The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Architect-Engineering (AE) firm for Project No. 630-26-801, Design PLUMBING GF MITIGATION, at the Margaret Cochran Corbin-Campus in New York, NY. This Sources Sought Notice is not a request for proposal but aims to identify qualified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) for design development, construction documents, technical specifications, and construction period services. The project addresses repetitive flooding and plumbing issues on the ground floor. The scope includes investigation, solution development, design, and construction administration, with an estimated construction cost between $5,000,000 and $8,000,000. Key selection criteria include professional qualifications, specialized experience, capacity, past performance, geographical proximity, commitment to using small businesses, and experience in construction period services. Submissions must be electronic SF 330s by January 15, 2026, and firms must be registered in SAM and verified in SBA’s Small Business Search.

The document outlines the design review and completion schedule for Project No. 630-26-801, titled "Plumbing GF Mitigation." This schedule details the phases for an Architect/Engineer (A/E) to perform work under contract, ensuring professional architects and engineers attend design reviews. The project is divided into three main phases: Phase 1 – Schematics (Concept) Design, Phase 2 – Design Development, and Phase 3 – Contract Documents (for Bid). Each phase includes multiple submission milestones for VA review, followed by VA review periods and VA-A/E Project Review Meetings. The total duration for the project, from the start of work to the delivery of final 100% documents for bidding purposes, is 180 calendar days. This structured approach ensures thorough review and collaboration between the A/E and the VA throughout the design process.

VAAR 852.219-77 outlines the VA's limitations on subcontracting for services and construction contracts, requiring offerors to certify compliance with specific percentages for subcontractors. For services, non-VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs cannot receive more than 50% of the government-paid amount. General construction limits this to 85%, and special trade construction to 75%. Material costs are excluded for construction. The certification, mandated by 38 U.S.C. 8127(k)(2), carries legal weight, with false certifications leading to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001. Non-compliant SDVOSBs/VOSBs may face referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee, fines, or prosecution. Contractors must provide documentation to VA upon request to demonstrate compliance, with failure to do so potentially resulting in remedial action. The offeror's signed certification is a mandatory component of their bid, quotation, or proposal for award consideration.