36C26119R0002-003.docx

SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Upgrade Site for USP800 Compliant Mobile Compounding Trailer At Building 100 and Radiology Suite

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SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 GENERAL INTENTION

A. Contractor shall completely prepare site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor and materials and perform work for new site work to include demolition as indicated on the drawings and include new work as required by drawings and specifications.

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

C. Before placement and installation of work subject to tests by testing laboratory retained by Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (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 work days 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.

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. General contractor shall have a designated superintendent available on site all the time during work hours. The project superintendent shall not have any other roles on different projects and shall solely be responsible for this project. Prior to commencing work, the general contractor shall send a letter to the VA to indicate the designated project superintendent.

G. Training:

H. VHA Directive 2011-36, Safety and Health during Construction, dated 9/22/2011 in its entirety is made a part of this section.

1.2 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

A. ITEM I, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: Work includes general construction, alteration to upgrade site for USP 800 compliant mobile compounding trailer as indicated on the drawings. The scope of work includes coordination with other on-going projects adjacent to the area of work and existing below grade utilities within the area of work.

B. Contractor shall meet with the Safety Department before any safety plan submission.

C. Period of Performance (POP): the period of performance includes all preconstruction activities from date of ‘Notice to Proceed’ (NTP) through all construction activities till project acceptance by the COR, but does not include days for contracting administrative close out, contractor submittal of close-out documents, and other misc. activities not directly related to construction all of which are at the contractor’s own expense if not completed by the date of contractor demobilization / construction site turn over to the VA.

I. Total Period of Performance:(338)

a. Pre-Construction POP (98 Days) from NTP to Mobilization

1. From NTP to approval by the COR to mobilize contractor shall

2. Coordinate material procurement / fabrication with approved project schedule. Contract payment for fabrication and storage will not be authorized except for work scheduled in the approved project schedule time frame and the associated cost loaded schedule. All items fabricated and or procured and stored off-site are not subject to payment unless previous arrangements are made with the COR and are IAW VAAR Clause 852.236-82.

3. Contractor shall not be authorized to mobilize for construction activities until all the listed submittals have been accepted in writing by the COR. and all specifications submittals in the sections listed below have been accepted in writing by the COR. Contractor may mobilize sooner than the specified 180 days dependent on COR approval of all the submittals listed in this section.

i. Submittals from Section 01 00 00 General Requirements prior to mobilization:

A. Security Plan (Submittal of Security Plan is required prior to mobilization):

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

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

B. Before mobilization, the Contractor shall submit to and receive acceptance by the Contracting Officer’s Representative, an electronic security memorandum describing the approach to following goals and maintaining confidentiality of “Sensitive Information”.

C. Fire Safety Plan (Contractor shall meet with VA safety to determine the plan requirements prior submitting to COR for approval. Submittal acceptance by Contracting Officer’s Representative of Fire Safety Plan is required prior to mobilization): Establish and maintain a fire protection program in advance with 29 CFR 1926. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to Contracting Officer’s Representative for review for compliance with contract requirements. Prior to any worker for the Contractor or subcontractors beginning work, they shall undergo a safety briefing provided by the Contractor’s competent person per OSHA requirements.

This briefing shall include information on the construction limits, VA safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VA equipment, etc. Documentation shall be provided to the Contracting Officer’s Representative that individuals have undergone Contractor’s safety briefings.

ii. Submittals Required from Sections prior to mobilization:

4. Failure of contractor to provide & receive COR acceptance for the submittals in the specified POP timeframe will be considered by the COR as a contractor delay to the project and will be enforced per the liquidated damages clause of the contract if the project extends beyond the total project period of performance specified. Contractor shall allow for 15 calendar days for each submittal & resubmittal reviewed by the VA / AE team.

5. Construction POP (185 days)- from date of Mobilization till project acceptance by the COR. (185 days) includes (15 working days) lost due to inclement weather where work on the critical path is not possible. Critical Path shall be determined by the COR approved base line schedule required in specification 01 32 16.15. (15 working days) are not subject to request for equitable adjustment – project schedule shall use the 15 working days as float during the inclement weather during the Construction project duration.

1.3 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONTRACTOR

A. AFTER AWARD OF CONTRACT, 5 sets of specifications and drawings will be furnished.

B. Additional sets of drawings may be made by the Contractor, at Contractor's expense, from reproducible sepia prints furnished by Issuing Office. Such sepia prints shall be returned to the Issuing Office immediately after printing is completed.

1.4 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.

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. The Contractor shall create an Employee Daily Log of all personnel working on the site. The Employee Daily Log shall contain the employee’s (a) Full Name, (b) Employer/Company Name and (c) Occupation/Trade. The Employee Daily Log shall be submitted with the Contractor’s Daily Work Report.

3. Contractor’s normal working hours shall be 8am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday excluding federally observed holidays.

4. Contractor must observe Federal Holidays with no work allowed on such days. Refer to the OPM website www.opm.gov for the observed Federal Holidays and their dates for the applicable year.

a. Contractor must obtain written prior approval by the COR to work outside of defined working hours. This notice is separate from any notices required for utility shutdown described later in this specification.

5. No photography of VA premises is allowed without written permission of the VA Public Affairs Officer.

6. The VA Police are Federal Police Officers with full authority to make arrests, investigate crimes and issue traffic citations. Citations issued require an appearance in the Federal District Court and/or payment of a fine. Speed limits and other driving and parking codes are strictly enforced. Any vehicle left unattended for more than a few minutes may be cited by the VA Police.

7. Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. This includes deliberate or unsolicited verbal comments or gestures of a sexual nature, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and/or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

8. Possession or use of non-prescription drugs or alcohol, including beer and wine, on the Health Care System grounds is strictly prohibited. Possession of firearms, knives with blades over 4”, ammunition, explosive devices and any item that may be considered an offensive weapon is strictly prohibited. This includes carrying such items in vehicles.

9. The Health Care System does not have the equipment, facilities, or personnel trained to handle serious injuries. Call 911 for emergency medical assistance and notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative and the VA Police.

10. Vehicle authorization requests shall be required for any contractor vehicle entering the site and such requests 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.

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

C. Key Control:

1. The General Contractor shall provide duplicate keys and lock combinations to the 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/Sub Contractors 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.

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 COR upon request.

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

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 the COR 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.

2. Separate permits shall be issued for General Contractor and its employees for parking in designated areas only.

1.5 FIRE SAFETY

A. Applicable Publications: Publications listed below form part of this Article to extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only.

1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

E84-2009..........Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

70-2011 ............National Electrical Code 101-2012 ..........Life Safety Code 241-2009 ..........Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

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

4. VHA Directive 2005-007 B. Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1926. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to COR for review for compliance VHA Directive 2005-007, NFPA 101 and NFPA 241. Prior to beginning work, all employees of the contractor and/or any subcontractors shall undergo a safety briefing provided by the general contractor’s competent person per OSHA requirements. This briefing shall include information on the construction limits, VAMC safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VAMC equipment, etc. Provide documentation to the COR that all construction workers have undergone contractor’s safety briefing.

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

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

E. Temporary Construction Partitions: Install and maintain temporary construction barriers and fencing to provide - separations between construction areas and adjoining areas. Construct barriers and fencing to minimize dust particles from passing into occupied spaces or active pathways. Fencing posts shall be driven to the ground to avoid from being blown over by strong winds. Install LED lighting with timer switch along construction fence at 10 feet on center.

F. Temporary Electrical: Install, use and maintain installations in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70.

G. Means of Egress: Do not block exiting for occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads. Contractor to provide fenced lighted egress through site to safe exit point(s). Minimize disruptions and coordinate with Project Engineer and facility Safety Manager.

H. Egress Routes for Construction Workers: Maintain free and unobstructed egress. Inspect daily. Report findings and corrective actions weekly to Project Engineer and facility Safety Manager.

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

J. Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 30.

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

L. Hot Work: Perform and safeguard hot work operations in accordance with NFPA 241 and NFPA 51B. Coordinate with COR. Obtain permits from facility Safety Manager at least 72hours in advance. Designate contractor's responsible project-site fire prevention program manager to permit hot work.

M. Fire Hazard Prevention and Safety Inspections: Inspect entire construction areas weekly. Coordinate with, and report findings and corrective actions weekly to CORand facility Safety Manager.

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

O. Dispose of waste and debris in accordance with NFPA 241. Remove from site daily.

P. Perform other construction, alteration and demolition operations in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.

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

B. Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities may be erected by the Contractor only with the approval of the COR 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 COR, the buildings and utilities may be abandoned and need not be removed.

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

(FAR 52.236-10)

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

E. Execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. Keep roads clear of construction materials, debris, standing construction equipment and vehicles at all times.

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 adjacent to the building structure, are not permitted near buildings that are occupied, during construction, jointly by patients or medical personnel, and Contractor's personnel, except as permitted by COR where required by limited working space.

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

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

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

G. 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 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: To insure such executions, Contractor shall furnish the COR with a schedule of approximate phasing and 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 and dates to insure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to Medical Center Director, COR and Contractor.

I. Construction Fence: Before construction operations begin, Contractor shall provide a chain link construction fence, 2.1 m (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. Fence posts shall be driven to the ground. LED lights with timer shall be provided along the fence. Remove the fence when directed by COR.

J. Utilities Services: Maintain existing utility services for Medical Center at all times. Provide temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, connections, and utilities to assure uninterrupted services. Where necessary to cut existing water, steam, gases, sewer or air pipes, or conduits, wires, cables, etc. of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, where directed by COR.

1. No utility service such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior approval of COR. Electrical work shall be accomplished with all affected circuits or equipment de-energized. When an electrical outage cannot be accomplished, work on any energized circuits or equipment shall not commence without the Medical Center Director’s prior knowledge and written approval. Refer to specification Sections 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, and 28 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY INSTALLATIONS for additional requirements.

2. Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to COR, in writing, 45 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 45 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.

K. Abandoned Lines: All service lines such as wires, cables, conduits, ducts, pipes and the like, and their hangers or supports, which are to be abandoned but are not required to be entirely removed, shall be sealed, capped or plugged. The lines shall not be capped in finished areas, but shall be removed and sealed, capped or plugged within unfinished areas, so that they are completely behind the finished surfaces.

L. 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.

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

M. 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 areas of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by all three, to the COR. This report shall list by spaces:

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

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

B. Any items required by drawings to be either reused or relocated or both, found during this survey to be nonexistent, or in opinion of COR and/or Supply Representative, to be in such condition that their use is impossible or impractical, shall be furnished and/or replaced by Contractor with new items in accordance with specifications which will be furnished by Government. Provided the contract work is changed by reason of this subparagraph B, the contract will be modified accordingly, under provisions of clause entitled "DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-2) and "CHANGES" (FAR 52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88).

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 involved. They shall furnish a report on conditions then existing 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 areas, despite protection measures; and, will form basis for determining extent of repair work required of Contractor to restore damage caused by Contractor's workmen in executing work of this contract.

D. Protection: Provide the following protective measures:

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

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

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

1.8 INFECTION PREVENTION MEASURES

A. Implement the requirements of VAMC’s Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) team. ICRA Group may monitor dust in the vicinity of the construction work and require the Contractor to take corrective action immediately if the safe levels are exceeded.

B. Establish and maintain a dust control program as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the guidelines provided by ICRA Group. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific dust protection measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to COR and Facility ICRA team for review for compliance with contract requirements in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA AND SAMPLES.

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

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

1. In case of any problem, the medical center, along with assistance from the contractor, shall conduct an environmental assessment to find and eliminate the source.

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

1. Dampen debris to keep down dust where directed by COR. Blank

2. Do not perform dust producing tasks within occupied areas without the approval of the COR. For construction in any areas that will remain jointly occupied by the medical Center and Contractor’s workers, the Contractor shall:

a. Provide dust proof temporary barriers to completely separate construction from the operational areas of the buildings in order to contain dirt debris and dust. Barriers shall be sealed and made presentable on building occupied side. A fire retardant polystyrene, 6-mil thick or greater plastic barrier meeting local fire codes may be used where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the COR and Medical Center.

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

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

d. The contractor shall not haul debris through buildings. There shall be no standing water during construction. This includes water in equipment drip pans and open containers within the construction areas. Remove and dispose of porous materials that remain damp for more than 72 hours.

e. At completion, remove construction barriers carefully, outside of normal work hours. Clean all surfaces after the removal.

E. Final Cleanup:

1. Upon completion of project, or as work progresses, remove all construction debris that have been part of the construction.

1.9 DISPOSAL AND RETENTION

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

1. Reserved items which are to remain property of the Government are noted on drawings or in specifications as items to be stored. Items 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 areas and spaces in which work is to be done under this contract shall remain the property of the Government. When 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.

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

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

(FAR 52.236-9)

C. Refer to Section 01 57 19, TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, for additional requirements on protecting vegetation, soils and the environment. Refer to Articles, "Alterations", "Restoration", and "Operations and Storage Areas" for additional instructions concerning repair of damage to structures and site improvements.

D. 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.

1.11 RESTORATION

A. Remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary to install new work. Except as otherwise shown or specified, do not cut, alter or remove any structural work, and do not disturb any ducts, plumbing, steam, gas, or electric work without approval of the COR. Existing work to be altered or extended and that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work shall conform in type and quality to that of original existing construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

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

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

D. Expense of repairs to such utilities and systems not shown on drawings or locations of which are unknown will be covered by adjustment to contract time and price in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES" (FAR 52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88) and "DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-2).

1.12 PHYSICAL DATA

A. Data and information 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.

1. The indications of physical conditions on the drawings and in the specifications are the result of site investigations by Romig Engineers (dated December 2017) and Miscellaneous Reports for Loop road and Site Utilities Radiological Consolidation Parking Structure 2, and Radiological Soil Reports 2015 2016.

(FAR 52.236-4)

B. Subsurface conditions have been developed by core borings and test pits. Logs of subsurface exploration are shown diagrammatically in the geotechnical Report by Romig Engineers.

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

D. 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 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.

1.13 PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING SERVICES

A. 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.

1.14 LAYOUT OF WORK

A. The Contractor shall verify the existing conditions and 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 COR. The Contractor shall also be responsible for maintaining and preserving all stakes and other marks established by the COR until authorized to remove them. If such marks are destroyed by the Contractor or through Contractor's negligence before their removal is authorized, the COR may replace them and deduct the expense of the replacement from any amounts due or to become due to the Contractor.

(FAR 52.236-17)

B. Establish and plainly mark center lines for new site work and such other lines and grades that are reasonably necessary to properly assure that location, orientation, and elevations established for the site work, are in accordance with lines and elevations shown on contract drawings.

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 existing 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, seat walls, utilities and other major controlling features) is placed.

D. During progress of work, and particularly as work progresses from area to area, Contractor shall have line grades and plumbness of all major form work checked and certified by a registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer as meeting requirements of contract drawings. Furnish such certification to the COR before any major items of concrete work are placed. In addition, Contractor shall also furnish to the COR certificates from a registered land surveyor or registered civil engineer that the following work is complete in every respect as required by contract drawings.

1. Elevations of tops of each structure

2. Lines of each structure and/or addition.

3. Lines and elevations of sewers and of all outside distribution systems.

E. 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.

F. 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".

1.15 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 insure compliance, as-built drawings shall be made available for the COR's review, as often as requested.

C. Contractor shall deliver two approved completed sets of as-built drawings to the COR 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.

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

1.17 TEMPORARY USE OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

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

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

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

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

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

1.18 TEMPORARY TOILETS

A. Provide where directed, (for use of all Contractor's workmen) ample temporary sanitary toilet accommodations with suitable sewer and water connections; or, when approved by COR, provide suitable dry closets where directed. Keep such places clean and free from flies, and all connections and appliances connected therewith are to be removed prior to completion of contract, and premises left perfectly clean.

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

1.19 AVAILABILITY AND USE OF UTILITY SERVICES

A. The Government shall make all reasonably required amounts of utilities available to the Contractor from existing outlets and supplies, as specified in the contract. The amount to be paid by the Contractor for chargeable electrical services shall be the prevailing rates charged to the Government. The Contractor shall carefully conserve any utilities furnished without charge.

B. The Contractor, at Contractor's expense and in a workmanlike manner satisfactory to the COR, shall install and maintain all necessary temporary connections and distribution lines, and all meters required to measure the amount of electricity used for the purpose of determining charges. Before final acceptance of the work by the Government, the Contractor shall remove all the temporary connections, distribution lines, meters, and associated paraphernalia.

C. Contractor shall install meters at Contractor's expense and furnish the Medical Center a monthly record of the Contractor's usage of electricity as hereinafter specified.

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

1. Obtain electricity by connecting to the Medical Center electrical distribution system. The Contractor shall meter and pay for electricity required for electric cranes and hoisting devices, electrical welding devices and any electrical heating devices providing temporary heat. Electricity for all other uses is available at no cost to the Contractor.

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

1. Obtain water by connecting to the Medical Center water distribution system.