36C26319R0118-005.pdf

636A6-13-113 – Interactive TV and Paging 3/1/19

Spec Section 010000 – General Requirements 3

SECTION 01 00 00

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 GENERAL INTENTION

A. Contractor shall provide design-build services to perform work for Des Moines VAMC Project

636A6-13-113 – Interactive TV and Paging in accordance with the statement of work and attached specifications.

B. Visits to the site by Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers / vendors will be coordinated with the

Contracting Officer(CO). During the solicitation period, site visits are to be made in accordance with the solicitation and Contracting Officer.

C. All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA security management program and obtain I.D. Badges from VA.

D. Prior to commencing work, general contractor shall provide proof that a OSHA designated

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

E. Training:

1. All employees of general contractor or subcontractors shall have the 10-hour General

Laborers or 30-hour Supervisors OSHA Construction Safety course and other relevant competency training, as determined by PE/COR acting as the Construction Safety Officer with input from the facility Construction Safety Committee.

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

F. 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 ITEMS

A. ITEM I, Design & Construction Documents: Work includes all labor, material, equipment and supervision to furnish the required documents for construction including Drawings, Specifications, construction cost estimates, and other documents as necessary.

B. ITEM II, Pre-Construction: Execution of management and logistical services required to prepare for the construction of the project.

C. ITEM III, Construction: Work includes general construction, alterations, necessary removal of existing structures and construction and certain other items.

Work includes all labor, material, equipment and supervision to perform the required electrical construction work including lighting, power, low voltage, equipment and certain other items.

D. ITEM IV, Post-Construction Commissioning and Close-Out: Execution of post-construction services required for appropriate close-out and final commissioning of the project.

1.3 NOT USED

1.4 NOT USED

1.5 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONTRACTOR

A. AFTER AWARD OF CONTRACT, 0 sets of specifications and drawings will be furnished.

B. Additional sets of drawings may be made by the Contractor, at Contractor's expense, from files downloaded from the projects Fedbizops Site.

1.6 CONSTRUCTION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Security Procedures:

1. General contractor’s employees and subcontractors 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. For working outside the “regular hours” as defined in the contract, The general contractor shall give 3 days notice to the Contracting Officer so that notice 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 written permission of the Contracting

Officer.

4. VA reserves the right to shut down the project site and order general contractor’s employees off the premises in the event of an emergency. The general contractor may return to the site only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B. Document Control:

1. 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.

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

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

1.7 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):

10-2010................................ Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

30-2008................................ Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

51B-2009 ............................. Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting and Other

Hot Work

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 and worker for the Contractor or Sub-Contractor, beginning work, they shall undergo a safety briefing provided by the general contractor’s competent person per OSHA requirements. This briefing shall include information on the construction limits, VAMC safety guidelines, means of egress, break areas, work hours, locations of restrooms, use of VAMC equipment, etc. Provide documentation to the Project Engineer that all construction workers have undergone contractor’s safety briefing.

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

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

E. Temporary Construction Partitions:

1. Install and maintain temporary construction partitions to provide smoke-tight separations between construction areas and adjoining areas. Construct partitions of 5/8” Type ‘C’ Fire

Rated gypsum board and steel studs. Extend the partitions through suspended ceilings to floor slab deck or roof. Seal joints and penetrations. At door openings, install Class C, ¾ hour fire/smoke rated doors with self-closing devices and locks that use the Fargo VA Best

Corporation 7-pin cores.

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

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

07 84 00, FIRESTOPPING.

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

CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70.

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

Minimize disruptions and coordinate with Project Engineer.

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

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. Remove from job site when not being used.

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

L. Existing Fire Protection: Do not impair automatic sprinklers, smoke and heat detection, and fire alarm systems.

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

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

51B. Coordinate with Project Engineer. Obtain permits from Project Engineer in advance.

O. Fire Hazard Prevention and Safety Inspections: Inspect entire construction areas daily and correct potential fire hazard situations.

P. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking rest areas.

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

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

1926.

1.8 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.

B. 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.

C. Working space and space available for storing materials shall be as determined by the Project

Engineer.

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

E. 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 Project Engineer where required by limited working space.

Use of such equipment and tools may also be limited in and around historic buildings and structures by the terms of agreements reached under the National Historic Preservation Act;

consult the Project Engineer for the terms of any such agreements.

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

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

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

F. 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 Project Engineer. All such actions shall be coordinated with the Project

Engineer.

G. Phasing: To insure such executions, Contractor shall furnish the Project Engineer with a schedule of approximate 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 Project Engineer in advance of the proposed date of starting work in each specific area of site, building or portion thereof. Arrange such dates to insure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to Project Engineer and Contractor.

H. All Buildings except Building 2 will be occupied during performance of work.

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 protected construction areas which serve as routes of access to such affected areas and equipment. Coordinate alteration work in areas occupied by Department of Veterans Affairs so that Medical Center operations will continue during the construction period.

2. Selected immediate areas of alterations will be temporarily vacated while alterations are performed. Coordinate with Project Engineer. Other areas will not be vacated during construction.

I. Construction Fence: Before construction operations begin, Contractor shall provide a chain link construction fence, 2.1m (seven feet) minimum height, around the construction area. Provide access as required. 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

Project Engineer.

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 Project Engineer.

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 Project

Engineer. Electrical work shall be accomplished with all affected circuits or equipment de-energized.

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

3. Contractor will be advised 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 at no additional cost to the Government.

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 Project Engineer.

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

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

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 in ceilings, within furred spaces, in unfinished areas, or within walls or partitions; 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.

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

M. Coordinate the work for this contract with other construction operations as directed by Project

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

1.9 ALTERATIONS

A. Survey: Before any work is started, the Contractor shall make a thorough survey with the Project

Engineer of areas of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both, to the Contracting Officer. This report shall list by rooms and spaces:

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

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

3. Any features of the area of building designated by VA for protection or other special treatment per historic preservation standards or agreements (See 1.33).

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

5. 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 Project Engineer.

B. Re-Survey: Thirty days before expected partial or final inspection date, the Contractor and

Project Engineer together shall make a thorough re-survey of the areas of buildings involved.

They shall furnish a report on conditions then existing, of resilient flooring, doors, windows, walls and other surfaces as compared with conditions of same as noted in first condition survey report:

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

C. 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.

4. Protection of any building or site elements identified by VA for special treatment per historic preservation standards or agreements (See 1.33).

1.10 INFECTION PREVENTION MEASURES

A. The Contractor shall contact Engineering Service (239-3760 Ext. 3361 in Building 30 prior to beginning construction in any areas so that a Preconstruction Risk Assessment (PCRA) may be performed and all applicable forms completed. Once completed the Contractor shall obtain a completed and approved copy of the PCRA (ILSM’s), Infection Control Precautions, etc.) as noted in the completed forms. The Contractor shall post a copy of the completed form outside of the construction barrier at each work site in plain view and accessible to VA Staff for verification that requirements noted on PCRA Form are being adhered to.

B. Implement the requirements of VAMC’s Preconstruction Risk Assessment (PCRA) Form. PCRA

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. Obtain PCRA Form from

PE/COR prior to starting construction and check with PE/COR for new versions when moving to other construction areas.

C. Establish and maintain a dust control program as part of the contractor’s infection preventive measures in accordance with the guidelines provided by PCRA Form. The Contractor shall install bulb type pressure differential monitoring devices in temporary construction barriers and shall monitor and maintain negative air pressure in construction areas.

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

D. Medical Center Infection Control personnel shall monitor for airborne disease (e.g. aspergillosis) as appropriate during construction. A baseline of conditions may be established by the Medical

Center prior to the start of work and periodically during the construction stage to determine impact of construction activities on indoor air quality. In addition:

1. The Project Engineer and VAMC Infection Control personnel shall review pressure differential monitoring documentation to verify that pressure differentials in the construction zone and in the adjacent rooms are appropriate for their settings. Construction area always negative and corrections required immediately upon discovery or VA notification otherwise work will be stopped immediately.

2. 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.

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

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

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

Project Engineer. 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 construction barriers to completely separate construction from the operational areas of the hospital in order to contain dirt debris and dust. Maintain negative air at all times. A fire retardant polystyrene, 6-mil thick or greater plastic barrier meeting local fire codes may be used where dust control is the only hazard, and an agreement is reached with the Project Engineer.

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

Contractor shall verify that construction exhaust to exterior is not reintroduced to the

Medical Center through intake vents, or building openings. Install HEPA (High Efficiency

Particulate Accumulator) filter vacuum system rated at 95% capture of 0.3 microns including pollen, mold spores and dust particles. Insure continuous negative air pressures occurring within the work area. HEPA filters should have ASHRAE 85 or other prefilter to extend the useful life of the HEPA. Provide both primary and secondary filtrations units. Exhaust hoses shall be heavy duty, flexible steel reinforced and exhausted so that dust is not reintroduced to the Medical Center.

c. Adhesive Walk-off/Carpet Walk-off Mats, minimum 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 or at a minimum of one hour whichever is less. Contractor shall post a chart indicating when “sticky” mat was changed (individual sheets) with day, time and name of person who changed the “sticky” mat.

d. Vacuum and wet mop all transition areas from construction to the occupied Medical

Center at the end of each workday. Vacuum shall utilize HEPA filtration. Maintain surrounding area frequently. Remove debris as they are created. Transport these outside the construction area in containers with tightly fitting lids.

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

transported through occupied areas shall be made free from dust and moisture by vacuuming and wipe down.

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

g. There shall be no standing water during construction. This includes water in equipment drip pans and open containers within the construction areas. All accidental spills must be cleaned up and dried immediately. Remove and dispose of porous materials.

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

F. Final Cleanup:

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

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

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

1.11 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 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 Project Engineer.

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 and shall be removed by the Government in advance of work to avoid interfering with Contractor's operation.

(FAR 52.236-9)

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

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. 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 requirement 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.

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

IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

1.13 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 Project

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

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

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

C. At Contractor's own expense, Contractor shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workmen to existing piping and conduits, wires, cables, etc., of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone).

1.14 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.

1.15 LAYOUT OF WORK

A. The Contractor shall lay out the work 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.

(FAR 52.236-17)

B. Establish and plainly mark such lines and grades that are reasonably necessary to properly assure that location, orientation, and elevations established 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 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 Project Engineer before any work (such as footings, floor slabs, columns, walls, utilities and other major controlling features) is placed.

1.16 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 Project Engineer's review, as often as requested.

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

Engineer within 15 calendar days after each completed phase and after the acceptance of the project by the Project Engineer.

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

1.17 USE OF ROADWAYS

A. For hauling, use only established public roads and roads on Medical Center property and, when authorized by the Project Engineer, 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.

1.18 TEMPORARY USE OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

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

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

Engineer will withdraw permission for use of the equipment.

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

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

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

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

6. All components of heat production and distribution system, metering equipment, condensate returns, and other auxiliary facilities used in temporary service shall be cleaned prior to use; maintained to prevent corrosion internally and externally during use; and cleaned, maintained and inspected prior to acceptance by the Government.

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

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

1.19 TEMPORARY USE OF EXISTING ELEVATORS

A. Outside type hoist shall be used by Contractor for transporting materials and equipment where feasible.

B. Use of existing elevators for limited handling of building materials and Contractor's personnel will be permitted subject to following provisions:

1. Contractor makes all arrangements with the Project Engineer for use of elevators. The

Project Engineer will ascertain that elevators are in proper condition.

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

a. Entrance jambs, heads soffits and threshold plates.

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

c. Finish flooring.

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

1.20 TEMPORARY TOILETS

A. When approved by Project Engineer, 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.

1.21 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 Contractor shall carefully conserve any utilities furnished without charge.

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

Contracting Officer, shall install and maintain all necessary temporary connections and distribution lines. Before final acceptance of the work by the Government, the Contractor shall remove all the temporary connections, distribution lines, meters, and associated paraphernalia.

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

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

a. Steam is available at no cost to Contractor.

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

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

Electricity is available at no cost to the Contractor.

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

1. Obtain water by connecting to the Medical Center water distribution system. Provide reduced pressure backflow preventer and obtain approval from the VA Project Engineer prior to making connection. Water is available at no cost to the Contractor.

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

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

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

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

Steam is available at no cost to the Contractor.

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

Failure to stop leakage or other waste will be cause for revocation (at Project Engineer's discretion), of use of steam from the Medical Center's system.

1.22 TESTS

A. Pre-test mechanical and electrical equipment and systems and make corrections required for proper operation of such systems before requesting final tests. Final test will not be conducted unless pre-tested.

B. Conduct final tests required in various sections of specifications in presence of an authorized representative of the Contracting Officer. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, instruments, and forms, to conduct and record such tests.

C. Mechanical and electrical systems shall be balanced, controlled and coordinated. A system is defined as the entire complex which must be coordinated to work together during normal operation to produce results for which the system is designed. For example, air conditioning supply air is only one part of entire system which provides comfort conditions for a building.

Other related components are return air, exhaust air, steam, chilled water, refrigerant, hot water, controls and electricity, etc. Another example of a complex which involves several components of different disciplines is a boiler installation. Efficient and acceptable boiler operation depends upon the coordination and proper operation of fuel, combustion air, controls, steam, feedwater, condensate and other related components.

D. All related components as defined above shall be functioning when any system component is tested. Tests shall be completed within a reasonably short period of time during which operating and environmental conditions remain reasonably constant.

E. Individual test result of any component, where required, will only be accepted when submitted with the test results of related components and of the entire system.

1.23 CONSTRUCTION MEETING

A. Construction meeting will be held weekly to coordinate the activities of the Contractors.

1. Each meeting shall be attended by VA Representative, A/E Representative and Field

Representative of each trade.

2. The General Contractor shall be responsible for supervising the meeting and for recording and distributing the minutes of the meeting to each representative.

1.24 INSTRUCTIONS

A. Contractor shall furnish Maintenance and Operating manuals (hard copies and electronic) and verbal instructions when required by the various sections of the specifications and as hereinafter specified.

B. Manuals: Maintenance and operating manuals and one compact disc (two bound hard copies and one .pdf file on CD/DVD each) for each separate piece of equipment shall be delivered to the Project Engineer coincidental with the delivery of the equipment to the job site. Omit all special characters in electronic file names (i.e.: #, %, &, *, :, <,>, ?, /) Manuals shall be complete, detailed guides for the maintenance and operation of equipment. They shall include complete information necessary for starting, adjusting, maintaining in continuous operation for long periods of time and dismantling and reassembling of the complete units and sub-assembly components. Manuals shall include an index covering all component parts clearly cross-referenced to diagrams and illustrations. Illustrations shall include "exploded" views showing and identifying each separate item. Emphasis shall be placed on the use of special tools and instruments. The function of each piece of equipment, component, accessory and control shall be clearly and thoroughly explained. All necessary precautions for the operation of the equipment and the reason for each precaution shall be clearly set forth. Manuals must reference the exact model, style and size of the piece of equipment and system being furnished.

Manuals referencing equipment similar to but of a different model, style, and size than that furnished will not be accepted.

C. Instructions: Contractor shall provide qualified, factory-trained manufacturers' representatives to give detailed instructions to assigned Department of Veterans Affairs personnel in the operation and complete maintenance for each piece of equipment. All such training will be at the job site. These requirements are more specifically detailed in the various technical sections.

Instructions for different items of equipment that are component parts of a complete system, shall be given in an integrated, progressive manner. All instructors for every piece of component equipment in a system shall be available until instructions for all items included in the system have been completed. This is to assure proper instruction in the operation of inter-related systems. All instruction periods shall be at such times as scheduled by the Project Engineer and shall be considered concluded only when the Project Engineer is satisfied in regard to complete and thorough coverage. The Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to request the removal of, and substitution for, any instructor who, in the opinion of the Project Engineer, does not demonstrate sufficient qualifications in accordance with requirements for instructors above.

1.25 NOT USED

1.26 LOCAL DES MOINES VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR ORIENTATION AND

POLICIES

A. Contacts: The following staff or resource people will be working with you at the Fargo VA

HealthCare System. Please feel free to contact these individuals with any questions:

1. Chief Engineer: Paul Rasmussen – 515.699.5841

2. Project Engineer: Steven Long – 515.699.5914 or Travis Coleman – 515.699.5813

B. Vehicle Traffic Rules: All construction contractors shall park their vehicles in areas assigned by the Contracting Officer or Engineering Service representatives. All persons coming on the premises of the Fargo VA Health Care System must obey the posted traffic and parking rules.

Police Service will issue tickets to contractor vehicles parked in areas other than those assigned.

C. Keys/ID Badges: VA ID badges must be worn while you are on Medical Center premises.

Contact Engineering Service to obtain an ID badge and any necessary keys. Contract staff are responsible for the security of keys and ID badges issued to them and may be charged for replacement cost.

D. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking shelters or areas.

E. Use of Government Telephones and Fax Machines

1. Government telephones are for official Government business use. Contract staff may use telephones, for local calls only, to contact your place of employment or to address unforeseen events such as injury on the job, work schedule changes etc.

2. The Government fax machine located in the M & R Foreman’s Office, may be used for local faxes with the approval of Engineering Office staff.

F. Housekeeping

1. All construction sites shall be kept clean, orderly and in sanitary condition.

2. All rags/cloth and rubbish soaked with flammable and/or combustible material shall be placed in a covered metal receptacle until being disposed.

3. A clear and unobstructed path must be maintained to all portable fire extinguishers, hose cabinets, pull stations, fire exits and electrical panels.

4. Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked in a manner to prevent their protective operation in the event of a fire.

5. The use of wedges, stops, ropes, or other unapproved methods of holding doors open is prohibited.

6. All indoor trash containers over 20 gallons will be constructed of non-combustible materials and be covered or have a self-extinguishing cover.

G. Storage

1. Any commodities that may be hazardous in combination with each other must be stored so they cannot come in contact with each other.

2. Store flammable and combustible liquids and gasses in approved storage containers.

3. A clear space of 18 inches will be maintained below sprinkler heads.

4. Items stored in tiers will be stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height to prevent sliding or collapse.

5. Materials will not be stored directly on the floor.

6. Storage areas will be kept free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards.

7. Stairwells, stairways and corridors shall not be utilized for storage.

8. Storage will not be permitted within 3 feet of an electric panel in all directions.

H. Hazardous Materials

1. Discovery of any suspected asbestos containing material shall result in the contractor stopping work in the area and reporting the discovery immediately to the contact persons indicated above. Engineering Service shall then evaluate the suspect material and if it contains asbestos shall arrange for the removal of the asbestos.

2. Contractors shall maintain and provide to the VA Project Engineer MSDS’s for products used during construction which shall explain the labeling system and all other required information. Report any discovery of an existing hazardous material to COR.

I. Infection Control

1. PURPOSE: To prevent the acquisition of nosocomial infection in patients and healthcare workers during Medical Center renovation or construction activities.

2. The Contractor shall contact COR prior to beginning construction in any areas so that a Pre-

Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) may be performed and all applicable forms completed.

Once completed the Contractor shall obtain a completed and approved copy of a PCRA

Form for each area of work in which the Contractor is involved. The Contractor shall conform to all of the requirements (ILSM’s, Infection Control Precautions, etc.) as noted on the completed forms.