AE_SATOC_SOW_VA_San_Antonio_7-1-26.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

SINGLE-AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT (SATOC) FOR

ARCHITECT-ENGINEER SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NEW MEDICAL CENTER

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

C.1. GENERAL.

The objective of this contract is to provide architectural and engineering (A-E) services in support of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) new medical center in San Antonio, Texas. Services will include all architectural and engineering work necessary to plan, design and construct an approximately 1,400,000 gross square foot facility complex to replace the current Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, including medical facility planning; full medical facility design; medical facility Request for Proposal development for alternative construction methods such as design build contracts, bidding construction contracts; supporting functions such as engineering studies and criteria development; technical review assistance; construction phase services support; commissioning support;

and facilitated partnering and collaborative analytics. The project will be on a new site of approximately 59 undeveloped acres, north of the existing hospital, owned by the San Antonio Medical Foundation. The medical complex will include a Hospital, Administration Facility, Parking Structure, Central Utility Plant, other support buildings, and associated upgrades in site and infrastructure, as required.

Architectural and engineering artifacts will be acquired through this contract through the issuance of task orders negotiated and awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Fort Worth District (SWF). The Architect Engineer (A-E), as an independent contractor and not as an agent of the Government, shall, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below, furnish all personnel, equipment, instruments, and transportation (except those specified to be provided by the Government), to accomplish any task orders awarded during the period of service of this contract.

During the prosecution of the work, the A-E shall provide adequate professional supervision and quality control to assure the accuracy, quality, completeness, and progress of the work. The A-E will perform and deliver all work in keeping with commonly accepted practices, quality, and professional standards for the architectural and engineering industry and in keeping with all applicable codes, regulations, technical standards, instructions, specifications, and local, installation, state, and federal requirements.

C.2. LOCATION OF WORK.

The primary location for work performance will be in the home offices of the A-E firm and its subcontractors; however, there will be meetings held at the VA San Antonio project site and the Fort Worth District Office for field investigations and team coordination, respectively, as required. There may also be a need for presentations or other meetings to be held at the USACE Southwestern Division office (located in Dallas, TX) and USACE Headquarters office (located in Washington DC) in compliance with the USACE Enterprise Program Management Plan for VA mission work.

C.3. CONTRACT EFFECTIVE PERIOD(S).

The ordering period for this contract will be 5 years from the date of award, with an optional period of 5 additional years. The total contract shall not exceed 10 years from date of award including the optional period.

C.4. PROJECT SCOPE.

Under this SATOC, the Contractor will provide architectural and engineering services in support of planned construction projects on the approximately 59-acre undeveloped site in San Antonio, TX. The following information provides the general nature of the work under this contract.

C.4.1. Estimated Construction Cost (ECC).

The current ECC is approximately $2,500,000,000.00.

C.4.2. Construction Methodology.

It is expected that there may be a variety of delivery methods employed for each feature of work required by the new medical center (Ex. Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, Early Contractor Involvement, Integrated Design-Construct, Construction Management at Risk, etc.). This SATOC includes pre-design (planning) services, design services, and engineering during construction phase services for the construction elements of the new medical center project listed below.

C.4.3. Construction Details.

The following information represents the various construction objectives as they are currently known:

C.4.3.1. Construction of a new, approximately 1,325,000-Gross-Square-Feet (GSF) Hospital.

C.4.3.2. Construction of a new, approximately 79,000-GSF Administration Building.

C.4.3.3. Construction of a Parking Structure with 2,500-stall capacity.

C.4.3.4. Construction of a new Central Utility Plant (CUP).

C4.3.5. Campus development including but not limited to vehicle circulation, utility distribution, stormwater management, landscaping security features, signage systems.

C4.3.6 – Other buildings or facilities or separate structures as appropriate which may include separate clinic buildings, warehouse, Fischer House, possible future Community Living Centers, or similar structures.

C.5. ANTICIPATED TASK ORDER ELEMENTS.

The following is the type of work that may be issued via task orders under the awarded SATOC, which will provide engineering and architectural support to the project described in section C.4. above. It generally describes the kind of support that may be required.

C.5.1. Project Planning Phase (i.e., Pre-Design).

This will consist of the work required to advance the preliminary planning effort currently being performed by DVA. Task orders may include but are not limited to the following:

a. Collection of facility data and documents

b. Collecting or refinement of healthcare workload projection data

c. Site visits

d. As-built drawing preparation

e. Land Survey and Site Utility Plan

f. Preliminary Subsurface Investigation (e.g. soil borings, analyses, etc.)

g. Hazardous materials surveys and abatement specifications

h. Seismic Analysis

i. Environmental Assessments

j. Federal, State, and Local Permitting

k. Permanent USGS Survey Marker

l. Design Criteria (VA TIL vs. UFC and/or Industry Standard) analysis

m. Development or refinement of Concepts of Operations

n. Development or refinement of Programs for Design (for GSF and NSF allocation)

o. Development or refinement of project room contents lists

p. Medical equipment planning

q. Medical facility planning

r. Site selection analysis

s. Site master planning

t. Conceptual site development

u. Development or refinement of parking demand studies

v. Development or refinement of Elevator and Interior Travel Distance studies

w. Development of block layouts

x. Development of notional budgetary ‘fit test’ concept designs (see PG 18-15 Vol B

‘Concept’ for requirements)

y. Development or refinement of Medical Gas evaluations

z. Performing safety risk assessments

aa. NFPA 99 Risk Analysis

bb. Performance testing of seismic retrofit components.

cc. Development of Owner’s Performance Requirements (OPR) for commissioning planning

dd. Economic analyses

ee. Performing Systems Life Cycle Cost Analysis

ff. Budgetary construction cost estimates (parametric)

gg. Support of Cost Schedule Risk Analysis (CSRA) and Project Definition Rating Index

(PDRI) activities

hh. Consolidated planning reporting and development of other data related to facility decision support

ii. Planning charrettes

jj. Attendance and participation in coordination meetings, status meetings, and design review conferences

kk. Formal Facilitated Partnering

ll. Collaborative Analytics

mm. Providing suitable meeting spaces for activities, as required

C.5.2. Facility Design Phase and Construction Bid Documents (i.e., Design).

This work will consist of the detailed engineering and architectural products, plans, specifications, and construction bid documents required to accurately define and award required construction contracts. This work may be awarded as individual task orders or as a single task order with options for follow-on work.

Task orders may include the following:

nn. Environmental documentation (NEPA, etc.)

oo. Topographic and/or geotechnical surveys

pp. Subsurface investigation and foundation design

qq. Work categorization

rr. Support of Cost Schedule Risk Analysis (CSRA) and Project Definition Rating Index

(PDRI) activities

ss. Formal Facilitated Partnering

tt. Support of Project Leadership Team (PLT) and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) facilitated Partnering Sessions

uu. Design charrettes

vv. Engineering studies (to include testing of components / concepts for the seismic retrofit)

ww. Incorporate lessons learned provided by the Government into the design.

xx. Engineering analyses and narratives (e.g. seismic, geotechnical, foundation, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.) to meet project requirements

yy. Building Information Modeling (BIM) including Clash Detection

zz. Architectural and engineering designs, drawings, plans, and specifications (all applicable disciplines) (see PG 18-15 Vol B and Vol DB for requirements) aaa. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) bbb. Interior design ccc. Initial outfitting and transition planning and other low-voltage equipment needs ddd. Sustainability certification documentation preparation (LEED) eee. Architectural models, animations, renderings & color boards fff. Value Engineering ggg. Construction cost estimates (budget, parametric, and detailed) hhh. Construction schedule preparation

iii. Construction phasing plans jjj. Interim life safety measures (ILSM) kkk. Infection Control Risk Assessment and mitigation measures lll. Coordination with jurisdictional authorities mmm. Permits, licenses, and approvals nnn. Draft completion of Government forms related to real property and utility agreements ooo. Design Presentations to USACE and DVA Headquarters ppp. Design quality management qqq. Preparation of construction documents for Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build methodology, or other as appropriate rrr. Submittal registers sss. As-built drawing preparation and updating of Operation and Maintenance Manuals ttt. Knowledge Management uuu. Attendance and participation in coordination meetings, status meetings, and design review conferences

vvv. Collaborative Analytics www. Providing suitable meeting spaces for activities, as required

C.5.3. Construction Phase Services (CPS).

This work will consist of all work necessary for the A-E firm to accurately communicate and represent the design intent during the construction and post-construction phases of the project. Utilization of these elements will vary by each feature of work and the selected construction acquisition strategy (e.g., design-build or design-bid-build). Task orders may include the following:

a. Answering bidder inquiries

b. Construction proposal evaluation (technical and/or cost)

c. Formal Facilitated Partnering

xxx. Providing suitable meeting spaces for activities, as required

d. Document control

e. Construction submittal review (documents, materials, fixtures, equipment, samples, plant materials, color samples, etc.)

f. Shop drawing review

g. Request for Information (RFI) support

h. Engineering/design during construction

i. Engineering change proposal review

j. Construction progress documentation

k. Periodic field visits

l. Site visits & construction inspection services

m. Engineering forensics

n. In-person meetings and teleconference attendance

o. Coordination with other stakeholders (i.e., Government, commissioning firm, etc.)

p. Attendance and participation in coordination meetings and status meetings (in-person and/or telecon)

q. Collaborative Analytics

r. Commissioning support services

s. Activation support.

t. Post occupancy validation of systems

C.6. PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES.

The A-E shall render services under this Contract on such days, continuous or intermittent, as are required by the needs of the Government and ordered by the Procurement Contracting Officer during the Contract period.

C.7. ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES.

The A-E shall provide all architect and engineering services specified in this statement of work in accordance with DVA’s technical requirements, currently found on the Technical Information Library (TIL) and other guidance as specifically cited in individual Task Orders. Additionally, work will be managed in accordance with the program requirements listed in the joint USACE and DVA Enterprise Program Management Plan (EPgMP).

C.8. TECHNICAL CRITERIA AND STANDARDS.

C.8.1. Applicable Laws and Regulations.

The A-E shall perform all work in accordance with current Federal and State laws and regulations regarding personal safety, training, report requirements, and site investigation procedures.

C.8.2. Codes and Standards.

The A-E shall ensure that all work performed under this Contract complies with the latest codes, standards, and regulations applicable to the work requested including the DVA Technical Information Library and supporting Industry Codes and Standards.

C.8.3. Applicable Publications.

The A-E shall comply with applicable DVA and USACE publications, Guide Specifications, the requirements defined in the DVA TIL to include all DVA design criteria and design manuals, and other technical reference materials, as required.

C.8.4. Professional Stamps or Seals and Signatures on Drawings.

All design documents issued for bidding purposes or construction purposes shall be stamped or sealed and signed by a professional engineer or architect who is registered in the United States of America in accordance with ER 1110-1-8152, “PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION AND SIGNATURE ON DESIGN DOCUMENTS”. Design documents shall include:

a. One set of properly signed, dated, and stamped or sealed drawings.

b. A certified cover document showing, for each discipline, the name, stamp or seal of the professional who supervised the work, and the date each stamp or seal was affixed.

c. An electronic equivalent that indicates, for each discipline, the name, stamp or seal of the professional who supervised the work, and the date each stamp or seal was affixed.

C.8.5. Units.

English (Inch-Pound) units shall be used.

C.8.6. DVA Design Standards.

All design work will be in accordance with DVA’s technical requirements, currently found on the TIL. It is anticipated that some Uniformed Facilities Criteria (UFC) will be directly applicable to work performed under this contract. Updates to the documents in the TIL and UFC are anticipated throughout the duration of this contract; use of updated documents will be identified in the individual task orders.

In the event that a code, criteria, standard, regulation, or instruction changes during design, the A-E will make a reasonable attempt to accommodate the changes as the design progresses. If such a change requires significant re-work to the design, the A-E shall first contact the COR or Contracting Officer to discuss possible resolution options, to include task order modification. In some cases, a particular standard may be replaced by something more relevant to the service customer or installation. In these cases, the substitution will be specifically addressed in the task order.

C.9. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

The A-E shall be responsible for its employees, assuring that they strictly observe the laws of the United States or other governing bodies affecting all operations at all sites. The A-E shall comply with all applicable laws under which it is operating, including those concerning the inspection and operation of equipment, and the licensing of all applicable personnel. It is further understood and agreed that the A-E assumes all responsibility for the safety of its employees, plants, and materials.

C.10. COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD) AND BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)

REQUIREMENTS.

This project will require the development and use of a BIM model. The A-E shall develop all CAD and BIM deliverables in accordance with the VA BIM Standard, or as specified in the Task Order.

C.10.1. System Approval.

As part of the A-E’s proposal for each individual Task Order, the A-E shall furnish the Government with a description of the CAD and/or BIM system intended to be used so compatibility can be verified with the VA Medical Center Chief Engineer.

C.11. CONTRACT DRAWINGS.

Contract drawings developed under this Contract shall contain sufficient detail to define project requirements, allow solicitation of construction bids, and permit construction of project features. The Contract drawings shall conform to VA BIM Standard and be created and submitted on the border size required in the individual Task Orders. Submitted CAD drawings (e.g., plans, elevations, sections, schedules, details) shall be derived (commonly known as extractions, views or sheets) and maintained from the submitted design model(s).

C.12. SPECIFICATIONS PRODUCED BY THIS CONTRACT.

Deliverables under this contract shall contain sufficient information to define project requirements, allow solicitation of construction bids, and permit construction of the project features. At a minimum, specifications delivered under this contract shall be prepared in accordance with the following:

C.12.1 Software Requirements.

The A-E shall prepare technical specifications in accordance with VA PG-18-1, Master Construction Specifications. SpecsIntact will be used to edit all Division 01 and higher specifications. For VA TIL specifications, SpecsIntact files will be provided by the Government.

C.12.2 Specification Formatting.

The A-E shall use the MasterFormat 2004 (MF04) in accordance with VA PG-18-1. Division 01 specifications shall use the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) format. The Government will prepare all Division 00 specifications.

C.13. DESIGN CALCULATIONS.

Calculations shall support the design decisions and document design criteria, loading, material selection, and geometry. In cases where sound and prudent engineering judgment conflicts with the above guidance, the A-E shall use the guidance that is more conservative and consult with the Government prior to using the guidance. Calculations shall be carried forward from each design submittal to the subsequent design submittal and updated as applicable to reflect the current design.

C.13.1. Content.

The A-E shall present calculations in clear and legible format, incorporating tables showing all design loads and conditions. Calculations shall be able to stand on their own; assumptions and conclusions shall be clearly explained, and all references shall be noted. Formulas shall be shown, logically sequenced and fully verifiable. Tabular spreadsheet results are not acceptable unless the aforementioned information is also provided. The A-E shall document the performance, safety, anticipated construction/fabrication/installation methods, data sheets and/or catalog cuts of specified equipment and materials, and correspondence with pertinent entities, as required in the detailed statement of work for individual Task Orders.

C.13.2. Verification.

Calculation sheets shall carry the names or initials of the individual making the calculations and the individual checking them, and the dates of the calculations and checking. If initials are used, the A-E shall furnish a separate list of the individual names and initials. No portion of the design calculations shall be computed and checked by the same individual. The A-E shall check all calculations prior to submission to the Government.

C.14. DESIGN REPORTS.

Design reports shall document the design of the product fully. The standard for detail and documentation applied is such that a competent person in the same discipline should be able to review the design notebook and determine how and why a design element was chosen. Design reports shall include calculations, relevant correspondence, guidance documentation, cut sheets, sketches, cost info, etc.

The A-E shall thoroughly document reviews, including all comments and comment responses. Red lined drawings, back checks, and similar quality control documents shall be contained in a “Quality Control” section.

Design reports shall be electronic, and files shall be maintained in logical, organized format, which can be easily navigated by a competent person. Include a table of contents file listing the directories and general locations of the info (i.e. drawings, specifications, calculations, catalog cuts, meeting minutes, trip reports, etc.). Design notebooks are deliverables and shall be submitted for major milestones such as Conceptual (C, 5%), Schematic Design (SD-1, 20%; SD-2, 35%), Design Development (DD-2, 65%), Construction Documents (CD-2, 95%), Bid Documents (final, 100%) or similar, to be determined at the task order level.

C.15. COMPUTER VIRUS CHECKING.

Prior to submitting an electronic file or electronic media to the Government, the A-E shall check it for viruses utilizing an anti-virus software package. The product utilized shall be current. The A-E shall maintain a subscription or utilize a software product vendor who provides updates at least quarterly.

C.16. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) REQUIREMENTS.

C.16.1. Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure of Environment (SDSFIE).

Work with the Government’s Data Manager to ensure all applicable spatial data and spatial metadata are SDSFIE compliant. This is not required for datasets where there is no established SDSFIE standard.

C.16.2. Format.

The GIS files must be fully compatible with CESWF Enterprise GIS (EGIS) System, which utilizes

Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI) ArcPro v3.4x File Geodatabase format. All geospatial data must also be documented through the preparation of standard metadata (data about data) descriptions.

C.16.3. Metadata.

For all geospatial metadata, utilize the ISO TS 19139-1standard template XML for creation of fields in the GIS dataset level metadata. Follow the SDSFIE-M SDSFIE Standards, ISO 19115-1, and ISO 19115-2 for the completion of the ISO metadata form. Include all metadata as records in a metadata table of the Enterprise Database (EDB).

a. Vector Datasets

i. Date dataset was created;

ii. Equipment used to collect the data;

iii. Agency, personnel, and contact information for original dataset;

iv. Name, description, and location of survey control the original dataset is referenced to;

v. Whether the geometry and location are as designed or as built;

vi. Whether the data was derived, converted, or imported from another dataset, the source dataset file name, format, date, datum, projection, resolution, and description (as applicable);

vii. Narrative information about the data and what it depicts (from “Summary/Description”);

viii. For layer files where the symbology is interpretive of engineering data (e.g., grout stage permeability, grout stage volumes, barrier wall element overlap/thickness), describe in the notes section of the application any information needed to understand the symbology and grouping applied. If symbology is calculated based on a field value, describe the field values and how they are derived in the field-level metadata;

ix. Whether it is a derivative product made by geoprocessing from other datasets, document the datasets used to produce it including file name, format, date, and a description of the datasets. Include any information about interpolation methods, geoprocessing tools, and relevant variables (and their definitions) or settings used to create it.

b. Raster Datasets

i. Date data was collected;

ii. Dataset resolution (raster): (1) Equipment resolution, (2) Accuracy of equipment resolution, (3) Dataset resolution;

iii. Equipment used to collect the data; Corrections or processing steps applied to the raster;

iv. Whether the data was derived, converted, or imported from another dataset, the source dataset file name, format, date, datum, projection, resolution, and description (as applicable);

v. Narrative information about the data and what it depicts (from "Summary/Description");

vi. For layer files where the symbology is interpretive (for example subsidence data from InSAR) - describe in the notes section of the application any description needed to understand the symbology and binning applied. If symbology is calculated based on a field value, describe the field values and how they are derived in the field-level metadata;

vii. Whether it is a derivative product made by geoprocessing from other datasets -document the datasets used to produce it including file name, format, date, and a description of the datasets. Include any information about interpolation methods, geoprocessing tools, and relevant variables (and their definitions) or settings used to create it.

C.17. LABORATORY TESTING.

Laboratory testing may be required under this Contract. The A-E shall use only a testing laboratory validated by the USACE Material Testing Center (MTC) and that laboratory shall perform tests only for which it is validated. Any costs associated with validation shall be borne by the A-E and included in the A-E’s overhead. The steps required for validation are available at https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Media/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Article-View/Article/476661/materials-testing-center/. A Laboratory Inspection Request form is also available at that site.

Alternatively, the A-E may propose a lab that has not been validated and submit lab qualifications for Government approval; Government approval must be granted prior to utilizing the proposed lab.

C.18. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES.

The supplies to be furnished and/or provided by the A-E will be identified in the Detailed Statement of Work provided for individual Task Orders, as applicable.

C.19. SUBMITTAL SCHEDULE AND REQUIREMENTS.

Each Task Order issued under this Contract will specify products to be delivered. The A-E shall reference individual Task Orders for applicable submittal schedules. For schedule submittals, the A-E shall maintain a master schedule of all task order activities, to include any concurrent task orders, such that one schedule contains all A-E activities previously completed, currently being completed, and planned for the entire project to include major milestones. Individual schedules for specific efforts may be requested but the master schedule shall be maintained showing all activities linked to one another and documenting historical planned and actual completion dates for all activities across all task orders. Schedule format shall be compatible with USACE and DVA integrated master schedule requirements, which will be provided at the task order level.

C.20. VERIFICATION OF CONDITIONS.

The A-E is responsible for determining existing site conditions and coordinating the proposed new work with existing conditions and other proposed work.

C.21. QUALITY MANAGEMENT.

A-E Quality Manager: The A-E shall designate a company officer or responsible representative as A-E Quality Manager. The A-E Quality Manager is responsible for the complete coordination and execution of all work under this contract to include work provided by sub-contractors and consultants.

C.22. QUALITY CONTROL.

For this contract the A-E shall prepare and submit a Quality Management Plan (QMP) for the base contract (per section C-23 below) and for each applicable Task Order, the A-E shall prepare and submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP) within 10 calendar days from task order award, or as defined in each task order. The QCP shall be in accordance with USACE Engineering Regulation 1110-1-12, “QUALITY MANAGEMENT.” USACE Engineering Regulation 1110-1-12 can be viewed at the following website:

http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACEPublications/EngineerRegulations.aspx. The QCP shall address the following:

C.22.1. Management Philosophy.

Management approach and methodology to be followed during the performance of the work.

C.22.2. Management Structure.

Description of roles and responsibilities.

http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/USACEPublications/EngineerRegulations.aspx

C.22.3. Analysis Tools.

Tools, such as computer programs, to be used in the execution of the Task Order.

C.22.4. Scheduling.

The sequence of events involved in carrying out the specific tasks. Clearly show the review and correction periods scheduled prior to submittals.

C.22.5. Communication.

The methods by which clear and accurate communications are to be achieved, the names of parties authorized to request modification of the work, and how much modification shall be coordinated and documented.

C.22.6. Procedures.

The A-E shall define the procedures for conducting reviews, which shall include functional, technical, interdisciplinary, biddability, constructability, operability, and sustainability reviews.

C.22.7. Contractor Quality Control.

The A-E is completely responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, and coordination of all designs, drawings, specifications, and other work or materials produced and furnished by the A-E’s staff as well as that of any sub-consultants. Quality is defined as the effective mitigation of conflicts, errors, and omissions of requested deliverables. A-E shall accomplish all work with adequate internal controls and review procedures to ensure quality and technical adequacy of all deliverables in accordance with ER 1110-1-12 Engineering Quality Management. A-E shall correct or revise any error or deficiencies in the work, regardless of review, approval, acceptance, or payment by the Government. The responsibility to assure product quality continues even after final payment is made to the A-E. Corrections and changes resulting from review of the A-E’s work are for the A-E to correct, on all deliverables, as soon as practical, and without additional compensation. The A-E may be liable to the Government for damages to the Government caused by negligent performance by the A-E, pending a review of the situation.

C.23. QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN.

The A-E must submit a Quality Management Plan (QMP) in accordance with ER 1110-3-12 as part of the technical proposal for this base contract. The QMP shall broadly describe the processes by which the A- E intends to ensure quality with respect to broad product lines that may be required of this contract (discussed in Section C.5). The QMP shall be written and maintained with sufficient detail as to determine root cause, generate lessons learned, and recommend internal improvement in the event that a failure in quality occurs.

A task order-specific QCP shall be written and submitted within 10 days of task order award, or as defined in each task order. It will discuss the items described in the base QMP, but with details specific to how the A-E intends to ensure quality on the task order. Work will not begin until the task-level QCP is approved and accepted by the COR.

C.24. GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF SUBMITTALS.

The submittals will be reviewed by appropriate Government agencies to evaluate conformance and A-E’s effective quality control. The A-E will conduct all project reviews in the Dr. Checks system, described in paragraph C.24.1, to include the evaluation of and response/resolution to comments posted by the Government (or designated technical reviewer). Both parties will discuss the comments, if necessary, and attempt to resolve any unsettled issues that may arise from the review. The time frame for Government review and comment resolution varies; however, the Government review comment submission process is expected to take a minimum of 21 calendar days unless otherwise designated in the task order; the review duration will be extended to match the size and complexity of the submittal.

The A-E may choose to perform work, at its own risk, during the Government review and comment resolution period, however, comments resulting from that review must be incorporated into the design prior to the next submittal. In the event a subsequent design phase is not authorized, the A-E shall incorporate all available review comments into the design to complete the current phase. The lack of review or quality of review by the Government does not preclude the A-E from being completely responsible for the quality of all deliverables. Dr. Checks is a part of the PROJNET database and can be accessed at https://www.projnet.org.

C.24.1 Design Review Checking System.

In accordance with ER 1110-1-8159, the A-E shall utilize a Design Review and Checking System (DrCheckssm) for annotating and managing all review comments generated during A-E ITR and USACE reviews. DrCheckssm is a free, online collaboration tool accessible via the Internet at http://www.projnet.org. The preferred minimum computer system requirement to utilize DrCheckssm is Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 (or higher) with Internet access. The A-E shall provide this capability to its staff requiring access to submit, evaluate, or back check review comments. The A-E shall initialize account set-up for DrCheckssm as follows:

a. To initialize an office’s use of DrCheckssm, choose a contact person within the office to call the DrCheckssm Help Desk at 800-428-HELP, weekdays for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time. The point of contact will be given an office password to distribute to others in the office. Individuals can then go to the hyperlink at (http://www.projnet.org) and register as a first time user. Upon registration, each user will be given a personal password to the DrCheckssm system.

b. Once the office and individuals are registered, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project manager or technical lead will assign the individuals and/or offices to the specific project for review. At this point, persons assigned can make, annotate, evaluate, backcheck and/or close comments, depending on their particular assignment.

C.25. INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL REVIEW (ITR).

Independent Technical Review (ITR) is a review by a qualified person or team not involved in the day-to-day production of a project/product, for the purpose of confirming the proper application of clearly established criteria, regulations, laws, codes, principles and professional practices. The Contractor shall perform an ITR on all products. ITR is a holistic, comprehensive review of the project. While ITR is a critical component of quality control, it will not replace checks or other quality control processes. Each ITR team member must review each product for consistency across the various disciplines of the project.

ITR team members must also review his/her discipline’s elements and how they impact and align with the project’s functions. Comments will be limited to those that are required to ensure adequacy of the product; it will not be the reviewer’s prerogative to dictate matters based solely on personal preferences.

The ITR process shall be conducted in accordance with ER-1110-1-12.

C.26. ANTI-TERRORISM/OPERATIONS SECURITY (AT/OPSEC).

For applicable Task Orders, all A-E and associated subcontractor employees shall comply with applicable facility access and local security policies and procedures; any or all of the subparagraphs listed below (C.26.1.- C.26.7.) may be required in each Task Order. If any of the following requirements have been fulfilled within one year prior to NTP of the Task Order, verification of such shall be provided by the A-E to the COR. In addition, all work shall be in accordance with the DVA Physical Security Design Manual (PDSM) which also references Handbook 0730 published by the DVA Office of Security and Law Enforcement.

https://www.projnet.org/ http://www.projnet.org/ http://www.projnet.org/

C.26.1. General Security Requirements and Guidance:

The security requirements described below apply to all contract personnel (including employees of the prime Contractor (“Contractor”) and all subcontractor employees) supporting the performance requirements of this contract. The Contractor is responsible for compliance with all security requirements and any others promulgated by the Requiring Activity (RA). Questions regarding security matters shall be addressed to the designated Government representative (e.g., Contracting Officer Representative (COR), RA representative, or Contracting Officer (if a COR or other RA representative is not appointed)). In circumstances where access to a DoD installation or facility is necessary to meet contract performance requirements, contractor personnel shall comply with that agency's security requirements (e.g., access control procedures, etc.). Contractor personnel entering federal buildings and non-DoD installations shall follow applicable access control procedures and are subject to search in accordance with Interagency Security Committee (ISC) regulations.

C.26.2. Personal Identity Verification (PIV):

Contract personnel will only be issued a personal identity verification (PIV) credential when necessary to meet contract performance requirements, and in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) and RA policy.

C.26.3. Access to Government Information Systems:

Contractor personnel shall be granted access to DoD or other Federal agency government information systems only when required to meet contract performance requirements. For DoD contracts, contract personnel shall complete DoD Information Assurance Awareness training prior to accessing information systems, and annually thereafter. For other federal agency contracts, contract personnel shall comply with applicable agency policies.

C.26.4. Access to Classified Information:

The Contractor shall comply with DoD or other federal agency industrial security policies and procedures. The Contractor shall have a Facility Clearance (FCL) at the appropriate level prior to performance on the contract; the RA will sponsor the prime contract company in obtaining the FCL. All cleared contract personnel shall comply with the FCL requirements, as well as applicable laws and regulations regarding contractor access to national security information. For classified contracts, the RA will generate the DD Form 254 which will be included with the solicitation and contract. References: 32 C.F.R. § 117 and DoDM 5220.22, “National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).”

C.26.5. Escorting in Classified and/or Sensitive Areas:

In accordance with RA policies and procedures, all contract personnel who do not possess the appropriate security clearance or access privileges will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified information or operations, sensitive information or activities, or other restricted areas.

C.26.6. Pre-screen Candidates Using E-Verify Program:

Contractors shall comply with the requirements set forth in FAR clause 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification and FAR Subpart 22.18 in using the E-Verify Program at (https://www.e-verify.gov/) (website subject to change) to meet the contract employment eligibility requirements. Contractors are encouraged to cooperate with Federal and State agencies responsible for enforcing labor requirements to include eligibility for employment under United States immigration laws in accordance with FAR 22.102- 1(i). An initial list of verified/eligible candidates shall be provided to the RA's COR or similar point of contact no later than three business days after the initial contract award. When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, and submit it to the Contracting Officer to become part of the official contract file.

C.27. QUALITY MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT.

C.27.1 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

The Government will periodically evaluate the A-E during performance of this base contract and individual task orders under this contract to ensure compliance with the proposed and accepted performance goals, regulations, and guidance. The Government has developed a QASP for this base contract, see Appendix A. The Government will also develop a draft QASP for inclusion into the statement of work prepared for individual task orders. The QASP will be refined and reviewed with the A-E during the task order award process, supplied to the A-E upon award, and used by the Government to evaluate the A-E’s performance. Failure to adequately complete any service or submittal to at least a satisfactory level of quality or timeliness may result in repeat of work, a poor performance evaluation, or both. A sample QASP follows:

QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN FOR CONTRACT NO. W9127N19DXXXX, TASK ORDER NO.

W9127N-19-P-XXXX

Deliverable or Service

Requirement

Measurement / Metric

Surveillance Method

Frequency Procedures to be taken when performance standards not met

Task 1: Task Order Management

Quality Control Plan

Timeliness, accuracy, quality, consistency, and functionality

Submittal Review Draft and Final a. A-E revision of submittal;

b. Poor performance evaluation

In addition to the information shown on the table, above, the QASP will also address non-performance or re-performance of non-compliant work, A-E Quality Control Plan requirements, and processes.

C.27.2 Performance Metrics.

Each task order will contain a Performance Metrics table based on performance metrics established during the quality assurance process. The Government will use these performance metrics to assess the A-E’s performance. The table shown below provides a sample of the content required for performance metrics.

PERFORMANCE METRICS

TASK 1: Task Order Management

Subtask Exceptional Very Good Satisfactory Marginal Unsatisfactory

1.1 Quality

Control Plan

All contract milestones met, accepted as submitted

All contract milestones met. No substantive comments (i.e., limited to grammar, spelling, terminology) to any of the documents, but a few exceptions were noted and corrected.

All contract milestones met. One revision was required to address errors or omissions of substance.

Contract milestones were met less than one week late. One or more revision was required prior to acceptance.

Two backchecks were required before original comments were resolved satisfactorily.

Contract milestones were not met.

Submitted QC Plan did not meet requirements, or more than two backchecks were required before original comments were resolved satisfactorily.

For this contract, the Government will use the following guidelines for the establishment of ratings, supported by the weight of evidence documented during the Government’s surveillance efforts:

Exceptional: Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds many to the Government’s benefit. The contractual performance of the task or sub-task being evaluated was accomplished with few minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the A-E were highly effective.

Very Good: Performance meets contractual requirements and exceeds some to the Government’s benefits. The contractual performance of the task or sub-task being evaluated was accomplished with some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the A-E were effective.

Satisfactory: Performance meets contractual requirements. The contractual performance of the task or sub-task contains some minor problems for which corrective actions taken by the A-E appear or were satisfactory.

Marginal: Performance does not meet some contractual requirements. The contractual performance of the task or sub-task being evaluated reflects a serious problem for which the A-E has not yet identified corrective actions. The A-E’s proposed actions appear only marginally effective or were not fully implemented.

Unsatisfactory: Performance does not meet most contractual requirements, and recovery is not likely in a timely manner. The contractual performance of the task or sub-task contains a serious problem(s) for which the A-E’s corrective actions appear or were ineffective.

C.27.3 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS).

Each task order will contain a PRS table based on performance metrics established during the quality assurance process. The table shown below provides a sample of the content required in the PRS.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

TASK 1: Management Plans

SOW

Ref.

Requirement Method of Surveillance

Frequency Performed by Whom?

Acceptable Quality Level

Was Requirement Met?

Comments / Remarks

1.1 Quality

Control Plan

Submittal Review

Draft and Final

PDT, COR Submitted on time, responsive to requested information, completenes s to customer satisfaction

C.28. SUBCONTRACTORS.

C.28.1. Consultants.

Under this Contract, the use of the term “Consultant” shall be synonymous with the term “Subcontractor.”

C.28.2. Provisions in the Subcontract.

The A-E shall cause appropriate provisions to be inserted in all subcontracts related to this Contract and insure sufficient fulfillment by subcontractors of all contractual provisions. The A-E shall furnish a copy of all subcontracts to the Government upon request.

C.29. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

The A-E shall take every measure to ensure that a conflict of interest, or the appearance, does not occur with regard to services provided under this Contract. The A-E shall adhere to the following:

a. Prior to issuance of any Task Order, the A-E shall provide any information relevant to past, present, or planned interest relative to services provided under the Task Order that could, or could be perceived, as:

▪ Impairing the A-E’s ability to render impartial, technically sound, and objective assistance, or

▪ In the absence of any relevant interests referred to above, the A-E shall submit a statement clarifying that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, no such condition exists.

b. The A-E shall notify the Procurement Contracting Officer, at any time during performance under Contract, of any changes in its organization that could affect its unbiased performance, be considered or perceived as a conflict of interest, or provide an unfair advantage.

C.30. WAIVER OF RIGHTS.

Neither the Government’s review, approval, or acceptance of, nor payment for, any of the services required under this Contract shall be construed to operate as a waiver of any rights under this Contract, or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of this Contract. The A-E shall be, and remain liable to, the Government for damages caused by the A-E’s negligent performance of any services performed under this Contract.

C.31. DELAY OF WORK.

The A-E shall immediately report any circumstances arising during the course of work which could result in a delay to the completion date to the Procurement Contracting Officer and the COR by telephone and in writing.

C.32. GOVERNMENT AND A-E INTERACTIONS.

C.32.1. Relationship Between Government, Contractor, and Contractor Personnel.

a. The Government and the A-E understand and agree that the services to be delivered under this contract by the A-E to the Government are non-personal services and the parties recognize and agree that no employer-employee or master-servant relationship exists or will exist under the contract between the Government and the A-E and/or between the Government and A-E's personnel. The A-E personnel shall be responsible solely to the A-E, who, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government.

b. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over A-E personnel performing services under this contract. A-E personnel shall not be placed under the supervision, direction, or evaluation of a Federal Officer, military or civilian, in connection with performance under this contract.

Likewise, A-E personnel shall not be placed in a position of command, supervision, administration, or control over Department of the Army military or civilian personnel, or personnel of other A-Es, or become an integrated part of the Government organization in connection with performance under this contract. A- E personnel shall not be used in administration or supervision of procurement activities.

c. Rules, regulations, directives, and requirements which are issued during the contract term by Government Authorities, under their responsibility for law and order, administration, and security at Government facilities shall be applicable to all A-E personnel or representatives who enter the facility, or who travel on Government transportation. This requirement shall not be construed or interpreted to establish any degree of Government control which is inconsistent with the intent of a non-personal services contract. A-E personnel or representatives shall be subject to such checks as may be necessary to assure that their presence at the Government facility or project site does not violate these requirements. No employee shall be permitted on the project site when such a check reveals that his presence would be detrimental to the security of the facility or accomplishment of work. When directed by the Contracting Officer, the A-E shall remove any employee from an assignment to perform services under this contract for reasons of misconduct or breaches of security in connection with his or her employment or any employee determined otherwise objectionable by the Contracting Officer.

d. Upon completion of their assigned shift, A-E employees shall depart the work area and shall not loiter elsewhere at the facility or project site.

e. A-E and A-E personnel shall not be eligible, by virtue of performance under this contract, for payment by the Government of entitlements and benefits accorded Federal employees.

C.32.2. Notice to Proceed.

The A-E shall commence work upon receipt of a properly executed task order or modification to a task order or a verbal directive by the Contracting Officer and shall complete the work within the time specified in each task order or modification.

C.32.3. Task Order Award and Performance.

a. Request for Proposal. The Government will provide a Request for Proposal (RFP) letter. Each RFP letter will include a statement of work (SOW).

b. Task Order Statement of Work. RFPs under this Contract will include project specific SOW.

SOWs will provide a description of the services required. Typically, the individual task orders will provide the A-E the start of work, location, description of work, and performance schedule. Additional requirements will be identified with the RFP and the related site or project specific SOW.

c. Commencement and Completion. The A-E shall commence work required by a task order at the time specified in that task order.