Attachement G Specifications Manual -224 Pages.pdf

VA SPECIFICATION COVER PAGE (FINAL VERSION)

Department of Veterans Affairs St. Cloud VA Health Care System

Project Manual

PROJECT TITLE

Replace Carpet with VCT – Buildings B2, B1, and B28 Project Number: 656-26-201

LOCATION

St. Cloud, MN

PREPARED FOR

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Facilities Management

DATE

June 2026

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Replacement of existing carpet and carpet tile with VCT flooring across Buildings B2, B1, and B28, including removal of carpet, mastic, and base; substrate preparation; moisture testing; installation of new VCT and 6" cove base; and associated phasing, ICRA, furniture movement, and coordination per Exhibit A.

03-01-2026

00 01 10-1

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VHA MASTER SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 00 01 10

SECTION NO DIVISION AND SECTION TITLES DATE

DIVISION 00 - SPECIAL SECTIONS

DIVISION 01 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

01 00 00 General Requirements 11-2021 01 32 16.15 Project Schedules (Small Projects – Design/Bid/Build 12-2025 01 33 23 Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples 03-2026 01 35 26 Safety Requirements 05-2024 01 42 19 Reference Standards 11-2020 01 45 00 Quality Control 02-2021 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls 01-2021

01 74 19 Construction Waste Management 04-2022

DIVISION 02 – EXISTING CONDITIONS

02 41 00 Demolition 08-2017 02 82 13.19 Asbestos Floor Tile and Mastic Abatement 01-2021

DIVISION 07 - THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION

07 84 00 Firestopping 01-2021

DIVISION 09 – FINISHES

09 05 16 Subsurface Preparation for Floor Finishes 02-2026 09 65 13 Resilient Base and Accessories 01-2021 09 65 19 Resilient Tile Flooring 05-2018 09 68 00 Carpeting 01-2021 09 91 00 Painting 01-2021

11/06/25

SECTION 01 00 00

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1.2 GENERAL INTENTION

1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

1.4 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONTRACTOR

1.5 CONSTRUCTION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

1.6 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS

1.7 ALTERATIONS

1.8 DISPOSAL AND RETENTION

1.9 PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT,

UTILITIES, AND IMPROVEMENTS

1.10 RESTORATION

1.13 LAYOUT OF WORK

1.14 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

1.15 USE OF ROADWAYS

1.18 TEMPORARY USE OF EXISTING ELEVATORS

1.21 AVAILABILITY AND USE OF UTILITY SERVICES

1.23 TESTS

1.24 INSTRUCTIONS

1.33 REBATE DOCUMENTATION

1.34 SITE INSPECTIONS

1.35 Project/Phase Occupancy

1.36 Contracting Officer Representative Coordination

i

01 00 00 -1

SECTION 01 00 00

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Refer to section 01 35 26, SAFETY REQUIREMENTS for safety and infection control requirements. Throughout the campus there is existing hazardous material (lead paint, asbestos, etc); not all areas are shown on the drawings. Contractor shall maintain awareness, have safety plans, PPE and comply with OSHA, EPA and other related regulations when working near assemblies.

In addition to the requirements of the safety section, the contractor shall submit Safety Data Sheets per OSHA, for all products, chemicals, etc. to be used on site within 15 calendar days of contract award. Any changes to the material, products, and chemicals planned for use during the project shall be submitted and approved 15 calendar days prior to bringing the material onsite.

1.2 GENERAL INTENTION

A. Contractor shall completely prepare site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor and materials and perform work for Replace Carpet – B2, B28

Basement, B1-1 (Project No. 656-26-201) as required by Statement of Work, drawings and specifications. All contract work is required to be completed prior to acceptance of the work.

1. The contract duration shall include all work, inspections and punch list corrections. Beneficial occupancy and final acceptance shall be achieved within the contract duration.

Progress payments do not indicate acceptance. The process of formal acceptance shall be used in this contract. The process of conditional acceptance and/or use without acceptance may be used in this contract as coordinated with the COR.

2. Contract normal working hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays. Some locations require normal working hours, some require off-hours work.

3. Off-hours and night work is required. Review the SOW document and the construction plans.

4. Contractor shall coordinate all off-hours and night work with the COR at least 15 calendar days in advance.

01 00 00 -2

B. Visits to the site by Bidders may be made only by appointment with the Contracting Officer.

C. Before placement and installation of work subject to tests by testing laboratory retained by the Contractor. The Contractor shall notify the

COR not less than two workdays in advance of the tests/inspection.

D. All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall comply with VA security management program and obtain permission of the VA police, be identified by project and employer, and restricted from unauthorized access.

E. Prior to commencing work, the general contractor shall provide proof that the project supervisor assigned to the project is an OSHA 30 certified “competent person” (CP) (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2). The CP will maintain a presence at the work site whenever the employees of the general contractor or subcontractors are present.

F. Training:

1. The Contractor’s project supervisor is required to attend GEMS and Safety training provided by VA St. Cloud. Training must be attended prior to being designated as a job supervisor on any VA St. Cloud construction project.

2. All employees of general contractors and subcontractors shall have, at a minimum, the 10-hour OSHA certified Construction Safety course and other relevant competency training, as determined by VA CP with input from the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) team.

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

4. Notice to proceed will be issued not less than 2 weeks after receipt of bonds; time extensions will not be granted because of the need for training.

G. Identification Badge:

1. All contractor employees working on this project will be required to obtain and wear while on VA property, a VA picture identification badge. The badge will only be issued to those

01 00 00 -3 employees who have the appropriate OSHA Construction Safety

Cards. All completed badge request forms, proof of OSHA training and any other required certificates shall be submitted electronically 60 calendar days in advance of working on site.

Contractors will then be issued a badge free of charge by the VA.

A separate site visit prior to performing work by each contractor employee shall be expected to obtain a badge. Contractors shall not perform work without a VA issued badge. All ID badges must be returned upon contract completion. There will be a $200 charge for each PIV/Flash ID badge not returned at the end of the contract. There will be a $25 charge for “facility” badges and

“contractor” or consultant badges. Reference security procedures for additional information. Payments to invoices will be withheld for badging noncompliance.

Contractor and subcontractor employees that will work on VA property shall submit the following information to the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR) when requesting a badge:

First, middle and last name (Legal name, as shown on picture ID)

Date of Birth (DOB)

Social Security Number (SSN)

Height

Eye Color

Hair Color

Name of Firm or Company

Place of Birth: Town/State

Citizen Ship, and number of years

VA Contract Number

VA Project Name

Name of COR

H. Project Acceptance (Substantial Completion):

1. The acceptance of a project for substantial completion is to include the following:

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a. The completion of all items to meet the criteria of the contract drawings and specifications to the satisfaction of the

Contracting Officer (CO). Items for correction may be considered to be punch list items, as determined by the CO, if the COR finds them to be minor in correction. Value for the corrections will be held by the VA, as determined by the CO, until all corrections are completed to the satisfaction of the CO.

b. The VA will not accept a project, or phase of a project as determined by contract documents, as substantially complete until a complete passing test and balance report of the HVAC system has been submitted and accepted as complete and passing by the CO. It is recommended that the HVAC system be completed with sufficient time to make corrections to submit a passing report. A time extension to the contract will not be considered for corrections to the HVAC systems that are determined by the CO to be installation or design errors if within the contract.

c. Occupancy and/or use of contractor provided/installed items does not require acceptance by the government. Contractor is to coordinate with the COR and the Contracting Officer when this condition exists.

d. In addition to the above items, the following conditions included in the contract shall be satisfied prior to requesting a final inspection to consider a substantial completion date.

1. All items completed within Division 1.

a. Occupied flushing of the building or similar commissioning activities identified prior to requesting the final inspection may be considered punch list items subject to the discretion of the COR and Contracting Officer.

2. All items completed within Division 2 through 8.

3. All items completed within Division 9.

a. No more than 1 patch and paint repair within 100 linear feet of wall shall be accepted as a punch list condition per project/phase. Unfinished painting conditions shall not be accepted as punch list items

(i.e. cuts, blemishes, flashing etc.).

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b. No more than 1 flooring repair per 200 square feet shall be accepted as a punch list condition. Flooring repair is defined as gaps between tiles, grout damage, grout stains, grout gaps, broken tiles/flooring, scratches in tile/grout/flooring, gaps between wall base and flooring, incomplete transitions, poor adhesion, discoloration, etc.

c. No more than 1 ceiling repair per 200 square feet shall be accepted as a punch list condition.

4. All contractor furnished and/or contractor installed items completed within Division 10 and 11.

5. All items completed within Division 12 through 22.

6. All items completed within Division 23.

a. Occupied flushing of the building or similar commissioning activities identified prior to request of the final inspection may be considered punch list items subject to the discretion of the COR and Contracting Officer.

7. All items completed within Division 25 through 48.

E. General contractor to have dedicated site superintendent that is assigned to this project only.

Contractor to include project management, site supervision and related expenses for the entire period of performance.

1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

A. BID ITEM NO. 1 (BASE):

Provide all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, phasing, safety, infection control, demolition, removal, disposal, substrate preparation, flooring installation, base installation, limited patching/painting, and related work required to complete “Replace

Carpet – B2, B28 Basement, B1-1 (Project No. 656-26-201)” in accordance with the SOW and specifications.

B. ALLOWANCE (NO-COST, FACILITY-WIDE CONTINGENCY – DO NOT PRICE):

Include, at no additional cost to the Government, an allowance for up to

500 sq ft of Armstrong Fortress White VCT, 150 lf of 6″ Johnsonite

Style 80 Fawn CB wall base, and 90 lf of Johnsonite 80 Fawn transitions, to be used anywhere within SCVAHCS as directed by the COR.

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Conditions: materials shall match Section 09 65 19 and 09 65 13;

Contractor shall field-verify dimensions and substrate; VA will provide at least ten (10) business days notice prior to execution; work must comply with SOW infection-control, safety. Areas receiving this allowance shall not require asbestos abatement. (This allowance is a no-cost obligation included in the Base Bid and is not a priced line item.)

1.4 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS FOR CONTRACTOR

A. AFTER AWARD OF CONTRACT, the Contractor shall obtain the drawings and specifications as provided in the contract documents and as posted on

SAM.gov or provided directly by the Contracting Officer. Where drawings are limited or not provided, the Contractor shall rely on the Statement of Work, field verification, and COR direction for defining limits of work.

B. The Contractor has the Duty of Coordination. By executing the contract, the contractor agrees the contract package has been reviewed (prior to bid) to ensure that each trade included all work required to construct functional systems.

C. There is no requirement that the construction documents be completely accurate. Minor clarifications and coordination of details are not changes due to defective specifications.

D. Omissions from the drawings or specifications or the misdescription of details of work which are manifestly necessary to carry out the intent of the drawings and specifications, or which are customarily performed, 01 00 00 -7 shall not relieve the contractor from performing such omitted or misdescribed details of the work, but they shall be performed as if fully and correctly set forth and described in the drawings and specifications. The contractor shall furnish and install complete and functional systems.

1.5 CONSTRUCTION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Security Plan:

1. The security plan defines both physical and administrative security procedures that will remain effective for the entire duration of the project.

2. The General Contractor is responsible for assuring that all sub-contractors working on the project and their employees also comply with these regulations.

B. Security Procedures:

1. General Contractor’s employees shall not enter the project site without appropriate badge. They may also be subject to inspection of their personal effects when entering or leaving the project site.

2. All contractor and subcontractor employees working on this project are subject to a background investigation. VA has the right to refuse to badge any employee that does not pass the background investigation. It is expected that the contractor will have the employee scheduled for the issuance of a badge well in advance of starting work. Due to the badge process, the employee will not be able to come to the VA, receive badge, and conduct work on same day.

There will be a $200 fine for badges issued and not returned upon completion of project.

3. Before starting work the General Contractor shall give 15 calendar days’ notice to the COR so that security arrangements can be provided for the employees. This notice is separate from any notices required for utility shutdown described later in this section.

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4. For working outside the “regular hours” as defined in the contract, the General Contractor shall give 15 calendar days’ notice to the

Contracting Officer and the COR so that arrangements can be made.

This notice is separate from any notices required for utility shutdown described later in this section.

5. No photography of VA premises is allowed without written permission of the Contracting Officer.

6. VA reserves the right to close down or shut down the project site and order General Contractor’s employees off the premises in the event of a national emergency. The General Contractor may return to the site only with the written approval of the Contracting Officer.

7. The prime contractor shall secure the entire construction operation (interior and exterior, staging, work area(s), etc) to prevent unauthorized access and to maintain appropriate separation between construction activities and VA space. It is the contractor’s responsibility to furnish and install temporary walls/ceiling, chain link 8’ fences, doors, gates, hardware for doors and/or gates as needed for their activities. Not all temporary provisions are illustrated on the construction documents.

The contractor shall ensure all barriers around the construction site are compliant prior to commencing with construction activities.

Temporary construction walls/ceilings shall be constructed of noncombustible material. Temporary barriers are explained in the SOW document and on the construction plan.

It is the contractors responsibility to repair/maintain the temporary assemblies due to wear and tear caused by operations of the VA, contractor shall include costs for upkeep of the temporary barriers. Not all temporary wall/ceiling locations are illustrated on the plans. The contractor shall include material and labor as needed to separate VA occupied space and the construction activity.

Temporary walls/ceilings shall be assembled in a manner to control dust per ICRA and remain compliant.

Not all construction ingress and egress doors are illustrated on the plans. The contractor shall include material and labor for temporary doors and hardware to separate VA occupied space and the

01 00 00 -9 construction site. Repairing existing doors with wood filler due to temporary door hardware is not allowed. If the contractor alters an existing door for use as a temporary construction door, it shall be replaced with a new like and kind door assembly.

Fire resistant poly products per NFPA 241 shall only be used as dust control. It shall be used for up to (1) 8-hour work shift in a single location. Poly is permitted in limited locations as identified in the SOW document and on the construction plans.

8. Contractor shall comply with VHA St. Cloud influenza policy (VHA

Directive 1192.01 and VHA Directive 1013). Contractor shall direct all subcontractors working on site to also comply with VHA St. Cloud influenza policy. To comply with this policy, all contractors must complete a Health Care Personnel Influenza Vaccination Form during the influenza season which is generally from December 1 through

March 31; however, it can vary from one season or geographic location to another. For security reasons, these forms are to be submitted directly to the St. Cloud VA Infection Prevention Nurse, whom will document and track influenza vaccination status. Starting at the end of December until the end of March, Contractor shall provide monthly a list of all contractors working on site. This list will be provided to the St. Cloud VA Infection Prevention Nurse whom can check against their documentation to confirm forms have been received for all contractors working on site during the influenza season. A copy of Directive 1192.01 and Directive 1013 and Health

Care Personnel Influenza Vaccination Forms are available upon request.

C. Key Control:

1. Door hardware installed in construction doors is to be self-closing and storage function lock, able to receive a BEST 7 pin core and only operable with a key. The VA will install the construction core and issue keys to the contractor’s personnel. All construction fences are to be locked with a VA lock in series so VA engineering and police personnel have emergency access at all times.

Construction fences are to be kept locked at all times to prevent access by patients and VA unauthorized staff. Contractor is to provide means of egress from the site that keeps the site secure from the exterior. Keys to necessary construction areas can be

01 00 00 -10 checked out with the approval of the COR. The contractor is to give a minimum of 15 calendar days’ notice for security approval for areas that need to be entered for construction purposes.

2. The General Contractor shall turn over all permanent lock cylinders to the VA locksmith for permanent installation. See Section 08 71

00, DOOR HARDWARE and coordinate.

3. VA construction core keys will be issued to the contractor as deemed necessary by the COR. All keys must be returned when no longer needed or upon completion of the contract. There will be a $25 charge for each key not returned at the end of the contract. Should

VA security be compromised as a result of failure to return a key(s), there will be an additional charge to the contractor of $25 for each door re-cored. There will be a $75 charge for any VA padlocks not returned by the contractor.

D. Document Control:

1. Before starting any work, the General Contractor/Subcontractors shall submit an electronic security memorandum describing the approach to following goals and maintaining confidentiality of

“sensitive information”.

2. The General Contractor is responsible for safekeeping of all drawings, project manual and other project information. This information shall be shared only with those with a specific need to accomplish the project.

3. Certain documents, sketches, videos or photographs and drawings may be marked “Law Enforcement Sensitive” or “Sensitive Unclassified”.

Secure such information in separate containers and limit the access to only those who will need it for the project. Return the information to the Contracting Officer upon request.

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

Officer.

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

6. Notify Contracting Officer and Site Security Officer immediately when there is a loss or compromise of “sensitive information”.

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7. All electronic information shall be stored in specified location following VA standards and procedures using an Engineering Document

Management Software (EDMS).

a. Security, access and maintenance of all project drawings, both scanned and electronic shall be performed and tracked through the

EDMS system.

b. “Sensitive information” including drawings and other documents may be attached to e-mail provided all VA encryption procedures are followed.

E. Motor Vehicle Restrictions

1. Vehicle authorization request shall be required for any vehicle entering the site and such request shall be submitted 5 calendar days before the date and time of access. Contractor shall maintain alist of vehicles of all employees (general contractor and subcontractors) working on their site. List shall include employee name, vehicle make, model, color and license plate number.

2. General Contractor and subcontractor shall park in the northeast contractor lot. This lot is gravel, with minimum maintenance. No overnight parking of contractor vehicles allowed in this lot. No equipment and/or materials are allowed in this lot, unless within the identified fenced staging area.

1.6 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS

A. The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall hold and save the

Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance.

B. Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities may be erected by the Contractor only with the approval of the

Contracting Officer and shall be built with labor and materials furnished by the Contractor without expense to the Government. The temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the

Contractor and shall be removed by the Contractor at its expense upon completion of the work. With the written consent of the Contracting

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Officer, the buildings and utilities may be abandoned and need not be removed.

C. The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting

Officer, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the Contracting

Officer. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. This includes crossing curbs and other features when temporary roads and pedestrian walkways are used. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

(FAR 52.236-10)

D. Working space and space available for storing materials shall be as shown on the drawings. No tools, equipment, or materials shall be left unattended. At the end of the work shift all contractor items shall be stored in a locked gang box or relocated to the staging area and store in a locked connex box or similar. Contractor responsible to store (2) VA cubicles during construction of B2 first floor.

E. Workmen are subject to rules of Health Care System applicable to their conduct.

F. Execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. Keep roads clear of construction materials, debris, standing construction equipment, and vehicles at all times.

G. Execute work so as to interfere as little as possible with the normal functioning of the Health Care System as a whole, including operations of utility services, fire protection systems and any existing equipment, and with work being done by others. The Contractor shall notify the COR prior to the use of equipment and tools that transmit vibrations and noises that can be either felt or heard outside the work site (core drilling, chipping hammer, jack hammer etc.). COR approval to use such equipment and tools shall be obtained in advance, not less than 10 calendar days prior to the use of such tools, in order to allow advance coordination with health care staff. Contractor to include

01 00 00 -13 pricing in the offer for executing this work off hours, before 8am and/or after 4:30 pm or as indicated in the construction documents.

This applies to all VA occupied space and any occupied space adjacent to construction activities where noise above 80 decibel or vibration can be felt or heard.

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

2. Contractor shall coordinate and utilize just in time material and equipment delivery system. Long term storage of material is not allowed. Storage of common construction material beyond 5 calendar days is not allowed. Schedule delivery of materials and equipment to construction working areas in quantities sufficient for not more than 5 workdays as the staging/storage areas as indicated on the plans allow. Provide unobstructed access to Health Care System areas required to remain in operation.

3. Contractor shall provide unobstructed access to VA Health Care System area required to remain in operation.

H. Utilities Services: Where necessary to cut existing pipes, electrical wires, conduits, cables, etc., of utility services, or of fire protection systems or communications systems (except telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, where directed by the COR. All such actions shall be coordinated with the COR or Utility Company involved.

1. Whenever it is required that a connection fee be paid to a public utility provider for a new permanent service to the construction project, for such items as water, sewer, electricity, gas or steam, payment of such fee shall be the responsibility of the Government and not the

Contractor.

J. Phasing:

The Health Care System must maintain its operation 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Therefore, any interruption in service must be scheduled

15 calendar days in advance and coordinated with the COR to ensure that no lapses in operation occur.

Phasing shall follow Exhibit A – VA-provided phasing plan.

Contractor shall take all measures and provide all material necessary for protecting existing equipment and property in affected

01 00 00 -14 areas of construction against dust and debris, so that equipment and affected areas to be used in the Health Care System’s operations will not be hindered. Contractor shall permit access to Department of Veterans Affairs personnel and patients through other construction areas which serve as routes of access to such affected areas and equipment. These routes whether access or egress shall be isolated from the construction area by temporary partitions and have walking surfaces, lighting etc to facilitate patient and staff access. Coordinate alteration work in areas occupied by Department of Veterans Affairs so that Health Care System operations will continue during the construction period.

M. Construction Fence: Before construction operations begin, Contractor shall provide a chain link construction fence, 2.1m (seven feet) minimum height, around the construction area(s) indicated on the drawings or as required confining all construction activities and staged materials, equipment etc. All fences designed and intended to run parallel to sidewalks and roadways shall be atleast 5’ away from the edge/shoulder of sidewalks and/or roadways. Provide vehicle and

“man gate” (s) for access with necessary hardware, including hasps and padlocks. The “man gate”(s) shall have panic hardware installed on the gate to allow emergency egress from the construction staging area(s) and construction work zone(s) to the public way. Contractor must provide hardware on gate to provide exit ability of contractor’s staff and not allow access to unauthorized persons at the facility. An exterior grade metal door and frame (with appropriate hardware per ingress & egress requirements) professionally and securely installed into the fence assembly can be an alternative to “man gate (s)”. VA engineering staff must have the ability to access this gate at any time. Fasten fence fabric to terminal posts with tension bands and to line posts and top and bottom rails with tie wires spaced at maximum

375mm (15 inches). Bottom of fences shall extend to 25mm (one inch) above grade. Access to the contractors’ staging area and/or work site shall remain secure at all times. Secure is defined as locked to prevent unauthorized entrance to the construction site or during times of entrance or delivery, a construction representative shall be within

10 yards of the gate, monitoring the gate to prevent unauthorized access. Removal of construction fence shall be coordinated in advance with the COR. The construction fence is required around the staging

01 00 00 -15 area for this project. Contractor shall restore the staging area to preconstruction conditions or better.

N. When a building or part of a building and/or construction site is turned over to Contractor, Contractor shall accept entire responsibility including upkeep and maintenance therefore:

1. Contractor shall maintain a minimum temperature of 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) at all times, except as otherwise specified.

2. Contractor shall maintain in code compliant operating condition and provide any temporary material and equipment for existing fire protection and alarm equipment until the final systems are operational. During renovation the contractor shall alter the existing and/or install a temporary fire sprinkler system, compliant with NFPA to be used until the final system is opporational. In connection with fire alarm equipment, Contractor shall make arrangements for pre-inspection of site with VA’s Fire Protection

System Representative whichever will be required to respond to an alarm from Contractor's employee or watchman.

O. Utilities Services: Maintain existing utility services for Health Care System at all times. Not all details will be shown on the construction plan. Contractor shall request any additional information prior to bid if needed, contractor shall field verify electrical, HVAC, water, sewer and life systems in project area to provide material and equipment to maintain existing utilities for construction, life safety and operations of adjacent/impacted patients and/or staff. Provide temporary facilities, labor, materials, equipment, connections, and utilities to assure uninterrupted services. Where necessary to cut existing water, steam, gases, sewer or air pipes, or conduits, wires, cables, etc. of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone), they shall be cut and capped at suitable places where shown; or, in absence of such indication, the Contractor shall coordinate in advance with the COR and receive COR approval to proceed prior to any such cuts or caps. The

Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and the Utility Company when applicable. Utility pathways no longer used shall be removed back to the common source (main, branch, panel, junction box, etc).

1. No utility service such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, 01 00 00 -16 or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without 15 calendar day notice and prior approval of the

COR. No “HOT TAPPING” of any utility service other than storm or sanitary utilities is allowed unless under extreme circumstances. If these circumstances are determined appropriate and approved by the

Chief Engineer, all work must follow Facilities Management

Memorandum 23 “Hot Tapping Procedures”. All services under work shall be isolated and all energy released before work begins.

Electrical work shall be accomplished with all affected circuits or equipment de-energized. When an electrical outage cannot be accomplished, work on any energized circuits or equipment shall not commence without a detailed work plan, the Health Care System

Director’s prior knowledge and written approval. Refer to specification Sections 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL

INSTALLATIONS, 27 05 11 REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMUNICATIONS

INSTALLATIONS and 28 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND

SECURITY INSTALLATIONS for additional requirements.

2. Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to the COR, in writing, 15 calendar days in advance of proposed interruption. Request shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption. The contractor will identify the detailed work activity plan related including a contingency plan with this request. The request shall be submitted to the COR via the RFI process.

3. Contractor will be advised (in writing) of approval of request, or of which other date and/or time such interruption will cause least inconvenience to operations of Health Care System. Interruption time approved by Health Care System may occur at other than Contractor's normal working hours.

4. Major interruptions (any utility systems affecting operations of the

Health Care System, i.e. power, water, steam, heating, cooling etc outside of the immediate construction work site) of any system must be requested, in writing, at least 15 calendar days prior to the desired time and shall be performed as directed by the COR.

5. In case of a contract construction emergency, service will be interrupted on approval of the COR. Such approval will be confirmed in writing as soon as practical.

6. Whenever it is required that a connection fee be paid to a public utility provider for new permanent service to the construction

01 00 00 -17 project, for such items as water, sewer, electricity, gas or steam, payment of such fee shall be the responsibility of the Government and not the Contractor.

P. Abandoned Lines: All service lines such as wires, cables, conduits, ducts, pipes and the like (including hangers and all supports) shall be removed back to the common source (panels, main lines, branch lines, etc).

Q. To minimize interference of construction activities with flow of Health Care System traffic, comply with the following:

1. Keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds/parking/occupied areas of buildings clear of construction materials, debris and standing construction equipment and vehicles. Wherever excavation for new utility lines cross existing roads, at least one lane must be open to traffic at all times with approval.

2. The Contractor shall submit proposed methods and scheduling of required cutting, altering and removal of existing roads, walks and entrances to the COR not less than 21 calendar days in advance of any such work. Plans for such work must be approved in advance by the COR.

R. Coordinate the work for this contract with other construction operations and notify the COR in advance of scheduling of traffic and the use of roadways, as specified in Article, USE OF ROADWAYS.

1.7 ALTERATIONS

A. Survey: Before any work is started, the Contractor shall make a thorough survey with the COR of areas of buildings in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both to the Contracting Officer. This report shall list by rooms and spaces:

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

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

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

4. Shall designate areas for working space, materials storage and routes of access to areas within buildings where alterations occur and which have been agreed upon by Contractor and the COR.

B. Any items required by drawings to be either reused or relocated or both, found during this survey to be nonexistent, or in opinion of the

COR, to be in such condition that their use is impossible or impractical, shall be furnished and/or replaced by Contractor with new items in accordance with specifications which will be furnished by

Government. Provided the contract work is changed by reason of this subparagraph B, the contract will be modified accordingly, under provisions of clause entitled "DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-

2) and "CHANGES" (FAR 52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88).

C. Re-Survey: Thirty days before expected partial or final inspection date, the Contractor and the COR together shall make a thorough re-survey of the areas of buildings involved. They shall furnish a report on conditions then existing, of resilient flooring, doors, windows, walls and other surfaces as compared with conditions of same as noted in first condition survey report:

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

Contractor to restore damage caused by Contractor's workmen in executing work of this contract.

D. Protection: Provide the following protective measures:

1. Temporary protection against damage for portions of existing structures and grounds where work is to be done, materials handled and equipment moved and/or relocated.

2. Protection of interior of existing structures at all times, from damage, dust and weather inclemency. Wherever work is performed, floor surfaces that are to remain in place shall be adequately protected prior to starting work, and this protection shall be maintained intact until all work in the area is completed.

1.8 DISPOSAL AND RETENTION

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A. Materials and equipment accruing from work removed and from demolition of buildings or structures, or parts thereof, shall be disposed of as follows:

1. Reserved items which are to remain property of the Government are to be stored. Items that remain property of the Government shall be removed or dislodged from present locations in such a manner as to prevent damage which would be detrimental to re-installation and reuse. Store such items where directed by the COR.

2. Items not reserved shall become property of the Contractor and be removed by Contractor from Health Care System. Items of portable equipment and furnishings located in rooms and spaces in which work is to be done under this contract shall remain the property of the

Government. When rooms and spaces are vacated by the Department of

Veterans Affairs during the alteration period, such items which are

NOT required by drawings and specifications to be either relocated or reused will be removed by the Government in advance of work to avoid interfering with Contractor's operation.

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

IMPROVEMENTS

A. The Contractor shall preserve and protect all surfaces including but not limited to asphalt, sidewalks, curbs, structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and paint the cut with a tree-pruning compound. Any grass that is damaged during construction will have the pre-existing grade restored, be sodded and maintained until the sod is firmly rooted as determined by the COR. Sod will be watered by contractor and may not exceed 4 inches while the contractor is responsible for the sod. Any trees/shrubs not identified for demolition shall remain. The contractor shall protect the existing trees/shrubs from damage by enclosing the dripline area with plastic fence. No material, vehicles and/or equipment shall be stored within this protected area. Tree trimming is not allowed as the trees are

01 00 00 -20 considered “historic”. Contractors shall make all reasonable efforts to use other methods to not conflict with trees (i.e. shorter/smaller equipment).

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

Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the

Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

(FAR 52.236-9)

C. Refer to Section 01 57 19, TEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, for additional requirements on protecting vegetation, soils and the environment. Refer to Articles, "Alterations", "Restoration", and

"Operations and Storage Areas" for additional instructions concerning repair of damage to structures and site improvements. At a minimum, the contractor is to comply with all EPA regulations for protection from storm water pollution that would be caused by construction and implement all required safeties to maintain compliance. Also, all wash downs for concrete trucks is to be conducted off site. No containment areas are allowed on site.

1.10 RESTORATION

A. Remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary to install new work. Except as shown in the drawings or specified, do not cut, alter or remove any structural work, and do not disturb any ducts, plumbing, steam, gas, or electric work without prior written approval of the CO. Existing work to be altered or extended and that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work, shall conform in type and quality to that of original existing construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

B. Upon completion of contract, deliver work complete and undamaged.

Existing work (walls, ceilings, partitions, floors, mechanical and

01 00 00 -21 electrical work, lawns, paving, roads, walks, etc.) disturbed or removed as a result of performing required new work, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced with new work, and refinished and left in as good condition as existed before commencing work.

C. At Contractor's own expense, Contractor shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workmen to existing piping and conduits, wires, cables, etc., of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone) which are not scheduled for discontinuance or abandonment.

D. Expense of repairs to such utilities and systems not shown on drawings or locations of which are unknown will be covered by adjustment to contract time and price in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES"

(FAR 52.243-4 and VAAR 852.236-88) and "DIFFERING SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR

52.236-2).

1.13 LAYOUT OF WORK

A. The Contractor shall lay out the work from Government established base lines and bench marks, indicated on the drawings, and shall be responsible for all measurements in connection with the layout. The

Contractor shall furnish, at Contractor's own expense, all stakes, templates, platforms, equipment, tools, materials, and labor required to lay out any part of the work. The Contractor shall be responsible for executing the work to the lines and grades that may be established or indicated by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall also be responsible for maintaining and preserving all stakes and other marks established by the Contracting Officer until authorized to remove them.

If such marks are destroyed by the Contractor or through Contractor's negligence before their removal is authorized, the Contracting Officer may replace them and deduct the expense of the replacement from any amounts due or to become due to the Contractor.

(FAR 52.236-17)

B. Establish and plainly mark such lines and reference points as are reasonably necessary to properly lay out the work in accordance with the contract drawings and the Statement of Work.

F. The Contractor shall perform the surveying and layout work of this and other articles and specifications in accordance with the provisions of

Article "Professional Surveying Services".

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1.14 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS – Not Required

1.15 USE OF ROADWAYS

A. For hauling, use only established public roads and roads on Health Care

System property and, when authorized by the COR, such temporary roads which are necessary in the performance of contract work. Temporary roads shall be constructed and restoration performed by the Contractor at Contractor's expense. When necessary to cross curbing, sidewalks, or similar construction, they must be protected by well-constructed bridges.

1.18 TEMPORARY USE OF EXISTING ELEVATORS

A. Contractor shall protect elevator access and maintain patient and staff circulation. Contractor may not use elevators for material or equipment transport without written approval from the COR.

1.20 TEMPORARY TOILETS

A. Contractor may have for use of Contractor's workmen, such toilet accommodations as may be assigned to Contractor by COR, per phase, in writing. Contractor shall always keep such places clean and be responsible for any damage done thereto by Contractor's workmen.

Failure to maintain satisfactory condition in toilets may result in revocation of the Contractor’s privilege to use such toilets.

1.21 AVAILABILITY AND USE OF UTILITY SERVICES

A. The Government shall make all reasonably required amounts of utilities available to the Contractor from existing outlets and supplies, as specified in the contract. The Contractor shall carefully conserve all utilities furnished.

B. The Contractor, at Contractor's expense and in a workmanlike manner, in compliance with code and as satisfactory to the Contracting Officer, shall install and maintain all necessary temporary connections and distribution lines. Before final acceptance of the work by the

Government, the Contractor shall remove all the temporary connections, distribution lines, meters, and associated paraphernalia and repair restore the infrastructure as required.

C. Contractor shall furnish and install temporary utility meters at

Contractor's expense and furnish the Health Care System a monthly record of the Contractor's usage of all furnished utilities including but not limited to electricity, water and steam.

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1. Obtain electricity by connecting to the Health Care System electrical distribution system. The Contractor shall meter and pay for electricity required for electric cranes and hoisting devices, electrical welding devices and any electrical heating devices providing temporary heat. Electricity for all other uses is available at no cost to the Contractor.

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

1. Obtain water by connecting to the Health Care System water distribution system. Provide reduced pressure backflow preventer at each connection as per code. Water is available at no cost to the

Contractor.

2. Maintain connections, pipe, fittings and fixtures and conserve water-use so none is wasted. Failure to stop leakage or other wastes may be cause for revocation (at Contracting Officer’s discretion) of use of water from Health Care System’s system.

3. Water from the potable water system may not be used for irrigation.

Irrigation water is available on campus near the Sauk River pump from Monday through Friday, June through the end of September between the hours of 1pm to 4pm. Contractor shall arrange for transportation of water, and source of water outside of those times.

4. Contractor Water Activities - any action in which water is used on a construction site that creates an aerosolized risk (landscape watering, compaction watering, moisture content adjustments, dust mitigation, cleaning, surface preparation, dewatering pumps etc)shall be conducted offhours when patients are not traversing the grounds to prevent risk of legionella impacts. Contractors shall not utilize a method of watering that aerosolizes to create a legionella risk to adjacent patients. The contractors watering activities shall be completed under supervision of an employee of the prime contractor.

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G. Fuel: Natural and LP gas and burner fuel oil required for boiler cleaning, normal initial boiler-burner setup and adjusting, and for performing the specified boiler tests will be…