Statement of Work.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service

STATEMENT OF

WORK

Rhizotron Repair

Ames National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment (NLAE)

1015 N. University Blvd Ames IA, 50011

Table of Contents

Contents Work Requirements

Site Specific Requirements

Quality Control Requirements

Temporary Facilities

Construction Waste Management & Disposal

Accident Prevention Plan

Confined Space Program

Lock-Out/Tag-Out Program (LOTO)

Hot Work Plan

Pictures and Details

Specifications/Standards

Section 01 23 00 – Alternates

Work Requirements

Background

This project entails repair of two upper Rhizotron Chambers with an option for the third Chamber. The NLAE Facility is an 83,276 SF facility first occupied in 1989. The facility houses research activities that generates information addressing critical problems in agriculture and watershed management to develop innovative solutions which increase the efficiency of agriculture systems and reduce environmental risk. The facility is a mix use wet chemistry labs and work rooms (benches for field equipment). There are 13 growth chambers of varying sizes.

Work at NLAE includes scientific study of the soil and plant interactions in the plant root zone. To complete the studies in a uniform environment, in 1989-1990 3 full-size plant growth chambers were specially designed and constructed to control and monitor the soil conditions in blocks of soil under the growing chambers as well as the above ground growing environment. These growth chambers, called Rhizotrons, are unique to NLAE. The original Mechanical systems made up of customized air handlers and direct expansion Temperature control system have exceeded their useful life and require replacement with new technology systems that are more precise and energy friendly. Piecemeal upgrades to the rooms have occurred in the last 10 years. In 2016 the T12 lighting systems were replaced due to obsolete lamps, new T5 counterbalanced lamp canopies were installed. In 2018 the controls to monitor the scientific data and control the environmental conditions in the Rhizotrons was replaced. This project will replace the existing air handlers and temperature control evaporators and heaters inside the top three chamber compartments. The existing Chillers that provide temperature control will also be replaced with a new water-cooled DX condensing unit skid. The new Mechanical systems will allow the rooms to function for the next 20-30 years. The new temperature control systems will enable the top three chambers to produce sub-zero temperatures to allow for soil freeze and hard frost experiments not previously possible. The freezing system will experience periodic defrost cycles of the temperature control coils to keep the unit from freezing up.

General:

The existing Rhizotrons are constructed on the ground floor and basement of NLAE in Rooms 142 & B22. The layout of Room 142 is shown on the attached drawing (sheet 1 of 1). Work will generally be confined to these rooms. The base bid is for

Rhizotron top units #2 and #3. Please see Section 01 23 00 for Alternates. The scope of work includes demolition and removal of existing top chamber air handling units. The existing Chiller that provides temperature will be decommissioned and removed with all associated piping. A new water-cooled DX skid is to be provided and new piping will be installed to the air handlers in the room. Contractor to connect domestic water as a redundancy in the event that the chilled water supply fails.

Removal and reuse of the existing T5 lighting canopies. The control system installed in 2018 can be reconfigured and reconnected to operate the new mechanical system components. Programming, Test & Commissioning of all existing control and sensor inputs and outputs to be completed. In addition, a demonstration of functional performance, and training for USDA operators will be provided.

New water supply and isolation valves shall be installed in the utility chase on the first floor behind the rhizotrons. New water lines shall be installed to existing and new Rhizotron equipment using minimum length runs and independent shut off valves from the utility chase. Existing/original water lines to be demolished and capped off the extent possible.

A. Workplan

The contractor shall prepare a workplan for government review. The workplan shall contain, but is not limited to, a schedule of construction/demolition tasks. Manufacturer’s data sheets for all equipment to be installed. Construction drawings showing equipment installation, equipment interconnection, equipment controls operation. The contractor shall always keep a copy of the workplan on site during construction and shall keep the workplan updated. At the end of the project the contractor shall provide the government two copies of an As-Built Workplan.

The contractor shall provide the government a draft workplan for review 60 days after Notice to Proceed (NTP). The government shall have fourteen (14) days to review and provide comments on the workplan. The contractor shall have seven (7) days to incorporate comments and return the workplan to the government for a final seven (7) day review.

B. Contractor/Subcontractor Qualifications

The existing Rhizotrons were a custom, application specific design by Conviron (Controlled Environments, LTD) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The controls and retrofit hardware shall be compatible with existing equipment.

C. Demolition

Contractor shall demolish existing false wall Air handling units including fans and evaporators. Existing Lamp Canopies to be removed and reinstalled after new air handlers are installed. Remove the cover panels, framework, ballasts, and materials back to the Rhizotron wall panels. Fill any holes in the Rhizotron wall panels with nylon bolts similar to the original installation and seal against air leakage. Removal of floor mounted chiller and all existing copper piping for top compartment.

D. Mechanical System Replacement

The contractor shall disconnect and replace all air handling and chiller mechanical systems in a single chamber top unit only. The existing controllers and lighting system will be reused. All the existing control and sensor wiring shall be reconnected and confirmed to operate. For existing sensors that are not replaced by the control upgrade, the intent is not to fix existing performance issues or failed existing components. Replacement of failed components identified before the upgrade shall be reported to the location coordinator and will be addressed via project change or repaired by the government.

E. Testing and Performance Demonstration

The Controls Contractor shall test and demonstrate satisfactory operation of every sensor that is connected to the existing Rhizotron controllers. A pre-test of the existing sensors is recommended. Upon completion of the new mechanical systems installation, the Contractor shall demonstrate continued performance by operating a variable control schedule for Rhizotron for one (1) continuous week. Performance will be documented on the Argus management system and may be independently monitored by Owner's sensors. Installation acceptance requires successful completion of the performance demonstration.

F. Operator Training & Documentation

The Controls Contractor shall keep the Location Coordinator (LC)/Owner's representatives informed and trained on what is being done throughout the installation process. Training on the control programs shall include at least 2 programs with variable time and lighting/temperature set-points. Training shall include control from the Argus OWS. Contractor shall provide an Operator's Manual for the units and a complete set of wiring diagrams for the Conviron & Argus controls. At the end of the controls training, the LC shall be satisfied that they can operate and manage the Rhizotron controls.

G. Iowa State Sales Tax Exemption:

Materials that are incorporated into this project are exempt from Iowa State sales tax. The Contracting Officer will complete the forms on the Iowa Department of Revenue site and generate an exemption certificate for each contractor/subcontractor to document exemption to their suppliers. The Contractor shall coordinate the exemption requests and make requests adequately in advance for the Contracting Officer to complete the certificates.

Site Specific Requirements

NLAE Site Access

General Site Security Access

1. Access to the NLAE building/construction site is controlled by an access card security system. All contractor/subcontractor employees shall sign-in and out at the main entrance reception desk and always maintain control of their assigned access card while on the site. A current government-issued identification with a picture ID in conformance with the Department of Homeland Security “Real ID” standards is required for entry (Driver's licenses issued by the State of Iowa follow the Real ID standards).

2. Only persons with a business purpose to access the site will be allowed access.

3. The Contractor employee access cards issued will be turned in at the end of each workday.

4. The Contractor will be provided access to the main entry and the loading dock entry. The loading dock may be used but is to be kept clear for normal receiving activities.

5. Unless escorted by NLAE employees, Contractor employees shall limit their access to the immediate work area and the routes to/from the work area.

6. NLAE will provide 1 parking place near the front entrance to the building for the Contractor’s use when working on-site. Additional vendor or single day visitor parking arrangements may be made with the ISU parking office (see plan for details).

7. Additional security requirements may be imposed when the Federal Government raises the Homeland Security Alert Level. Additional directions will be provided if the situation occurs.

8. Failure to comply with access requirements shall be adequate grounds for removal of the Contractor/subcontractor employees from the site and barring further site access to non- compliant individuals.

Contractor Notification for Site Access

1. At least one full day prior to coming to the site, the Contractor and subcontractors shall identify their employees who will be working on the site. The lists shall include the employee’s name, contractor/subcontractor name, and location where the contractor employee will be working. The employee list shall be submitted to the Location Coordinator (LC) to be entered into the NLAE contractor access list for the project. When contractor/subcontractor employees will no longer be working on the site, their names shall be reported to the LC to be removed from the contractor access list.

2. Work Hours

A. Work Hours: Regular work hours for the site are 7:30am to 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday, excluding Government holidays.

B. Work Outside Regular Work Hours: Work scheduled outside regular work hours, including late hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and Government holidays requires LC approval IN ADVANCE.

Requests are generally NOT APPROVED due to lack of Government personnel to monitor Contractors and the building. If work outside regular work hours is requested, the contractor shall make application at least 5 calendar days in advance of such work to allow the Government to plan for access to the work area and work monitoring. Requests shall include the exact dates, hours, location, and purpose of the exception. If approved, the LC will coordinate access.

There will be no additional payment for work completed outside of regular work hours.

Quality Control Requirements

The Contractor shall maintain a Construction Quality Control (CQC) Plan for the project that is generally in conformance with the Corp of Engineers (COE) Quality Control process. The Contractor’s CQC Plan manager shall be trained in the COE system and shall maintain the project CQC Plan records and documents. The Contractor shall provide documentation of the CQC Plan managers COE training if requested by the LC. The Contractor shall maintain an up to date “Conformed” set of drawings and specifications on the jobsite that documents all changes, RFIs, and field conditions encountered during the work.

Temporary Facilities

Utilities: The existing USDA utilities at the site may be used by the Contractor for completion of the contract work at no cost to the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for making and removing any utility connections. Telephones: The Contractor shall equip all his foremen and work leaders with cell phones as necessary to coordinate the work effort. The Government will not provide any phone service to the project.

Construction Trailer: No job site trailer will be allowed. Contractor tools and records may be locked up in the Rhizotron room.

Toilet Facilities: The Contractor may utilize the location’s facilities near the main entrance.

Construction Waste Management & Disposal

The contractor is responsible for disposing of all waste and construction debris from the project in a legal manner. Metals are to be recycled. Solid wastes are to be disposed of to the City of Ames Resource Recovery Plant (information is available on the City of Ames website). The Resource Recovery Plant site also includes information on construction & demolition debris disposal to the Boone County Landfill.

Records: Maintain and provide a copy of all records of all materials disposed of-site:

1. Date & weights of materials delivered to the Ames Resource Recovery Plant.

2. Date, weights, and description of materials disposed at the Boone County Landfill.

3. Date, weights, facility name, & description of materials recycled to of-site recycle facility.

Accident Prevention Plan

The Contractor shall prepare and implement an Accident Prevention Plan (APP) for this project. The APP shall be submitted and approved before the Contractor begins any on-site work. The Accident Prevention Plan shall include at least the following elements:

1. Assessment of the safety risks and mitigation strategies during performance of the project.

2. Procedures for emergency response and medical treatment for job-site accidents, and description of how and where these procedures will be communicated to employees and posted for reference.

3. Procedures for reporting injuries to the Owners representatives.

4. Identification of a competent and trained person at the project site to function as the Safety & Health Officer (SSHO) for the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide a copy of the SSHO training qualifications upon request.

5. Identification of the job-site safety references that will be maintained on the site.

6. A description of the job-site daily safety inspections that will be performed, how the inspections will be recorded, and how deficiencies will be addressed and corrective actions documented.

7. A plan for conducting regular job-site safety meetings with topics relative to this project.

8. The Contractor's Confined Space Entry, Hot Work, and Lockout/Tagout Plans, or confirmation all work will be done in accordance with the minimum requirements identified in this Specification Section.

9. A Severe Storm Action Plan

Confined Space Program

The Contractor and/or subcontractor employees who will be entering Confined Spaces shall be adequately trained and equipped for access and extraction. The Contractor shall provide all ventilation equipment, air quality monitoring, harnesses, and other safety equipment as appropriate for OSHA compliance. The Contractor shall submit a written copy of their plan(s) for acceptance by the LC prior to entry into any confined spaces. The Contractor shall provide copies of entry logs and monitoring to the Owner’s Representative at any time requested during the project effort.

Lock-Out/Tag-Out Program (LOTO)

The Contractor and/or subcontractor employees who will be making connections with existing piping and electrical sources will apply a lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) process to control dangerous energy sources. Contractor/subcontractors shall have a LOTO program established and use Contractor LOTO locks, tags, and procedures. The Contractor/subcontractor shall review their LOTO program with the Location Coordinator (LC) to coordinate LOTO programs before implementing

LOTO.

Hot Work Plan The Contractor/subcontractor shall have a written plan in place to manage the safety and fire hazards associated with hot work. The Plan shall include a fire watch and all other requirements in accordance with OSHA. The Contractor/subcontractor shall maintain written records of hot work until final acceptance of the project and shall provide copies to the Owner's Representatives at any time requested.

Pictures and Details

Upper Rhizotron Only

1. Lighting have been upgraded to T5 Fluorescent Circa 2016

2. Control system upgraded to Argus circa 2018

3. Mechanical system retrofit plan circa 2024 as detailed below

a. Remove existing Wall Plenum, see drawing air blowers and evaporators and all wall planum materials to be removed from existing chamber

A. Install new wall plenums as shown below for example. Wall plenums to house new fans and evaporators.

B. System to be capable of delivering the following temperature ranges with 45F Chilled water to new water-cooled DX Condensing unit Skid.

C. Lights ON/OFF - 21F – 85F. - Lights will have reduced intensity at temperatures below 40F.

Example only Shown above.

a. New water-cooled Condensing unit skid and piping to be supplied.

45F chilled water to be delivered. New copper piping to be piped to new evaporators in new air handling units for temperature control.

Existing condensing units to be removed.

Specifications/Standards

1. ARS Facilities Design Standards 242.1

2. NFPA 70 – National Electric Code - 2023

3. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Guideline 11-2018 Field Testing of HVAC Control Components

4. UFGS 23 03 00.00 20 Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods

5. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards

6. American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)

7. American Society of Heating and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) https://wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-guide-specifications-ufgs/ufgs-23-03-00-00-20

Section 01 23 00 – Alternates

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and other Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.2 SUMMARY

A. Section includes administrative and procedural requirements for alternates.

1.3 DEFINITIONS

A. Alternate: An amount proposed by bidders and stated on the Bid Form for certain work defined in the bidding requirements that may be added to or deducted from the base bid amount if the Government decides to accept a corresponding change either in the amount of construction to be completed or in the products, materials, equipment, systems, or installation methods described in the Contract Documents.

1. Alternates described in this Section are part of the Work only if enumerated in the Agreement.

2. The cost or credit for each alternate is the net addition to or deduction from the Contract Sum to incorporate alternates into the Work. No other adjustments are made to the Contract Sum.

1.4 PROCEDURES

A. Coordination: Revise or adjust affected adjacent work as necessary to completely integrate work of the alternate into Project.

1. Include, as part of each alternate, miscellaneous devices, accessory objects, and similar items incidental to or required for a complete installation, whether or not indicated as part of alternate.

B. Execute accepted alternates under the same conditions as other Work of the Contract.

C. Schedule: A Part 3 "Schedule of Alternates" Article is included at the end of this Section. Specification Sections referenced in schedule contain requirements for materials necessary to achieve the work described under each alternate.

3.1 SCHEDULE OF ALTERNATES

A. Additive Alternate No. 1 – Increase Rhizotron repair/Replacement Unit #1 Top.

1. Base Bid: Repair/Replacement of two (2) Rhizotron Chambers.

2. Additive Alternate: Increase Rhizotron repair/Replacement Unit #1 Top.

Use the same SOW as the base bid to Repair/Replace Rhizotron Unit #1.

der.

B. Additive Alternate No. 2 – Increase. Replace existing T5 counterbalanced lamp canopies with high efficiency lamp canopies.

1. Base Bid: Repair/Replacement of two (2) Rhizotron Chambers.

2. Additive Alternate: Replace existing T5 counterbalanced lamp canopies with high efficiency lamp canopies in Units #2 and #3.

ALTERNATES 01 23 00 - 3

END OF SECTION 01 23 00