504-20-105 Specifications_Part3.pdf

GENERAL COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS

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Contractor.

D. Failure Due to Manufacturer Defect: If 10%, or three, whichever is greater, of identical pieces (size alone does not constitute a difference) of equipment fail to perform in compliance with the

Contract Documents (mechanically or substantively) due to manufacturing defect, not allowing it to meet its submitted performance specifications, all identical units may be considered unacceptable by the VA. In such case, the Contractor shall provide the VA with the following:

1. Within one week of notification from the VA, the Contractor shall examine all other identical units making a record of the findings.

The findings shall be provided to the VA within two weeks of the original notice.

2. Within two weeks of the original notification, the Contractor shall provide a signed and dated, written explanation of the problem, cause of failures, etc. and all proposed solutions which shall include full equipment submittals. The proposed solutions shall not significantly exceed the specification requirements of the original installation.

3. The VA shall determine whether a replacement of all identical units or a repair is acceptable.

4. Two examples of the proposed solution shall be installed by the

Contractor and the VA shall be allowed to test the installations for up to one week, upon which the VA will decide whether to accept the solution.

5. Upon acceptance, the Contractor shall replace or repair all identical items, at their expense and extend the warranty accordingly, if the original equipment warranty had begun. The replacement/repair work shall proceed with reasonable speed beginning within one week from when parts can be obtained.

E. Approval: The CxA will note each satisfactorily demonstrated function on the test form. Formal approval of the Systems Functional Performance

Test shall be made later after review by the CxA and by the VA. The CxA will evaluate each test and report to the VA using a standard form. The

VA will give final approval on each test using the same form, and provide signed copies to the CxA and the Contractor.

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3.8 DEFERRED TESTING

A. Unforeseen Deferred Systems Functional Performance Tests: If any

Systems Functional Performance Test cannot be completed due to the building structure, required occupancy condition or other conditions, execution of the Systems Functional Performance Testing may be delayed upon approval of the VA. These Systems Functional Performance Tests shall be conducted in the same manner as the seasonal tests as soon as possible. Services of the Contractor to conduct these unforeseen

Deferred Systems Functional Performance Tests shall be negotiated between the VA and the Contractor.

B. Deferred Seasonal Testing: Deferred Seasonal Systems Functional

Performance Tests are those that must be deferred until weather conditions are closer to the systems design parameters. The CxA will review systems parameters and recommend which Systems Functional

Performance Tests should be deferred until weather conditions more closely match systems parameters. The Contractor shall review and comment on the proposed schedule for Deferred Seasonal Testing. The VA will review and approve the schedule for Deferred Seasonal Testing.

Deferred Seasonal Systems Functional Performances Tests shall be witnessed and documented by the CxA. Deferred Seasonal Systems

Functional Performance Tests shall be executed by the Contractor in accordance with these specifications.

3.9 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

A. Training Preparation Conference: Before operation and maintenance training, the CxA will convene a training preparation conference to include VA's RE, VA’s Operations and Maintenance personnel, and the

Contractor. The purpose of this conference will be to discuss and plan for Training and Demonstration of VA Operations and Maintenance personnel.

B. The Contractor shall provide training and demonstration as required by other sections. The Training and Demonstration shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Review the Contract Documents.

2. Review installed systems, subsystems, and equipment.

3. Review instructor qualifications.

4. Review instructional methods and procedures.

5. Review training module outlines and contents.

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6. Review course materials (including operation and maintenance manuals).

7. Review and discuss locations and other facilities required for instruction.

8. Review and finalize training schedule and verify availability of educational materials, instructors, audiovisual equipment, and facilities needed to avoid delays.

9. For instruction that must occur outside, review weather and forecasted weather conditions and procedures to follow if conditions are unfavorable.

C. Training Module Submittals: The Contractor shall submit the following information to the VA and the CxA:

1. Instruction Program: Submit two copies of outline of instructional program for demonstration and training, including a schedule of proposed dates, times, length of instruction time, and instructors' names for each training module. Include learning objective and outline for each training module. At completion of training, submit two complete training manuals for VA's use.

2. Qualification Data: Submit qualifications for facilitator and/or instructor.

3. Attendance Record: For each training module, submit list of participants and length of instruction time.

4. Evaluations: For each participant and for each training module, submit results and documentation of performance-based test.

5. Demonstration and Training Recording:

a. General: Engage a qualified commercial photographer to record demonstration and training. Record each training module separately. Include classroom instructions and demonstrations, board diagrams, and other visual aids, but not student practice.

At beginning of each training module, record each chart containing learning objective and lesson outline.

b. Video Format: Provide high quality color DVD color on standard size DVD disks.

c. Recording: Mount camera on tripod before starting recording, unless otherwise necessary to show area of demonstration and training. Display continuous running time.

d. Narration: Describe scenes on video recording by audio narration by microphone while demonstration and training is recorded.

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Include description of items being viewed. Describe vantage point, indicating location, direction (by compass point), and elevation or story of construction.

e. Submit two copies within seven days of end of each training module.

6. Transcript: Prepared on 8-1/2-by-11-inch paper, punched and bound in heavy-duty, 3-ring, vinyl-covered binders. Mark appropriate identification on front and spine of each binder. Include a cover sheet with same label information as the corresponding videotape.

Include name of Project and date of videotape on each page.

D. Quality Assurance:

1. Facilitator Qualifications: A firm or individual experienced in training or educating maintenance personnel in a training program similar in content and extent to that indicated for this Project, and whose work has resulted in training or education with a record of successful learning performance.

2. Instructor Qualifications: A factory authorized service representative, complying with requirements in Division 01

Section "Quality Requirements," experienced in operation and maintenance procedures and training.

3. Photographer Qualifications: A professional photographer who is experienced photographing construction projects.

E. Training Coordination:

1. Coordinate instruction schedule with VA's operations. Adjust schedule as required to minimize disrupting VA's operations.

2. Coordinate instructors, including providing notification of dates, times, length of instruction time, and course content.

3. Coordinate content of training modules with content of approved emergency, operation, and maintenance manuals. Do not submit instruction program until operation and maintenance data has been reviewed and approved by the VA.

F. Instruction Program:

1. Program Structure: Develop an instruction program that includes individual training modules for each system and equipment not part of a system, as required by individual Specification Sections, and as follows:

a. Fire protection systems, including clean agent fire suppression systems.

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b. Intrusion detection systems.

c. Refrigeration systems, including chillers, condensers, pumps, and distribution piping.

d. HVAC systems, including air handling equipment, air distribution systems, and terminal equipment and devices.

e. HVAC instrumentation and controls.

f. Electrical service and distribution, including switchgear, transformers, switchboards, panelboards, uninterruptible power supplies, and motor controls.

g. Lighting equipment and controls.

h. Communication systems, including intercommunication, surveillance, public address, mass evacuation, voice and data, and entertainment television equipment.

G. Training Modules: Develop a learning objective and teaching outline for each module. Include a description of specific skills and knowledge that participants are expected to master. For each module, include instruction for the following:

1. Basis of System Design, Operational Requirements, and Criteria:

Include the following:

a. System, subsystem, and equipment descriptions.

b. Performance and design criteria if Contractor is delegated design responsibility.

c. Operating standards.

d. Regulatory requirements.

e. Equipment function.

f. Operating characteristics.

g. Limiting conditions.

h. Performance curves.

2. Documentation: Review the following items in detail:

a. Emergency manuals.

b. Operations manuals.

c. Maintenance manuals.

d. Project Record Documents.

e. Identification systems.

f. Warranties and bonds.

g. Maintenance service agreements and similar continuing commitments.

3. Emergencies: Include the following, as applicable:

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a. Instructions on meaning of warnings, trouble indications, and error messages.

b. Instructions on stopping.

c. Shutdown instructions for each type of emergency.

d. Operating instructions for conditions outside of normal operating limits.

e. Sequences for electric or electronic systems.

f. Special operating instructions and procedures.

4. Operations: Include the following, as applicable:

a. Startup procedures.

b. Equipment or system break-in procedures.

c. Routine and normal operating instructions.

d. Regulation and control procedures.

e. Control sequences.

f. Safety procedures.

g. Instructions on stopping.

h. Normal shutdown instructions.

i. Operating procedures for emergencies.

j. Operating procedures for system, subsystem, or equipment failure.

k. Seasonal and weekend operating instructions.

l. Required sequences for electric or electronic systems.

m. Special operating instructions and procedures.

5. Adjustments: Include the following:

a. Alignments.

b. Checking adjustments.

c. Noise and vibration adjustments.

d. Economy and efficiency adjustments.

6. Troubleshooting: Include the following:

a. Diagnostic instructions.

b. Test and inspection procedures.

7. Maintenance: Include the following:

a. Inspection procedures.

b. Types of cleaning agents to be used and methods of cleaning.

c. List of cleaning agents and methods of cleaning detrimental to product.

d. Procedures for routine cleaning

e. Procedures for preventive maintenance.

f. Procedures for routine maintenance.

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g. Instruction on use of special tools.

8. Repairs: Include the following:

a. Diagnosis instructions.

b. Repair instructions.

c. Disassembly; component removal, repair, and replacement; and reassembly instructions.

d. Instructions for identifying parts and components.

e. Review of spare parts needed for operation and maintenance.

H. Training Execution:

1. Preparation: Assemble educational materials necessary for instruction, including documentation and training module. Assemble training modules into a combined training manual. Set up instructional equipment at instruction location.

2. Instruction:

a. Facilitator: Engage a qualified facilitator to prepare instruction program and training modules, to coordinate instructors, and to coordinate between Contractor and Department of Veterans Affairs for number of participants, instruction times, and location.

b. Instructor: Engage qualified instructors to instruct VA's personnel to adjust, operate, and maintain systems, subsystems, and equipment not part of a system.

1) The VA will furnish the Contractor with names and positions of participants.

3. Scheduling: Provide instruction at mutually agreed times. For equipment that requires seasonal operation, provide similar instruction at start of each season. Schedule training with the VA and the CxA with at least seven days' advance notice.

4. Evaluation: At conclusion of each training module, assess and document each participant's mastery of module by use of an oral, or a written, performance-based test.

5. Cleanup: Collect used and leftover educational materials and remove from Project site. Remove instructional equipment. Restore systems and equipment to condition existing before initial training use.

I. Demonstration and Training Recording:

1. General: Engage a qualified commercial photographer to record demonstration and training. Record each training module separately.

Include classroom instructions and demonstrations, board diagrams, 01 91 00 - 59

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May 26, 2023 and other visual aids, but not student practice. At beginning of each training module, record each chart containing learning objective and lesson outline.

2. Video Format: Provide high quality color DVD color on standard size

DVD disks.

3. Recording: Mount camera on tripod before starting recording, unless otherwise necessary to show area of demonstration and training.

Display continuous running time.

4. Narration: Describe scenes on videotape by audio narration by microphone while demonstration and training is recorded. Include description of items being viewed. Describe vantage point, indicating location, direction (by compass point), and elevation or story of construction.

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SECTION 01 91 00

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.1 COMMISSIONING DESCRIPTION:

A. This Section 01 91 00 GENERAL COMMISSIONING REQUIREMENTS shall form the basis of the construction phase commissioning process and procedures.

The Commissioning Agent shall add, modify, and refine the commissioning procedures, as approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to suit field conditions and actual manufacturer's equipment, incorporate test data and procedure results, and provide detailed scheduling for all commissioning tasks.

B. Various sections of the project specifications require equipment startup, testing, and adjusting services. Requirements for startup, testing, and adjusting services specified in the Division 7, Division 21, Division 22, Division 23, Division 26, Division 27, Division 28, and Division 31 series sections of these specifications are intended to be provided in coordination with the commissioning services and are not intended to duplicate services. The Contractor shall coordinate the work required by individual specification sections with the commissioning services requirements specified herein.

C. Where individual testing, adjusting, or related services are required in the project specifications and not specifically required by this commissioning requirements specification, the specified services shall be provided and copies of documentation, as required by those specifications shall be submitted to the VA and the Commissioning Agent to be indexed for future reference.

D. Where training or educational services for VA are required and specified in other sections of the specifications, including but not limited to

Division 7, Division 8, Division 21, Division 22, Division 23, Division

26, Division 27, Division 28, and Division 31 series sections of the specification, these services are intended to be provided in addition to the training and educational services specified herein.

E. Commissioning is a systematic process of verifying that the building systems perform interactively according to the construction documents and the VA’s operational needs. The commissioning process shall encompass and coordinate the system documentation, equipment startup, control system calibration, testing and balancing, performance testing and training.

Commissioning during the construction and post-occupancy phases is intended to achieve the following specific objectives according to the contract documents:

1. Verify that the applicable equipment and systems are installed in accordance with the contact documents and according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

2. Verify and document proper integrated performance of equipment and systems.

3. Verify that Operations & Maintenance documentation is complete.

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4. Verify that all components requiring servicing can be accessed, serviced, and removed without disturbing nearby components including ducts, piping, cabling, or wiring.

5. Verify that the VA’s operating personnel are adequately trained to enable them to operate, monitor, adjust, maintain, and repair building systems in an effective and energy-efficient manner.

6. Document the successful achievement of the commissioning objectives listed above.

F. The commissioning process does not take away from or reduce the responsibility of the Contractor to provide a finished and fully functioning product.

1.2 CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS:

A. For this construction project, the Department of Veterans Affairs contracts with a Contractor to provide construction services. The contracts are administered by the VA Contracting Officer and the Resident

Engineer as the designated representative of the Contracting Officer. On this project, the authority to modify the contract in any way is strictly limited to the authority of the Contracting Officer.

B. In this project, only two contract parties are recognized and communications on contractual issues are strictly limited to VA Resident

Engineer and the Contractor. It is the practice of the VA to require that communications between other parties to the contracts

(Subcontractors and Vendors) be conducted through the Resident Engineer and Contractor. It is also the practice of the VA that communications between other parties of the project (Commissioning Agent and

Architect/Engineer) be conducted through the Resident Engineer.

C. Whole Building Commissioning is a process that relies upon frequent and direct communications, as well as collaboration between all parties to the construction process. By its nature, a high level of communication and cooperation between the Commissioning Agent and all other parties

(Architects, Engineers, Subcontractors, Vendors, third party testing agencies, etc.) is essential to the success of the Commissioning effort.

D. With these fundamental practices in mind, the commissioning process described herein has been developed to recognize that, in the execution of the Commissioning Process, the Commissioning Agent must develop effective methods to communicate with every member of the construction team involved in delivering commissioned systems while simultaneously respecting the exclusive contract authority of the Contracting Officer and Resident Engineer. Thus, the procedures outlined in this specification must be executed within the following limitations:

1. No communications (verbal or written) from the Commissioning Agent shall be deemed to constitute direction that modifies the terms of any contract between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Contractor.

2. Commissioning Issues identified by the Commissioning Agent will be delivered to the Resident Engineer and copied to the designated

Commissioning Representatives for the Contractor and subcontractors on the Commissioning Team for information only in order to expedite the

01 91 00 - 3 communication process. These issues must be understood as the professional opinion of the Commissioning Agent and as suggestions for resolution.

3. In the event that any Commissioning Issues and suggested resolutions are deemed by the Resident Engineer to require either an official interpretation of the construction documents or require a modification of the contract documents, the Contracting Officer or Resident

Engineer will issue an official directive to this effect.

4. All parties to the Commissioning Process shall be individually responsible for alerting the Resident Engineer of any issues that they deem to constitute a potential contract change prior to acting on these issues.

5. Authority for resolution or modification of design and construction issues rests solely with the Contracting Officer or Resident Engineer, with appropriate technical guidance from the Architect/Engineer and/or

Commissioning Agent.

1.3 RELATED WORK:

A. Section 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

B. Section 01 32.16.15 PROJECT SCHEDULES (SMALL PROJECTS –

DESIGN/BID/BUILD)

C. Section 01 33 23 SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES

D. Section 26 08 00 COMMISSIONING OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.

1.4 SUMMARY:

A. This Section includes general requirements that apply to implementation of commissioning without regard to systems, subsystems, and equipment being commissioned.

B. The commissioning activities have been developed to support the VA requirements to meet guidelines for Federal Leadership in

Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance.

1.5 ACRONYMS:

List of Acronyms

Acronym Meaning

A/E Architect / Engineer Design Team

AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction

ASHRAE

Association Society for Heating Air Condition and Refrigeration

Engineers

BOD Basis of Design

BSC Building Systems Commissioning

CCTV Closed Circuit Television

CD Construction Documents

CMMS Computerized Maintenance Management System

CO Contracting Officer (VA)

COR Contracting Officer’s Representative (see also VA-RE)

COBie Construction Operations Building Information Exchange

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List of Acronyms

Acronym Meaning

CPC Construction Phase Commissioning

Cx Commissioning

CxA Commissioning Agent

CxM Commissioning Manager

CxR Commissioning Representative

DPC Design Phase Commissioning

FPT Functional Performance Test

GBI-GG Green Building Initiative - Green Globes

HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

NC Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery

NCA Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration

NEBB National Environmental Balancing Bureau

O&M Operations & Maintenance

OPR Owner’s Project Requirements

PFC Pre-Functional Checklist

PFT Pre-Functional Test

SD Schematic Design

SO Site Observation

TAB Test Adjust and Balance

VA Department of Veterans Affairs

VAMC VA Medical Center

VA CFM VA Office of Construction and Facilities Management

VACO VA Central Office

VA PM VA Project Manager

VA-RE VA Resident Engineer

USGBC United States Green Building Council

1.6 DEFINITIONS:

Acceptance Phase Commissioning: Commissioning tasks executed after most construction has been completed, most Site Observations and Static Tests have been completed and Pre-Functional Testing has been completed and accepted. The main commissioning activities performed during this phase are verification that the installed systems are functional by conducting Systems

Functional Performance tests and Owner Training.

Accuracy: The capability of an instrument to indicate the true value of a measured quantity.

Back Check: A back check is a verification that an agreed upon solution to a design comment has been adequately addressed in a subsequent design review.

Basis of Design (BOD): The Engineer’s Basis of Design is comprised of two components: The Design Criteria and the Design Narrative, these documents record the concepts, calculations, decisions, and product selections used to

01 91 00 - 5 meet the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and to satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, standards, and guidelines.

Benchmarks: Benchmarks are the comparison of a building’s energy usage to other similar buildings and to the building itself. For example, ENERGY STAR

Portfolio Manager is a frequently used and nationally recognized building energy benchmarking tool.

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Building Information Modeling is a parametric database which allows a building to be designed and constructed virtually in 3D and provides reports both in 2D views and as schedules. This electronic information can be extracted and reused for pre-populating facility management CMMS systems. Building Systems Commissioning (BSC): NEBB acronym used to designate its commissioning program.

Calibrate: The act of comparing an instrument of unknown accuracy with a standard of known accuracy to detect, correlate, report, or eliminate by adjustment any variation in the accuracy of the tested instrument.

CCTV: Closed circuit Television. Normally used for security surveillance and alarm detections as part of a special electrical security system.

COBie: Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is an electronic industry data format used to transfer information developed during design, construction, and commissioning into the Computer Maintenance

Management Systems (CMMS) used to operate facilities. See the Whole Building

Design Guide website for further information:

(http://www.wbdg.org/resources/cobie.php).

Commissionability: Defines a design component or construction process that has the necessary elements that will allow a system or component to be effectively measured, tested, operated, and commissioned.

Commissioning Agent (CxA): The qualified Commissioning Professional who administers the Cx process by managing the Cx team and overseeing the

Commissioning Process. Where CxA is used in this specification it means the

Commissioning Agent, members of his staff or appointed members of the commissioning team. Note that LEED uses the term Commissioning Authority in lieu of Commissioning Agent.

Commissioning Checklists: Lists of data or inspections to be verified to ensure proper system or component installation, operation, and function.

Verification checklists are developed and used during all phases of the commissioning process to verify that the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) is being achieved.

Commissioning Design Review: The commissioning design review is a collaborative review of the design professionals design documents for items

01 91 00 - 6 pertaining to the following: owner’s project requirements; basis of design;

operability and maintainability (O&M) including documentation;

functionality; training; energy efficiency, control systems’ sequence of operations including building automation system features; commissioning specifications and the ability to functionally test the systems.

Commissioning Issue: A condition identified by the Commissioning Agent or other member of the Commissioning Team that adversely affects the commissionability, operability, maintainability, or functionality of a system, equipment, or component. A condition that is in conflict with the

Contract Documents and/or performance requirements of the installed systems and components. (See also – Commissioning Observation).

Commissioning Manager (CxM): A qualified individual appointed by the

Contractor to manage the commissioning process on behalf of the Contractor.

Commissioning Observation: An issue identified by the Commissioning Agent or other member of the Commissioning Team that does not conform to the project OPR, contract documents or standard industry best practices. (See also Commissioning Issue)

Commissioning Plan: A document that outlines the commissioning process, commissioning scope and defines responsibilities, processes, schedules, and the documentation requirements of the Commissioning Process.

Commissioning Process: A quality focused process for enhancing the delivery of a project. The process focuses upon verifying and documenting that the facility and all of its systems, components, and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, can be operated, and maintained to meet the

Owner's Project Requirements.

Commissioning Report: The final commissioning document which presents the commissioning process results for the project. Cx reports include an executive summary, the commissioning plan, issue log, correspondence, and all appropriate check sheets and test forms.

Commissioning Representative (CxR): An individual appointed by a sub-contractor to manage the commissioning process on behalf of the sub-contractor.

Commissioning Specifications: The contract documents that detail the objective, scope and implementation of the commissioning process as developed in the Commissioning Plan.

Commissioning Team: Individual team members whose coordinated actions are responsible for implementing the Commissioning Process.

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Construction Phase Commissioning: All commissioning efforts executed during the construction process after the design phase and prior to the Acceptance

Phase Commissioning.

Contract Documents (CD): Contract documents include design and construction contracts, price agreements and procedure agreements. Contract Documents also include all final and complete drawings, specifications and all applicable contract modifications or supplements.

Construction Phase Commissioning (CPC): All commissioning efforts executed during the construction process after the design phase and prior to the

Acceptance Phase Commissioning.

Coordination Drawings: Drawings showing the work of all trades that are used to illustrate that equipment can be installed in the space allocated without compromising equipment function or access for maintenance and replacement.

These drawings graphically illustrate and dimension manufacturers’ recommended maintenance clearances. On mechanical projects, coordination drawings include structural steel, ductwork, major piping, and electrical conduit and show the elevations and locations of the above components.

Data Logging: The monitoring and recording of temperature, flow, current, status, pressure, etc. of equipment using stand-alone data recorders.

Deferred System Test: Tests that cannot be completed at the end of the acceptance phase due to ambient conditions, schedule issues or other conditions preventing testing during the normal acceptance testing period.

Deficiency: See “Commissioning Issue”.

Design Criteria: A listing of the VA Design Criteria outlining the project design requirements, including its source. These are used during the design process to show the design elements meet the OPR.

Design Intent: The overall term that includes the OPR and the BOD. It is a detailed explanation of the ideas, concepts, and criteria that are defined by the owner to be important. The design intent documents are utilized to provide a written record of these ideas, concepts, and criteria.

Design Narrative: A written description of the proposed design solutions that satisfy the requirements of the OPR.

Design Phase Commissioning (DPC): All commissioning tasks executed during the design phase of the project.

Environmental Systems: Systems that use a combination of mechanical equipment, airflow, water flow and electrical energy to provide heating, ventilating, air conditioning, humidification, and dehumidification for the purpose of human comfort or process control of temperature and humidity.

01 91 00 - 8

Executive Summary: A section of the Commissioning report that reviews the general outcome of the project. It also includes any unresolved issues, recommendations for the resolution of unresolved issues and all deferred testing requirements.

Functionality: This defines a design component or construction process which will allow a system or component to operate or be constructed in a manner that will produce the required outcome of the OPR.

Functional Test Procedure (FTP): A written protocol that defines methods, steps, personnel, and acceptance criteria for tests conducted on components, equipment, assemblies, systems, and interfaces among systems.

Industry Accepted Best Practice: A design component or construction process that has achieved industry consensus for quality performance and functionality. Refer to the current edition of the NEBB Design Phase

Commissioning Handbook for examples.

Installation Verification: Observations or inspections that confirm the system or component has been installed in accordance with the contract documents and to industry accepted best practices.

Integrated System Testing: Integrated Systems Testing procedures entail testing of multiple integrated systems performance to verify proper functional interface between systems. Typical Integrated Systems Testing includes verifying that building systems respond properly to loss of utility, transfer to emergency power sources, re-transfer from emergency power source to normal utility source; interface between HVAC controls and Fire Alarm systems for equipment shutdown, interface between Fire Alarm system and elevator control systems for elevator recall and shutdown; interface between

Fire Alarm System and Security Access Control Systems to control access to spaces during fire alarm conditions; and other similar tests as determined for each specific project.

Issues Log: A formal and ongoing record of problems or concerns – and their resolution – that have been raised by members of the Commissioning Team during the course of the Commissioning Process.

Lessons Learned Workshop: A workshop conducted to discuss and document project successes and identify opportunities for improvements for future projects.

Maintainability: A design component or construction process that will allow a system or component to be effectively maintained. This includes adequate room for access to adjust and repair the equipment. Maintainability also includes components that have readily obtainable repair parts or service.

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Manual Test: Testing using hand-held instruments, immediate control system readouts or direct observation to verify performance (contrasted to analyzing monitored data taken over time to make the ‘observation’).

Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR): A written document that details the project requirements and the expectations of how the building and its systems will be used and operated. These include project goals, measurable performance criteria, cost considerations, benchmarks, success criteria, and supporting information.

Peer Review: A formal in-depth review separate from the commissioning review processes. The level of effort and intensity is much greater than a typical commissioning facilitation or extended commissioning review. The VA usually hires an independent third-party (called the IDIQ A/E) to conduct peer reviews.

Precision: The ability of an instrument to produce repeatable readings of the same quantity under the same conditions. The precision of an instrument refers to its ability to produce a tightly grouped set of values around the mean value of the measured quantity.

Pre-Design Phase Commissioning: Commissioning tasks performed prior to the commencement of design activities that includes project programming and the development of the commissioning process for the project.

Pre-Functional Checklist (PFC): A form used by the contractor to verify that appropriate components are onsite, correctly installed, set up, calibrated, functional and ready for functional testing.

Pre-Functional Test (PFT): An inspection or test that is done before functional testing. PFT’s include installation verification and system and component start up tests.

Procedure or Protocol: A defined approach that outlines the execution of a sequence of work or operations. Procedures are used to produce repeatable and defined results.

Range: The upper and lower limits of an instrument’s ability to measure the value of a quantity for which the instrument is calibrated.

Resolution: This word has two meanings in the Cx Process. The first refers to the smallest change in a measured variable that an instrument can detect.

The second refers to the implementation of actions that correct a tested or observed deficiency.

Site Observation Visit: On-site inspections and observations made by the

Commissioning Agent for the purpose of verifying component, equipment, and

01 91 00 - 10 system installation, to observe contractor testing, equipment start-up procedures, or other purposes.

Site Observation Reports (SO): Reports of site inspections and observations made by the Commissioning Agent. Observation reports are intended to provide early indication of an installation issue which will need correction or analysis.

Special System Inspections: Inspections required by a local code authority prior to occupancy and are not normally a part of the commissioning process.

Static Tests: Tests or inspections that validate a specified static condition such as pressure testing. Static tests may be specification or code initiated.

Start Up Tests: Tests that validate the component or system is ready for automatic operation in accordance with the manufactures requirements.

Systems Manual: A system-focused composite document that includes all information required for the owner’s operators to operate the systems.

Test Procedure: A written protocol that defines methods, personnel, and expectations for tests conducted on components, equipment, assemblies, systems, and interfaces among systems.

Testing: The use of specialized and calibrated instruments to measure parameters such as: temperature, pressure, vapor flow, air flow, fluid flow, rotational speed, electrical characteristics, velocity, and other data in order to determine performance, operation, or function.

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB): A systematic process or service applied to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and other environmental systems to achieve and document air and hydronic flow rates. The standards and procedures for providing these services are referred to as “Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing” and are described in the Procedural

Standards for the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing of Environmental Systems, published by NEBB or AABC.

Thermal Scans: Thermographic pictures taken with an Infrared Thermographic

Camera. Thermographic pictures show the relative temperatures of objects and surfaces and are used to identify leaks, thermal bridging, thermal intrusion, electrical overload conditions, moisture containment, and insulation failure.

Training Plan: A written document that details, in outline form the expectations of the operator training. Training agendas should include instruction on how to obtain service, operate, startup, shutdown and maintain all systems and components of the project.

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Trending: Monitoring over a period of time with the building automation system.

Unresolved Commissioning Issue: Any Commissioning Issue that, at the time that the Final Report or the Amended Final Report is issued that has not been either resolved by the construction team or accepted by the VA.

Validation: The process by which work is verified as complete and operating correctly:

1. First party validation occurs when a firm or individual verifying the task is the same firm or individual performing the task.

2. Second party validation occurs when the firm or individual verifying the task is under the control of the firm performing the task or has other possibilities of financial conflicts of interest in the resolution

(Architects, Designers, General Contractors and Third Tier Subcontractors or Vendors).

3. Third party validation occurs when the firm verifying the task is not associated with or under control of the firm performing or designing the task.

Verification: The process by which specific documents, components, equipment, assemblies, systems, and interfaces among systems are confirmed to comply with the criteria described in the Owner’s Project Requirements.

Warranty Phase Commissioning: Commissioning efforts executed after a project has been completed and accepted by the Owner. Warranty Phase Commissioning includes follow-up on verification of system performance, measurement and verification tasks and assistance in identifying warranty issues and enforcing warranty provisions of the construction contract.

Warranty Visit: A commissioning meeting and site review where all outstanding warranty issues and deferred testing is reviewed and discussed.

Whole Building Commissioning: Commissioning of building systems such as

Building Envelope, HVAC, Electrical, Special Electrical (Fire Alarm, Security & Communications), Plumbing and Fire Protection as described in this specification.

1.7 SYSTEMS TO BE COMMISSIONED:

A. Commissioning of a system or systems specified for this project is part of the construction process. Documentation and testing of these systems, as well as training of the VA’s Operation and Maintenance personnel, is required in cooperation with the VA and the Commissioning

Agent.

B. The following systems will be commissioned as part of this project:

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Systems to Be Commissioned

System Description

Electrical

Grounding & Bonding

Systems Witness 3rd party testing, review reports

Low-Voltage

Distribution System

Normal power distribution system, Life-safety power distribution system, critical power distribution system, equipment power distribution system, switchboards, distribution panels, panelboards, verify breaker testing results (injection current, etc.)

Electronic Safety and Security

Grounding & Bonding Witness 3rd party testing, review reports

Fire Detection and

Alarm System

100% device acceptance testing, battery draw-down test, verify system monitoring, verify interface with other systems.

Table Notes

1.8 COMMISSIONING TEAM:

A. The commissioning team shall consist of, but not be limited to, representatives of Contractor, including Project Superintendent and subcontractors, installers, schedulers, suppliers, and specialists deemed appropriate by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Commissioning

Agent.

B. Members Appointed by Contractor:

1. Contractor’ Commissioning Manager: The designated person, company, or entity that plans, schedules and coordinates the commissioning activities for the construction team.

2. Contractor’s Commissioning Representative(s): Individual(s), each having authority to act on behalf of the entity he or she represents, explicitly organized to implement the commissioning process through coordinated actions.

C. Members Appointed by VA:

1. Commissioning Agent: The designated person, company, or entity that plans, schedules, and coordinates the commissioning team to implement the commissioning process. The VA will engage the CxA under a separate contract.

2. User: Representatives of the facility user and operation and maintenance personnel.

3. A/E: Representative of the Architect and engineering design professionals.

1.9 VA'S COMMISSIONING RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Appoint an individual, company, or firm to act as the Commissioning Agent.

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B. Assign operation and maintenance personnel and schedule them to participate in commissioning team activities including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Coordination meetings.

2. Training in operation and maintenance of systems, subsystems, and equipment.

3. Testing meetings.

4. Witness and assist in Systems Functional Performance Testing.

5. Demonstration of operation of systems, subsystems, and equipment.

C. Provide the Construction Documents, prepared by Architect and approved by

VA, to the Commissioning Agent and for use in managing the commissioning process, developing the commissioning plan, systems manuals, and reviewing the operation and maintenance training plan.

1.10 CONTRACTOR'S COMMISSIONING RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. The Contractor shall assign a Commissioning Manager to manage commissioning activities of the Contractor, and subcontractors.

B. The Contractor shall ensure that the commissioning responsibilities outlined in these specifications are included in all subcontracts and that subcontractors comply with the requirements of these specifications.

C. The Contractor shall ensure that each installing subcontractor shall assign representatives with expertise and authority to act on behalf of the subcontractor and schedule them to participate in and perform commissioning team activities including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Participate in commissioning coordination meetings.

2. Conduct operation and maintenance training sessions in accordance with approved training plans.

3. Verify that Work is complete, and systems are operational according to the Contract Documents, including calibration of instrumentation and controls.

4. Evaluate commissioning issues and commissioning observations identified in the Commissioning Issues Log, field reports, test reports or other commissioning documents. In collaboration with entity responsible for system and equipment installation, recommend corrective action.

5. Review and comment on commissioning documentation.

6. Participate in meetings to coordinate Systems Functional Performance

Testing.

7. Provide schedule for operation and maintenance data submittals, equipment startup, and testing to Commissioning Agent for incorporation into the commissioning plan.

8. Provide information to the Commissioning Agent for developing commissioning plan.

9. Participate in training sessions for VA's operation and maintenance personnel.

10. Provide technicians who are familiar with the construction and operation of installed systems and who shall develop specific test

01 91 00 - 14 procedures to conduct Systems Functional Performance Testing of installed systems.

1.11 COMMISSIONING AGENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Organize and lead the commissioning team.

B. Prepare the commissioning plan. See Paragraph 1.11-A of this specification Section for further information.

C. Review and comment on selected submittals from the Contractor for general conformance with the Construction Documents. Review and comment on the ability to test and operate the system and/or equipment, including providing gages, controls and other components required to operate, maintain, and test the system. Review and comment on performance expectations of systems and equipment and interfaces between systems relating to the Construction Documents.

D. At the beginning of the construction phase, conduct an initial construction phase coordination meeting for the purpose of reviewing the commissioning activities and establishing tentative schedules for operation and maintenance submittals; operation and maintenance training sessions; TAB Work; Pre-Functional Checklists, Systems Functional

Performance Testing; and project completion.

E. Convene commissioning team meetings for the purpose of coordination, communication, and conflict resolution; discuss status of the commissioning processes. Responsibilities include arranging for facilities, preparing agenda and attendance lists, and notifying participants. The Commissioning Agent shall prepare and distribute minutes to commissioning team members and attendees within five workdays of the commissioning meeting.

F. Observe construction and report progress, observations, and issues.

Observe systems and equipment installation for adequate accessibility for maintenance and component replacement or repair, and for general conformance with the Construction Documents.

G. Prepare Project specific Pre-Functional Checklists and Systems Functional

Performance Test procedures.

H. Coordinate Systems Functional Performance Testing schedule with the

Contractor.

I. Witness selected systems startups.

J. Verify selected Pre-Functional Checklists completed and submitted by the

Contractor.

K. Witness and document Systems Functional Performance Testing.

L. Compile test data, inspection reports, and certificates and include them in the systems manual and commissioning report.

M. Review and comment on operation and maintenance (O&M) documentation and systems manual outline for compliance with the Contract Documents.

Operation and maintenance documentation requirements are specified in

Paragraph 1.25, Section 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

N. Review operation and maintenance training program developed by the

Contractor. Verify training plans provide qualified instructors to conduct operation and maintenance training.

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O. Prepare commissioning Field Observation Reports.

P. Prepare the Final Commissioning Report.

Q. Return to the site at 10 months into the 12-month warranty period and review with facility staff the current building operation and the condition of outstanding issues related to the original and seasonal

Systems Functional Performance Testing. Also interview facility staff and identify problems or concerns they have operating the building as originally intended. Make suggestions for improvements and for recording these changes in the O&M manuals. Identify areas that may come under warranty or under the original construction contract. Assist facility staff in developing reports, documents, and requests for services to remedy outstanding problems.

R. Assemble the final commissioning documentation, including the Final

Commissioning…