01 00 00 General Requirements.pdf

VA Project No. 503-22-103 Altoona VA Medical Center

Replace Patient Lift Design

Bid Documents

SECTION 01 00 00

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 GENERAL INTENTION

A. Contractor shall completely prepare site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor and materials and perform work for “Replace Patient Lift

Design”, VA Project#503-22-103 as required by drawings and specifications.

B. Visits to the site by Bidders may be made only by appointment with the Medical Center

Engineering Officer.

C. Offices of {Architect/Engineers}., as Architect/Engineers, will render certain technical services during construction. Such services shall be considered as advisory to the Government and shall not be construed as expressing or implying a contractual act of the Government without affirmations by Contracting Officer or his duly authorized representative.

D. Before placement and installation of work subject to tests by testing laboratory retained by

Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall notify the COR in sufficient time to enable testing laboratory personnel to be present at the site in time for proper taking and testing of specimens and field inspection. Such prior notice shall be not less than three workdays unless otherwise designated by the COR.

E. GEMS: Under the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS), the contractor is required to consider green materials and processes for all materials and processes not otherwise specified or detailed wherever possible and must provide documentation as to why such could not be used if not used. Cost is an acceptable reason to forgo such.

Contractors must show due diligence in meeting the requirements of the James E Van Zandt VA

Medical Center’s GEMS program and Executive Order 13423 including but not limited to:

1) Using products with recycled or recovered content as outlined in EPA’s comprehensive procurement guidelines (CPGs) and MCM 10F-05,

a) Contractors and vendors will provide an estimate of the total recycled content of their products and certify that the recycled content will meet minimum content standards (recycled content is usually measured as a percentage of the total content) on EPA CPG-designated items. The minimum content standards for designated items shall be specified in the Statement of Work.

Vendors that respond to bids for EPA-designated items must meet the minimum content standards; therefore, a separate estimate from the vendor regarding the percentage of recovered material in the product is not required unless the product exceeds the specified minimum content standards.

b) Contractors and vendors will meet the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation provision FAR 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification, as included in all solicitations that incorporate specifications using the use of recovered materials, and will meet the requirements of

FAR 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated

Products for all contracts exceeding $100,000 that include FAR 52.223-4.

c) Contractors and vendors are responsible for providing written certification to the Contracting

Officer that their products meet minimum content standards, maintaining copies of certification documents, and producing copies of the written certification upon request by VA.

2) Providing copies of the appropriate GEMS requirements to suppliers and sub-contractors and ensuring that suppliers and sub-contractors meet the requirements of the GEMS program and

Executive Order 13423 both during the bid submission process and during the performance of the contract,

3) Diverting as much construction waste as is feasible to recycling including but not limited to metals, plastics, wood, pallets, and cardboard as outlined in MCM 10F-04 and 10F-05, recycling should be maximized and not restricted to a set percentage whenever possible,

a) Contractors will provide reports to the CORs detailing the total weight of waste removed and the weight of waste recycled, reused or otherwise diverted from the waste stream,

4) Documenting performance, fiscal or availability constraints when requesting exemptions for items in item 1 above,

5) Providing recycling reports listing the items and poundage diverted from construction waste to recycling or re-use,

6) Contractors should be aware that the complexity of federal environmental statutes makes it difficult for a contractor to shift potential liability for “hazardous” waste materials generated on their job sites.

7) Contractor’s must require, and provide copies of, subcontractor documentation of disposal methods for hazardous wastes or oversee the waste disposal to ensure that such disposal is lawful. Additionally, contractors must require, and provide copies of, subcontractor training on the

GEMS program and RCRA. The subcontractor shall at all times keep the building and the premises broom clean of debris and any other waste materials generated from the performance of this contract. The subcontractor is responsible for the removal from the site and proper disposal of all the debris created by its work.

8) Contractors and subcontractors must strictly manage a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) reporting system to help identify potentially hazardous substances. Use of less toxic substitute materials as a way of reducing potential liability for hazardous waste material is encouraged.

9) Notifying the facility GEMS Coordinator if encountering impediments to meeting the GEMS requirements to ensure compliance is achieved, and

10) Resolving any conflicts with the project specifications and the GEMS program requirements with the GEMS Coordinator, the project engineer and the project COR.

Products and materials containing recycled content and/or bio-based products are to be used whenever available, and preference in purchasing is to be exercised for recycled/recovered content and bio-based products and materials. Recycled/Recovered content and bio-based products and materials used, or to be used, are to be reported to the facility GEMS Coordinator prior to beginning work and prior to submission of payment requests. Reports on waste diverted or recycled are also to be reported to the facility GEMS Coordinator prior to submission of payment requests. Reports and all correspondence are to submitted on minimum 30% recycled content paper, printed on 2 sides. The frequency of reporting will be determined prior to the start of work or will be based upon the frequency of submission of payment requests. Copies of MCM

10F-04, MCM10F-05, MCM10F-28, MCM10F-36, MCM10F-38, and the EPA CPGs will be provided with bid requests.

F. The contractor shall provide to the COR the attached DAILY LOG – Formal Contract and DAILY

LOG – Safety/ILSM Checklist daily. Weekly payrolls for all construction personnel (including the general contractor and all subcontractors) performing work at the construction site will be provided to the Contracting Officer weekly. Once a contractor entity starts work at the VA jobsite, payrolls will need to be submitted for that entity weekly until work for that entity is complete, even if no work is performed.

G. All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA security management program and obtain permission of the VA police, be identified by project and employer, and restricted from unauthorized access.

H. Prior to commencing work, general contractor shall provide proof that a OSHA certified

“competent person” (CP) (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2) will maintain a presence at the work site whenever the general or subcontractors are present.

I. Training:

1. Written documentation is to be provided for each employee of the general contractor and subcontractors that indicates that the employee has competency safety training relevant to the work that the employee will be performing. This documentation will be signed by the employing general contractor or subcontractor.

2. Submit this documentation of all such employees for approval before the start of work.

3. In addition, prior to starting any work at this VAMC, all contractor and subcontractor employees will be required to view four videos as follows:

1. Safety (approximate duration of 15 minutes)

2. Infection Control (approximate duration of 20 minutes)

3. Privacy (approximate duration of 25 minutes)

4. Hand Hygiene (approximate duration of 15 minutes)

Each employee will be required to pick up an infection control orientation booklet.

The completion of these items will be documented by the contractor for each employee.

J. ID BADGES:

1. Prior to start of work, all Contractor employees, sub-contractors, technical support personnel, and associates (herein referred to as Contractor) will be required to obtain ID Badges from VA Police

Office 187.

a. For jobs of short duration (less than 6-months), Police may opt to give a “Visitors Pass” to the contractor. If so, steps b.) Interview, d.) Fingerprint, e.) Background check, f.) Electronic PIV, g.) Photo ID, may be waived at discretion of Police, however step c.) 2-ID forms will be required.

NOTE: All bidders, visitors, contractors, etc on VAMC property prior to the contract being awarded shall be required to obtain a “Visitors Pass” from Police, whether the visit is to attend a pre-bid meeting, or for any other reason. Thus (2) forms of ID as described below are required. This

“pass” must be obtained prior to the meeting or scheduled event.

b. For jobs longer than 6-months duration, contractor will be interviewed by VA contracting personnel. Interviews will focus on general background, and will document any identifying characteristics such as tattoos or other body markings.

c. At Police Office 187, contractor will be required to produce two forms of identification, one of which will be photo ID. Acceptable forms of identification are:

PICTURE ID FROM FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENT:

State Issued Drivers License

State DMV Issued I.D. Card

U.S. Passport

Military I.D. Card

U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card

Foreign Passport with appropriate stamps

Permanent Residence Card or Alien Registration Card with photo (INS Form I-151/I-551)

I.D. Card issued by federal or state government agencies

NON-PHOTO ID OR ACCEPTABLE PHOTO ID NOT ISSUED BY FED OR STATE:

Social Security Card

Certified Birth Certificate

State Voter Registration Card

Native American Tribal Document

Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)

Certificate or Naturalization (INS Form N-550 or N-570)

Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS 1350)

Permanent or Temporary Resident Card

I.D. Card issued by local government listing: Name, Birth Date, Gender, Height, Eye Color and Address

Non-Photo I.D. federal or state card listing: Name, Birth Date Gender, Height, Eye Color and Address

School I.D. with photograph

Canadian Drivers License

U.S. Citizen I.D. Card (Form I-179)

d. Contractor will then be fingerprinted by Police.

e. A background check will then be initiated based on the information obtained from the above.

If the background check reveals unsatisfactory results in the opinion of VA, the contractor will not be allowed to work on VA property.

f. After fingerprints and a positive background check, contracting personnel will enter all the information into the PIV system electronically.

g. At this point, contracting personnel will make an appointment with Human Resources for the contractor to pick up his ID Badge. This may include a photo ID.

* * * This process may take up to 3-weeks. * * *

1.2 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

A. ITEM I, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: Work includes general construction, plumbing, mechanical fire protection, telecommunications and electrical work for the Replace Patient Lift Design project.

Walls, doors, windows, mechanical systems, plumbing work, electrical and telecomm. Demolition to create access from phase one of the project will be required.

B. BID ALTERNATE NO.1: All work in the base bid except:

C. BID ALTERNATE NO.2: Work established by Bid Alternate #1 except:

1.3 FIRE SAFETY

A. Applicable Publications: Publications listed below form part of this Article to extent referenced.

Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only.

1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

E84-1998 ............................. Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

10-1998 ................................ Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

FCLCH-30-2000 .................. Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

51B-1999 ............................. Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other

Hot Work

70-2000 ................................ National Electrical Code

241-2000 .............................. Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and

Demolition Operations

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

29 CFR 1926 ....................... Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

B. Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR

1926. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to COR for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01340, SAMPLES AND SHOP DRAWINGS. Prior to any worker for the contractor or subcontractors beginning work, they shall undergo a safety briefing provided by the general contractor’s competent person per OSHA requirements. This briefing shall include information on the construction limits, VAMC safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VAMC equipment, etc.

Documentation shall be provided to the COR that individuals have undergone contractor’s safety briefing.

C. Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

D. Separate temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters, from existing buildings and new construction by distances in accordance with NFPA 241. For small facilities with less than 6 m (20 feet) exposing overall length, separate by 3m (10 feet).

E. Temporary Construction Partitions:

1. Install and maintain temporary construction partitions to provide smoke-tight separations between and adjoining areas. Construct partitions of gypsum board on both sides of metal steel studs. Extend the partitions through suspended ceilings to floor slab deck or roof. Seal joints and penetrations. At door openings, install Class C, ¾ hour fire/smoke rated doors with self-closing devices.

2. Install fire-rated temporary construction partitions as shown on drawings to maintain integrity of existing exit stair enclosures, exit passageways, fire-rated enclosures of hazardous areas, horizontal exits, smoke barriers, vertical shafts and openings enclosures.

3. Close openings in smoke barriers and fire-rated construction to maintain fire ratings. Seal penetrations with listed through-penetration firestop materials in accordance with Section

07270, FIRESTOPPING SYSTEMS.

F. Temporary Heating and Electrical: Install, use and maintain installations in accordance with 29

CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70.

G. Means of Egress: Do not block exiting for occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads.

Minimize disruptions and coordinate with COR.

H. Egress Routes for Construction Workers: Maintain free and unobstructed egress. Inspect daily.

Report findings and corrective actions weekly to COR.

I. Fire Extinguishers: Provide and maintain extinguishers in construction areas and temporary storage areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 10.

J. Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with 29 CFR

1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 30.

K. Sprinklers: Install, test and activate new automatic sprinklers prior to removing existing sprinklers.

L. Existing Fire Protection: Do not impair automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat detection, and fire alarm systems, except for portions immediately under construction, and temporarily for connections. Provide fire watch for impairments more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. Request interruptions in accordance with Article, OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS, and coordinate with COR. All existing or temporary fire protection systems (fire alarms, sprinklers) located in construction areas shall be tested as coordinated with the medical center. Parameters for the testing and results of any tests performed shall be recorded by the medical center and copies provided to the COR.

M. Smoke Detectors: Prevent accidental operation. Remove temporary covers at end of work operations each day. Coordinate with COR.

N. Hot Work: Perform and safeguard hot work operations in accordance with NFPA 241 and NFPA

51B. Coordinate with COR. Obtain permits from facility Safety Officer at least 48 hours in advance. Designate contractor's responsible project-site fire prevention program manager to permit hot work.

O. Fire Hazard Prevention and Safety Inspections: Inspect entire construction areas weekly.

Coordinate with, and report findings and corrective actions weekly to COR.

P. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in and adjacent to construction areas inside existing buildings and additions under construction. In separate and detached buildings under construction, smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking rest areas.

Q. Dispose of waste and debris in accordance with NFPA 241. Remove from buildings daily.

R. Perform other construction, alteration and demolition operations in accordance with 29 CFR

1926.

S. If required, submit documentation to the COR that personnel have been trained in the fire safety aspects of working in areas with impaired structural or compartmentalization features.

T. Interim Life Safety Measures shall be implemented by the contractor according to the requirements listed at the end of this section entitled INTERIM LIFE SAFETY MEASURES

(Facilities Department Memorandum, dated April 15, 1998), along with all three (3) attachments:

ATTACHMENT 1 - INTERIM LIFE SAFETY MEASURES EVALUATION SHEET; ATTACHMENT

2 - INTERIM LIFE SAFETY MEASURES; ATTACHMENT 3 - DESCRIPTION OF INTERIM LIFE

SAFETY MEASURES USED.

U. Certificates of competencies shall be provided for "all" contractor staff on site prior to staff working on site that indicate staff are competent to perform the work performed.

1.4 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS

A. The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer or COR. The Contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance.

B. Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities may be erected by the

Contractor only with the approval of the Contracting Officer and shall be built with labor and materials furnished by the Contractor without expense to the Government. The temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the Contractor and shall be removed by the

Contractor at its expense upon completion of the work. With the written consent of the

Contracting Officer, the buildings and utilities may be abandoned and need not be removed.

C. The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting Officer, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the Contracting Officer. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

(FAR 52.236-10)

D. Working space and space available for storing materials shall be as determined by the COR.

E. Workmen are subject to rules of Medical Center applicable to their conduct.

F. Execute work so as to interfere as little as possible with normal functioning of Medical Center as a whole, including operations of utility services, fire protection systems and any existing equipment, and with work being done by others. Use of equipment and tools that transmit vibrations and noises through the building structure, are not permitted in buildings that are occupied, during construction, jointly by patients or medical personnel, and Contractor's personnel, except as permitted by COR where required by limited working space.

1. Do not store materials and equipment in other than assigned areas.

2. Schedule delivery of materials and equipment to immediate construction working areas within buildings in use by Department of Veterans Affairs in quantities sufficient for not more than two work days. Provide unobstructed access to Medical Center areas required to remain in operation.

3. Where access by Medical Center personnel to vacated portions of buildings is not required, storage of Contractor's materials and equipment will be permitted subject to fire and safety requirements.

G. Phasing: To insure such executions, Contractor shall furnish the COR with a schedule of approximate phasing dates on which the Contractor intends to accomplish work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof. In addition, Contractor shall notify the COR two weeks in advance of the proposed date of starting work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof. Arrange such phasing dates to insure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to Medical Center Director, COR and Contractor as follows:

Phase I: Process all submittals for the job

Phase II: Install Temporary construction partitions.

Phase III: TBD

Phase IV: TBD

Phase V: TBD.

H. When a building is turned over to Contractor, Contractor shall accept entire responsability therefore.

1. Contractor shall maintain a minimum temperature of 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) at all times, except as otherwise specified.

2. Contractor shall maintain in operating condition existing fire protection and alarm equipment.

In connection with fire alarm equipment, Contractor shall make arrangements for pre-inspection of site with Fire Department or Company (Department of Veterans Affairs or municipal) whichever will be required to respond to an alarm from Contractor's employee or watchman.

I. Utilities Services: Maintain existing utility services for Medical Center at all times. Provide temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, connections, and utilities to assure uninterrupted services. Where necessary to cut existing water, steam, gases, sewer or air pipes, or conduits, wires, cables, etc. of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems

(including telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, where directed by COR.

1. No utility service such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior approval of COR. Electrical work shall be accomplished with all affected circuits or equipment de-energized. When an electrical outage cannot be accomplished, work on any energized circuits or equipment shall not commence without the Medical Center Director’s prior knowledge and written approval.

Refer to specification Section 16050 for additional requirements.

2. Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to COR, in writing, 48 hours in advance of proposed interruption. Request shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption.

3. Contractor will be advised (in writing) of approval of request, or of which other date and/or time such interruption will cause least inconvenience to operations of Medical Center.

Interruption time approved by Medical Center may occur at other than Contractor's normal working hours.

4. Major interruptions of any system must be requested, in writing, at least 15 calendar days prior to the desired time and shall be performed as directed by the COR.

5. In case of a contract construction emergency, service will be interrupted on approval of COR.

Such approval will be confirmed in writing as soon as practical.

6. Whenever it is required that a connection fee be paid to a public utility provider for new permanent service to the construction project, for such items as water, sewer, electricity, gas or steam, payment of such fee shall be the responsibility of the Government and not the

Contractor.

J. Abandoned Lines: All service lines such as wires, cables, conduits, ducts, pipes and the like, and their hangers or supports, which are to be abandoned but are not required to be entirely removed, shall be sealed, capped or plugged. The lines shall not be capped in finished areas, but shall be removed and sealed, capped or plugged in ceilings, within furred spaces, in unfinished areas, or within walls or partitions; so that they are completely behind the finished surfaces and removed back to the last point of usable service.

K. To minimize interference of construction activities with flow of Medical Center traffic, comply with the following:

1. Keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, to parking and to occupied areas of buildings clear of construction materials, debris and standing construction equipment and vehicles.

2. Method and scheduling of required cutting, altering and removal of existing roads, walks and entrances must be approved by the COR.

L. Coordinate the work for this contract with other construction operations as directed by COR.

This includes the scheduling of traffic and the use of roadways, as specified in Article, USE OF

ROADWAYS.

M. The contractor shall do no work during a two-week period that the COR shall advise the contractor of during a JCAHO inspection and shall have the entire construction area secured and cleaned prior to the JCAHO inspection.

N. The contractor is strongly encouraged to send "all" correspondence to all involved staff electronically. The contract specialist web address is Amanda.Murphy5@va.gov. The COR's web address is jeremy.ashurst@va.gov. . The A/E's e-mail address is TBD. This includes but is not limited to general correspondence, submittal transmittals, actual submittal information from manufacturers, requests for payment, progress schedules, daily logs, payrolls, etc.. Realizing that much information comes from sub-contractors, suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers, the prime contractor should thoroughly communicate this request to "all" of these parties as well. The intent is to have as much of the entire contract as possible done electronically.

O. "All" construction staff (up to ten (10) individuals for radios) will be required to sign out a portable

2-way radio and an ID badge from the COR and to sign it back in when their work is done.

P. No materials or supplies shall be delivered to the employee loading dock. If they get delivered to the dock, they can be sent away with no responsibility to the VA. These shall only be delivered to the contractor's staging area such as a job site trailer. The contractor must be available to accept delivery. VA staff absolutely will not sign for contractor's supplies and materials.

Q. "All" contractor employees and the contractor's staging area must be at the most remote place on the site which is the part of the employees' parking lot that's closest to the boiler plant on one side and 27th Street on the other side for parking and next to the garage area for a staging area. This is because parking is so severely overburdened at the medical center. Trailer shall be kept next to garage area as well. Only one (1) trailer shall be permitted on site during construction and its exact location shall be as approved by the COR.

R. Materials shall be delivered in quantities not to exceed that which will be installed in a 2 calendar day period.

S. Contractor shall hold weekly construction meetings on-site at a location to be determined by the

COR. Contractor shall provide typewritten, or computer generated minutes of all meetings and shall distribute minutes to all participants within two (2) working days after said meeting.

Electronic submission of minutes is preferred in lieu of hard copy.

1.5 ALTERATIONS

A. Survey: Before any work is started, the Contractor shall make a thorough survey with the COR areas of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both, to the Contracting Officer. This report shall list by rooms and spaces:

1. Existing condition and types of resilient flooring, doors, windows, walls and other surfaces not required to be altered throughout affected areas of buildings.

2. Existence and conditions of items such as plumbing fixtures and accessories, electrical fixtures, equipment, blinds, shades, etc., whether or not they are required by drawings to be either reused or relocated, or both.

3. Shall note any discrepancies between drawings and existing conditions at site.

4. Shall designate areas for working space, materials storage and routes of access to areas within buildings where alterations occur and which have been agreed upon by Contractor and

COR.

B. Any items required by drawings to be either reused or relocated or both, found during this survey to be nonexistent, or in opinion of COR, to be in such condition that their use is impossible or impractical, shall be furnished and/or replaced by Contractor with new items in accordance with specifications, which will be furnished by Government. Provided the contract work is changed by reason of this subparagraph B, the contract will be modified accordingly, under provisions of clause entitled "DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-2) and "CHANGES" (FAR

52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88) of Section 01001, GENERAL CONDITIONS.

C. Re-Survey: Thirty days before expected partial or final inspection date, the Contractor and COR together shall make a thorough re-survey of the areas of buildings involved. They shall furnish a report on conditions then existing, of resilient flooring, doors, windows, walls and other surfaces as compared with conditions of same as noted in first condition survey report.

1. Re-survey report shall also list any damage caused by Contractor to such flooring and other surfaces, despite protection measures; and will form basis for determining extent of repair work required of Contractor to restore damage caused by Contractor's workmen in executing work of this contract.

D. Protection: Provide the following protective measures:

1. Wherever existing roof surfaces are disturbed they shall be protected against water infiltration. In case of leaks, they shall be repaired immediately upon discovery.

2. Temporary protection against damage for portions of existing structures and grounds where work is to be done, materials handled and equipment moved and/or relocated.

3. Protection of interior of existing structures at all times, from damage, dust and weather inclemency. Wherever work is performed, floor surfaces that are to remain in place shall be adequately protected prior to starting work, and this protection shall be maintained intact until all work in the area is completed.

1.6 INFECTION PREVENTION MEASURES

A. Implement the requirements of VAMC’s Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) team. ICRA

Group may monitor dust in the vicinity of the construction work and require the Contractor to take corrective action immediately if the safe levels are exceeded.

B. Establish and maintain a dust control program as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the guidelines provided by ICRA Group. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific dust protection measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to COR and Facility ICRA team for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01340, SAMPLES AND SHOP DRAWINGS.

1. All personnel involved in the construction or renovation activity shall be educated and trained in infection prevention measures established by the medical center.

C. Medical center Infection Control personnel shall monitor for airborne disease (e.g. aspergillosis) as appropriate during construction. A baseline of conditions may be established by the medical center prior to the start of work and periodically during the construction stage to determine impact of construction activities on indoor air quality. In addition:

1. The COR and VAMC Infection Control personnel shall review pressure differential monitoring documentation provided by the contractor to verify that pressure differentials in the construction zone and in the patient-care rooms are appropriate for their settings. The requirement for negative air pressure in the construction zone shall depend on the location and type of activity. Upon notification, the contractor shall implement corrective measures to restore proper pressure differentials as needed.

2. In case of any problem, the contractor shall conduct an environmental assessment to find and eliminate the source.

D. In general, following preventive measures shall be adopted during construction to keep down dust and prevent mold.

1. Dampen debris to keep down dust and provide temporary construction partitions in existing structures where directed by COR. Blank off ducts and diffusers to prevent circulation of dust into occupied areas during construction.

2. Do not perform dust producing tasks within occupied areas without the approval of the COR.

For construction in any areas that will remain jointly occupied by the medical Center and

Contractor’s workers, the Contractor shall:

a. Provide dust proof, and/or appropriate fire-rated, temporary drywall construction barriers

(Whether or not the barrier requires a fire rating, and if so, what type of rating, depends on the area, nature of work, and NFPA. Dust Free, Appropriate Fire, and Smoke barrier integrity needs to be maintained at all times.) to completely separate construction from the operational areas of the hospital in order to contain dirt debris and dust, and fire and smoke when necessary. Barriers shall be sealed and made presentable on hospital occupied side. Install a self-closing rated door in a metal frame, commensurate with the partition, to allow worker access. Maintain negative air at all times. A fire retardant polystyrene, 6-mil thick or greater plastic barrier meeting local fire codes may be used where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the COR and

Medical Center.

b. HEPA filtration is required where the exhaust dust may reenter the breathing zone.

Contractor shall verify that construction exhaust to exterior is not reintroduced to the medical center through intake vents, or building openings. Install HEPA (High Efficiency

Particulate Accumulator) filter vacuum system rated at 95% capture of 0.3 microns including pollen, mold spores and dust particles. Insure continuous negative air pressures occurring within the work area. HEPA filters should have ASHRAE 85 or other prefilter to extend the useful life of the HEPA. Provide both primary and secondary filtrations units.

Exhaust hoses shall be heavy duty, flexible steel reinforced and exhausted so that dust is not reintroduced to the medical center.

c. Adhesive Walk-off/Carpet Walk-off Mats, minimum 24” x 36”, shall be used at all interior transitions from the construction area to occupied medical center area. These mats shall be changed as often as required to maintain clean work areas directly outside construction area at all times.

d. Vacuum and wet mop all transition areas from construction to the occupied medical center at the end of each workday. Vacuum shall utilize HEPA filtration. Maintain surrounding area frequently. Remove debris as they are created. Transport these outside the construction area in containers with tightly fitting lids.

e. The contractor shall not haul debris through patient-care areas without prior approval of the COR and the Medical Center. When, approved, debris shall be hauled in enclosed dust proof containers or wrapped in plastic and sealed with duct tape. No sharp objects should be allowed to cut through the plastic. Wipe down the exterior of the containers with a damp rag to remove dust. All equipment, tools, material, etc. transported through occupied areas shall be made free from dust and moisture by vacuuming and wipe down.

f. Using a HEPA vacuum, clean inside the barrier and vacuum ceiling tile prior to replacement. Any ceiling access panels opened for investigation beyond sealed areas shall be sealed immediately when unattended.

g. There shall be no standing water during construction. This includes water in equipment drip pans and open containers within the construction areas. All accidental spills must be cleaned up and dried within 12 hours. Remove and dispose of porous materials that remain damp for more than 72 hours.

h. At completion, remove construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours. Vacuum and clean all surfaces free of dust after the removal.

E. Final Cleanup:

1. Upon completion of project, or as work progresses, remove all construction debris from above ceiling, vertical shafts and utility chases that have been part of the construction.

2. Perform HEPA vacuum cleaning of all surfaces in the construction area. This includes walls, ceilings, cabinets, furniture (built-in or free standing), partitions, flooring, etc.

3. All new air ducts shall be cleaned prior to final inspection.

1.7 DISPOSAL AND RETENTION

A. Materials and equipment accruing from work removed and from demolition of buildings or structures, or parts thereof, shall be disposed of as follows:

1. Reserved items which are to remain property of the Government are noted on drawings or in specifications as items to be stored. Items which remain property of the Government shall be removed or dislodged from present locations in such a manner as to prevent damage which would be detrimental to re-installation and reuse. Store such items where directed by COR.

2. Items not reserved shall become property of the Contractor and be removed by Contractor from Medical Center. All demolished metal to be recycled with manifest and reports supplied to the VA.

3. Items of portable equipment and furnishings located in rooms and spaces in which work is to be done under this contract shall remain the property of the Government. When rooms and spaces are vacated by the Department of Veterans Affairs during the alteration period, such items which are NOT required by drawings and specifications to be either relocated or reused will be removed by the Government in advance of work to avoid interfering with Contractor's operation.

1.8 PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND

IMPROVEMENTS

A. The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and paint the cut with a tree-pruning compound as directed by the Contracting Officer.

B. The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities at or near the work site and on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the

Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

(FAR 52.236-9)

1.9 RESTORATION

A. Remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary to install new work.

Except as otherwise shown or specified, do not cut, alter or remove any structural work, and do not disturb any ducts, plumbing, steam, gas, or electric work without approval of the COR.

Existing work to be altered or extended and that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work, shall conform in type and quality to that of original existing construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

B. Upon completion of contract, deliver work complete and undamaged. Existing work (walls, ceilings, partitions, floors, mechanical and electrical work, lawns, paving, roads, walks, etc.)

disturbed or removed as a result of performing required new work, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced with new work, and refinished and left in as good condition as existed before commencing work.

C. At Contractor's own expense, Contractor shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workmen to existing piping and conduits, wires, cables, etc., of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone) which are indicated on drawings and which are not scheduled for discontinuance or abandonment.

D. Expense of repairs to such utilities and systems not shown on drawings or locations of which are unknown will be covered by adjustment to contract time and price in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES" (FAR 52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88) and "DIFFERING SITE

CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-2) of Section 01001, GENERAL CONDITIONS.

1.10 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

A. The contractor shall maintain two full size sets of as-built drawings, which will be kept current during construction of the project, to include all contract changes, modifications and clarifications.

B. All variations shall be shown in the same general detail as used in the contract drawings. To ensure compliance, as-built drawings shall be made available for the COR's review, as often as requested.

C. Contractor shall deliver two approved completed sets of as-built drawings to the COR 21 days prior to the final inspection by the A/E and the acceptance of the project by the COR.

D. Paragraphs A, B, & C shall also apply to all shop drawings.

1.11 USE OF ROADWAYS

A. For hauling, use only established public roads and roads on Medical Center property and, when authorized by the COR, such temporary roads which are necessary in the performance of contract work. Temporary roads shall be constructed by the Contractor at Contractor's expense.

When necessary to cross curbing, sidewalks, or similar construction, they must be protected by well-constructed bridges.

1.12 TEMPORARY USE OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

A. Use of new installed mechanical and electrical equipment to provide heat, ventilation, plumbing, light and power will be permitted subject to compliance with the following provisions:

1. Permission to use each unit or system must be given by COR. If the equipment is not installed and maintained in accordance with the following provisions, the COR will withdraw permission for use of the equipment.

2. Electrical installations used by the equipment shall be completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications to prevent damage to the equipment and the electrical systems, i.e. transformers, relays, circuit breakers, fuses, conductors, motor controllers and their overload elements shall be properly sized, coordinated and adjusted. Voltage supplied to each item of equipment shall be verified to be correct and it shall be determined that motors are not overloaded. The electrical equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned before using it and again immediately before final inspection including vacuum cleaning and wiping clean interior and exterior surfaces.

3. Units shall be properly lubricated, balanced, and aligned. Vibrations must be eliminated.

4. Automatic temperature control systems for preheat coils shall function properly and all safety controls shall function to prevent coil freeze-up damage.

5. The air filtering system utilized shall be that which is designed for the system when complete, and all filter elements shall be replaced at completion of construction and prior to testing and balancing of system.

6. All components of heat production and distribution system, metering equipment, condensate returns, and other auxiliary facilities used in temporary service shall be cleaned prior to use;

maintained to prevent corrosion internally and externally during use; and cleaned, maintained and inspected prior to acceptance by the Government.

B. Prior to final inspection, the equipment or parts used which show wear and tear beyond normal, shall be replaced with identical replacements, at no additional cost to the Government.

C. This paragraph shall not reduce the requirements of the mechanical and electrical specifications sections.

1.13 TEMPORARY USE OF EXISTING ELEVATORS

A. Use of existing freight elevator for handling building materials and Contractor's personnel will be permitted subject to following provisions:

1. Contractor makes all arrangements with the COR for use of elevators. The COR will ascertain that elevators are in proper condition. Contractor may use freight elevator for daily use between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm and for special nonrecurring time intervals when permission is personnel for operating elevators will not be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. Contractor covers and provides maximum protection of following elevator components:

a. Entrance jambs, heads soffits and threshold plates.

b. Entrance columns, canopy, return panels and inside surfaces of car enclosure walls.

c. Finish flooring.

3. Government will accept hoisting ropes of elevator and rope of each speed governor if they are worn under normal operation. However, if these ropes are damaged by action of foreign matter such as sand, lime, grit, stones, etc., during temporary use, they shall be removed and replaced by new hoisting ropes.

4. If brake lining of elevators are excessively worn or damaged during temporary use, they shall be removed and replaced by new brake lining.

5. All parts of main controller, starter, relay panel, selector, etc., worn or damaged during temporary use shall be removed and replaced with new parts, if recommended by elevator inspector after elevator is released by Contractor.

6. Place elevator in condition equal, less normal wear, to that existing at time it was placed in service of Contractor as approved by Contracting Officer.

1.14 TEMPORARY TOILETS

A. Contractor may have for use of Contractor's workmen, such toilet accommodations as may be assigned to Contractor by Medical Center. Contractor shall keep such places clean and be responsible for any damage done thereto by Contractor's workmen. Failure to maintain satisfactory condition in toilets will deprive Contractor of the privilege to use such toilets.

1.15 AVAILABILITY AND USE OF UTILITY SERVICES

A. The Government shall make all reasonably required amounts of utilities available to the

Contractor from existing outlets and supplies, as specified in the contract. The amount to be paid by the Contractor for chargeable electrical services shall be the prevailing rates charged to the

Government. The Contractor shall carefully conserve any utilities furnished without charge.

B. The Contractor, at Contractor's expense and in a workmanlike manner satisfactory to the

Contracting Officer, shall install and maintain all necessary temporary connections and distribution lines, and all meters required to measure the amount of electricity used for the purpose of determining charges. Before final acceptance of the work by the Government, the

Contractor shall remove all the temporary connections, distribution lines, meters, and associated paraphernalia.

C. Heat: Furnish temporary heat necessary to prevent injury to work and materials through dampness and cold. Use of open salamanders or any temporary heating devices which may be fire hazards or may smoke and damage finished work, will not be permitted. Maintain minimum temperatures as specified for various materials.

1. Obtain heat by connecting to Medical Center heating distribution system.

a. Steam is available at no cost to Contractor.

D. Electricity (for Construction and Testing): Furnish all temporary electric services.

1. Obtain electricity by connecting to the Medical Center electrical distribution system. The

Contractor shall meter and pay for electricity required for electric cranes and hoisting devices, electrical welding devices and any electrical heating devices providing temporary heat.

Electricity for all other uses is available at no cost to the Contractor.

E. Water (for Construction and Testing): Furnish temporary water service.

1. Obtain water by connecting to the Medical Center water distribution system. Provide reduced pressure backflow preventer at each connection. Water is available at no cost to the

Contractor.

2. Maintain connections, pipe, fittings and fixtures and conserve water-use so none is wasted.

Failure to stop leakage or other wastes will be cause for revocation (at COR's discretion) of use of water from Medical Center's system.

F. Steam: Furnish steam system for testing required in various sections of specifications.

1. Obtain steam for testing by connecting to the Medical Center steam distribution system.

Steam is available at no cost to the Contractor.

2. Maintain connections, pipe,…