J044--NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE Baltimore VAMC Steam System Preventive Maintenance from Vicinity Energy Baltimore Corporation

**NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE** This is a Notice of Intent to Sole Source published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) RFO 5.101(a) Presolicitation notice requirements and (FAR) RFO 12.102 Restricting Competition. This Notice of Intent is for a proposed award of an open market sole source award to Vicinity Energy Baltimore Corporation for an annual steam system preventative maintenance contract at the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) Baltimore VAMC located at 10 North Greene St. Baltimore, MD 21201. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this service is 561210 (Facilities Support Services). Product Service Code (PSC) is J044 (Maintenance, Repair and Rebuilding of Equipment Furnace, Steam Plant, and Drying Equipment; Nuclear Reactors). Small business size standard is $47.0 Million. While this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation, interested vendors may identify their interest and capability to satisfy the requirement. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by the agency, by emailing such statement and supporting documentation by NLT 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST), 11/10/2026 to Contract Specialist Patricia Thai via email at Patricia.Thai@va.gov. Please reference the announcement number (36C24527Q0048) in the subject line of the e-mail. Such documentation will be reviewed solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis. A determination not to compete this requirement, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government under authorities cited above. Statement of Work (SOW) Baltimore VAMC Steam Maintenance Service Contract Introduction: This contract covers all maintenance, repairs, preventive maintenance (PM), and emergency call-back services for the steam system at the Baltimore VA Medical Center (VAMC), located at 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Contractor shall perform all services necessary to ensure reliable operation of steam system components and maintain them in accordance with industry standards and manufacturer recommendations. Baltimore VAMC s in-building steam equipment is directly connected to Vicinity Energy s district steam distribution system, which Vicinity owns and operates throughout downtown Baltimore. Because of this interconnected configuration, any work performed on the customer side components can affect not only the Baltimore VAMC but also Vicinity s broader distribution network. No other company owns or operates comparable district steam infrastructure in Baltimore. Therefore, maintenance activities require close coordination with Vicinity s system operations, pressure management, isolation sequencing, and startup/shutdown procedures. Vicinity s technical personnel also maintain proprietary operational data and engineering knowledge that is not readily accessible to third party contractors. A comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program would deliver several key benefits: Reliability Reduces outages, operational disruptions, and unexpected system failures Cost Savings Identifies issues early, preventing more costly future repairs Equipment Performance Supports safer, more efficient operation of critical steam dependent systems System Longevity Extends the lifespan and performance of essential steam infrastructure Scope of Services: The Contractor shall provide a two-person crew for eight (8) hours every two weeks (totaling 416 labor hours per year) to maintain steam system components, including: Performing steam trap surveys Cleaning pressure-reducing valves Inspecting heat exchangers and steam converters Ensuring proper operation of condensate tanks, pumps, and piping Identifying and addressing steam piping or valve leaks Verifying proper operation of all meters Ensuring proper water chemistry Assisting with regulatory inspections Parts and Materials: The Contractor shall supply all parts, materials, equipment, and tools necessary to complete the work described. All replacement parts shall meet the original manufacturer s specifications or be approved equivalents. Emergency Service: The Contractor shall provide prompt emergency call-back service within five (5) hours of notification by the Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer s Representative (COR), or their designees. A qualified service technician must be on site within five (5) hours when emergency repairs are required due to system shutdowns or critical issues arising between scheduled service visits. Service Reporting: Upon completion of each PM service, the Contractor shall submit a written report to the COR detailing the services performed, corrective actions taken, parts used, and recommendations for extending the useful life of steam system components. General Information, Requirements and Expectations: The Contractor shall check in with the Plumbing Shop or Utility Systems Repairer Operator (USRO) Supervisors upon arrival at the facility. An emergency telephone number must be provided for urgent repair needs. Contractor personnel are required to wear uniforms that display the company name in a clear and permanent manner for easy identification. Tour of Duty: All routine work will be performed during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, except in cases of emergency call-back. Routine maintenance should not be scheduled on observed Federal Holidays. Period of Performance: The anticipated period of performance is one (1) year from the contract award date, with potential option-year periods to be exercised at the Government s discretion. Place of Performance: All work shall be performed at Baltimore VA Medical Center (VAMC) 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Security, Safety, and Access Requirements: Contractor personnel shall follow all VA security, safety, and infection control requirements. Contractor vehicles, tools, and equipment may be subject to inspection. The Contractor shall ensure adherence to all facility safety policies and immediately report unsafe conditions to the COR.