36C25221B0026 0001.docx

IFB 36C25221B0026

Project: 556-20-005 Replace Chiller(s) No. 1 and 4 in Bldg. 188

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 556-21-4-6977-0033 556-20-005 36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago

IL

60064 36C252 Department of Veterans Affairs Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago

IL

60064 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25221B0026 08-08-2021

X X X

556-3610169-6977-754200-3220 23NRNR003

X

PROJECT NO. 556-20-005 (CONST) REPLACE CHILLERS NO. 1 AND 4IN BLDG. NO 188 AT THE CAPTAIN JAMES A. LOVELL FEDERAL

HEALTH CARE CENTER (FHCC) NORTH CHICAGO, IL 60064:

The Purpose of this amendment (P0001) is to publish the following in reference to solicitation 36C25221B0026:

Statement of Work (delete Part 6, Line Item 14 (C) RFIs Received Updated Drawing (dated 25 August) M-701 (page 11 of 18) has been updated.

Site Visit Sign-in-Sheet Kristi Kluck Contracting Officer

RESPONSES TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

1. Could you clarify exactly what the VA wants us to salvage in note 13 on drawing MD101? The note calls for Motors, Starters, Control Panels, Purge, ETC ----------. It’s the ETC that makes it uncertain. Also, when they say motors and starters, I assume they are referring to the chillers only and not the pumps – Am I correct?

I ask this question because it will have an impact on the pricing from the sub-contractor that will be discarding the equipment. The more they are allowed to scrap the lower their price will be.

ANSWER: VA will salvage purge pumps, but that will be done independently before contract starts.

2. Within this SOW, there are 3 sole sources called out:

a. JCI/SIMPLEX

b. Automated Logic

c. eNorman

Of those 3, only 1 of the companies (automated logic) have confirmed there is work for them actually within the documents supplied. Both JCI/Simplex and eNorman confirmed there is nothing for them. Can you please confirm or supply additional information where these companies are needed?

ANSWER: As there will be no fire alarm or card reader work, JCI Simplex and eNorman will not be relevant to this construction project. Automated Logic will be responsible for programming/BAS integration.

3. Our interpretation of this statement below would be that they want the compressor motors from the chillers, but can you clarify?

On sheet MD101 Note 13, it states that the motor, starters, control panels, purge, etc. are to be salvages. Can you be more specific on what exactly they want. This will increase the cost of demolition to dismantle these items on site.

ANSWER: VA will salvage purge pumps, but that will be done independently before contract starts.

4. Can you clarify which Parts specifically you want to be salvage. Note 13 states to salvage the motors, starters, control panels, purges, etc.

Can you specify which items exactly you want to salvage?

Which motors and what is etc.?

Be aware that if you want the motor to the chiller to be salvage, it is going to add a lot of time and cost.

ANSWER: VA will salvage purge pumps, but that will be done independently before contract starts.

5. Is this a tax-exempt project?

ANSWER: Yes

6. If tax-exempt, will the government be providing a tax-exempt certificate to the Prime Contractor for use by subcontractors and vendors?

ANSWER: See answer to question 5.

7. Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects or should they be dedicated full-time to this project and this project only?

ANSWER: See answer to question 9.

8. Please confirm the Superintendent can fulfill the QC role.

ANSWER: Refer to the contract documents.

9. Please confirm two (2) separate bodies are required to fulfill the SSHO and Super/QC roles.

ANSWER: 01 35 26, 1.7 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH OFFICER” (SSHO) and “COMPETENT PERSON” (CP) The italicized text specifically informs the bidding and awarded GC that superintendent as SSHO/CP may be allowed by the COR, and subject to revocation. It also says that the SSHO must be on site any time work is being performed by the GC or its subs, so sharing a super/SSHO across projects is never allowed. That’s FAR-based, not a local “ism”.

10. Please confirm each person shall be on site the ensure duration of the project and shall be on site any time subcontractors are working no matter if its rigging or painting concrete pads.

ANSWER: If referring to Superintendent and SSHO, see question 9.

11. Will the VA provide a spot for the Prime Contractor employee(s) to set up an office or should contractors include monies for a temp office, utilities, etc.? We ask this because we know the VA has very little spare real estate.

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents. An early submittal required of every contract is a mobilization and site logistics plan. Question answers itself with regard to space limitations.

12. Does the VA anticipate this project will require off hours work?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

13. If so, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off hours work?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

14. Please advise where the dumpster and office trailer can be located regarding the worksite.

ANSWER: See answer to question 11.

15. Since the VA purchased the VFD, but we are to install, does the VA acknowledge we cannot provide a warranty and/or service for the VFD’s after installation and commissioning?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

16. Will the VA accept an or equal to the York BOD or is this a sole source chiller procurement?

ANSWER: Bid the documents. Submit what is specified, along with proposed alternative equivalents (or better), along with a clear narrative of the objective performance benefits and attributes – well in advance of need. “Almost as good” is not equivalent. Submitting products in conflict with the documents, whether reviewed, approved, or not, never relieve the GC of responsivity for compliance with the Contract.

Specification 01 33 23, Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples, 1.1 Description, refers the reader to detailed submittal requirements in the technical sections of the contract specifications, and reminds the reader that “VA approval of a submittal does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for any error which may exist. The Contractor is responsible for fully complying with all contract requirements and the satisfactory construction of all work, including the need to check, confirm, and coordinate the work of all subcontractors for the project. Non-compliant material incorporated in the work will be removed and replaced at the Contractor’s expense”. At 1.5 Submittal Preparation, this specification also requires the complete assembly of all required submittals of a system to be transmitted together, accompanied by the contractor-signed certification that all submittals have been reviewed for compliance with the contract documents, which did not occur. Further, “deviations submitted must include a side by side comparison of item being proposed against item specified. Failure to point out deviations will result in VA requiring removal and replacement of such work at the Contractor's expense”.

Specification 23 05 11 Common Work Results for HVAC also requires the preparation, submission, and acceptance of coordination/shop drawings for new work, and existing systems that are in the same area, which include plan views, elevations, and sections of all systems, clearly identifying and dimensioning the proposed locations of the principal items of equipment. The drawings shall clearly show locations and adequate clearance for all equipment, piping, valves, control panels and other items prior to commencing the work.

It is notable that the coordination drawings are also required for preparation of as-built drawings which 23 21 13 Hydronic Piping, 1.4 and 1.6 description is remarkably similar.

Clauses included in this contract affecting this compliance issue include:

17. Who currently maintains water quality for the VA (looking for a POC to this company)?

ANSWER: Explain why this is needed prior to bidding the work or present a specific question to be answered by the resource.

18. It appears the Chiller Plant has ALC controls, please confirm this is the only approved controls system. If not, what other control systems are approved?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

19. Will the VA consider Victaulic fittings for large bore piping (or any manufacturer of grooved piping connection)?

ANSWER: What is “large bore”? Absolutely not for chilled water system piping. Possibly for fire protection, but where in the documents are large bore FP pipes.

20. M701, Chiller Schedule, Note 2, what does this mean?

ANSWER: The purpose of Note 2 is to inform the contractor that there is an existing cooling tower system and piping and that the contractor is responsible for integrating the new chillers into that existing cooling tower system (including the system’s inherent flexibility).

21. The Period of Performance is too short for this project for several reasons. 21 days to get approval drawings from NTP is very aggressive. Subcontract agreements and purchase orders must be issued, and only then will an OEM que up the project to submit approval drawings. This will likely take 4 on an expedited schedule, then the Prime Contractor needs to review before sending to the VA, unless we are to send to the VA in a parallel approval process, versus a series path. Next, manufacturing of two 1,000-ton chillers will take far more than 4 weeks. With the pandemic, manufacturing time will likely be 16+ weeks. The construction durations listed are obtainable, but the other two durations are not obtainable especially given the pandemic.

ANSWER: POP establishes expectations. It is up to the general contractor to meet them. Where this is impossible, the general contractor must provide notice and accompanying documentation to support their contention and counter proposal for scheduling – with their bid (and certainly prior to Award). That said, the general contractor must develop a schedule which works to meet the end date. Use caution leveraging the pandemic as contributing to delays. More times than not, fact-checking has proven these statements erroneous or misleading.

22. Please confirm the Prime Contractor is to engage an engineer for production of as-built drawings. Typically, we would provide the Engineer of Record our red lined as-builts and they make the changes because they performed the design, stamped the drawings and have the AutoCAD drawings.

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

23. We see no IRCA requirements for this project. Please confirm this is accurate.

ANSWER: Review specifications 01 35 26 Safety Requirements, and 01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements – current editions are attached. Note that the current editions clarify and define responsibilities associated with contagions such as COVID-19.

24. Please confirm the VA is retaining the Cx agent as specified in the Scope of Work.

ANSWER: VA intends to engage a CxA as noted in the SOW.

25. The Scope of Work states contractors will not be given space for an office or storage and we’re unsure how this will work. Our superintendent needs an office and delivers material will need a place to be stored (pipe, fittings, etc.). Will the VA provide a space for the contractor’s trailer and dumpster that’s close in proximity to the worksite?

ANSWER: See answer to question 11.

26. The Scope of Work mentions various scopes we don’t see on the drawings (proximity readers, fire alarm, plumbing, etc.)

ANSWER: See answer to question 2.

27. Will the VA consider high performance fiberglass mechanical insulation? It is a fraction of the price of foam glass and its performance it similar.

ANSWER: See question 16. Bid the documents. Submit what is specified, along with proposed alternative equivalents (or better), along with a clear narrative of the objective performance benefits and attributes – well in advance of need. “Almost as good” is not equivalent. Submitting products in conflict with the documents, whether reviewed, approved, or not, never relieve the GC of responsivity for compliance with the Contract.

28. Sheet: N/A, Spec: N/A: Topic: Mechanical Equipment Lead Times With current market conditions, lead times for MEP related items are starting to exceed upward of 30 weeks after approval of shop drawings. Current scope of work states 65 days after NTP for delivery. Therefore, this time constraint is untenable. Please confirm if an interim NTP will be issued for procurement of chillers to help facilitate a realistic time frame. Actual NTP will begin after procurement of material. We have requested expedited options, and this does not meet the procurement period given in the statement of work.

ANSWER: See answer to question 21.

29. Sheet: N/A, Spec: 01 35 26, Topic: Personnel Requirements State SSHO, superintendent, and QCM must be separate persons. Please confirm two separate individuals are required for the project’s duration.

ANSWER: See answer to question 9.

30. Sheet: N/A, Spec: N/A, Topic: Structural Steel Specification Please provide a 05 00 00 structural steel specification section. Plan page S-001.

ANSWER: Please provide specific location of referenced specification.

31. Sheet: S-501, Spec: N/A, Topic: Pad Extension Thickness Please confirm existing pad thickness for the pads required to be extended. S-501 does not indicate a pad detail for the thickness. Detail 1 shows the thickness of the “new” pad, but detail 2 for the pad extension does not indicate a thickness.

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

32. Please confirm that bids are to be submitted electronically by email.

ANSWER: Bids will not be accepted electronically. This is NOT a virtual bid opening and hard copy of bid must be received on the bid due date of September 10, 2021 @ 11:00 AM CST and addressed to the address provided in the solicitation.

33. Will scanned copies of the bid bond be acceptable for electronic submissions of proposal?

ANSWER: NO – hard copy required.

34. Would the VA consider providing a conference number for contractors to participate in the bid opening remotely?

ANSWER: Yes +1 (872) 701-0185 Code: 789451515#, but it is understood that this is NOT a virtual bid opening and hard copy of bid must be received on the bid due date of September 10, 2021 @ 11:00 AM CST and addressed to the address provided in the solicitation.

35. Please confirm all Coordination Drawings that are required on Page 53 of the solicitation will be submitted electronically.

ANSWER: See response to question 16. Contractor shall submit to VA, along with a complete and compliant set of other required submittals (product data, shop drawings, samples, SDS’s, etc.) for review and response.

36. Project Specification 01 00 00 -2 outlines three bid items however the solicitation on identifies a single Base Bid Line Item. Please confirm only one lump sum price is required for submission.

ANSWER: Cited specification content provides a high-level breakout of the project. Follow the Contracting Officer’s directions in the Solicitation.

37. Specification 01 00 00 – 6 requires a minimum building temperature of 40 degrees F at all times. Is this applicable for this project?

ANSWER: Yes, the 40 degree minimum building temperature applies to this project. Do not allow our buildings to freeze.

38. Please specifically identify which additional specialized CQC personnel are required from 01 45 00 -6, if any, to allow for even bidding between contractors.

ANSWER: Assuming “01 45 00 -6” indicates the number at the bottom of the page, though the matrix continues onto the following page. The cited specification provides sufficient detail to comply with requirements. Refer to and comply with the documents.

39. Are there any existing valves that can be used to isolate the Chilled Water and Condenser Water lines that will be getting New High-Performance butterfly valves installed off the main headers?

ANSWER: There are existing isolation valves available that allow installation of the new valving. However, contractor shall walk down the system and confirm that the valving meets the intent of how they intend to implement the changes (means and methods). OSHA regulations regarding LOTO obviously remain the responsibility of the GC.

40. If there are no valves to isolate the Chilled Water and Condensing Water lines when can the system be shut down and for how long can the system be shut down?

ANSWER: See answer to question 39.

41. On EP101 Sheet Note #1, it calls out that the Mechanical Contractor is to purchase the Transformers for the new chillers but there is no other direction on the make and model mentioned. In Specification 23 64 00 - 13 item P. says “Refer to electrical drawings and division 26 specifications for make, model, and additional information on the transformer.” However, after looking through specification division 26 and the electrical drawings We did not see the make, model or any additional information on the transformer there either. Please provide this information.

ANSWER: Electrical drawing E-601 provides transformer voltages and power rating. Electrical drawing EP101 shows transformer location information. Specification 26 12 19 (Pad-Mounted Dry Type Medium Voltage Transformers), section 2.6, provides maximum transformer dimensions and other required transformer characteristics. Contractor shall procure transformer that meets voltage/power requirements, along with specification characteristics, that can fit in the space with appropriate clearances. Engineer of-Record has confirmed that transformers are available that meet the requirements.

42. 01 35 26 requires the SSHO to be a separate individual from the Superintendent and QCM. Is it acceptable for the Superintendent and QCM to be the same individual?

ANSWER: See answer to question 9.

43. Note #5 on drawing EP101 calls for 3 new 150A fuses. Does EC need to only furnish and install one set or two sets of 150A fuses?

ANSWER: As indicated in Note #5, there is one set of three (3) 150-amp fuses per chiller. This requires the contractor to furnish two (2) sets of three (3) 150-amp fuses for a total of six (6).

44. Confirming the MC is furnishing the chiller transformers?

ANSWER: This is confirmed. The Mechanical Contractor is responsible for supplying the Chiller transformers.

45. Who is the manufacturer for the 480V MCC’s?

ANSWER: GE.

46. VFD specification refers back to 23-09-23. This section does not provide details on VFD requirements that I could find.

ANSWER: VA to supply cut sheets.

47. Please provide details on requirement for bypass, other specifics, etc.

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

48. RFI on Water Flow Meters - Would Badger Meter be considered as equivalent to Onicon? Construction of Badger exceeds Onicon. Badger requires ZERO straight pipe for their flow-through meter to function to specification.

ANSWER: As per Controls General Note #3 on drawing M-801, GC to coordinate all controls work, responsibilities and electrical/mechanical requirements with controls company contact.

49. Are cut sheets available for the following:

a. Proposed transformers for CH-1, 4

ANSWER: See answer to question 41.

b. Owner supplied VFD's for CWP-1,4 & CHWP-1, 4

ANSWER: Yes.

50. Is there a specification for the new circuit breakers in MCC-CP-A & B? Perhaps pictures of the MCC?

ANSWER: The MCCs are manufactured by GE and are the 8000 Line. Contractor is responsible to verify compatibility of breakers with the MCCs.

51. Sheet EP101, general note 5. Is there a scope of work for these conduits from new VFD's to new ATC cabinets (quantities, location, etc.)?

ANSWER: GC shall coordinate controls and electrical/mechanical requirements with controls contractor to determine number of conduits, size of conduits, size/type of cables, etc. Installing contractor to ensure separation of cables between power and signal/controls for the different voltage levels as required. As per Controls General Note #3 on drawing M-801, coordinate all controls work and electrical/mechanical requirements with controls company contact.

52. Sheet EP101, sheet note 4. Are we responsible for the cabling from the IT rack to the new ATC cabinets? If so, how many cables, type?

ANSWER: Yes. As per Controls General Note #3 on drawing M-801, GC to coordinate all controls work, responsibilities and electrical/mechanical requirements with controls company contact.

53. Are we required to mount and install ATC Cabinets? If so size, weight, etc.?

ANSWER: GC is required to coordinate the installation of new ATC cabinets. For additional information regarding size, weight, etc., coordinate all controls work, responsibilities and electrical/mechanical requirements with controls company contact listed in Controls General Note #3 on drawing M-801.

54. Hours available for work, normal business hours?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

55. Access to basement to 1st floor elevator? lift system? for waste/rubbish

ANSWER: To be coordinated/approved by VA M&O.

56. Restriction on air powered machinery inside building?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

57. Can all demolition and pouring be completed in 1 phase? or more than 1 trip/phase required?

ANSWER: Refer to and comply with the documents.

See attached document: S04_Site Visit Sign In Sheet 556-21-007 Renovate Chillers 1_4.

See attached document: P01_ Updated Drawings 556-20-005 (08252021).

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01 40 00 Quality Requirements 19MAY20.docx

SECTION 01 40 00

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

Quality Control

1. Quality Control is defined by the contract documents and associated resources referenced therein, including this Specification.

2. A Quality Control Plan shall be prepared and transmitted to the VA COR for review and approval prior to approval to mobilize. This plan shall describe the process the contractor will use to ensure that all requirements of the contract are fulfilled.

3. The Contract Documents present narrative quantitative and qualitative direction and guidance to enable the efficient and compliant delivery of the work.

4. Where questions arise, or opportunities for improvement present themselves, please prepare a request for information and transmit it to VA right away.

5. At the forefront of the compliance effort is the Project Manager whose prime responsibility is quality in its many forms. Quality, safety, timeliness, profitability, and company sustainability are compromised by the failure of the firm and its management to focus first on quality as a means to their desired ends.

6. Common terminology used in contract terminations for default includes “Failure to provide authoritative oversight and on-site presence in the person of a competent on-site superintendent ensuring adequate quality control and driving the construction schedule to completion of all work including correction of deficiencies… failed to make progress toward completion, poorly managed the project, and provided non-compliant work”. (FAR 52.236-6). This shall apply to the PM and the expectations of managerial leadership and technical competencies.

7. The contractor is responsible for performing, or having performed, all calculations, independent technical reviews, and other activities necessary to substantiate that the work under this contract conforms to contract requirements, including any applicable technical requirements (Code, regulation, industry standards, specifications, graphic direction, manufacturer’s requirements or guidelines, etc.).

8. Where brand names are used within the documents, they are to be expressly presented as performance standards, as a basis of specification, unless required under specific circumstances, in which case a Sole Source Justification and Analysis will have been performed.

A. Alternative equivalents may be presented at the pre-construction / kickoff meeting by preparing in advance the complete technical data for the specified products, and also the products which are to be presented as alternative equivalents, along with an orderly crosswalk document charting the two sets of characteristics side by side.

B. Where attributes of materials and systems alternatives may differ, reductions shall only be allowed in performance characteristics associated with Non-Critical Factors (the subjective, undefinable).

C. Critical Factors are objective, and defined by life, safety, and health codes, industry and VA standards, UL or FM fire resistance/combustibility/approval, volatile organic compound (VOC) emissivity (or any other indoor air quality impacting metrics), durability, acoustic performance, energy usage, and similar metrics which are objective and defined empirically.

D. Where the contractor offers an alternative equivalent which is superior in non-critical or critical factors, the COR shall determine which is the best value to the Government based on objective factors such as lifecycle cost, warranty terms, manufacturer’s inclusion of proprietary parts or technologies which effectively lock VA into situations where future work could be compromised by exclusivity, etc.

Quality Assurance

1. Quality Assurance is the process developed and carried out to ensure compliance with the documents developed under Quality Control.

2. A Quality Assurance Plan shall be prepared and transmitted to the VA COR for review and approval prior to approval to mobilize.

3. All products and systems planned for inclusion in this work shall be submitted by the General Contractor to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for review and response within 10 business days of NTP.

4. All preliminary submittals shall be submitted to the COR within 10 business days of Notice to Proceed (NTP) by the Contracting Officer. The General Contractor will NOT be allowed to mobilize unless and until the VA has approved their submissions for SOV, CPM schedule, safety plan, quality plan, mobilization plan, subcontractor and supplier information, and shop drawings, product data, samples, etc. for the first phase of the work.

5. The COR is willing to plan and conduct a collaborative review session with the general contractor (and AE Design Firm when applicable), and review the submittal packages in round-table fashion. In the past this has resulted in clearing all, or nearly all submittals within a day or two with contractors who focused on quality as a path toward profitability.

6. If approached and executed correctly, the Administrative Closeout process should start immediately after Notice to Proceed with the preparation of proper submittals which after approval, updating, use in procurement, and submission become part of the project archive. The same is true of daily reporting and progress photos which are required to be transmitted each day to the COR. Project planning, correspondence, financials, and the as-built drawings, if progressively developed from the beginning of the project, only require a final update at the very end. If the contractor heeds this advice, the time gap between Conditional Acceptance of the construction, and Administrative Closeout of the contract (including Final Payment) should be quick.

7. Provide a submittal tracker log listing all submittals. Include a column for the Masterformat® number and name, product name, brand, model, date submitted to VA, and date returned from VA. Resubmittals shall be tracked as separate submissions labeled “Resubmission”.

8. General Contractors are responsible for thoroughly reviewing the submittals of each subcontractor, and expecting the same of their subcontractors down through the tiers. A signed and sworn affidavit is required with each submission. If it is not present, VA will reject the submittal.

9. Contractors are required to include a cover sheet listing each submittal (included in a packet if part of a system), along with a signed attestation of compliance. Many contractors fail to properly compile the packages, preferring to assemble them by subcontractor rather than system. An example is a plumbing submittal package missing the mechanical insulation and or firestopping systems.

10. Contractors are required to provide one complete set of shop drawings, product data, product sample, and Safety Data Sheets (aka MSDS), clearly indicating which systems or products are proposed, and which options or characteristics are being selected using the manufacturer’s standard forms.

11. The COR will evaluate each submittal for compliance, and either Accept or Reject each. There will be no category “Approved as Noted” given our collective experience of observing the disregard for notations offered to aid forward movement.

12. Alternatively, the COR has 21 calendar days to review each submittal and respond. Rejected submittals are not a valid basis for time claims. In fact, they can be the basis of contract termination or other actions by VA.

13. Submittals which are rejected shall be resubmitted with corrections. If a submittal is then found to be substantively incomplete or technically noncompliant, the issue shall be turned over to the Contracting Officer for remediation, including but not limited to directing the General Contractor to immediately replace their Project Manager assigned to the project, and or replace the offending Subcontractor. Additionally, under 52.246-12, Inspection of Construction, this quality assurance effort entitles the Government to charge the Contractor all additional costs for inspection and re-inspection of the submitted work. Based on experience, contractors who persist in attempting to submit noncompliant documents tend to also persist in attempting to deliver noncompliant work – often to their own detriment. We do not intend to allow our staff (or contracted AE where applicable) to be victimized by this behavior.

14. Approval of a submittal never constitutes a change to the quantity, quality, cost, or duration of a contract. While this language is clearly essential for inclusion in the construction documents (likely multiple times), it applies equally to the AE and the GC.

15. The contractor is solely responsible for submitting and delivering complete and compliant work. Defective work shall be removed and replaced at the contractor’s expense.

16. Products and systems delivered to the site, and installed in the field, are subject to verification of conformity at any time throughout construction, and even throughout the warranty term – and beyond (in which they become classified as Latent Defects), and shall be required to be removed and replaced with compliant products and systems immediately and without cost to the Government.

01 40 00 -1

QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

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01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements 27AUG21.docx

SECTION 01 35 33

INFECTION CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS:

A. This Specification is edited from the VHA model specification for construction safety requirements developed by the VHA Center for Occupational Safety and Health, which had included infection control. Infection Control has been properly segregated to become Specification 01 35 33 Infection Control Requirements, using nomenclature and formatting propagated by Construction Specifications Institute. Both templates were then edited to optimally communicate the requirements of all projects at the facility. Both specifications are required to be included in all construction contracts by VHA Directive 7715 Safety and Health During Construction (6APR17), which is available at: https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=5380

B. Reference and include Specification 01 41 00 Regulatory Requirements in all contracts.

1.2 INFECTION CONTROL

1. Infection Control is critical in all medical center facilities. Interior construction activities causing disturbance of existing dust, or creating new dust, must be conducted within ventilation-controlled areas that minimize the flow of airborne particles into patient areas. Exterior construction activities causing disturbance of soil or creates dust in some other manner must also be controlled.

2. An Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) associated with infection control will be performed by VA personnel in accordance with FGI Guidelines (i.e. Infection Control Risk Assessment; ICRA). The ICRA procedure similar to the one found on the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) website will be utilized.

1) Risk classifications of Class I or Class II shall require approval by the Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer Representative before beginning any construction work.

2) Risk classifications of Class III or Class IV shall require a permit before beginning any construction work. Infection Control permits will be issued by the Facility Safety Manager and Contracting Officer Representative.

3. The Infection Control Permits shall be posted outside the appropriate construction area. More than one permit may be issued for a construction project if the work is located in multiple areas or for contiguous areas which are identified in planning as different Risk Classes. However, work outside the primary project scope area may vary.

The required infection control precautions with each Class are as follows:

A. Class I requirements:

1) During construction work:

a. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative.

b. Execute work using methods to minimize raising dust from construction operations.

c. Ceiling tiles: Immediately replace any ceiling tiles displaced for visual inspection.

2) Upon Completion:

a. Clean work area upon completion of task.

b. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative.

B. Class II requirements:

1) During construction work:

a. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative.

b. Provide active means to prevent airborne dust from dispersing into atmosphere such as wet methods or tool mounted dust collectors where possible.

c. Water mist work surfaces to control dust while cutting materials.

d. Seal unused doors with painters’ tape (unless you also intend to replace the door and frame, or sand it to bare metal and refinish it). Post signs on both sides of effected doors stating that the door has been tape-sealed.

e. Block off and seal air supply and return vents.

f. Remove or isolate HVAC system in areas where work is being performed.

2) Upon completion (day, shift, final):

a. Wipe work surfaces with cleaner/disinfectant.

b. Contain construction waste before transport in tightly covered containers.

c. Damp (NOT Wet) mop and/or vacuum with HEPA-filtered vacuum before leaving work area.

d. Upon final completion, restore HVAC system where work was performed

e. Notify the Contracting Officer Representative.

C. Class III requirements:

1) During construction work:

a. Obtain permit from the Contracting Officer Representative.

b. Remove or Isolate HVAC system in area where work is being done to prevent contamination of duct system.

c. Complete all critical barriers i.e. sheetrock, plywood, plastic, to seal area from non-work area or implement control cube method (cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit) before construction begins. Install construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours.

d. Maintain negative air pressure, 0.01 inches of water gauge, within work site utilizing HEPA equipped air filtration units and continuously monitored with a digital display, recording and alarm instrument, which must be calibrated on installation, maintained with periodic calibration and monitored by the contractor.

e. Contain construction waste before transport in tightly covered containers.

f. Cover transport receptacles or carts. Tape covering unless solid lid.

2) Upon completion:

a. Do not remove barriers from work area until completed project thoroughly cleaned, and is inspected by the Contracting Officer Representative and by the VA Environmental Services Department.

b. Remove construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully to minimize spreading of dirt and debris associated with construction, outside of normal work hours.

c. Vacuum work area with HEPA filtered vacuums.

d. Wet mop area with cleaner/disinfectant.

e. Upon completion, restore HVAC system where work was performed.

f. Return permit to the Contracting Officer Representative.

D. Class IV requirements:

1) During construction work:

a. Obtain permit from the Contracting Officer Representative

b. Isolate HVAC system in area where work is being done to prevent contamination of duct system.

c. Complete all critical barriers i.e. sheetrock, plywood, plastic, to seal area from non-work area or implement control cube method (cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit) before construction begins. Install construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully, outside of normal work hours.

d. Maintain negative air pressure, 0.01 inches of water gauge, within work site utilizing HEPA equipped air filtration units and continuously monitored with a digital display, recording and alarm instrument, which must be calibrated on installation, maintained with periodic calibration and monitored by the contractor.

e. Seal holes, pipes, conduits, and punctures.

f. Construct anteroom and require all personnel to pass through this room so they can be vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum cleaner before leaving work site or they can wear cloth or paper coveralls that are removed each time they leave work site.

g. All personnel entering work site are required to wear shoe covers. Shoe covers must be changed each time the worker exits the work area.

2) Upon completion:

a. Do not remove barriers from work area until completed project thoroughly cleaned, and is inspected by the Contracting Officer Representative and by the VA Environmental Services Department.

b. Remove construction barriers and ceiling protection carefully to minimize spreading of dirt and debris associated with construction, outside of normal work hours.

c. Contain construction waste before transport in tightly covered containers.

d. Cover transport receptacles or carts. Tape covering unless solid lid.

e. Vacuum work area with HEPA filtered vacuums.

f. Wet mop area with cleaner/disinfectant.

g. Upon completion, restore HVAC system where work was performed.

h. Return permit to the Contracting Officer Representative.

4. Barriers shall be erected as required based upon classification (Class III & IV requires barriers) and shall be constructed as follows:

A. Class III and IV - closed door with painter’s tape applied over the frame and door gap is acceptable for projects that can be contained in a single room.

B. Construction, demolition or reconstruction not capable of containment within a single room must have the following barriers erected and made aesthetically presentable on the hospital-occupied (public, not construction area) side:

1) Class III and IV (where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the Contracting Officer’s Representative) - Airtight plastic barrier that extends from the floor to ceiling. Seams must be sealed with duct tape to prevent dust and debris from escaping.

2) Class III and IV - Drywall barrier erected with joints covered or sealed to prevent dust and debris from escaping.

3) Class III and IV - Seal all penetrations in existing barrier air-tight.

4) Class III and IV - Barriers at penetration of ceiling envelopes, chases, and ceiling spaces to stop air and debris movement.

5) Class III and IV - At elevators shafts or stairways within the field of construction, overlapping flap minimum of two feet wide of polyethylene enclosures for personnel access.

6) Class IV only – Ante room or double entrance openings that allow workers to remove protective clothing or vacuum off existing clothing.

5. Products and Materials:

A. Sheet Plastic: Fire retardant 6-mil thickness meeting all fire codes.

B. Barrier Door Assemblies: Self-closing, self-latching, fire-rated, solid core steel, within steel frame, painted to match adjacent finishes.

C. Dust-proof, fire-rated drywall.

D. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-Equipped filtration machine rated at 95% capture of 0.3 microns including pollen, mold spores and dust particles. HEPA filters should have ASHRAE 85 or other pre-filter to extend the useful life of the HEPA. Provide both primary and secondary filtrations units. Maintenance of equipment and replacement of the HEPA filters and other filters will be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

E. Exhaust Hoses: Heavy duty, flexible steel reinforced; Ventilation Blower Hose

F. Adhesive Walk-off Mats: Provide minimum size mats of 24 inches x 36 inches

G. Disinfectant: Hospital-approved disinfectant or equivalent product. Provide a current Safety Data Sheet to the COR, and also store with the product.

H. Portable Ceiling Access Module

6. Before any construction on site begins, all contractor personnel involved in the construction or renovation activity shall be trained by the contractor in infection prevention measures established by the medical center, and a record of which shall be transmitted to the COR.

7. A dust control program will be established and maintained as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the current edition of the FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals (or Outpatient Clinics as applicable). Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific dust protection measures with associated product data, including periodic status reports, and submit to the COR for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES.

8. Medical center Infection Control personnel will monitor for airborne disease (e.g. aspergillosis) during construction. A baseline of conditions will 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 with safe thresholds established.

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

A. Contractor shall verify that construction exhaust to exterior is not reintroduced to the facility through intake vents, or building openings. HEPA filtration is required where the exhaust dust may re-enter the medical center.

B. Exhaust hoses shall be configured to ensure that dust is not reintroduced to the medical center.

C. Adhesive Walk-off or Carpet Walk-off mats 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 damp (not 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 it is created. Transport these outside the construction area in containers with tightly fitting lids.

E. The contractor shall not transport debris through patient-care areas without prior approval of the COR and the Facility Safety Manager. 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. 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 1 hour. Remove and dispose of porous materials that remain damp for more than 2 hours.

G. 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.

10. Final Cleanup:

A. 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.

B. 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.

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

11. Exterior Construction

A. Infection control-related measures for prevention of fugitive dust are likely required also for OSHA-required respiratory health risk prevention, such as silicosis.

B. Contractor shall verify that dust will not be introduced into the medical center through intake vents or other building openings. HEPA filtration on passive intake vents is required where dust may be introduced. Where powered vents occur, application of HEPA filters can result in motor failure or fire, therefore they cannot be used.

C. Dust created from disturbance of soil such as from excavation, stone placement, or vehicle movement shall be wetted with use of a water truck or misting system as necessary to prevent fugitive dust.

D. Absolute prevention of tracking soil onto paved areas outside construction boundaries is preventable with a little care and effort. Not doing so is illegal and will not be tolerated. It is not only an environmental hazard to sewers, ditches, streams, rivers, and lakes, but people in and around construction sites.

E. All cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding, or disturbance of materials shall be accomplished with tools equipped with either local exhaust ventilation (i.e. vacuum systems) or wet suppression controls.

1.2 TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING AND PREVENTION OF TRANSMISSION OF OTHER CONTAGIONS

1. Review and comply with the requirements enumerated throughout Specification 01 35 26 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

2. Contractor shall provide written certification that all contractor employees assigned to the work site have had a pre-placement tuberculin screening within 90 days prior to assignment to the worksite and been found have negative TB screening reactions. Contractors shall be required to show documentation of negative TB screening reactions for any additional workers who are added after the initial submission of documents before new workers will be allowed to work on the site. NOTE: This can be the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) two-step skin testing or a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved blood test.

A.