629-25-104 SOW Emrgcy Dept Suicide Risk Mitigation Fence 05 27 2025.pdf

Department of Veterans Affairs

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System

2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

629-25-104

EMERGENCY DEPARMENT SUICIDE RISK MITIGATION FENCE

Statement of Work

May 27, 2025

1. GENERAL GUIDANCE

1.1. Title of Project: Emergency Department Suicide Risk Mitigation Fence

1.2. Scope of Work: The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall provide all labor, supervision and resources required to achieve the following:

1.2.1. Complete the design and construction documents services for providing a complete suicide risk mitigation compliant fence for the emergency department ramp and second level deck at the New Orleans, LA VA medical center campus, including, but not limited to associated architectural, mechanical, and electrical modifications.

1.2.1.a ASSOCIATED TASKS

The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall complete a design and complete A/E construction package for the installation of a new coated non-climb fencing and stainless-steel cable mesh infill screening along both outboard sides of the emergency ramp driveway as well as the entire perimeter of the second level emergency department parking deck which will also include the oval-shaped opening in the middle. The design / construction will act as a suicide prevention structure for any likelihood of fatalities.

1.2.2. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall deliver the requirements as specified in this statement of work. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) for this design shall provide all necessary investigation, verification of as-built conditions, development of specifications, development of cost estimates, development of construction documents, and contract administration for the execution of the project referenced above. The A/E shall review all product submittals for construction plan compliance, offer recommendations to the VA concerning all submittals, conduct site visits, review requests for information (RFI), maintain and produce accurate post construction documents for submission to the VA.

1.2.3. This design shall include all site development services and construction services necessary to complete the improvement tasks described herein.

1.2.4. Work shall occur for the following location:

1.2.4.1. Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New

Orleans, LA 70119

1.2.4.2. Background: This project is for the Emergency Department Entrance Ramp (Bldg

E, 2nd Floor), and it will correct discrepancies in response to VA Suicide Risk Mitigation. The ramp and landing are currently non-compliant: the walls at the ramp and central opening at landing do not meet the 96" above finish level as identified in the VA standards for architectural barriers and fall protection.

1.2.5. Performance Period: The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall complete all designs and documents required under this SOW in 90 calendar days of issuance of the Notice-

To-Proceed. Work shall begin no more than ten (10) calendar days after notice of award. Work at the Government site is permissible on Federal holidays or weekends, but subject to approval by Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or the Contracting Officer (CO).

1.2.6. Recognized Federal Holidays:

1.2.6.1. No work shall be conducted on any days identified as a federal holiday.

1.2.6.2. Note: Federal Holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed the Friday prior.

Holidays that fall on a Sunday will be observed the Monday following.

1.2.7. Construction period services, such as site visits for specific tasks that cannot be completed during “regular work hours” (7:30 am – 4:00 pm), may be required as part of this contract.

1.2.8. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall also complete preconstruction, construction, and post construction period services upon the completion of the design. The current estimated construction time frame is 145 calendar days but is subject to change based on final design. This does not include the solicitation period required for bidding the construction of this project.

1.2.9. Type of Contract: This contract shall be a firm-fixed price.

2. CONTRACT AWARD MEETING

2.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall commence work only when the

Contracting Officer (CO) has conducted a “kick-off” meeting and a Notice to Proceed has been issued.

3. DEFINITIONS:

3.1. Contracting Officer: The services to be performed under this contract are subject to the general supervision, direction, control, and approval of the Contracting Officer.

3.2. VA Project Engineer/Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): The Contracting

Officer's authorized representative at the construction site.

3.3. Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) Contract: This term, as used herein, refers to the Contract(s) to perform all provisions and implementation of the project.

3.4. Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer): This term, as used herein, refers to the Contractor

(A/E, Architect Engineer) under this contract or the FFP team.

3.5. National Electric Code (NEC)

3.6. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

3.7. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

3.8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

3.9. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)

3.10. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

3.11. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

3.12. Veterans Affairs (VA)

3.13. The Joint Commission (TJC)

3.14. Construction Documents (CD)

3.15. Design Development Documents (DD)

3.16. Schematic Design Documents (SD)

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1. For every task, the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by task, and associated sub-milestone dates.

The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer)'s subtask structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal and detailed work plan.

4.2. All written deliverables shall be phrased in layman’s language. Statistical and other technical terminology shall not be used without providing a glossary of terms.

4.3. The construction phase of the project will be executed in accordance with the final VA approved construction drawings but is subject to the availability of funds.

4.4. All designs developed under this contract shall adhere to the current editions of the following: NFPA, NEC, ASHRAE, TJC, ASME, ANSI, OSHA, ASTM, ASSE or as otherwise noted the Master VA Specifications and VA Directives.

4.5. Design Line Items. At a minimum, the following line items shall be fully developed and designed:

4.5.1. Provide suicide risk mitigation fencing for the entire perimeter of the ED ramp, the second level deck, and oval opening in the middle of the deck.

4.5.2. The design challenge is to ensure the fencing meets all suicide risk and security requirements without compromising aesthetics.

4.5.3. Modify existing construction to meet the design intent.

4.5.4. Provide a solution which can be structurally supported by existing structures, or if not, with minimal modifications to the structures.

4.5.5. Provide a solution which allows for the safe, continuous operation of the entire SLVHCS

Medical Center during all phases of construction.

4.6. Design Guidelines:

4.6.1. The Architecture/Engineering (A/E) firm shall comply with NFPA, NEC, ASHRAE, JCAHO, VA design guidelines (including VA handbook 0730), VA Design Alerts, VA Master

Specifications, and etc. VA related information is available on the Internet at following URL:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL. These documents are comprehensive and may require considerable

A/E time to review and edit as appropriate, and as specifically relevant to the project. The A/E shall ensure that all designs follow these guidelines. Where deviation from guidelines is required, the deviation shall be discussed, resolved, and approved by the VA Contracting

Officer before design decisions are finalized.

4.6.2. The A/E firm will coordinate all designs with the COR. The COR will coordinate meetings with other Medical Center personnel and will accompany the A/E to such meetings.

Work will include verification of existing conditions, generation of construction documents including design of protective barriers, infection control, and interim life safety measures as required by The Joint Commission (TJC or JCAHO) to maintain the current level of life safety, and A/E construction period services. It shall also include phasing plans to allow for the concurrent running of existing and new systems to be installed until such new systems can be properly commissioned. Construction documents shall be structured to phase the work as required to minimize impact on the existing activities at the facility.

4.6.3. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall include the services of licensed mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, fire safety, and other engineers and security specialists as appropriate for the project. Final construction contract documents shall bear the stamp and seal of the responsible design/engineering professional.

4.6.4. The A/E is responsible for producing a complete set of drawings, design narrative/analysis, calculations, and specifications in accordance with professional standard practices and VA criteria.

4.6.5. A/E shall provide a checklist of all submittals, certifications, tests, and inspections required per drawing and specification section.

4.6.6. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall, at each submission, date all material and present the designs on VA standard size drawings that are appropriately labeled, "SCHEMATIC

SUBMISSION", “DESIGN DEVELOPMENT SUBMISSION”, or “CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT

SUBMISSION”, in large block letters above or beside the VA standard drawing title block. In each submission, the A/E shall incorporate the corrections, adjustments, and changes made by

VA at the previous review.

4.6.7. The A/E, with input from the VA, shall develop the design to meet the budget constraints.

Should the developed design exceed the established budget, the A/E, through approval of the

VA, shall develop deduct options that shall bring the design within the anticipated budget but still achieve the overall design intent of the project. Such deduct options shall be captured in the

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS section of the bid specifications.

4.7. Drawings Criteria

4.7.1. All drawings shall meet applicable national codes and VA criteria. Drawings shall be

1/8" = 1'-0" scale except for detail drawings which shall be not less than 1/4" = 1'-0". VA standard drawing format (VAF 08-6231) shall be used for all drawings. A/E may select to use

AutoCAD version of this form, which is available on request. Drawings shall be provided in

AutoCAD 2015 and Revit. Specifications shall be provided Microsoft Word version 2010 or higher. The A/E will provide three (3) sets of completed bound hard-copy blue line drawings and bound specifications (including VA provided General Conditions) for bidding purposes.

Provide two (2) “read only” FINAL, construction document CD’s. VA guide specifications are available from the Internet from the VA Office of Facilities, Technical Information Library at URL:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/VA furnished guidelines (available from the internet) are listed in supplement "B" to SF 252.

4.8. Drawing and Specification Format:

4.8.1. Intent: The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System will be making all contract documents available to bidders on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) web site.

By doing so it is anticipated that a wider exposure to potential project work will result in savings for the Government and increase the efficiency of project delivery.

4.8.2. Requirements: All contract drawings shall be provided to the Southeast Louisiana

Veterans Health Care System in AutoCAD (.dwg) format (release 2015 or higher), Revit, PDF, and CALS (.cal) format for all drawing submissions and for final construction documents. The

CALS driver is an AutoDesk raster printer driver and is a built-in feature of AutoCAD 2010. This

CALS driver is used by AutoCAD to convert all vector drawings into raster images (black & white) to be used for possible electronic bidding by the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health

Care System.

4.9. Document Reviews:

4.9.1. Schematic Documents (35%)

4.9.1.1. Drawings: Furnish three copies, (1) full-size and (2) half-size, encompassing sets of drawings, including all necessary details and schedules for the project. The single-line layouts for this phase are acceptable. Single line drawings of any system will NOT be acceptable for the 100% review documents with the exception of the electrical wiring drawings.

4.9.1.2. VA Review period will not exceed seven (7) calendar days. VA review period is inclusive of (included in) total design contract period.

4.9.2. Design Development Documents (65%)

4.9.2.1. Specifications: Furnish two (2) copies, typed and bound in final format, to include the contract special provisions for each project. Provide index pages as required. Furnish an electronic copy to VA as well.

4.9.2.2. Drawings: Furnish three copies, (1) full-size and (2) half-size, encompassing sets of drawings, including all necessary details and schedules for each project. The single-line layouts will have been transformed to full scale, double-line drawings. Single line drawings of any system will NOT be acceptable for the 100% review documents with the exception of the electrical wiring drawings.

4.9.2.3. Estimate: Furnish two (2) copies of the complete and detailed construction estimate for the project. Follow general guidelines indicated below in the "ESTIMATE" portion of the work statement.

4.9.2.3.1. ESTIMATES:

4.9.2.3.1.1. The A/E firm will make use of the construction budget to derive the 65% and

100% construction cost estimates. All estimates shall be current as of the date of submission escalated to the date of award. Show unit quantity, unit measure, unit cost, and total cost of labor and materials for each subheading. Electronic spreadsheet format is suggested. All costs will include insurance, taxes and applicable subcontractor markup. Use wage rates that reflect current Davis Bacon wages for the locations where work will occur. Price, materials, and equipment at the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer)'s purchasing level. Sales tax, when applicable, will be added to the material and equipment costs. Estimates should include an appropriate percentage for overhead and profit and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small

Business (SDVOSB) participation.

4.9.3. VA Review period will not exceed ten (10) calendar days. VA review period is inclusive of total design contract period.

4.9.4. Construction Document 100%

4.9.4.1. Specifications: Furnish two (2) copies, typed and bound in final format, to include the contract special provisions for each project. Provide index pages as required.

4.9.4.2. Drawings: Furnish three (3) complete sets of drawings, including all necessary details and schedules for each project. The single-line layouts will have been transformed to full scale, double-line drawings. Single line drawings of any system will NOT be acceptable for the

100% review documents with the exception of the electrical wiring drawings.

4.9.4.3. Estimate: Furnish two (2) copies of the complete and detailed construction estimated for the project to include a written methodology of how the detailed construction cost estimate was arrived at.

4.9.4.4. VA Review period will not exceed ten (10) calendar days. VA review period is inclusive of total design contract period.

4.9.5. Construction Document – Bid Documents

4.9.5.1. All final documents shall bear the stamp and seal of the responsible design/engineering professional. An electronic copy of all documents shall be provided to the

VA in addition to the copies mentioned in this section.

4.9.5.2. Specifications: Furnish two (2) copies, typed and bound in final format, to include the contract special provisions for each project. Provide index pages as required.

4.9.5.3. Drawings: Furnish three (3) complete sets of drawings, including all necessary details and schedules for each project. The single-line layouts will have been transformed to full scale, double-line drawings. Single line drawings of any system will NOT be acceptable for the

100% review documents with the exception of the electrical wiring drawings.

4.9.6. All reviews must be approved by VA prior to beginning the next design phase.

Redesigns that do not meet VA requirements or achieve project intent shall be completed at no cost to the Government. Redesigns as previously mentioned will not constitute justification for more time. The A/E shall be required to meet the contractual timelines established for the design described (90 calendar days).

4.9.6.1. Any design delays that are the result of Government delay shall not apply to aforementioned.

4.10. Construction Period Services:

4.10.1. Review and comment on Contractor's submittals, shop drawings, etc., with recommendations for approval/rejection to VA. NOTE: VA is approving authority; A/E recommends subsequent VA actions.

4.10.2. The A/E shall conduct site visits, at no cost to the Government, should issues arise with implementation of the design. If the existing design should prove to be unfeasible or incapable of being implemented, the A/E shall create a new design to address the issue at no cost to the

Government. The A/E shall also pay for all costs associated with any change orders that arise from the implementation of the new design.

4.10.3. As Built Drawings:

4.10.3.1. After completion of the project construction, revise the entire set of reproducible drawings and the AutoCAD/Revit CD disks showing any changes from original design. The VA shall provide marked-up working drawings and/or change order documentation as received from the construction Contractor. A note for the requirement of accurate As-Built drawings is to be clearly shown on each sheet of the construction drawings. The complete set of "as-built" 30 in.

by 42 in. drawings (one (1) set) and writeable AutoCAD CD disks will be delivered to the Chief, Facilities Management Service. The reproducible as-built drawings will be delivered in good condition, inside of a protective-drawings mailing tube, and with an appropriate cover letter.

4.11. SUPPLEMENT

4.11.1. Prior to beginning design, the A/E shall review each reference listed below. The A/E and the assigned government Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will determine which references are applicable to this design.

4.11.2. Existing VA record drawings may not indicate actual existing conditions and should be considered a guide only. At A/E’s request, VA will provide appropriate record drawings.

4.11.3. VA Master Construction Specifications (PG-08-1): Table of contents. All specifications available in Microsoft Word format via Internet.

4.11.3.1. (http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/).

4.11.3.1.1. VA Construction Standards

4.11.3.1.2. VA Standard Details

4.11.3.1.3. VA Equipment Guide List

4.11.3.1.4. VA List of Equipment Symbols

4.11.3.1.5. VA Planning Criteria for VA Facilities

4.11.3.1.6. VA Barrier Free Design Handbook

4.11.3.1.7. VA Energy Conservation Manual

4.11.3.1.8. VA Design Manuals

4.11.3.1.9. VA Office of Information and Technology Design Guide

4.12. Communication: The cost of all communications, mailings, copying and reproductions initiated by the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) in providing these services shall be included in the cost proposal without additional reimbursement.

4.12.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall correspond by cloud-based software or a communication format capable of large file storage and distribution.

4.12.2. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall provide access to the site to all stakeholders associated with the project.

4.12.3. Other correspondence means such as fax, overnight delivery or first class mail, or other paperless transmissions are acceptable as secondary methods of communication. Scheduled submittals (SD, DD & CD) shall be delivered by courier or overnight mail service.

5. SPECIFIC MANDATORY TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES

5.1. Government Furnished Deliverables

5.1.1. Drawings of current SLVHCS NOLA Replacement Medical Center, as appropriate.

5.1.1.1. Drawings shall be made available electronically as PDF and/or CAD if available.

5.1.2. System information on the current utilities and related piping, electrical single lines and related diagrams

5.2. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall conduct site visits to verify existing conditions.

5.3. Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) Furnished Deliverables

5.3.1. Site investigation of existing systems detailing current conditions including, but not limited to:

5.3.1.1.1. Existing plumbing/piping

5.3.1.1.2. Architectural and Structural

5.3.2. All drawings submissions shall consist of the following:

5.3.2.1. Sheet size: 11”x17” shall be “to scale” and legible when printed at that size

5.3.2.2. Bound

5.3.2.3. CADD Format: AutoCAD 2015 or later

5.3.2.4. Organization: VA

5.3.2.5. CADD-Drafting Standards

5.3.2.6. Electronic (PDF and CAD file) and paper copy

5.3.3. Drawing Submission Types

5.3.3.1. Schematic Submission

5.3.3.1.1. This submission shall be approximately 35% of the completed design.

5.3.3.2. Design Development (DD) Drawings

5.3.3.2.1. This submission shall be approximately 65% of the completed design.

5.3.3.3. Construction Document (CD)

5.3.3.3.1. This submission shall be approximately 100% of the completed design

5.3.4. Specifications

5.3.4.1. Sheet size: 8 ½”x11”

5.3.4.2. Word processing Format: MS Word 2010

5.3.4.3. Organization: Master Specification with VA header and footer format

5.3.4.4. Bound

5.3.4.5. Electronic (PDF and Word file) and paper copy

5.3.4.6. Submissions shall be made with the DD and CD (65% and 100%) submissions.

5.3.5. Cost Estimate

5.3.5.1. Sheet size: 8 ½”x11” or 11”x17’’

5.3.5.2. Spreadsheet Format: Excel 2010

5.3.5.3. Bound

5.3.5.4. Formats: Spreadsheet

5.3.5.5. Electronic (PDF and Excel file) and paper copy

5.3.5.6. Submissions shall be made during the DD and CD (65% and 100%) submissions.

5.3.6. Design Schedule

5.3.6.1. Sheet size: 8 ½”x11” or 11”x17’’

5.3.6.2. Spreadsheet Format: Microsoft Project, latest version.

5.3.6.3. Task list and Gantt Chart

5.3.6.3.1. Each design submission shall be noted.

5.3.6.3.2. Estimated construction period services shall be included.

5.3.6.4. Electronic (PDF and MS Projects) and paper copy

5.3.6.5. Schedule shall be submitted within five (5) days of award

5.3.7. Schedule of Values

5.3.7.1. AIA G703 Format

5.3.7.2. Electronic (PDF and Word) copies shall be submitted to the VA.

5.3.7.3. Scheduled of Values shall include the following at a minimum

5.3.7.3.1. Design Period Services

5.3.7.3.1.1. SD Submissions

5.3.7.3.1.2. DD Submissions

5.3.7.3.1.3. CD Submissions

5.3.7.3.1.4. Associated design review meetings

5.3.7.3.1.5. Site visits

5.3.7.3.2. Construction Period Services

5.3.7.3.2.1. Submittal reviews

5.3.7.3.2.2. Site Visits with reports

5.3.7.3.2.3. As Built development

5.3.8. Progress payments

5.3.8.1. Submission Frequency: Upon approval of 35%, 65% and 100% design document submissions.

5.3.8.2. Format: Electronic (PDF), AIA G702 Form, Schedule of values completion to accompany (G703 Form)

5.3.8.3. To be reviewed by VA and approved by VA prior to submission for certification

5.3.8.3.1. Note: Payment will be made based on work completed and presented to VA. In no part will payments for design packages be issued without a fully compliant and approved design having been submitted and accepted by VA.

5.3.9. As Builts

5.3.9.1. Sheet size: 30”x42” shall be “to scale” and legible when printed at that size

5.3.9.2. CADD Format: AutoCAD 2015 or later

5.3.9.3. Organization: VA

5.3.9.4. CADD-Drafting Standards

5.3.9.5. Electronic (PDF and CAD file) and paper copy

5.3.9.6. Submitted no later than ten (10) calendar days after construction completion.

5.3.10. Meeting Minutes

5.3.10.1. A/E shall keep meeting minutes and written responses to review comments within one week of the meeting conclusion or receipt of comments for all formal meetings between the A/E and the VA.

5.3.10.2. File Format: Electronic (PDF)

5.4. Site Visits

5.4.1. The A/E shall conduct site visits as part of the construction period services. For this project, the A/E shall provide four (4) site visits.

5.4.1.1. All costs associated with travel for the noted site visits shall be borne by the

Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) and not the Government. Should all any of the site visits later be determined by the Government as not needed, the Government reserves the right to rescind the visits and deduct the cost from the contract.

5.4.2. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall also conduct as many site visits and design meetings with VA as necessary to completely assess the property and develop the bid documents as requested. These site visits are not inclusive of any site visits, meetings, etc.

established or that occurred after commencement of Construction Period services (i.e. after receipt of final and approved bid documents). This is anticipated not to exceed 6 each one-person instance.

5.4.2.1. For every site visit conducted under the construction period services, a report shall be submitted to the VA including date, time, observations, log of those present, signature of the employee completing the report.

6. EVALUATED OPTIONAL FEATURES

6.1. None are covered under this project.

7. SCHEDULE

7.1. The contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall provide a schedule of values and a timeline schedule for the design services as well as the construction services.

8. CHANGES TO THE STATEMENT OF WORK

8.1. Any changes to this SOW shall be authorized and approved only through written correspondence from the CO. A copy of each change will be kept in a project folder along with all other products of the project. Costs incurred by the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) through the actions of parties other than the CO shall be borne by the Contractor (A/E, Architect

Engineer).

9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

9.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall adhere to all reporting requirement as outlined in this statement of work. Any items that are not covered explicitly in this Statement of

Work shall be reported to the Contracting Officer immediately unless indicated otherwise after contract commencement.

10. TRAVEL

10.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) is responsible for providing transportation/travel for all materials, supplies, personnel, and all items needed for the duration of this contract unless stated otherwise elsewhere. Site visits and overall travel to the job sites in all instances covered under this contract shall be wholly provided by the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer), including but not limited to transportation, parking fees, tolls, gas mileage, etc.

11. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

11.1. The Government shall provide access to the facilities as necessary for maintenance and service calls and responses to commence. The VA Facilities Management Service (FMS), Safety or Police Services will also provide notification of any systems outages, testing or downtime to affected VA staff.

11.2. Removing Employees for Misconduct or Security Reasons: The Government may, at its sole discretion, direct the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) to remove any Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) employee from U.S. VA/VHA facilities for misconduct or security reasons.

Removal does not relieve the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) of the responsibility to continue providing the services required under any Contract awarded. The Contracting Officer will provide the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) with a written explanation to support any request to remove an employee.

12. CONTRACTOR (A/E, ARCHITECT ENGINEER) PERSONNEL SECURITY

REQUIREMENTS

12.1. All Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) personnel must check-in with their designated

VA point of contact or other identified staff prior to beginning any work.

12.2. Physical Security & Safety Requirements:

12.2.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) and their personnel shall follow all VA policies, standard operating procedures, applicable laws and regulations while on VA property. Violations of VA regulations and policies may result in citation and disciplinary measures for persons violating the law.

12.2.1.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) and their personnel shall always wear visible identification while they are on the premises. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall sign in with the VA Police services prior to beginning work each workday.

12.2.1.2. VA does not provide parking spaces at the work site; the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) must obtain off-site parking. It is the responsibility of the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) to park in the appropriate off-site parking areas. VA will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) under any conditions.

12.2.1.3. Smoking is prohibited inside/outside any building other than the designated smoking areas.

12.2.1.4. Possession of weapons is prohibited.

12.2.1.5. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract.

12.2.2. All Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) personnel must be escorted by VA employee or their designee when working in VA space. Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) personnel may receive “unescorted” privileges through participation and approval of a background check administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. There is no cost associated with this background check. Approval for unescorted privileges is at the discretion of the VA. Any

Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) staff with unescorted privileges shall act as the escort of all subsequent Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) personnel or associated sub-contractors.

Regardless of unescorted privileges, all unescorted Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) personnel must sign in and sign out with VA Police services at the beginning and end of each workday.

12.3. Access To VA Information and VA Information Systems:

12.3.1. A Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer)/Subcontractor shall request logical (technical) or physical access to VA information and VA information systems for their employees and affiliates only to the extent necessary to perform the services specified in the contract, agreement, or project.

12.3.2. All Contractors (A/E, Architect Engineer), Subcontractors, and third-party servicers and associates working with VA information are subject to the same investigative requirements as those of VA appointees or employees who have access to the same types of information. The level and process of background security investigations must be in accordance with VA

Directive and Handbook 0710, Personnel Suitability and Security Program. The Office for

Operations, Security, and Preparedness is responsible for these policies and procedures.

12.4. The C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

13. PROTECTION OF PERSON AND PROPERTY

13.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) expressly undertakes, both directly and through its subcontractors, to always take every precaution for the protection of persons and property, including Medical Center employees and property and its own.

13.2. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining, and supervising all safety precautions and programs in connection with the work.

13.3. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall continuously maintain adequate protection of all work from damage and shall protect the Medical Center property from injury of loss arising in connection with this contract. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall make good on any loss, except as may be by agents or employees of the Medical Center.

13.4. In an emergency affecting the safety or life of individuals, or of the work, or of adjoining property, the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer), without special instruction or authorization from the Medical Center, is hereby permitted to act, at the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer)'s discretion, to prevent such threatened loss or injury. Also, should the Contractor (A/E, Architect

Engineer), in order to prevent threatened loss or injury, be instructed or authorized to act by the

Medical Center, he shall so act, without appeal. Any additional compensation or extension of time claimed by the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) on account of any emergency work shall be determined by mutual agreement.

14. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS/REGULATIONS

14.1. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall ensure that services provided to the

Government under this agreement comply with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and guidelines that govern the operation of systems by the Government. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall also ensure that all services provided to the Government under this agreement comply with all Government mandated procedures, standards, and requirements.

14.2. As the Government develops and implements new or modified policies and procedures either to comply with internal agency rules and procedures or to comply with applicable rules, regulations, statutes, or other binding obligations ("Additional Compliance Terms"), the

Government reserves the right to incorporate such Additional Compliance Terms into this

Agreement. The Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) hereby acknowledges and agrees that such Additional Compliance Terms shall become part of this agreement. The Government shall provide the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) with prior written notice regarding the date by which the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall comply with each set of Additional

Compliance Terms ("Compliance Date"). Failure to comply with the Additional Compliance

Terms prior to the Compliance Date shall be cause for the Government to immediately terminate this agreement. In the event that the Government terminates this agreement because of the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer)'s failure to comply with Additional Compliance Terms by the Compliance Date, the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) shall be liable for such reasonable costs as may be associated with the Government’s efforts to procure a replacement

Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) and associated systems and services.

15. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE

15.1. It is agreed that:

15.1.1. The preliminary and final deliverables, and all associated working papers, application source code, and other material deemed relevant by VA which have been generated by the

Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer) in the performance of this project, are the exclusive property of the U.S. Government and shall be submitted to the CO at the conclusion of the project.

15.1.2. The CO will be the sole authorized official to release, verbally or in writing, any data, draft deliverables, final deliverables, or any other written or printed materials pertaining to this project. No information shall be released by the Contractor (A/E, Architect Engineer). Any request for information relating to this project, presented to the Contractor (A/E, Architect

Engineer), shall be submitted to the CO for response.

15.1.3. Press releases, marketing material, or any other printed or electronic documentation related to this project, shall not be publicized without the written approval of the CO.