GSA 01 40 00 QUALITY ASSURANCE QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.docx

Eagle Pass I & II Land Port of Entry BRIC Eagle Pass, Texas Kahua #352

Santa Teresa Land Port of Entry BRIC Santa Teresa, New Mexico Kahua #353

SECTION 01 40 00 - QUALITY ASSURANCE & QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS DB v

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. This section includes administrative and procedural requirements for quality assurance and quality control services.

1. Refer to GSA FY23 01 40 50 SYSTEM QUALITY CONTROL for additional requirements.

2. Refer to GSA FY23 01 41 00 STRUCTURAL TESTING LABORATORY SERVICES for additional Structural requirements

3. Refer to GSA FY23 01 73 10 CUTTING & PATCHING for repair of work in place.

B. Quality Assurance & Control: The Contractor is solely responsible for developing, implementing, and providing for all quality control and related processes in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan to ensure that all parts of the project meet or exceed all of the requirements as set forth in the Contract Documents.

1. The testing and inspections indicated in the Specifications (Testing) is a spot checking program identified by the Contractor’s AE per design or building code requirements, performed by an Independent Testing Agency (Agency), and is not intended as a portion of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan.

2. The presence of the Agency shall in no way relieve the Contractor of their obligation to perform the work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

3. The Testing indicated in the Specifications cannot be used to refute conditions of suspected poor quality noticed in the field.

4. In order to provide for a measure of the Contractor’s quality control, the GSA, either with its own employees or contractors, may [continuously] monitor the Contractor’s quality control and related processes. This monitoring is not a part of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan.

5. To the extent that the Contractor fails or otherwise refuses or neglects to develop, implement, or provide for all quality control and related processes, GSA may, in addition to any other available remedies under the Contract, elect to perform quality assurance beyond that indicated in the Specifications and charge the Contractor for any and all costs related thereto.

C. Quality assurance and quality control include tests, inspections and related actions, including reports, performed by the Contractor, manufacturers, independent agencies or governing authorities.

1. These testing and inspection services are required for products, customized fabrication and installation procedures as well as for items to be designed by the Contractor.

2. Product testing shall be done by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) and National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), or other GSA approved testing facility.

D. The independent quality assurance testing and inspection (Testing) requirements for individual construction materials and activities are included in the Specification sections that specify those construction materials and activities.

E. Mock-ups: Full-size physical assemblies that are constructed on-site unless otherwise directed by GSA. Mock-ups are constructed to verify selections made under Sample submittals; to demonstrate aesthetic effects as well as qualities of materials and execution; to review sequencing, coordination, testing, or operation; to show interface between dissimilar materials; and to demonstrate compliance with specified installation tolerances. Mock-ups may be done on the interior or exterior. Mock-ups are not Samples. Approved mock-ups establish the standard by which the Work will be judged. Mock-ups to be performed by the trade individuals performing or directly supervising work on the final project, to aid in the knowledge transfer of any lessons learned during the mock-up.

F. Definitions

1. Source Quality Control Testing is done at the product source.

2. Field Quality Control Testing is done on site.

1.2 TESTING AND INSPECTION REPORTS

A. The Contractor’s testing agency(ies) and the Agency, where they perform the services, shall submit a certified written report in PMIS of each test, inspection or other quality control service using the workflow process of PMIS. Maintain a log both of accepted and rejected reports including corrective actions taken and date of retesting and compliance.

B. Manufacturer's Technical Representative's Field Reports: Prepare written information documenting manufacturer's technical representative's tests and inspections specified in other Sections. Include the following:

1. Date of issue

2. Project title and number

3. Name, address, and telephone number of the technical representative making the report.

4. Designation of the work and test method.

5. Identifications of product and specification section.

6. Dates and locations of samples and tests or inspections.

7. Ambient conditions at the time of sample taking and testing

8. Statement on condition of substrates and their acceptability for installation of product.

9. Statement that products at Project site comply with requirements.

10. Summary of installation procedures being followed, whether they comply with requirements and, if not, what corrective action was taken.

11. Results of operational and other tests and a statement of whether observed performance complies with requirements.

12. Statement if conditions, products, and installation will affect warranty.

13. Other required items indicated in individual Specification Sections.

14. Certify whether tested or inspected Work complies with Contract Document requirements.

15. Name and signature of laboratory inspector.

16. Recommendations on retesting.

C. Factory-Authorized Service Representative's Reports: Prepare written information documenting manufacturer's factory-authorized service representative's tests and inspections specified in other Sections. Include the following:

1. Name, address, and telephone number of factory-authorized service representative making report.

2. Statement that equipment complies with requirements.

3. Summary of installation procedures being followed, whether they comply with requirements and, if not, what corrective action was taken.

4. Results of operational and other tests and a statement of whether observed performance complies with requirements.

5. Certify whether tested or inspected Work complies with Contract Document requirements

6. Statement if conditions, products, and installation will affect warranty.

7. Other required items indicated in individual Specification Sections.

8. Recommendations on retesting.

D. Permits, Licenses, and Certificates: For the GSA's records, submit copies of permits, licenses, certifications, inspection reports, releases, jurisdictional settlements, notices, receipts for fee payments, judgments, correspondence, records, and similar documents, established for compliance with standards and regulations bearing on performance of the Work.

E. Testing and inspection reports shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Complete test or inspection data.

F. All quality operations shall within 24 hours notify, by personal contact and written notice, GSA's representative and the Contractor of irregularities or deficiencies observed in the Work during performance of their services.

G. All quality operations shall maintain a log of all their tests and inspections and a separate log of those that do not conform to the requirements of the Contract Documents. Both logs shall be published and reviewed weekly with the Contractor and the GSA and/or at the weekly meeting.

1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Contractor Responsibilities: Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the Contractor shall provide the quality control services including those required by local jurisdictions.

1. Obtain copies of applicable codes, standards, procedures, regulations, etc. relative to materials, procedures, testing and inspection on the Project and make those available at the Project site for reference.

B. Contractor shall submit each testing agency's firm name, and credentials to perform the specified services, to GSA's for approval at least 15 calendar days before scheduled inspections or tests.

C. Retesting: The Contractor is responsible for retesting, including repeated inspections and other services, where results of the initial quality control services indicate noncompliance. The Contractor shall be responsible for the Agency or an equally qualified agency for these services. If the Agency does not provide the retesting or inspection, the Contractor shall be responsible for having the Agency observe the testing and inspection work.

1. Tests for Suspected Deficient Work: If in the opinion of GSA, any of the work of the Contractor that does not appear to conform to requirements, the Contractor shall make the tests that the GSA deems advisable to determine its conformance to the Contract Documents.

2. The government shall pay the costs if the tests prove the suspected work to be satisfactory.

D. Associated Services: The Contractor shall cooperate with others, including the Agency, performing tests, inspections and other quality services, and shall provide reasonable auxiliary services as requested. Contractor shall notify the testing and inspection entities sufficiently in advance of operations to permit their timely assignment of personnel. Auxiliary services include but are not limited to the following:

1. Provide access to the work and all documents (Contract documents, shop drawings, product data, Contractor and Sub-Contractor testing and inspections, etc.).

2. Furnish incidental labor and facilities necessary to facilitate inspections and tests.

3. Provide adequate quantities of representative samples of materials that require testing or assist the agency in taking samples.

4. Provide facilities for storage and curing of test samples and equipment.

5. Deliver samples to testing laboratories.

6. Provide security and protection of samples and test equipment at the Project site.

E. Duties of the Independent Testing Agency (Agency): The Agency engaged to perform tests, inspections and other quality services shall cooperate with GSA's representative and the Contractor in performance of the Agency's duties.

1. The Agency shall provide qualified personnel to perform required inspections and tests.

2. The Agency shall provide certifications and a list of personnel assigned to each portion of the work.

3. The Agency is not authorized to release, revoke, alter or enlarge requirements of the Contract Documents or approve or accept any portion of the Work.

4. The agency shall not perform any duties of the Contractor.

5. The Testing Agency’s proposal shall contain the outlined Testing based on a unit price basis for tests and inspections and on an hourly basis for personnel.

6. The Agency shall certify the test results and observations.

7. The Agency shall interpret whether or not their results and observations meet specified Project requirements.

8. The Agency shall submit reports per Section: Testing and Inspection Reports, above.

9. The Agency shall maintain logs per Section: Testing and Inspection Reports, above.

10. The Agency shall review the applicable certificates of the Contractor’s personnel to verify the validity and current status of the certificate.

11. For construction personnel without necessary certificates, the Agency shall oversee the certification process of construction personnel to ensure their qualifications to perform the specified duties. The Contractor shall be responsible to the Agency for these services.

12. The Agency shall obtain and review the project plans and specifications with the Government as soon as possible prior to the start of construction.

13. The Agency shall attend pre construction conferences to coordinate materials inspection and testing requirements with the planned construction schedule. The Agency shall participate in such conferences where the Testing is indicated throughout the course of the project.

F. Independent Testing Agency Payment: The Contractor shall obtain and include the Agency’s cost in the Contract Sum.

1. The Contractor shall submit payments for the Agency, track the Agency’s budget and keep the GSA informed on projected Agency costs and remaining budget.

2. Only the GSA can modify the Agency’s scope.

G. Coordination: The Contractor shall coordinate the sequence of activities to accommodate required services with a minimum of delay.

1. Activities shall be coordinated to avoid the necessity of removing and replacing construction to accommodate inspections and tests.

2. The Contractor shall be responsible for scheduling times for inspections, tests, taking samples and similar activities.

1.4 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT TESTING AGENCY (AGENCY) AND CONTRACTOR TESTING AGENCIES A. A qualified independent testing agency shall be an accredited entity engaged to perform tests and inspections, both at the Project site or elsewhere and to report on and to interpret results of those tests or inspections. Testing agencies shall be acceptable to GSA and the Agency shall be authorized by authorities having jurisdiction to operate in the jurisdiction where the project is located.

B. Unless other accreditation is specifically specified in the applicable individual section, each testing agency shall be prequalified as complying with the American Council of Independent Laboratories "Recommended Requirements for Independent Laboratory Qualifications", or shall be recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in accordance with 29 CFR Part 1910.7 to test and approve equipment or materials for their safe intended use. Each testing agency shall specialize in the types of tests and inspections to be performed.

C. Testing agencies shall be authorized by authorities having jurisdiction to operate in the jurisdiction where the project is located. Testing agency qualifications: NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) per 29 CFR 1910.7, and NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) per NIST., and documented per ASTM 329 and is acceptable to GSA

1.5 CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

A. The Contractor shall submit a written Quality Control Plan to the Contracting Officer for approval. The Plan shall explain the Contractor's internal quality assurance programs, procedures, and methods. The plan shall include a description of their process for vetting and selecting subcontractors, vendors and suppliers. The plan shall also include methods of controlling procurement sources and those of subcontractors to ensure that each purchase meets the specified quality requirements. The plan shall explain how quality is maintained throughout their process for purchasing, shipping/receiving inspection, inventory control, material storage, and material handling.

B. After the Preconstruction Conference, before the start of any construction, and prior to acceptance by the Government of the CQC Plan, the Contractor shall meet with the Contracting Officer to discuss the Contractor's proposed CQC Plan. During the meeting, a mutual understanding of the plan details shall be developed, including administration of the plan for both onsite and offsite work, and the interrelationship of the Contractor's Quality Control with the Government's Quality Assurance. Minutes of the meeting shall be prepared by the Contractor and signed by both the Contractor and the Contracting Officer. Items and understandings agreed to at this meeting shall be integrated into the CQC plan. There may be occasions when subsequent conferences will be called by either party to reconfirm mutual understandings and/or address deficiencies in the CQC plan or procedures which may require corrective action by the Contractor.

1. Content of the Construction Quality Control (CQC) Plan: The CQC Plan shall include, as a minimum, the following to cover all construction operations, both onsite and offsite, including work by subcontractors, fabricators, suppliers, and purchasing agents:

a. A description of the quality control organization, including a chart showing lines of authority, responsibilities of personnel, and coordination lines of responsibility for CQC personnel not under direct control of the Contractor.

b. The staff shall include a CQC Manager (CQCM) who shall be on-site at all times during construction. The QCCM shall be trained and experienced in managing and executing quality-assurance and quality-control procedures similar in nature and extent to those indicated in the Specifications.

c. The CQCM may not perform other duties that are not related to quality control. An alternate CQCM to act in the CQCM's absence shall be provided and shall have equal responsibility and authority as the CQCM.

d. The name, qualifications (in resume format), duties, responsibilities and authorities of each person assigned a CQC function.

e. Letter of Authority to the CQCM signed by an authorized official of the firm which describes the responsibilities and delegates sufficient authorities to adequately perform the functions of the CQCM, including authority to stop work which is not in compliance with the contract.

f. Procedures for scheduling, reviewing, certifying, and managing submittals, including those of subcontractors, offsite fabricators, suppliers, and purchasing agents. These procedures shall be in accordance with Section 013300 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES.

g. Procedures for control, verification, and acceptance testing for each specific test to include the test name, specification paragraph requiring test, feature of work to be tested, test frequency, and person responsible for each test.

h. Procedures for implementing and tracking preparatory, initial, and follow-up control phases and control, verification, and acceptance tests including documentation.

i. A list of the definable features of work. A definable feature of work is a task which is separate and distinct from other tasks, has separate control requirements, and may be identified by different trades or disciplines, or it may be work by the same trade in a different environment. Although each section of the specifications may generally be considered as a definable feature of work, there are frequently more than one definable features under a particular section.

j. Procedures for tracking construction deficiencies from identification through acceptable corrective action. These procedures shall establish verification that identified deficiencies have been corrected.

k. Procedures for procuring, tracking, receiving, acceptance of materials and work delivered to the project, including identification of non-conforming materials, tracking, and disposition.

l. Identification of Independent Certifying and Testing Laboratories.

m. Appendix including all forms and report formats to be used in implementing the CQC Plan.

n. Procedures for notification of and coordination with Government Quality Assurance personnel.

C. The Contractor shall be responsible for their own internal inspections to ensure quality and adherence to the contract documents. The Contractor shall be responsible for all inspections and tests, and the accompanying documentation for each inspection and test specified in the contract documents. The Contractor shall utilize independent inspection and testing laboratories or services where specified and as approved by the Contracting Officer.

D. The Government reserves the right to procure the services of a third-party Inspector to represent the Government's interests in the project. The inspector's responsibility will be to determine if the Contractor has adhered to the contract documents including all drawings and specifications.

E. The Contractor shall coordinate all work to incorporate third party and other inspections.

F. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer at least 48 hours prior to scheduled inspections and tests.

G. When Contractor suspends work for five calendar days or longer prior to completion, notify the Contracting Officer. Do not resume work without notification of the Contracting Officer.

H. The Contractor's program is subject to continuous evaluation, review, and verification by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor will be notified in writing of any noncompliance and will be given five calendar days to correct identified deficiencies.

PART 2 PRODUCTS (Not applicable)

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 THREE PHASE QUALITY CONTROL

A. Construction Quality Control (CQC) is the means by which the Contractor ensures that the construction, to include that of subcontractors and suppliers, complies with the requirements of the contract. Three phases of control shall be conducted by the Contractor for each definable feature of work.

B. Preparatory Phase

1. This phase shall be performed by the Contractor prior to beginning work on each definable feature of work, after all required plans/documents/materials are approved/accepted, by the Contracting Officer, and after copies are at the work site. This shall include:

a. A review of each paragraph of applicable specifications.

b. A review of the contract and shop drawings.

c. A check to assure that all materials and/or equipment have been tested, submitted, and approved.

d. Review of provisions that have been made to provide required control inspection and testing.

e. Examination of the work area to assure that all required preliminary work has been completed and is in compliance with the contract.

f. A physical examination of required materials, equipment, and sample work to assure that they are on hand, conform to approved shop drawings or submitted data, and are properly stored.

g. A review of the appropriate activity hazard analysis to assure safety requirements are met.

h. Discussion of procedures for controlling quality of the work including repetitive deficiencies. Document construction tolerances and workmanship standards for that feature of work.

i. Discussion of the Initial Phase.

j. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer at least 48 hours in advance of beginning the preparatory control phase. This phase shall include a meeting conducted by the CQCM and attended by the Superintendent, other CQC personnel. The results of the preparatory phase actions shall be documented by separate minutes prepared by the CQCM and attached to the daily CQC report. The Contractor shall instruct applicable workers as to the acceptable level of workmanship required in order to meet contract specification.

C. Initial Phase

1. This phase shall be accomplished by the Contractor at the beginning of a definable feature of work. The following shall be accomplished:

a. A check of work to ensure that it is in full compliance with contract requirements. Review minutes of the preparatory meeting.

b. Verify adequacy of controls to ensure full contract compliance. Verify required control inspection and testing.

c. Establish level or workmanship and verify that it meets minimum acceptable workmanship standards. Compare with required sample panels as appropriate.

d. Resolve all differences.

e. Check safety to include compliance with and upgrading of the safety plan and activity hazard analysis. Review the activity analysis with each worker.

f. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer at least 24 hours in advance of beginning the initial phase. Separate minutes of this phase shall be prepared by the CQCM and attached to the daily CQC report. Exact location of initial phase shall be indicated for future reference and comparison with follow-up phases.

g. The initial phase should be rated for each new crew to work onsite, or any time acceptable specified quality standards are not being met.

D. Follow-up Phase

1. Daily checks shall be performed by the Contractor to assure control activities, including control testing, are providing continued compliance with contract requirements, until completion of the particular feature of work. The checks shall be made a matter of record in the CQC documentation. Final follow-up checks shall be conducted, and all deficiencies corrected prior to the start of additional features of work which may be affected by the deficient work. The Contractor shall not build upon nor conceal non-conforming work.

END OF SECTION 01 40 00

June 17, 2025 QUALITY ASSURANCE & QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS 01 40 00 - Page 2 of 2