General_Engineering_Requirements_Construction.doc

USFWS General Engineering Requirements for Small Projects

USFWS Region 1 & Region 8

GENERAL ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS

PART 1

GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE

a. This document contains technical requirements for design and construction of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service infrastructure projects in Region 1 & Region 8 (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada, Hawaii & other Pacific Islands).

b. These requirements supplement the project-specific Work Statement requirements. 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 REQUIRMENTS

a. Provide infrastructure that fulfills the programmatic need of the USFWS, is safe, well-integrated into the landscape, relatively easy and low cost to operate and maintain; that is of high quality, durability, and functionality; and is within the price range indicated in the project-specific Work Statement.

b. Conduct site visits, and working meetings, conference calls, and other activities as necessary to accomplish the work in a timely and efficient manner.

1.3 INQUIRIES

a. Direct any questions in writing to the Regional Engineer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181. Phone: (503) 231-2047.

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 and to the level necessary to describe design intent and scope of work.

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 a the USFWS 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.

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

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

Engineer means Owner’s Representative/ Point of Contact

Government means Owner, Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative, or U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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.

Open Book Accounting is the allowance of the government to have free and open access to any financial and accounting documents that the Contractor has, associated with the project being designed and constructed.

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

Point of Contact (POC) shall be as noted on invitation to bid.

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

Schedule is the estimated time required to complete the scope of work, including all punch list items.

USFWS means United States Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.

1.4

PROJECT LOCATION & ACCESS

a. Project locations will be indicated in the project-specific Work Statements or as noted above.

1. Some projects may be located in remote areas where construction materials and supplies are limited in quantity and variety, and where opportunities to use local labor may be limited in quantity and specialty.

b. Access: The Contractor shall identify suitable access routes to the work site(s) that are agreeable to the USFWS refuge / hatchery project leader.

1. Any roads, parking lots, trails, and walkways subject to interference by the work shall be kept open in a manner that provides for safe public use.

1.5

TECHNICAL PROCEDURES

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

b. Hazardous Materials:

1. Concurrent with the construction services and demolition services

i. Provide the services of an independent third-party hazardous materials sampling and testing laboratory (that is licensed by the state in which the project is located) to prepare and submit a report indicating the type, quantity, and location of any project-specific hazardous materials.

ii. Provide the services of persons (having suitable hazardous material education, training, and experience) to determine and specify the appropriate project-specific handling and disposal methods (including any in-place encapsulation or similar mitigation).

2. Prior to mobilizing onto the site, the Construction Contractor shall submit a Materials Handling & Disposal Plan. The Plan shall:

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

c. Safety: Perform code reviews and ensure the design & construction complies with the USFWS manual, 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, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, International Building Code, Uniform Building, 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. Submit the findings of any code reviews.

3. Submit a construction safety plan for each project.

1.6

SUBMITTALS

a. Obtain an electronic submittal transmittal sheet from the COTR. 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 COTR and/or the USFWS designated engineering point-of-contact.

1. Deliver any color renderings, samples, finish samples, and mock ups directly to the USFWS field station and COTR.

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

3. Record highlights of any design/construction meetings and conference calls, and email the notes to the COTR person.

4. Construction Schedule: The Contractor shall furnish the Engineer the proposed work schedule within 15 days after award of contract. He shall also advise the Engineer of revisions of the schedule as modifications may become necessary, or as may be required after commencement of work. Such outlines and revisions shall be in sufficient detail to enable the Engineer 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.

5. Payment Schedule: The Contractor shall furnish the Engineer (COR) a detailed payment schedule within 15 days of award of contract. This schedule shall be based upon the Contract Bidding Schedule but with sufficient additional detail to allow accurate calculation of the monthly progress payment. Lump sum bid items 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.

c. Permit Applications:

1. Route draft applications electronically for review.

2. Deliver final original paper copy permit application to the field station project leader and COR for signature via FedEx.

1.7

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

a. Authority of the Engineer: The Engineer, as the Contracting Officer's Representative, shall decide questions which may arise as to the quality and acceptability of materials furnished and work performed, the manner of performance, and the rate of progress and interpretation of the plans and specifications, but the Engineer has no authority to make a final decision on any matter which would be subject to appeal under the disputes clause of the contract.

b. Authority of Inspectors:

A. Inspectors employed by the Government will assist the Engineer in making all necessary inspections and measurements and will enforce a strict compliance with the terms of the contract and the orders of the Engineer. No decisions or instructions of an Inspector will at any time relieve the Contractor from the responsibility of complying fully with all the requirements of the contract. In cases of differences arising between an Inspector and the Contractor or his agent, appeal shall be taken to the Engineer with documents and directions by POC, contractor shall submit any cost adjustments in writing prior to commencing changes, for approval by the POC.

A. Inspectors are not authorized to waive or alter in any respect any of the terms or requirements of the contract, to make additional requirements, to grant extensions of time or delays, or to waive forfeitures. The Contractor shall not be entitled to payment for any work improperly performed with or without an POC Inspector's written approval

PART 3 CONSTRUCTION

3.1

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 and who is able to converse (read, write, and speak) fluent English.

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 contactors working at the project site.

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

3.2

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 and USFWS 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 3.3

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

3.4

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. Ensuring compliance with the construction documents and project permits.

2. Managing specialty subcontractors

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

4. Timely involvement of local authorities having jurisdiction.

d. Cut, fit, and shim materials as necessary to result in tight fit and finish work that is square, plumb, and true.

e. Field-verify all dimensions and conditions prior to performing the work. Notify the COTR 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 within 0.25 inches in 8 feet non-cumulative; 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 minimum two coats) 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 USFWS Regional 1 & Region 8 Telecommunication standards.

3.5 Noxious Weed / Specie / 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.

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.

3.6

ENVIRONMNTAL 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: Perform any hazardous materials work in strict accordance with governing hazardous materials regulations.

1. See also Hazardous Material requirements in the TECHNICAL PROCEDURES section of this document.

2. Workers shall be knowledgeable and well trained in the handling of project-specific hazardous materials.

c. Cultural Resources: Immediately stop work if paleontological, archaeological or historical remains (including burials or skeletal material) are encountered, immediately stop the work and notify the Inspector, COTR, 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.

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: Cleanout 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 USFWS 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 COTR field review and approval. If no clearing limits are indicated, contact the COTR for clarification.

p. Work Limits: Coordinate with the local USFWS staff to select a construction staging area(s). Construction equipment and operations shall be contained within the work limits and staging areas.

3.7

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 for this project.

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; and as shown on the drawings.

3.8 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.

3.9

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. 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.

3.10 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.

3.11

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.

3.12

HOUSING AND TEMPORARY FACILITIES

a. Housing for workers and campsites are not available on site unless explicitly indicated otherwise in the Task Order.

b. The government shall furnish all temporary facilities and utilities needed including heat, light, power, water, and sanitary facilities.

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

3.13

WORK HOURS & PROGRESS SCHEDULE

a. On-site construction work hours shall be within the normal business hours-of-operation for that facility; typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except federal holidays, unless approved otherwise.

b. Provide a Schedule in electronic Adobe.pdf format (or other approved format). Every two weeks, and submit a revised schedule if actual work progress differs from the schedule.

3.14

COMMISSIONING & TRAINING - NA

3.15

FINAL WALK THOUGH

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

b. The COTR 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.

3.16

CLOSEOUT DOCUMENTS

a. Operation and Maintenance Manuals:

i. Submit 3 copies of Operation and Maintenance manual (two to the USFWS field station and one electronic Adobe.pdf to the USFWS Regional Office Engineering).

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

c. Record Drawings:

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