises wherein all remediation and remediation related activities will occur and submit a statement signed by both, agreeing on building and fixture condition prior to the commencement of the work. Submit manufacturer's certification that HEPA vacuums, negative pressure ventilation units, and other local exhaust ventilation equipment conform to ANSI 29.2-79. When rental equipment is to be used in remediation areas or to transport mold contaminated waste, a written notification concerning intended use of the rental equipment must be provided to the rental agency with a copy submitted to the Owner. During remediation activities: Submit weekly job progress reports detailing remediation activities and progress. Submit copies of all transport manifests, trip tickets and disposal receipts for all mold waste materials removed from the work area during the remediation process. Post in the clean room area of the worker decontamination enclosure: A list containing the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Contractor, the Owner, the Assessment Professional, the testing laboratory and any other personnel who may be required to assist during remediation activities. A logbook to record names of all personnel who enter the work area. A copy of emergency procedures. Telephone numbers of all emergency personnel and principals for this remediation project. The project will not be considered completed until all submittals are received by the owner. This will affect payment for the project. SITE SECURITY The work area is to be restricted only to authorized, trained, and protected personnel. These may include the Contractor's employees, employees of Subcontractors, Owner employees and representatives, state and local inspectors and any other designated individuals. Entry into the work area by unauthorized individuals shall be reported immediately to the Owner by the Contractor. Access to the work area shall be through a single worker decontamination system. All other means of access (doors, windows, hallways, etc.) shall be blocked or locked so as to prevent entry to or exit from the work area. The only exceptions for this rule are the waste pass out airlock which shall be sealed except during the removal of containerized mold waste from the work area, and emergency exits in case of fire or accident. Emergency exits shall not be locked from the inside; however, they shall be sealed with polyethylene sheeting and tape until needed. The Contractor shall have control of site security during remediation operations whenever possible, in order to protect work efforts and equipment. Contractor will have Owner's assistance in notifying building occupants of impending activity and enforcement of restricted access by Owner's employees. EMERGENCY PLANNING Emergency planning shall be developed prior to remediation initiation and agreed to by Contractor and Owner. Emergency planning shall include considerations of fire, explosion, toxic atmospheres, electrical hazards, slips, trips and falls, confined spaces, and heat related injury. Written procedures shall be developed and employee training in procedures shall be provided. Employees shall be trained in evacuation procedures in the event of work place emergencies. PART 2 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT MATERIALS General: Deliver all materials in the original packages, containers, or bundles bearing the name of the manufacturer and the brand name. Store all materials subject to damage off the ground, away from wet or damp surfaces, and under cover sufficient enough to prevent damage or contamination. Polyethylene sheeting for walls and stationary objects shall be a minimum of 4 mil thick. For floors and all other sheeting of at least 6 mil thickness shall be used in widths selected to minimize the frequency of joints. Tape - Duct, glass fiber, or other type capable of sealing adjacent sheets of polyethylene and capable of sealing polyethylene to dissimilar finished or unfinished surfaces under both wet and dry conditions including the use of amended water. Polyethylene sheeting utilized for worker decontamination enclosure shall be opaque white or black in color. Disposal bags shall be of 6 mil polyethylene. Disposal drums shall be metal or fiberboard with locking ring tops. EQUIPMENT General: A sufficient quantity of negative pressure ventilation units equipped with HEPA filtration shall be utilized to provide one workplace air change every 15 minutes or a static pressure within the work area of at least -0.02 inches of water column. These ventilation units must be commercially produced units and not self-manufactured. Ventilation units to be exhausted outside.The Contractor shall furnish a copy of their calculations to obtain this air flow or static pressure if requested by the Owner. Air purifying respirators equipped with HEPA filters will be required. A sufficient supply of filters shall be available in the clean change area. This requirement may be modified by the assessment professional if air sampling results indicate the need for more protection. Air purifying respirators with dual high efficiency (HEPA) filters may be utilized during work area preparation activities. Spectacle kits and eyeglasses must be provided for employees who wear glasses and who must wear full face piece respirators. Respirators shall be provided that have been tested and approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for use in mold contaminated atmospheres. Full body disposable protective clothing, including head, body and foot coverings (unless using footwear as described in Section 2.02 (A)(6) consisting of material impenetrable by mold (Tyvek or equivalent) shall be provided to all workers in sizes adequate to accommodate movement without tearing. Additional safety equipment (e.g., hard hats, eye protection, safety shoes meeting the applicable ANSI Standard, disposable PVC gloves) as necessary, shall be provided to all workers and authorized visitors. Nonskid footwear shall be provided to all remediation workers. Disposable clothing shall be adequately sealed to the footwear to prevent body contamination. A sufficient supply of disposable mops, rags and sponges for work area decontamination shall be available. Mobile radios, telephones, etc. as required by the project will be provided by the contractor. Removal/Cleaning Equipment: Sufficient supply of scaffolds, ladders, lifts and hand tools shall be provided as needed. Sprayers with pumps capable of providing a water stream or mist for dust control. Rubber dustpans and rubber squeegees shall be provided for cleanup. Brushes utilized for removing loose mold containing material shall have nylon or fiber bristles, not metal. A sufficient supply of HEPA filtered vacuum systems shall be available during cleanup. PART 3 EXECUTION PREPARATION Post caution signs at any location and approaches to a location where airborne concentrations of mold may exceed ambient background levels. Additional signs may need to be posted following construction of workplace enclosure barriers. Shut down and lock out electric power to all work areas as necessary if wet conditions warrant. Provide temporary power and lighting. Ensure safe installation (including ground faulting) of temporary power sources and equipment by compliance with all applicable electrical code requirements and OSHA requirements for temporary electrical systems. Shut down and lock out all heating, cooling and air conditioning system (HVAC) components that are in, supply or pass through the work area. Seal all intake and exhaust vents in the work area with tape and 6 mil polyethylene. Also seal any seams in system components that pass through the work area. Remove all HVAC system filters and place in labeled 6 mil polyethylene bags for staging and eventual disposal as mold contaminated waste. Due to HVAC being offline during winter conditions, Contractor to provide temporary heat to maintain indoor temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout building. The Contractor shall provide sanitary facilities for remediation personnel outside of the enclosed work area and maintain them in a clean and sanitary condition throughout the Project. Seal off all windows, doorways, elevator openings, corridor entrances, drains, ducts, grills, grates, diffusers, skylights, and any other openings between the work area and uncontaminated areas outside of the work area with 4 mil polyethylene sheeting and tape. Barrier walls will be constructed of 4 mil polyethylene sheeting extending from the ceiling to floor. WORKPLACE EXITS Worker Decontamination Enclosure System: Worker decontamination enclosure systems shall be provided at all locations where workers will enter or exit the work area. Worker decontamination enclosure systems constructed at the work site shall utilize 6 mil opaque white or black polyethylene sheeting or other acceptable materials for privacy. Detailed descriptions of portable, prefabricated units, if used, must be submitted for the Owner's approval. Plans must include floor plan with dimensions, materials, size, thickness, plumbing, and electrical utilities. The worker decontamination enclosure system shall consist of at least a clean room and an airlock. Entry and exit from the decontamination enclosure system chamber shall be through curtained doorways consisting of two sheets of overlapping polyethylene sheeting. One sheet shall be secured at the top and left side, the other sheet at the top and right side. Both sheets shall have weights attached to the bottom to ensure that they hang straight and maintain a seal over the doorway when not in use. The clean room shall be sized to adequately accommodate the work crew. Benches shall be provided as well as hooks for hanging up street clothes. Shelves for storing respirators shall also be provided in this area. Clean work clothes: clean disposable clothing, replacement filters for respirators, towels, and other necessary items shall be provided in adequate supply in the clean room. A location for postings shall also be provided in this area. Whenever possible, a lockable door shall be used to permit access into the clean room from outside the work area. Lighting, heat, and electricity shall be provided as necessary for comfort. This space shall not be used for storage of tools, equipment or materials, or as an office space. Waste Container Pass Out Airlock: The waste container pass out airlock shall be the same as the exit entry airlock. Emergency Exits: Emergency exits shall be established and clearly marked with duct tape arrows or other effective designations to permit easy identification from anywhere within the work area. They shall be secured to prevent access from uncontaminated areas and still permit emergency exiting. These exits shall be properly sealed with polyethylene sheeting which can be cut to permit egress if needed. These exits may be the worker decontamination enclosure, the waste pass out airlock and/or other alternative exits satisfactory to fire officials. ISOLATION OF THE WORKPLACE Maintenance of Enclosure Systems: Following completion of the construction of all polyethylene barriers and decontamination system enclosures, allow overnight settling to ensure that barriers will remain intact and secured to walls and fixtures before beginning actual remediation activities. All polyethylene barriers inside the workplace, in the worker decontamination enclosure system, in the waste container pass out airlock and at partitions constructed to isolate the work area from occupied areas shall be inspected at least twice daily, once prior to the start of each day's remediation activities. Document inspections and observations in the daily Project log. Damage and defects in the enclosure system are to be repaired immediately upon discovery. Negative pressure to be monitored with a continuous reading device. A record of this shall be furnished to the Owner. Use smoke tubes to test the effectiveness of the barrier system when directed by the Owner. At any time during the remediation activities after barriers have been erected, if visible material is observed outside of the work area or if damage occurs to barriers, work shall immediately stop, repairs be made to barriers, and debris/residue cleaned up using appropriate HEPA vacuuming and wet mopping procedures. Install and initiate operation of negative pressure ventilation equipment as needed to provide one air change in the work area every 15 minutes or produce a static pressure of -0.02 inches of water column. (See Section 2.02 (A)) Openings made in the enclosure system to accommodate these units shall be made airtight with tape and/or caulking as needed. If more than one unit is installed, they should be turned on one at a time, checking the integrity of wall barriers for secure attachment and the need for additional reinforcement. Ensure that adequate power supply is available to satisfy the requirements of the ventilating Units. Negative pressure ventilation units shall be exhausted to the outside of the building whenever feasible. Additional negative pressure ventilation units may be exhausted inside the work area to provide continuous air cleaning. They shall not be exhausted into occupied areas of the building. Twelve-inch extension ducting shall be used to reach from the work area to the outside when required. Careful installation, air monitoring and daily inspections shall be done to ensure that the ducting does not release fibers into uncontaminated building areas. Once constructed and reinforced as necessary, with negative pressure ventilation units in operation as required, test enclosure for leakage utilizing smoke tubes. Repair or reconstruct as needed. WORKPLACE ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURES Personnel Entry and Exit: All workers and authorized personnel shall enter the work area through the worker decontamination enclosure system. Workers shall not eat, chew, or smoke once they have entered the work area. Eating may take place just outside the clean room. Smoking, at any time during the project, is prohibited on the campus. All personnel, before entering the work area, shall read and be familiar with all posted regulations, personal protection requirements (including workplace entry and exit procedures) and emergency procedures. A sign off sheet shall be used to acknowledge that these procedures have been reviewed and understood by all personnel prior to entry. All personnel shall proceed first to the clean room and appropriately don respiratory protection and launderable and/or disposable coveralls, head covering, and foot covering. Hard hats, eye protection, and gloves shall also be utilized if required. Clean respirators and protective clothing shall be provided and utilized by each person for each separate entry into the work area. Personnel wearing designated personal protective equipment shall proceed from the clean room through the airlock into the main work area. Before leaving the work area all personnel shall remove gross contamination from the outside of respirators and the outer protective clothing by brushing and/or wet wiping procedures. Each person shall clean bottoms of protective footwear just prior to entering the airlock. Personnel shall proceed to the airlock where they remove the outer protective equipment except respirators. Deposit disposable and/or launderable clothing back into the work area into appropriately labeled containers for disposal and/or laundering. Reusable, contaminated footwear shall be stored in the airlock when not in use in the work area. Upon completion of remediation, it shall be disposed of as mold contaminated waste. Rubber boots may be decontaminated at the completion of the remediation project for reuse. Still wearing respirators, personnel shall proceed to the clean room, clean the outside of the respirators and the exposed face area under running water prior to removal of respirator. Various types of respirators will require slight modification of these procedures. Don clean disposable and/or launderable clothing if there will be later reentry into the work area or street clothes if it is the end of the work shift. These procedures shall be posted in the clean room and equipment room. Waste Container Pass Out Procedures: Mold contaminated waste that has been containerized shall be transported out of the work area through the waste container pass out airlock or through the worker decontamination enclosure if a separate airlock has not been construction. Waste pass out procedures shall utilize two teams of workers, an "inside" team and an "outside" team. The inside team wearing appropriate protective clothing and respirators for inside the work area shall clean the outside, including bottoms, containers (bags, drums, or wrapped components) using HEPA vacuums and wet wiping techniques and transport them into the waste container pass out airlock. The outside team, wearing appropriately assigned respirators, shall enter the airlock from the outside of the work area, remove them from the airlock to the outside. No worker from the outside team shall further enter the work area through this airlock. The exit from this airlock shall be secured when not in use to prevent unauthorized entry. PERSONNEL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS Training: Prior to commencement of remediation activities, the Contractor shall have one person designated as a competent supervisor. This person shall be on-site at all times. Special on-site training on equipment and procedures unique to this job site shall be performed as required. Training in emergency response and evaluation procedures shall be provided. Respiratory Protection: All respiratory protection shall be provided to workers in accordance with the written respiratory protection program, which includes all items in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (b)(1-11). This program shall be posted in the clean room of the worker decontamination enclosure system. Workers shall be provided with personally issued, individually identified respirators. Respirator types shall be utilized according to the following schedule: FULL FACE Air purifying respirators with dual HEPA filters shall be utilized by workers during remediation operations. FULL FACE Powered air purifying respirators equipped with HEPA filters may be used during remediation activities. Fit Testing: Workers must perform positive and negative air pressure fit tests each time a respirator is put on, wherever the respirator design so permits. Powered air purifying respirators shall be tested for adequate flow as specified by the manufacturer. Workers shall be given a qualitative fit test in accordance with procedures detailed in the OSHA Lead Standard (29 CFR 1910.1025, Appendix D, Qualitative Fit Test Protocols) for all respirators to be used on this remediation project. An appropriate administered quantitative fit test may be substituted for the qualitative fit test. Documentation of adequate respirator fit must be provided to the Owner. No one wearing a beard shall be permitted to don a respirator and enter the work area. Protective Clothing: Disposable clothing including head, foot, and full body protection shall be provided in sufficient quantities and adequate sizes for all workers and authorized visitors. Launderable clothing, if required, shall be provided in sufficient quantities and adequate sizes for all workers and authorized visitors. Hard hats, protective eyewear, gloves, rubber boots, and/or other footwear shall be provided as required for workers and authorized visitors. Safety shoes may be required for some activities. COMMENCEMENT OF WORK Enclosure systems have been constructed and tested. Negative pressure ventilation systems are functioning adequately. All pre-remediation submissions, notifications, postings, and permits have been provided and are satisfactory to the Owner. All equipment for remediation, cleanup, and disposal are on hand. All worker training is completed. Contractor receives written permission from the Owner to commence remediation. REMOVAL/CLEANING PROCEDURES Protection of Materials Not Being Removed: Materials that are not being removed are to be protected from any damage that may occur during work. The acoustic ceiling tile suspension grid is to be cleaned yet remain in place and is not to be damaged during the removal of the tiles. Level One: Clean and isolate active work areas in accordance with Section 3.01. Wet all mold containing materials with an approved biocide solution using equipment capable of providing a fine spray mist, to reduce airborne concentrations when the material is disturbed. Keep all removed material wet enough to prevent release until it can be containerized for disposal. Removal and cleaning: ALL acoustic ceiling tiles, ALL carpet throughout the entire building are to be removed and properly disposed of. Non-Porous Materials - All non-porous surfaces are to be cleaned using a detergent solution or solution of contractor's choice that will re move mold. HEPA vacuums may be used along with the solution for cleaning. All materials need to be dried. Examples of non-porous materials include: Metal Glass Hard plastics Plumbing fixtures All HVAC diffusers are to be removed, thoroughly cleaned (as detailed above) and set aside per Owner s direction to be re-installed later. Semi-Porous (e.g. wood doors, unsealed concrete) All semi-porous surfaces are to be cleaned using a detergent solution or solution of contractor's choice that will remove mold. This solution must be approved by owner. HEPA vacuums may be used along with the solution for cleaning. All materials need to be dried. Examples of semi-porous materials include: Wood Concrete Porous Materials - Remove all porous materials where visible mold growth or evidence of moisture is present. The materials should be removed, bagged and discarded. Examples of porous materials include: Drywall Insulation of all types Carpet (all being removed, regardless of evidence) Acoustic ceiling tiles (all being removed, regardless of evidence) Containers (6 mil polyethylene bags) shall be sealed when full. Bags shall not be overfilled. They should be securely sealed to prevent accidental opening and leakage by tying tops of bags in an overhead knot or by taping in gooseneck fashion. Do not seal bags with wire or cord. Bags shall be decontaminated on exterior surfaces by wet cleaning and HEPA vacuuming. Large components removed intact may be wrapped in 2 layers of 6 mil Polyethylene sheeting secured with tape for transport to the landfill. Mold containing waste with sharp edged components (e.g., nails, screws, metal lath, tin sheeting) will tear the polyethylene bags and sheet and shall be reinforces with extra bags or wrapping. CLEANUP PROCEDURE Remove and containerize all visible accumulations of mold containing material and mold contaminated debris utilizing rubber dust pans, rubber squeegees, HEPA vacuums, etc. Remove all containerized waste from the work area and waste container pass out airlock. Decontaminate all tools and equipment and remove at the appropriate time in the cleaning sequence. Inspect the work area for visible residue. If any accumulation of residue is observed, it will be assumed to be mold and the work area must be re-cleaned. The work area shall be cleaned until it in compliance with criteria agreed upon by the Contractor and Owner prior to initiation of remediation activities. Following the satisfactory completion of clearance criteria remaining barriers may be removed and properly disposed of. A final visual inspection by the Owner shall ensure that no contamination remains in the work area. Unsatisfactory conditions may require additional cleaning and air monitoring (see Section 3.11, Reestablishment of the Work Area). CLEARANCE TESTING Following the completion of cleanup operations, the Remediation Contractor shall notify the Owner (or Industrial Hygiene consultant selected by owner) when the building area is ready for clearance testing. Remediation Contractor will not be responsible for performing clearance testing. The Owner (via contracted Industrial Hygienist) shall arrange for collecting samples. 3.10 DISPOSAL PROCEDURES General: As the work progresses, to prevent exceeding available storage capacity onsite, sealed and labeled containers of mold containing waste shall be removed and stored in the dumpster on-site until it is transported to the prearranged disposal location. All Waste Shipment Records shall be delivered to the Owner. A recommended record keeping format utilizes the Waste Shipment Record (WSR) which includes the names and addresses of the Generator (Owner), Contractor, Transporter, and Disposal Site, the estimated quantity of the mold waste and the type of containers used. Transportation to the Landfill: Once drums, bags and wrapped components have been removed from the work are...