36C26023N0282_-_Upgrade_Vancouver_Fire_Alarm_to_Voice_-_100__CD_-_Specifications_8-8-25.pdf

Construction Documents – 100% Submittal: Specifications

August 8th, 2025

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice – Vancouver, WA

Project No. 648-23-100

Contract No. 36C26018D0049

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office VISN 20

1601 E. Fourth Plain BLVD., Building 17

Vancouver, WA 98661

Prepared by:

GDM A-E, Inc.

1308 NE 134th St Suite A

Vancouver, WA 98685

---THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK---

VHAPORHCS 100% Construction Documents

Vancouver, WA 08/08/2025

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

00 01 10 - 1 of 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VHA MASTER SPECIFICATIONS

Section 00 01 10

SECTION NO. DIVISION AND SECTION TITLES

DIVISION 00 - SPECIAL SECTIONS

00 01 10 Table of Contents

DIVISION 01 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

01 00 00 General Requirements

01 32 16.15 Project Schedules (Small Projects – Design/Bid/Build

01 33 23 Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples

01 35 26 Safety Requirements

01 42 19 Reference Standards

01 45 00 Quality Control

01 45 35 Special Inspections

01 74 19 Construction Waste Management

01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements

DIVISION 07 - THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION

07 84 00 Firestopping

07 92 00 Joint Sealants

DIVISION 08 - OPENINGS

08 31 13 Access Doors and Frames

DIVISION 09 – FINISHES

09 29 00 Gypsum Board

09 91 00 Painting

DIVISION 10 – SPECIALTIES

DIVISION 11 – EQUIPMENT

DIVISION 12 – FURNISHINGS

DIVISION 13 - SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION

DIVISION 14– CONVEYING EQUIPMENT

DIVISION 21- FIRE SUPPRESSION

DIVISION 22 – PLUMBING

DIVISION 23 – HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)

DIVISION 25 – INTEGRATED AUTOMATION

DIVISION 26 – ELECTRICAL

26 05 11 Requirements for Electrical Installations

26 05 19 Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables

26 05 26 Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems

26 05 33 Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems

26 05 41 Underground Electrical Construction

DIVISION 27 – COMMUNICATIONS

27 13 23 Communications Optic Fiber Backbone Cabling

DIVISION 28 – ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

28 05 00 Common Work Results for Electronic Safety and Security

28 05 13 Conductors and Cables for Electronic Safety and Security

28 05 26 Grounding and Bonding for Electronic Safety and Security

28 05 28.33 Conduits and Backboxes for Electronic Safety and Security

28 08 00 Commissioning of Electronic Safety and Security Systems

28 31 00 Fire Detection and Alarm

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

00 01 10 - 2 of 2

SECTION NO. DIVISION AND SECTION TITLES

DIVISION 31 – EARTHWORK

31 20 00 Earthwork

31 23 19 Dewatering

DIVISION 32 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

32 05 23 Cement and Concrete for Exterior Improvements

32 12 16 Asphalt Paving

32 17 23 Pavement Markings

ATTACHMENT-1 SYSTEM DEFINITION UTILITY EXPORT, DATED 08-28-2024

DIVISION 33 – UTILITIES

DIVISION 34 – TRANSPORTATION

DIVISION 48 – Electrical Power Generation

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 1 of 34

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 01 00 00

1.1 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Refer to section 01 35 26, SAFETY REQUIREMENTS for safety and infection control requirements.

1.2 GENERAL INTENTION

A. Contractor shall completely prepare site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor and materials and perform work for “Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice” as required by drawings and specifications.

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

Contracting Officer.

C. Before placement and installation of work subject to tests by testing laboratory retained by Department of Veterans

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

D. All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA security management program and obtain permission of the VA police, be identified by project and employer, and restricted from unauthorized access. All contractors must have photo ID visible while on site. All contractors must obtain a government PIV badge.

E. Prior to commencing work, general contractor shall provide proof that a

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

F. Training:

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 2 of 34

1. All employees of general contractor or subcontractors shall have the

10-hour OSHA certified Construction Safety course. The site superintendent shall have the 30-hour OSHA certified Construction

Safety course.

2. All employees of general contractor or subcontractors shall attend a

1-hour Contractors Orientation training at the VA prior to commencing work. This is required prior to the start of any new project. All personnel associated with the project are required to attend even if they have attended for another project.

3. Submit training records of all such employees for approval before the start of work.

G. Qualified Firestopping, refer to 078400.

1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

A. ITEM I, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: BASE BID: Work includes general construction, alterations, necessary removal of existing construction and certain other items.

1.4 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONTRACTOR

A. Drawings and contract documents may be obtained from the website where the solicitation is posted. Additional copies will be at Contractor's expense.

1.5 CONSTRUCTION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Security Plan:

1. The security plan defines both physical and administrative security procedures that will remain effective for the entire duration of the project.

2. The General Contractor is responsible for assuring that all sub-contractors working on the project and their employees also comply with these regulations.

3. Contractor shall submit a Security Management Plan for approval which covers all security aspects of the project.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 3 of 34

B. Security Procedures:

1. General Contractor’s employees shall not enter the project site without appropriate badge. They may also be subject to inspection of their personal effects when entering or leaving the project site.

2. Before starting work the General Contractor shall give one week’s notice to the Contracting Officer so that security escort arrangements can be provided for the employees. This notice is separate from any notices required for utility shutdown described later in this section.

3. No photography of VA premises is allowed without permission of the COR. Patients and staff are not to be photographed at any time.

4. VA reserves the right to close down or shut down the project site and order General Contractor’s employees off the premises in the event of a national emergency. The General Contractor may return to the site only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer.

C. Key Control:

1. The General Contractor shall provide duplicate keys and lock combinations to the Contracting officer’s representative (COR) COR for the purpose of security inspections of every area of project including tool boxes and parked machines and take any emergency action.

D. Document Control:

1. Before starting any work, the General Contractor/Subcontractors shall submit an electronic security memorandum describing the approach to following goals and maintaining confidentiality of

“sensitive information”.

2. The General Contractor is responsible for safekeeping of all drawings, project manual and other project information. This information shall be shared only with those with a specific need to accomplish the project.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 4 of 34

3. Certain documents, sketches, videos or photographs and drawings may be marked “Law Enforcement Sensitive” or “Sensitive Unclassified”.

Secure such information in separate containers and limit the access to only those who will need it for the project. Return the information to the Contracting Officer upon request.

4. These security documents shall not be removed or transmitted from the project site without the written approval of Contracting

Officer.

5. All paper waste or electronic media such as CD’s and diskettes shall be shredded and destroyed in a manner acceptable to the VA.

6. Notify Contracting Officer and Site Security Officer immediately when there is a loss or compromise of “sensitive information”.

7. All electronic information shall be stored in specified location following VA standards and procedures using an Engineering Document

Management Software (EDMS).

a. Security, access and maintenance of all project drawings, both scanned and electronic shall be performed and tracked through the

EDMS system.

b. “Sensitive information” including drawings and other documents may be attached to e-mail provided all VA encryption procedures are followed.

E. Motor Vehicle Restrictions

1. Vehicle authorization request shall be required for any vehicle entering the site and such request shall be submitted 24 hours before the date and time of access. Access shall be restricted to picking up and dropping off materials and supplies.

1.6 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS

A. The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall hold and save the

Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 5 of 34

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

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

Contractor and shall be removed by the Contractor at its expense upon completion of the work. With the written consent of the Contracting

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

C. The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting

Officer, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the Contracting

Officer. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The

Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

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

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

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

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

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 6 of 34

2. Schedule delivery of materials and equipment to immediate construction working areas within buildings in use by Department of

Veterans Affairs in quantities sufficient for not more than two work days. Provide unobstructed access to Medical Center areas required to remain in operation.

3. Where access by Medical Center personnel to vacated portions of buildings is not required, storage of Contractor's materials and equipment will be permitted subject to fire and safety requirements.4. Note: working hours for this project will be defined as outside of 7:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Working on the weekends is acceptable with prior coordination through the cor. The contractor is not permitted to work between the hours of 7:00am to

5:00pm Monday through Friday unless approved by the COR on a case-by-case basis. Most work in buildings 1, 12, 18, 25, and e-wing of building 11 shall be performed during the daytime hours of 8:00am to

5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Most site work may also be performed during the daytime hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm.

G. Utilities Services: Where necessary to cut existing pipes, electrical wires, conduits, cables, etc., of utility services, or of fire protection systems or communications systems (except telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, where directed by COR. All such actions shall be coordinated with the COR or Utility Company involved:

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

H. Phasing:

1. The Medical Center must maintain its operation 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Therefore, any interruption in service must be scheduled and coordinated with the COR to ensure that no lapses in operation occur. It is the CONTRACTOR'S responsibility to develop a work plan and schedule detailing, at a minimum, the procedures to be employed, Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 7 of 34 the equipment and materials to be used, the interim life safety measure to be used during the work, and a schedule defining the duration of the work with milestone subtasks. The work to be outlined shall include, but not be limited to:

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

a. Establishment of new fire alarm command infrastructure.

b. Campus fiber network upgrades

c. Installation of new fire alarm notification systems in all scope buildings

d. Coordination of outages and cutovers.

e. Sequenced demolition of exiting fire alarm devices

f. Restoration of existing conditions including demolition of existing conduit, patch and paint.

g. Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) including implementation temporary fire protection measures whenever an operational fire alarm system is impaired.

h. Testing and commissioning

Phase I:

1. Ductbank Installation:

a. Excavate the designated area for the new ductbank.

b. Install the ductbank, backfill, and restore the site to its original condition.

2. Fiber Optic Network:

a. Install the new fiber optic network loop connecting all designated nodes across the campus.

b. Conduct testing to ensure the network is functional and ready for integration.

3. Main Control Equipment Installation:

a. Install the main control equipment at the Boiler Plant in

Building 3. Equipment to include:

i. Control panel and associated equipment (location TBD).

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 8 of 34

ii. FACP with integrated Network Voice Command.

iii. FireWorks Station Computer, UL Listed, with a built-in network card.

iv. Two monitors and a printer.

v. Cellular digital alarm transmitter

4. New FACPs in Non-Existing Locations:

a. Install new building FACPs and annunciator panels in all identified buildings without existing FIRE ALARM systems.

b. Add new power supply circuits, local disconnects, and distribution panels as required.

c. Install distributed amplifiers and strobe power control equipment where specified.

5. New FACPs in Existing Locations:

a. Upgrade existing buildings to include new FACPs and annunciator panels as designated.

b. Integrate distributed amplifiers and strobe power control equipment.

c. Ensure all necessary power supply circuits and disconnects are in place.

6. Sequential Migration of Buildings:

a. install all new speakers and strobes in each building being migrated.

b. install all new initiating devices where required.

c. Break the fiber ring into a Class B circuit, temporarily extending it to the last panel before transitioning it to the

EST4 system. To accomplish this:

i. Take down and remove either the incoming or outgoing fiber cable from an existing buildings fiber loop cabling, keeping the building online with just one cable using two strands of fiber from the remaining cable.

This will require careful fiber plant management and planning.

d. Maintain the existing EST3 network while interfacing the EST3 and EST4 systems for zoned inputs.

e. Test the interfaces and ensure notification protocols function seamlessly.

f. Systematic removal and replacement steps:

i. place the new panel in service with an interconnection between the new and existing panels to allow circuit by circuit migration between the panels so that there is no downtime except for the affected circuit.

ii. Remove existing audio control equipment.

iii. Replace SLCs and initiating devices, prioritizing by area or building.

iv. Install new field devices and SLCs as required.

v. Test all new addressable devices, confirming alarms, control outputs, and device operability.

vi. Transition to new addressable devices, disabling existing SLCs in the area.

vii. Remove all old addressable devices, wiring, and control panels.

viii. Repeat this sequence for each subsequent building or smoke compartment

7. Campus-Wide Synchronization

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 9 of 34

a. After all buildings in the campus are migrated, reconfigure the EST4 network to a full loop for centralized operation.

b. Perform system testing across the campus to validate full functionality and integration.

8. Commissioning

a. Conduct integrated testing of the entire EST4 system in compliance with NFPA 3 (2021) and NFPA 4 (2021) to verify interoperability and reliability.

b. Provide system training for facility personnel, ensuring they are familiar with new features and operational procedures of the EST4 system.

9. Special Considerations:

a. For buildings currently served by SLC circuits, the following special considerations will be required when providing a new

FACP for the building:

i. Verify compatibility and communication protocols between new FACPs and existing field devices.

ii. Install conversion/interface modules as necessary to ensure existing devices will integrate with the new building FACPs.

Phase II:

I. Buildings will be occupied during performance of work but immediate areas of alterations will be vacated.

1. Contractor shall take all measures and provide all material necessary for protecting existing equipment and property in affected areas of construction against dust and debris, so that equipment and affected areas to be used in the Medical Centers operations will not be hindered. Contractor shall permit access to Department of

Veterans Affairs personnel and patients through other construction areas which serve as routes of access to such affected areas and equipment. These routes whether access or egress shall be isolated from the construction area by temporary partitions and have walking surfaces, lighting etc. to facilitate patient and staff access.

Coordinate alteration work in areas occupied by Department of

Veterans Affairs so that Medical Center operations will continue during the construction period.

2. Immediate areas of alterations not mentioned in preceding

Subparagraph 1 will be temporarily vacated while alterations are performed.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 10 of 34

J. Construction Fence: Before construction operations begin, Contractor shall provide a chain link construction fence, 2.1m (seven feet) minimum height, around the construction area indicated on the drawings.

Provide gates as required for access with necessary hardware, including hasps and padlocks. Fasten fence fabric to terminal posts with tension bands and to line posts and top and bottom rails with tie wires spaced at maximum 375mm (15 inches). Bottom of fences shall extend to 25mm

(one inch) above grade. Remove the fence when directed by COR.

K. When a building and/or construction site is turned over to Contractor, Contractor shall accept entire responsibility including upkeep and maintenance therefore:

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

2. Contractor shall maintain in operating condition existing fire protection and alarm equipment. In connection with fire alarm equipment, Contractor shall make arrangements for pre-inspection of site with Fire Department or Company (Department of Veterans Affairs or municipal) whichever will be required to respond to an alarm from

Contractor's employee or watchman.

L. Utilities Services: Maintain existing utility services for Medical

Center at all times. Provide temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, connections, and utilities to assure uninterrupted services.

Where necessary to cut existing water, steam, gases, sewer or air pipes, or conduits, wires, cables, etc. of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, where directed by COR.

1. No utility service such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior approval of COR. Electrical work shall be accomplished with all affected circuits or equipment de-energized.

When an electrical outage cannot be accomplished, work on any energized circuits or equipment shall not commence without a detailed work plan, the Medical Center Director’s prior knowledge

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 11 of 34 and written approval. Refer to specification Sections 26 05 11

REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, 28 05 00 COMMON WORK

RESULTS FOR ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY for additional requirements.

2. Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to

COR, in writing, 21 days in advance of proposed interruption.

Request shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption.

3. Contractor will be advised (in writing) of approval of request, or of which other date and/or time such interruption will cause least inconvenience to operations of Medical Center. Interruption time approved by Medical Center may occur at other than Contractor's normal working hours.

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

5. In case of a contract construction emergency, service will be interrupted on approval of COR. Such approval will be confirmed in writing as soon as practical.

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

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

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 12 of 34

N. To minimize interference of construction activities with flow of

Medical Center traffic, comply with the following:

1. Keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, to parking and to occupied areas of buildings clear of construction materials, debris and standing construction equipment and vehicles. Wherever excavation for new utility lines cross existing roads, at least one lane must be open to traffic at all times with approval.

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

O. Coordinate the work for this contract with other construction operations as directed by COR. This includes the scheduling of traffic and the use of roadways, as specified in Article, USE OF ROADWAYS.

1.7 ALTERATIONS

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

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

2. Existence and conditions of items such as plumbing fixtures and accessories, electrical fixtures, equipment, venetian blinds, shades, etc., required by drawings to be either reused or relocated, or both.

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

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

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 13 of 34

B. Any items required by drawings to be either reused or relocated or both, found during this survey to be nonexistent, or in opinion of COR, to be in such condition that their use is impossible or impractical, shall be furnished and/or replaced by Contractor with new items in accordance with specifications which will be furnished by

Government. Provided the contract work is changed by reason of this subparagraph B, the contract will be modified accordingly per the changes clause in the contract.

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

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

Contractor to restore damage caused by Contractor's workers in executing work of this contract.

D. Protection: Provide the following protective measures:

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

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

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

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 14 of 34

1.8 DISPOSAL AND RETENTION

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

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

2. Items not reserved shall become property of the Contractor and be removed by Contractor from Medical Center.

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

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

IMPROVEMENTS

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

B. The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities at or near the work site and on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 15 of 34 the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the

Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the

Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

C. Refer to FAR clause 52.236-7, "Permits and Responsibilities," which is included in General Conditions. A National Pollutant Discharge

Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required for this project. The

Contractor is considered an "operator" under the permit and has extensive responsibility for compliance with permit requirements. VA will make the permit application available at the (appropriate medical center) office. The apparent low bidder, contractor and affected subcontractors shall furnish all information and certifications that are required to comply with the permit process and permit requirements.

Many of the permit requirements will be satisfied by completing construction as shown and specified. Some requirements involve the

Contractor's method of operations and operations planning and the

Contractor is responsible for employing best management practices. The affected activities often include, but are not limited to the following:

- Designating areas for equipment maintenance and repair;

- Providing waste receptacles at convenient locations and provide regular collection of wastes;

- Locating equipment wash down areas on site, and provide appropriate control of wash-waters;

- Providing protected storage areas for chemicals, paints, solvents, fertilizers, and other potentially toxic materials; and

- Providing adequately maintained sanitary facilities.

1.10 RESTORATION

A. Remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary to install new work. Except as otherwise shown or specified, Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 16 of 34 do not cut, alter or remove any structural work, and do not disturb any ducts, plumbing, steam, gas, or electric work without approval of the

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

B. Upon completion of contract, deliver work complete and undamaged.

Existing work (walls, ceilings, partitions, floors, mechanical and electrical work, lawns, paving, roads, walks, etc.) disturbed or removed as a result of performing required new work, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced with new work, and refinished and left in as good condition as existed before commencing work.

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

D. Expense of repairs to such utilities and systems not shown on drawings or locations of which are unknown will be covered by adjustment to contract time and price in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES"

(FAR 52.243-4) and "DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-2).

1.11 PHYSICAL DATA – SOIL CONDITIONS

A. Data and information furnished or referred to below is for the

Contractor's information. The Government shall not be responsible for any interpretation of or conclusion drawn from the data or information by the Contractor.

B. A copy of the soil report will be made available for inspection by bidders upon request to the COR at the VA Medical Center, and shall be considered part of the contract documents.

C. Government does not guarantee that other materials will not be encountered nor that proportions, conditions or character of several materials will not vary from those indicated by explorations. Bidders

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 17 of 34 are expected to examine site of work and logs of borings; and, after investigation, decide for themselves character of materials and make their bids accordingly. Upon proper application to Department of

Veterans Affairs, bidders will be permitted to make subsurface explorations of their own at site.

1.12 PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING SERVICES

A registered professional land surveyor or registered civil engineer whose services are retained and paid for by the Contractor shall perform services specified herein and in other specification sections.

The Contractor shall certify that the land surveyor or civil engineer is not one who is a regular employee of the Contractor, and that the land surveyor or civil engineer has no financial interest in this contract.

1.13 LAYOUT OF WORK

A. The Contractor shall lay out the work from Government established base lines and bench marks, indicated on the drawings, and shall be responsible for all measurements in connection with the layout. The

Contractor shall furnish, at Contractor's own expense, all stakes, templates, platforms, equipment, tools, materials, and labor required to lay out any part of the work. The Contractor shall be responsible for executing the work to the lines and grades that may be established or indicated by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall also be responsible for maintaining and preserving all stakes and other marks established by the Contracting Officer until authorized to remove them.

If such marks are destroyed by the Contractor or through Contractor's negligence before their removal is authorized, the Contracting Officer may replace them and deduct the expense of the replacement from any amounts due or to become due to the Contractor.

B. Establish and plainly mark center lines for each building and corner of column lines and/or addition to each existing building, and such other lines and grades that are reasonably necessary to properly assure that location, orientation, and elevations established for each such structure and/or addition, roads, parking lots are in accordance with lines and elevations shown on contract drawings.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 18 of 34

C. Following completion of general mass excavation and before any other permanent work is performed, establish and plainly mark (through use of appropriate batter boards or other means) sufficient additional survey control points or system of points as may be necessary to assure proper alignment, orientation, and grade of all major features of work. Survey shall include, but not be limited to, location of lines and grades of footings, exterior walls, center lines of columns in both directions, major utilities and elevations of floor slabs:

1. Such additional survey control points or system of points thus established shall be checked and certified by a registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer. Furnish such certification to the COR before any work (such as footings, floor slabs, columns, walls, utilities and other major controlling features) is placed.

D. Whenever changes from contract drawings are made in line or grading requiring certificates, record such changes on a reproducible drawing bearing the registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer seal, and forward these drawings upon completion of work to COR.

E. The Contractor shall perform the surveying and layout work of this and other articles and specifications in accordance with the provisions of

Article "Professional Surveying Services".

1.14 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

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

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

C. Contractor shall deliver two approved completed sets of as-built drawings in the electronic version (scanned PDF) to the COR within 15 calendar days after each completed phase and after the acceptance of the project by the COR.

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

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 19 of 34

1.15 WARRANTY MANAGEMENT

A. Warranty Management Plan: Develop a warranty management plan which contains information relevant to FAR 52.246-21 Warranty of Construction in at least 30 days before the planned pre-warranty conference, submit one set one set of the warranty management plan. Include within the warranty management plan all required actions and documents to assure that the Government receives all warranties to which it is entitled.

The plan must be in narrative form and contain sufficient detail to render it suitable for use by future maintenance and repair personnel, whether tradesman, or of engineering background, not necessarily familiar with this contract. The term “status” as indicated below must include due date and whether item has been submitted or was approved.

Warranty information made available during the construction phase must be submitted to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to each monthly invoice for payment. Assemble approved information in a binder and turn over to the Government upon acceptance of the work. The construction warranty period will begin on the date of the project acceptance and continue for the product warranty period. A joint 4 month and 9 month warranty inspection will be conducted, measured from time of acceptance, by the Contactor and the Contracting Officer.

Include in the warranty management plan, but not limited to, the following:

1. Roles and responsibilities of all personnel associated with the warranty process, including points of contact and telephone numbers within the company of the Contractor, subcontractors, manufacturers or suppliers involved.

2. Furnish with each warranty the name, address and telephone number of each of the guarantor’s representatives nearest project location.

3. Listing and status of delivery of all Certificates of Warranty for extended warranty items, to include roofs, HVAC balancing, pumps, motors, transformers and for all commissioned systems such as fire protection and alarm systems, sprinkler systems and lightning protection systems, etc.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 20 of 34

4. A list for each warranted equipment item, feature of construction or system indicating:

a. Name of item.

b. Model and serial numbers.

c. Location where installed.

d. Name and phone numbers of manufacturers and suppliers.

e. Name and phone numbers of manufacturers or suppliers.

f. Names, addresses and phone numbers of sources of spare parts.

g. Warranties and terms of warranty. Include one-year overall warranty of construction, including the starting date of warranty of construction. Items which have extended warranties must be indicated with separate warranty expiration dates.

h. Starting point and duration of warranty period.

i. Summary of maintenance procedures required to continue the warranty in force.

j. Cross-reference to specific pertinent Operation and Maintenance manuals.

k. Organizations, names and phone numbers of persons to call for warranty service.

l. Typical response time and repair time expected for various warranted equipment.

5. The plans for attendance at the 4 and 9-month post construction warranty inspections conducted by the government.

6. Procedure and status of tagging of all equipment covered by extended warranties.

7. Copies of instructions to be posted near selected pieces of equipment where operation is critical for warranty and/or safety reasons.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 21 of 34

B. Performance Bond: The Performance Bond must remain effective throughout the construction period.

1. In the event the Contractor fails to commence and diligently pursue any construction warranty work required, the Contracting Officer will have the work performed by others, and after completion of the work, will charge the remaining construction warranty funds of expenses incurred by the Government while performing the work, including, but not limited to administrative expenses.

2. In the event sufficient funds are not available to cover the construction warranty work performed by the Government at the contractor’s expenses, the Contracting Officer will have the right to recoup expenses from the bonding company.

3. Following oral or written notification of required construction warranty repair work, the Contractor shall respond in a timely manner. Written verification will follow oral instructions. Failure to respond will be cause for the Contracting Officer to proceed against the Contractor.

C. Pre-Warranty Conference: Prior to contract completion, and at a time designated by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall meet with the Contracting Officer to develop a mutual understanding with respect to the requirements of this section. Communication procedures for

Contractor notification of construction warranty defects, priorities with respect to the type of defect, reasonable time required for

Contractor response, and other details deemed necessary by the

Contracting Officer for the execution of the construction warranty will be established/ reviewed at this meeting. In connection with these requirements and at the time of the Contractor’s quality control completion inspection, furnish the name, telephone number and address of a licensed and bonded company which is authorized to initiate and pursue construction warranty work action on behalf of the Contractor.

This point of contract will be located within the local service area of the warranted construction, be continuously available and be responsive to Government inquiry on warranty work action and status. This

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 22 of 34 requirement does not relieve the Contractor of any of its responsibilities in conjunction with other portions of this provision.

D. Contractor’s Response to Construction Warranty Service Requirements:

E. Following oral or written notification by the Contracting Officer, the

Contractor shall respond to construction warranty service requirements in accordance with the “Construction Warranty Service Priority List” and the three categories of priorities listed below. Submit a report on any warranty item that has been repaired during the warranty period.

Include within the report the cause of the problem, date reported, corrective action taken, and when the repair was completed. If the

Contractor does not perform the construction warranty within the timeframe specified, the Government will perform the work and back charge the construction warranty payment item established.

1. First Priority Code 1. Perform onsite inspection to evaluate situation, and determine course of action within 4 hours, initiate work within 6 hours and work continuously to completion or relief.

2. Second Priority Code 2. Perform onsite inspection to evaluate situation, and determine course of action within 8 hours, initiate work within 24 hours and work continuously to completion or relief.

3. Third Priority Code 3. All other work to be initiated within 3 work days and work continuously to completion or relief.

4. The “Construction Warranty Service Priority List” is as follows:

a) Code 1-Life Safety Systems

1) Fire suppression systems.

2) Fire alarm system(s).

B) Code 1-Electrical

1) Power failure (entire area or any building operational after

1600 hours).

2) Security lights.

3) Smoke detectors.

C) Code 2-Electrical

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 23 of 34

1) Power failure (no power to a room or part of building).

Receptacles and lights not operational (in a room or part of building).

D) Code 3-Interior

1) Paint chipping or peeling.

F. Warranty Tags: At the time of installation, tag each warranted item with a durable, oil and water-resistant tag approved by the Contracting

Officer. Attach each tag with a copper wire and spray with a silicone waterproof coating. Also submit two “2” record copies of the warranty tags showing the layout and design. The date of acceptance and the QC signature must remain blank until the project is accepted for beneficial occupancy. Show the following information on the tag.

Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice

– Vancouver, WA

Vancouver VA Medical Center

Project No. 648-23-100

01 00 00 - 24 of 34

1.16 USE OF ROADWAYS

A. For hauling, use only established public roads and roads on Medical

Center property and, when authorized by the COR, such temporary roads which are necessary in the performance of contract work. Temporary roads shall be constructed and restoration performed by the Contractor at Contractor's expense. When necessary to cross curbing, sidewalks, or similar construction, they must be protected by well-constructed bridges.

B. When new permanent roads are to be a part of this contract, Contractor may construct them immediately for use to facilitate building operations. These roads may be used by all who have business thereon within zone of building operations.

C. When certain buildings (or parts of certain buildings) are required to be completed in advance of general date of completion, all roads leading thereto must be completed and available for use at time set for completion of such buildings or parts thereof.

1.17 TEMPORARY USE OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

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

1. Permission to use each unit or system must be given by COR in writing. If the equipment is not installed and maintained in accordance with the written agreement and following provisions, the

COR will withdraw permission for use of the equipment.

2. Electrical installations used by the equipment shall be completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications to prevent damage to the equipment…