36C24219Q0200-001.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK: Asbestos/Lead/Mold Abatement On-Call IDIQ

Scope of Work: Contractor shall provide routine and emergency response services, inclusive of all labor, equipment, supplies, transportation and incidentals necessary to complete hazardous materials abatement actives (asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint and/or mold-contaminated materials) at VA New Jersey & New York Harbor Healthcare System. Projects may be assigned at:

· James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 W. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468

· VA New Jersey Healthcare System East Orange Campus, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018

· VA New Jersey Healthcare System Lyons Campus, 151 Knollcroft Rd, Lyons, NJ 07939

· VA New York Healthcare System Brooklyn Campus, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209

· VA New York Healthcare System Manhattan Campus, 423 E. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

· VA New York Healthcare System St. Albans Community Living Center, 179-00 Linden Boulevard, Jamaica (Queens), NY 11425

Services shall include, but not be limited to, performing abatement of asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint and/or mold-contaminated materials and transporting all waste generated by the abatement to a suitable disposal facility. Contractor shall ensure that all applicable Local, State and Federal laws and codes for abatement activities are met or exceeded.

SUMMARY OF WORK

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 WORK COVERED BY CONTRACT DOCUMENTS:

A. Project Description: The work to be performed under this Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract and in accordance with these contract documents includes furnishing all necessary labor, materials, and incidental related work; and constructing, installing, and performing all work shown and described in individual Task Orders issued under this contract. Work under each task order will be comprised of any combination of the Unit Priced Bid Items contained herein.

B. Location: The work shall be located at one or more of the following hospital facilities:

· James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 W. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468

· VA New Jersey Healthcare System East Orange Campus, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018

· VA New Jersey Healthcare System Lyons Campus, 151 Knollcroft Rd, Lyons, NJ 07939

· VA New York Healthcare System Brooklyn Campus, 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209

· VA New York Healthcare System Manhattan Campus, 423 E. 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

· VA New York Healthcare System St. Albans Community Living Center, 179-00 Linden Boulevard, Jamaica (Queens), NY 11425

The exact location of each task order will be shown to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), via an on-site walkthrough, so that the Contractor may measure the work and prepare a quotation for the work prior to the issuance of the task order, in accordance with the unit price schedule.

C. Contract Value: The minimum contract value for the life of the contract is $2,500.00. The maximum contract value for the life of each contract is $400,000.00. The Government is neither obligated to purchase services nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish services under the minimum contract value of $2,500.00 or over the maximum contract value of $400,000.00 for the life of the contract.

D. Minimum Task Order: The minimum task order amount for each 12-month period shall be $2,500.00. The guaranteed minimum for the option periods is only applicable if the option is exercised. Any task orders, in addition to the minimum guarantee task order, will be funded on an individual basis. Once subsequent task orders are issued following the initial minimum task order, the $2,500 value will be discounted from the subsequent task order total. The Contractor shall not be obligated to perform any task order for less than that amount. The Government reserves the right to not place an order for more than the minimum guarantee. In the event the Government solicits proposals in anticipation of issuing a task order but then does not issue the task order, the Government is not liable for costs incurred by the contractor for proposal preparation costs in those situations. Similarly, the Government is not liable for costs incurred by the contractor for proposal preparation costs in situations that lead to the issuance of task orders or modifications thereto.

E. Separate Contracts: The Government reserves the right to award separate contracts for work identical to work covered by this contract or to perform such work using in-house forces. Such work will proceed in such a manner and sequence that work under this contract can proceed with a minimum of interference and inconvenience to the Government and the Contractor. However, the Contractor will be required to provide the maximum degree of cooperation with other Contractors engaged in other Government contracts or in-house forces at no additional cost to the Government.

F. Task Orders: Performance of services shall be accomplished by the Contractor by Task Orders issued by the Contracting Officer against the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. Once projects have been identified, they shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer (CO) for issuance of a Request for Task Order Proposal (RTOP). A task order will be issued to the lowest priced technically acceptable quote received in response to the RTOP. Prior to the beginning of specified performance periods during the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall not proceed with any work, during any time, which would cause the amount stated in any Task Order to be exceeded, without prior approval of the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall be required to perform the services as specified herein.

G. Allotted Performance Time: When a Task Order is issued, it will specify a required start date and a required completion date. The performance times include the entire amount of time necessary to complete the work from notice to proceed through Government acceptance of the completed work. This includes the submittal process, state notifications, performance of the work, final air clearance and Government inspection. The Contracting Officer may, at his discretion, permit additional performance time for circumstances beyond the control of the Contractor or for delays caused by Government scheduling of the work. Contractor shall contact and coordinate with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to and upon completion of work.

H. Performance:

Contractor shall be responsible for the following general requirements:

· Furnishing all labor, supervision, materials, equipment, supplies, and transportation for the removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos, lead-based paint and/or mold contaminated building materials from the VA NYHHCS, NJHCS, & JJP VAMC. The Contractor, when required by the Task Order, shall move and return to the original position following asbestos abatement, furniture, furnishings, storage racks, file cabinets, desks, chairs, wall decor, and other applicable items as identified at the discretion of the COR.

· Meeting or exceeding all State, Federal, OSHA and EPA standards in abating and disposing of asbestos, lead-based paint and/or mold contaminated building material as well as the training of personnel in the handling and disposing of the waste.

· Ensuring that all personnel meet or exceed all training and professional licensing requirements for removing, handling and disposing of asbestos, lead and mold-contaminated waste.

· Providing copies of waste manifests documenting proper disposal in accordance with all applicable regulations to the COR in a timely manner.

· Ensuring that the required services are conducted in a manner that protects human health, the environment and VA facilities and structures.

· Close-out documentation of all abatement activities.

Asbestos Abatement Work:

All asbestos abatement work shall be performed in full compliance with all applicable regulations and codes. A detailed specification of typical abatement tasks is attached to the contract documents. The requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The contractor shall be a New York State Department of Labor or a New Jersey Commissioner of Labor licensed asbestos abatement contractor with documented capability to successfully and safely perform asbestos abatement work qualified Competent Person(s) as defined by OSHA in the Construction Standards and the Asbestos Construction Standard 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2). Or

1. The Contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for compliance with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations related to any and all aspects of the asbestos abatement project. The Contractor is responsible for the safety of their employees including providing and maintaining training, accreditations, medical exams, medical records, personal protective equipment (PPE) and respirator fit testing, as required by applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

1. Complete pre-abatement activities including pre-abatement meeting, regulatory notifications (if applicable), submittals of worker training/licensing and submittals of other items as required such as an abatement work plan, project schedule and sketch of decontamination enclosures.

1. Provide the following general services: setup HEPA-filtered negative pressure containment and decontamination enclosures; remove asbestos-containing materials designated in accordance with New York State Department of Labor Industrial Code Rule 56, N.J.S.A. 34:5A-32 et seq. Asbestos Services, VA Office of Facilities and VA Specifications (attached), and other applicable State and Federal regulations; perform final cleaning; break down and remove containment after the work area is rendered suitable for reoccupancy, as determined via sampling by the Professional Industrial Hygienist (PIH) to be hired by VA.

1. The Contractor is responsible for installation and connection of all temporary utilities required to complete the abatement. VA personnel will show the contractor where to connect to water and power. Contractor shall provide and install temporary GFCI panels for electrical service.

1. Where applicable, remove asbestos-containing tile mastic to the extent feasible using hand scraping methods. Do not use solvents.

1. The Contractor will be given an opportunity to view and inspect the work area prior to the issuance of each task order. The Contractor is responsible for measuring the work to their satisfaction prior to submitting a cost proposal for the task. The Contractor shall have no claim of additional monetary compensation arising from their failure to thoroughly examine the work area prior to submitting a proposal.

1. In some instances, the Contractor may be responsible for salvaging items from the work area (i.e. a non-asbestos suspended acoustical tile ceiling which requires removal to access asbestos for abatement). Specialized tasks such as these will be stipulated in each task order.

1. Contractor shall follow all direction of the VA and the VA’s Professional Industrial Hygienist (PIH) and shall clean and reclean work areas as required to meet state and federal air clearance requirements. Additional cleanings which may be required to meet the clearance standard are the responsibility of the contractor and shall be performed at no additional cost to the VA.

Lead-Based Paint Abatement Work:

1. The contractor shall be certified under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Paint Law (RRP) with documented capability to successfully and safely perform lead abatement work. Abatement must be supervised by a Competent Person(s) as defined by OSHA in the Construction Standard for lead (29 CFR 1926.62).

1. The Contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for compliance with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations related to any and all aspects of the lead abatement project. The Contractor is responsible for the safety of their employees including providing and maintaining training, accreditations, medical exams, medical records, personal protective equipment (PPE) and respirator fit testing, as required by applicable Federal, State and Local regulations.

1. Complete pre-abatement activities including pre-abatement meeting, regulatory notifications (if applicable), submittals of worker training/licensing and submittals of other items as required such as an abatement work plan, project schedule and sketch of decontamination enclosures.

1. Provide the following general services: setup HEPA-filtered negative pressure containment and decontamination enclosures; remove/encapsulate lead-containing materials designated in accordance with VA Specifications (attached) and other applicable State and Federal regulations; perform final cleaning; break down and remove containment after the work area is rendered suitable for reoccupancy, as determined via sampling by the Professional Industrial Hygienist (PIH) to be hired by VA.

1. The Contractor is responsible for installation and connection of all temporary utilities required to complete the abatement. VA personnel will show the contractor where to connect to water and power. Contractor shall provide and install temporary GFCI panels for electrical service.

1. The Contractor will be given an opportunity to view and inspect the work area prior to the issuance of each task order. The Contractor is responsible for measuring the work to their satisfaction prior to submitting a cost proposal for the task. The Contractor shall have no claim of additional monetary compensation arising from their failure to thoroughly examine the work area prior to submitting a proposal.

Mold Abatement Work:

1. The contractor shall submit evidence that assigned personnel have documented capability to successfully and safely perform mold abatement work.

1. The Contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for compliance with all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations related to any and all aspects of the mold abatement project.

1. Complete pre-abatement activities including pre-abatement meeting, submittals of worker training and submittals of other items as required such as an abatement work plan, project schedule and sketch of decontamination enclosures.

1. Provide the following general services: setup HEPA-filtered negative pressure containment and decontamination enclosures; remove mold-impacted materials designated in accordance with VA Specifications (attached); perform final cleaning; break down and remove containment after the work area is rendered suitable for reoccupancy, as determined via visual inspection by the VA COR and/or a Professional Industrial Hygienist (PIH) to be hired by VA.

1. The Contractor is responsible for installation and connection of all temporary utilities required to complete the abatement. VA personnel will show the contractor where to connect to water and power. Contractor shall provide and install temporary GFCI panels for electrical service.

1. The Contractor will be given an opportunity to view and inspect the work area prior to the issuance of each task order. The Contractor is responsible for measuring the work to their satisfaction prior to submitting a cost proposal for the task. The Contractor shall have no claim of additional monetary compensation arising from their failure to thoroughly examine the work area prior to submitting a proposal.

Infection Prevention Measures:

1. 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.

1. Establish and maintain a dust control program as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the guidelines provided by ICRA. 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.

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

1. The COR and VAMC Infection Control personnel shall review pressure differential monitoring documentation to verify that pressure differentials in the construction zone 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.

1. If not already performed under the designated abatement scope, the following preventive measures (at a minimum) shall be adopted during construction to keep down dust.

· 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.

· 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.

· Adhesive Walk-off/Carpet Walk-off Mats, minimum 600mm x 900mm (24” x 36”), shall be used at all interior transitions from the construction area to be 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.

· 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.

· The contractor shall not haul debris through patient-care areas without prior approval of the COR. When, approved, debris shall be hauled in enclosed dust proof containers or wrapped in plastic and sealed with duct tape. 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.

· There shall be no standing water in the work areas during construction. All accidental spills must be cleaned up and dried within 1 hour. Remove and dispose of any porous materials that remain damp for more than 72 hours.

· 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.

Measurement and Payment:

UNIT PRICE PAYMENT ITEMS:

1. Quantities: The Statement of Work (SOW) provided for each Task Order may include the approximate Square Footage and/or Linear Footage of ACM to be abated when determination can be made with necessary specifications for each requirement. In situations where the quantities are not determined by the VA, the Contractor shall be responsible for measuring the required abatement quantities based on the SOW and an on-site walkthrough “pre-bid” inspection.

1. Price Quote: The Contractor shall submit a price quote to the Contracting Officer broken down with approval and concurrence to include the following items (reference attached pricing spreadsheet):

0. Unit Price per Square Footage for Various Materials

0. Unit Price per Linear Footage for Various Materials

0. Price for specified activities in the spreadsheet (e.g., mobilization, waste disposal, salvage, etc.)

0. Following the pre-bid walkthrough and review of the SOW, the Contractor shall promptly apprise the COR of any special circumstances (i.e. specialized equipment that are deemed to be needed to complete the work) that necessitate additional costs beyond the line items listed in the pricing spreadsheet. Before accepting a Task Order, the Contractor is responsible for providing a price quote which is inclusive of all work that they deem necessary to properly complete abatement, based on their good faith examination of the SOW and work location during the on-site walkthrough. The Contractor shall promptly advise VA of any site conditions which they believe would make the abatement of a particular area unsafe or not feasible. Proposed pricing for each task order shall not exceed pricing set forth in the base contract price schedule.

0. For emergency requirements, the Contractor shall submit quote to CO within one (1) business day.

0. The VA reserves the right to obtain asbestos abatement services from other qualified vendors in situations where a vendor’s pricing for a particular project is not reasonable as determined by the Contracting Officer/COR.

Service Contract Act Wage Determination:

Individual task orders will be subject to one or more of the applicable Wage Determinations as the work dictates at the time of contract award. Upon exercise of an option period, new wage determinations will be incorporated, and contractors will be required to comply with the revised wage rates on future task orders.

PRIVACY TRAINING

1. All contractor employees and subcontractor employees requiring access to VA information and VA information systems shall complete the following before being granted access to VA information and its systems:

1. Sign and acknowledge (either manually or electronically) understanding of and responsibilities for compliance with the Contractor Rules of Behavior, Appendix E relating to access to VA information and information systems;

1. Successfully complete the VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of Behavior training and annually complete required security training;

1. Successfully complete the appropriate VA privacy training and annually complete required privacy training; and

1. Successfully complete any additional cyber security or privacy training, as required for VA personnel with equivalent information system access [to be defined by the VA program official and provided to the contracting officer for inclusion in the solicitation document – e.g., any role-based information security training required in accordance with NIST Special Publication 800-16, Information Technology Security Training Requirements.]

The contractor shall provide to the contracting officer and/or the COTR a copy of the training certificates and certification of signing the Contractor Rules of Behavior for each applicable employee within 1 week of the initiation of the contract and annually thereafter, as required.

Failure to complete the mandatory annual training and sign the Rules of Behavior annually, within the timeframe required, is grounds for suspension or termination of all physical or electronic access privileges and removal from work on the contract until such time as the training and documents are complete.

TRADITIONAL ASBESTOS ABATEMENT

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY OF THE WORK

1.1.1 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Drawings, general provisions of the contract, including general and supplementary conditions and other Division 01 specifications, shall apply to the work of this section. The contract documents show the work to be done under the contract and related requirements and conditions impacting the project. Related requirements and conditions include applicable codes and regulations, notices and permits, existing site conditions and restrictions on use of the site, requirements for partial owner occupancy during the work, coordination with other work and the phasing of the work. In the event the Asbestos Abatement Contractor discovers a conflict in the contract documents and/or requirements or codes, the conflict must be brought to the immediate attention of the Contracting Officer for resolution. Whenever there is a conflict or overlap in the requirements, the most stringent shall apply. Any actions taken by the Contractor without obtaining guidance from the Contracting Officer shall become the sole risk and responsibility of the Asbestos Abatement Contractor. All costs incurred due to such action are also the responsibility of the Asbestos Abatement Contractor.

1.1.2 EXTENT OF WORK

A. Below is a brief description of the estimated quantities of asbestos containing materials to be abated. These quantities are for informational purposes only and are based on the best information available at the time of the specification preparation. The Contractor shall satisfy himself as the actual quantities to be abated. Nothing in this section may be interpreted as limiting the extent of work otherwise required by this contract and related documents.

1.1.4 TASKS

The work tasks are summarized briefly as follows:

A. Pre-abatement activities including pre-abatement meeting(s), inspection(s), notifications, permits, submittal approvals, regulated area preparations, emergency procedures arrangements, and standard operating procedures for asbestos abatement work.

B. Abatement activities including removal, clean-up and disposal of ACM waste, recordkeeping, security, monitoring, and inspections.

C. Cleaning and decontamination activities including final visual inspection, air monitoring and certification of decontamination.

1.1.5 CONTRACTORS USE OF PREMISES

A. The Contractor and Contractor's personnel shall cooperate fully with the VA representative/consultant to facilitate efficient use of buildings and areas within buildings. The Contractor shall perform the work in accordance with the VA specifications, drawings, phasing plan and in compliance with any/all applicable Federal, State and Local regulations and requirements.

B. The Contractor shall use the existing facilities in the building strictly within the limits indicated in contract documents as well as the approved VA Design and Construction Procedures. VA Design and Construction Procedures drawings of partially occupied buildings will show the limits of regulated areas; the placement of decontamination facilities; the temporary location of bagged waste ACM; the path of transport to outside the building; and the temporary waste storage area for each building/regulated area. Any variation from the arrangements shown on drawings shall be secured in writing from the VA representative through the pre-abatement plan of action.

1.2 STOP ASBESTOS REMOVAL

If the Contracting Officer; their field representative; (the facility Safety Officer or their designee, or the VA Professional Industrial Hygienist/Certified Industrial Hygienist (VPIH/CIH) presents a verbal Stop Asbestos Removal Order, the Contractor/Personnel shall immediately stop all asbestos removal and maintain HEPA filtered negative pressure air flow in the containment and adequately wet any exposed ACM. If a verbal Stop Asbestos Removal Order is issued, the VA shall follow-up with a written order to the Contractor as soon as it is practicable. The Contractor shall not resume any asbestos removal activity until authorized to do so in writing by the VA Contracting Officer. A stop asbestos removal order may be issued at any time the VA Contracting Officer determines abatement conditions/activities are not within VA specification, regulatory requirements or that an imminent hazard exists to human health or the environment. Work stoppage will continue until conditions have been corrected to the satisfaction of the VA. Standby time and costs for corrective actions will be borne by the Contractor, including the VPIH/CIH time. The occurrence of any of the following events shall be reported immediately by the Contractor’s competent person to the VA Contracting Office or field representative using the most expeditious means (e.g., verbal or telephonic), followed up with written notification to the Contracting Officer as soon as practical. The Contractor shall immediately stop asbestos removal/disturbance activities and initiate fiber reduction activities:

1.3 DEFINITIONS

1.3.1 GENERAL

Definitions and explanations here are neither complete nor exclusive of all terms used in the contract documents, but are general for the work to the extent they are not stated more explicitly in another element of the contract documents. Drawings must be recognized as diagrammatic in nature and not completely descriptive of the requirements indicated therein.

1.3.2 GLOSSARY

Abatement - Procedures to control fiber release from asbestos-containing materials. Includes removal, encapsulation, enclosure, demolition, and renovation activities related to asbestos containing materials (ACM).

Aerosol - Solid or liquid particulate suspended in air.

Adequately wet - Sufficiently mixed or penetrated with liquid to prevent the release of particulates. If visible emissions are observed coming from the ACM, then that material has not been adequately wetted.

Aggressive method - Removal or disturbance of building material by sanding, abrading, grinding, or other method that breaks, crumbles, or disintegrates intact ACM.

Aggressive sampling - EPA AHERA defined clearance sampling method using air moving equipment such as fans and leaf blowers to aggressively disturb and maintain in the air residual fibers after abatement.

AHERA - Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. Asbestos regulations for schools issued in 1987.

Aircell - Pipe or duct insulation made of corrugated cardboard which contains asbestos.

Air monitoring - The process of measuring the fiber content of a known volume of air collected over a specified period of time. The NIOSH 7400 Method, Issue 2 is used to determine the fiber levels in air. For personal samples and clearance air testing using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) analysis. NIOSH Method 7402 can be used when it is necessary to confirm fibers counted by PCM as being asbestos. The AHERA TEM analysis may be used for background, area samples and clearance samples when required by this specification, or at the discretion of the VPIH/CIH as appropriate.

Air sample filter - The filter used to collect fibers which are then counted. The filter is made of mixed cellulose ester membrane for PCM (Phase Contrast Microscopy) and polycarbonate for TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)

Amended water - Water to which a surfactant (wetting agent) has been added to increase the penetrating ability of the liquid.

Asbestos - Includes chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, and any of these minerals that have been chemically treated or altered. Asbestos also includes PACM, as defined below.

Asbestos Hazard Abatement Plan (AHAP) - Asbestos work procedures required to be submitted by the contractor before work begins.

Asbestos-containing material (ACM) - Any material containing more than one percent of asbestos.

Asbestos contaminated elements (ACE) - Building elements such as ceilings, walls, lights, or ductwork that are contaminated with asbestos.

Asbestos-contaminated soil (ACS) – Soil found in the work area or in adjacent areas such as crawlspaces or pipe tunnels which is contaminated with asbestos-containing material debris and cannot be easily separated from the material.

Asbestos-containing waste (ACW) material - Asbestos-containing material or asbestos contaminated objects requiring disposal.

Asbestos Project Monitor – Some sates require that any person conducting asbestos abatement clearance inspections and clearance air sampling be licensed as an asbestos project monitor.

Asbestos waste decontamination facility - A system consisting of drum/bag washing facilities and a temporary storage area for cleaned containers of asbestos waste. Used as the exit for waste and equipment leaving the regulated area. In an emergency, it may be used to evacuate personnel.

Authorized person - Any person authorized by the VA, the Contractor, or government agency and required by work duties to be present in regulated areas.

Authorized visitor - Any person approved by the VA; the contractor; or any government agency representative having jurisdiction over the regulated area (e.g., OSHA, Federal and State EPA.

Barrier - Any surface the isolates the regulated area and inhibits fiber migration from the regulated area.

Containment Barrier - An airtight barrier consisting of walls, floors, and/or ceilings of sealed plastic sheeting which surrounds and seals the outer perimeter of the regulated area.

Critical Barrier - The barrier responsible for isolating the regulated area from adjacent spaces, typically constructed of plastic sheeting secured in place at openings such as doors, windows, or any other opening into the regulated area.

Primary Barrier – Plastic barriers placed over critical barriers and exposed directly to abatement work.

Secondary Barrier - Any additional plastic barriers used to isolate and provide protection from debris during abatement work.

Breathing zone - The hemisphere forward of the shoulders with a radius of about 150 - 225 mm (6 - 9 inches) from the worker's nose.

Bridging encapsulant - An encapsulant that forms a layer on the surface of the ACM.

Building/facility owner - The legal entity, including a lessee, which exercises control over management and recordkeeping functions relating to a building and/or facility in which asbestos activities take place.

Bulk testing - The collection and analysis of suspect asbestos containing materials.

Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) - A person certified in the comprehensive practice of industrial hygiene by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.

Class I asbestos work - Activities involving the removal of Thermal System Insulation (TSI) and surfacing ACM and Presumed Asbestos Containing Material (PACM).

Class II asbestos work - Activities involving the removal of ACM which is not thermal system insulation or surfacing material. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of asbestos-containing wallboard, floor tile and sheeting, roofing and siding shingles, and construction mastic.

Clean room/Changing room - An uncontaminated room having facilities for the storage of employee's street clothing and uncontaminated materials and equipment.

Clearance sample - The final air sample taken after all asbestos work has been done and visually inspected. Performed by the VA's professional industrial hygiene consultant/Certified Industrial Hygienist (VPIH/CIH).

Closely resemble - The major workplace conditions which have contributed to the levels of historic asbestos exposure, are no more protective than conditions of the current workplace.

Competent person - In addition to the definition in 29 CFR 1926.32(f), one who is capable of identifying existing asbestos hazards in the workplace and selecting the appropriate control strategy for asbestos exposure, who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.32(f); in addition, for Class I and II work who is specially trained in a training course which meets the criteria of EPA's Model Accreditation Plan (40 CFR 763) for supervisor.

Contractor's Professional Industrial Hygienist (CPIH/CIH) - The asbestos abatement contractor's industrial hygienist. The industrial hygienist must meet the qualification requirements of a PIH and may be a certified industrial hygienist (CIH).

Count - Refers to the fiber count or the average number of fibers greater than five microns in length with a length-to-width (aspect) ratio of at least 3 to 1, per cubic centimeter of air.

Crawlspace – An area which can be found either in or adjacent to the work area. This area has limited access and egress and may contain asbestos materials and/or asbestos contaminated soil.

Decontamination area/unit - An enclosed area adjacent to and connected to the regulated area and consisting of an equipment room, shower room, and clean room, which is used for the decontamination of workers, materials, and equipment that are contaminated with asbestos.

Demolition - The wrecking or taking out of any load-supporting structural member and any related razing, removing, or stripping of asbestos products.

VA Total – means a building or substantial part of the building is completely removed, torn or knocked down, bulldozed, flattened, or razed, including removal of building debris.

Disposal bag - Typically 6 mil thick sift-proof, dustproof, leak-tight container used to package and transport asbestos waste from regulated areas to the approved landfill. Each bag/container must be labeled/marked in accordance with EPA, OSHA and DOT requirements.

Disturbance - Activities that disrupt the matrix of ACM or PACM, crumble or pulverize ACM or PACM, or generate visible debris from ACM or PACM. Disturbance includes cutting away small amounts of ACM or PACM, no greater than the amount that can be contained in one standard sized glove bag or waste bag in order to access a building component. In no event shall the amount of ACM or PACM so disturbed exceed that which can be contained in one glove bag or disposal bag which shall not exceed 60 inches in length or width.

Drum - A rigid, impermeable container made of cardboard fiber, plastic, or metal which can be sealed in order to be sift-proof, dustproof, and leak-tight.

Employee exposure - The exposure to airborne asbestos that would occur if the employee were not wearing respiratory protection equipment.

Encapsulant - A material that surrounds or embeds asbestos fibers in an adhesive matrix and prevents the release of fibers.

Encapsulation - Treating ACM with an encapsulant.

Enclosure - The construction of an air tight, impermeable, permanent barrier around ACM to control the release of asbestos fibers from the material and also eliminate access to the material.

Equipment room - A contaminated room located within the decontamination area that is supplied with impermeable bags or containers for the disposal of contaminated protective clothing and equipment.

Fiber - A particulate form of asbestos, 5 microns or longer, with a length to width (aspect) ratio of at least 3 to 1.

Fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) - Abbreviation for fibers per cubic centimeter, used to describe the level of asbestos fibers in air.

Filter - Media used in respirators, vacuums, or other machines to remove particulate from air.

Firestopping - Material used to close the open parts of a structure in order to prevent a fire from spreading.

Friable asbestos containing material - Any material containing more than one (1) percent or asbestos as determined using the method specified in appendix A, Subpart F, 40 CFR 763, section 1, Polarized Light Microscopy, that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.

Glovebag - Not more than a 60 x 60 inch impervious plastic bag-like enclosure affixed around an asbestos-containing material, with glove-like appendages through which materials and tools may be handled.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter – An ASHRAE MERV 17 filter capable of trapping and retaining at least 99.97 percent of all mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.

HEPA vacuum - Vacuum collection equipment equipped with a HEPA filter system capable of collecting and retaining asbestos fibers.

Homogeneous area - An area of surfacing, thermal system insulation or miscellaneous ACM that is uniform in color, texture and date of application.

HVAC - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Industrial hygienist (IH) - A professional qualified by education, training, and experience to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and develop controls for occupational health hazards. Meets definition requirements of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

Industrial hygienist technician (IH Technician) - A person working under the direction of an IH or CIH who has special training, experience, certifications and licenses required for the industrial hygiene work assigned. Some states require that an industrial hygienist technician conducting asbestos abatement clearance inspection and clearance air sampling be licensed as an asbestos project monitor.

Intact - The ACM has not crumbled, been pulverized, or otherwise deteriorated so that the asbestos is no longer likely to be bound with its matrix.

Lockdown - Applying encapsulant, after a final visual inspection, on all abated surfaces at the conclusion of ACM removal prior to removal of critical barriers.

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) - EPA's rule to control emissions of asbestos to the environment (40 CFR part 61, Subpart M).

Negative initial exposure assessment - A demonstration by the employer which complies with the criteria in 29 CFR 1926.1101 (f)(2)(iii), that employee exposure during an operation is expected to be consistently below the PEL.

Negative pressure - Air pressure which is lower than the surrounding area, created by exhausting air from a sealed regulated area through HEPA equipped filtration units. OSHA requires maintaining -0.02" water column gauge inside the negative pressure enclosure.

Negative pressure respirator - A respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation relative to the air pressure outside the respirator facepiece.

Non-friable ACM - Material that contains more than 1 percent asbestos but cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.

Owner/operator - Any person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises the facility being demolished or renovated or any person who owns, leases, operates, controls, or supervises the demolition or renovation operation, or both.

Penetrating encapsulant - Encapsulant that is absorbed into the ACM matrix without leaving a surface layer.

Personal sampling/monitoring - Representative air samples obtained in the breathing zone for one or workers within the regulated area using a filter cassette and a calibrated air sampling pump to determine asbestos exposure.

Permissible exposure limit (PEL) - The level of exposure OSHA allows for an 8 hour time weighted average. For asbestos fibers, the eight (8) hour time weighted average PEL is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (0.1 f/cc) of air and the 30-minute Excursion Limit is 1.0 fibers per cubic centimeter (1 f/cc).

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – equipment designed to protect user from injury and/or specific job hazard. Such equipment may include protective clothing, hard hats, safety glasses, and respirators.

Pipe tunnel – An area, typically located adjacent to mechanical spaces or boiler rooms in which the pipes servicing the heating system in the building are routed to allow the pipes to access heating elements. These areas may contain asbestos pipe insulation, asbestos fittings, or asbestos-contaminated soil.

Polarized light microscopy (PLM) - Light microscopy using dispersion staining techniques and refractive indices to identify and quantify the type(s) of asbestos present in a bulk sample.

Polyethylene sheeting - Strong plastic barrier material 4 to 6 mils thick, semi-transparent, flame retardant per NFPA 241.

Positive/negative fit check - A method of verifying the seal of a facepiece respirator by temporarily occluding the filters and breathing in (inhaling) and then temporarily occluding the exhalation valve and breathing out (exhaling) while checking for inward or outward leakage of the respirator respectively.

Presumed ACM (PACM) - Thermal system insulation, surfacing, and flooring material installed in buildings prior to 1981. If the building owner has actual knowledge, or should have known through the exercise of due diligence that other materials are ACM, they too must be treated as PACM. The designation of PACM may be rebutted pursuant to 29 CFR 1926.1101 (b).

Professional IH - An IH who meets the definition requirements of AIHA; meets the definition requirements of OSHA as a "Competent Person" at 29 CFR 1926.1101 (b); has completed two specialized EPA approved courses on management and supervision of asbestos abatement projects; has formal training in respiratory protection and waste disposal; and has a minimum of four projects of similar complexity with this project of which at least three projects serving as the supervisory IH. The PIH may be either the VA’s PIH (VPIH) or Contractor’s PIH (CPIH/CIH).

Project designer - A person who has successfully completed the training requirements for an asbestos abatement project designer as required by 40 CFR 763 Appendix C, Part I; (B)(5).

Assigned protection factor - A value assigned by OSHA/NIOSH to indicate the expected protection provided by each respirator class, when the respirator is properly selected and worn correctly. The number indicates the reduction of exposure level from outside to inside the respirator facepiece.

Qualitative fit test (QLFT) - A fit test using a challenge material that can be sensed by the wearer if leakage in the respirator occurs.

Quantitative fit test (QNFT) - A fit test using a challenge material which is quantified outside and inside the respirator thus allowing the determination of the actual fit factor.

Regulated area - An area established by the employer to demarcate where Class I, II, III asbestos work is conducted, and any adjoining area where debris and waste from such asbestos work may accumulate; and a work area within which airborne concentrations of asbestos exceed, or there is a reasonable possibility they may exceed the PEL.

Regulated ACM (RACM) - Friable ACM; Category I non-friable ACM that has become friable; Category I non-friable ACM that will be or has been subjected to sanding, grinding, cutting, or abrading or; Category II non-friable ACM that has a high probability of becoming or has become crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by the forces expected to act on the material in the course of the demolition or renovation operation.

Removal - All operations where ACM, PACM and/or RACM is taken out or stripped from structures or substrates, including demolition operations.

Renovation - Altering a facility or one or more facility components in any way, including the stripping or removal of asbestos from a facility component which does not involve demolition activity.

Repair - Overhauling, rebuilding, reconstructing, or reconditioning of structures or substrates, including encapsulation or other repair of ACM or PACM attached to structures or substrates.

Shower room - The portion of the PDF where personnel shower before leaving the regulated area.

Supplied air respirator (SAR) - A respiratory protection system that supplies minimum Grade D respirable air per ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989.

Surfacing ACM - A material containing more than 1 percent asbestos that is sprayed, troweled on or otherwise applied to surfaces for acoustical, fireproofing and other purposes.

Surfactant - A chemical added to water to decrease water's surface tension thus making it more penetrating into ACM.

Thermal system ACM - A material containing more than 1 percent asbestos applied to pipes, fittings, boilers, breeching, tanks, ducts, or other structural components to prevent heat loss or gain.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) - A microscopy method that can identify and count asbestos fibers.

VA Professional Industrial Hygienist (VPIH/CIH) – The Department of Veterans Affairs Professional Industrial Hygienist must meet the qualifications of a PIH, and may be a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

VA Representative - The VA official responsible for on-going project work.

Visible emissions - Any emissions, which are visually detectable without the aid of instruments, coming from ACM/PACM/RACM/ACS or ACM waste material.

Waste/Equipment decontamination facility (W/EDF) – The area in which equipment is decontaminated before removal from the regulated area.

Waste generator - Any owner or operator whose act or process produces asbestos-containing waste material.

Waste shipment record - The shipping document, required to be originated and signed by the waste generator, used to track and substantiate the disposition of asbestos-containing waste material.

Wet cleaning - The process of thoroughly eliminating, by wet methods, any asbestos contamination from surfaces or objects.

1.3.3 REFERENCED STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS

The following acronyms or abbreviations as referenced in contract/specification documents are defined to mean the associated names. Names and addresses may be subject to change.

1. VA Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420

1. AIHA American Industrial Hygiene Association 2700 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 250 Fairfax, VA 22031 703-849-8888

1. ANSI American National Standards Institute 1430 Broadway New York, NY 10018 212-354-3300

1. ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 1916 Race St.

Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-299-5400

1. CFR Code of Federal Regulations Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20420

1. CGA Compressed Gas Association 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22202 703-979-0900

1. CS Commercial Standard of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) U. S. Department of Commerce Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20420

1. EPA Environmental Protection Agency 401 M St., SW Washington, DC 20460 202-382-3949

1. MIL-STD Military Standards/Standardization Division Office…