DRAFT SOLICITATION - Construction of Chilled Water Replacement and Site Utility Improvements (Phase A2) at the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) campus in West Haven, CT

This is a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the "Chilled Water Plant Replacement and Site Utility Improvements" project at the West Haven VA Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut. The solicitation, W912WJ26RA008, is issued by the KO Contracting Division of W2SD ENDIST New England. The project aims to replace the chilled water plant and improve site utilities for the Phase A2 Surgical and Clinical Tower. The estimated price range for this construction project is between $40,000,000 and $115,000,000. Interested parties are invited to provide feedback on the draft solicitation by June 19, 2026, via email to Tyler Maryak (Contract Specialist) and Erin Bradley (Contracting Officer). The NAICS code for this project is 236220, with a size standard of $45,000,000. Offers are due by October 6, 2026, at 01:00 PM local time and must remain valid for 180 calendar days. All offerors must complete their annual representations and certifications electronically through the System for Award Management (SAM) website.

This solicitation outlines requirements for contractors bidding on the Chilled Water Plant Replacement & Site Utility Improvements (Phase A2) at VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Proposals will be evaluated using a tradeoff process based on Past Performance, Management Approach, Small Business Participation, and Price, with non-price factors being significantly more important. Submissions must be made via the Army's PIEE system, adhering to strict naming conventions, file size limits, and deadlines. Proposals must be organized into three volumes with specific page limits and formatting, detailing past projects, management plans, and small business commitments. The government emphasizes thoroughness and reserves the right to award without negotiations.

The document outlines the "CHILLED WATER PLANT REPLACEMENT AND SITE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PHASE A2" project at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, CT. This project, identified as VA Project No. 689-040, focuses on Building 17 and involves extensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, architectural, and life safety improvements. The file includes a comprehensive sheet index detailing drawings for various disciplines, covering everything from demolition and site plans to specific system layouts for power, lighting, technology, plumbing, HVAC, and fire protection. The project is currently at the 95% Construction Document (CD) draft final stage and is designed to be fully sprinklered. Key aspects include adherence to NFPA and IBC codes, with a detailed code analysis covering occupancy classifications (Industrial, Special-Purpose), building construction type (IIB), and allowable height and area. The project emphasizes egress design, fire suppression systems, and fire alarm systems, detailing occupant load calculations and egress path lengths. The A/E Joint Venture of Leo A Daly Co. and Perkins & Will are the designers of record, with the US Army Corps of Engineers serving as the construction agent. The project also considers various bid options for different scopes of work.

The West Haven VA Medical Center's Chilled Water Plant Replacement and Site Utility Improvements – Phase A2 Surgical and Clinical Tower project outlines comprehensive specifications for various construction divisions. This extensive project involves general requirements, demolition, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, thermal and moisture protection, openings, finishes, specialties, furnishings, special construction, conveying equipment, fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, integrated automation, electrical, communications, electronic safety and security, earthwork, exterior improvements, and utilities. Key aspects include strict safety requirements, environmental controls, waste management, quality control, and adherence to VA and governmental regulations. The contractor is responsible for site preparation, utility maintenance, traffic management, and coordination with the Medical Center's 24/7 operations. Detailed procedures for alterations, material disposal, protection of existing structures, site restoration, professional surveying, layout, as-built drawings, warranty management, roadway use, temporary equipment use, testing, and personnel instruction are also specified. The project emphasizes maintaining continuous medical center operations with minimal disruption and rigorous documentation, including photographic progress reports.

The document outlines specifications for the West Haven VA Medical Center's Chilled Water Plant Replacement and Site Utility Improvements – Phase A2 Surgical and Clinical Tower, focusing on fire suppression systems. Key sections detail general requirements, existing conditions, and various construction divisions including concrete, masonry, metals, thermal and moisture protection, openings, finishes, specialties, furnishings, special construction, conveying equipment, fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, integrated automation, electrical, communications, electronic safety and security, earthwork, exterior improvements, and utilities. The fire suppression section emphasizes commissioning, design, installation, and testing of wet-pipe sprinkler systems and electric-driven fire pumps in accordance with NFPA standards. The project requires detailed submittals, quality assurance, and training for VA personnel, ensuring compliance and operational readiness.

Nobis Group submitted a geotechnical engineering report for the VA West Haven Chilled Water Plant Replacement and Site Utility Improvements project. The project involves replacing the existing chiller plant and fuel tank farm, constructing new water storage tanks, and installing utility corridors. Key geotechnical challenges include unsuitable fill, shallow bedrock requiring removal, a high groundwater table, and the proximity of existing structures. The report recommends spread footing foundations on prepared glacial till or bedrock for the chiller plant, water storage tanks, and fuel tank farm. Drilled micropiles are recommended for utility extensions in areas with shallow bedrock. Construction considerations include temporary excavation support, underpinning existing structures, and managing environmental issues related to contaminated soil. The site is classified as Seismic Site Class C, with a low liquefaction potential.