Specifications.pdf

Solicitation Number:

PANNAD-25-P-0000 026875

HVAC Replacement, Building 14A

VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut

Construction Solicitation and Specifications

August 2025

HVAC Replacement Building 14A

VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven, Connecticut

STATEMENT OF WORK

A. General Description of the Work

1. Location and Background of Project. This project is located at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System campus located in West Haven, Connecticut.

2. Description of Work: The general description below is given to indicate the approximate scope of this project only. It does not limit the work required under the specifications.

The work of this project involves the replacement of four wall hung air conditioning units and associated items at Building 14A on the VA West Haven campus. The building involved has four identical HVAC units to be replaced by this contract. Building 14A will be user occupied during the work of the project. See Paragraph A.3 below for additional information concerning Contractor access and limitations to working within Building 14A

The existing units to be removed and disposed of by the Contractor each have a 3-ton cooling capacity, 67,500 BTU of gas heat, and are 208V single phase in power. The four associated thermostats shall also be replaced, in the same location as the existing thermostats, as specified below. The new units to be furnished and installed shall have the same capacities for cooling and heating as the existing units.

Units shall be connected to the existing gas service where the existing units are mounted. The scope of the gas piping replacement shall be only to the extent necessary to facilitate installation of the new units and new sediment traps and isolation valves. The existing ductwork, grilles, and diffusers shall be cleaned and only modified to the extent necessary to facilitate installation of new units. The new units shall be set to the same airflow (CFM) as the existing units to avoid rebalancing the existing supply air system. The Contractor shall also modify wall framing as necessary to mount the new ACUs to the exterior wall. The Contractor will be responsible for any necessary modifications to the existing walls to facilitate the removal and installation of new HVAC units. This includes, but is not limited to, modifying or repairing existing wall framing, interior wallboard and finishes, exterior sheathing and siding, interior ceiling finishes and all other associated adjacent existing construction required to be repaired.

Changes to the building framing system must be submitted by the Contractor for approval by the technical point of contact or Contracting Officer's Representative.

Attached at the end of the specifications is information pertaining to the existing units to be removed.

The thermostats must be multifunction devices incorporating a temperature sensor and all the following as specified below:

a. A temperature indicating device.

b. A User Input Device which must adjust a temperature setpoint output.

c. A two position User Input Switch labeled with ‘AUTO’ and ‘ON’ positions.

Clean the HVAC system using Source Removal mechanical cleaning methods designed to extract contaminants from within the HVAC system and safely remove contaminants from the facility. Select Source Removal methods which will render the HVAC System Visibly Clean. Use no cleaning method, or combination of methods, which could potentially damage components of the HVAC system or negatively alter the integrity of the system.

The Contractor shall cover with plastic sheeting or other suitable materials work areas and furnishings in all areas that will be affected by the cleaning operations. The coverings shall be in place prior to the start of cleaning, shall be removed at the end of each shift, and all areas cleaned back to prework conditions.

Incorporate the use of vacuum collection devices that are operated continuously during cleaning for all methods used. Connect a vacuum device to the downstream end of the section being cleaned through a predetermined opening. Use a vacuum collection device of sufficient power to render all areas being cleaned under negative pressure, such that containment of debris and the protection of the indoor environment is assured.

Equip all vacuum devices exhausting air inside the building, including hand-held vacuums and wet-vacuums, with HEPA filters (minimum efficiency).

Equip all vacuum devices exhausting air outside the facility with Particulate Collection including adequate filtration to contain Debris removed from the HVAC system, in a manner that does not allow contaminants to re-enter the facility. Release of debris outdoors which violates any outdoor environmental standards, codes or regulations is not allowed.

All methods require mechanical agitation devices to dislodge debris adhered to interior HVAC system surfaces, such that debris may be safely conveyed to vacuum collection devices. Acceptable methods include those which will not potentially damage the integrity of the ductwork, nor damage porous surface materials such as liners inside the ductwork or system components.

Visually inspect the HVAC system to ensure that no visible contaminants are present.

If no contaminants are evident through visual inspection, consider the HVAC system clean. If visible contaminants are evident through visual inspection, re-clean those portions of the system where contaminants are visible, and subject to re-inspection for cleanliness.

The electrical work involves disconnecting and removing all conduit and wires from the four existing wall hung air conditioning units and associated control devices back to their source. The existing circuit breakers shall be turned off and marked as spare.

The Contractor shall provide a new 30A-2P circuit breaker for each wall hung air conditioning and heating unit replacement, wired with 2#10 & 1#10G. – 3/4"C. via a new disconnecting means local to each unit. The new circuit breakers shall be installed within the corresponding panelboard which feeds the existing equipment to be demolished. These panels are as follows:

• Panel 1 (Room 110): 100A MCB, 120/208V, 1Ø, 3W

• Panel 2 (Room 111): 100A MCB, 120/208V, 1Ø, 3W

• Panel 3 (Room 112): 100A MCB, 120/208V, 1Ø, 3W

• Panel 4 (Room 113): 100A MCB, 120/208V, 1Ø, 3W

All existing panelboards indicated above are fed via feeder breakers within existing Building 11A exterior main distribution panel (MDP), with all existing distribution intended to remain to support new wall hung air conditioning units. Refer to the electrical specifications, included in this document in the Technical Specifications, for additional information.

3. Contractor Work Restrictions for Work Within Building 14A: Building 14A will be user occupied during the work of the project. Approximately seven people normally have work stations within the building. Several of these people may be relocated during the prosecution of this project, but some will remain in the building. However, no workers will be located in rooms where the new HVAC units are to be installed.

Duct cleaning and any building utility outages required shall be scheduled for after 6:00 pm and before 5:00 am Monday through Friday, or Friday 6:00 pm through Monday at 5:00 am. See Paragraph C.5.b below for normal working hours for all other work activities of this project.

Infection Control Risk Assessment is not required for this project, however the Contractor shall isolate, seal with plastic barriers, and secure rooms where HVAC replacement and related work is occurring.

4. Pre-Construction Risk Assessment: Attached to this Statement of Work is a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment form and guidelines which shall be completed by the Contractor prior to the start of site work and adhered to during the prosecution of the work.

5. Time of Year Restrictions on the Work: There are no time of year restictions for the work of this project.

6. Photographs: Attached to the specifications are photographs taken at the project site during a site visit in 2025. The photographs are intended to show the approximate conditions existing, specifically the existing four HVAC units. Items shown are not generally shown in their entirety. The Government does not guarantee that the conditions shown in the photographs will exist at the time of the performance of the work, and the Contractor is advised to make his own investigation of existing conditions.

B. Measurement and Payment

The Contractor must furnish within 30 days after the date of Notice to Proceed, and prior to the submission of its first partial payment estimate, a breakdown of its job pay item which will be reviewed by the Contracting Officer as to propriety of distribution of the total cost to the various accounts. Any unbalanced item as between early and late payment or other discrepancies will be revised by the Contracting Officer to agree with a reasonable cost of the work included in the various items. This Contract cost breakdown will then be utilized as the basis for progress payments to the Contractor.

The Payment item for the work of this contract for which contract job payments will be made is listed in the Bidding Schedule and is described below. The job price payment made for the item listed shall constitute full compensation for furnishing all plant, labor, materials, and equipment, and performing any associated Contractor quality control, environmental protection, meeting safety requirements, tests and reports, and for performing all work required for which separate payment is not otherwise provided.

Submit originals of all field notes and all other records relating to Quantity Surveys, as appropriate. All costs for work, which are not specifically mentioned to be included shall be included in the listed job item.

a. Item Number 0001, "All Work".

All costs for labor, equipment, and materials for all work of this project, in accordance with the Statement of Work and technical specifications attached.

Unit of Measure: Job.

C. General Project Requirements

1. Work Site. The site of the work is at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System campus in West Haven, Connecticut. All rules and regulations of the facility covering general safety, security, fire, sanitary requirements, pollution control and traffic regulations, shall be observed by the Contractor. Information regarding these requirements may be obtained by contacting the Contracting Officer, who will provide such information or assist in obtaining information from appropriate authorities.

Keep within the limits of the work and avenues of ingress and egress. Ingress, egress and deliveries of Contractor vehicles at the project site is limited to the site access as determined by the Contracting Officer. To minimize traffic congestion, delivery of materials must be outside of peak traffic hours (6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.) unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas. Do not enter any restricted areas unless required to do so and until cleared for such entry. Ensure all Contractor equipment, including delivery vehicles, are clearly identified with their company name.

2. Security. The Contractor shall report any vandalism, suspicious activities or devices to the Contracting Officer or local police as soon as possible. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of any heightened security measures and will expect vigilant monitoring of equipment, grounds and security fencing while working. At a heightened security posture, there may be work areas that are restricted. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of these restricted areas, and work may be delayed or restricted or will be performed in these areas under the direct supervision of U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers personnel.

At the close of each work day, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining a secure construction site and ensure the area of the scope of this contract is secure at all times during and after work hours.

All project work and conduct of construction activity shall comply with security requirements, regulations, and policies as directed by the Contracting Officer.

No alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs are allowed on the project site. If found in violation the violator shall be requested to leave the premises immediately.

Security Procedures:

a. Provide employees whose primary language is other than English with an interpreter to ensure a clear understanding of the AHA and its contents.

b. The General Contractor's employees shall not enter the project site without an appropriate Identification (ID) badge. Along with ID badges, all workers must be able to speak and understand English during construction. They may also be subject to inspection of their personal effects when entering or leaving the project site. Access needed to non-construction areas (areas on the Medical Center outside of the Contractor's work limits) will be provided by the COR or his/her representative upon written or verbal request.

c. Before starting on-site work, notify the Contracting Officer within 7 calendar days so that security arrangements can be provided for the employees. This notice is separate from any notices required for utility shutdowns described elsewhere in these specifications.

d. No photography or videography of VA patients or VA staff is allowed without written permission of the Contracting Officer.

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

Key Control:

a. Provide duplicate keys and lock combinations to the Contracting Officer's representative (COR) for the purpose of security inspections of every area of the project including fence gates and building/room access. Provide a Point-of-Contact, to accompany the Government personnel, that can provide access to tool boxes and parked equipment, and take any emergency action.

b. Turn over all permanent lock cylinders to the VA locksmith for permanent installation.

Document Control:

a. Before starting any work, the General Contractor/Sub Contractors shall submit an electronic security memorandum describing the approach to following goals and maintaining confidentiality of "sensitive information".

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

c. Certain documents, sketches, videos or photographs and drawings may be marked "Law Enforcement Sensitive" or "Sensitive Unclassified" or "Controlled Unclassified Information".

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

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

e. All paper waste or electronic media such as CD's and diskettes shall be shredded and destroyed in a manner acceptable to the Government.

f. Notify the Contracting Officer and Site Security Officer immediately when there is a loss or compromise of "sensitive information".

g. All electronic information shall be stored in specified location following Government standards and procedures using an Engineering Document Management Software (EDMS).

(1) Security, access and maintenance of all project drawings, both scanned and electronic shall be performed and tracked through the EDMS system.

(2) "Sensitive information" including drawings and other documents may be attached to e-mail provided all Government encryption procedures are followed.

h. Designate submittals and delivery date for each product in Progress Schedule. Notify the Contracting Officer in writing within 30 calendar days of NTP the date on which the materials and equipment are required.

i. Use of Medical Center public parking spaces is prohibited. Parking within the Medical Center for the General Contractor and its employees will be limited to one standard parking space and the assigned construction designated areas only.

Flash Badge:

Obtain a flash badge from the West Haven VA Medical Center (WHVAMC) Police Service for all employees. Provide the following information within 24 hours in advance:

a. Full Name of the Individual seeking a flash badge

b. Name of the Company for which the individual works.

c. Location on (WHVAMC) campus where work is occurring: Coordinate with COR.

d. Requested expiration Date of the badge: Maximum is 180 days.

(1) A valid Driver's License is required to pickup the badge. Badge must be worn at all times.

(2) A flash badge may be used for access while the individual is undergoing fingerprinting and a background investigation to obtain a PIV badge from the VHA Service Center (VSC) in Ohio, U.S.A., as described below.

Personal Identification Verification (PIV) Badge:

Requirements to obtain a PIV badge are as follows:

a. Complete Security Packet.

b. Two Identification (ID) cards compliant with FIPS 201-2 (section 2.7) that are validated using a method to validate authenticity of the documents. Validation will be done by the VSC.

c. Fingerprinting and background investigation. Fingerprinting can be done at the local VA Facility. The Electronic Fingerprint Verification Form must be submitted.

d. The Office of Security and Law Enforcement will notify the Contractor with instructions for the Contractor's employees, coordinate the background investigations, and notify the Contracting Officer and Contractor of the results of the investigations.

e. Background Investigation (BI) Requirements:

(1) Favorable Special Agreement Check (SAC)/FBI National Criminal History Check (NCHC).

(2) Favorable NACI.

(3) A PIV badge may be issued if NACI is initiated at the Office of Personnel Management.

Access to (WHVAMC) Restricted Areas:

Notify the Contracting Officer within 72 hours in advance for access to any WHVAMC restricted areas. Coordinate with Contracting Officer the extent of restricted areas.

3. Identification of Equipment and Tools. Affix to Contractor- or Subcontractor-owned machinery, motor vehicles, equipment, and tools, clearly legible identification showing the Contractor's or Subcontractor's name, and where space permits, address and telephone number, so as to distinguish them from Government-owned items and can be returned to the rightful owner if inadvertently left on Government property.

4. Contractor’s Responsibility. The Contractor shall furnish all plant, labor, equipment and materials and carry out all operations as necessary to accomplish the work of this project as described in this document and in the technical specifications.

5. Commencement, Prosecution and Completion of Work. The Contractor shall employ ample personnel and sufficient equipment to accomplish the work of this project in the least amount of time, within the prosecution period specified in the SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS, Subpart

COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (APR 1984) FAR 52.211-

10. Restrictions concerning the prosecution and completion of work are as follows:

a. The Contractor shall attend a Preconstruction Conference prior to the start of on-site construction work (see paragraph entitled "Preconstruction Conference", below).

b. The on-site work is restricted to 0600 (6:00 AM) to 1600 (4:00 PM), Monday through Friday.

See Paragraph C.11 "Hours of Operation” for additional information.

6. Superintendence by the Contractor. At all times during the performance of the contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent project superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has the authority to act for the Contractor.

The qualified superintendent, and competent alternate, shall be capable of reading, writing, and conversing fluently in the English language.

The project superintendent must have a minimum of five years experience in construction with at least two of those years as a superintendent on projects similar in scope, size, and complexity. The individual must be familiar with the requirements of EM 385-1-1 and have experience in the areas of hazard identification and safety compliance. The individual must be capable of interpreting a critical path schedule and construction drawings. The qualification requirements for the alternate superintendent are the same as for the project superintendent. The Contracting Officer may request proof of the superintendent's qualifications at any point in the project if the performance of the superintendent is in question.

The project superintendent is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating day-to-day production and schedule adherence on the project. The superintendent is required to attend quality control meetings.

The project superintendent shall maintain a physical presence at the site at all times and be responsible for all construction and related activities at the site, except as otherwise acceptable to the Contracting Officer. Failure to comply with these requirements shall be deemed as cause for a non-compensatory stoppage and suspension of work until the deficiency is remedied.

The Project Superintendent is subject to removal by the Contracting Officer for non-compliance with requirements specified in the contract and for failure to manage the project to insure timely completion.

Furthermore, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action has been taken. No part of the time lost due to such stop orders is acceptable as the subject of claim for extension of time for excess costs or damages by the Contractor.

The Project Superintendent may not also serve as the QC Manager or the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) on this project

7. Contractor Personnel Conduct. The Contractor personnel's conduct shall not reflect discredit upon the Government. The Contractor shall ensure that personnel present a professional appearance. The Contractor's employees shall observe and comply with all local policies and procedures concerning fire, safety, environmental protection, sanitation, security, and possession of firearms or other lethal or illegal weapons or substance. Contractor is responsible for ensuring that any Contractor employees providing services under this contract conduct themselves and perform services in a professional, safe, and responsible manner. The Contractor shall remove from the job site any employee for reasons of misconduct or security. The Contractor shall ensure no Contractor employees conduct political related activities or events on Government Property.

8. Traffic Regulation and Control. During construction the Contractor shall provide access as necessary to maintain traffic and to provide vehicle access to all campus structures, roads, and parking areas. The Contractor shall maintain and protect traffic on all affected roads during the construction period, except as otherwise specifically directed by the Contracting Officer. The traveling public shall be protected from damage to person and property. The Contractor's traffic on roads selected for hauling material to and from the site shall interfere as little as possible with public traffic. The Contractor shall investigate the adequacy of existing roads and the allowable load limit on these roads. The Contractor shall be responsible for the repair of any damage to roads caused by construction operations.

Traffic and parking throughtout the West Haven campus shall be unhindered by the Contractor’s operations for the duration of this project.

9. Access to the Project Site. Access to the project site is currently available for construction. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing and maintaining access necessary for his equipment and plant to and from the work site.

10. Construction Site Plan. Prior to the start of work, the Contractor shall submit a site plan showing the locations and dimensions of temporary facilities including layouts and details, equipment and material storage areas, access and haul routes, avenues of ingress/egress to fenced areas (e.g., the assigned storage and staging area), and details of the fence installation. Tempory construction trailers and storage units, etc., will not be permitted on campus due to the lack of space. One Contractor supplied dumpster will be permitted but the location will not be determined until after contract award and will not be in the vicinity of Building 14A. Identify any areas which may have to be graveled to prevent the tracking of mud. Show locations of safety and construction fences, and temporary sanitary facilities. The plan shall also show where temporary utility hook-ups are to be located, if required, and how grounding of equipment and trailers will be achieved, as appropriate. Any items removed from the property shall be recycled to the furthest extent possible.

One standard size parking space will be provided on the campus for the Contractor’s use.

11. Hours of Operation. On site work hours are as stated in Part C.5.b, above. The Contractor will not be permitted to perform on-site work on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, unless otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer. The exclusion of work on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays has been considered in computing the performance time of this contract. The following legal holidays are observed:

January 1st Third Monday in January Third Monday in February Last Monday of May June 19th July 4th 1st Monday of September 2nd Monday of October 11th of November Fourth Thursday of November 25th of December

When one of the above designated legal holidays falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a legal holiday. When a legal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a holiday.

Work outside the hours of operation, such as the required duct cleaning work and any required building utility outages or other work, requires Contracting Officer approval. The request to work outside the hours of operation shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer 30 calendar days prior to such work to allow arrangements to be made by the Government. The request application shall include specific dates, hours, location, type of work to be performed, contract number and project title, and names of all individuals who will be working outside the hours of operations. If work is performed during periods of darkness, the different parts of the work shall be lighted in a manner approved by the Contracting Officer.

12. Progress Schedule. The initial project schedule shall be in the form of a chart graphically indicating the sequence proposed to accomplish each work feature or operation pursuant to FAR Clause 52.236-15 "Schedules for Construction Contracts". Show in the schedule the proposed sequence to perform the work and dates contemplated for starting and completing all schedule activities. The chart shall be prepared to show the starting and completion dates of all work features on a linear horizontal time scale beginning with date of Notice to Proceed and indicating calendar days to completion. The scheduling of the entire project is required. Provide a schedule that is a forward planning as well as a project monitoring tool. The Contractor shall indicate on the chart the important work features or operations that are critical to the timely overall completion of the project. Key dates for such important work features and portions of work features are milestone dates and shall be so indicated on the chart. Failure to develop the Project Schedule to an appropriate level of detail will result in its disapproval. The Contracting Officer will consider, as appropriate to the project, and is not limited to, the following characteristics and requirements to determine appropriate level of detail:

a. Activity Durations

b. Design and Permit Activities

c. Procurement Activities

d. Mandatory Tasks

i. Submission, review and acceptance of SD-01 Preconstruction Submittals (individual activity for each).

ii. Submission, review and acceptance of features requiring design completion and submission, review and acceptance of design packages.

iii. Submission of mechanical/electrical/information systems layout drawings.

iv. Long procurement activities

v. Submission and approval of O & M manuals.

vi. Submission and approval of as-built drawings.

vii. Submission and approval of installed equipment lists.

viii. Submission and approval of test data, and reports

ix. Show Government and other agency activities that could impact progress. These activities include, but are not limited to: approvals, acceptance, design reviews, environmental permit approvals by State regulators, inspections, utility tie-in, Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), etc.

This schedule will be the medium through which the timeliness of the Contractor's construction effort is appraised. Anticipated adverse weather delay days shall be included in the schedule.

Submit the Initial Project Schedule for approval within 30 calendar days after notice to proceed is issued. No payment will be made for work items not fully detailed in the Project Schedule.

An Early Completion Schedule is an Initial Project Schedule (IPS) that indicates all scope of the required contract work will be completed before the contractually required completion date.

No IPS indicating an Early Completion will be accepted without being fully resource-loaded (including crew sizes and manhours) and the Government agreeing that the schedule is reasonable and achievable.

The Government is under no obligation to accelerate work items it is responsible for to ensure that the early completion is met nor is it responsible to modify incremental funding (if applicable) for the project to meet the contractor's accelerated work.

An updated schedule showing actual progress shall be submitted monthly and with each pay request.

Changes to the base-line schedule shall be outlined in a narrative describing the reason for the change.

13. Weekly Progress Meetings. Conduct a weekly meeting with the Government (or as otherwise mutually agreed to) for the purpose of jointly reviewing the actual progress of the project as compared to the as planned progress, and to review planned activities for the upcoming two weeks. Use the current approved schedule update for the purposes of this meeting and for the production and review of reports.

At the weekly progress meeting, address the status of RFIs, RFPs and Submittals.

14. Rate of Progress. Should the Contractor fail to maintain a satisfactory rate of progress in accordance with the Contractor's approved progress schedule, the Contracting Officer may require that additional personnel and equipment be placed on the work and weekend and overtime work be performed, in order that the work be brought up to schedule and maintained, at no additional cost to the Government.

15. Preconstruction Conference. The Contracting Officer will conduct a Preconstruction Conference after receipt of Notice to Proceed by the Contractor and prior to the start of on-site construction activities. The date, time, and place for this conference shall be mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the Contracting Officer. It is mandatory that the Contractor's project site supervisory personnel assigned to this project attend the conference; no personnel substitutions will be permitted. The purpose of the conference is to review contract requirements and to establish a working relationship between the Contractor's Staff and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel who will be closely associated with the project. During the conference, the Contracting Officer's Representative will inform the Contractor concerning job safety, project phasing, work hour restrictions, traffic control, quality control, labor relations, and environmental protection. The Preconstruction Conference will be arranged by the Contracting Officer.

16. Material Substitutions. This contract is based on the materials and methods as shown in this document and the technical specifications. The Contractor shall not substitute materials or methods unless such substitution has been specifically approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

17. Quality Control. The Contractor shall establish a three phase quality control system (the three phases are described below) to perform sufficient inspection of all items of work, including that of any subcontractors, to ensure conformance to this document with respect to materials, workmanship, construction, finish and functional performance. The system shall cover all construction operations, both onsite and offsite. The site project superintendent will be held responsible for the quality of work on the job and is subject to removal by the Contracting Officer for non-compliance with the quality requirements specified in the contract. The site project superintendent in this context shall be the highest level manager responsible for the overall construction activities at the site, including quality and production. The site project superintendent shall maintain a physical presence at the site at all times, except as otherwise acceptable to the Contracting Officer, and shall be responsible for all construction and construction related activities at the site.

The Quality Control Manager shall be a construction person with a minimum of three years in related work. This Quality Control Manager shall be on the site at all times during construction and shall be employed by the prime Contractor.

The QC Manager may also serve as the SSHO. To serve as SSHO, the individual must meet the requirements of Paragraph D.3 below. The QC Manager may not serve as Project Superintendent.

The Contractor shall employ three phase Quality Control as follows:

Preparatory Phase: This phase is performed prior to beginning work after all required plans/documents/materials are approved/accepted, and after copies are at the work site. This phase includes, as appropriate to the work:

a. A review of each paragraph of applicable specifications, reference codes, and standards. Maintain and make available in the field for use by Government personnel until final acceptance of the work.

b. Review of the contract drawings.

c. 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. 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. 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

i. Discussion of the initial control phase.

j. The Government must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of beginning the preparatory control phase. Include a meeting conducted by the Quality Control Manager and attended by the superintendent. Document the results of the preparatory phase actions on a daily Quality Control Report. Instruct applicable workers as to the acceptable level of workmanship required in order to meet contract specifications.

Initial Phase: This phase is accomplished at the beginning of a definable feature of work.

Accomplish the following:

a. Check work to ensure that it is in full compliance with contract requirements.

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

c. Establish level of workmanship and verify that it meets minimum acceptable workmanship standards.

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 Government must be notified at least 24 hours in advance of beginning the initial phase

Follow-up Phase: Perform daily checks to assure control activities, including control testing, are providing continued compliance with contract requirements, until completion of the particular feature of work. Record the checks in the quality control documentation. Conduct final follow-up checks and correct all deficiencies prior to the start of additional features of work which may be affected by the deficient work. Do not build upon nor conceal non-conforming work.

18. Quality Assurance. All items of work not addressed in the contract documents shall be completed in strict accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications.

The Government is not obligated to inspect the Contractor’s work, or to protect the Contractor from the consequences of its work. Government inspections are a general examination of the Contractor’s conduct and workmanship and are solely for the purpose of the Government. Government-designated Quality Assurance Representatives (QARs) do not have the authority to accept work, nor is a Government inspection to be construed as conclusive.

Government agents including QARs and project engineers are not authorized to change the contract without the written approval of the Contracting Officer; this lack of authority extends to all situations in which the action of these agents could be construed as constituting a change.

The quality of workmanship is subject to audit by Government or Government-designated QARs at any time during the contract. The Contractor shall cooperate fully and provide all information necessary for this audit.

The Contractor shall submit all requests for changes in writing to the Contracting Officer. Do not proceed with changes without possession of written authorization of the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall not conceal any work unless the Contracting Officer has approved all items of work which are to be concealed. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of its intention to conceal work at least 24 hours in advance of concealment.

19. Utilities. The Government will furnish water and electricity from existing points of supply. The Contractor shall make his own investigations as to the suitability of these supplies for use on this project.

Water and electricity required in the prosecution of the work in excess of that available from existing points of supply shall be furnished by the Contractor at his own expense. The Contractor shall conserve Government furnished water and electricity.

Make utility cutovers and interruptions as described in Paragraph A.3. Conform to procedures required in paragraph C.11 “Hours of Operations”.

Ensure that new utility lines are complete, except for the connection, before interrupting existing service. Interruption to water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, telephone service, electric service, air conditioning, heating, fire alarm, and compressed air, are considered utility cutovers pursuant to the Paragraph C.11. Such interruptions are further limited to four hours. This time limit includes time for deactivation and reactivation.

Operation of Station Utilities: The Contractor must not operate nor disturb the setting of control devices in the station utilities system, including water, sewer, electrical, and steam services. The Government will operate the control devices as required for normal conduct of the work. The Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer a minimum of 30 days in advance of all projected utility impacts and shutdowns.

All utility impacts and shutdowns shall be included on all baseline and updated project schedules.

20. Temporary Electrical Equipment and Connections. The Contractor, at his own expense and in a workmanlike manner satisfactory to the Contracting Officer, shall install and maintain all necessary temporary connections and distribution lines. All required temporary electrical equipment and lines shall be furnished, installed, connected, and maintained by the Contractor according to EM 385-1-1, Section 11.E, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70, Article 305-6(b), "Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program". All temporary equipment and lines shall be removed prior to final acceptance of the work.

Materials and equipment need not be new, but must be in good repair and serviceable condition.

Periodic inspections of systems and devices will be made by the Contractor at intervals not to exceed one week.

21. Location of Underground Facilities. Should excavation of any sort become necessary, obtain necessary digging permits prior to the start of excavation. Excavations more than 24 inches in depth require a daily permit from the VA. Verify the elevations of existing piping, utilities, or any type of underground obstruction in locations to be impacted by the work. For excavation work in Connecticut, call “Call Before You Dig” at 811. Notification shall not be earlier than 30 days prior, or later than 3 days prior, to the planned excavation.

22. Environmental Protection. The Contractor shall minimize environmental pollution and damage that may occur as the result of construction operations. The environmental resources within the project boundaries and those affected outside the limits of permanent work shall be protected during the entire duration of this contract. Comply with all applicable environmental Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Any delays resulting from failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations will be the Contractor's responsibility.

a. Environmental Protection Plan: Prior to commencing construction activities or delivery of materials and equipment to the site, the Contractor shall submit an Environmental Protection Plan for review and approval by the Contracting Officer. The purpose of the Environmental Protection Plan is to present a comprehensive overview of known or potential environmental issues which the Contractor must address during construction. Issues of concern shall be defined within the Environmental Protection Plan. The Contractor shall address each topic at a level of detail commensurate with the environmental issue and required construction task(s). The Environmental Protection Plan shall be current and maintained onsite by the Contractor.

b. Erosion and sediment control shall be addressed in the Environmental Protection Plan to identify the type and location of the erosion and sediment controls to be provided, including monitoring and reporting requirements to assure that the control measures are in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. The Contractor shall select and maintain the erosion and sediment controls such that water quality standards are not violated as a result of construction activities. The area of bare soil exposed at any one time by construction operations should be kept to a minimum. Construct or install temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs). BMPs may include, but not be limited to, vegetation cover, slope stabilization, silt fences, construction of terraces, interceptor channels, sediment traps, and inlet and outfall protection. Remove any temporary measures after the area has been stabilized.

c. Obtaining and complying with all environmental permits and commitments, required by Federal, State, Regional, and local environmental laws and regulations is the Contractor’s responsibility.

d. Fuels and Lubricants: Storage, fueling and lubrication of equipment and motor vehicles shall be conducted in a manner that affords the maximum protection against spill and evaporation.

Manage and store fuel, lubricants and oil in accordance with all Federal, State, Regional, and local laws and regulations. Used lubricants and used oil to be discarded shall be stored in marked corrosion-resistant containers and recycled or disposed in accordance with State, and local laws and regulations. Storage of fuel on the project site is not allowed. Fuel shall be brought to the project site each day that work is performed. Storage and usage of lubricants and daily fueling of machinery and equipment shall occur at least 50 feet from any drainage inlets, water bodies (rivers, streams, lakes), and environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, vernal pools).

23. Waste Management. The Contractor shall provide on-site containers for the collection of demolition debris, waste materials, construction debris, and rubbish. The Contractor shall clean the project site on a daily basis to prevent the accumulation of waste materials and rubbish resulting from construction activities. The Contractor shall transport all solid waste off of the project site and dispose of it in compliance with Federal, State and local requirements for solid waste disposal. Upon completion of the construction work, the project site shall be returned to its pre-work condition.

Government policy is to apply sound environmental principles in the design, construction and use of facilities. As part of the implementation of that policy: (1) practice efficient waste management when sizing, cutting, and installing products and materials and (2) use all reasonable means to divert construction and demolition waste from landfills and incinerators and to facilitate their recycling or reuse.

Submit monthly documentation showing total amount, by weight, of construction debris diverted from landfills as a percentage of all construction debris on the project. The Contractor shall divert a minimum of 60 percent of waste and construction debris from landfill disposal. Include in documentation the total solid waste generated in tons, the total solid waste diverted from landfill in tons, and the total cost of the solid waste generated.

A Waste Management Plan shall be submitted within 15 days after Notice to Proceed and not less than 10 days before the preconstruction meeting. The plan shall demonstrate how the project waste diversion goal shall be met and shall include the following:

a. Name of individuals on the Contractor's staff responsible for waste prevention and management.

b. Actions that will be taken to reduce solid waste generation, including coordination with subcontractors to ensure awareness and participation.

c. Description of the regular meetings to be held to address waste management.

d. Description of the specific approaches to be used in recycling/reuse of the various materials generated, including the areas on site and equipment to be used for processing, sorting, and temporary storage of wastes.

e. Characterization, including estimated types and quantities, of the waste to be generated.

f. Name of landfill and/or incinerator to be used and the estimated costs for use, assuming that there would be no salvage or recycling on the project.

g. Identification of materials that cannot be recycled/reused with an explanation or justification, to be approved by the Contracting Officer.

Revise and resubmit the Waste Management Plan as required by the Contracting Officer. Approval of Contractor's Plan will not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for compliance with applicable environmental regulations or meeting project cumulative waste diversion requirement. Distribute copies of the Waste Management Plan to each subcontractor, the Quality Control Manager, and the Contracting Officer.

24. Contract Drawings. There are no Contract drawings as part of this contract. All requirements are in the Statement of Work, technical specifications, and attachments.

25. Damages. The Contractor shall exercise caution and follow sound construction practices in the conduct of the work to avoid construction-related damage to existing features to remain.

26. Sequence of Work and Work Plan. The work shall be performed in the following general sequence:

existing conditions verification, preparation of submittals, material procurement, establish site safety, perform HVAC replacement work and associated electrical work, and project close out. Coordinate this sequence with the requirements of Paragraph C.12, “Progress Schedule”. The Contractor shall submit a written Work Plan describing the methods and equipment required to accomplish the work and provide the required environmental and worker protection. As part of the Work Plan, and as appropriate to the work, submit proposed demolition and removal procedures for approval before work is started. Include in the plan procedures for careful removal and disposition of materials specified to be salvaged, coordination with other work in progress, and a detailed description of methods and equipment to be used for each operation and of the sequence of operations. Coordinate with the Waste Management Plan in accordance with the Statement of Work. Provide procedures for safe conduct of the work in accordance with EM 385-1-1. The Work Plan must be approved by Contracting Officer prior to work beginning.

27. Contractor's Receipt of Supplies. The Contractor shall be responsible for all arrangements for the receipt of materials and supplies at the job site. Government personnel are not permitted to receive or sign for items delivered to the site.

28. Storage Area. A storage and staging area will be available for use by the Contractor for work, storage of equipment, and materials during the life of this contract. This storage area will be the grass area immediately south and east of building 14A. The existing shed and generator in this storage location shall be protected and kept free from damage by the Contractor’s operations. The Contractor shall ensure that the VA maintains access to these items.