Design Build General Requirements.pdf

DESIGN BUILD GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE

a. This document contains general requirements for performing design/build services for the Department of the Interior and Forest Service.

b. These requirements are supplemented by the project-specific Statement of Work (SOW) requirements issued with each individual task order solicitation.

c. Contractor is responsible for the proper performance of the Work and shall correct, at no additional expense, to the Government any errors or omissions in connection with such performance.

1.2 PRINCIPAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Provides all labor, equipment and materials to plan, design and construct a complete project that fulfills the programmatic needs of the Government, is safe, well- integrated into the landscape, relatively easy and low cost to operate and maintain; that is of high quality, durability, and functionality.

1.3 INQUIRIES

Direct any questions in writing to the Task Oder Contracting Officer.

1.4 DEFINITIONS(for the purposes of this document)

A-E means Architect- Engineer.

Construction Documents (CDs) means engineered drawings and specifications suitable for price solicitation and construction; complete with any necessary supporting technical documents such as geotechnical reports, topographic and boundary surveys, design calculations, and descriptive product literature, and similar.

Commissioning is the act of statically and dynamically testing the operation of equipment and facility systems to ensure they operate as designed and can satisfactorily meet the needs of the facility throughout the entire range of operating conditions.

Construction is defined as, but not limited to, constructing (giving form by combining the parts), altering, repairing, adding to, subtracting from, improving, restoring, moving, wrecking or demolishing any building, highway, road, excavation or other structure, project, or improvement attached to real estate.

Contracting Officer (CO) is defined as the person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the United States of America.

Attachment 1

COR is the Contracting Officer’s Representative who is explicitly designated in writing by the CO.

Contractor is the business entity that is contractually responsible to the Government for accomplishment of the project Work.

DOI means Department of the Interior

FS means Forest Service

ECC means Estimated Cost of Construction; a construction cost proposal prepared by the Contractor.

Government means Owner, Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, or Department of the Interior

LEED means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Local Authority Having Jurisdiction is the duly adopted local code authority, agency, or serving utility governing or serving the location of the project; such as utility companies, city and county electrical/plumbing/fire system inspectors, environmental permitting entities, and water resource departments / boards.

Performance Specifications are specifications that state what the required results will be with measurable or observable criteria for verifying compliance.

Public Works is construction performed under a contract with a Federal, State, County, City, or other government entity.

Schedule is the chronological layout of the work to be prepared on Microsoft-compatible commercially available scheduling software.

Alternative Technical Concept (ATC) - Concepts proposed by an Offeror and approved by the Government which modify the Basic Configuration or other Contract requirement.

1.5 PROJECT LOCATION & ACCESS

Project locations will be indicated in the project-specific Statement of Work (SOW).

1.6 ALTERNATIVE TECHNICAL CONCEPTS (ATC's)

To promote innovation by Offerors and to maintain flexibility in the procurement process, the government may allow Offerors to submit for consideration ATCs that modify the Basic Configuration or other Contract requirements for Task Order RFQ/RFP’s. In order to be approved, an ATC must be deemed, in the Government’s sole discretion to provide a Project that is "equal or better" on an overall basis than the Project would be without the proposed ATC. Concepts that simply delete scope, lower performance requirements, lower standards, or reduce contract requirements are not acceptable as ATC's.

SUBMITTAL OF ATCS

If the Government determines that ATC’s are to be considered, then ATC’s will be evaluated in

Phase 1. A proposed ATC must be submitted during Phase 1 and no later than date and time set forth in Task Order RFQ/RFP. ATC’s will be evaluated using an acceptable/unacceptable evaluation approach. If an ATC is found to be acceptable, the Government will notify the offeror in writing of the acceptance and the Offeror can then submit the ATC with their final proposal in Phase 2.

Each ATC submittal package shall address all of the following elements:

• Brief Description: A few words identifying the ATC, for future reference;

• Detailed description: A detailed description and schematic drawings of the configuration of the ATC or other appropriate descriptive information including, if appropriate, product details, and specifications;

• Usage: A description of where and how the ATC would be used on the Project;

• Proposed RFP modifications: References to all requirements of the RFP that are modified by the proposed ATC with an explanation of the nature of the modification from said requirements and a request for approval of such modifications;

• Design Deviations: If the ATC requires design deviation(s) the submittal package shall include documentation for the design deviation(s).

• Analysis: An analysis justifying use of the ATC and demonstrating how the Project with the ATC is "equal or better" than the Project without the ATC. The "equal or better" analysis shall address the following:

(1) Functionality;

(2) Structural adequacy;

(3) Safety;

(4) Comparison of life cycle costs including repair and maintenance;

(5) Aesthetics;

(6) Impacts on Government operations;

(7) Effect on or changes to environmental commitments identified in the RFP;

(8) Impacts to surrounding and adjacent buildings, roads, parking lots, land, etc;

(9) Impact on utilities;

**Do not provide any data indicating the effect that approval of the ATC will have on the Proposal Price.

REVIEW OF ATCs

Incomplete ATC submittal packages may be returned by the Government without review comment.

Although the Government reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject any ATC, ATC's specifically not eligible for approval includes the following:

1. ATCs that are, in the Governments sole discretion, deemed not to provide a Project that is "equal or better" on an overall basis than the Project would be without the ATC.

2. Any ATC that would require excessive time or cost for the Government to review, evaluate, or investigate.

In order to be approved, an ATC must be deemed, in the Governments sole discretion, to provide a Project that is "equal or better" on an overall basis than the Project would be without the proposed ATC. Potential changes to the Proposal Price will not be considered by the Government in the

"equal or better" determination.

Government Response

The Government will respond to all ATCs before the request for Phase 2 proposals, provided that the Government has received all requested information regarding the ATC. The format for response should include the ATC brief description, and shall be limited to one of the following:

1. The ATC is acceptable;

2. The ATC is unacceptable;

3. The ATC is unacceptable in its present form, but may be reconsidered for approval upon satisfaction, in the Government’s sole discretion, of certain identified conditions that must be met or certain clarifications or modifications that must be made as described hereunder.

The offeror shall not have the right to incorporate this ATC into the Proposal unless and until the ATC has been resubmitted within the time limits provided, with the conditions stated below satisfied, and the Government has unconditionally approved the revised ATC;

or

4. The submittal does not qualify as an ATC but appears eligible to be included in the Proposal without an ATC (i.e., the concept appears to conform to the Basic Configuration and to be consistent with other contract requirements).

Government approval of an ATC extends solely to the information contained in the ATC submittal.

INCORPORATION INTO PROPOSAL

The Offeror may include any or all approved ATC's in its Proposal. The Proposal Price shall reflect any incorporated ATC's. Except for incorporating approved ATC's, the Proposal shall not otherwise contain exceptions to or variations from the requirements of the RFP. If the Government responded to an ATC by stating that certain conditions must be met prior to granting approval, the Offeror shall not have the right to incorporate the ATC into the Proposal unless and until the ATC has been timely resubmitted with the conditions satisfied and the Government has approved the ATC in writing.

Once an ATC has been approved, only the entire ATC is eligible for inclusion into the Proposal. The inclusion of partial ATCs into a Proposal is not allowed.

Any Government provided geotechnical investigation and subsurface utilities investigation conducted for the Project and included in the RFP would be based on the Governments Conceptual Design and Basic Configuration. Therefore, the geotechnical information and subsurface utilities information provided in the RFP does not purport to represent site conditions for an ATC.

GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE DESIGN-BUILDER

The Design-Builder, in addition to all other requirements of the Contract Documents, shall:

(1) Obtain and pay the cost of obtaining all Governmental Approvals including Governmental Approvals required to implement any approved ATC(s) incorporated into the Contract Documents;

(2) Obtain and pay the cost of obtaining any third party approvals required to implement any approved ATC(s) incorporated into the Contract Documents; and

(3) Unless otherwise noted in the Contract, be responsible for all costs and/or delays of any nature associated with the implementation of any approved ATC incorporated into the Contract Documents.

MATTERS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR CHANGE ORDERS

The Design-Builder acknowledges and agrees that no increase in the Contract Price is available except in circumstances expressly provided for in the Contract, and that the Design-Builder shall bear full responsibility for the costs of all other changes as a result of any approved ATCs. Matters which are the Design-Builder's exclusive responsibility include but are not limited to the following:

(1) Delays in obtaining or failure to obtain any third party approvals required to implement any approved ATCs incorporated into the Contract Documents;

(2) Unless noted otherwise in the Contract, any increases in costs or time incurred implementing an ATC.

PART 2 PROJECT EXECUTION

2.1 GENERAL

a. Project work will be accomplished via award of project-specific solicitations that will include project specific performance criteria to convey the unique aspects of the project. All task orders shall be awarded as firm fixed price contracts.

1. Davis-Bacon wage rates apply unless explicitly approved otherwise by the CO; does not apply to A-E services.

2. Provide a construction payment bond as required by the CO.

3. Provide a performance bond as directed by the CO; typical on $100,000 or greater construction projects

2.2 SCOPING VISIT

a. Contractor(s) are recommended to attend a scheduled site visit. This site visit should be used to obtain additional information by the contractor(s) to use to develop their technical cost proposals for the project. Unless otherwise restricted by the project specific SOW the contractor may bring as many representatives to the site visit as required. This will be the contractor’s first and best opportunity to see the project site first hand and talk with station personnel about issues and concerns that may impact the project.

b. If during the site visit it is determined that there is not enough information available or the scope of the project is not defined clearly enough for the contractor(s) to develop a qualified technical cost proposal the Government shall determine if they can collect the information needed in a timely manner. Once the information is gathered it shall be sent to the prospective offerors to continue the Proposal process.

A date for Proposal submission shall be determined if not done so already. If the information cannot be gathered in a timely manner the solicitation shall be terminated. The solicitation may be re-advertised once the Government has acquired all the information required.

2.3 AFTER AWARD/ISSUANCE OF NOTICE TO PROCEED (NTP)

a. The Contractor shall submit the documents listed in this section for approval within 14 days following the issuing of the NTP.

1. Project Schedule. List the principal project tasks in rough chronological order and show the duration (number of days) anticipated start and end time dates for each task. Update the schedule to indicate planned verses actual accomplishments as the project progresses. Such outlines and revisions shall be in sufficient detail to enable the COR to judge as to the adequacy of the Contractor's operations and to anticipate such conditions as may tend to impair or retard the progress and completion of the work.

2. Single Point-of-Contact: Designate in writing, the Contractor’s single point-of-contact for the project, typically the Project Manager who will see the project through from design to end of construction. Submit the contact name, email, mailing, address and telephone number(s) to the CO and COR.

3. List of Key Project Personnel and their responsibilities.

4. List of Subcontractors and their responsibilities.

5. Schedule of Values and Payment Schedule: The Contractor shall furnish the COR a detailed payment schedule. This schedule shall be based upon the Schedule of Values with sufficient detail to allow accurate calculation of the monthly progress payments. Planning, permitting, testing, field investigation and surveying shall be broken out separately. All the previous elements as well as design items shall be broken down into percentage completion. Lump sum items for construction shall be broken down into their component parts, i.e., mobilization, bond and insurance, excavation, backfill, forming, metalwork, concrete work, framing, roofing, etc. with a cost figure for each. The list of component parts would vary depending upon the type of contract and the above list shall not be construed as complete or incomplete.

2.4 TECHNICAL PROCEDURES

a. General: Comply with the requirements contained in this document when applicable unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the project-specific SOW.

1. If not already known, obtain the name of a engineering point-of-contact person from the Contracting Officer at the onset of a project.

b. Drawing Number Assignment & Drafting Standards:

1. If not already known, obtain the project drawing number assignment from the Government Engineering contact person.

2. Obtain and comply with the current Government AutoCAD drafting standards & template sheets obtained from the COR.

3. Any project located near any non-DOI lands or that entails third party easements shall contain a drawing sheet(s) that clearly shows the land ownership and easement / rights-of-ways boundaries, and entity name overlaid with the proposed Work.

4. Annotate the drawing cover sheet (or general notes sheet of each principal discipline) to indicate the project-specific design standards, design loads and capacities; such as design wind speed & associated factors, design wind load, snow load, frost depth, design pipe/weir/channel flows, seismic factors, design soil loads, acre-feet of pond water at various x-year storm events, building type and area classifications, floor areas, occupant loads, and similar.

c. Land Ownership and Boundary Surveying: Any boundary survey work associated with DOI or

FS projects is within the purview of the DOI or FS Land Surveyor and who ultimately determines the type and extent of any necessary the boundary surveying.

1. Contact the COR for information on land ownership in the project area, including presence of any boundaries, easements, rights of way, etc. affecting the project.

2. Submit all survey to the DOI and/or FS for review by DOI and/or FS surveyors before monumentation and/or construction.

3. Submit any additional documents as may be deemed necessary such as Records of

Survey, legal descriptions and sketches.

4. Protect all permanent survey monuments from disturbance. If a permanent monument is disturbed, then the Contractor is responsible for the cost to have the monument promptly reset and process any associated documentation.

d. Topographic Survey: Perform topographic surveys under the direction of a licensed professional (of the state the project is located within).

1. The survey and resultant map/AutoCAD drafting work shall conform to project-specific specifications furnished by the Engineering Land Surveyor.

2. Datum: Typically, the Horizontal Datum will be the appropriate State Plane Coordinate

Zone, NAD83 (CORS 96) as derived from the National Geodetic Survey OPUS processing system, and the Vertical Datum will be NAVD88, based on OPUS-derived ellipsoid heights and the Geoid03 (or latest) model, represented by a sufficient number of stable on-site control points.

3. Construction Layout: Set in the field (and show on the construction drawings) the horizontal and vertical control points (with descriptions, coordinates, and elevations) to be used for construction layout. These points shall be readily accessible to and protected from the work.

4. Protect all survey monuments from disturbance. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall promptly reset any disturbed monuments and process any associated documentation.

e. Accessibility: Comply with the requirements of the ABA (Architectural Barriers Act).

f. Energy: When applicable to the project, comply with energy-conservation, build-GREEN, and similar requirements.

1. To the extent feasible, provide facilities that meet the criteria for “LEED Certified” projects, and incorporate environmentally-friendly materials and methods.

2. Document LEED compliance; consider utilizing a third-party LEED specialty consultant to annotate the LEED checklist concurrent with the design process to audit the project and document compliance.

3. Where feasible, provide alternative energy sources such as solar-thermal, photovoltaic, and/or and wind.

4. Provide cumulative recording meters on power panels, water mains, pipes supplying propane, natural gas, diesel gasoline or similar fuel; pump & motor run hours & number of operation cycles.

5. Any motors and owner-owned transformers shall be rated as high-efficiency.

6. Structures with mechanical HVAC systems shall be highly energy efficient; typically well sealed against air leaks, well insulated, and as appropriate provide timer switches, motion sensors, and daylight switches.

g. Safety: Perform code reviews and ensure the design & construction complies with but not limited to the current edition of the federal and state OSHA safety requirements, applicable bridge & dam safety regulations, National Fire Protection Association 101 Life Safety Code, National Electrical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, National Gas Code, and similar model codes.

1. If the code provisions conflict, the more stringent code provision shall govern. In any instances where the drawings and specifications do not specify explicit materials or methods, then perform the work in accordance with the minimum requirements of the code applicable to the work.

2. Annotate and submit (to the COR) any applicable Government safety check lists.

3. For dam projects, identify the appropriate dam classification /category.

4. Submit the findings of any code reviews.

5. Submit a construction safety plan for each project.

6. Submit a dive plan for any underwater work.

7. Submit confined space entry plan for any permit-required confined space work.

h. Permit Applications & Supporting Documents (Environmental, Cultural Resource Clearance, Utility Companies, Local Building Departments, and Similar): Unless explicitly agreed to otherwise by the Government, identify, annotate, and prepare permit application for Government signature complete with supporting documents (permit drawings, narratives, biological assessments, and similar).

1. The project price range includes the cost of any permit fees when part of the Scope of

Work.

2. Unless agreed otherwise, the Contractor shall submit permit applications as the Agent of the DOI or FS, and regularly correspond with the permitting/utility/similar entity to monitor permit status and satisfy any requests for clarifications or additional information.

3. Cultural Clearances: If not otherwise performed by the Government, obtain the services of a cultural resource evaluation specialist (approved by Government Cultural Resources division) to perform any necessary cultural evaluation field work, report/application preparation (including supporting documents), and submit the documents to the Government Cultural Resources division for processing through the State/Tribe regulatory entity

4. Initiate contact with the environmental regulator agencies, utility companies, and similar entities as early as feasible (and typically no later than that the end of the 35% Schematic Design).

5. Submit any permit applications and supporting documents as early as feasible;

typically no later than the end of the 65% Design Development.

6. Regularly communicate with the permitting entities and provide addition information as may be necessary to the satisfaction of the permitting entity.

7. The Contractor shall electronically copy (same day) all third-party permit communications (meetings, emails, telephone highlights, written correspondence) to the COR. The contractor shall clearly indicate if the communication copy is “Government Action Required” or is “Information Only- No Action Required.”

8. Status: Report the status of any permit applications (involving the environmental regulator agencies, utility companies, and similar entities) at each major design submittal as more often as merited.

9. Comply fully with the requirements of any resulting permits.

2.5 SUBMITTALS (Recommended Procedures)

a. Obtain an electronic submittal transmittal sheet from the COR. Include with each submittal a project-specific submittal transmittal sheet; electronic MS Word preferred.

b. Except as indicated below, transmit project-specific submittals electronically to the COR.

1. Deliver any color renderings, samples, finish samples, and mock ups directly to the

COR.

2. Principal Progress Reviews: Distribute electronic pdf files of any drawings, specifications, reports, renderings, and similar to the COR; working copies preferred (rather than formal presentation documents) unless agreed otherwise.

3. Mail full size paper-copy of the 100% final construction drawings, and specifications to the COR as required in Task Order SOW.

4. Submit cost proposals as pdf and /or spreadsheets to the CO and/or COR as directed.

5. Submit electronic pdf copies of any sampling & testing reports, quality control reports, inspection documents to the Engineering contact person same business day.

6. Record highlights of any design/construction meetings and conference calls, and email the notes to the CO and COR.

c. Unless approved otherwise, submittals shall be electronic pdf file format.

1. Individual sheets shall be combined into an pdf file of 5MB maximum and transmitted via ftp site or email.

2. Drawing sets too large for ftp may be delivered on compact disk via mail.

d. Permit Applications:

1. Route draft applications electronically for review.

2. Deliver final original paper copy permit application to the Government designated contact signature via mail

e. Report & Specification Format:

1. Sheets 8.5” wide x 11” tall, 0.6” minimum margins, Times New Roman 11-point font.

2. Select sheets in geotechnical reports and drawings may be 8.5” x 14” and/or 11”x17.”

3. Covers front & back, spiral bound.

4. If hard copy, 20 pound minimum bond white recycled paper, five copies if hard copy submittal.

2.6 DESIGN WORKSHOP MEETING

After a Task Order is awarded and the Notice to Proceed has been issued the Design- Builder shall meet with Government representatives to discuss and resolve any remaining questions and issues generated from the conceptual design submittal that was part of the proposal package. Normally this meeting is held at the station where the project is and is attended by key personnel from the Design/Builder’s team, the Government team and any other important stakeholders. The primary purpose of the meeting is to allow the team members to meet and discuss the project in depth. This is when the Design/Builder gathers all of the critical information needed to develop and refine the concept-alternative so that it can begin to move forward to the next phase of the process. Unless otherwise permitted, the design professionals on the Design/Builder’s team shall be state licensed in the discipline required to properly execute and complete the design.

2.7 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEWS

a. Design development and review details will be provided with each project specific task order

SOWs.

2.8 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION REQUIRMENTS

a. Contractor shall provide supervision, labor, materials, equipment, tools, construction equipment and machinery, inspection, testing, start-up, water, heat, utilities, transportation, and other facilities and services necessary for proper execution and completion of the Work, whether temporary or permanent and whether or not incorporated or to be incorporated in the Work.

b. Security: Effectively secure the work site, staging areas, and materials storage areas.

c. Diligence: Perform all construction activities efficiently and with the requisite expertise, skill, and competence to satisfy the requirements of the Contract Documents. Contractor shall at all times exercise complete and exclusive control over the means, methods, sequences, and techniques of construction.

d. Supervision: Any time onsite work is underway, provide an onsite Project Manager or Project

Superintendent who has a good working knowledge of the project work.

e. Subcontractors: Utilize general contractors and specialty subcontractors who are duly licensed and well qualified to perform the Work consistent with the Contract Documents; Government may reasonably object to Contractor's proposed selection of workers and business entities.

f. Other Contractors: Coordinate and cooperate with any other contractors working at the project site.

g. Government Operations: Schedule and coordinate construction activities so as not to unduly impact ongoing operations; Government operations have precedence over the construction activities.

2.9 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

a. The Contractor shall have the ultimate responsibility for health and safety on the project site at all times, from issuance of the Notice to Proceed until final completion and acceptance of the project by the Contracting Officer.

b. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all onsite activities, equipment, and facilities constructed by the Contractor, subcontractor, or supplier conform fully to the standards of the Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926 and 1910; and DOI policies.

c. Comply with all applicable Federal, State and local safety requirements. In the event where any safety standard referenced herein conflicts with another, the more stringent shall govern.

d. Initiate and maintain, throughout the performance of this contract, an effective health and safety program that provides adequate policies, procedures, and practices to protect workers from (and allow them to recognize) job-related health and safety hazards.

1. The program shall include provisions for the identification, evaluation, prevention and control of general work site hazards, specific job hazards, and potential hazards that may arise from foreseeable construction methods and conditions, as well as providing a competent person to conduct frequent and regular inspections.

2. Each employee (Contractor or subcontractor) must be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to the work environment.

e. Provide barricades and warning devices as necessary to safeguard the public, workers, and government personnel. Where project work affects public roads, provide signage in accordance with the current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as published by the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

f. Rollover Protection and Seat Belts: In addition to the Safety and Health requirements of clause

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.236-13 of Part 2, Section I of this Contract, rollover protection and seat belts required by 29CFR 1926 (OSHA) shall be extended to include equipment regardless of the year of manufacturer.

2.10 COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION

a. The Contractor shall (during normal working hours throughout the duration of the contract) promptly furnish information, and provide reasonable facilities & access for obtaining information respecting: the character of the materials, condition of the work-in- progress, number of workers employed, their pay rate, time worked, inspection reports and test results from sampling and testing laboratories, and similar information

2.11 CONSTRUCTION QUALITY CONTROL (CQC)

a. Designate in writing a single person to oversee and manage on site quality control activities.

b. The Contractor is responsible for quality control of all project work including any sub-contracted work, and to submit thorough documentation that work fully complies with the construction documents and project permits.

c. Quality control processes include but are not limited to proactively:

1. Executing the project Construction Quality Control Plan.

2. Ensuring compliance with the construction documents and project permits.

3. Managing specialty subcontractors

4. Reviewing and processing samples, mock ups, shop drawings, and other construction submittals.

5. Ensuring that the workers have the appropriate expertise and proper equipment to perform the work.

6. Effectively utilizing third-party sampling & testing services (typically for earthwork gradation, compaction, concrete & asphalt testing, welding, pile driving, and other specialty inspections).

7. Initialize timely reviews and corrective actions to substrates prior to proceeding with subsequent work.

8. Timely involvement of industry specialists such as manufacturer representatives.

9. Managing system commissioning.

10. Training Government personnel in system operation & maintenance.

11. Providing timely Quality Control documentation.

12. Timely involvement of local authorities having jurisdiction.

d. Third-Party Sampling & Testing: On projects that entail third-party sampling and testing, the Contractor shall provide and pay for the services of an independent construction materials testing laboratory accredited by an acceptable laboratory accreditation authority;

or similar approved construction inspection specialty consultants.

e. Field-verify all dimensions and conditions prior to performing the work. Notify the COR of any conflicts.

f. Improvements shall be constructed in accordance with the product manufacturer’s written instructions and standards.

g. Improvements shall be constructed plumb, level, flat, even, and square; except explicitly approved otherwise to match existing conditions. Edges of abutting work shall be flush and even. Any seams in finish work shall be flush, flat, and securely adhered.

h. Finish work shall appear flawless to the casual observer and shall be free of readily noticeable imperfections.

i. All trade work shall be aligned parallel or perpendicular with the surrounding principal structure lines.

j. Flooring laminates and similar adhered-surfaces shall be securely adhered, and be free of high and/or low spots and seams well bonded.

k. Fasteners shall be concealed unless specified otherwise. Fasteners shall be aligned in neat rows and evenly spaced. Fasteners shall be non-rusting stainless steel, or as otherwise specified. Where a specific fastener type is not indicated, provide fasteners that are well suited to the application.

l. Painted work (each coat) shall appear neat, uniform in color and texture, well covered and free of runs, drips, sags, and over spray.

m. Welding shall be performed by licensed welders and in compliance with American Welding Society recommended practices, structurally sound, and shall be neat in appearance.

n. Moving devices shall operate freely and smoothly and align true.

o. Enclosed structures shall be weather-tight, secure, and highly rodent resistant.

p. Mechanical and electrical equipment/systems shall be adjusted to operate smoothly with the manufacturer’s operating parameters and be reasonably free of odor, vibration, and noise.

q. Electrical work shall comply with the National Electrical Code, or State Code of more stringent, to the satisfaction of the local authority having jurisdiction.

r. Electrical work shall be performed by state-licensed (by the state where the project is located) electricians who are licensed in the category of electrical being performed; photo-voltaic and telecommunications /data systems included.

s. Install electrical boxes and wiring concealed in walls, floors, and ceilings; except neat surface-mount raceway allowed in mechanical rooms, and other spaces if explicitly so indicated.

t. Wiring shall be copper conductors, except utility-owned conductors may be aluminum.

u. Telecommunication (included telephone, data, radio, TV, similar) systems shall comply with the Government Provided Telecommunication standards.

2.12 NOXIOUS WEED / SPECIES / PATHOGEN CONTROL

a. Wash any equipment (and transport trucks) at an approved site prior to entering the project area. This is particularly important when transporting material or equipment from relatively distant areas. Follow any other decontamination procedures required by the COR or as spelled out in the Statement of Work.

b. Ensure that any straw bales and seed mixes are certified “weed-free” and if feasible, are from the local area; submit documentation.

c. Any floating silt screens or similar construction aids shall be brand new (unused) or have been newly washed and disinfected; submit documentation.

2.13 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

a. General: Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. This condition applies to, but is not limited to, laws and regulations governing noise levels, air and water quality standards, erosion control, surface runoff, and cultural resources.

b. Hazardous Materials (if applicable): Perform any hazardous materials work in strict accordance with governing hazardous materials regulations. Immediately stop work if any unidentified hazardous materials are encountered and immediately notify the Inspector, COR or Contracting Officer. Restrict access to the area in question. Hazardous Materials (When Applicable):

i. Prior to mobilizing onto the site, the Construction Contractor shall submit a

Hazardous Materials Handling & Disposal Plan. The Plan shall:

ii. Be prepared by persons with specialized hazardous-materials education, training, and experience. Submit current copies of required certifications.

iii. Have possession and submit copies of any permits required or a schedule of when all permits will be obtained. If the permits cannot be obtained by the contractor submit information on type of permit and agency to contact to obtain the permit.

iv. Describe the project-specific work methods & schedule.

v. Identify the independent third-party monitoring and testing firm responsible to monitor the work in progress.

vi. Describe the project-specific monitoring methods & schedule.

vii. Identify any disposal facilities by name, location, and include a copy of their current operating license.

c. Concurrent with actual hazardous-materials handling, submit (each week) the daily construction reports (prepared by an accredited independent third-party hazardous material sampling & testing firm) detailing the:

i. Location and amount of hazardous-material work performed.

ii. Safety measures utilized to safeguard workers and the environment.

iii. Date, type, quantity, packaging, shipper, and destination of any hazardous material transported off site.

iv. Receipts/waste manifests (indicating date, type quantity, packaging, and shipper) of any hazardous materials received by a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility.

v. Upon completion of the work submit laboratory test results indicating that the work is free of regulated quantities of hazardous materials in accordance with requirements of the hazardous material(s) being abated.

d. Erosion & Spills: Provide effective erosion control and spill containment measures at the earliest feasible stage of construction, and regularly inspect and maintain the in effective working order. Promptly stop work in area(s) of any ineffective erosion control / spill containment measures.

e. Spill Kit: Have suitable spill containment kits readily available to the work site and ensure that the workers are proficient using the kits in a timely manner.

f. Unsuitable Equipment: Promptly remove from service any equipment that is not in sound mechanical condition, or that is leaking fluid beyond what can be effectively managed with absorbent mats.

g. Vegetable-Based Hydraulics: Unless explicitly approved otherwise, dedicated onsite equipment operating near or over water bodies (or sensitive habitat) shall be equipped with vegetable-base hydraulic fluids. Consider alternates such as propane, electric, or air pneumatics.

h. Transient Equipment: Unless indicated otherwise, transient equipment (that is free of noticeable leaks) may utilize conventional hydraulic fluids; typical for trucks importing or exporting materials and equipment to/from off-site sources.

i. Fueling & Maintenance: Fuel and maintain equipment well away from water bodies and sensitive habitat.

j. Pumps & Generators: Where feasible, pumps and generators operating over (or in close proximity to) water bodies or sensitive habitat shall be propane-electric.

k. Concrete: Clean out concrete trucks at an approved off-site location unless explicitly approved otherwise.

l. Dust: Utilize effective means to prevent generation of wind borne dust (typically watering or application of other approved dust control measures) and to prevent sediment from leaving the work site and/or entering storm sewers and water bodies.

m. Damage: Protect adjacent vegetation, property, structures, and improvements from damage.

n. Load-Limits: Heavy equipment operated on DOI and FS roads and parking areas shall comply with highway-legal load limits unless explicitly approved otherwise.

o. Vegetation: Clearing limits and working limits are as shown on the drawings and approved in the field. Do not remove any trees without prior COR field review and approval. If no clearing limits are indicated, contact the COR for clarification.

2.14 CULTURAL RESOURCES

a. Immediately stop work if paleontological, archaeological or historical remains (including burials or skeletal material) are encountered, immediately stop the work and notify the Inspector, COR, or Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will notify the Regional Archaeologist so the provisions of 36 CFR 800.7 (Resourced Discovered During Construction) and other relevant laws are followed. Work will cease in the immediate vicinity until permitted to resume by written order from the Contracting Officer. Work in other areas may proceed as approved by the Contracting Officer.

2.15 WORK LIMITS & CLEARING LIMITS

a. Work Limits: Unless approved otherwise, confine all construction equipment and disturbance with the work limits that typically include out-to-out top edge of access roads, parking areas, and staging areas; and no more than 6 feet beyond top-of-cut and toe-of-fill for earthwork; 15 feet each side of utility centerlines, and within 40 feet of structures on which work is being performed.

b. Clearing Limits: Unless approved otherwise, remove all trees, shrubs, and similar vegetative matter and deleterious material within 10 feet beyond the footprint of the Work; or as shown on the drawings.

2.16 CLEANUP

a. Keep the work site and staging areas reasonably free from trash and construction waste/debris.

b. Upon Substantial Completion of the Work, promptly remove any debris, materials, equipment, and tools, temporary facilities; and restore any areas disturbed by the Work to their preconstruction condition.

c. Typically rake and seed (and/or hydro mulch) any disturbed ground areas.

d. Power-wash any soiled asphalt and concrete areas.

e. Restore any access roads to their pre-construction condition or better; as necessary blade-and-shape any unpaved roads. This work may entail watering, processing and compacting the road surface and similar work.

2.17 CONSTRUCTION WASTE

a. Minimize creation of construction, deconstruction, and demolition waste.

b. Minimize factors that contribute to waste such as over-packaging, improper storage, ordering error, poor planning, breakage, mishandling, and contamination.

c. Develop a Waste Management Plan to ensure any existing or new materials/equipment/substances are properly characterized, reused, salvaged, recycled, and/or disposed of.

1. Any regulated quantities of hazardous materials shall be disposed of at disposal facilities specifically licensed to accept hazardous waste. See also Hazardous Material requirements in the TECHNICAL PROCEDURES section of this document

2. Divert at least 50 percent of the total project waste from landfills.

3. Dispose of any materials (that not salvaged, reused, or recycled) in a legal manner off-site, in licensed disposal facilities.

2.18 RECORD DRAWINGS (see also Closeout Documents)

a. Maintain one set of working drawings and specifications, for record purposes, on the project site while work is in progress.

b. Clearly and accurately record the as-constructed work in red; include modifications and clarifications.

c. Record swing-tie distances from permanent points to any underground items.

2.19 MATERIAL & EQUIPMENT TRANSPORTATION, HANDLING, AND STORAGE

a. Contactor shall have a representative on site to receive material deliveries, and the contractor shall remain responsible for all material deliveries whether or not their representative is on site at the time of delivery or not.

b. Government owned equipment is not available for Contractor’s use to accomplish any Work.

c. Transport, handle, and store materials and equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions, and in a secure manner.

d. Promptly remove from the project site any materials or equipment that are damaged or are otherwise unsuitable.

e. Government buildings and other facilities are not available for storage of Contractor’s materials, equipment, and tools.

2.20 HOUSING AND TEMPORARY FACILITIES

a. Housing for workers and campsites are not available on site unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the project-specific SOW.

b. The Contractor shall furnish all temporary facilities and utilities needed including heat, light, power, water, telephone, sanitary facilities, job offices, material handling equipment, temporary construction aids, and storage enclosures; except if suitable water, sanitation facilities or adequate electricity is present at the site, it may be used for construction purposes at no cost if it does not adversely impact the operations of the station.

c. The Contractor is responsible for all temporary connections and disconnections.

2.21 WORK HOURS & PROGRESS SCHEDULE

a. On-site construction work hours shall be within the normal business hours-of-operation for that facility as noted in the project specific SOW, except federal holidays, unless approved otherwise.

b. Provide a well-annotated Project Schedule in electronic pdf format (or other approved format).

Every two weeks submit a revised schedule if actual work progress differs from the schedule.

2.22 COMMISSIONING & TRAINING

a. Provide industry-certified commissioning specialties (preferably firms recommended by the systems manufacturers) to oversee and/or perform system commissioning; to include start up, adjustment, balancing, measurement and documentation that systems function within the manufacturer’s and designer’s prescribed operating parameters.

b. Include the commissioning documentation in (and submit) the Operation & Maintenance

Manuals.

c. Training: After the systems are fully functional and are operating properly, thoroughly familiarize the local Government staff with the improvements and train them to be proficient in overall system operation and maintenance.

d. Tools and Spare Parts: Deliver to the project site all specialty tools, valve handles, fan belts, filters, spare parts, keys and similar devices such that the Government staff is able to operate and maintain the work.

2.23 FINAL WALK THOUGH

a. Submit a preliminary list of unfinished work and notify the COR at least ten calendar days prior to the anticipated date of completion of all work.

b. The COR will perform final walk through as promptly as practicable.

c. The time required for such walk through and for making any corrections as a result thereof shall be included in the contract performance time.

d. The Contractor representative responsible for the work shall be present at the final walk through and shall submit a preliminary list of unfinished work.

2.24 CLOSEOUT DOCUMENTS

a. Operation and Maintenance Manuals:

i. Submit copies of Operation and Maintenance manuals in accordance with individual Task Order requirements.

ii. The manuals shall be clear, well organized, clearly indexed, tabbed, highlighted, tailored to the specific make, model, and wiring configuration of the systems; and shall include schedules and instructions for routine operation, trouble shooting, and periodic maintenance.

iii. Include complete parts lists keyed to suppliers; name, address, websites, email and telephone numbers for each.

iv. Include fully executed manufacturer’s standard material, product, and equipment warranties.

v. Include systems commissioning documentation in (and submit) the Operation & Maintenance Manuals.

b. LEED: Submit an annotated LEEDS list with the energy conservation elements actually incorporated into the project.

c. Submit any requested regulatory-agency clearance documents indicating the work complies with their requirements such as finalized plumbing/gas/electrical inspections.

d. After completion of the work and prior to final payment, submit a Release of Claims (Form

DI-137 provided by the Contracting Officer), properly executed by the Contractor, releasing claims against the United States arising out of this contract, other than claims specifically excepted from the operation of the release.

e. Record Drawings:

i. Submit a full-s ize paper-copy set of red-lined drawings and complete set of specifications that clearly indicates the as-constructed work.

ii. Submit an electronic pdf set of record drawings and one set of electronic AutoCAD.dwg drawings complete with the CTB plot file and fully compliant with individual task order drafting standards.

END