GSA 014000 Quality Assurance_Control FY15 Update Oct 1_2014.docx

Project Name Project Location PCN #

SECTION 014000 - QUALITY ASSURANCE & CONTROL REQUIREMENTS GUIDANCE

[Delete pages 1 & 2 after editing this section.] [Spec Writer: Remove blue text after editing spec. The intent of this Div 1; 014000 specification “Quality Assurance and Quality Control” is to layout responsibilities, purpose, formats and procedures of the independent testing and inspections (Quality Assurance), indicated further on in the Specifications or on the drawings, and for submittal of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan. This section is not for indicating particular tests or observations. The testing indicated in the technical Specifications (all divisions after Division 1) shall be done by an independent testing agency as part of a Quality Assurance program. The specified testing is not the quality control program for the Project.

THIS SECTION ASSUMES THE GSA WILL NOT BE SEPARATELY CONTRACTING FOR INDEPENDENT TESTING. EDIT THIS SECTION AS NECESSARY IF QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTING WILL BE BY SEPARATE CONTRACT FROM THE CONTRACTOR.

The Contractor remains completely responsible for the performance and characteristics of materials that are provided under this Contract whether or not they are part of the independent testing indicated in the Specifications. Avoid language that could detract from this direction. The Contractor will also be responsible, as indicated in this section, for the coordination and cooperation with the independent testing agency; providing access, conveyance, work areas and storage areas to the independent testing agency, and submitting/making payments to the testing agency as the Contractor’s subcontractor. Responsibilities also include, but are not limited to monitoring the Agency hours on site, the independent testing budget, and witnessing reports and conditions as necessary.

The A/E will determine the specifics of an independent testing program that meet the IBC Code and other industry standards requirements and amplify the requirements, where necessary; for the quality expected per P100, and the critical nature of the elements involved. The necessary references and standards shall be included in the technical specifications. The specifics of the independent testing will be included in a paragraph (titled: Quality Assurance) at the end of each of the related technical specifications. The A/E shall list the A/E or another qualified agency or design professional, as required, for special inspections and observations, per IBC Code or otherwise, in the technical Specifications or on the drawings, e.g., seismic element observations, curtain wall tests, mock-ups, etc.

EDIT THIS SECTION TO ADDRESS QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE INDEPENDENT TESTING AGENCY, REPORTING AND RECORDING PROCEDURES, RESPONSIBILITIES, REPORT FORMATS, ETC.

THIS IS A GENERIC SPECIFICATION IN THE FORMAT DETERMINED BY THE GSA AND MUST BE APPROPRIATELY EDITED AND COORDINATED BY THE A/E WITH ALL OF THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. REVISE THIS SECTION BY DELETING AND INSERTING TEXT TO MEET PROJECT SPECIFICS.

Typical Specification Editing Notes Specifications and drawing notes in the Contract Documents should be written as addressing the Contractor. The words Constructor, Contractor, CMc, etc., referring to the party who is under contract with the GSA for construction, should be avoided as it is implied. If unavoidable, coordinate the phrasing with the CO, PM and COR. Use the term ‘CONTRACTOR’, if necessary, until the review with GSA is accomplished.

The following terms are used in this specification format. Do not use others unless directed by the CO.

1. A/E – The contracted professional architectural or engineering firm(s) and their consultants that are responsible for preparing the Contract Documents for the GSA.

2. GSA – The Owner’s agent for the project. Do not use the terms Owner, Government, CO, PM, COR, etc. or Federal Agencies.

3. If off-site coordination is necessary with local authorities having jurisdiction (Local AHJ), e.g., fire department, utility provider, etc., be as specific as possible in describing the particular authority.

Comments and information in borders or boxes are intended to assist the A/E in preparing and fully coordinating the specification with the PM and COR for this specific project. These comments and information are not a guideline, textbook, handbook, training manual, or substitute for the technical competence expected of the design professional contracted for the preparation of the Contract Documents.

While specification sections are being submitted to the GSA for review, any changes shall be clearly marked or ‘tracked’ using electronic format. Draw a line through language to be removed and retain comments, in borders or boxes, in the specifications until the Contract Documents are ready for issued to Contractors. Confirm the timing of deleting the crossed-out language and comments with PM and COR.]

[Div 1 Reviewer/Writer Instructions: 1. Turn ON Show/Hide feature in the Home tab to see any hidden instructions that may be embedded in each specification. Turn OFF after completing your final version. 2. Comments in [ ] are guidance for AE spec. writers to consider during the design phase. Delete in final version.]

SECTION 014000 - QUALITY ASSURANCE & CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL

SUMMARY

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

[DELETE the following 2 sentences if 014050 or 014100 are not necessary. Retain if quality requirements must go beyond typical Quality Assurance scope, special inspections or involve coordination between several subcontractors similar to air barrier testing.] See section 014050 Systems Quality Control for additional requirements.

See section 014100 Structural Inspection Services for additional Structural requirements See section 017310 Cutting and Patching for repair of work in place.

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.

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

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

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

In order to provide for a measure of the Contractor’s quality control, the Government, 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.

To the extent that the Contractor fails or otherwise refuses or neglects to develop, implement, or provide for all quality control and related processes, the Government 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.

[If applicable: As part of the solicitation, Project Team must provide information to the contractor on any quality control the government is paying for (separately from the Contract Documents) to avoid duplication of costs and services.] Quality assurance and quality control include tests, inspections and related actions, including reports, performed by the Contractor, manufacturers, independent agencies or governing authorities.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

Field Quality Control Testing is done on site.

1.2 Testing and Inspection Reports: The Contractor the Contractor’s testing agency(ies) and the Agency, where they perform the services, shall submit a certified written report in ePM of each test, inspection or other quality control service using the workflow process of ePM. Maintain a log both of accepted and rejected reports including corrective actions taken and date of retesting and compliance. Paper Copies: In addition to uploading report copies to ePM, the Agency shall also send certified copies of test and inspection reports as specified to the following parties:

a. [x] or 2 copies to the Government.

b. [x] or 2 copies to the [CM or Contractor]

c. [x] or 2 copies to the A/E

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

Date of issue.

Project title and number.

Name, address, and telephone number of testing agency.

Dates and locations of samples and tests or inspections.

Names of individuals making the test or inspection.

Designation of the work and test method.

Identifications of product and specification section.

Complete test or inspection data.

Test results and an interpretation of test results.

Ambient conditions at the time of sample taking and testing.

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

Name and signature of laboratory inspector.

Recommendations on retesting.

2. 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.

3. 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 Government 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 the Government for GSA's 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 the Government, any of the work of the Contractor that does not appear to conform to requirements, the Contractor shall make the tests that the Government 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.

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.

The agency shall not perform any duties of the Contractor.

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.

The Agency shall certify the test results and observations.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

The Agency shall attend preconstruction 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.

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

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.

Only the GSA can modify the Agency’s scope.

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

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

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

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT TESTING AGENCY (AGENCY) AND CONTRACTOR TESTING AGENCIES 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 jurisdiction where project is located.

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.

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

CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

Contractor's Quality-Control Plan: Submit within 5 days from NTP for quality-control activities and responsibilities. Submit in electronic format and upload to ePM. Identify personnel, procedures, controls, instructions, tests, records, and forms to be used to carry out Contractor's quality-control responsibilities. Coordinate with the construction schedule. The procedures, controls, inspections, and tests shall be indicated by specification section and shall include the specific actions that the Contractor’s QC team will take to verify compliance of the work with the specifications and drawings.

Quality-Control Personnel Qualifications: Engage qualified full-time personnel trained and experienced in managing and executing quality-assurance and quality-control procedures similar in nature and extent to those indicated in the Specifications.

[Capital Projects must have an independent QC Manager; small projects may be able to have a dual role.] Provide a project quality-control manager, who may also serve as Project Superintendent.

Submittal Procedure: Describe procedures for ensuring compliance with requirements through review and management of submittal process. Indicate qualifications of personnel responsible for submittal review.

Describe process for continuous inspection during construction to identify and correct deficiencies in workmanship. Indicate types of corrective actions to be required to bring work into compliance with standards established by the Contract requirements and approved mock-ups.

Provide reports per Section 1.2 Testing and Inspection Reports, above.

Other Reports 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:

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

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

Statement that products at Project site comply with requirements.

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

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

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

Other required items indicated in individual Specification Sections.

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:

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

Statement that equipment complies with requirements.

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

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

Other required items indicated in individual Specification Sections.

Permits, Licenses, and Certificates: For the Government'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.

PRODUCTS (Not applicable)

EXECUTION

REPAIR AND PROTECTION

Upon completion of testing, inspection, sample taking and other quality control services, repair damaged construction and restore substrates and finishes to like new conditions. Comply with the requirements of the Contract Document, including Division 1 Section "Cutting and Patching."

Protect construction exposed by or for quality control service activities, and protect repaired construction. Cleaning, repair and protection of testing areas is the Contractor's responsibility, regardless of the assignment of responsibility for testing, inspection or other quality control or assurance services.

END OF SECTION 014000

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