526-21-120_100BD-STAMPED_NARRATIVE.pdf

WEST POINT ENGINEERS, LLC

100% Bid Documents Narrative

James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Bronx, New York

Building 100, 1st Floor, Modify SCI

Project 526-21-120

March 24, 2025

James J. Peters VAMC

VA Project 526-21-120

Modify SCI

100% Bid Documents Narrative

Applicable Codes and Standards:

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 170 Ventilation of Health Care Facilities 2021

• ASHRAE 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality 2022

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 40, August 2023

• Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) National CAD Standard Application Guide

• International Building Code (IBC), 2024

• International Code Council (ICC), International Codes, Standards, Guidelines, 2023

• International Mechanical Code (IMC) – 2021 Edition

• International Plumbing Code (IPC) – 2011 Edition

• National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70 – 2023

• NFPA 1 Fire Code – 2024, NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers – 2022, NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems – 2022, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – 2025, NFPA 90A Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems – 2024, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code – 2024, NFPA 241 Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations – 2022

• Program Guide (PG) 18-1 Master Specifications, December 1, 2023; as revised by VA facility as needed (by reference)

• PG 18-3 Design and Construction Procedures, November 1, 2023

• PG 18-10 Design Guide, January 1, 2024

• PG 18-12 Spinal Cord Injury / Disorders (SCI/D) Center Design Guide, November 1, 2020

• PG 18-14 Room Finishes, Door, and Hardware Schedule, April 10, 2017

• PG 18-15 Volume C Architect Engineer (AE) Submission Instructions for Minor and Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Construction Program, November 2008

• VA Architectural Design Manual, August 1, 2014

• VA Contract: 36C224223C0131, including Supplement “B” – Scope of Work, Approved Design Schedule, and Other Attachments

• VA Cost Estimating design Manual,

• VA Cost Estimating Requirements for Veterans Affairs Facilities, August 1, 2022

• VA Directive 0056, Guiding Principles for Construction and Modernization, 2021

• VA Directive 1611 Safe Patient and Handling Mobility Program, 2023

• VA Electric Design Manual, December 1, 2019

• VA Fire Protection Design Manual, 9th Edition, November 1, 2023

• VA Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Design Manual, March 1, 2024

• VA Installation or Relocation Checklist for Ceiling Mounted Patient Lifts, Rev 2.1

• VA Physical Security Design Manual, May 1, 2024

• VA Plumbing Design Manual, February 1, 2024

• VA Structural Design Manual, July 1, 2023

• VA Site Design Manual, April 1, 2021

• VA Sustainable Design Manual, August 18, 2017

• VA Technical Information Library (TIL) Design Review Checklist, March 22, 2021

• VA Building Information Modeling (BIM) & CAD Standards (PG-18-13), December 1, 2022

All codes and standards shall be the latest addition, except when deviated from above for use in existing and/or historical sites.

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Overview The VA awarded West Point Engineers (WPE), LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Project 526-21-120, a contract to modify the Spinal Cord Injury Center of the James J.

Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JJPVAMC).

The intent of the scope of the project, as summarized from the modified scope of work (SOW), is to modify bathroom doors, bowel-care vanity sinks, toilet bump-outs, and Activities for Daily Living (ADL) space to include a bedroom to be compliant with Paralyzed Veteran’s Association (PVA), Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The door of each of the 24 patient bathrooms will be redesigned to have automatic opening doors to be compliant with PVA, SCI/D, and ADA standards. WPE assumes the 24-bathroom doors will be modified to be automatic, low-energy power operated doors, though the type of automatic door is not explicit in the SOW. Similarly, WPE determined that 12 toilet bump-outs will be added to all 1E-wing patient bathrooms and 11 select 1E-wing patient bathroom vanity-sinks in the SCI Center will be lowered by 6” and modified for compliance with PVA, SCI/D, and ADA standards. After the 35% Schematic Design review, modification two (2) added the conversion of the 1E-Wing Shower Room 1E-124B to a bathroom with a toilet.

WPE conducted one site investigation and follow-up electrical site visit since the 35% Schematic Design submittal. The reports were submitted separately. In total, WPE visited the site four (4) separate times to develop the design.

Site Description The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Center is located on the first floor of Building 100 of the JJPVAMC at 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, New York 10468. The SCI consists of two wings: 1D and 1E.

The total square footage of wings 1D and 1E is approximately 35,000 square feet. There are 24 existing double-occupancy patient bedrooms with a shared bathroom for each bedroom with 12 such rooms on each wing. Each of the 24 existing rooms contains a bathroom. The patient bathroom doors are dry-wall framed with a track affixed to the wall above the entry. The track enables the door to slide open and close (reference AD102 and AD103; refer to three attachments for new automatic door data sheets). The existing configuration for the 12-patient bathroom vanity-sinks in D-wing and patient room E-102 meets VA SCI/D standards. WPE noticed a subtle difference between patient bathroom toilets in D-wing, which have bump-outs, otherwise known as extensions or backrests, and patient room E-102, which does not have a bump-out. The scope of this project will include the addition of 12 bump-outs in each of the E-wing patient bathrooms. Each patient bathroom contains vanity-sink countertop with integrated sink, faucet, support bar, toilet paper dispenser, and nurse call pull station and button flush for the toilet. Above each vanity-sink is a light fixture, an automatic soap dispenser, and paper towel dispenser. Also, each patient bathroom contains a separate sink with faucet and manual hot and cold-water levers, adject to the vanity-sink. Another soap dispenser is above the separate sink. The vanity-sink counter-top elevation in D-wing and E-102 patient bathrooms designated in the existing drawings is 2' 3-5/8". The measured elevation during the site investigation was 2' 4". The SCI/D Design Guide measurement is 2' 7". The remaining 11 vanity-sinks’ elevation is 2’ 10”. The 11 E-wing vanity-sinks will be lowered by 6” to match D-wing and E- 102 bathrooms. This scope includes modifying the wall, integrated countertop, sink, faucet, support bar, toilet paper dispenser, emergency alert wire and button, and pipes associated with lowering the vanity-sink (reference sheet AD102 and AD103). The other fixtures in the bathrooms, namely the separate sink, paper towel dispenser, and the two soap dispensers are not included in the scope for this project.

WPE analyzed the square footage estimates for implementation into ADL space and the SCI/D Center Guide standards.

• Square Footage Estimates

• Existing Bathrooms only = ~125 sf

• Existing Rooms only

• 1E-126, 134 = ~370 sf

• 1E-128, 132 = ~435 sf

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• 1E-116, 118, 128, 132 = ~430 sf

• 1E-104, 106, 108, 112, 114 = ~436 sf

• 1E-102 = ~490 sf

• SCI/D Guide Standard Square Footage Estimates

• Bedroom = ~387 sf

• Bathroom = ~120 sf

• Existing ADL Bathroom (1D-109A) Total Square Footage = ~93 sf

• Existing ADL Kitchen (1D-109) Total Square Footage = ~187 sf

• Existing ADL Space Total Square Footage = ~280 sf

• Existing Day Room (1D-114) Total Square Footage = ~712 sf

• Proposed ADL Single Occupancy Bedroom Square Footage (1D-109B) = ~354 sf

• Remaining Day Room Square Footage excluding ADL Bedroom/Partition (1D-109B) = ~351 sf

• Existing Storage Space (1D-140) Square Footage = ~776 sf

• Partition Fold Square Footage within Storage Space = ~24 sf

• Remaining Storage Space (1D-140) excluding fold/wall = ~753 sf

• Elevation Comparisons (D-Wing compared to E-Wing):

Elevation Comparison D-Wing Measurement (inches) E-Wing Measurement (inches)

Paper Towel Dispenser (height above the floor to bottom of dispenser)

Different 40.5 42.75

Countertop Soap Dispenser (from countertop to bottom of soap dispenser nozzle)

Same 16.25 (countertop surface is 27.75” above floor) = 44” above the floor

10.25 (countertop surface is 33.75” above floor) = 44” above floor

Countertop Bars (above floor to center mass of bar)

Different 25.75 33.125

Sink (above the floor to bottom flood rim) Slightly Different

34 33.75

Sink Soap Dispenser (above floor to bottom dispenser nozzle)

Different 47 33.25

Shower Soap Dispenser (height above the floor) Slightly Different

44 43.5

Shower Bars (measured center mass above the floor; all bars are 1.5” diameter; 3 separate bars – right, center, left)

Slightly Different vary from R 31.75” – C 32.25” – L 32.25”

R 33.5” (not level to 32.625”) – C 32.5” (not level to 33”) – L 32.375” (not level to 33”)

Toilet (above floor to bottom flood rim) Same 15.5 15.5

Overall Design Approach West Point Engineers performed an on-site assessment of the project area, mechanical spaces, electrical areas, and interstitial spaces. Follow-on investigation was performed by closely evaluating as-built documentation. Based on existing conditions, floor plan geometry, space usage, and VA HVAC design requirements, load calculations were performed utilizing Carrier Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) v6.1 and submitted with the Concept Design. Summarized analysis reports and further detailed analysis results produced by HAP can be provided upon request. However, information entailed in this analysis will not be utilized for design because the HVAC/Air pressure requirements originally included in this project’s scope have been removed per the contract modification “P0001”, effective June 3, 2024. The discipline-specific design approaches to achieving the design requirements per the modified scope are found below.

1. Architectural

1.1. Overview

The door of each of the 24 patient bathrooms will be redesigned to have automatic opening doors to be compliant with PVA, Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The 24-bathroom doors will be modified to be automatic, low-energy power operated doors, though the type of automatic door is not explicit in the SOW. Similarly, WPE determined that 11 E-wing patient bathroom vanity-lavatory out of 24 bathrooms in the SCI Center will be lowered by 6” and modified for compliance with PVA, SCI/D, and ADA standards.

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The 12 E-wing patient bathroom toilets are to be relocated to include a plumbing bump-out to match the bump-outs in the D-wing patient bathrooms and to comply with the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) guidelines.

The Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in D-wing is now going to include an ADL bedroom space to accompany the existing bathroom and kitchen. The existing Day Room will now include a manually operated partition wall to create the new ADL bedroom to be adjacent to the existing ADL Kitchen. The manually operated partition wall will require 25 square feet for a storage closet that will be incorporated into the adjacent room, Storage 1D-140. WPE made the following assumptions for the new construction of the ADL space bedroom associated with RFI # 21. WPE will implement the VA’s preferences and approved deviations from the SCI/D Design Guide for square footage, fixtures (sinks), furniture (beds or other), outlets, and other details for the bedroom space once received. WPE assumes that the bedroom must be connected to the ADL Kitchen 1D-109 and cannot be separated nor isolated inside the day room space. Therefore, the design includes the demolition and relocation of the sink located in Day Room 1D-58 and adjacent to ADL Kitchen 1D-109. WPE assumes a single occupancy, SCI patient special standard bed, and associated bedroom requirements outlined in the SCI/D Design Guide, Acute Care / (AC/OP) Home Environment (HE) Bedroom, SCI (ISC93, page 4-208 – 223). The proposed square footage is 341 sf to simulate a smaller room expected to be in a SCI/D patient home.

The existing Shower Room 1E-124B is to be redesigned to be an ADA compliant restroom with a new toilet and sink. Design and interior finishes to match Rest Room 1D-126A in D- Wing.

1.2. Demolition

The 24 patient bathroom doors, including rails and hardware in both D & E wings, are to be removed. All 12 existing patient bathroom toilets in E-wing are to be removed for relocation.

Existing grab bar mounts located behind the 12 existing patient bathroom toilets in E-wing are to be removed, turned over to the VA and walls are to be patched and repaired. 11 of the existing patient bathroom vanities in E-wing, this excludes bathroom 1E-102A, are to be removed. All surfaces are to be patched, repaired, and prepped for new work.

A new door opening is to be constructed in the existing ADL Kitchen entering into the existing Day Room. The existing sink, faucet and associated casework in the existing Day Room is to be removed to be relocated into the newly remodeled Day Room space. The existing Day Room ceiling grid will require some demolition for the creation of a soffit. A wall opening 6’-2” wide to the ceiling will need to be created between the Day Room and the adjacent Storage.

WPE will address the specific requirements for NFPA 241 related to separating construction areas from occupied portions of buildings. Assuming the construction in each area will be less than 30 days, separation can be achieved using fire-retardant plastic sheeting or other approved materials. Otherwise, though unlikely, if the contractor goes longer than 30 days, a more substantial separation is required, including walls with at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating and opening protectives (doors) with at least a 45-minute fire protection rating. Also, under NFPA 241, the standard for sprinkler systems allows for some flexibility when an approved automatic sprinkler system is in place. Non-rated walls and opening protectives may be permitted when an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed. If the existing sprinkler system is maintained and not impacted by the work, this can lessen the requirements for added rated separations. For door and counter modifications, if the sprinkler system is not impacted by the work, rated separations may not be required. When the sprinkler system is modified, the contractor will ensure that temporary measures are in place to maintain adequate coverage during construction.

Remove the existing shower, sink, partition wall, and toilet accessories from existing Shower Room 1E-124B. Walls and floor to be prepped for new work.

1.3. New Construction/Renovations

All 24 patient bathrooms in both D & E wings will receive a new single panel sliding door with ADA compliant powered opener.

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11 of the existing patient bathrooms in E-wing, this excludes bathroom 1E-102A, are to receive new vanities and lavatories. New vanities to be solid surface countertop, solid surface back & side splash and solid surface front & side skirt panels to match the existing in D-wing.

New vanities have reinforced panels to receive new recessed and surface mounted accessories. New vanities are to match the design and style of the vanities in D-wing and to follow the SCI/D guidelines for accessories and additional information.

The new ADL Bedroom that is adjacent to the existing ADL Kitchen is to have a new 1 hour rated door with finish, frame & hardware to match the existing ADL Kitchen door. New manually operated partition wall to create the ADL Bedroom as needed by the VAMC. The manually operated partition is to have a 24 square foot storage closet that will need to be constructed in the adjacent Storage room. The new walls for the partition closet are to be 1 hour rated, 3-5/8” metal stud with 1 layer of type “X” GWB on each side and secured to the underside of deck. New ADL Bedroom to have a new 6” GWB soffit for the support and track of the new partition wall.

The design intent for the new ADL room modifications during construction includes the following NFPA 241 considerations:

• Sprinkler System Maintenance: WPE anticipates that non-rated barriers will be acceptable since the existing sprinkler system will remain operational and unaffected by the work.

• Temporary Sprinkler Modifications: In areas where ceilings are removed as part of demolition, temporary upright sprinklers will be installed to maintain protection. This is particularly important when using non-rated barriers.

• Barrier Options: The contractor may use a 1-hour rated construction barrier. Alternatively, a non-rated barrier (such as fire-retardant plastic sheeting) may be sufficient when the sprinkler protection is maintained in the construction area.

• ICRA Risk Classification: The construction barrier rating is not primarily based on the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) risk classification. NFPA 241 requirements take precedence for fire safety considerations.

Newly remodeled Day Room to have relocated sink, faucet, and associated casework with new plumbing.

ADL space includes prescribed basis of design for contractor furnished contractor installed permanent lift system is the SureHands 2810 L Ceiling Lift. Refer to drawing sheets AE101 and AE103 and specification 117300 Ceiling Mounted Patient Lift System. Manufacturer will need to install to ensure warranty.

New Rest Room 1E-124B to have a new toilet, sink, grab bars and toilet accessories.

Fixtures, accessories, and interior finishes to match existing Rest Room 1D-126A in D-Wing.

All mounting heights for fixtures and accessories are to follow ADA guidelines.

2. Mechanical

2.1. Existing Conditions

Currently, the first floor D and E wings are served by an independent dual duct VAV air handling system, which resides in mechanical rooms at the end of each respective wing.

Ductwork and VAV terminals are routed above the ceiling within an accessible interstitial space. Space immediately above room ceilings is very limited (~12 inches) and includes mainly electrical branch circuit conduits, junction boxes, and sprinkler piping. All ductwork is routed within interstitial space and drops directly down onto diffusers within each room. Floor to ceiling height throughout patient rooms and bathrooms is 9 ft and 8 ft, respectively. All patient rooms are individually zoned with wall mounted digital thermostats on an interior wall.

Each AHU contains a chilled water-cooling coil, steam pre-heat coil, steam heating coil, and a humification coil fed via clean steam generators within each respective mechanical room.

Each system utilizes a ducted inline return fan and a separate powered general exhaust for toilet rooms. The air is exhausted at the top of a vertical chase at the 3rd floor level adjacent to each mechanical room. Each AHU utilizes a filter arrangement consisting of Minimum

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Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) 8, 11, and 14, which complies with current SCI AHU requirements.

2.2. Demolition

No demolition of the existing HVAC system will be required for this limited renovation project.

2.3. New Construction/Renovations

New mechanical work for this project will be limited to the Day Room (1D-114) and the interstitial space above. In order to properly condition the space once a new accordion partition is in place, the existing return air shall be split in two for the space. This will require the installation of new ductwork and a new damper and diffuser. Additionally, the contractor will be required to Test, Adjust, and Balance (TAB) the return diffusers within the space to meet design airflows. All new installations shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code (IMC) as well as VA specifications and standards. Refer to project mechanical drawings for additional information.

3. Plumbing

3.1. Existing Conditions

The existing bathrooms of the 1st floor Spinal Cord Injury Wings D and E currently have a wall mounted water closet, a counter mounted lavatory, a wall mounted sink and a shower that is shared by two patient beds. The plumbing fixtures are fed by existing domestic hot and cold water from above as well as sanitary piping on the floor below. Following the design team’s investigations, it was discovered that eleven (11) of the E-wing lavatories do not meet the height requirements set by the VA Design Guides and standards. Additionally, twelve (12) of the existing water closets do not meet the required height requirements from the floor.

Existing Restroom 1E-124A has an existing shower that no longer meets the needs of the VA staff. The shower shall be replaced by a new toilet

3.2. Demolition

Based upon initial investigations and discussions with the VA staff, the existing plumbing fixtures are required to be adjusted to meet height requirements. This will require the disconnection and removal of the 11 lavatories for replacement. Additionally, the 12 water closets will be relocated to fit the architectural “bump-out” outlined in the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders Center design guide. Finally, an existing sink located in 1D-114 shall be relocated in order for a new bedroom to be added to the existing Day Room. All piping not to be reused shall be removed back to the main and capped to minimize any dead-legs. The shower removal within Room 1E-124A will include the existing floor trench drain, wall panels, piping (as required) and fixture.

3.3. New Construction/Renovations

The plumbing design and new work of this project is limited to installation of new fixtures and re-installing the twelve existing water closets. All new fixtures shall be provided with carriers, domestic, sanitary and vent piping as required. All new installations shall be in accordance with the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as well as VA specifications and standards. Refer to plumbing drawings for additional information.

4. Electrical

4.1. Overview

The newly installed automatic sliding doors in (24) patient rooms in both D-Wing and E-Wing will require a new source of power for both the door opening equipment and the door opening controls/sensors. Each wing has (12) rooms which require a new power source; the existing electrical capacity in each room cannot sufficiently source each of the new loads for the door openers. Therefore, individual circuits must be installed to feed the automatic doors. Each individual wing’s rooms will be sourced from their respective wing’s Electrical rooms. In D- Wing, electrical room 1D-163 will be utilized; and in E-Wing, electrical room 1E-171 will be utilized.

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The proposed ADL bedroom will require some electrical work such as new receptacles, reconfigured lighting, and a new fire alarm strobe. Additionally, some communications outlets will require relocation due to proposed architectural modifications and a new TV for the ADL bedroom. The proposed permanent patient lift in the ADL bedroom will require new power.

An additional scope item to modify staff shower room 1E-124B to be a bathroom was added per the contract modification “P0001”, effective June 3, 2024. This modification will require some minor demolition work for existing electrical.

4.2. Demolition

Existing electrical in each patient room where new door openers are to be added will be left as is, except in cases where additional space in the walls and interstitial space is required for new electrical circuits to be installed, in which existing electrical components shall be relocated as deemed necessary by the contractor.

Due to new work for the proposed ADL bedroom, there is some electrical demolition work required. Some receptacles will be removed/relocated, and lighting fixtures within the new space are to be relocated with some electrical wiring rework required for reconfiguring the lighting circuit due to a new lighting switch and occupancy sensor region. All existing outlets in conflict with proposed architectural work will require relocation. All electrical components, devices, equipment, and wiring that requires relocation shall be reused to the greatest extent possible.

For the modification of staff shower room 1E-124B, the existing 4” round down light and associated light switch for the existing shower stall shall be removed. All other electrical components in the room shall remain. The removed light, switch, and salvageable wire and conduits shall be returned to the VA as spares.

4.3. New Construction/Renovations

The contractor shall provide one (1) new 20A, 1P, 120V circuit per every two (2) doors, for a total of twelve (12) new circuits; six (6) new circuits per wing. Proposed 20A, 1P breakers are to be installed in a 208Y/120V or 120/240V panel in respective wing main electrical room. Panel “PP L1D1” in D-Wing electrical room 1D-163 has several spare breakers available and will serve as the source for the new circuits feeding the twelve automatic doors to be installed in D-Wing patient rooms. Panel “L1E1” in E-Wing electrical room 1E-171 has sufficient spare breakers available and will serve as the source for the new circuits feeding the twelve automatic doors to be installed in E-Wing patient rooms. Panel schedules are available for reference on drawing sheet E-500. Contractor is to route conduit to each door controller/opener feeder schedules can be found on the power layout drawings EP101 and EP102. The contractor is to provide any and all control wiring per vendor for a complete operational system. For the proposed ADL bedroom, the contractor shall provide new 120V duplex receptacles as indicated on the drawings, new lighting and switch configuration for the bedroom and day room, a reused occupancy sensor for lights within the room, and a new fire alarm strobe. The new receptacles, light switch, and fire alarm strobe are to match nearby existing systems to the greatest extent possible. All receptacles, communications outlets and associated wiring requiring removal or relocation for proposed architectural construction shall be reused where possible.

The proposed permanent lift shall be sourced via a new branch from an existing above ceiling junction box within the day room as indicated on the drawings.

Phasing Analysis The proposed construction phases of the project are dependent upon the required SCI Center capacities that must be maintained. The foundational premise that drove the scope modification is that the SCI Center must maintain the dual-occupancy patient bedroom capacity and total of 48 patient beds across 24 patient bedrooms. SCI leadership highlighted the importance of maintaining patient operations and support; the VA mentioned maintaining a minimum of 14-room capability and

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100% Bid Documents Narrative would allow no more than 3 to 4 rooms to be in construction at a time. This is an assumption as described in requests for information (RFI #11) that will need to be confirmed with SCI leadership; it will be used as a basis for phasing. WPE recommends that the project be phased on a room-by-room basis or the allowable, simultaneous four room block, to minimize disruption to SCI operations.

The current Infection Control Plan accounts for individual room isolation (room-by-room) as part of the phasing for construction. The contractor will coordinate with the COR for site set-up locations and the implementation of controls throughout the project life cycle, including designated back parking areas, building and elevator access and use, and synchronization with hospital operations.

Communication protocol between the contractor, A/E team, and VA-SCI leadership is essential to ensure alignment and prompt resolution of issues. The contractors risk management plan is another important project aspect associated with phasing to address potential disruptions to SCI operations, mitigation strategies, contingencies, and steps for managing unforeseen challenges during construction. A feasible phasing proposal may be (Refer to Sheet GI005):

1. Mobilization and Controls. Mobilization and site set-up, construction area isolation, infection control screening, environmental control measures and infection control plan implementation.

2. Assessment and Testing. Conduct hazardous testing of potential waste streams (when demolition is involved).

3. Demolition. Conduct demolition work, as required for modifications.

4. Countertop Adjustments, Plumbing and Utility Modifications. Construct/modify fixtures, plumbing, and utility work.

5. Structural Modifications. Construct/modify wall frames for ADL bedroom space.

6. Door Modifications. Complete door modifications and electrical work.

7. Finishing. Construct/install finishes and aesthetic enhancements.

8. Testing, Commissioning, and Handover. Test and commission systems (conduct QA/QC throughout). Project acceptance and site clean-up.

Review of Applicable Codes The SCI/D Center Design Guide provides the basis for design. The VA will provide written authorization to deviate from SCI/D Manual given selections, preferences, and decisions for the design. Modification 1 eliminated the need to analyze the design impact and applicable code relative to the removed mechanical, air system, and patient room layout portion of the scope. To ensure that the modifications to the SCI/D Center meet the required standards, it is essential to reference and comply with a variety of codes and guidelines at international and federal levels. Specifically, these modifications pertain to architectural, mechanical/water plumbing, and electrical design disciplines.

Below is a detailed review of the applicable codes for each aspect of the project.

• International Building Code (IBC): The IBC provides comprehensive requirements for building safety, including accessibility standards that must be adhered to for structures accommodating individuals with disabilities. Relevant sections include those on accessibility (Chapter 11), plumbing systems (Chapter 29), and electrical systems (Chapter 27).

• International Plumbing Code (IPC): The IPC sets standards for plumbing systems, including requirements for accessible fixtures and clearances. Relevant sections include requirements for lavatories, water closets, and showers to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards: The ADA Standards for Accessible Design set requirements to ensure that buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. Relevant sections include those on accessible routes (Section 206), doors and doorways (Section 404), toilet and bathing facilities (Section 603-610), and reach ranges (Section 308).

• National Electrical Code (NEC): The NEC covers the installation and maintenance of electrical systems, including those related to accessibility such as power-operated doors. WPE will ensure compliance with NEC Article 404, which covers switches and other electrical controls.

• Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Guidelines: The PVA provides specific guidelines for SCI/D centers, addressing unique needs such as bedroom layouts, ADL spaces, and accessible bathroom designs. PVA's "Design Recommendations for Accessible Electric Patient Rooms" provides specific recommendations for accessible room design, including bathroom configurations

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Special Requirements/Considerations/Aggregations WPE outlines a detailed review of the special requirements, considerations, and aggregations for each aspect of the project below.

• Automatic Opening Doors: Doors comply with ADA Section 404.3, ensuring they are low-energy power-operated and meet the required force, timing, and operational characteristics. The sliding automatic door mechanism aligns with space and usage patterns.

• Toilet Bump-Outs: The bump-outs provide adequate clearance around the toilet for wheelchair users. ADA Section 604 provides detailed specifications for water closet clearance. Structural modifications comply with IBC building codes.

• Lowered Vanity Sinks: Vanities should be lowered to meet ADA reach range requirements (Section 606.2). The design complies with knee and toe clearance (Section 306). Plumbing modifications comply with the IPC.

• ADL Space Modifications: The design ensures sufficient maneuvering space within the ADL area to accommodate wheelchairs (ADA Section 305). Bedroom modifications account for accessible routes, switch heights, and emergency egress considerations outlined in ADA and IBC guidelines.

• Shower Modification to Toilet: The modifications account for SCI staff requirements and comply with IBC guidelines.

• Life Safety Plans (Refer to Sheet LS001). Life safety plans address all building codes and guidelines, means of egress, and fire and health safety standards.

• Infection Control Plan (ICP) and Procedures (Refer to Sheets GI002, GI003, GI004, and GI005 for further details): Specifications and drawing key notes will address construction contractor Infection Control Assessment Screening (ICAS), risk assessment, and environmental control measures. Asbestos, lead, and other hazmat testing will be done prior to construction unless recent testing shows, and the VA COR directs otherwise. Overall, the work for the project, as defined below, can be characterized as Type C Construction Activity requiring Level IV precautions. Type CIV is moderate-to-extensive construction activities combined with maximum infection control measures. This designation is for high-risk areas, such as SCI spaces with immunocompromised patients, where any contamination could lead to significant health risks.

• ICAS

• Pre-Construction Evaluation: Before awarding the project for construction, an ICAS will be completed based on the risk assessment matrix to determine the necessary environmental control measures.

• Specification Inclusion: The Facility Management Service Center (FMSC) will ensure that construction project specifications include all required environmental control measures as determined by the ICAS.

• Maintenance Log: The ICP will maintain a log of all ICAS ratings above III or IV.

• Dust and Contamination Control: Barriers and other measures will be implemented to control dust. If waterborne contamination is identified as a risk, the ICP, Industrial Hygienist (IH), and FMSC Director will make individual decisions on the best management methods.

• Risk Assessment and ICAS Implementation. The contractor will follow the steps outlined in Drawing Sheet GI002.

• Environmental Control Measures (Refer to Sheets GI003, GI004, and GI005 for further details)

• Barriers:

• Physical barriers will isolate the construction area and prevent dust and debris from spreading.

• Barriers will be airtight and extend from floor to ceiling.

• Negative air pressure machines with HEPA filtration will contain and filter dust.

• Dust Control:

• The contractor will install sticky mats at entry/exit points of the construction area.

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• WPE will designate regular wet cleaning and vacuuming with HEPA-filtered vacuums.

• WPE will direct debris to be covered and sealed before removal from the construction area.

• Waterborne Contamination: The contractor will assess the risk of waterborne pathogens, use appropriate water filtration and disinfection methods, as required, and monitor water systems regularly for contamination.

Cost Estimate The IGE provided by the VA is approximately $2 Million. The third-party estimate from Certified Professional Estimators (CPE) was $1.193 Million, as shown below.

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